Friday, August 31, 2012

Gutzy Gear Party!

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Thanks to MomSelect I was chosen to host a Gutzy Gear Party. Gutzy Gear is straps you can put on your child's backpack, gym bag, anything with a strap you can think of. My children range in the ages of 2-16 and they all loved them so there really isn't an age limit for Gutzy Gear Patches. There is a patch for every child and they are very easy to apply and remove with Velcro. They are great to collect and trade with friends. You can check out the variety of patches here: Gutzy Gear








Disclosure: I receive a party pack from MomSelect in exchange for my opinion.

Thursday, August 30, 2012



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CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS DAY ON SEPT. 9
Show Grandma and Grandpa You Care With a Deliciously Sweet Gift from Tree Top

SELAH, Wash. (Aug. 30, 2012) – For many, relationships with our grandparents are sacred. But what you may not know is there is a day dedicated to celebrating these special and often overlooked people. Annually, Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day, this year landing on Sept. 9.

As gifts go, grandparents cherish those that are homemade. In honor of this precious holiday, Tree Top has developed a delicious and kid-friendly gift idea that will show grandma and grandpa how much they care!

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STEP 1: Break out your apron and mixer! Grandparents won’t be able to resist these yummy caramel apple oatmeal cookies. Moms and dads, remember kiddos will need your help in the kitchen – supervision is a must.

Ingredients
Directions
Cookies:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick oats
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons lemon zest
¾ cup salted butter, softened
1 ½ cups sugar
1 large egg
½ cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped apples with peels
2 cups caramel chips

Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 – 3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon maple flavoring
Preheat oven to 300°F.

In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, oats, salt, soda, cinnamon, cloves and lemon zest. Mix well; add butter, sugar, egg, apple sauce and maple syrup. Mix until well blended.

Add fresh chopped apples and caramel chips. Mix until all ingredients are combined. Do not over mix. Dough will be soft.

Drop by rounded tablespoon-full onto greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 12-15 minutes until bottoms are golden.

Mix powdered sugar, milk and maple flavoring in small bowl until smooth. While cookies are still warm, ice with maple icing and let set.

STEP 2: Entice your grandparents by wrapping the cookies up in an extra special way! Some suggestions include:

  • Place cookies carefully into a cellophane gift bag. Tie the top closed with bakers’ twine.

  • Place a sheet of parchment paper onto a sheet of tissue paper. With cookies in the middle, gather the edges and tie with bakers’ twine. For extra decoration, cut a strip of card stock to wrap around the package as a decorative band.

  • Cut an 8-by-8 inch square of tissue paper, and fold all four corners around the cookie. Seal with an extra-special sticker.

STEP 3: What gift is complete without a card? Make this one extra special with a poem written by Tree Top especially for grandparents on their special day.

Happy Grandparents Day to one of the best.
To have you in my life, I sure am blessed.
I hope you know you’re the apple of my eye.
Here’s a gift I made for you, give it a try!

STEP 4: Attach the card to the cookie package and give to your grandma and grandpa with a big hug!

For more Tree Top recipes, visit www.treetop.com.

About Tree Top
Since 1960, Tree Top has provided premium, quality juices, fruit based products and ingredients to consumers and most of the world’s leading manufacturers. The grower-owned cooperative operates eight processing facilities in the heart of Washington’s apple country, Oregon and California. With more than 1,100 growers, the co-op creates the widest array of fruit-based products and ingredients available on the market. Tree Top’s passion and attention to quality and craftsmanship makes it the first choice for customers.  For more information, visit www.treetop.com.

Monday, August 27, 2012

SaffroLean 90day Trial Update

One week down and 1.5lbs down as well! I haven't changed my diet completely ,but I have totally eliminated anything fried. I also have incorporated a twenty minute work out 4 to 5 times a week. I do notice I feel full longer after a healthy wholesome meal and I do not have the urge to raid my pantry for my children's snacks. My mood is positive and I notice I have a lot more energy at the end of the day. I will keep you posted!

Creativity for Kids party


Creativity for Kids 
Thanks to MomSelect I was able to host a Creativity for Kids Mommy party the kit was fantastic and the girls had a great time including myself thank you. Creativity for Kids has something for everyone to enjoy and express there creativity, most important the kits make it easy to spend quality time with your kids. You can click here to check out some of the products they have to offer: Creativity for Kids
Bracelet and Bottle top necklace kit!
My Creative Girls at work!


These little bags were so much fun and easy to personalize!



Disclosure: I received a party pack from MomSelect in exchange for my honest opinion.


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Menu of Healthy Labor Day Recipes

A mouth-watering menu of healthy Labor Day recipes



Before you decide that a “healthy barbecue” sounds about as fun as actually working on Labor Day, check out our HellaWella menu. Our surf-and-turf options are sure to make any carnivore/pescetarian drool, and we’ve got vegetarians covered, too, with our watermelon salad, guac, couscous and cucumber salad. And before you break out the beer cooler or decide you’re going to drink the tears you’re shedding over summer’s end, check out our Gin Gin cocktail. We’ve got something for everyone without skimping on nutrition or taste. (Note: Make sure your grilling this weekend is eco-friendly. Click here for tips.

 ACLYN’S CRANBERRY-AND-HERB TURKEY BURGERS
Sweeten up your Labor Day burgers with some cranberry! Where’s the beef? Our House Honcho’s cranberry-and-herb lean turkey burgers contain less fat, less calories and slightly more protein than beef burgers. Cranberries provide some vitamin C and fiber; plus, their antioxidants help you maintain a strong immune system.
  • ¼ cup, plus 2 tablespoons, of whole-wheat couscous
  • ½ cup of boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 stalk of celery
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme
  • 1½ teaspoons of chopped fresh sage
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
  • ¼ cup of dried cranberries
  • 1 pound of 93% lean ground turkey

1. Place couscous in a large bowl. Pour in boiling water, stir and set aside until the water is absorbed, about 5 minutes. If grilling the burgers, preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add celery; cook, stirring until softened, about 3 minutes. Add thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds more. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the couscous, add cranberries and stir. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add turkey and stir until combined; do not over-mix.
3. Form the mixture into 6 patties.
4. To cook on stovetop: Coat a large nonstick skillet, preferably cast-iron, with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the patties, reduce heat to medium and cook for 4 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side for 2 minutes. Cover and continue to cook until lightly browned but still juicy (the juices should run clear, not pink), about 4 minutes more. (An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.) To grill: Oil the grill rack and grill burgers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping gently to avoid breaking. Serve immediately.


JEN’S CHICKEN RUB/GLAZE
If turkey burgers aren’t your thing, grilled chicken is a tasty addition to any barbecue — especially when you have our Fitness Sweatidor’s chicken rub/glaze! This recipe is low in calories and fat — and unlike many barbecue sauces you buy at the store, it doesn’t include sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
  • 4 split chicken breasts (on the ribs, fat removed)
  • ½ cup of olive oil
  • 1 cup of honey
  • 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
  • A splash of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of thyme
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • Cracked pepper and salt, to taste

1. Combine honey, balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Stir until well-blended. Set aside half of mixture for later.
2. Drizzle olive oil over rinsed and pat-dried chicken breasts. Rub cracked pepper, salt, garlic powder and thyme over the chicken. Brush on a coating of the glaze mixture. Place chicken on grill, close lid and let it cook for about 35 minutes. Brush on more glaze after 35 minutes.
3. Chicken is ready when the its internal temperature reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit. (Use a meat thermometer!)
4. Before serving, use a clean brush to glaze the chicken one last time.


ALLISON’S LEMON-GRILLED SHRIMP
Our Health Heroine adds the surf to our surf-and-turf Labor Day menu with lemon-grilled shrimp. Shrimp are low in fat and are a good source of protein, vitamin B12 and selenium. If you’re the king (or queen) of the grill, make sure you’re aware of any of your guests’ shellfish allergies. Anaphylaxis tends to be a buzz kill.
  • 24 large shrimp (for less work, get deveined frozen shrimp)
  • ½ cup of lemon juice
  • ½ cup of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons of lemon rind
  • 2 teaspoons of dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of black pepper

Makes 8 servings.

1. Peel shrimp, leaving on tails, and devein. Put in plastic bag and set in bowl. Stir remaining ingredients. Pour over shrimp and close bag tightly. Squeeze gently to coat shrimp. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Remove shrimp, reserving marinade. Cook shrimp on greased grill over medium-hot coals or at medium heat until opaque, brushing over with marinade for 2 minutes on each side until pink and firm to touch.


WATERMELON FETA SALAD
You can’t say goodbye to summer without some watermelon. This refreshing, all-American fruit contains vitamins A and C, and recent research has shown it contains as much lycopene as tomatoes, if not more.
  • 6 cups of watermelon
  • ½ cup of finely chopped fresh mint
  • 5 ounces to 6 ounces of feta cheese
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh lime juice

Serves 6.

1. Chop watermelon into cubes, approximately 1-in. squares.
2. Place in a large mixing bowl and squeeze in the juice from half of a lime. Add fresh ground black pepper to taste.
3. Rinse mint sprigs, remove the leaves from the stem and finely chop the leaves.
4. Toss the mint, lime juice and pepper with the watermelon.
5. Transfer from the mixing bowl to a serving platter where the watermelon can spread out a little.
6. Crumble feta over the melon evenly and serve.

You can see the whole article and more recipe's at: 

A Mouthwatering Menu of Healthy Labor Day Recipes 

HellaWella.com, a fun and relatable health website!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Fight Cold and Flu Season Naturally with Homemade Hand Sanitizer

September marks the start of the season every parent comes to dread: cold and flu season. As children take their play indoors, germs circulate more quickly, leading to six months of increased infections that can, at any point, turn a day of school or work into cancelled meetings and time spent coughing on the couch.

As with all illnesses, prevention is better than the cure. While many parents turn to hand sanitizer to kill germs, these store-bought concoctions can contain alcohol and harsh chemicals. Dr. Lawrence Rosen, a nationally recognized expert in Pediatric Integrative Medicine, shares this recipe for a gentler – and equally effective – homemade hand sanitizer:

Homemade Hand Sanitizer

Ingredients:
•       3 oz. filtered water
•       1 tsp. aloe vera gel
•       10 drops cinnamon essential oil
•       10 drops clove essential oil
•       10 drops rosemary essential oil
•       10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
•       20 drops lemon oil

Instructions: Mix ingredients in a 4-ounce spray dispenser, and shake gently. Spray on children’s hands, and teach them to massage the spray into their hands for 30 seconds. The result is a natural, chemical free, hand sanitizer to keep germs at bay.

Of course, some illnesses are unavoidable. When a cold or flu does strike, Dr. Rosen recommends using Sambucol (black elderberry extract) to help alleviate symptoms faster. Researchers have found that influenza patients treated with elderberry recover four days faster, on average, than those not receiving treatment. Elderberry is safe for children two years or older – which means your kids can get back to school faster when recovering from the flu.

Dr. Rosen, along with holistic-minded parent Jeff Cohen, recently published a book of natural remedies for nearly 100 common childhood ailments – everything from acne to urinary tract infections. The book, Treatment Alternatives for Children: Reduce Serious Side Effects with Natural Equivalents to Conventional Remedies for Common Childhood Ailments, is a resource for parents who want to find alternatives to prescription antibiotics and other conventional treatments that sometimes have harsh side effects. Like Dr. Rosen’s approach to preventing, and treating, the flu, each ailment is addressed from the perspective of the child’s overall wellbeing.

Monday, August 20, 2012

SaffroLean 90 Day Trial Week #1







This is day one of my 90day SaffroLean Trial. So far so good I have had one pill at 12 noon and I have to admit I feel great. No jitters I ate Subway for lunch and I plan on taking my second pill at 6 this evening. The directions say to take one pill 30 minutes prior to breakfast and lunch but I'm going to take mine before lunch and dinner. That is just my preference we go to bed late at my house so I have trouble with late night snacking. I have high hopes for this product some have lost up to 28lbs in the 90 days so I'm very excited. My wedding dress will arrive some time in late November so this is perfect timing. Now ladies I'm brave and have taken a picture of the scale this morning so you can see my starting weight. I will keep you informed of my progress through out the weeks! I have also listed all the information I have on this product in case you want to check it out for yourselves.

 Reduce snacking and improve long-term weight loss with new optimized Saffron  


Saffron has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as a natural mood enhancer and relaxant. Now a recent well-controlled medical study shows that Satiereal® Saffron can also reduce the desire to overeat and snack between meals.

SaffroLean is a new natural diet supplement that contains Satiereal® Saffron in a carefully balanced and purposefully crafted blend of active ingredients that work together in harmony with each other.

 Satiereal® Saffron is made from the red colored stigma threads of the saffron crocus flower, which comes from the Crocus Sativa flower grown and harvested in places like Greece, Iran, Kashmir and Afghanistan. It is the world's most expensive spice. The 3 stigma strands must be removed by hand from over 75,000 harvested flower blossoms to yield just one pound of Saffron. Despite these limitations, over 200 tons of saffron is produced worldwide every year.


A bottle with 60 capsules (30-day Supply) retails for $29.95. For more information visit 
http://www.saffrolean.com/

Check out the label:

 




What Else is Inside: Other Ingredients in SaffroLean

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea Leaf)

Green tea is made solely from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis. The reported health benefits associated with the active ingredient in Green Tea suggests cellular protection from potentially harmful free radicals, improved cardiovascular health and generally well-being. The unique extraction process of the stimulant-free Camellia Sinensis used in Saffrolean boosts your metabolic rate and stimulate fat oxidation without increasing your heart rate. In clinical trials, subjects lost on average 28lbs in just 90 days – without a super-low calorie, starvation diet.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)

Vitamin D3 levels helps with bone growth and strength, helping to maintain normal blood pressure while improving colon health and boosting the immune system. Vitamin D3 also helps support good breast health.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Thiamine is a vitamin used by the body to break down sugars in the diet. B1 supports nerve and heart health, particularly those that occur when a person’s natural diet does not contain enough thiamine.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

B2 is important for body growth and red blood cell production. B2 will help convert and release energy from carbohydrates in your diet.

Pyridoxine HCL (Vitamin B6)

B6 Assists in the balancing of sodium and potassium as well as promoting red blood cell production, helping cardiovascular health, balancing hormonal changes in women and supporting the immune system. B6 also provides benefits to cognitive health and supports a healthy mood.

Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

B12 helps the body use fat and carbohydrates for energy and make new protein. It is also supports production of normal blood, cells, and nerves.

All ingredients used are considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 


So now that you know what is in it



 Looking for ways to spice up your snacking routines? Pillsbury knows just how you feel and wants to awaken your taste buds with new PillsburyŽ Baguette Chips! These hearty chips are sliced from oven baked bread and topped with savory seasonings bringing flavors like Italian Cheese & Herb and Cheddar Sun-dried Tomato to gourmet snack chips.

Enjoy Pillsbury Baguette Chips alone, with your favorite dip, as a soup topping, or to add some crunch to your salad! With 130 calories per serving (21 baguette chips), and 50% less fat than regular potato chips*, Pillsbury Baguette Chips are delicious snack chips that you can feel good about eating! See for yourself by going to http://bit.ly/PBCcoupon to download a printable coupon to save $0.75 off one package. 


 *Pillsbury Baguette Chips (5g fat per 29g serving); regular potato chips (11g fat per 29g serving). See nutrition information for sodium content.

Coupon courtesy of MyBlogSpark

Friday, August 17, 2012

Marlow and the Monster Book Review





Award-winning Author Helps Take the Fear Out of Monsters Lurking in Your Child’s Bedroom
 – Monsters hide under beds, in closets and lurk outside closed doors. No matter where these creatures take up residence, most children go through a phase when they worry about monsters, ghosts and other creepy-crawlies being in their room at night. So how can parents help them cope?

Sharon Cramer is a mom of three who has dealt with her fair share of monsters while raising her three sons. She tackles the subject in her latest children’s book Marlow and the Monster (Talking Bird Books, July 1, 2012, $14.95), a book every parent will want to keep on hand for those spooky nights.

In Marlow and the Monster, Marlow has a monster, whether he likes it or not. And guess what? He doesn't! What will Marlow do about this very pesky monster that keeps getting him into trouble? At his wits end, Marlow decides that the only prudent thing to do is to pawn the monster off on his little sister, Sarah, who eventually helps him see his monster in a very different light.

In Marlow and the Monster, Cramer takes the intimidation factor away from monsters and helps children and their parents form a more lighthearted view of these creatures.

“We don’t want to underestimate the reality our children’s beliefs and fears,” says Cramer, “but we do want to help them understand the role their imagination plays in controlling the things they are afraid of. For instance, maybe their monster is silly and goofy instead of mean and scary.”

The book is, in Cramer’s words, “My first trip onto the wild side!” Illustrated with quill pen and ink, the only splash of color is reserved for the monster to depict that only the children can see him. Each illustration takes her between 30-40 hours to create. 

TALKING POINTS:
  • Monsters – Do they necessarily have to be scary?
  • Fun ideas on how children can imagine their monster moments as friendly moments.
  • Talk about your fears - Everyone is afraid sometimes, even Mom and Dad. Share how you cope with your fears.

SHARON CRAMER is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and avid competitive equestrian. She is also the author of Cougar Cub Tales, an award winning children’s picture book series that follows the adventures of a brother and sister cougar cub, and is working on a new young adult series called The Cerulean Star. She lives in Spokane, Wash.

 To learn more, please visit: www.talkingbirdbooks.com. You can also follow her on Twitter.


This book is beautifully done in my opinion I have been reading it to my Two 1/2 year old and she loves it. The book couldn't have arrived at a better time just recently we have been having problems with her waking up in the middle of the night and saying she's scared so this has been our solution. I read it to her before she goes to bed and if she does happen to wake up this is what she asks for a long with a cup of warm milk. Marlow and the Monster is a story all can relate to no matter what the age.


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review these are my honest opinions.

Clutter Solutions-Review

Maximize cabinet space and tame the chaos in kitchen cabinets with efficient baby food and beverage container organizers from PRK™ Products.  No more multiple parts of bottles and sippy cups taking up valuable kitchen space, the Universal Baby Bottle & Sippy Cup Organizer keeps all the parts in one tidy place. The Universal Baby Food Jar Organizer stores 16 jars and even acts as a shelf, allowing for other items to be stacked on top of it. PRK™ Products are dishwasher safe, BPA and phthalate free and can be stored in the pantry, fridge or freezer (great for store bought or homemade baby food).   www.prkproductsinc.com

 I was given the opportunity to try these great space saving products and what a difference they make just see for yourself:

Universal Baby Bottle & Sippy Cup Organizer 






I can store my bottles and sippy cups on my counter while using very little space  and avoid the chore of searching for bottle and sippy cup parts.


Universal Baby Food Jar Organizer





This jar organizer makes it easy to find your baby's favorites and also makes the jars more visible so you can actually see what you have. I don't know how many times I end up with to many fruits and not enough veggie's. You can put this organizer in your pantry or even your fridge the sky's the limit.

Ladies it's the little things that can make a whole lot of difference and if these organizers can save me a few minutes of headache I'm sure you will agree it is well worth it. Especially when it means more time with the family.

You can purchase these PRK products online at Bed Bath & Beyond as well as many other stores you can find a list on the website: www.prkproductsinc.com



Disclosure: I was given this product to try in exchange for my review these are my honest opinions.