Einkorn Pasta

I had never even heard of Einkorn till very recently, when I was approached by the folks over at Jovial Foods

The pasta from Jovial Foods is made from  Einkorn which was cultivated nearly 12,000 years ago is one of the earliest species of cultivated wheat.

The pasta contains 9 grams of Protein per serving and it outperforms super-foods like the blueberry in nutritional value.

Its also a healthy source of fiber, zinc, iron, and the antioxidant Lutien.

With no egg, the Einkorn Pasta is a great option for Vegan, or vegetarian eaters.

I think its a great option for toddlers. The pasta is hearty like a whole wheat pasta and it goes well in hearty dishes like casseroles because it really holds its shape.

Besides the great taste, if you cover it with some cheese, most toddlers don't even notice the difference so its a simple way to take a normally unhealthy meal and turn it into something that will really rock the lunchbox, AND have your toddler filled with all the protein she needs in just a 2-ounce serving!

We made the Einkorn Rigatoni with Broccoli, Olives, Herbs and Lemons which went great with a roast chicken that I cooked for the night!

If you want more recipes for Einkorn Pasta check out the Jovial Foods Recipes Page

I received a free sample of Einkorn Pasta from Jovial Foods for this review.. All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

Gracie's Gift

If you have a little girl and choose to do things to her hair, then there has probably been a point in your parenting that you've dealt with your little one loathing the hair-bow or pigtails.

Ever since my daughter was born, I have been guilty of decorating her adorable little cranium,

From Headbands

To Hats

To Tutus

To Bags

Headlamps

or even Pigtails

She Much prefers it like this

Gracie's Gift  is about a little girl who dislikes hair-bows about as much as my daughter does.

When her birthday comes and she see's her birthday outfit set out on a chair complete with a bow, Gracie is not so excited.

But as the day goes on, Gracie notices the beautiful bows that complete her birthday presents, are just like the bows that her mother gives her everyday, a way to celebrate Gracie as a special gift!

Annabella really enjoys this book, of course she always enjoys reading books about girls and the more pink the more she is convinced that the girl is 'princess'

She also loved the birthday party idea, I think that every young kid can relate to a birthday being a special and exciting event. 

I've found that Annabella wants to do her hair as soon as I'm done reading the book. And while it doesn't work during a temper tantrum, it certainly has turned a few mornings around!

Gracie's Gift was written by Andrea Trosclair and Illustrated by Sean Gautreaux

The book sells for $16.95 and is a hardcover; a portion of the proceeds benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

For more information or to get a copy of this book for yourself, visit

www.TrosclairTales.com

I received a free copy of Gracie's Gift for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

Cuties Clementines and Mandarins!

                                                                                                                                  COAST TO COAST: CUTIES^® CALIFORNIA CLEMENTINES

       AND MANDARINS GO NATIONAL

   Cuties^® Kicks off National Launch And Online Channel – CutiesKids.com – Dedicated to Cute Kids

Los Angeles, Calif. (December 7, 2011) – The kid-friendly California citrus that West Coast shoppers have grown to love is bringing a bit of sunshine to the East Coast. Beginning this month, Cuties^®California Clementines and Mandarins are available coast-to-coast for the first time ever.

In support of the national launch the brand will introduce a $20 million national television and print advertising campaign that is among the most significant in the fresh fruit, vegetable or salad category.

“We know how much parents love sharing Cuties^® Clementines with their kids on the West Coast and we are excited to now offer this popular fruit to families across the country,” said Marc Seguin, senior marketing director for Paramount Farms North America.

In conjunction with the national launch, Cuties^® has also introduced a new, interactive website created especially for kids and proud parents to celebrate the cute things kids do. The site (www.CutiesKids.com) will showcase parent-uploaded videos and pictures, featuring kids doing what they do best: having fun, acting silly and of course, being oh-so adorably cute. Bragging rights aren’t the only prizes parents can win by uploading images of their kids: Cuties^® is giving away a college scholarship worth $150,000 to the star of the cutest kid video.

Cuties^® is teaming up with DonorsChoose.org, a not-for-profit organization that lets contributors across the country fund classroom projects posted by public school teachers on the DonorsChoose.org website. For every video uploaded, users will receive a $10 DonorsChoose.org gift card to use towards any classroom project of their choice. Weekly winners will receive a $500 DonorsChoose.org gift card and the winner of the grand prize will receive a $5,000 card. Cuties^® is committed to kids and educationand will continue the charity gift card giveaway up to $100,000 in addition to the individual college scholarship prize.

“The CutiesKids.com site is another way for us to reward parents for something they already love to do – show off their kids,” said Seguin. “What better way to do that than winning a free college education for your little cutie.”

In addition to school contributions, Cuties^® will award daily and weekly prizes for the first 18 weeks, leading up to one grand prize winner. Participants will be able to share their videos using their social network platforms, and the winners will be determined by the number of online votes.

•        Daily Prizing: Forty-one video contestants per day will each have a chance to win a Cuties^® T-shirt, beanie, lunch box, tumbler or plush toy.

•        Weekly Prizing: One video contestant per week will win a $500 DonorsChoose.org gift card to use to fund a project of their choice in addition to an active game console.

•        Grand Prize: One grand prize winner will be awarded a college scholarship worth $150,000, a $5,000 DonorsChoose.org gift card to use to fund a project of their choice and aseason’s supply of Cuties^®.

                                                                                                      

To submit a video of your kid, or to watch some seriously cute videos, log on to CutiesKids.com. 

About Cuties^® Brand

Thanks to their small size, sweet flavor and easy peelability, Cuties^® are naturally kid-friendly. And with their high nutritional content, they’re a big hit with parents, too. Available from November through May, Cuties^® offer a variety of nutrients per serving including: fiber, potassium, protein, calcium, vitamin C and folate. Cuties^®is a joint venture between Paramount Citrus, Sun Pacific and Fowler Packing. For more information, visit www.Cutieskids.com.

About DonorsChoose.org

Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org (www.donorschoose.org) is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers post requests, and then individuals can browse and fund projects that speak to them. After completing a project, the donor hears back from the classroom they supported in the form of photographs and teacher thank-you letters. To date, 184,000 public and charter school teachers have used the site to secure funding for $85 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn. Through DonorsChoose.org, individuals from all walks of life have helped 5.1 million students.

Waxelene! The Petroleum Free Alternative!

I grew up with a grandmother who fully believed in Vaseline, and I'll admit that we used it for everything from moisturizer to greasing squeaky hinges on doors.

Waxelene is an eco-friendly alternative to Petroleum Jelly contacted me for a review and I was happy to give it a try! 

I really loved when I read the ingredients in Waxelene; Organic Soy Oil, Beeswax,  Natural Vitamin E Oil, and Organic Rosemary Oil.   There are three main things that I LOVE about that list 

1. The ingredients are natural, and organic.
2. The ingredients are actually good for skin
3. Petroleum is never used!

I started using Waxelene for my daughter's legs which are often dry and bumpy. I used it twice a day once in the morning before school and once at night after her bath or before I put on her pajamas.

I 'm pleased to say that after only about two and a half weeks of use, my daughter's skin has greatly improved   Even her father has noticed a difference.

I have also been using Waxelene for my hands, feet and lips. I apply a thick coat of Waxelene before bed or before I do the dishes. The heat from a pair of gloves helps to really get the Waxelene into my skin!

Waxelene is great for everyday use, because it isn't oily or greasy like petroleum jelly.  Its aerated which makes it soak easily into skin, without clogging pores.

Not just the product is eco-friendly. Waxelene comes in recyclable glass jars, instead of plastic so the jars can easily be reused and recycled. 

Next time you need to reach for that Petroleum Jelly, think twice and give Waxelene a try,  you will not only get better results but you'll feel better knowing that you used a healthy product!

Be sure to visit the Waxelene Website

https://waxelene.com/

for more information, updates and information on where you can find Waxelene near you!

I received a free sample pack of Waxelene for this review,.All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payment for this review. 

Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer

We go through a lot of drinks here in my house, and lots of it is soda. But we are so often drinking the same things over and over again. 

First lets talk about the name 'Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer' it sounds like a beverage straight from the Hogwart's kitchen. And yes this beer is nonalcoholic much like root beer or ginger beer. 

Reed's really has a winner here, with butterscotch and vanilla flavors, it is a delicious winter brew, while Reed's released it for Halloween, we really loved the flavors with the turkey and stuffing of Thanksgiving. 

In addition to the turkey, the 'Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer' also goes with pretty much any type of pie that I've tried. 

Its all natural, and free of caffeine, and gluten! 

So be on the lookout for Reed's 'Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer' this year and surprise your guests and your family with the newest flavor from Reed's!

I received a free sample pack of Reed's 'Flying Cauldron Butterscotch Beer'  for this review,.All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payment for this review

Twin Tour!

My sister and brother are coming!!  

Be sure to keep updated with their adventures at

http://twintour.blogspot.com

Yaay I can't wait!

WINNER!

We have a winner of the World Vision Gift Giveaway! 

The Winner (selected via Random.Org) is #2 USA!

USA said

I would provide food to people in need in the USA, our local food banks always collect but I am sure there are a lot of places where it is just not enough!!

November 28, 2011 7:21 AM 

USA will be receiving a beautiful beaded necklace! Check you email USA, I'll be looking for your address!

Adventures with Chocolate

It should be no secret to you by now that I love chocolate.

I nearly jumped for joy when I received Adventures in Chocolate by Paul A Young.

The book is filled with recipes and techniques that could make even the beginner cook a chocolate pro. Learn how to make Ganache, temper chocolate,  and make the most amazing truffles you've had.

With 80 recipes you can easily fill a few months making these.

The book is an even mix of complicated and easy recipes. I made the Chocolate-drenched cacao-nib cookies. An amazing cookie made with cacao nibs. The cookies come out almost as brownies, and to be honest I ate most of the cookies in dough form.

The dough is TO DIE FOR, and the cookies aren't bad either , you can see the dough above and drool over it.... I'll be honest and tell you that 1/3 of that bowl was eaten before the oven was finished baking them!

The book features truffles, tarts, sweets and savory recipes. Its amazing.

I have really enjoyed this book, both reading it and cooking from it, my only complaint when I first opened it was that a lot of the chocolate in the recipes was for the most part hard to find and expensive.  This was easily fixed by using a couple brands  I found at Whole Foods, I haven't felt once that the chocolate I used for the recipes didn't work... in fact every recipe has been amazing.

So please, if you're a chocolate lover (and I know you're out there) this is the book for you! Fit chocolate into every meal of the day, I can't wait to have a Chocolate party inspired by this book.

I received a free copy of Adventures with Chocolate for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

750 Best Appetizers

Since its the holiday season, and time for parties, it only makes sense that we talk about Appetizers. Because lets be honest who doesn't love Appetizer parties?

Personally I look forward to those parties the most out of the year. I also spend my fair share of time at the local tapas bar (wine and appetizers you can't really go wrong there)

Well thanks to 750 Best Appetizers I can have my own tapas party, without heading to Costco (they have some fancy stuff over there!)

Judith Finlayson and Jordan Wagman have come up with an amazing selection that are sure to fit any even that you might happen, or might just inspire you to have an event just because.

This time of year something besides the usual crescent roll wrapped hot dog or deviled eggs would be so appreciated at the holiday party, the Coconut Crusted Chicken Satays are so yummy, and my daughter just can't get enough of them. I have a few other ideas for what to bring to the parties that I'm attending this year how about...

Tomato Balsamic Jam  served with some crostini

The Vegetarian Berry Glazed Fig Tart will be the star of my school potluck

The Ultimate Mozzarella Carozza with roasted bell peppers ..

Poppy Seed-Crusted Yellow-fin Tuna

Classic Ceviche (is easier to make then I thought)

Coffee Scented Hazelnuts would make a great hostess gift 

So before you start your menu planning this year, check out the750 Best Appetizers by Judith Finlayson and Jordan Wagman at Robert Rose Publishing, You plan the tapas party and have everyone else provide the wine!

I received a free copy of '750 Best Appetizers for this review. All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review

Make The Bread Buy The Butter

Some mothers strive to do it all themselves, and I'm not going to lie, I spent the first year of my daughter's life trying to do it all, but there are somethings that are just better left to the professionals. 

If you're lucky when you begin your homemaking career, someone has already taught you that making butter is a pain in the... well you know.

If you're not so lucky, you end up spending time and money, much more then it would have cost to just go to the store and buy a pound of butter.

Enter Make the Bread, Buy the Butter the wonderful book by Jennifer Reese. 

When Jennifer Reese became unemployed she tried it all. From making her own butter, to making her own prosciutto (which I greatly admire her for)

In her book Make the Bread Buy the Butter Jennifer shares her recipes and the stories that go along with them. Its a fun read as well as a tasty addition tho the kitchen.  I've already found myself making my own pita bread which has brought my falafel to a whole new level and saved me quite a bit of money.

If you're a do it yourself-er, or if you'd like to be this book is for you, learn from Jennifer's mistakes or don't and try them for yourself.  You'll impress your family when they find out that everything on the table was made from scratch!

Laugh and cook with Jennifer Reese, Make the Bread Buy the Butter  is a must read for any homemaker

I received a free copy of  Make the Bread Buy the Butter for this review, all opinions are 100 % mine I did not receive any monetary payment for this review.

Deadwood to Redwood

Whats the first thing you think when you see a hitchiker?

For most its 'don't pick that guy up'

As someone who has herself hitched accross the country, I find hitchickers amazing (don't get me wrong, there are some people I just won't pick up)

What if you found out that hitchicker was writing a book?

Well thats exactly what Colin Flaherty set out to do, travel the country and see what it had, WITHOUT a set of wheels.

The book Deadwood to Redwood is amazing, I loved reading every page of it, I love seeing how other people experience the country because its differnet for everyone.

Its also great to read the book to see just how many people actually pick up hitch hickers, 

While I'm sure that the author being able to sleep in hotel rooms made quite a difference in the amount of people willing to pick him up (most hitchhikers from my expereience don't have this luxury)

I really loved meeting all the people that Colin met in the book, I adored reading his thoughts about them, taking his own life experiences into it, the trip to Canada is sure to have you laughing. 

If you haven't traveled the country, or even if you have this book is a great way to get a feel for it.

Seeing the country is quite an adventure when seen through the eyes of a 53 year old hitchhiker!

I received a free copy of Deadwood to Redwood for this review., All opinions are 100% mine, I did not receive anyh monetary compensation for this review. 

Give A Gift that Cares+ GIVEAWAY!

During the Christmas Holidays its easy to get caught up in the material, what with the whole gift giving aspect of it and all.

But what if you could give a gift to someone that truly needed it, yes even more then your cousin needs ANOTHER angora sweater.

How about giving food to a family on the USA for just $16?

For just $32 you can buy a child an education, much cheaper then that laptop.

What I really like about World Vision Gifts is that it gives an opportunity for kids to really see what they can give to another person. This year I'm planning on letting my daughter help me choose an item to send to a family or person somewhere else. This will be one of her gifts that she recives from us.I think that being able to give is a gift in itself.

The World Vision Gifts offers unique gifts from $16 to  $39,000

Stock a Health Clinic for $1,000

Build a school for $22,000

buy a child $385 of new toys for just $35
No matter how you want to give, or what your price range is; there is a way to do it with World Vision Gifts

$25 two chickens

$75 six chickens

$100 eight chickens

If you want something to wrap up in pretty paper check out the Thai Beaded Necklace which is priced at $60, and you can even get a matching bracelet for  $40!  These were both made by a project for vulnerable girls in Thailand! 

So while you're doing your holiday shopping this year, consider a gift from World Vision Gifts You can read the following press release for more information on World Vision Gifts

Giveaway!!


Win a Beaded Necklace!

I was sent a beautiful beaded necklace for this review, its super long and it can be doubled around my neck or wrapped around my wrist for a really cool bracelet! I've gotten lots of complements and since it comes from World Vision Gifts I feel really good about wearing it. and the people over at World Vision Gifts are offering one for you readers!

To win one visit World Vision Gifts and tell me what you'd like to give to someone else. Large or small I just love all the ideas and would love to hear what you readers love out of the World Vision Gift Catalog. Leave a comment below by December 3rd 2011 and I'll pick a winner. Be sure to leave your e-mail address if its not linked up to your comment!

I received a free beaded necklace for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review/

Veteran's day discounts for Military Families!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of DollarGeneral. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Its Vetrean's day and we should all be celebrating,

Too often American's forget about the men and women who are fighting for them. 

Now wihie I support the effort to bring them home its still important to honor those people, even if we don't believe what they are fighting for, they are still fighting for our freedom and if it weren't for them , we would be in a much worse spot.

Iits also important to remember the families of those troops who are over here missing mommy or daddy. All in all those families truly sacrifice for the rest of us. 

That being said I always think its great when a store offers a military discount to Military families and Veterans. 

This year from November 11  Dollar Genera is offering a Veterans Day Discount!!

Dollar General will be an in store Discount for Veterans and Active Military Families of 10% off! No coupon needed!

And for the rest of us can also celebrate with the Dollar General's Veteran's Day discount every customer can get a 10% discount online! The deal lasts from November 11-November 13 2011 All you have to do is enter the code VETERANSDAY at checkout!

While your at the website share your support to on the troops by uploading a video like the ones at the link below

http://dollargeneral.com/military

 

Also available at the Dollar General site are care packages that you can order online to have sent to the troops overseas, packages include shampoo, toothbrushes and other essentials as well as treats! These packages are available with FREE SHIPPING!

Head on over  and check out the Dollar General's Veteran's Day discount

As always check out the Dollar General  Facebook as well!

The Olive Tap

I have a confession to make

I've eaten two french baguettes in the last two days....

But its for a review!! I had to, just HAD TO make sure that the amazing Olive Oil and Balsamic vinegar that I was sent from the Olive Tap was a real thing.

Because honestly it tasted like heaven.

When I first opened the package, after I had jumped for joy at the sight of a free sample of tasty oil and vinegar was how thick the balsamic vinegar was in the bottle. Not your everyday cheap-o bottle

I was also sent theTuscan Herb Olive Oil, at first I wasn't sure I would like it, but when added to the balsamic vinegar gifts I really loved the way that it tasted, and hence that is why I ate all the olive oil and vinegar with two loaves of bread..

The Olive tap has some amazing oils and vinegar to try the Sorrento Orange Olive Oil is next on my list.

If you are having a hard time with gift shopping this year, The Olive Tap is a site worth visiting, there is no gift that tops one of yummy food, especially a bottle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar which can turn a night where funds are low, into a gourmet affair. 

For a gift that lasts all year long, check out the Olive Taps Sampler Clubs! Where you can sign up to get seasonal pairings of oils and vinegar four times a year! Doing a little holiday shopping for yourself never hurt anybody!

At some great prices, you can't go wrong with The Olive Tap this year!

Head on over to the site and pick up some gift packagesto give to family, friends, or just to have on hand in case someone unexpectedly gets you a gift! 

I received a free sample of Tuscan Olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar for this review, All opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary payments for this review. 

The Cult of Lego

I grew up with Legos, 

Building with them, throwing them, fighting over them.

But I never thought of enjoying them later in life. Or of doing anything with them besides building farms for my Lego cows.

The Cult of Lego is not a group of nerds who worship the Lego King (although I'm not doubting that such a secret society probably exists)

Its a book by Joe Baichtal and Joe Menoabout the amazing things that people have done with Legos over the years. Projects which far exceed my barn and fences (they were darn nice though)

Everything from Lego Leagues to customized Lego figurines.

Lego Harpsichords and Lego Bible Scenes.

A Lego Costume!

Lego art and my personal favorite, Legos for Autism Therapy!

A fabulous book for any collection, but especially for the dad or granddad who is always enthusiastic about Legos. Maybe for the college student who hasn't quite given up on that box in the basement?

Whoever is the Lego lover in your life, this is a book to share with them, or just read for yourself. You'll find yourself constantly amazed at the masterpieces that people have created with the tiny blocks, as well as the communities that they have built while doing so!

I received a free copy of The Cult of Lego for this review, all opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.

My Caring Cross

Sometimes there are people that you try to shop for and there really doesn't seem to be the proper gift to give them. Well I have a suggestion

My Caring Cross supports Christian Families in Bethlehem who make them. They also are wonderful reminders to pray or just a way to show people that we love them.

The crosses are made from Olive Wood, which is an ancient tree, that has been used for everything from anointing oil to a building material.

The crosses make wonderful fundraisers for Church or Youth Groups get the crosses for just $3 plus postage and sell them for  $7!

Each cross fits perfectly in the palm of the hand, but its not a tiny cross. It fits into the contours of the hand. 

They are also available for wedding gifts! I love this idea because its so much more meaningful then a candle or something that people will just throw out.

I carried the cross around and shared it with a few people that I came into contact with and everybody seemed to really love them. Its a bold and beautiful gesture to give someone such a special gift.  Its wonderful for a special occasion, or even more special to someone who needs some comfort.

I like carrying the cross around, I keep it in my car as a reminder to pray throughout my day. I keep it as a reminder that someone is watching me. I keep it as a reminder that I have someone who cares.

As a special deal for Mommypants readers My Caring Cross is offering two crosses shipped anywhere in the U.S. for just $10.00 that's a $2.00 discount!

Click here for the deal!

GIVEAWAY!

My Caring Cross is offering a FREE olive wood caring cross to a Mommypants Reader!

To win!

MANDATORY: Visit My Caring Cross, and tell me one thing you learned about the crosses, by leaving a comment below

extra entry: 'like' my caring cross by visiting their Facebook page

Be sure to leave your e-mail address below if you're email isn't linked up to your comment!

I will pick a winner on December 1st 2011

GOOD LUCK!

`

I received a free olive wood cross  for this review, all opinions are 100% mine I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.

Gentle, Organic Shampoo for your little one

When shopping for baby shampoo or any shampoo really, it can be tough to navigate the lists of ingredients, and I'll be honest I don't know what they all are! 

Which is probably why the first thing I noticed about the products I was sent from Dolphin Organics was the easy to read list of ingredients, not only does this list in easy to read print which ingredients are in the shampoo, the labels ingredients as organic, natural or artificial, its good to see the last column empty when it involves my child!

I really loved the label, and I would appreciate more companies being so honest in their ingredients!

I was sent the  Baby Shampoo and Body Wash as well as the Hair Conditioner the first thing I noticed was the smell, well I guess the better way to put it would be the lack of smell. Instead of some floral scent or essential oil. It smelled like nothing. I like that a lot when it comes to my daughter. Its nice when a product says 'scent free' that its actually free from smells!

Next, I noticed that the shampoo was pretty thin, this worried me at first, I thought 'lame watered down shampoo' But upon reading the back I saw that Water ( or aqua or agua or any other fancy name used to confuse me that its just water in there) Was not on the list. Taking a note from my use of Castile soap, I remembered that sometimes less really is more so I tried a tiny bit on Bella's head.

I was really impressed, it got very sudsy and when I rinsed there was no complaint of soap in the eyes.

The same went for the conditioner, a small amount went a long way and it had my daughter's hair clean, and tangle free,

Dolphin Organics carries some great products sure to please you and make you feel good about what you're using, give it a go! 

I received free samples of Dolphin Organics products for this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review.

Thugs, Drugs and The War on Bugs

When I first moved to Northern California I was introduced to all sorts of ideas about health care. 

I learned about eastern vs. western medicine, I took Valerian root to ease my anxiety. I started eating whole foods because I learned about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils.

It was when I got pregnant with my daughter that I started to look at western medicine from a new view. I didn't see all the need for interventions and why oh why were there SO many c-sections in New York City? Why did hospitals have higher c-section rates then midwifes and home births.

Thugs, Drugs and the War on Bugs talks about these issues, is healthcare in America really helping us the way that it should?

The book shows a whole new view of the health care system, one from an  outside perspective, one that's not a paid advertisement for pharmaceutical and vaccines.

For some reason it seems crazy to me that the 4th leading cause of death in America is properly perscribed medication and that hospitals are the third!

Before you make decisions on your health care read Doctor Brad Case's book, if  for nothing else it will give you a perspective that's a bit different and make you think about any health procedures before you decide to take the leap.

I would love to go into my conspiracy theories, about evil hospitals, but there isn't enough time for that.  The way that we believe now is the way that we have always been taught, its up to us to get as much information as we can about the realities of our health now if we want to change the future.

Thugs, Drugs and the War on Bugs is the first book in a series by Doctor Brad Case, and includes The 20 Steps to Perfect Health. The book is long and easy to get lost in,

So get informed, check it out!

I received a  free copy of Thugs Drugs and the War on Bugs for this review. all opinions are  100% mine. I did not receive any monetary payments for this review.

The No Cry Picky Eater solution

Do you have a picky eater on your hands?

For some parents its easy, their kids will eat just about anything they see in front of them. 

For a long time now I've always put it off to just being good kids, or having parents that are vegetarians...  

That was until I read The No Cry Picky Eater Solution by Elizabeth Pantley. 

When I first picked up the book I noticed that right away Elizabeth didn't blame me for my child's lack of veggie enthusiasm.

I also noticed that it was FILLED to the brim with tips and tricks for getting your child to try new flavors (or even reintroduce some that weren't so favorable) by using different shapes, sizes and  colors. 

Elizabeth also gives some great advice on how to transition kids to new foods like adding a bit of a healthy choice to a previous favorite.

In the first part of the book, I appreciated that it helped me decide if my toddler was getting the nutrients in the food that she needed. Of course I could take her to a nutritionalist for this sort of information and if she was having any signs of malnutrition I would have, but for a healthy girl, I just wanted to make sure she was getting everything she needed. 

In the last section of the book there are some fun recipes to try at home. The recipes are yummy and appealing to kids, while at the same time being healthy!

If you have a picky eater on your hands don't give up, there is a way to get them to love green veggies just as much as you do (or in my case hopefully more then I do)  

The No-Cry Picky Eater Solution is a great book for new parents, or for those who are just struggling to get through dinner without a fight! 

Elizabeth also has some other great books so be sure to check out her website!

http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/

I received a free copy of  The No-Cry Picky Eater Solution for this review. I did not recieve any monetary compensation for this review. All opinions are 100%mine

Hot, fresh and.... Gluten Free?....for free

This post brought to you by Schar. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

If you have recently discoverd an allergey or intollerance to gluten. i'm going to make an educated guesss that you  miss the taste of warm crusty bread fresh from the oven. 

Well now the people over at Schar Foods Euroe's leading Gluten-free food brand has re-launched thier sub sandwhich, ciabatta rolls and baugettes! Yes you read that correct thats three products, all bread related

Not only that but the Schar club is offereing a free sample kit to the first 2,000 members to request one!  

(your welcome)

Once you sign up , you'll see a colum titled 'tootbox' and under that will be a section that reads 'giveaways' simply click on that link, fill out the form and then wait for your free samples!

 

Schar club rolls are GMO-free, low fat and a great source of fiber. All you need to do is pull them from the freezer! They are heat and serve so you'll have warm crusty rolls, to go with your favorite diner. I love the idea of being able to have an acctual sandwich at lunch, and from the looks of these breads on the site, I don't think I would even miss the gluten variety! 

I'm always confident in foods that come from Europe, the standards of food are quite high over there, i rarely find myself dissappointed when I spend the extra few dollars on european foods. And if there is one thing that I can say for Europe they know how to make some great bread.

Schar club seems like a great program for those who need to choose gluten-free foods. Which one of the gluten-free foods are you most excited to try? I'm excited about the Ciabatta rolls (mmm my fav) Let me know in the comments below which one you want to try! 

And  do yourself a favor and sign up for  the free sample !

Puppies vs. Babies

This post brought to you by Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

If  you haven't yet heard about the Puppies vs. Babies on Animal Planet you are missing a pretty adorable show. 

While I odn't watch it all too often, Annabella is in love with it. Puppies and babies are pretty much her two favorite things (well two of the other twenty things that she labels her 'favorites')

Well the people over at Puppies vs. Babies are having an online contest where one puppy or one baby will be the winner of $5,000!  The entries for the Puppies vs. Babies online contest have been selected so now all you have to do is vote! I have my own opinion on the matter.

Personally I think babies are much cuter then puppies for these reasons.

If my baby eats her poop, at least she's eating her poop, not some random poop on the sidewalk

1. If a baby looks like his parents its cute, if a puppy looks like his owners its weird.
2. Lets be honest, baby clothes are adorable.
3. First Words
4. Puppy Food......yuck
5. Babies vomit less
6. Dogs smell
7. Walking a puppY in the rain greatly reduces the cuteness factor

Who do you think is cuter? Puppies or babies? Leave a comment below and don't forget to vote in the Puppies vs. Babies online contest

WINNER!

Congrats to Kimberly! The winner of TheTommee Tippee Manual Breast Pump! I'll be sending you an e-mail Kimberly!

Kimberly said...

Our little girl will be here around Thanksgiving. I still need a breast pump because I felt weird adding one to my registry. :)

October 10, 2011 2:14 PM 

Homemade for the Holidays

If you're like me then the idea of shopping around for an impersonal gift to give isn't your style.

I like to give gifts that scream personal, gifts that come from the heart whether they be handmade rice bags  for sore muscles or just a massage for those muscles.

I'm always glad to give something that I am proud of to my family and friends. 

Gifts from the Kitchen by Annie Rigg is just that book. But it goes beyond the holidays. The book is filled with gifts from the kitchen that fit into any time of the year. Pick a recipe from Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter or Celebrations and your gift will never be out of place. 

The book has recipes for all types of cooks, the Chocolate and Cinnamon Swirl Meringues are not only rustic and beautiful, but they are quite simple to make and last for three to four days!

Candied Citrus Peel is elegant and it can be used by the receiver in a variety of ways.

I'm looking forward to bringing some Summer Berry Vodka to the hostess of my next summer BBQ (and keeping one in my refrigerator to impress guests. Since it lasts up to two months, I can cover the whole summer with two batches!

A great gift for that man if your life who loves nothing but meat, hook him up with some Pork Rillettes, tender pork belly, shredded and packed into jars, wonderful with some hearty bread and Pickled Vegetables!

Bring your garden to friends who might not have one with Slow Roasted Tomatoes

And what better way to show your significant other you love him then by making him a box of Chocolate Valentine's Cakes.

Gifts from the Kitchen is a book that every homemade mama needs, especially if you are the type that likes to impress, or just bring a smile to someone's face!

I received a free copy of Gifts from the Kitchen for this review. I did not receive any cash payments for this review. All opinions are 100% mine

Packit Lunch Boxes

This post brought to you by PackIt. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you find that the ice packs in your husband or child's lunch box seem to disappear?  Or do they just not seem to last long enough?

Now there is a lunch box that lasts up to five times as long as the average ice gel pack. With PackIt lunch boxes, instead of having to keep track of an extra piece of lunch box to school or work. The lunch box IS your gel cooler! 

The pack it folds up to fit easily in your freezer! But its big enough to hold a lunch that will keep you and your loved ones full. 

 

Soft coolers like this are great for bringing to school or to lunch because not only can kids have whats leftover from lunch for a snack after school. They can fold up the box and fit it easily into a backpack, that way they don't have to carry a backpack as well as a lunchbox at the same time! 

 

The PackIt lunch boxes is having a special sale right now of buy one get one free for only  $19.95!

At that rate why not buy a few extra for bringing to the beach or ballpark this summer? Even using these to carry some cookies or candy to grandma's house in the winter so it won't melt in a warm car. 

The uses for these bags are endless but starting with them being great for school and work lunches!

Such a great idea for a lunch box, and it was created by a group of single moms!  

 

Let me know in the comments what you would use a pack-it for! Why would it beat a regular lunch box?

300 Best Potato Recipes!

Potatoes.

When my mother was a child, my Nana took her too the doctor fearing that she had an unhealthy dislike for mashed potatoes. Surly her daughter would  have some sort of problem without eating them. But my  Nana didn't have to worry, the doctor told her my mother would be fine, and that she should just feed her pasta....

I'm Irish, so I'm pretty sure its a DNA thing.  

So when I'm offered a book with The 300 Best Potato Recipes compiled by Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh, I could hardly contain myself (hello that means I only have to figure out 65 other recipes for the whole year)

I love potatoes, they are healthy, there are so many different kinds and since reading this book I have learned more information about potatoes then I even knew that there was! 

First I learned about all the different kinds of potatoes! And yes there are LOTS of types of potatoes out there! 

The collection of Potato Soup recipes were a great way to great the chilly winter. Thinking about trying the

• Creamy Potato and Four Onion Soup
• Potato and Leek Soup

Can't wait to try out a few of these appetizers with my local mother's group

• Spiced Potato Ribbons
• Sweet Potato-Crusted Shrimp (okay dinner tomorrow)
• Sweet Potato Hush Puppies

These light meals are great lunches to bring to work

• Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream
• Herb and Garlic Roasted Mini Potatoes with Penne (two starches hallelujah)
• Pan Haggerty (Irish roots run deep)

Side dishes are classic for potatoes, and these dishes bring no disappointments. Its easy to return to the same old 'mashed' or 'baked' varieties. These bring a whole new life to your meal. These are wonderful ways to bring some different flavors to a basic roast chicken and veggies! Why not add some pizzazz to your meal with your sides! And keep the meat healthy and simple!

• Pommes Boulanerie
• Souffle Wafer Potatoes
• Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apple Crisp Topping
• 
  

What about main dishes? Yes you can cook potatoes with a few other ingredients and have a hearty filling meal that the entire family enjoys!

• Lamb Shoulder with Potatoes and Tomatoes
• Crisp Potato-Wrapped Halibut (I tried something similar at a fancy Italian Restaurant once)
• Cottage Pie for Mac
• Short Ribs of Beef with Soaked Spuds

Lastly I'm going to leave you with desserts, yes even potato desserts. I've always believed that potatoes were an amazing food and this book makes me smile every-time I open it!

• Sweet Potato Pound Cake with Sweet Potato Ice Cream!
• Dark Chocolate and Orange Potato Cheesecake
• Spice and Maple Sweet Potato Cookies (wow them at Thanksgiving)

This book will answer all of your potato questions and give you ideas that are new and exciting for everyday. Its inspired me to try growing a hundred pounds of potatoes in a wine barrel like these people here

http://greenupgrader.com/11708/4-simple-steps-to-grow-a-hundred-pounds-of-potatoes-in-a-barrel/

I wonder how many of these recipes I can make with a hundred pounds??

Get your own copy and eat potatoes everyday!

I received a free copy of The 300 Best Potato Recipes for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Lisa Loeb Silly Sing Alongs

Do you remember Lisa Loeb?

Okay so at first I didn't remember who she was either, but then I Googled her an I was brought back to high school and singing 'stay' into my mirror.

Fast forward ten years, and here we are in the present, the memory of Lisa Loeb is a distant one. 

Till we were sent 'The Disappointing Pancake' Its wonderful! Not only is it a kids book, it comes with a CD as well as choreography and activities to do with each song!

As a parent who isn't always up to date with the latest hand games or what the kids are doing at daycare. The Disappointing Pancake is a fun book for everyone.

I love the idea of bringing this book to a birthday party or get together for some new silliness! 

If you didn't like Lisa Loeb in the past, don't let that hold you back. This book, will have all entertained!

I received a free copy of The Disappointing Pancake for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.

Bamboo Bottles!

Its not often that I get a product and EVERYBODY asks me about it.

Maybe its the green attitude of the area.

Maybe its that this product is just plain cool.

Lets face it, buying water in a plastic bottle is wasteful. I'm not going to be a hater, I know its convenient and easy. But when its only 50 cents for a gallon at Whole Foods, its a bit pointless to spend 1.99 on a  liter bottle.

So when I was first approached by the Bamboo Bottle Company, it was an easy choice for me to agree to share it with you readers

This is the most innovative reusable water bottle that I have yet used, sustainable, reusable and safe!

In the past, my choice has always been stainless steel, one cup for my hot beverages in the morning and one bottle for my water. But its a pain carrying around two cups, not to mention lugging them both into school and both out. 

The bottle is glass on the inside, with a bamboo cover that slips over it to make it easy to clean! 

This bottle has gotten me so many compliments, and I have used it every day since I got it.  

BPA free,  so its great for daily use and you can even let your kids drink out if it! 

I love the glass because it doesn't hold the flavor that sometimes I feel that Stainless Steel will sometimes keep the flavor of coffee long after I have cleaned out my bottle

The bottles retail for just $25, and are available on the Bamboo Bottle Co website as well as local retailers which can be found here 

http://www.bamboobottleco.com/retailers/

I received a free Bamboo Bottle for this review, all opinions are 100% mine. I did not receive any cash payment for this review.