Homeschooling With Math Games - Part 2

Yesterday we chatted about using math games to help your child develop a love of math. Instead of sitting, listening to lecturing and doing worksheets, let's get them using math skills in every day life situations and through fun games!

Today I want to share another super fun game with you - this time it is all about multiplication. And let's face it - multiplication is normally just a bunch of memorizing math facts. It usually involves flash cards or some other "boring" type of activity.

Not with this multiplication game! Monster Sock Factory is a board game to practice multiplication mainly for grades 2 and up. It is designed to get kids 8 times more practice in their multiplication facts than in an average classroom.

The game starts with this cute story about the different monsters in this faraway land of Dimis, each with a different amount of legs and how you are working at the local sock factory to make and dispatch socks to each one. Each individual cartoon monster is kinda cute and makes the game more fun and activates the imagination a bit, at least for my kiddos. Your kids will also be working on strategic planning, hand-eye coordination, patience and memorization as they play this game.

And you're going to love this - the same company that makes this game offers FREE math worksheets for division, multiplication and more for grades 1-5. I am so excited to get these printed off and feed my kiddos excitement for the fun characters and story lines.

Grab your kiddo a new math game and start having fun with them while practicing a bunch of relevant skills.

Share with me - what are you doing with your kiddos to make Math fun?

*I was given product to review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own.

Homeschool Fun with Math Games

I don't know about you but I was never very passionate about math. I get excited about reading, history, even science, but math - nuh, uh.

My son is the same way. He struggles with it more than other subjects which has turned him off to math as a whole. Since I am homeschooling him this year, I am determined to help him and my other children develop a love  like (let's be realistic, right?) for this subject.

One of the ways I am going to be doing this is by having them do more life math skills and play more games that involve using math. Instead of them just listening to me lecture and then doing worksheets - I hope to bring math to life for them!

We recently got a fantastic math division game called Big Catch. It's a division board game for students of grade 3 and up. It is designed to get them 8 times more division practice than in your typical classroom in a FUN way!

My son was super duper excited to try it out. He loved all the bright colors and fun game pieces. He has a bit of practice to get the long division down to really get the game mastered, but he is excited to do so, and that is huge progress! This games makes you the fisherman and gives you a fun adventure to distract you from all the awesome math skills you are developing. It also helps you develop skills of patience, strategic planning, and flexibility.

Also - big bonus - the same company that makes this game offers FREE math worksheets for division, multiplication and more for grades 1-5. I am so excited to get these printed off and feed my kiddos excitement for the fun characters and story lines.

Check back in with me tomorrow for another fun math game that you and your kids will love!

In the meantime - tell me - what do you do with your kiddos to get them excited about math or any other subject they struggle with?

*I received product to review. No other compensation was given. These are all my real and honest opinions.

Mixing It Up in the Kitchen in 2017

I don't know if it is just me or what, but I like to mix things up. I like variety in my life. I can't eat my eggs the same way every day. I can't do the same workout every day. I love trying new things.

If you feel the same, you are going to love these ideas on how to mix it up (in a healthy way) in your kitchen.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to take inventory of your kitchen. Do you have dressings that expired 3 years ago? Yes, it is time to toss them. Kimchi that you've had stuffed in the back of your refrigerator since who knows when? Frozen veggies that have a layer of frost around them that is more than the actual veggies inside? (those may or may not be examples from my own home) 😼You get the idea. Toss them.

Now that you have space in your cupboards, freezer and fridge, try out some new goodies.

For those of you who don't live in Alaska and can get fresh Alaskan fish whenever you'd like, there is
Wild Planet. I love Wild Planet. It is safe to say we eat some kind of Wild Planet in our house every single day. Whether it is skinless and boneless sardines, wild mackerel fillets or Alaskan salmon, we love their fish.

Yes, we eat fish out of a can, which I normally don't recommend. But Wild Planet has NO BPA in their cans, which is one of the main reasons we choose them. They are also super picky about what is inside the cans, which is the other reason we choose them. And now they just added organic roasted chicken breast, which is so easy to add to veggies and have a quick meal! All of these products are sustainably-sourced and contain zero added preservatives. The Organic Roasted Chicken Breast, for example, contains only two ingredients: chicken and sea salt. A great source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and Omega-3s, you've got to try them out soon.

Now we don't eat many grains in our family. We love our popcorn on Sunday nights as a family, but we eat mostly Paleo. However, sometimes we like to mix it up with breakfast. We always and only choose sprouted grains, and I love how easy Ezekiel 4:9 Food for Life makes finding sprouted grain products. I used to only think they had bread, but no! I was just recently introduced to their Sprouted Grain Flax English Muffins and Sprouted Grain Waffles.

These are some tasty sprouted grains! They have the perfect crunch, do not fall apart as you spread them with Kerrygold or ghee, and they are full of their own flavor. I kid you not, my kids didn't even ask for syrup. Oh, and make sure you try out their Cinnamon Raisin bread. Delish!

Now for the sweets. I don't often eat ice cream. But my hubby - that's another story. I mean, we live in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, and he still wants ice cream all winter long. Weird, but true. So I try to turn his head towards Halo Top Creamery, because they are a more natural, better-for-you ice cream that still comes in mouth-watering varieties like Red Velvet, Oatmeal Cookie, Cookies & Cream, Peanut Butter Cup, and more. Believe it or not, these only have between 240 and 360 calories per PINT! I like that they are Non-GMO and made with zero artificial preservatives. They're also low in sugar and high in both protein and fiber. Win-win.

Change it up in your kitchen. Throw gross stale food away. Try something new. And fuel your body with the best. 

Big thanks for the products I was sent to review. No other compensation was given.

Healthy, Natural Stocking Stuffers

At our home, we have a stocking for each of our kids, and the night before Christmas, everyone gets to open their stocking and get a few small treats. The kids really look forward to this, and honestly, so do I. 

I like to gift them a dark chocolate almond bar (can you tell they don't eat sweets often), activity books, stickers, and now this year, I am gifting my daughters with some Piggy Paint. 

What is Piggy Paint? It's about the safest nail polish possible. Their non-toxic, water-based formula is virtually odorless, cruelty-free, vegan, and safe for pregnancy. It is free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate and acetone… and made in the USA!

As you may know, most nail polishes are extremely unsafe, especially for little ones. Do you want to wear something on your finger nails that can eat a hole through styrofoam? Not me! In fact, I haven't worn nail polish since I was pregnant with my first child. 

But, now there are safe nail polishes for you and your children. If you want the adult version of Piggy Paint, make sure to try their SOPHI brand.

My girls and I are going to have fun doing our nails safely so that our piggies look gorgeous for church on Christmas morning.

If you want to join us, check out this promo code: PP122016 for 15% off at piggypaint.com or sophinailpolish.com. This code expires December 19th, 2016.

More FUN! We are giving away (1) Piggy Paint POP of Pixie Gift Set ($22.50 value) to (1) very lucky winner!

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Thanks to Piggy Paint and SOPHI for sending products to review. No other compensation was given.  

Go Macro Thrive Bars Giveaway

I know that while they are not a better choice than a home cooked meal, sometimes snack bars are a necessity. But not every snack bar is created equal. Some of made in huge factories with cheap ingredients that drive your blood sugar up and leave you feeling less than satisfied. I will NEVER recommend any bar like that on this site. No way.

Because I care about health. I care about my family's health. I care about your health. I care about our country's health. I care about our planet.

With that in mind, let me share a snack bar from GoMacro that I love. As a long time fan of Go Macro bars, I am happy to share with you their new Thrive bars they recently sent me. Thrive are made up of a superfood ancient grain blend, are all less than 200 calories and provide plant-based protein, essential fatty acids, and prebiotic fiber to fuel your body and mind.

 

It matters that GoMacro is a family-run natural food company with roots in organic farming and dedicated to making the best tasting food with the highest quality ingredients. Everything they make is 100% vegan, USDA certified organic, certified non-GMO, Gluten-Free, and made from mostly raw ingredients. They believe that everything we put in our bodies should have a beneficial impact. So do I!

These Thrive bars are delicious. My favorite is the Blueberry Lavender. I wasn't sure what that would taste like, but the lavender compliments the blueberry perfectly. I also love the health punch that the Ginger Lemon bar packs. These are perfect for afternoon snacks for my kiddos or an after-workout snack for me.

For (1) lucky winner, we are giving away (1) variety box of delicious Thrive bars! 

Enter below. Find GoMacro on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

 

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Thanks to GoMacro for sending bars for review. No other compensation was given.  

5 Things I Love about PureHaven Essentials

You know I am obsessed with products that are safe, clean, made from ingredients I trust, and work great. When I was introduced to PureHaven Essentials, there were a few things that made me take a second look.

1. They use high quality ingredients that are hand-crafted in small batches, well-tested, and made to be a safe addition to your home. I mean - even the water that goes into their products passes through a state of the art system comprised of both Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultra Violet (UV) filters. Pretty cool!

2. They offer some of my favorite products. I have no interest in a company that doesn't supply what I need. Whether I am looking to stock up on shower gel, deodorant, moisturizing hand soap or jojoba oil, they have me covered.

3. They are affordable. While I do appreciate the best quality products, I don't have $30 to spend on hand soap. However, I do have $13.95 to spend on a 16 oz bottle of safe, moisturizing hand soap. By the way, the products smell amazing, since they are using organic essential oils to scent them. The shower gel makes me feel like I am back in Costa Rica on vacation.

4. I love that I am supporting a company that cares that what they are giving consumers is safe, and I am supporting an independent consultant who is trying to support herself and/or her family. I love knowing who my dollars are supporting. Julie from PureHaven Essentials has been great to work with and very generous with her great products...which leads me to #5.

5. I love that we are able to share with you! We are giving away a bottle of shower gel (yes, the amazing tropical smelling one) to one of you! Awesome, right?

GIVEAWAY!! (1) lucky winner will receive (1) bottle of PureHaven Essentials Shower Gel. Enter below. 

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Thanks to Julie for sending products for review. No other compensation was given.  

Aurorae Summer Essentials Giveaway!

Summer is in full swing here in Minnesota, and we are loving the hot temps and sunny days. We love going to the beach, for walks, or just running around our yard barefoot - whatever we can do to be outside and soaking up the sun.

I want to share with you today two of my summer essentials - my favorite tank and sandals. Both are from Aurorae Yoga, which offer so many great products to fit your healthy lifestyle.

Let me first share about the sandals. These are not just your average flip flops. Oh no - these flip flops are Yoga Mat Flip Flops! The footbed is actually made from real yoga mats, which makes wearing them super comfortable. The vegan leather straps are lined with their own Yogi Pose pattern, and these straps haven't irritated my feet yet (and I have been wearing these flip flops all summer)!
Another thing that really sets these apart in my mind is that they are eco safe and free of toxins, plus they come with a 1 year warranty!

As for the Flowy Racer Back Tank Top, let's just say it is a favorite of mine to wear to the gym, or the beach, or to the library. It looks cute with almost anything. It is very soft and comfortable to wear when working out. It is also very flattering for any figure, which is the best quality to have in a tank top.

Want to add these to your wardrobe? Check them out on Amazon or enter our giveaway below!

We are giving away (1) Tank Top and pair of Yoga Mat Flip Flops to (1) lucky winner!

Enter below

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Thanks to Aurorae for these awesome products for review. No other compensation was given.  

100 Calorie Healthy Snacks

100 calories. What does that normally mean? A handful of broccoli, a few cubes of cheese, 50 raisins, a baked potato? Or you could grab a less healthy 100 calorie snack pack of crackers or cookies that are all the rage in the snack aisles. 

What about something that combines healthy nutritional support and delicious taste all wrapped up in a 100 calorie treat? Sound too good to be true? Nope. 

I have now added the new Zing bars to my list of healthy snacks that I love to bring to the gym, on a road trip, or keep in my purse when hunger strikes.

Here's why: each bar contains a ‘smart’ balance of high quality proteins, slow burning carbs, and good fats to support metabolism and brain function, and dietary fiber for digestive system health and long-lasting hunger satisfaction. The bars contain organic fair trade dark chocolate(yum!) out of Peru as opposed to the more commonly used compound chocolates. There is no dairy or soy in the chocolate, making Zing the only soy and dairy-free dark chocolate in the country. The peanuts(and peanut butter) are sourced from Argentina. They are gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO.  

The 100 calorie bars come in six DELICOUS flavors: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Coconut, Coconut Cashew Crisp, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Mint and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip. My favorite is...oh wait...I cannot possibly choose. Honestly, they are all sooooo yummy!

Who wants to try them?

We are giving away 2 packs of these delicious 100-calorie bars! Enter below.
 

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Thanks to Zing Bars for sending products for me to try out. No other compensation is given. 

Essential Oil Carrying Case Giveaway

It is no secret that I love essential oils. If you are curious about why, check out my Essential Oil Q + A: Why and How to Use Them. Make sure don't miss this post or this one either.

I use oils daily in my home with my family. This summer, we are traveling quite a bit, and taking oils along is a MUST! But how to take them without leaking or spilling any of those precious ounces?

Believe it or not, there are carrying cases made especially for taking essential oils with you!! Yay! After all, if you are going to invest in high quality oils then it only makes sense to properly store them. Since they are made of glass, you want to make sure you pack them carefully, and a good carrying case will help you travel easily with your oils, without finding them broken or leaking.

Thanks to Soothing Terra, I now have an awesome carrying case. I have the hard shell case that can hold (30) 5 mL or 10 mL bottles. I love that I can fit all the oils I need to bring in this case. It has a hard shell, so I don't have to worry about bottles being crushed. The only thing that would make this case perfect was if the handle would be on top of the case, so my oils would never be tipped over.

Soothing Terra carries a nice variety of oil accessories, and I love that they offer a 100% money back guarantee on their products. If for any reason you are not happy with their essential oil cases, just let them know and they will make it right.

Find the case that is right for you, and have fun traveling with no more fear for your oils. 

Who wants to win one???

 We are giving away (1) Soothing Terra essential oil carrying case to (1) lucky winner!

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Thanks to Soothing Terra for sending me this case to review. No other compensation was given.  

My Favorite 4 Healthy Summer Snacks

With all the fun picnics, bike trips and road trips we have been making this Spring/Summer, it is important that we have a lot of healthy snacks along for our four little children. Let me share with you our latest snacking obsessions!

It can be hard to pack healthy protein options, which is why I love New Zealand Jerky. Not only is this jerky super tasty, but it comes from grass-fed, and Non-GMO Project Verified beef. All NZJ jerky products have 30+ grams of protein per serving with zero saturated fat, are gluten free, and are made without any additives, preservatives, MSG or nitrates. Just grab a pack or a couple packs with you whenever you need a portable protein boost!

I don't know if I have told you this before, but my kids are bananas for bananas. Seriously, not a day goes by that they are not eating their daily banana. On long trips, it can be hard to pack enough bananas or other fruit, without it going bad or getting smooched and gooey. That is why we love Bare Snacks Banana Chips. Unlike other banana chips/snacks we have tried, these are completely oil free, preservative free and made with no artificial ingredients, these delicious snacks come in three different flavors including, cinnamon, cocoa and simply.



Now it is time to get your healthy fats in! Coromega’s Be Bright SuperFood Oil makes it easy to make sure you are still getting your omegas even on the road. It comes in an easy to use pouch that you can just squeeze the right amount onto a spoon or into your favorite drink, pureed fruit or whatever ingenious combo you come up with.

Now it is time for the veggies! Yes, there is a healthy, portable, delicious veggie option for all your trips this summer! Brad’s Raw Foods make car-friendly kale chips and pop-able broccoli florets. Yes, you read that right. Your kids will love broccoli and kale! And so will you

With flavors like Stark Naked, Frank Sriracha, and Pop’n Hot, Brad’s Raw Crunchy Kale and Brad’s Raw Broccoli Poppers, these snacks are definitely not your average bland veggies. They are super crunchy and ultra flavorful! They are all certified organic and handcrafted with a blend of natural veggies, seeds, herbs, and spices, offering an array of essential nutrients to enhance digestion and increase energy levels.

Grab up these awesome new snacks and get out and enjoy our beautiful world! Have a wonderful summer!

I was provided products to review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own.

Crunchmaster Gluten Free Crackers Giveaway

May is Celiac Awareness Month, and I think it is a great time to celebrate! For those of you who have to go gluten-free or choose to go gluten-free, let's celebrate all the wonderful healthy foods we can eat instead of moaning about all the foods we can't.

Our family actually chooses to eat gluten free for many reasons, and we really don't miss gluten at all. Once in awhile my hubby craves crackers with his cheese, and we always reach for Crunchmaster, because they are our favorite gluten-free cracker!

They are a family favorite because of their delicious varieties, super crunchiness and high quality ingredients. Besides being gluten free, these crackers are packed with pure, U.S. grown rice, sesame, quinoa, flax and amaranth seeds and other natural ingredients – all baked to a light, crispy perfection. They are low in sodium and saturated fat, and contain no trans fat or cholesterol. 

So, celebrate Celiac Awareness Month with us! We are giving away a 6-Pack of Crunchmaster Crackers to (1) lucky winner! 

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Thanks to Crunchmaster for products to review. No other compensation was given.  

3 Great Books to Read Your Child Today!

Reading to your children is one of the best ways to help them to develop a love for reading. As a homeschooling mom and former teacher, I have seen children's faces light up time after time when they are being read to.

The three books I want to share with you today are some of the best out there, and you will see why soon!

Wild Ones: Observing City Critters by Carol L. Malnor is a fabulous book for helping children learn about the nature around them - even if they live in the city. Wild ones are moving into the city! Follow the adorable, curious dog Scooter as he travels through an urban landscape, seeing many wild animals and not seeing even more. The charming illustrations draw upon real-life city scenes from across the United States. In the back of the book, there are many fun ideas you can do after finishing the book or after reading it for the 100th time. The activities are both informational and fun - the best way to learn!

Now we are heading out of town to the farm! Over on the Farm by Marianne Berkes is a fun trip without leaving your home. Welcome to the farm, where pigs roll, goats nibble, horses gallop, hens peck, and turkeys strut! Count, clap, and sing along to the classic tune of “Over in the Meadow” while learning about life on a classic farm. This book is just a fun adventure! The illustrations are so enjoyable and interesting to look at and study - your kids will ask to read it over and over again. At the end of the book, you can find songs, music and movement, science, math, language arts connections and so much more. This book is a valuable treasure you will definitely come back to.

One of the best ways to get your child to eat healthy food is to get them to be a part of it - from growing it to cooking it. Green Bean! Green Bean! by Patricia Thomas will get your child all excited about these green veggies. A freckled-faced young gardener opens a packet of seeds. And the magic begins! This books takes you through the growing season—from a sprout peeking out, to a curlicue catching dew, to a vine twining on a line, until finally . . . GREEN BEANS! It’s time to harvest a full season of garden knowledge and experience. Along the way the young gardener discovers a nook to read a book in the shade of growing beans. Again, the illustrations are beautiful paintings that will capture your attention on each page. At the back of the book, make sure to look for the life cycle science and related vocabulary, instructions on growing your own green beans, and a variety of fun things for children to do. This book encourages young gardeners to put their toes in the soil and get their own gardens growing.

Each one of these books is so much more than just a fun story. These are adventure books full of learning and excitement and fun activities! Get reading!

What is your favorite book to read to your child(ren)?

Thanks to Dawn Publications for these beautiful books for review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are my own.

Brew It Yourself Bone Broth

You have probably heard about the awesome benefits of homemade bone broth - from stronger joints and bones to better skin, teeth, hair and nails. I love making my own homemade bone broth! You just need grass-fed animal bones, veggies, spices, herbs, and water and you are ready.

Recently, I have been trying to drink a cup of bone broth almost daily. It can be hard to make enough bone broth with my own stash of bones and other supplies, so I have been relying on this awesome BIY (Brew it Yourself) Bone Broth, which make it easy for people to make high-quality bone broth at home.

All the nutritious goodies you need to make your own broth comes packed into one handy bag. All you need is a 5-quart slow cooker and a gallon of water. Since my clay slow cooker is not that big, I just used a big old stock pot. All you have to do is open up the bag, pour everything into the empty pan or slow cooker, making sure to open up the little sachet of veggies and herbs. 

Next, dump water over it all and cook for 12 hours or whatever time you like.

 

Each package yields 16 flavorful cups - and you can enjoy a cup every day.

Remember, this is not your average broth from the store. This is like a nutritional supplement. I love this company because they understand this, and their broth kits are made using the very best ingredients.

The beef kits only use grass-fed bones, ribs and/or tendons full of healthy fats and essential marrow. Their chicken kits contain free-range backs, wings and/or feet necessary to deliver collagen and all the savory goodness you can trust in each mug. They choose very specific vegetables and herbs that have been dehydrated at their peak freshness to preserve nutrients and concentrate maximum flavor.

 

The finished broth is a hit with my entire family! In fact, I have already ordered 5 more kits! (and got free shipping) :-) Anything that makes life a little more simple and healthy is welcome in our house.

Make sure to check out their Kickstarter campaign. Who else will be enjoying a warm cup of bone broth today? 

 

I was sent a bag to try out. No other compensation was provided. I am now a lifelong fan and customer. :-)

Surprise Ride Giveaway!

As a mom of four children, I realize how much joy you can find in the little things - things like getting a surprise box in the mail that gets you and your children excited to do a new, fun project together!

That is exactly what we found when we received our Surprise Ride monthly box. 

Surprise Ride is a subscription service that sends kids ages 6-11 fun and educational hands-on activities that foster creativity and imagination! The company was started by two sisters Donna and Rosy, and they have been working hard to create a lasting impact on the lives of children, beyond the latest toys or technologies.

My daughter was so excited to open up this Surprise Ride package addressed right to her! 

This month the theme was art and Picasso!

 They included all the supplies we needed to make a painting masterpiece! Plus, they also included beads, bead board and wax paper to make a Picasso-Style face.

 They also included extra goodies: a cube puzzle, artist apron, Pablo Picasso book, and beet chips snack (since beets are a natural dye you can use to make paint).

The best part about Surprise Ride is all the learning that happens while you are having fun with your child(ren). I believe there is no better way to learn than by hands-on activities, and that is exactly what Surprise Ride offers.

With a Surprise Ride monthly subscription, every month you get to learn about something new! This would be make a fantastic gift for your child. To give your child a year of Surprise Ride would give you both something to look forward to throughout the entire year. Plus, it offers you a way to connect in an educational way, have fun together, and make lots of great memories!

Great news! We are offering (1) of our lucky readers a chance to win their own Surprise Ride box! Enter below for your chance.

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Thanks to Surprise Ride for sending this box for review. No other compensation was given. All opinions are my own. 

Looking for Healthier Bread Options?

Bread. It has become a bit of a no-no for healthy eating. Instead of good old-fashioned grains that have been grown and eaten for hundreds of years, we now have a lot of processed, genetically modified grain products that are pretty much devoid of nutrition and just add empty calories to our diets. And instead of eating bread only occasionally, people consume massive amounts of grains and breads in many different forms all throughout the day. 

What if there were some healthier options?

There are!

The One Bun's were the first "skinny" sandwich bread but now, these thin breads are everywhere! And they are a healthier version of many of the other low calorie breads. Ozery's One Buns are made in small hand batches and are completely free of artificial preservatives. Not to mention, they are low fat, low calories, full of fiber and protein and allergy-friendly (soy free, dairy free, peanut and nut free, vegan and non-GMO). 

You can use them for a lighter burger bun, a healthier pizza crust for homemade pizzas, and of course, sandwiches. Why add all the junk and extra calories of typical breads when you can use One Buns? You will love them!

We personally do not eat a lot of grains in our house - due to the fact that there are so many healthier foods out there that are easier on our bodies and better for our health. But, we do always keep a loaf or two of Food for Life bread in the freezer for times we need to pack a sandwich. Here is why we choose  Food for Life's breads:

• They are sprouted and full of live grains to maximize digestion.
• They are completely free of artificial preservatives.
• They are low sugar, high fiber and non-GMO and vegan. ​
• They are organic! 
• They just release the first gluten free sprouted grain bread, which is a new favorite in our house!

​I challenge you to try out one of these healthier bread options the next time you are at the grocery store. After a couple bites, I think you will be glad you did!

Thanks to both companies for sending products for me to try out. No compensation was given. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Paleo/Primal In 5 Ingredients or Less!

Who else scans their cookbooks and recipes, skipping over the meals with super long lists of ingredients?

Maybe it is just me, but I don't have time for extra grocery trips to pick up unheard-of ingredients that I don't usually use. I like simple. I like delicious. I like easy. Which is why I am doing a lot of my cooking out this awesome new cookbook I just received for review, Paleo/Primal in 5 Ingredients or Less.

In this new book, Bestselling author Dana Carpender helps readers remove the processed convenience foods like frozen entrees and takeout, but still make healthy, fast, easy meals that everyone loves. Dana gives the modern caveman 200 recipes that can be made from 5 or fewer ingredients. All recipes are also sugar-free, grain-free, and gluten-free. Yay!!

One of my favorite recipes is for their Basic Stir-Fry Sauce. This one is so versatile. I feel I am always stir-frying veggies, chicken, shrimp or whatever I have on hand, so this is great to have waiting in my refrigerator.

Basic Stir-Fry Sauce

1 cup coconut aminos

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon grated ginger root

2 tsp dark sesame oil

In a bowl, just mix it all together and store in a tightly lidded container in the fridge. Then you will already have it ready for a super quick dinner. 

I have to share one more recipe that you will love. It is unbelievably easy, but tastes so good you will be begging for more.

Roast Chicken with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs or whatever you would like)

Salt

Ground black pepper

1 clove of garlic

1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Season the chicken with salt and pepper all over and arrange it in a metal baking pan. Roast the chicken until it is done, about an hour or less depending on how big your chicken pieces are. 

Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the chicken to a platter. Pour the excess grease off the drippings and put the pan over a low burner. 

Crush the garlic and stir it around for just a minute. Now add the tomatoes and coconut milk. Stir the mixture, scraping up all the nice brown stuff, dissolving it into the sauce. 

Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens up a bit and then serve over the chicken. You can add some riced cauliflower for a delicious meal. 

Now, who wants their own book? We are giving away (2) copies of Paleo/Primal in 5 Ingredients or Less. Enter below.

 

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I was given a cookbook to review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Crunchmaster Giveaway

I have been a long-time fan of Crunchmaster. Our family eats gluten free for many reasons, and these crackers have been a family favorite because of their delicious varieties, super crunchiness and quality. Besides being gluten free, these crackers are packed with pure, U.S. grown rice, sesame, quinoa, flax and amaranth seeds and other natural ingredients – all baked to a light, crispy perfection. They are low in sodium and saturated fat, and contain no trans fat or cholesterol. Crunchmaster crackers are a great alternative to processed wheat crackers!

We are planning our annual New Years Eve party, and I knew Crunchmaster was definitely on our list of must-haves. These crackers have all the crunch and taste without all the GMOs and gluten. With varieties like Rosemary and Olive Oil, Roasted Garlic, Sea Salt, and Roasted Vegetable, you will love the real flavor in these crackers. Pair them with some raw, grass fed cheese or fresh shrimp. Perfect party food!

Want to try some? Look for them at your local grocery stores or enter our giveaway below.

(1) Winner will receive (6) Crunchmaster products of their choice!

Enter to win below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received product to try out. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Gift Ideas for Foodies

I consider myself a bit of a foodie. I mean, I love food. I love specialty food that is hand-crafted. I love trying new foods, especially when they are good for you. I love interesting flavor combinations and finding tasty treats you can’t just pick up at your local grocery store.

Know anybody like that? If you do, I have the perfect gifts that will have them singing your praises and, if you are lucky, sharing a bit with you.

I am a bit of a raw honey freak. I love the health benefits, how it is made, all the ways you can spice it up, and the many ways to use it.

Foodies love raw honey. Trust me. Bee in Your Bonnet Infused Honey has some incredible honey varieties including: Aged Balsamic Infused Wildflower Honey, Ghost Chilli Infused Honey, Ginger Snap Infused Honey and more. Their delicious honey is so special because it is made from the best! They use the highest-quality pure raw wildflower honey - sourced from independent beekeepers in their own Southern Appalachian region, and infused with the rich, lovely flavors of a select variety of 100% organic herbs and spices.

I personally love their Ginger Snap Infused, Cinnamon Infused, Harvest Spice, and Vanilla Bean varieties. Their honey is pure and simple. I love that they let nature speak for itself. And it sure does. These are delicious, even by the spoonful. :-)

Manuka honey lovers, raise your hand! PRI Manuka honey is some of the best! Not only is it delicious, but it has many healing properties. PRI brings us the highest quality manuka honey in all kinds of delicious products such as: Dark Chocolate with Manuka Honey, Manuka Honey Nuggets, Manuka Honey Lozenges, and so much more.

I love all of these products. When I was introduced to PRI manuka honey, I became an immediate fan. You can notice the difference immediately. I use PRI manuka honey in my homemade immune booster tonic, for healthy treats, and in homemade throat drops.

PRI also makes one of my favorite kitchen must-haves: sea salt. Sea salt has become quite popular lately, because it is such a great way to get trace minerals into your diet and makes food so much more flavorful.

Sea salt derived from solar evaporation of sea water is completely different from modern, refined salt which is primarily sodium chloride that’s been kiln-dried – a process that involves scorching salt at high temperatures in order to remove moisture and impurities in the ocean water. Unfortunately, it’s also a process that also removes trace minerals as well as calcium, magnesium and potassium salts. The result: a salt that’s been “refined” to within an inch of its life and is instead as far removed from nature as it is damaging to the human body – therefore making a switch to Pacific Sea Salt a natural choice in every sense of the word. PRI sea salts are fantastic for any type of cooking. They offer fine salt, which I love to sprinkle over homemade popcorn. I also love their flaky salt, which is great for soups, meat and fish. Then, of course, you have to try their mesquite smoked, which is made using their secret Louisiana family smoked process. We love that on our scrambled eggs!

For a specialty holiday treat, I love Bakery on Main’s Nut Crunch Snacks. Although these may appear to be another granola mix, this is actually a mix of cashews, almonds, pecans and walnuts, certified gluten-free oats, and sweet fruit bits or chocolate. Certified gluten free (GFCO), Non-GMO Project Verified, dairy and casein free, these tasty snacks are better-for-you, made without artificial flavors or preservatives, low in sodium, and free of trans fat and cholesterol. They are handy to take with you, so you always have a filling snack on hand.  

The Peppermint Chocolate Nut Crunch Snacks are the perfect stocking stuffer for foodies. They have a lovely hint of peppermint and the perfect amount of chocolate, plus they are very satisfying with all that protein and good fat.

Coffee! So many foodies love their specialty coffee. Peet’s Holiday Blend is a favorite in our house.  Peet’s has this yearly tradition to make a special blend of the best beans from each year. This year’s special blend is a spicy, rich and satisfying blend, slightly bittersweet balanced by notes of ripe fruit to create a smooth and full bodied- finish; perfectly suited for the season.

If you want to learn all about what they put in their special blend, read more about the 2015 Holiday blend. It is quite interesting how they pick and choose the best of the best.

Are you a foodie? What is your favorite foodie find?

I received products to try out. No other compensation was given.

Why You Should Start Adding Moringa to Your Diet

Moringa, what?

If you are not familiar with Moringa, now is the time to get familiar. This awesome plant tops my list of healthy foods right up there with Kale, Turmeric, and Acai.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) has been eaten for centuries, and it is no wonder why. It contains 46 antioxidants, abundant minerals and minerals. It also offers more vitamin A than carrots, more potassium than bananas, more calcium and protein than milk, more fiber than oats and more iron than spinach.

With a green tea-like taste, moringa supports healthy heart function, liver function, energy levels, anti-aging antioxidants, and overall immune system. One of the brands bringing the plant to U.S shelves is ORGANIC INDIA— the first global brand to distribute organic moringa powder and capsules to the natural category’s nationwide shelves in 2013 and moringa tulsi tea in 2014.

I personally LOVE the Moringa Tulsi Tea. I am currently drinking 3 cups of it a day. My naturopathic doctor recommended having me drink Tulsi tea for combating stress. So for me to find Tulsi combined with Moringa makes this tea my absolute favorite right now. The taste is so mild and it is caffeine free, so I drink plenty of it.

Tea is so soothing and relaxing anyway, but with the power of Moringa and Tulsi in your mug, you will be stress-busting and giving your body great nutrition all in a cup of tea. 

Thanks to Organic India for sending products for me to try out. No other compensation was given. All opinions are 100% my own.