Steam Punk Earrings From Green Tree Jewelry

I've been meaning to post these earrings for a while now but wanted to take the time to really sing their praises!  These are incredibly cool and incredibly special!

These are the Kinetic Steam Punk Earrings I received from Green Tree Jewelry.

These earrings are made in the USA and made from recycled materials which I will get more into below.  These earrings measure 1.65" by 1.5".  ALL of the gears you see here MOVE!!!  How cool is that?  The colors are Aqua Marine/Natural Wood/Black Satin and feature laser-cut wood stained with water-based dye.

As I said before Green Tree Jewelry is a really neat company because they use recycled items in their fashion jewelry. These earrings are made from sustainably sourced wood and 90% recycled display cards! Green Tree Jewelry uses a very thin, strong multi-layer wood, that has been put together in a criss-cross fashion giving it amazing strength.

Another huge benefit of wooden jewelry is how light weight it is! I forgot I had these on they were so lightweight - which I can't say about many other earrings!  Another thing I want to point out is I have neck stress issues so I refrain from wearing earrings most of the time because I don't want the added weight and stress on that part of my body, well, with THESE earrings it's not a problem at all!  I also know someone who has chronic neck pain and her chiropractor told her NOT to wear necklaces or earrings because the weight would make her pain worse...I bet these would be right up her alley!

Wood jewelry is sustainable and eco-friendly! According to Green Tree Jewelry - the modern standards and practices of the developed world - wood has re-emerged its self as one of the most sustainable resources we have today.  (Sadly, these practices do not take place in most tropical regions of the world yet, but with more awareness and support of sustainably resourced suppliers, this will surely change).

As you can see from the 3rd photo above - I have two other earring sets from Green Tree Jewelry and I will be blogging more about them VERY SOON!  I cannot express just how much I LOVE these earrings!  And guess what...I LOVE wearing earrings AGAIN!  Thanks Green Tree Jewelry!

Indigo Herbs Recipe Campaign 2015 & Vegan Cheese Sauce!

TGIF!  It's been another stressful week but as I move onward and upward I'm excited to announce that I am one of many bloggers participating in Indigo Herbs Recipe Campaign!

Indigo Herbs sent me product to try, review honestly, and come up with some recipes while using some of their vegan products!  How cool is that?

I've already worked with 2 of their products and will be testing out some of their others ones VERY soon!

I have some wonderful Cacao Recipes coming up but today I thought I would share a Vegan Cheese Sauce using their Hemp Seed Butter.

YUMMERS!  Their Hemp Seed Butter is pretty amazing!  It's on the more 'solid' side than some of the other hemp seed butters I have tried from a jar.  I prefer the Hemp Seed Butter being more solid because I have found that it's easier to spread and/or scoop for teaspoon and tablespoon measuring.

Indigo Herbs offers a Organic, Raw, Vegan Hemp Seed Butter that is rich in minerals, Vitamin B1, Protein, and Dietary Fiber!

The flavor is bold yet creamy!  Their product description says that its flavor is comparable to Rocket Leaves or Watercress.  I actually had to Google what Rocket Leaves were and they are what us Americans call Arugula.  "Learn something new everyday!"

So here's a photo of the Vegan Cheese Sauce I made using Indigo Herbs Hemp Seed Butter!  I LOVE how it turned out and it's such a versatile cheesy sauce that is for sure!

Recipe:

1/4 C + 2 T Nutritional Yeast
1/4 C Garbanzo Bean Flour
1 C Almond Milk
2 T Indigo Herbs Hemp Seed Butter
1 Clove Garlic
1/2 t Smoked Paprika
Up to 1 t Black Himalayan Sea Salt
Sprinkle Nutmeg

Just a Quick Snack Break ~ Coco Mint Truffle Bar

It's been a while since I wrote about Medicinal Foods and their amazing chocolate but today I finished what I had left of their Coco Mint Truffle Bar.  I'm so sad to get to the end of this little nugget of joy!  It was incredible.  Many of you know my LOVE for anything mint!  This has just enough of a subtle mint to make the over all flavor pretty darn marvelous!

Some of the naturally MAGICAL ingredients in this bar were Arriba Cacao Paste, Mesquite, Lucuma, Mucuna, Ashwaganda, Chlorella, Spirulina, Coconut, Cane Juice, Agave, Reishi, Vanilla Bean, Mint Essential Oil, etc.

I just can't say enough about Sky Kubby and his wonderful company.  If you haven't checked out Medicinal-Foods be sure to include it in your online surfing this weekend!

Smooth Chocolate Organic Plant Protein - First Impression

This is a blog post about Garden of Life's new Organic Plant Protein - specifically - their Smooth Chocolate Flavor.  This is also a FIRST IMPRESSION post - therefore - I tried this as a single serving - straight up with Almond Milk - nothing more and nothing less.  My first encounter was last week when I mixed the dry powder in with the Almond Milk and used a Blender Bottle to shake it well.

I will completely agree that this new Organic Plant Protein (OPP) is VERY smooth.  It's NOT grainy like some other powders.  The Smooth Chocolate Flavor was tasty but I will say the aroma is what got me hooked up front!

Overall I really did enjoy sipping on this smooth chocolate flavor!  There was an undertone of 'green-ness' to it...similar to that of a pea or spinach.  I can't wait to start playing with this brand new line from Garden of Life!

Grain Free

We source clean, pure ingredients from organic family farms to bring you the best nutritional products in the world.

• 15g of complete protein
• Smooth, with no gritty texture
• Tasty and flavorful
• Includes essential fatty acids, probiotics and enzymes
• Gluten Free, with no allergenic ingredients like soy, wheat and dairy.

Super SMOOTH and delicious, our family friendly Grain Free Organic Plant Protein is packed with energy-giving protein and wholesome fiber.

Directions

Mix 1 level scoop in 8 ounces of water (scoop included). Delicious with unsweetened almond or rice milk.

Warning

Store in a cool, dry place. Do not use if seal is damaged or missing.

Does Not Contain:

Contains No dairy, soy, tree nuts, added sugars, filler ingredients, artificial flavorings, colors, sweeteners or preservatives. Grain Free

Dressings, Bamboo, Lip Balm, Marinated Mushrooms & Rice, Chlorella To Relieve Pain, and a Stellar Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Pasta Dish, too!

Hello everyone!  I hope you had a great Christmas - and for those who don't celebrate - I hope you had a nice Thursday!   Ours was nice - we went to DH's Grandmother's House for the extended family gathering on his side Christmas Eve - then went to my parents for about an hour and a half after that.  Christmas Day we went back over to my parents for a few hours and then when to the home to meet with DH's Family.  My Step-Father-In-Law is here for long term/rehab - he had surgery last week but has been in and out of the home and hospital most of this past year.  The weather was very mild for our area.  Christmas Eve it got up to the higher 50s and even reached 60 in some places. 

Last Christmas Eve Night we had high winds which caused some damage in certain spots.  Yesterday for Christmas Day it was cooler but still warmer than usual for Christmas!  I think it was mostly in the mid to upper 30s.  We had NO snow.  I'm okay with that.

Today I thought I would catch up cross posting about some of the things I have been submitting to other sites.  Mostly The Raw Food World.  I took a few screen shots, too!  Above you will see my Peanut Curry Dressing that I made a while back but tweaked for the site.  Check out the updated version of the Peanut Curry Dressing Recipe.  Another thing that I reviewed in greater length was the Bamboo Bowls I got from them a while back.  Not only did I find a vegan alternative for Burt's Bee's Lip Balm - I found one that was RAW, too!  Check out the full length post for Hurraw! Mint Lip Balm.

I'm still REALLY excited about the Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Pasta I did a while back - so be sure to click on the link above for that full recipe!  It was converted from various Chicken Wing Pizza Recipes I saw online.  NOTE - there isn't any Fake Meat in that recipe - just whole and natural foods!

You'll have to check out the testimonial I did for Chlorella - To Relieve Pain, too!  I've very pleased with some of my own personal findings!

And finally - a very simple and flavorful dish - Marinated Mushrooms & Rice!

Jungle Peanut Truffle Bar from Medicinal Foods

While everyone at work is eating standard Christmas Cookies, Boxed Chocolates, and Donuts from a local grocery store - I decided to bust out the Jungle Peanut Truffle Bar that I got from Medicinal Foods!  Sooooo glad I did!  It's better than a Peanut Butter Cup because it's loaded with pure, raw, vegan, organic, superfoods!  The little nugget I am feasting on right now is 1 ounce and I will tell you it's all I can eat!  It's extremely filling and packed with powerful flavors!  It has that nice dark chocolate flavor you are looking for paired with a sweet hint and even a speck of saltiness...just enough to say...OH...what's that!?  I absolutely LOVE this!

When it says Mood Enhancing on the label I can totally see why!  I was smiling from the moment I tried it but the happiness isn't only skin deep - it shoots throughout your body - inside and out!

Arriba Nacional Cacao Paste, Cacao Butter, Medicinal Food’s “Shaman’s Blend”: Mesquite, Lucuma, Maca, Mucuna, Spirulina, Chlorella, Ashwaganda, Hemp Protein Reishi and Cordyceps Micronized Mycelium,  Ecuadorian Raw Evaporated Mineral-Rich Cane-Juice, Vanilla and Himalayan Salt. and Loving Healing Mantras.

For a complete product profile on this Truffle Bar from Medicinal Foods - Click Here!

The Flex Belt - My First Impressions

The nice folks at The Flex Belt contacted me about reviewing their product and I thought it might be fun but also another thing I could learn about and research, too!  So...today I would like to share some of my First Impressions about The Flex Belt.

I will start off by saying that MY reviews on this product will probably be very different from other people reviewing this product because I am really thinking outside the box on a few different levels.

I remember seeing Infomercials on this product a few years back.  I'm one of those people who actually ENJOY Infomercials!  It probably has something to do with my marketing and advertising background.

One thing that I noticed about their marketing that they did very well is to get 'celebrities' to speak on their product and the results the had with The Flex Belt.  Personally - I don't really care one way or the other if celebrities endorse something or not - but in the Marketing World it's a great way to go if you are able to have a product that celebrities do like.  In the case of The Flex Belt - they have people like Lisa Rinna, Denise Richards, Jerry Rice, and more!

Another thing that they have going for them is that the product is FDA cleared.  Me - personally - I don't really look for things that are cleared by the FDA - seeing is that most natural foods, remedies, products, alternatives, and such are NOT approved or cleared by the FDA.  But for the masses and from a marketing standpoint I think that is great they can say that.

Those are really the only two things I wanted to mention that most people would finding interesting that I didn't necessarily focus on personally.  And they are NOT negatives about the product just something that wasn't important to me, personally.

Now...on to the things that I personally found interesting!

First and foremost - the company is VERY adamant about this product going along with a healthy diet and another form of exercise.  They are OPEN about it NOT being a substitute for eating right and exercising!   They are suggesting that those 3 factors 'play nice with' and 'assist' you in your toning journey.  I like that!  I like that they are NOT telling you to 'just do it' and BAM...you are going to have the perfect body!  I'm happy that they also stress eating right AND exercising, too!

Another reason I wanted to try The Flex Belt is because I work behind a desk for at least 9 hours everyday!  I enjoy walking, dancing, yoga, etc most days when I have 15 to 30 minutes (or more) available to dedicate to that.  What I don't have time to do is spend HOURS and HOURS in a gym everyday (or 5 times a week) toning every muscle I have.  I think this is a great tool for people that have desk and/or office jobs.  Because the belt fits under your clothes and adheres to your skin with glue/gel-like patches - you could also do this DURING work!  I have yet to do that, personally, but I have done it mostly at night - while at home - either standing, sitting, while doing dishes, or playing with my dogs!

I like that it's easy to charge and has fairly heavy duty connectors and cords to the power device, charging device, and belt itself.  The power on/off switch fits perfectly in my hand as well as in the snug-fitting belt pocket for hands-free convenience.  I love that there are intensity levels from 15 to 150 (more about this in a little bit) and that it's very easy to navigate the programs and intensity levels on the hand-held device.  I absolutely LOVE that the belt is cloth and Velcro and NOT leather (since I am NOT a fan of leather and avoid it!)   I appreciate the different size options on the actual belt, too!  Since I am a shorter person (only 5'2") I find some exercise equipment/gadgets won't work for me because the length under my chest to my waste is NOT long like some peoples.  The belt is far enough from my chest area yet doesn't overlap my hip area either. 

One thing I am not fond of is the aroma of the sticky glue/gel surface of the patches that lays between the belt and my stomach.  But if that's the worst of my worries - I can get past that.

Since this is a First Impressions Review of The Flex Belt I won't be listing much for personal results - I'm not quite there yet - but that is NOT to say that I won't post those results in the future.

Above - I mentioned that there are intensity levels from 15 to 150.  The booklet that comes with the belt suggests you start at 15.  So that is what I did.  They said to try and increase the intensity to what you feel you can do without feeling uncomfortable.  The first day(s) I got up to about 30.  It wasn't long (maybe a day or two) that I got up to 55 and 60.  The claims say that you will FEEL results within weeks.  Well, I can HONESTLY tell you that after TWO DAYS I could FEEL a difference.  Throughout the following day - I felt like I had been doing crunches the night before.  It wasn't a pain - but a difference - a difference I enjoyed.  This is something I will continue to do.  The programs I have done have been about 25 minutes - which are easy to keep track of - thanks to the built-in timer.

I really like that this goes hand-in-hand with healthy eating and exercise but is also easy to use and you can do it while doing other things.  Mostly likely I will continue to blog about the Flex Belt over time.

CocoBacon® Organic Coconut Bacon - Nice FLAVORFUL Vegan Snack!

Well...lookie here...

It's CocoBacon® Organic Coconut Bacon!

I have to post this today or else I will be plum-out of this flavored coconut snack and wouldn't be able to type as I munch!

Yes...it's true...this is pretty darn YUMMY but the best part(s) are that it's VEGAN, it's Gluten Free, it's a healthy fat, it's USDA Organic, and it's tasty!

A friend of mine - who is a real bacon person - and not a vegan person in the least - tried this and right away said...'that doesn't taste like bacon at all'.  Well, as a vegan I don't really WANT it to taste EXACTLY like bacon, ya know?  I really think people have to try things with an open mind.  I think this person thought it was supposed to be a meat double or 'fake' meat alternative and that is simply NOT the case.  It's a flavored snack and it's a mighty fine one.  The ironic thing is...this same person came back a half hour later and asked me if they could have more.  So...case and point...non-vegans like the flavor, too!

As for me - someone who was jumping into this snack tasting - by looking at it - as a flavored coconut sliver of a munchie - I was pleased, as well!  WHY?  Well, it's flavor is a JOY.  Check out these simple yet tasty ingredients...

 That's IT.  And I like that!  The fewer the ingredients the better!  Nothing fake!  The combination of sweet with a bit of salt with savory and shake of spices and smoke...very nice!

Over time I ate this by the handful or two at a time.  The bag lasted me a while but it's coming to an end today.  The crunch makes this snack very satisfying, too!  I've used a handful on salads, too, instead of tortillas.  YUM!

Regardless of what you are going to do with these - a snack - a condiment or accompaniment - or otherwise the important thing is - do you like the flavor and is a good for you - the answer - for both - were YES.  That's why I LOVE these lil guys!  They have other flavors, too, and I intend to share them with you down the road!  In the meantime...check this company out below...

There main website is www.CoconutOrganics.com and they are @CoconutOrganics and @CoconutBacon on FB, Twitter, and Instagram.  Check them out TODAY!

KIND Organics - Organic Whole Food Multi Vitamins for Women - First Impressions

KIND Organics - Certified Organic Whole Food Women's Multi-Vitamins. 

This may be UNLIKE most product reviews you come across.  I'm not going to write about the results I have experienced with these...because I honestly don't know what to report on that end.  The before and after - I guess.  I didn't get official tests done and have no official result to share.  But I will be writing about why I think these are different from other vitamins.

I must start off by saying I'm NOT a pill taker.  I just don't like taking them.  I forget about them.  I'm not consistent with them.  Some of my fellow vegetarian and vegans will surely say - why are you taking supplements - if you eat a diverse diet you won't need to take supplements - which I still believe to be true.

I wanted to try these for a few reasons.  First and foremost...

They are made from nature - using thoughtfully and scientifically selected REAL FOODS, Kind Organics Women's Multi is a whole food multivitamin that's Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.

ORGANIC fruits, veggies and herbs such as lemons, annatto, amla berry and holy basil. 

This is a gentle power-packed formula provides the nutrients you need in only two organic tablets per day.  HOWEVER...I am not taking 2 full tablets per day.  I 1/2 tablet to 1 tablet a day for the first week.  Just to see how it went.  I think it went 'well' but that's all I can really say about it...since I didn't take the suggested two full tablets.  NOW...I'm taking 1/2 to 1 tablet on the days I feel I am not eating as healthy as I should.  Such as...while traveling...or if I eat at a restaurant over the weekend and only have a salad...or on days where I'm getting low on fresh produce in my house and 'cheat' and eat grainy-carbs VS carbs from fruit (ie breads).  

The only 'con' I have found with these Multi-Vitamins is really just a personal preference or a personal pet peeve of sorts...or maybe it's just because stubborn...but these vitamins are LARGE.  Because I don't take pills - I'm not used to swallowing them.  Instead...I have been cutting them in half and taking them that way.  I'm curious if one could also smash them up and put them into a smoothie, too!?  Hummm...

BUT...one thing I MUST point out - as part of my first impression of these vitamins is that they smell very pleasant.  An aroma combo of fruit (like berries) and whole grains...at least that is what they smell like to me.

Other ways THIS Multi-Vitamin is different from others on the market?

Clean, Right Down to Our Patent-Pending Tablet Technology: Where many other vitamin "tablets" use unrecognizable things such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid and lac-beetle resin (shellac) to bind and fill the tablet, Kind Organics are uniquely formed using ORGANIC, WHOLE FOODS.

• Certified Vegan, Gluten Free and NO Synthetic Binders or Fillers
• 16 Vitamins & Minerals with Greater than 100% Daily Value
• Certified Vegan D3 from Lichen for Immune Support^†
• 10mg of Iron for Blood Support^†
• 500% Daily Value of Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin) for Extra Energy^†
• Targeted Levels of B Vitamins, (from Organic Guava & Organic Holy Basil) for Radiant Skin & Nails 

 I've mentioned above that I'm thrilled the contents of these vitamins are filled with WHOLE FOODS but it also excites me that some of the ingredients are FOODS that I don't usually have the pleasure of consuming such as Guava because it's not (usually) found in my region (not even in stores).

Methylcobalamin: Vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) is a water soluble B vitamin that is essential for energy, metabolism, formation of healthy blood cells and DNA synthesis. Methylcobalamin is the active, natural form of B-12 (equivalent to the B-12 in your body).

Kind Organics from Garden of Life^® offers a full range of Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project verified supplements made only from real food - over 30 fruits, vegetables and herbs. Absolutely free of synthetic binders and fillers, meaningful amounts of vitamins and minerals are carefully combined to benefit specific dietary needs. All of this goodness is wrapped up using Garden of Life’s patent-pending Clean Tablet Technology^™ - an entirely new way to make vitamins using only Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project verified foods. None of our Clean Tablet Technology ingredients come from soy or corn. Kind Organics - made only from real, nutritious food.

And...YES...that is actress Alicia Silverstone you see above.  Many people are aware that she is vegan and promotes products that ARE vegan.  Well, she is the 'face' of this product that is available thru Garden of Life.

Just because I am referring to the Women's Multi - I have to add they also have a Men's Multi-Vitamin following the same principles.  

I have to say I even LOVE the glass bottle they come in and once I have gone thru all of the vitamins I will be reusing the glass bottle.  It's heavy duty and seems as tho light will NOT go thru it.

My first impressions of this product are very positive.  I don't think I would be a person to regularly consume or purchase because I am NOT one to take supplements but I thought I would try them...so I could tell people about them...if they were interested...that there IS a Multi-Vitamin that is vegan and made from WHOLE FOODS on the market.  I'm very excited that this is available and I think it will wake up a few other companies out there to pursue like-options and alternatives.

The Spatty & Spatty Daddy ~ Review Intro

What we have here is the Spatty and the Spatty Daddy.  I've had these in my kitchen for a few months now and I have to say I love them.  The Spatty was featured on the Shark Tank a while back and eventho I don't wear make-up I found additional ways to use them around my house.  I've been pondering an official review post for this product for some time but I didn't think it was fair to only do one since I find new ways to use these little gems often.  So I figured I would post additional reviews when the mood strikes me.  This is the first of many.  This will mostly be an intro of sorts with additional follow-ups. 

First up...the smaller one of the two you see pictured above.  I've found it very helpful for getting the last little bit out of small jars for my spices.  Sometimes dried spices will absorb a little moisture over time and it can be hard to get that last little bit.  No matter how hard you try.  Smacking the bottom of the jar sometimes just won't work to get it all.  This is where the smaller one of the two has come in handy for me recently.

And speaking of smacking the bottom of condiments...Ketchup!  Need I say more?  Well, you know me...I will say more anyway!  Ketchup and other liquid condiments like mustards and salad dressings are hard to get to the very bottom of and we often waste some of the product inside those containers.  This little mini spatula does the trick!

For the larger one, too, I found it to be IDEAL for getting dips and spreads out of my Vitamix.  I really only have 1 compliant so far about my beloved Vitamix and it's this...the blades made it hard to get some of the 'good stuff' out of the bottom once you've blended a masterpiece! 

I will be chiming in often with more uses for these genius tools - the Spatty and Spatty Daddy!  And now...they have Spatty Caddy's!  Woot!  Find out more on their website where you can also watch videos on the product.

This is one of those products that ends of paying for itself quickly!  And they are VERY affordable to begin with!  You can purchase them online or at these locations.

Stay tuned to this site for additional uses and feedback on The Spatty and Spatty Daddy!

A Few Happenings & Reviews

I'm attempting to catch up on blogging a bit before my 'hell week' starts next week.  Then I will once again be behind.  Funny how that works, eh!?

Anyhow...I have been munching on a bunch of different foods lately and many of them I have done reviews on or will be doing reviews on SOON.

One of them being the Season Kale Krunch.  I REALLY liked them!  I gave them 5 out of 5 starts over at the Raw Food World.  Read my FULL REVIEW here for the Seasonal Spring Onion Kale Krunch.  YUM!  Tastes like Sour Cream & Onion!!!

Another one of their products I'm super excited about is their dried pineapple!  It's wonderful!  Again...another 5 out of 5 stars!  There is a story that goes along with this product as to why I ordered it!  I originally ordered it for my father and a whole slew of people ended up eating the package!  I've since ordered more specifically for my dad and both times he's LOVED them!  For the full review on the Puckery Pineapple - Click Here!

Eventho I do dry my own things at home I enjoy trying everyone elses, too!  PLUS a lot of the items I have been getting from the Raw Food World I do not have access to locally.

I also wrote up a review about their Cheezy Chipotle Kale Chips.  Since I haven't had the best looking fresh Kale lately or readily available for mass Kale Chip making this was a nice alternative!  Read the full review HERE - Kale Krunch Helps Me on Krazy Days!

In other news I'm REALLY enjoying the books I recently got, too!  So far - out of all of them - I have hit this one up several times.  My goal was to focus on some Breakfast Ideas.  Since I'm not much of a breakfast person I really wanted to push the envelop and jump outside of my comfort zone and try some of them and that's exactly what I did!  Of course I put my own spin on it and wrote about it on The Raw Food World's news site and it was featured under RECIPES.  I called my version Nutty Fruity Breakfast - check that out in its entirety HERE.

I still have so much more to tell you about so stay tuned!

Foods Lately and Check-Ins

I know I haven't been posting a slew of stuff lately but I have been around and have been busy and do have a LOT to share with you! 

I'm waiting on a few things to fall into place before I post about a few other things.  Mostly good.

As for some other things that have been happening - my brother in law had part of his bowel removed but he's recovering nicely.  My husband has been having stomach issues, too, and they are 90% sure it's Crohn's.  We are just waiting for another test to come back.  His mother's Kidney Readings were high and she had went to a specialist today and they don't seem to be overly concerned about it but going to retest in 5 months. 

My foods have been very simple foods, raw foods, mono meals, and some comfort meals tied in, mostly for the last several weeks.  In the first photo you will see I did a Mason Jar Meal.  It turned out wonderful.  From top...marinated corn, peas and carrots, then seasoned chickpeas, and plain Quinoa on bottom.

One of the snacks I have been enjoying are kicked up Cashews which I have blogged about a few times before.  They are just as good as previous attempts.

Something I've been tinkering with and LOVING since I received it in my RawFoodWorld Shipment has been this Pistachio Pesto - OMG - it's marvelous!  I hope to do a full review on that soon but here's a little teaser of my first attempt with it...I simply added it to elbow macaroni.  I wanted to try it pretty plain-jane first to really taste the flavor - but this is a product I will re-order that is for sure - I absolutely LOVE it!

Another thing I have been enjoying from my shipment has been my new Bamboo Plate.  I plan on order one more of this size as well as 2 smaller ones.

 As you can see on the Bamboo Plate I have some peppy Guacamole that I threw together.  I used my Wildtree Gauc Blend in addition to a teaspoon of the Pistachio Pesto - I mentioned above.  For an extra kick...a bit of Sriracha Sauce!

As you can see here I have some gorgeous Cherry Tomatoes.  They are actually from my Tumbling Tom Tomato Plant which was in the form of a Hanging Basket.  I think I have gotten roughly 80 to 100 tomatoes from it so far and they are SO AMAZING!

Last week I couldn't resist purchasing these 4 quarts of Snap Peas with edible pods from our local produce stand which has recently changed hands.  I'm LOVING all of the new offerings and the friendly service.  Of course it helps that I know almost everyone in the large family that works there!

Yes!  You see that right!  4 quarts for $6.99 and they were GREAT!  I had large batches for snacks and mono meals PLUS I shared some with my parents as well as a friend AND brought the rest into work and about 4 of us gnawed on them for a few days!  While I was there I purchased some sweet cherries as well as some black berries which were top notch, too!

And FINALLY to round out this post - a funny photo of me eating this Oat Based Superfood Cereal.  I really liked it and reviewed it for the The Raw Food World NEWS Website and once it's up I will link to it so you can see the full review!

I've also reviewed a Kale Chip they offer so I will keep you posted about that as well!

So...what have you been up to lately!?

Chocholistic Original SuperFood Bar

I've been nibbling on this Chocholistic Bar for a while now and I'm just about finished with it.  I have to say all sorts of thoughts and feelings run thru my mind as I have been eating this.  How can I NOT think about all of the GOODNESS that this treat has within its package?

This was their first chocolate bar - the ORIGINAL and has 10 powerful superfoods in a rich, raw chocolate and sweet crunch from chia seeds.  I must note some of my opinions here.  I really do like this product.  But I do think this specific flavor is more of a dark chocolate and I didn't find it very sweet.  I'm totally ok with this, tho, as I do enjoy a fine dark chocolate when I can find vegan ones.  Here are the ingredients for this product...

Superfood Ingredients: raw cacao paste*, raw cacao butter*, non-gmo birch xylitol, raw lucuma*, raw coconut oil*, raw olive oil*, raw chia seeds*, raw maca*, raw wild chaga mushroom, raw reishi mushroom*, raw chlorella*,  passionflower*, non-alcohol vanilla extract*, raw sunflower lecithen, sea salt, stevia*         *organic

Now that's impressive!  This bar DOES have a texture to it...a crunch due to the chia seeds!  When the Chia Seeds are being chewed they do expand.  I actually like this.  As always I increase my liquid intake when I eat Chia Seeds as it is a dehydrating food, generally speaking.  It absorbs the water in your system.  But the nutritional benefits of Chia are amazing!

This smooth, rich, chocolate bar has 10 amazing superfoods all inside of raw, sugar-free, organic, fair-trade chocolate. With a slight crunch for omega-3 Chia Seeds and a rich, earthy flavor from chaga and reishi mushroom, this bar is a powerhouse for antioxidants and phytonutrients. This product comes in a 2.4oz bar.

This flavor is: 

• Sugar-Free (no dates, honey, agave, artificial sweeteners)
• Organic
• Raw and Vegan
• Nut Free
• Soy and Corn Free
• Wheat and Gluten Free
• Dairy Free
• Non-GMO
• Fair Trade

Speaking of nutritional benefits of this 'gem of a product' - here are some more broken down by impressive ingredient!

CHAGA  This medicinal mushroom boosts immune system, supports the body’s ability to eliminate toxins, stimulates the central nervous system, maintains skin color and elasticity and promotes youthful skin.

CHIA SEEDS Known for it’s great Omega 3 : Omega 6 ratio, chia seeds are a stamina food. Chia boasts a variety of minerals and fiber, making it a supreme energy food that regulates blood pressure, contributed to mental health, bone health, breast health, and prenatal health.

CHLORELLA A powerful detoxifier to environmental toxins, heavy metals (like mercury) and pesticides, chlorella also protects the immune system, provides energy, fights craving, and is an amazing source of vegan protein.

COCONUT OIL An antimicrobial oil that kills unwanted bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Sometimes noted as being more powerful than antibiotics, coconut oil is also a fast absorbing fat that doesn’t effect the waistline. It helps lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, provides quick energy, and protects the immune system.

LUCUMA Loaded with minerals to build bones, teeth, and proteins. Lucuma is a starchy fruit that promotes good digestion and hormone balance.

MACA This superfood  is reported to increase energy, balance hormones, increase energy and endurance, support the immune system and boos long-term libido.

OLIVE OIL Very high in antioxidants making it great for fighting free-radicals and preventing aging. This oil is also heart healthy: protecting from high blood pressure and unnatural forms of cholesterol.

PASSION FLOWER A soothing mood booster that calms anxiety and promotes happiness. It helps eliminates stress and promotes good sleep.

REISHI This medicinal mushroom is known for outrageous immune support and helps the body return to homeostasis so it can operate at its upmost level. It also lowers blood pressure, helps with anxiety, enhances nerve function and has a variety of vitamins and minerals.

*Chocholistic does not intended to treat any illness or disease. This chocolate is for pure enjoyment and all health benefits are based solely on the research of Chocholistic*

The company says this product is half supplement - half dessert...being guilt-free as well as a health food. 

I really like the addition of the mushrooms, maca, and lucuma as I am familiar with the benefits and enjoy products that include them within the edibles. 

Each time I visit their website I see other products and flavors I would like to try!  I will say their products are NOT cheap!  This bar retails for $7.99.  To be honest that sort of made me raise my eyebrows when I saw it...BUT...after sampling it for the first time and realizing it was near impossible for me to consume a whole bar in one sitting I began to wonder just how long it would take me to consume.  What I did was eat it a quarter at a time or LESS in some cases.  This is a VERY filling and satisfying treat!  It's rich and full of flavor.  After I realized that it was like you are getting 4 or more 'candy bars' in one. 

When I go into specialty stores and see shops pricing chocolate bars for anywhere from $2 to a dozen dollars or more - I think this is a steal!  Especially because of all of the Super Foods that it contains!

Overall - I'm pretty JAZZED about this product!  It has a lot to offer and it last a while - at least for me - over the coarse of days - or longer - and I really like that!  This is a REALLY solid product and great VEGAN TREAT in my book!

A Word About Farro AND Recipes for Farro with Artichokes, Sun Dried Tomatoes, & Pine Nuts AND a Blackberry Chia Smoothie

Oh YUM!  So...I made this for my lunch today and I have to say it's WONDERFUL!  I would have to say it's probably one of my new favorite dishes!  It's chewy, flavorful, and filling!  Here's what's in it...

1/2 C Farro (Nature's Earthly Choice)
About 3 C Water (to cook the Farro in)
1/2 C Sun Dried Tomatoes (with gentle oil)
About 3 C Artichoke Hearts
5 to 6 T Red Wine Vinegar
3 T Parsley
1/2 C Pine Nuts

If you are a fan of any or all of these ingredients PLEASE try this!  The flavor really pops!  YUM!  The texture is great, too!  It's a neat comfort food as well!

For my Breakfast today...I had a Blackberry Smoothie of sorts!  Here's what's in this:

1 1/2 C Almond Milk
1/2 Banana
1 Pint Blackberries
2 Small Dates
1 T Chia Seeds
6 drops of Vanilla NuNaturals Stevia

A word about Farro...

I'm by no means a Farro Guru.  I think including this dish I have only used it about 3 times so far.  But I'm REALLY loving this grain!  I guess that's why it's been around for over 5,000 years, eh!?  Not only because it's so tasty but because it's so GOOD for you!  It's high is fiber, protein, and a good source of complex carbs!  Just how much Fiber and Protein!?  Well, let me tell you!  Nature's Earthly Choice says that 1/4 C contains 5 grams or 21& of Fiber and 7 grams of Protein!  It also contains 2% Calcium and 12% Iron.  It acts like a sponge with spices, vinegars, flavored oils, and fruits and veggies which I really like, too!  But I keep going back to that chewy texture.  I guess those are just a few reasons why this grain has quickly gained a place in my heart!

EcoJarz Wide Mouth Drink Top & Stainless Steel Straws, Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie, Mason Jar Madness!

I mentioned earlier this week I received a package in the mail of EcoJarz and I have to say I already LOVE them!  The items I want to blog about today - specifically - is their Wide Mouth Drink Top as well as their Stainless Steel Straws!  I'm sure you will be seeing a LOT of photos in the future of me using the EcoJarz Products and will surely try and mention each time I post! 

In this first post you will see I did some water with Lemon Peels in it.  This works 'swimmingly' because the peels can be right in there and won't fall out or splash you in the face!

Now...if you have visiting my blog before you know I use Mason Jars for SO MANY things!  I'm so grateful to add this to my list of things to use Mason Jars with!  They are so trendy, stylish, and FUN!  And more importantly "GREEN"...they are VERY good for the Earth!

According to EcoJarz:

• Perfect for all your Pint-and-a-half sized sipping
• Sleek stainless-steel style for your wide-mouth to-go cup sets
• The first stainless steel wide-mouth drinktop 3-pack on the market 

Our wide-mouth stainless steel lids are entirely non-reactive and can be used with hot or cold beverages without any worry of chemical leach.  They are completely BPA and phthalate free.  We recommend washing your new Ecojarz lids thoroughly with soap and water before use.  Dry your stainless steel lids and jar bands well after washing and store in a dry place.
You can choose to ship your lids in their lovely retail packages (pictured on the left) or save paper and select “Ship WITHOUT Retail Package” from the drop down menu at the right.
A “Jar Band” is the metal ring which threads onto a glass jar and is necessary to attach an Ecojarz top.  It works just like a canning jar lid.  If you already have wide mouth jar bands you are good to go, but if not you can add them to your order for just $2.50 using the second drop down menu on the left.  Add 3 stainless steel straws for only $8.50, or 3 sets of straws and bands for $11.

Now when it comes to the Stainless Steel Straws...I must say I think they are great, too!  I've only ever had 1 heavy-duty re-useable straw and it was still plastic and I'm sure contains dyes and chemicals...but NOT this one!  This is HARDCORE AWESOME!  They are quite TALL, too, but I'm cool with that!  They even have Straw Cleaners...something I have been lacking...and I'm so HAPPY that I can now clean my straws!  Woot!  A little bit more from EcoJarz about their Stainless Steel Straws...

• Strong, durable, reusable drinking straws
• Elegant shape with small permanent bend 
• Easy to clean
• Work with all Ecojarz lids

Disposable straws are so out-of-style; all the classiest hippies sip through stainless steel!  For a glamorous green juice on the go, show how much you love the earth and add some bling-bling, stainless steel sustainability to your drink.
Featuring a sleek and slender design, our drinking straws have a slight bend that resemble the familiar flexible disposable straws (though ours are not flexible).  Best for sipping liquids like fresh-squeezed juice or tea, this drinking straw fits both our silicone and stainless steel Ecojarz lids.  If you need a great straw that can handle thicker drinks like smoothies check out our Smoothie Straws.
We recommend to wash your new stainless steel drinking straw thoroughly with soap and water before use.  Cleaning your drinking straws is easy with our excellent stainless steel straw cleaners!

I'm VERY happy with BOTH of these products!  I love the way they look, too!  Here's another look at the lid when I put it on the wide mouth Mason Jar.  As you can see there are 2 holes.  One for the Straw and the other for something I will be posting about down the road!  Oh the suspense! LOL

The special tops sit right on top of the rim of the Mason Jar and then on top of that you put the ring on and secure!  It's clever!

So far I've tried flavored water, juices, smoothies, and Flavored Soy Milk in it.

Here's a photo of the very first smoothie I did in it, too!

Recipe for this smoothie...

1 C Frozen Strawberries
1 C Coconut Milk
1/2 Scoop of GoL Apple Flavored perfect Food
1 Meyer Lemon
1 tea Hemp Hearts/Hemp Seeds

It was simple and flavorful!

Here's another look at the Smoothie itself!  I took the peel off the Meyer Lemon and threw the whole thing in there.

Usually Meyer Lemons don't have very many seeds present - but this one apparently DID.  That's ok...it was still yummy!  I just had to blend it for longer.

Another optional addition for this would be Banana - I still have a few other frozen - I just didn't feel like the sweet at the moment...I was looking for a Strawberry Lemonade type flavor this time around.

I hope you enjoyed reading about these EcoJarz Products!  I know I'm having a BALL with them!  I am sure to be posting LOTS more in the very near future about their products, too, so stay tuned!

Repost ~ Barre Bars, Couscous, Forks Over Knives Cookbook, Sacha Vida's Chocolate Covered Sacha Inchi Seeds, & Coconut Secret's Coconut Nectar

Today I am going to post about a few things I have been gnawing on, consuming, reading, and testing.  I'll be blogging about things that have exited my kitchen as of late and things that I have been revisiting or have been using more and more of lately.  (NOTE: I'm reporting this due to some wonky coding that was messing up my blog last week) Starting things off is this Snack Bar from Barre.  It's the last one I had on hand from them and I will say I enjoy each one that I tried!  They are very yummy, filling, and made with REAL ingredients!  I know you aren't supposed to play with your food...but I do!  I enjoyed picking it apart to see all of the ingredients inside.  This is Barre's Black Swan Chocolate Berry Flavor.  The texture is between a protein bar and what I remember a Devils Food Cake being like, texture-wise.  The Berry is juicy and sweet!  The Cake-E part is full of Chocolate-Goodness!  It's chewy but plump and the Cake part is fairly moist.  It's almost like Trail Mix in the form of a bar!  I have to say it's very satisfying and filling yet light.  Sweet Tooth - CHECK, Protein - CHECK!  Another winner from Barre!

It's been a long time since I have made Couscous from a box...I have been making my own flavors via the bulk Couscous I have bought.  But there was a great sale on these a while back and I bought all of the vegan flavors they had.  I do really like them when I have had them.  I had this for dinner last night.  I had a bit leftover that I will probably eat tonight as a side.  Another thing that I ate this week that turned out great was a Stir Fry that I forgot to snap a photo of.  It was Basic White Jasmine Rice with Mixed Veggies such as Carrots, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Green Beans, and Peas.  I also added some of my Wildtree Teriyaki Sauce to it, too!  I like this sauce because it is lower in sodium than other Teriyaki Sauces I have seen.

I've renewed this book TWICE already and owe some late fees on it.  I should just purchase it online and I just might do that down the road.  As you may know I am a fan of the documentary and have watched it a few times...might have to watch it again, too!  This is the companion Cookbook.  It's great!

I may not follow the recipe completely but it gives me a bunch of wonderful ideas about flavor combo's!

I have noticed that a lot of the recipes I've seen in here so far call of Brown Rice Vinegar...I know I am out of this in my pantry at home...might have to purchase some more at some point.

Sacha Vida's Organic Chocolate Covered Sacha Inchi Seeds.  While visiting their website today I see they they are currently sold out of these.  BUMMER. These little seeds pack a powerful PUNCH!  And they have quite the history!  They're a healing plant native to the Peruvian Amazon that produces star-shaped green fruits which yield edible seeds. It has been cultivated by indigenous people for centuries, and will grow in warm climates up to altitudes of 5,500 feet. The cultivated seeds are extracted locally in the Amazon. Natives living in the Peruvian Amazon have consumed the leaves of the plant, the seeds, and their oil for hundreds of years. Sacha Inchi has been traditionally used to spur the growth of young children and keep senior tribe members in robust health. The plant was originally cultivated by the Incas and can be found depicted on pottery found buried in Inca and pre-Inca tombs.  This Super Food IS a SUPER Food!  It boosts brain activity, is heart healthy, high in omega 3, 6, and 9, and has 5 grams of protein in just 1 ounce!  They also contain a good amount of fiber for a little seed!  I have been snacking on these but I am tempted to grind some of them up and/or include them in some smoothies soon!

And then there is this Coconut Nectar!  You may have noticed it in some of my recipe posts as of late!  I love this the more I use it!  It's super sweet but good for you - it's vegan and it's raw, too!  But how?

When the coconut tree is tapped, it produces a naturally sweet, nutrient-rich sap that exudes from the coconut blossoms. This sap is very low glycemic and contains 17 amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, broad-spectrum B vitamins, and has a nearly neutral pH.

This natural sap is minimally evaporated at low temperatures (only to remove excess moisture and allow sap to thicken), never exceeding an average summer day in the tropics. Some agave syrups are hydrolyzed at temps up to 140 degrees F. for 36 hours, the end product containing 90% fructose, compared to sap nectar which is only 0.5% glucose, 1.5% fructose, 16% sucrose, and 82% inulin.

Recipe Tips:
The naturally sweet, mild flavor of our Nectar is an ideal sweetener for use on pancakes, over cereal, in tea, smoothies, and all your favorite dessert recipes!

Ingredients:
Coconut Sap grown without chemicals, pesticides or herbicides. (USDA Certified Organic)

Just some FUN finds and products I've been into lately!  Have you tried them yet!?  What are some of your new faves?

M-Cell Tower

Several Weeks ago we noticed a significant drop in cell service at our home. We do not have a land line we only use our cell phones.  My husband has a home office and studio and once he's done with his air shift at work he will work mostly out of our house.  In addition to being on the air he's in Marketing & Sales and NEEDS a reliable cell signal at all times!  We were NOT able to get the service we needed due to tower maintenance in our area for about a week.  This was unacceptable.  In addition to his work he was also missing and dropping phone calls from his doctors while he was having multiple issues going on a few weeks ago.  We submitted a Trouble Ticket and I ended up calling 3 times and we went to our local store twice.  The last time we showed up at the store we were finally able to get some answers and move forward with what we were going to do and how we were going to try and handle the issues we were having.  Long story short - we ended up getting an "M-Cell Tower".  That's how it reads on the iPhone when it's hooked up so that is what I have been calling it but the official name is AT&T 3 G MicroCell Wireless Signal Booster.  It retailed for about $199.  When we went in Dale ended up getting a great deal on the new iPhone and I ended up taking his old one - which was still a step up from mine - I previously had an iPhone 4S and now I have his old iPhone 5.  He upgraded to the 5S.  I ended up getting a SWEET deal on mine for turning it into them...they offered me $200 for it because it was in great shape.  They replaced my SIM Card as well which totally made a difference too!  So by getting the $200 Gift Card I decided to spend it on the M-Cell Tower.  They ordered it from a neighboring store and we picked it up the following Monday Morning.  Hubby took it home and hooked it up and we haven't looked back!  It's just what we needed!  I have 4 to 5 bars of service consistently, now!  It's AWESOME! 

In short...The AT&T 3G MicroCell device acts like a mini cell tower in your home, and connects to your existing broadband Internet service. You receive improved cell signal performance for both voice calls and cellular data applications like picture messaging and Web surfing.

So far - we haven't had a problem with this at all and based on our current Cell Phone Family Plan it doesn't cost us any additional money per month.  It's working like a charm!

Get Your Freekuh On!

I bought some Freekeh a while back but didn't use it until Sunday while making a dish for my lunches this week.  This is the first time I have used it and I must say I enjoyed it and will certainly be using it again!  The brand I bough was Freekeh Foods.  The first flavor of theirs I tried to work with in this dish was their Rosemary Sage. 

If you aren't familiar with Freekeh it gets it's name from the process which means "to rub" in Arabic. Freekeh was created by accident nearly 2,000 years ago when a Middle Eastern village was attacked and their crop of young green wheat was set ablaze. Most folks would sulk over their misfortune, but the crafty villagers rubbed off the chaff, cooked it up.  Of course I LOVE reading about the origins of foods so I was happy to hear the history of this as well!  Freekeh is similar to Barley or brown/grain rices.  It has a chewier texture which I like a lot!

Freekeh has several nutritional attributes that are superior to those of comparable cereal foods. Some people consider it a superfood. It compares well to other healthy grains such as quinoa and farro. Freekeh has at least four times as much fiber as some other comparable grains, consisting mostly of insoluble fiber. It also has a low glycemic index so is suitable for managing diabetes.

In the dish you see above I used the following:

1 C Dry Freekeh Foods Rosemary Sage Flavor (when cooked I found it at least doubles, so Approx 2 C Cooked)

I cooked the Freekeh for 25 minutes.

I then added various amounts of the following - mostly frozen - Peas, Carrots, Red Peppers, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Green Beans, Asparagus, etc.

I think it turned out wonderfully!  I didn't even add any additional flavors to this!  The Rosemary Sage was just right.  If you wanted to you could probably add some soy sauce or some Aminos for you wanted it a bit salter.  

I can't help by think of the song by Missy Elliott "Get Your Freak On".  I've always liked her!  Her videos are very creative and she's more of a Tomboy than a Girlie-Girl.    Most of her songs aren't for younger audiences altho I really liked the cover of Car Wash she participated in for "Shark Tale" Soundtrack that was probably one of the more family friendly sounding songs she's done.