{Product Review} Bob's Redmill Trio

Note:  The items in this review were provided to me by Bob's Red Mill for the purpose of this review. However, the opinions expressed here were in no way influenced by Bob's Red Mill. This review represents my honest opinion about the products.

Man! I l-o-v-e trying new fun ingredients! So, you can imagine my excitement when Bob's Red Mill offered two of their new ancient grains and coconut flour for testing. My last post was a recipe with Bob's Red Mill Farro (Greek Farro Salad), and I've actually made it a couple more times. It's a great to-go lunch option! The texture is perfectly chewy and soft and wonderful! It's a new-ingredient must-try.

I played around with the other grain, sorghum, for a few weeks. There are so many uses! You can grind it up as a gluten free flour option (or buy it already ground), put it in a hot pan with some oil for the CUTEST little popcorn snack, or use it as a rice-like ingredient. I added a cup to my taco soup last night, and it was so yummy! It does take a quite a bit longer to cook than rice, so I might soak it overnight next time.





I haven't done much (read: anything) with coconut flour before, so there was a considerable amount of googling that transpired before I settled on a first-time recipe. I ended up making gluten/grain-free blueberry-orange muffins for dessert tonight. I was so surprised at the yummy texture of the muffins. They weren't mealy or gritty or squishy like other grain-free pastries I've had before. I didn't get the recipe perfect, so I'll try it again tomorrow and get it posted for y'all super soon!

And, are you ready for the best part? Bob's Red Mill is giving one awesomely lucky reader a trio of the farro, sorghum, and coconut flour - YUM! Enter to win here: 

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{Product Review} Rootology Natural Allergy Remedy!

Note:  The items in this review were provided to me by Rootology for the purpose of this review.  However, the opinions expressed here were in no way influenced by Rootology.  This review represents my honest opinion about the products.

I got a free sample of Rootology last fall, but didn't have a need for it, since my allergies tend to flare mostly in the spring/summer. But, as soon as I started getting stuffy and icky this spring, I dug it out. I only had one dose, but was hooked immediately!

I emailed Rootology and asked if they would sponsor a giveaway for y'all. They happily said 'yes' and sent me a whole bottle to try and some samples to hand out. 

I generally refuse to take OTC/Rx meds unless I'm on death's door, so the idea of a natural option that actually works is so exciting! This one's an herbal blend with some vitamin C and D mixed in (not my favorite form of VitD, but you can't win them all).

My allergies have been strange this year. My nose has been stuffy and my ears have had a lot of pressure (drainage, yum!). The past couple of years, I've just suffered through the symptoms, but within 30 minutes of taking the 2-pill dose, I'm all but cleared up! LOVE it! 

I handed the sample packets out to several different people, and only one said she didn't feel a difference. One of my friends called me a few hours later to ask where I got those "magic pills" I gave her! Luckily, a 20-dose bottle costs about $15, and you can get free shipping through Amazon!

ALSO, the folks over at Rootology are giving y'all a couple of free bottles to try for yourself! I can't wait to hear if it is as amazing for you as it is for me!


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{Product Review} Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

I'm so happy that you've found my little corner of the Internet :) There's quite a bit here to explore, so please have a look around! Also, I'd love it if you would join us over on Facebook:

If you've been following my blog for any length of time, you know that I love coconut oil. Ok, love may not be strong enough. I ADORE coconut oil! We eat it on toast instead of butter, I sub it for butter in recipes (popcorn, carrot cake, chocolate cookies, burger buns...), I use it as a hair mask, I slather it on as a moisturizer, and I've even replaced my face wash with it - but more on that later.

Tropical Traditions came across my hair treatment post (which went super viral on Pinterest!), and offered to send me a jar of their fancy coconut oil. They said I was under no obligation to review the product, write a positive review, or sponsor a product giveaway in return for receiving the free product, but they wanted me to give their coconut oil a try. Not being one to say not to freeness, I accepted :)

I didn't really expect there to be much of a difference in the Tropical Traditions coconut oil and the brands that I usually use, but it actually was a nicer product. The texture is creamier, and the smell is a bit more potent. I'm not sure if I'm crazy about it for frying eggs, but it makes a heck of a toast spread and is really nice for cosmetic uses!


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Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?

You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA doesn't let us discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is a great website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

{Product Review & Giveaway} ChicoBag Reusable Bags

Note:  The items in this review were provided to me by ChicoBag for the purpose of this review.  However, the opinions expressed here were in no way influenced by ChicoBag.  This review represents my honest opinion about the products.

I am a HUGE fan of reusable bags.  I have reusable shopping bags in every shape, color, fabric & size, and I never leave home without an array of snacks in various little bags.  So, when I heard that ChicoBag has reusable produce bags, I was instantly intrigued!

The produce stand bags come in three types, each for a different type of produce/food. I've been using the Complete Starter Kit, which includes one of each bag type:

• The rePETe bags are "designed to restrict airflow and lock in moisture, making them perfect for squash, broccoli, carrots and celery."  These bags "are made of 94% recycled content [and] are machine washable." 
• The rePETe Mesh bags are "designed to allow ethylene gas, nature’s ripening agent, to escape. The rePETe Mesh bags are perfect for apples, oranges, onions and potatoes."  These bags "are made of 94% recycled content [and] are machine washable."
• The Hemp Cotton bags are "made of 70 percent hemp, 30 percent cotton blend - the ideal produce bag for green beans, nuts, grains and bulk food items. The fabric is designed to absorb excess moisture and restrict airflow."

What a great idea, right?  The 3 bags come with a little carrying pouch, but I'm never together enough to fold the bags and stick them back in their pouches.  I just throw them in with the rest of my reusable bags and take them into the store that way.

I love that each bag has a little tag on the inside to remind you which produce is best in which bag.  I also love that I can throw them in the washing machine and not have to worry about cleaning them.  The Hemp Cotton bag does recommend hand washing, but I have a hand wash setting on my washing machine, so I just used that setting and hung the bag to dry.  It survived and still looks great!

I loved getting to try one of each bag in the Starter Kit, but I really wish that I had more than one of each at the store.  I ended up combining all of the produce that was recommended for each bag together in that bag and then taking it out of the bag at the register for weighing and paying.  Everything went back in the bag and then went straight into the fridge when I got home.

I'm signed up for a CSA (community supported agriculture) share this summer, and the produce comes in one big plastic bag.  I would HIGHLY recommend these bags for anyone participating in a CSA!  It has been super convenient to sort out my produce and store it in the fridge.  Otherwise, the produce has to go straight into the crisper without any protection.

Final Grade:  A

I also got to try ChicoBag's Snack Time bags.  I was leery about the velcro closures at first, as I was worried about smaller items slipping out of the sides.  But, the way that the velcro is placed (at an angle) kept this from being a problem.  I really like that the bags can be closed just at the top for larger items like sandwiches, or you can fold the bag over (almost in half) and close a second velcro tab for smaller items like nuts, animal crackers, and small candies.

Again, I love that these bags are machine washable!  They are also super durable.  You won't have to worry about crumbs breaking through like in a plastic bag and getting all over your purse or diaper bag, because these are just nearly impenetrable! 

Another plus:  Because they are so deep when fully opened (about 9"), I can hand a bag to Little Bear without worrying about loose snacks falling out during his clumsy escapades. 

I do wish that there were more fabric options.  I like being about to put various snacks in bags and know which one I'm grabbing because of the fabric color/pattern.  I also wouldn't want to put anything too wet or juicy in these bags, because the top doesn't seal completely (because of the velcro closure).

Final Grade:  A-

The last ChicoBag product that I tried was one of their Print bags.  These bags come in tons of colors and patterns.  They are super light weight, but still have a 40 pound carrying capacity.  I could tell as soon as I unwrapped the bag that it was extra tough!  Something about the construction just feels like it is very, very well made.  I wouldn't bat an eye at carrying multiple gallons of milk in this baby. 
The bag has an attached pouch that you can fold it back in to, but (as I said) I'm not really patient enough to mess with it.  I did fold it up to throw it in my purse after I dropped some things off that I was carrying in it, and I was surprised at how easy it was to fold it back up.

I have so, so many reusable shopping bags, and this is absolutely one of my favorites!  It just feels fancy and luxurious.  I know that is a weird thing to say about a bag, but when grocery shopping and carrying kids' stuff around is your life, quality bags really do become a thing of luxury :)
Final Grade:  A

Overall, I am super impressed with ChicoBag's reusable bags!  Their bags are a little pricier than the ones you can get off the shelf, but you get what you pay for, right?  Every item that I used seemed super durable with a sort of understated elegance.  The colors are classy and trendy, and the products were absolutely designed for real life. 

Because they are super awesome, ChicoBag has given me an exclusive promo code just for y'all!  Click here to shop their online store, and then use promo code CBBLUR25 to save an extra 25% off everything!  {the promo excludes accessories, sale items, and swag; is good for one use per person; and expires 6/30/2012}

PLUS, what would a review be without a giveaway?!  Three winners will each receive one of reusable bags featured in this review!  Be sure to stop by ChicoBag's facebook page and thank them for this great giveaway!

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Product Review & GIVEAWAY: Little Me Tea

Note: The Little Me Tea in this review was provided to me for the purposes of this review. However, the opinions here are completely honest and were not in any way influenced by Little Me Tea.

Little Me Tea was founded by a mom who wanted a lower-sugar, healthy alternative to juice drinks. They descibe their tea as  

. . . a delicious blend of caffeine-free tea kicked up with fruit and vegetable juices. It's rich in nutrients, super-low in sugar and organic to the core. In today's polluted, nutrient-deficient world, our children need a true force of nature to keep them healthy and strong. That's why we created Little Me Tea — the healthiest kids' drink on the planet.

Y’all should know by now that I’m not really one to believe health food companies’ claims without a little investigation first.  So, as soon as I got my drinks, I flipped over to the ingredient lists.  Here’s the Tropical Tea list (Grape was similar):

§  Reverse Osmosis Water ü – This is the water we drink at home!

§  Organic Apple Juice Concentrate ü

§  Organic Sweet Potato Puree ü ü  – Sneaking in some veggies!

§  Organic Clarified Mango ü

§  Organic Orange ü

§  Organic Pineapple ü

§  Organic Carrot Juices from Concentrate ü

§  Organic Natural Flavors – I’m not a huge fan of “flavors” as an ingredient, but if they are organic, they are generally going to be ok.

§  Organic White Tea ü – Tea is full of antioxidants & this is decaf.

§  Organic Rooibos (Red) Tea ü – Ditto & contains trace minerals.

§  Organic Hibiscus Extract ü  – Good vitamin C source!

§  Organic Chamomile Flower Extract ü  – Immune support & has slight calming effects!

§  Organic Acerola Berry Juice Concentrate ü – Great natural vitamin C source! 

After I inspected the ingredient list, I (of course) had to open both and taste them myself.  I have to say that it’s not something that I would really drink regularly, because the flavors are rather muted.  But, I knew Little Bear was going to love them. 

I poured him a small glass of the grape first, and he really did loved it.  He gulped it down and begged for more.  I poured the tropical flavor next, and it was an even bigger hit!  There were many, many mmmm’s  followed by “more, more, more, more!!!!” 

When he does this for apple juice (which has 27 grams of sugar per 8 ounces), I have to say no.  Although technically the sugar in juice is natural, it’s still a very refined version of the original food.  Drinking a glass of juice is not the same as eating an apple.  Basically, juice is just the sugar and water extracted from the fruit.  An occasional glass won’t hurt, but too much really just isn’t healthy (we allow Little Bear to have about 4 ounces of fruit juice a day). 

I love, love, love the idea behind Little Me Teas.  I’ve actually been giving Little Bear various decaf herbal teas (mint is his favorite) for months.  It’s more fun than water, but doesn’t have the crazy sugar content of juice.  While LMT does have a little bit of sugar (7 grams per 8 ounces), it’s nearly one-fourth of the sugar in juice.  That’s almost 75% less sugar!  Aside from budgetary constraints, I’ve not had to tell Little Bear “no” once when he asks for more Little Me Tea.

We took a cup to the playground today, and I noticed that it isn’t as sticky as juice, either.  Even though he had it running down his chin (still not sure how this happens with a sippy cup…), his face didn’t get all sticky.  With juice, he ends up sticky and covered in gooey dirt - gross!  Some spilled in the snack bag, and although everything was wet, it wasn’t sticky when it dried. 

Will we be buying more?  Yes!  They are a little pricier than what I usually spend on juice (around $4 per carton), so I can’t really afford for Little Bear to drink them too regularly.  We will definitely keep them on hand for special treats, though!


Final Grade:  A

Little Me Tea is available in select Whole Foods Markets & through the Little Me Tea's online store. Check out their locator here. You can grab a $1/1 coupon, too!

Enter to win one of TWO Little Me Tea sampler packs!

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