Tag: review

18
Apr
2016

Hot Logic Mini Review

categories: Reviews

Hot Logic Mini Review

About Hot Logic Mini

No access to a microwave? Too busy at your desk? Kids running around you in circles? Working out at the gym all afternoon? In your call all day making sales calls or making deliveries? This is no longer an excuse as to why you are not eating hot, delicious meals. I am so excited to tell you about the coolest new product I know of, the Hot Logic Mini. Before become a blogger I was in sales. I worked from my car all day long. I had to resort to cold packed lunches (that were no longer cold on those horribly hot days) or fast food. My husband is still in sales and he is often in his car all day with little time to eat. Sometimes even going through a drive thru is too time consuming. We are so geeked about the Hot Logic Mini. This exciting new product is so amazing I cannot believe I have been going through life without it.

Use code MamatheFox for 20% off an order – click here

The Hot Logic Mini is a portable oven that not only warms up your food, but it can cook it too! This oven is dummy proof, you cannot burn your food! You simply place your glass dish in the Hot Logic Mini and plug it in. After 1 hour your food will be ready to eat at the perfect serving temperature. When cooking from raw form just plug in when you get the the office and my lunch time you will have a fresh cooked meal. You will instantly be the envy of the office. Whether fresh, frozen or raw the Hot Logic Mini will cook your meal all without the use of buttons and dials. These are perfect for college students who are burning the midnight oil while cramming for exams. The elderly who cannot stand in front of an oven or stove like they used to. The truck driver who needs to make that deadline/beat that storm. The busy mom who never has time to eat her own lunch with her kids because the macaroni starts to fly across the room before she gets to grab her ingredients. No matter who you are and what type of life you lead, you know that somehow the Hot Logic Mini can make you life, or someone you know, easier.

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Mama’s Experience

I love how easy the Hot Logic Mini is to use. You all you is place your food (raw, frozen or cooked) in a Pyrex container. Place the Pyrex container in your Hot Logic Mini and zip it up. Plug in the Hot Logic Mini and it will be ready when you are hungry. Typically it takes 1 hour to fully warm, but sometimes it can be faster. The most interesting part about the Hot Logic Mini is that it won’t overcook or burn your food. I can plug it in when I get up in the morning and by noon my lunch is not overcooked or burnt. This makes it great as I never have to watch over the cooking like I would with other products. Some sous vide machines for the home chef have this feature, however, they normally need constant watching over. deadlines to meet My husband works a high demanding job and often cannot get away from his desk. When he does the microwave may already be claimed by other workers. Being in sales, half the time he is in his car driving all over the place and if he had an accident I don’t know what I’d do. I hear that a lawyer could provide insight into what to do. My friend told me to check out www.attorneync.com/car-accidents-lawyer/what-to-do-after-an-accident/ for more. I just want my husband to be safe obviously. Driving can be dangerous, and I really don’t want him to end up in an accident. I’m tempted to get him to take a defensive driving course, just to be extra safe (you can read more about that here). Having said that though, his driving is fine, and since he hasn’t had an accident yet I’m sure he’ll be fine. He always seems to make it to an appointment on time and he always comes home after an appointment. When appointments run over and time is limited even a quick trip through a drive-thru is out of the question. Now he can easily and safely have a warm lunch without any stress. No more hangry afternoons due to lack of a meal. I made some Kale and Mushroom Lasagna (it was awesome), but like all lasagna’s there was a ton of leftovers. My husband plugged in the Hot Logic Mini that was packed with his leftovers about 45 minutes before he planned on eating lunch. When he had the time to eat he told me it was not only warmed throughout this thick delicious lasagna, but the noodles did not get dried out. I am sure that was due to my ample offering of homemade sauce it was cooked in. I have been told that noodles without sufficient sauce can dry out in a Hot Logic Mini if left in for a long amount of time, so please keep this in mind when warming pastas. The next day I had left over Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas. I knew it was going to be a hectic day. I had to drop my daughter off at school then run a few errands with my 2 year old. Odd’s were he would get too hungry and I would end up going through a drive-thru for some nuggets for him. I have been trying so hard to eat low calorie foods and as organic as possible. That is pretty hard with a drive-thru menu offerings. plug tucks away Most recently I have tried to cook fresh, raw fish in my Hot Logic Mini. I placed my fish along with some veggies and spices in the Hot Logic. After about 3 hours it was fully cooked and ready to eat. There are many reasons why microwaves are really not the best idea, in my non medical professional mind. When your food is wrapped in plastic and warmed in a microwave it can add carcinogens in the food! If that isn’t scary I don’t know what is… Avoid the risk and try a Hot Logic Mini today.

The salmon was super moist. No more worrying about dry or overcooked fish.

Click here to read more about the Hot Logic Mini and click Amazon link below to buy

11
Apr
2016

1byone Aroma Diffuser Review

categories: Reviews

1byone Aroma Diffuser Review

So many of my friends and people I meet are talking about essential oils and the benefits of them. I am constantly hearing about them and honestly, I don’t know much about them. I do know one thing, lavender is known to help in sleep aid. It has a calming quality to it. There was a study done several years ago at The University of Miami on the effects of lavender used at bedtime. They followed brain activity with an EEG and the lavender aromatherapy did in fact show brainwaves suggesting drowsiness. Click here to read more about this. Once I found out it was scientifically tested I felt more comfortable trying tit out for myself.

I was given a small container of lavender essential oil and tried it out in the 1byone Aroma Diffuser (available on their website and on Amazon). My 2 year old has some sleep issues. Okay, he has a lot of sleep issues. Its something we are working on with doctors and professionals. In the meanwhile, we need to get some rest! Both for him and for myself. I have been now placing the 1byone Aroma Diffuser in his bedroom. I am filling it with the water and around 7 to 10 drops of lavender essential oils. When using this unit you will want to add the water first, then add the oil to the water. This way it will mix throughout the water and not harm the machine (you can get more information about the ratios online for machines like this). I let the machine go for around 30 minutes before bedtime. This way, once we walk into the room its already nice and calming for us. The smell has slowly filled the area with a light and easy scent of lavender. It is also adding moisture to the air so its a double bonus really. Humidifier and aroma therapy in one! This machine can be used with just water as a straight forward humidifier. Having duel functionality is what makes this product a step above.

After using it for a while, I can say I think it is works! I wouldn’t say it’s magical, but it makes me and my daughter tired for sure. My son does chill out a little bit more than he used to. I would say this is a total win. I can also use a bunch of other oils now too in the machine. I can place it in the kitchen or in the play area and put in oils like rosemary to increase our activity and keep up going. Having this aroma diffuser has really increased my interest in essential oils and the variety of benefits they provide.

Click here to buy this beautiful and elegant diffuser from their website.

Click image below to buy this beautiful and elegant diffuser off of Amazon
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11
Apr
2016

Oakiwear Review

categories: Reviews

Oakiwear Review

About Oakiwear

About 10 years ago a mom very much like myself, was searching for rain boots for her kids. She wanted ones that are durable, functional and fun. After searching without any luck, she new she needed to fix this situation. Thus, Oakiwear was born.

Kids love to play outside and get dirty. They need quality shoes that can help them play without breaking the bank. Kids grow so fast! Oakiwear keeps their price points low, knowing you will be back to by more after your first pair. They also need to be made with quality material that wont fall apart or be too hard to play in. They need to give a little to make the jumping-in-the-puddle game more exciting. They need to be able to run, jump and play in their shoes. Shoes that will not make them fall over when running or slide around when skipping. Oakiwear rain boots are made with the outdoor, active child in mind.

After having huge success with their outstanding footwear line, they also branched out into clothing like snow gear, outdoor wear, waders and sun guard suits for swimming.

Standard free shipping at $50

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Mama’s Experience

Once the sun started to peek its head out here in Ohio, my kids were begging to go outside. My daughter and son are obsessed with ‘splashing in muddy puddles’ (thanks Peppa Pig) and they need the right gear to properly splash. As Peppa says, “you must wear your rain boots”. After my children telling me this several times I knew the search was on. I started looking at some reliable shoe companies I know of but none of them made toddler rain boots. I searched and searched and alas! Oakiwear found its way on my computer screen. After reading about how the company was founded by a fellow mother who’s children loved the outdoors I knew something special was here. Once my boots arrived it was true love.

Oakiwear boots are made with 100% rubber. This keeps their feet dry no matter how hard they jump, run and splash. My favorite feature are the handy little handles. Trying to get a boot on a toddler, for those of you who have not yet tried, can be a struggle. These handles allow me to help them put them on quickly. Once my kids know we are going outside to play they become way hyper and want to jump out of their skin trying to get out that door. I don’t have time to monkey around trying to get shoes on their feet. With Oakiwears handles I can slide their foot in, and once they stand up I hold onto the handles and make sure that they foot slides down all the way. The handles are ideal for toddlers and young kids who don’t want a parents help. It really assists them and builds confidence, knowing they can independently put on their boots.

I cannot believe how easy they are to clean off. My children love to slop in the mud and play by the horses in our backyard. It can get really muddy (and poopy) in certain areas. Because Oakiwear boots are all rubber this makes them easy to rinse off with a hose or towel. No more caked on mud for the Foxes!

These boots come in a ton of sizes, from toddler up through youth sizes. Once you get a pair you are going to keep going back each year as your kids feet grow. They are a brand worth sticking with.

Click here to see the Oakiwear Rain Boots shown in this article

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05
Apr
2016

Juice Plus Review

categories: Reviews

Juice Plus+ Review

About Juice Plus+

Adding more fruits and vegetables into your diet, and the diet of your children, is one of the most common things I hear of according to Newlife wellness.. There is only so much room in our bellies and on our plates to get the daily nutrients we need to maintain a healthy body. Luckily there are sites like goodnature.com that have juice recipes that means we can cram more fruit and veg in our daily diet. Trying to help our kids bodies grow and develop in a healthy manner requires the amazing mineral, vitamins and nutrients found in real, from the earth produce. I can buy fruit juice with some veggies in it. Some pasta sauce that has a tiny bit of vegetables blended in. But how much are they really getting in their bodies?

If you want to increase your key antioxidants, reduce oxidative stress, support a healthy immune system, skin and gums as well as protect your DNA – then you are need to try Juice Plus+ – read more here

Juice Plus not just a vitamin. This is because Juice Plus+ provides whole food based nutrition. There are 20 fruits and vegetables in their convenient and tasty gummies (adults consume 4 gummies daily; children consume 2 gummies daily). Juice Plus+ uses real, actual fruits and vegetables and in their products. They begin with the highest quality, farm fresh produce grown by some of the best farmers in the world. Once a fruit or vegetable is picked, it begins to decrease in nutritional value. They solved the issue of reducing that valuable decrease time by locating juicing and drying facilities as close to their partner farms as possible. When there is not a facility close enough they use a process called Individual Quick Freezing, to ensure the freshness of every single vegetable and fruit used in their products. They constantly test their soil where the produce is grown to make sure it is in perfect condition of optimal health.

The Study provides Juice Plus+® Orchard Blend and Juice Plus+® Garden Blend free to your child between the ages of 4-18 or full-time undergraduate college student for up to four years, so long as you continue to take Juice Plus+®, too.

Juice Plus+ is the approved by the NSF and is the most thoroughly researched brand-name nutritional product on the market today.

There have been over 30 published clinic studies done to confirm the amazing benefits of Juice Plus+. Even the famous Dr Sears recommends children to take Juice Plus+. I was blown away by how many medical professionals are standing behind Juice Plus+, internal medicine, sports medicine, cardiology, biochemists, glaucoma specialists, pediatrics, dentistry, infectious diseases…the list goes on! To hear some of these medical professionals talk about Juice Plus+ click here.

“let food be thy medicine.” – Hippocrates

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Mama’s Experience

I was able to review 3 of the top products available of Juice Plus+: the chewables, the shakes and the bars. Each had some awesome things about it I cannot wait to share with you.

Juice Plus+ Orchard Blend & Garden Blend – Chewables

The chewables come in 3 varieties: Orchard Blend, Garden Blend and Vineyard Blend. Each has it’s own unique mixture of fruits and vegetables. The sweetness that is in each one comes from the use of tapioca syrup and organic cane syrup. This makes them taste and feel just like a chewable gummy you would buy as a snack. The huge difference in these is that they are good for you and GMO-free! It’s like eating a plate of vegetables but tastes like a fruit snack!

I love how these chewables taste! I feel like I am eating a sweet sugary snack because they are so good. You need to be sure to keep these out of reach from children, no joke. They are so good your kids are going to want more and more, but they really cannot be eaten in large qualities. Adults should eat 4 chewables per day and children should eat 2 chewables per day.

There are days that I cannot get in the required vegetables and fruits that my body needs. Now I don’t have to let that stop me. You will always have enough room to eat a few small chewables and BAM! It helped to bridge the gap between what you should eat and actually do eat.

Click here to read more about or place an order for Orchard Blend and Garden Blend chewables.

Juice Plus childrens healthy study

Juice Plus+ Complete Variety Drink Mix

Shakes have become a daily routine in my life as well as many others. Its a fast and easy way to get your body the boost in the morning that you are looking for, but without the bother of sitting down for a ‘real meal’. As a busy mom, I don’t have time to feed myself a full breakfast like I do my kids. I shouldn’t have to sacrifice my health and a smart start to my day due to a crazy schedule. Now, I can easily have a smoothie and drink it on the go as I drive my kids to school, the library or whatever adventure the day may have for us.

Juice Plus+ Complete Drink Mix’s are so tasty and versatile. They can be used as an on-the-go drink, pre-workout, post-workout or as a late night snack when you just crave that something sweet. Each serving has 13 grams of protein, 8 grams of fiber and less than 1 gram of fat. This allows you to feel full without feeling gross.

Shakes can be hand shaken in a to-go blender bottle or put in your counter-top blender. You can blend with ice, water, milk, almond or soy milk. You can also spice them up with frozen or fresh berries (which is awesome with the Vanilla flavor).

When you order these shakes you will get 2 bags of Chocolate and 2 bags of Vanilla. Each bags contains 15 servings. Averaging you out to a shake very other day. Its the perfect way to boost your health.

Click here to read more about or to place an order for Juice Plus+ Shakes

Juice Plus+ Complete Variety Nutrition Bars

Snack nutrition bars are my go to in between meal snack. When I get hungry at 10 am and 2 pm. Theses are the times I need something easy to eat when multitasking between folding laundry and cleaning up play-doh but also trying to help my 2 year old build a train track which will be destroyed 5 minutes later. I can’t snack all day. I need something that can hold me over until my next meal. I love Juice Plus+ bars for this type of situation. I can take a few bites here and there and BAM! I am full. They are packed with 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. They are GMO-Free, vegetarian. gluten-free and non-dairy. When you buy a subscription to these bars you will get 1 case of 30 Dark Chocolate + Fig and 1 case of 30 Tart Cherry + Honey. When you pay in a 1 time payment option they are as low as $1.95 each! That is a bargain compared to most bars on the market.

The Tart Cherry + Honey was such a fresh taste. I loved the sweetness of the honey paired with the sour cherries. It was a burst of flavor for sure. The Dark Chocolate + Fig had that rich deep chocolate flavor I love in a treat. The small soy crisps layer in made me feel like I was eating a candy bar, not a healthy choice snack.

Click here to read more about or to order Juice Plus+ bars

With all the incredible research, the health benefits, the high standing ethics for their ingredients growth and manufacturing, coupled with the taste and price, there is no reason why you shouldn’t try out at least one of the products I reviewed above. Plus the free child sponsorship, getting your child free chewable gummies to help their development. It’s a no brainer.

Head over to the website and click around. Be sure to check out the Tower Garden. Just because you don’t have a lot of space, it doesn’t mean you can’t grow a ton of your own produce.

04
Apr
2016

Gorilly Goods Review

categories: Reviews

Gorilly Goods Review

About Gorilly Goods

Gorilly Goods really gets me when I say I am making Better Choices now. They too want foods free from chemicals that are organic and GMO-free. Over time and loads of research they have perfected some recipes that will knock your socks off. They specialize in making satisfying and delicious nut based treats for every type of pallet. If you like savory, sweet, nutty or crunchy, they have a snack that is right up your alley.

Gorillas are a strong symbol of all we stand for – organic, sustainable, a delicate but powerful balance in the ecosystem – they are a connection to all life. We care for the earth, we care about evolving back to basics, and we care about all earth’s creatures. – Gorilly Goods Website

At the heart of things they are also a philanthropic company. Choosing to donate part of their proceeds to The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. You can learn more about this outstanding organization here.

Where can you find Gorilly Goods? You can find a location by here by clicking here. You are also order online through their website if that makes things easier on you.

gorilly goods

Their 3 main products are:

Jungle (Fruit & Nut – Original)
Forest (Dark Chocolate Fruit & Nut – Chocolate)
Hillside (Pumpkin Seed & Kale – Savory)

Gorilly Goods also has a few new trail mix type products that are coming soon! Here is a sneak peek at the yummy goodness

The bottom left is a curry flavored one that was out of this world

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Mama’s Experience

I feel in love with Gorilly Goods at first bite. Seriously. I called a friend like that instant they were so good. I like nuts. I mean they are good tasting and good for you, but totally not my go to snack. I need something “more” when I want a snack. There are that “more”! Gorilly Goods is packed with protein, which is what you want in a snack. Protein will give you that filling feeling you need. Otherwise you will keep snacking and the calories will keep adding up. Choosing a high protein snack like Gorilly Goods is going to help curb your appetite and help the health conscious like myself with my weight loss goals.

I have tried each of the 3 amazing snacks Gorilly Goods has created. Each has some awesome aspects to them

Jungle (AKA Original)

This snack is their basic snack pack. Its a combination of organic bananas, organic cashew, organic pecans, organics coconut, organic walnuts, organic raisins, organics coconut nectar and sea salt.

That is it. Just good, plain old organic ingredients. This is what makes Gorilly Goods stand out. It’s not just nuts. It’s a cluster of nuts held together with nectar, amazing, healthy, nectar, and awesome bananas.

What I loved about this is how you can taste the light salt of the nut and the sweetness of the raisins and nectar. It was not sweet and it was not savory but it was satisfying and addicting!

Click here to see more about Jungle

Forest (AKA Chocolate)

This is the snack for us sweet toothed snackers. I love chocolate. Like I love it A LOT! I cannot give it up. I need to have a little bit of sweetness daily or every other day. If I don’t give myself a little fun I will ruin my hard work and eat a full blow chocolate cake! LOL! This is my perfect go to snack. I need to get that satisfied full feeling but I want my chocolate. The harmony between the two in this is mind blowing. My husband likes sweets like an average person does (not crazy-like like myself) and he really likes this treat. When he wants a special snack, this is what he reaches for.

This treat is made with organic bananas, organic chocolate, organic cashew, organic pecans, organics coconut, organic walnuts, organic raisins, organics coconut nectar and sea salt.

Sound familiar? It is just like the Jungle (original) mentioned above just this one is dipped in heavenly organic chocolate. Yuuuuum!

Click here to read more about Forest (chocolate)

Hillside (Savory)

This is the snack that you want when you are not seeing that sweet tooth but need that fun, crunchy filling snack. I love how natural this snack tastes. I know its good for me, but it tastes like it is a full meal. It has such bursts of full flavors that you keep coming back for another bite. I love this for hikes, days out in nature and after a hard workout.

The Hillside is made with organic pumpkin seeds, organic kale, organics tamari, organic onion, organic nutritional yeast, organic cayenne *contains soy.

If you love kale chips or kale salad, you are going to love this snack.

Click here to learn more about Hillside (savory)

26
Mar
2016

Kushies Bedding Review

categories: Reviews

Kushies Bedding Review

Kushies is a strong and growing company that has been helping families with their high quality products for over 50 years. Kushies is a Canadian based company that is now sold in 35 countries around the globe. All Kushies products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art physicality in Canada, so you are rest assured that you are supporting a safe and worker-friendly environment.

Kushies has a broad selection on bedding available for Canadian and American mothers

Crib Sheets

Kushies crib sheets are just so perfect. They fit both of my children’s mattresses with just right right amount of snugness I look for in a sheet. Being so soft to the touch Kushies makes their sheets luxuriously soft for their little bodies customers. They can be easily washed with like colors and dried in the dryer (I prefer medium heat as not to shrink them up too much). I hear that the longest selling bedroom set goes really well with this these crib sheets, if you’re interested in keeping your room you share with your child consistant, stylistically.

“Kushies premium quality 100% cotton flannel sheets are available in adorable rainbow of colors and prints to match any nursery! All fitted sheets are fully elasticized for a perfect fit. Finished edges for quality & durability. Sized to allow for shrinkage – fits perfectly after each wash. Proudly made in Canada.” – Kushies Website

bed

Organic Bedding

I have used both Kushies standard bedding and their organic bedding now. I can say they are both crazy soft and very high quality. Perfect for babies, toddler and children alike (I wish I had a set for my adult size bed they are so nice!). What makes their organic bedding stand out so much is how well I think it washes. It doesn’t have any pilling (that I have experienced). They are 100% certified organic cotton jersey material. They are pure and natural, and for those of you who love organic products as much as I do, they are worth putting your mind at ease having your child lay on organic materials. The bedding show below is the gray and its a very light and soft color. Very muted and perfect for any little boy or girls room. Making sure your little one’s bed is free of bed bugs is important for their health, having a company similar to Tampa Pest Control can help keep your children’s bed clean.

Kushies organic bedding in gray

kushies organic gray bedding

Pack N Play (Playpen) Sheets

Pack N’ Plays (Playpens) are practically a staple in every home with a newborn. They are great for travel and for newborns. I used mine with my first child as a place for her to sleep while still in my room before we transferred her to her crib in her own room. We all know how often babies eat, go to the bathroom and spit up (if you are expecting – its a lot!). We have to have spare sheets, or several, on hand for the middle of the night half asleep moments. I love how easy it is to quickly change a Kushies sheet. They are crazy soft and fit perfectly to a standard size pack n’ play.

pack n play

Size: 28″ x 52″ (71cm x 132cm)

Click here for a link to this exact, gorgous sheet

Changing Pad Cover

cover

Changing pad covers in my house are changed weekly if not sooner. Those ‘special’ days that are extra messy cause me to change a tad more frequently. Kushies changing pad covers are smooth, come with slits for the buckles to loop through safely and easy to wash. They also come in several sizes, so that no matter what size your changing pad is, you can get a Kushies cover for it (yes there are different sized changing pads!)

Kushies offers: 18″x 36″, 22″x 36″ & 17″x 33″ – Click here to see their huge selection of sizes and designs.

Waterproof Changing Pad Cover

I love to use my travel changing pad at home! I love to place it over my changing table cover. This way if I have a messy diaper change I can simply toss the changing pad cover in the dirty laundry and a clean, new changing cover is still on my pad! I love this set up and I am sure you will too! Its fun to get different designs to you can add dimension, style and depth to the color pallet in your nursery.

pad b

Click here to see the broad selection of changing pad cover Kushies has for sale.

22
Mar
2016

Bolero Essential Hydration Review

categories: Reviews

Bolero Essential Hydration Review

review

About Bolero

Bolero is one of the coolest products I have ever come across. I love water, but I really love a drink with a kick once in a while. Knowing that pop is NOT the best choice, that juice has way too many calories and all those powdered additives are packed with chemicals and added sugars I have really been left without any options….until now!!

Bolero Essential Hydration are individual cachets (packets) of SUGAR FREE, all-natural drink flavors! One cachet transforms 1-1.5 liters of water into a fun, sweet and flavorful drink. The trick is in their use of Stevia, the all natural way to sweeten. Bolero is VERY low in calories and carbohydrates. It’s perfect for those on diets, as well as those trying to make Better Choices while staying in better physical condition. Staying in peak physical condition and consuming the relevant nutrients can be very beneficial to your health. When it comes to exercising, it doesn’t have to involve strenuous workouts but can be something relaxing, like yoga. By incorporating surya namaskar, (or sun salutations) into your yoga regime, it can give you the same benefits as some other forms of exercise. Alongside drinking Bolero, this may be the perfect combination to allow you to stay in better physical condition.

All Natural Powdered Mix

There are so many ways to use Bolero:

Mix with water to stay hydrated
Mix with club soda or other beverages to get a unique taste
Teas can be served hot or cold
Make homemade pop-cycles for kids and adults alike
Add to eggs or oatmeal
Add to gelatin for a fat free snack

The Bolero packets are easy to carry in your purse, wallet, diaper bag, gym bag and are perfect for traveling. Each cachet has its own full nutritional value and proper usage information, so be sure to read each packet.

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Mama’s Experience

I have been able to try a large selection of flavors available from Bolero and I am thrilled to say there was NOT ONE that I didn’t like! Of course I have my favorites and ones I would totally reach for again.

I was happy to see that they are just as easy to make, drink and store as they claim. I just shook the packet in the bottom of a pitcher. I added water and it naturally dissolved while I was filling it with water. I didn’t even have to mix it or stir it up! Typically there are “floaters” and gross chunks that are stubborn and don’t want to break down when you add water to a drink mix. Not Bolero! I knew that something special was happening when this was the my first experience with Bolero. The drink was smooth, tasty and sweet! I was not expecting such a awesome sweetness from such a healthy drink option. I couldn’t believe it. I thought it must have been the flavor option and that other flavors cannot possibly be as strong and sweet, but they are! Each flavor, one after the other, is just as sweet and tasty. If you add more water to the packet, of course it will be come more watered down, and the less water you add the more powerful it will be. You are the creator of your treat so play around and see what ratio works best for you.

Bolero assortment

At home I like to keep a pitcher of Bolero available at all times. My kids are constantly asking for juice. I don’t mind giving them Bolero every day now. It’s low in calorie and their teeth are not being coated with added sugars that would be in other juices and powered juice mix options.

When you order Bolero you can choose from 45 different flavor options in 3 different categories. Each box contains 12 cachets of Bolero for only $9.50. I like to mix mine with 6 cups of water per cachet. 12 cachets makes 72 cups. $9.50 divided by 72 cups makes each cup only .13¢! I seriously see no reason why everyone wouldn’t try a few flavors out. But remember, you can add as much or as little water to your Bolero as you like. This is just what I do.

Bolero powder

Bolero is NON-GMO and Low in Calories

If you crave sweets but want to cut back on calories and sugar, then Bolero is for you.

Click here to see their full selection

19
Mar
2016

Color Garden Egg Coloring Kit Review

categories: Reviews

Color Garden Egg Coloring Kit Review

Review

About Color Garden

Color Garden knows that bakers and parents alike are looking for a way to use colors in their foods in a fun and safe way. A natural way. Now we can use coloring that is safe for the whole family. The best part about Color Garden is free from ‘scarey’ dyes like FD&C Red 40 or FD&C Yellow 5. Some children and adults have sensitivities to those dyes and reactions like irritability or hyperactivity. If you are looking for Custom Easter Eggs you might want to look around online to see if you can find some tips on how to make some.

Color Garden has a great selection of every day dye’s as well. They can be used for things like: frosting, temporary hair coloring for kids and adults alike, mashed potatoes, white wine, club soda, the options are practically endless!

egg coloring wont stain hands or clothing

Color Garden™ pure natural food colors are 100% plant based – therefore they don’t stain!

Color Garden has a large selection of food colors that can be used in icing, frosting, added into cakes or foods and drinks alike. Now that Easter is just next week, you can use Color Gardens Egg Coloring Kit on your Easter eggs this year!

They have dyes for everyday use, and themes with colors for Spring/Summer, Halloween and, Holiday. No matter the occasion, you will find the color you are needing at ColorGarden.net

Here is some basic information about Color Garden food coloring:

Each packet is to be used all at once
Each packet contains enough coloring to frost a medium sized cake
Natural dyes don’t work like artificial dyes – your dark red velvet will be more brown after baking (but just as yummy!) in the heat – the heat is what effects the color. The dark red will stay that shade in frostings (not heated)
Being natural the colors often turn out more of a pastel color rather then dark

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Mama’s Experience

color garden eggs

With Easter here we are hopping with joy & excitement! My kids think playing with any form of artwork is beyond cool. When I told them they will get to color Easter eggs they about hit the ceiling! The best part for me was knowing going in that the dyes are all natural, which means that they will not end up with brown/green/red hands at the end of this adventure and an outfit that goes straight into the trash can. Being all natural, these dyes will not stain your skin or clothing. Yes, your kids clothing will get messy if your family is anything like mine, but it’s nothing a little washing care can’t fix.

dye eggs

Each color is for 1 time use and comes in a little plastic package that can be cut opened very easily.
Be sure to use the full packet to get as much color on your egg as possible. As these are all natural, they are not as deep as an artificial and you need all the boost you can get.
Red, Orange and yellow will do better if you add a few drops of lemon juice to the water/dye mixture.
Green, blue and purple will be better if you add a little bit of baking soda to the water/dye mixture.
The more water you add the more diluted it will be become, so slowly add more water as not to make it too weak in color.

add lemon juice to dye eggs

I have always been so used to being scared of coloring eggs and doing projects with dyes. I gasped more than you can image while we dyed these Color Garden dyed eggs. It’s a habit! I am so used to worrying about the staining that I forget to let go and just enjoy the moment, which is why we color the eggs to begin with. I had to keep reminding myself that the dyes are washable. It’s okay to spill and splash a bit. I was hesitant to truly believe that these dyes would really not stain, but they didn’t! My hands along with my toddlers are totally clean. The table wiped off like it was only water splashed on the table. I am so happy with how smoothly this process went. I was able to enjoy the memory instead of worry about my table and their clothing. It was by far the best egg dying experience I could have hoped for.

Click here to order the egg coloring kit for your family!

18
Mar
2016

Debbie Meyers Review

categories: Reviews

Debbie Meyers Review

Review

About Debbie Meyers

head shot Debbie Meyer is known as the “Home Problem Solver”. She looks for ways to make life better and easier for the every day person. She inventions and products are useful to anyone who eats, so that means you! By co-founding her own company, she has become a successful entrepreneur. Having already won a lifetime achievement award due to her amazing products, she is taking our kitchens by storm by rescuing our fridges, pantries and grocery bills!

She has invented loads and loads of extremely helpful products to be used around your home. She is most known for her Green Bags, Green Food Storage Containers and cooking bags. These are the products I will be reviewing.

Mama’s Experience

I have seen Debbie Meyers Green Bags around for a short time now. Only recently been noticing them. Just this past week I saw them in a friends cupboard. I asked her what she thought of them and how she found out about Debbie Meyers Green Bags. She got all excited that I knew about them and proceeded to tell me how her housekeeper got them for her and they are amazing! She buys a ton of produce, like a ton, as I do. By the end of the week a lot of times those berries get moldy, the lettuce wilts and the pears get way over ripened and to mushy to enjoy. She swears by these bags, so it got me really excited to try them out for myself.

Debbie Meyer Green Bags – 20 Count

produce bags

Debbie Meyer Green Bags “Help preserve the freshness and prolong the life of fruits, vegetables, baked goods and snacks with this revolutionary set of GreenBags®, by Debbie Meyer. Made with a natural mineral that creates a beneficial storage environment and helps extend the life and freshness of foods.” – Pfaltzgraff Website

These bags can be used 8 to 10 time each! I was so excited that these have so much life to them. I can use them for all types of produce. Mushrooms, apples, peaches, beets, carrots, you name it!

Fruits and vegetables release gases during their ripening period. This is a natural occurrence after being harvested. These gases cause the product to age and eventually deteriorate. By using Debbie Meyer GreenBags, which are made with food grade polyethylene and a food safe natural substance is has been proven to preserve the freshness and extend the life of fruits and vegetables alike!

To reuse a bag simply rinse, allow to dry and reuse!

How to Use:

Product should be DRY when placed inside of a Debbie Meyers bag. Fruits and vegetables naturally contain moisture. If moisture builds up in the bag just wipe it out with a paper towel and keep using the bag.

Don’t mix your foods in the same bag. Keep the lettuce in one bag and the pears in another.

Just fold the top over. Do not use twist ties as they can make holes in the bags.

Debbie Meyer GreenBoxes

Debbie Meyer Boxes

The same technology used above in the Debbie Meyer Grilling Bags are also used in these Debbie Meyer GreenBoxes. They are also BPA free. These GreenBoxes will extend the life of baked goods, snacks, fruits and vegetables.

For produce: Use separate containers for each food. Pears in one and kale in another. Don’t mix.

For baked goods: Separate the soft baked goods like bagels & breads from the crisp baked goods like cookies and crackers.

BPA Free • Reusable • Microwave Safe • Dishwasher Safe • Stackable • Made in the USA

My husband and I were amazed at how well our lettuce kept. We eat salads throughout the week. Its a very normal lunch for us. But life happens and sometimes a day or two will go by and we never got around to using that lettuce. I hated tossing lettuce. I would waste so much. Now that I am using Debbie Meyer GreenBoxes to store self portioned qualities I always have a perfect little container to make my salad in! My husband can easily grab a GreenBox filled with lettuce and add the toppings when he is ready to eat. I am so thrilled with the amount of money we have saved already.

Debbie Meyer Grilling Bags

Debbie Meyer Grilling Bags have so much to offer:

For BBQ or oven cooking
Cook meat, fish and vegatables
Avoids cross-contamination
Keeps appliances clean
Locks in flavor

Often in the summer time my family will cook a ton of chicken or beef to be eaten with lunched throughout the week. I don’t have time to grill out for lunch daily. Instead we grill a bunch of chicken on a Sunday to be used on my salads or in my lunch. These Debbie Meyers Grilling Bags are perfect for this routine. I can easily bake or grill my chicken in them with some choice spices. The bag locks in the flavor so well! Then I can toss them into the fridge or freezer in the Grilling bag! No mess! No extra dirty dishes. No grill to be scrubbed. I can even microwave my food in these bags!

If you have the habit of accidentally burning your food on the grill, then you have to try out these bags. They help prevent burnt food while locking in the flavor and moisture.

Debbie Meyer Microwave Steamer Bags

These Debbie Meyer Microwave Steamer Bags have several benefits:

Delicious vegetables in minutes
Quick cook perforated bags
Healthy cooking: no added oil or fat
Locks in flavor

Steaming is one of the basic ways people prepare vegetables. Its healthy, its tasty and its easy. Now, with Debbie Meyers Microwave Steamer Bags it is every easier! Simply place you veggies into the Steamer Bag. Close the page using the tie that is provided. Place the bag on a microwaveable dish or plate with the perforations upper most. Allow the bag to stand for at least 30 second before opening (hello steam!). Open the bag at the top or cut with scissors for easier opening. BEWARE OF STEAM!

Broccoli and beans cook in little are 2-3 minutes and potatoes in only 4-5 minutes. If you want to add a teaspoon of water to the bag before cooking you can, this can help the steaming process. These bags also steam fish!! Steaming fish in a micro with some fun seasonings is the perfect way to add some excitement to your week.

Debbie Meyer OvenBags for Roasting

OvenBags for Roasting These Debbie Meyer OvenBags have so many great benefits!

Suitable for meant, fish and vegatables
Healthy cooking: no added oil or fat
Keeps food succulent
Oven stays clean

Keeping my birds (chicken, duck, turkey) moist can be tricky! A dry bird is a sad bird. By using these OvenBags I can now keep them super moist and tasty. The bags seal in the moisture so that instead of being evaporated, it stays put and stays yummy!

How to Use:

Fold over the opening of the bag to fill it easily.
Pace the bag in an over dish and carefully put in the ingredients
Add seasoning is your choose to
Tie off bag with tie that is provided
Massage the meat/poultry
Cut off the top corner of the bag with scissors.
Place dish in oven

Cooking times can vary – Food cooks approximately 10% faster in a Debbie Meyer bag

Debbie Meyers Slow Cooker Liners

I cannot image how horrible crockpot cooking was before Debbie Meyer SlowCooker Liners! Once I discovered them I never went back. What makes these crockpot bags stand out is how durable they are.

How to Use:

Remove the slow cooker lid
Open the Slow Cooker Liner, fold over opening of the slow cooker
Fill the liner to cover the bottom and sides of the dish
Place all ingredients in slow cooker
Replace the lid
Cook according to manufacture directions
Serve food directly out of bag. Do not attempt to pick up bag when filled with food
Once bag has been emptied of food you can take out the liner bag and throw bag away

These bags have strength! After we used on with our corned beef this St Patrick’s Day we were able to pick up the bag (after we saved all the food for course) and it didn’t rip in the crockpot! So may slow cooker liners rip and this help true. I am so thrilled with this quality of theses bags.

11
Mar
2016

Ginnybakes Review

categories: Reviews

Ginnybakes Review

About Ginnybakes

Like most of my favorite food-based companies, Ginnybakes started in a families kitchen. Ginny Simon, owner of Ginnybakes, knows the importance of treating your body right. Our bodies are blessings and should be respected. What we eat shows our bodies how much we respect ourselves. Everyone loves to indulge though, but you shouldn’t have to ignore your health while doing so.

Each product was created by listening to their customers, family and friends. By keeping our active lifestyles in mind, they created. Those with allergies? Ginnybakes heard you. For those with children, looking for an organic snack – Ginnybakes heard you too.

All products are organic, GMO-free, and gluten-free

Everything is handmade. Yup, by real people. The artisans who make these treats rise early and dive into their craft. They create the most amazing treats you can imagine.

Now that you have no doubt that Ginnybakes is the real deal and a needed treat for your tummy, here is a huge bonus fact, Ginnybakes is “certified by Quality Assurance International, in that all ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. we also believe in being stewards of our planet, and build strong partnerships with suppliers who use renewable resources, conserve soil and water, and enhance environmental quality for future generations.” – Ginnybakes website

Ginnybakes has a huge variety of foods and treats:

Click here to find a Ginnybakes retail location near you

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Mama’s Experience

6 years ago, when I quit drugs and alcohol I quickly replaced my addiction with sugar. I wasn’t smoking a cigarette or having a beer after a meal now. I felt like I needed to fill that void. I needed something to finish off the meal. When I had my epiphany last year, which caused my Better Choices (a healthier you) series, I clearly saw after some self evaluation that I was filling that void with sugar. It’s a legal and addictive substance. Sugar gives you a quick high. Sugars change the levels of beta-endorphins (brain chemicals that make us feel good). This makes you think you are happy, while in fact later, once that high ends, you can hit a low, which can cause you to feel sad, regret or guilt. This is so me.

Now that I have been making Better Choices, I have been feeling great about myself….but I still like cookies! I still like treats! You can still eat sugar and treats, but you need to make sure that you are eating the correct proportions and that the ingredients are just any old ingredients. I know that I will never completely give up treats. I would be lying to myself and you if I ever claim that. I do need to find good alternatives to get my sweet tooth cravings but in a healthy way. This is where Ginnybakes has made a huge impact in my life.

Since starting Better Choices I have been having a real struggle finding a “real” sweet treat. I can eat peanut butter on toast. I can have mixed berries. I still want a cookie! Looking at and reading the labels in the cookie aisle can be depressing. Now, I can lean on Ginnybakes. Knowing their ingredients are all organic, non-GMO and gluten-free I can eat a proportioned package of mini cookies. I love having them packaged out for me. I cannot over eat my cookies because when the bag is done, its done! No “just one more” game. It’s such a helpful thing for me.

Ginny Bakes Mini’s

For a bite sized and proportioned option, Ginnybakes has ginnyminis! To avoid over eating you can easily grab a package of homemade ginnyminis and enjoy your fun, sweet snack!

Ginnyminis come in 6 awesome flavors: double chocolate happiness, coconut oatmeal bliss, butter crisp love, chocolate chip oatmeal bliss and chocolate chip love.

When I opened my first package of Chocolate Chip Love I was so happy to see that each cookie was slightly different. They tell us how they are truley homemade cookies, and seeing the individual tiny cookies, I can easily see that these are not pumped out in a mass production machine. You can taste the time and love put in each one.

Ginnybars

These ginnybars are slam packed with oogles of goodness. They are organic, gluten free, non-gmo, vegan, dairy-free, wheat/oat-free and kosher. They have powerful antioxidants and are loaded with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, coconut, dates, love and passion. I am a big pistachio fan and was pleased to actually taste them! Being such a luxury nut many foods that contain them kind skimp out and that effects the flavor. These bars are super tasty and so good for you. The Love & Nuts bar contains only 160 calories per bar and it great for a mid morning snack to help tie you over until lunch time. They are perfect for purses or diaper bags, as toddlers love them too!

Ginnybakes Cookies

Ginnybakes specializes in their delightful cookies. Offering 10 drool worthy flavors, they are sure to carry a few of your favorite flavor combos. These cookies are sweet enough to get your sweet tooth craving completely satisfied but not so heavy in sugar that you feel sick or guilty after having your treat. They are the perfect cookie for those of us watching what we eat and trying to watch our waist line.

Chocolate Chip Love – tastes like a cookie your grandmother baked yesterday morning. Fresh, crisp and light

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal – it has the oats which give this chocolate chip treat that extra crunch you love

Double Chocolate Chip – double the chocolate, what more can you ask for?

Coconut Oatmeal Bliss – this made me instantly think of a certain girl scout coconut cookie. It was beyond amazing

Dreamy Vegan Delight – this was a light and crispy cookie with soft hints of vanilla

Now that you have seen how amazing these treats are you should hop over to the Ginnybakes website and find a local near you so you can get these treat in your cabinet at home.