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Del Monte Wants you to Get Fit and Win Big!

Written on March 19, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways

In an effort to motivate people to get healthy by exercising and eating more fruits and vegetables, Del Monte Fresh Produce will give away 500 pairs of sneakers and 10 Nintendo Wii New Super Mario Bros. Pack game consoles and Wii Zumba Fitness during March to Del Monte Fresh Produce Facebook fans!

The “500 Sneaker March Giveaway,” hosted on the Del Monte Fresh Produce Facebook page, will randomly award 500 sneakers to Del Monte Facebook fans who enter the contest and ten (10) Wii packages to people who get two (2) of their friends to sign up.

Here’s how it works:

:: If you want to win sneakers

Step 1: “Like” Del Monte Fresh Produce by visiting www.facebook/delmontefreshproduce

Step 2: Enter sweepstakes and sign the pledge to make at least half your plate fruits and vegetables and exercise more frequently. You will automatically be entered to win one of 500 pairs of sneakers.

:: If you want to win the Nintendo Wii New Super Mario Bros. Pack Game Console and Wii Zumba Fitness

Step 3: Click on the “Sneaker Giveaway” tab then the “Invite Friends” to share news about the giveaway with your friends.

Step 4: Get just two (2) friends to enter the sweepstakes and you will be automatically entered to win the Nintendo Wii New Super Mario Bros. Pack game console and Wii Zumba Fitness

All entrants will be encouraged to sign a pledge to exercise at least three times a week for thirty minutes and, as the USDA recommends, make half their plate fruits and vegetables.

For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/delmontefreshproduce

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Naturally Nora – Birthday Cake and More Without Artificial Ingredients!

Written on March 16, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways

Do you love to bake but due to work, running errands, shuttling kids, and a host of other chores and obligations you don’t always have the time to bake from scratch? You’re not alone.

In fact, because there are so many moms that feel this way – moms who want to make homemade treats for their families, moms who would love to welcome their children home from school with fresh baked cookies – there is this thing called a boxed mix.

You know what I’m talking about…cookie mixes, cake mixes, brownie mixes. They line the grocery store shelves – long stretches of them in more than a dozen flavors and varieties.

But what is a mom to do when you are trying your best to kick artificial colors, flavors, and high fructose corn syrup? I know I’m doing my best to feed my family wholesome foods and I’m spending our hard earned money on organic and whole foods but I’m also fighting a loosing battle with my husband and son when it comes to having “treats” in the house.

I want my kids to enjoy the same memories I had of eating sugar loaded birthday cake and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. So, I make these things from scratch as often as I can but I still have to rely on the boxes from time to time (*hangs head in shame*).

Finally, someone has seen my secret cake mix box shopping and my internal wrestling with what to do! Naturally Nora is a line of cake mixes, brownie mixes, cookie mixes, and frosting mixes that are made entirely from natural ingredients (meaning you can totally READ and understand the ingredients list). They contain ingredients like unbleached and un-bromated flour, sugar, baking soda, vanilla, salt, non-alkalized cocoa, and cream of tartar. They don’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils. They can even be prepared dairy free or soy free!

Amazingly enough, Naturally Nora has a cake mix called Alot’a Dots that are just like the confetti cakes enjoyed by kids everywhere – except they don’t contain any of those artificial ingredients! In fact, it is the only one of its kind!

A simple label comparison says it all: Naturally Nora Sunny Yellow Cake Mix contains only 8 ingredients while Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix contains a whopping 17, Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Classic Yellow Cake Mix contains 15, and Pilsbury Moist Supreme Classic Yellow Cake Mix contains a shocking 18 ingredients!

Naturally Nora products are available at a growing number of stores nationwide including Whole Foods Markets, The Fresh Market, Giant Foods, HEB, Kroger, Meijer, King’s, Target, and online at Amazon.com

I received product to use to do this review. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own

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Wholesome Goodness – A Delicious New Brand

Written on March 14, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways

A wonderful new brand – Wholesome Goodness – may be coming (or has already arrived!) at your local Walmart! The guiding principle behind the brand is to make their products as nutritionally dense as possible. This means Wholesome Goodness’s products emphasize whole grains while minimizing sugar, sodium, and fat.

In fact, limiting sugar, sodium, and fat isn’t all their doing to ensure their products are “wholesome” just like their namesake. They’ve banned a total of 126 ingredients that are commonly used by other food companies. These ingredients include many artificial ingredients including additives, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives. Furthermore, Wholesome Goodness does not allow high fructose corn syrup or trans fats in their products either.

Wholesome Goodness believes that nutritious foods are beneficial only if they are accessible and affordable. So, they’ve taken measures to produces products that are not only good for you but are easy on your wallet.

You can find a whole host of foods in their line up including several cold, hot cereals like steel cut oats, granola bars, trail mixes, soy, rice, and almond beverages, dressings, barbeque sauces, marinades, juices, pasta sauces, salsas, broths, tortilla chips, and potato chips.

We have tried several items including their chocolate almond drink, which DJ, my husband says is better than many other brands that we’ve tried. Judah liked their multigrain O’s (and I loved that it was a healthy cereal without artificial colors, flavors, or a boatload of sugar!). My favorite was sea salt multigrain chips – they taste like another well known brand of mulit-grain chip but crispier and I even liked them better!

Wholesome Goodness is available in the produce section at many Walmarts in the mid-Atlantic region including those in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Further distribution should be happening soon!

I received product to review for this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

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Neosporin Eczema Essentials

Written on February 28, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways, Uncategorized

I remember when I found out Judah had infant eczema. (He has since outgrown it). It started with his face looking a little red and irritated and the very next day I took him to the pediatrician because it looked like he was having some sort of allergic reaction. I knew I hadn’t feed or applied anything differently to him – I hadn’t changed my laundry detergent, cleaning products. I couldn’t figure it out. The pediatrician knew immediately that it wasn’t an allergic reaction at all, it was eczema. She gave me a prescription for him to heal his face fast and then told me to try one of the many lotions that are available on the market for eczema.

Many babies have it, and many children continue to have it, and still many adults also have problems with eczema. That is why Neosporin, a brand/product we have known for a long time (they’ve been around 50 years) and have grown to trust, has launched a new line for those who struggle with this skin problem.

If this is something you would like to try, right now you can save $5.00 at Walmart.com! Visit: http://see.walmart.com/neosporin

Here’s how it works:

#1 Daily Body Wash
• Proven gentle and non-irritating, even on eczema-prone skin
• Fragrance-free, soap-free
• Gentle enough for everyday use

#2 Daily Moisturizing Cream
• Deeply moisturizes
• Relieves itch on contact and irritation due to eczema
• Helps strengthen and restore the skin’s natural barrier function
• Fragrance and steroid-free

#3 Anti-Itch Cream
• Clinically shown to improve dryness, flaking and appearance of redness
• Maximum strength of itch relief
• For occasional use

You should see results in as little as three days!

I have been compensated for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and 100% my own.

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Nourish What Counts with Crockpot Blueberry Vanilla Oatmeal!

Written on February 18, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Main Dishes, Product Reviews & Giveaways, Wholesome Recipes

This month Quaker is taking the initiative to create awareness about the importance of heart health with their program, Nourish What Counts. They have a website dedicated to “Nourishing What Counts.” Besides nourishing your body (and your family’s bodies) they are also asking you to take 5 minutes to “nourish what counts” to you. What needs nourishing in your life right now? Is it time with your kiddos, your spouse, is it taking some time to do something good for you? Take just five minutes to talk with your kiddos after school about their day, or take just five minutes to take the stairs at work instead of the elevator. What will you do?

I love Quaker Oats and a matter of fact several of my family’s favorite breakfast foods are from them! My all time favorite cold cereal is Quaker Oats Oatmeal Squares (and Judah loves them too!) My whole family enjoys a good bowl of oatmeal as well – usually we use the quick oats and whip up a batch where everyone can add in just what they love. My favorite toppings are Earth Fare’s organic brown sugar along with some slivered almonds and some fresh or dried organic blueberries. Judah’s favorite topping is chocolate chips!

Recently I came across a recipe for steel cut oats in the crockpot. With a couple of tweaks I made it my own and it was fantastic! The best parts about this recipe is that it can be made the night before so everyone can grab a bowl before they leave (this is great since everyone in our house doesn’t have the same morning schedule) – it is ready and waiting when we wake up! I also love that this recipe is clean! No yucky stuff in here at all!

:: Crockpot Blueberry Vanilla Oatmeal

1 cup steel-cut oats
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups water
fresh Georgia blueberries

Place all ingredients except blueberries into your crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours (overnight). Top oatmeal with fresh blueberries. (I enjoyed mine topped with fresh blueberries and slivered almonds! Yum!)

With everything going on in your life it can be hard to find the time to sit down for a healthy breakfast, but with Quaker®, 5 minutes is all it takes to get you and your family on the road to better heart health.

Visit see.walmart.com/quaker and nourish your family with a variety of heart healthy breakfast options from Quaker®. Including tasty cereals, instant oatmeal, old-fashioned oats and more!

I have been compensated for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% honest and 100% my own.

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Pinata Apples – Have YOU tried ‘em yet?

Written on February 15, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways

Recently a box of apples arrived at my door. (I love it when I get the opportunity to review REAL food!). They were all neatly packaged and delivered right to my doorstep. When I opened the box I was surprised to find these beautiful apples – a slight bit unusual in color. They are the new Pinata Apples..we’ll new to me any way. They actually originated in 1970 after researchers in Germany crossed Golden Delicious, Cox’s Orange Pippin (giving them their vibrant orange-ish color), and the Duchess of Oldenburg varieties. This apple was released in 1986 to be sold commercially in Europe. Now Stemilt Growers in Washington holds the exclusive rights to grow and market this variety in the United States under the name “Pinata.”

Stemilt grows and packs the Pinata apples under the Responsible Choice program, which ensures that the apples are grown using sustainable farming practices.

Pinata apples are stripy red over an orange background. They have a blend of high sugar and high acid levels giving it a tangy taste. It is super crispy and juicy and has a slight tropical “fruity” taste. We thought the apples were tart which would make it especially great for baking. Also, it adapts well to cooking temperatures and since the apples aren’t released until January it makes it the perfect apple for baking with in the cold months when you welcome a warm oven in your home!

Want to give ‘em a taste test yourself? Pinata apples are available at Walmart! They will be around in January and February so get ‘em while you can!

Learn more about Pinata Apples at www.pinataapple.com or www.facebook.com/pinataapple

I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own

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The Circus is in Town!

Written on February 13, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways, Wholesome Family

Don’t miss Fully Charged, the all-new surge of circus entertainment from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Baileywhere megawatts of thrills explode off of the arena floor with breathtaking dare-devilry, superhuman stunts and never-before-seen performances that energize Children Of All Ages, and runs Feb. 15-20 at Philips Arena in Atlanta and Feb. 23-26 at Gwinnett Arena in Duluth.

Lots of acts are in store but I am most looking forward to the acrobatics which will include a troupe on bouncing stilts! My son’s favorite is always the elephants (and of course the cotton candy – hehe). But, one thing we always enjoy is the pre-show.

If you aren’t familiar with the fabulous pre-show, I’ve got the dets – and everyone is invited! The action at Fully Charged begins an hour before show time at the All Access Power Up Pre-show – FREE to all ticket holders. Get to know the world’s greatest performers, meet some our amazing animals in person, and work to become CircusFit all before the show starts! The All Access Power Up Pre-show is the only place where you can register for a chance to win a pachyderm painting created by one of Ringling Bros. artistic Asian elephants right before audiences’ eyes.

Tickets are available through www.ringling.com, Ticketmaster or the Philips Arena and Gwinnett Arena box offices.

I’ll be there opening night with the whole family in tow and I’ll be tweeting all about it at @WholesomeMommy – if you are there or want to join in the conversation be sure to use the hashtag #RBBBAtl

Disclosure: I received tickets for review purposes. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

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Whole Foods Sells Sustainable and Responsibly Raised Fish

Written on February 7, 2012 by Denisesawyer in My Whole Food Journey, Product Reviews & Giveaways, Uncategorized

Whole Foods Market now offers pre-marinated, seasoned or stuffed seafood that needs only be thawed overnight (or while you are at work), cooked, then served with your favorite side. They are vacuum-packed to ensure the height of freshness and lock in flavor, and offer shoppers the opportunity to save time and money while whipping up quick weekday meals, but still not sacrifice on quality and taste.

I wanted you to know about this because there is a lot of confusion around fish and what we should buy. There aren’t any regulations on the word “organic” on fish yet. In other words if you see the word “organic” on fish, it can’t be backed up. You are more likely to see “sustainable” or “responsibly farmed.” I’ve written a post about the types of fish my family eats here.

I had the opportunity to try some of Whole Foods fish and we had the flounder. I liked that it came in vacuum packed packages where you could just buy a couple pieces (instead of a whole bag like in most conventional stores). This way, you can spend a little less and try several types until you find what you like without buying a whole bunch of one thing and having a lot left over that you don’t like! Another advantage to the small packages is you can buy just what you need if you have a small family or are just cooking for one or two people.

The flounder was very tasty and meatier than other varieties that I’ve had in the past. That may be because this fish is raised the right way – responsibly, and I’ve found that makes a difference on quality and taste on lots of things – organic veggies, fruits, and grass fed beef all taste different than their conventional counterparts. Whole Foods offers choices from fisheries that are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Stuffed sole Monterey ($6.99 each for 6 oz. portion) Stuffed with spinach and feta, this sole is lovely alongside a Greek green or orzo salad.

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified crab cakes ($5.99 each for 6 oz. portion)

Stuffed salmon pinwheels with spinach and feta ($5.99 each for 6 oz. portion) Win over kids with after baking these fun-to-eat pinwheels served alongside steamed green beans.

Shrimp teriyaki ($9.99/lb.) Toss these into a stir-fry and serve over brown rice.

Swordfish steaks with Mediterranean-herb marinade ($12.99/lb.) Cube these steaks and grill them as kabobs with cherry tomatoes and red onions.

Sockeye salmon with red miso marinade ($10.99/lb.) Top your udon noodles and dashi broth with after sautéing this salmon with bok choy.

MSC-certified stuffed true cod with bay shrimp and crab ($4.99 each for 6 oz. portion) Bake this cod and serve alongside steamed red potatoes.

Mini-MSC-certified crab and shrimp bites ($4.99 each for 6 oz. portion) Elevate your Caesar salad by topping it with these sautéed mini-seafood bites.

You can also stock the freezer with Whole Foods Market unseasoned frozen Pacific true cod ($7.99/lb.), Dover sole fillets ($6.99/lb.), sockeye ($10.99/lb.), Atlantic salmon fillets ($11.49/lb.), and tilapia fillets ($2.99 each for 6 oz. portion), among others.

I actually prefer the unseasoned variety because I can use it to make any dish my heart desires when the whim hits me, but if you are new to cooking fish you might like to try the preseasoned varieties to find out what you like.

Disclosure: I received free product for review purposes. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

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Wolfgang Puck’s Pasta Sauce – Review

Written on January 18, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways

You know that when it comes to feeding my family I like to cook it from scratch. I buy very little food that would be considered processed. I don’t make my own cheese, crackers, and I still buy canned tomatoes and beans. I like to cook beans from dried and I have canned tomatoes from the garden with my mom, and I KNOW HOW to make crackers from scratch but time isn’t always on my side. I work away from home, and I like to make time to just play with my children.

That is not to say that I don’t try to choose wisely when I do purchase pre-made items. I buy organic cheese, canned tomatoes, and beans when I can (when they are available). I try to cook extra and freeze items or can them so I’ll have things on a busy night when I just don’t have time to start at square one – you know the nights I’m talking about – you’re late getting home from work, maybe the kids have ball practice or a game, there’s scouts or dance class and everyone has to be in a different place a a different time and the drive thru or the local pizza delivery is calling your name.

I recently had the opportunity to try a product from Wolfgang Puck that I am happy to add to my quick go-to meal line up. Its their 100% all natural sauces. Since I tried their soups a while back and thought they were fantastic I didn’t hesitate to try these. I am a stickler when it comes to canned products because they usually are lack luster but Wolfgang Puck’s soups were so good they were a rival to homemade. The sauces are no different.

They come in four flavors: Tomato Basil, Arrabbiata, Creamy Vodka, and Four Cheese. Fabulous over pasta for a quick weeknight meal, or I really liked using the tomato basil for the sauce on my homemade pizza using my own pizza dough. In fact we had it for dinner just this week! If you are looking for a sauce that will taste like homemade this is the one you should try! It was a sure fire winner at my house.

Disclosure: I received free product for review purposes. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

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Lifeway Food’s ProBugs Review

Written on January 3, 2012 by Denisesawyer in Product Reviews & Giveaways

Have you tried Lifeway Food’s ProBugs? Lifeway Food’s kid friendly version of their organic Kefir, is a great way for kids have a healthy & nutritious smoothie-type drink on-the-go.

The texture is like that of several other squeezable yogurt brands but the benefits are greater: ProBugs is rich in “friendly bugs” and “probiotics” that help increase the level of good bacteria in children’s digestive systems and promotes overall healthy digestion.

Lifeway Probugs is made with organic whole milk kefir. It’s not only high in protein and calcium, it has added Inulin for optimum calcium absorption. Plus, it has seven to ten billion CFU’s of 10 live and active cultures (friendly bacteria) per cup.

As with all Lifeway Products, this kefir is made with milk from grass fed cows that is free of rBGH (Bovine Growth Hormones) and antibiotics. And its easy-to-grip shape and patented no-spill spout make it a perfect no-mess snack – even in the car.

Probugs is good for them – check. But, will they LIKE it? My son did. It comes in cool packages and in four fun flavors- Goo-Berry Pie, Orange Creamy Crawler, Strawnana Split, & Sublime Slime Lime. Judah’s favorite was the Goo Berry Pie.

Disclosure: I received free product for review purposes. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided

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