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What’s not to love about guacamole? Okay, some people may not agree with me, but once you’ve tasted the rich and creamy blend of heart healthy avocados and onions, it’s hard to say no to them again. Guacamole, the form of smooth and supple avocados mixed with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, jalapeno, etc., is the perfect marriage of taste, convenience, and good-for-you nutrition. And if you’re ever in the need of a flash guacamole and don’t have avocados on hand, then look no further than with Wholly Guacamole.

Wholly Guacamole (http://eatwholly.com/), one of the most popular brands of natural and delicious guacamole and salsas have been making fresh and wholesome guacamole and salsas for over twenty years. They start with fresh ingredients and make and ship immediately to your nearby market. If making guacamole sounds tedious to you, then Wholly Guacamole has made it easy for you.

This time around, the genius folks at Wholly Guacamole has come up with a new and fun contest that is sure to please everyone. The Wholly Guacamole® brand wants to help you make lunch for you and your kids.  And as official sponsors of OMGuac Lunch!, what a fun and easy contest this will be! Beginning August 5th and running through September 27th, the Wholly franchise will be hosting a contest at: eatwholly.com/omg. Here’s how it works: Use WhollyGuacamole minis and a little creativity to make a  lunch fun! The best lunches will win a lunch box full of “guacalicious” products and a gift card for $100! Winners will be picked each week through September 27th.

Along with this fun contest you can find creative ideas at eatwholly.com/omg and find delicious recipe ideas, coupons, and lots of fun stuff! With their One Lunch, Two Ways, you get inspiration on how to create two completely different lunches with most of the same ingredients – now that’s something any family can appreciate! And while you’re on the brainstorming wagon, visit their website: http://eatwholly.com/ to get a whole lot more fun and interesting facts and offers for you and your family.

We’ve been enjoying Wholly Guacamole guacamole and salsas for many years now. They come in a variety of sizes and flavors which I’m sure you’ll find some to your liking. Their products have become a favorite with us and making guacamole at home can be so time-consuming sometimes so it’s easier for us to just snap open a pouch of Wholly Guacamole and enjoy it immediately.

Wholly Guacamole currently makes products which includes their entire Guacamole line of fresh and delicious guacamole, their spunky salsas, and their Chunk Avocado dips which contains only avocados and nothing else. They have convenient individual packs that you can pack in your kid’s lunchboxes so no yummy guacamole will be wasted. Besides, they taste so delicious your kids will gobble them up anyway. And all of Wholly Guacamole products contain only natural ingredients without any artificial flavors or preservatives so you’re giving your kids something healthier to eat at home and in school. We like eating Wholly Guacamole guacamole as a dip or spreading them in sandwiches for a unique treat, but I’m sure you can find other creative ways to enjoy their guacamole. In fact, if you do, then be sure to enter their current contest!

So head on over to eatwholly.com/omg for some fantastic ideas, coupons, and enter their contest!

For complete contest details and rules, visit eatwholly.com/omg

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Whoever thought that beans could make a good chip? When I think of beans of any variety (navy, black, garbanzo, etc.) I think of enjoying them in salads, in soups, or blended into a dip. There are so many uses for beans so when I find one that turns into a chip, I am quite intrigued. Enter Beanitos (http://www.beanitos.com/), a revolutionary new kind of chip made with the awesome goodness of good old fashioned beans. Beanitos chips are made with only naturally-derived ingredients and full of important minerals and the all necessary fiber to keep us healthy. You might think – chips made from beans? Well at first that’s what I thought too. But when I took a bite into the delicately crunchy chip, and then another bite and then another, I was hooked. There’s just something so unique and unusual yet they taste just like any other regular chip that we’ve all eaten in our lifetimes. The only difference being that Beanitos chips are made with wholesome beans and a few other good-for-you ingredients. When I first discovered Beanitos, I was interested in the fact that when a bean chip doesn’t really taste too “beany” it must be made magically. We love beans in our household and as a vegetarian, beans of any variety is an important source of protein for me.  But the concept of beans made entirely into chips was surprisingly good. And I like the fact that the folks at Beanitos do not use ingredients that have been genetically modified. With a high content of beans in a single chip, that’s an important factor to have. Beanitos chips are also free of trans fat, preservatives, and are suitable for vegans and those on a gluten-free diet.

Beanitos was developed when a pair of brothers took their favorite ingredient and turned it into a delicious, wholesome, and unique chip. Beanitos chips are made from three main beans – white beans, black beans, and pinto beans and then splashed with a bit of other natural ingredients to make them addictively delicious. I’m impressed with the slightly crunchy texture and the not too salty flavor. All three variety of bean chips come in their own style: White Bean Restaurant style, White Bean Nacho Cheese style, Black Bean Chipotle Barbeque style, Original Black Bean style, Simply Pinto Bean style, and Pinto Bean Better Cheddar. When I first tasted Beanitos bean chips, I was wondering what I could eat them with. That’s when my son and I decided to make an assortment of dips to accompany these unique chips. We made bruschetta-style dip, hummus, and guacamole. We would venture to make more dips but we ran out of ingredients on hand. I think Beanitos bean chips are great by itself for an easy snack, with dips, with sandwiches, or made into nachos – just melt some natural cheese on top of it with your favorite ingredients. And because they are naturally low in fat and sodium content, you won’t feel too guilty about eating a few handfuls of them. We all know that beans are good for us. It provides us with natural protein, healthy fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. And it’s particularly important for those who are strict vegetarians or vegans. Plus beans are interesting foods and quite versatile. There are so many varieties of beans that you can never really get bored with them. And now that they are in a new white bean, black bean, and pinto bean chip style, there’s a new way of enjoying eating beans. I wasn’t sure if my son and husband would like Beanitos beans but my son really liked the Restaurant style and Nacho Cheese bean chips and my husband liked dipping his bean chips in our homemade sauces. The Restaurant style has a nice delicate crunch and slightly salted with sea salt and the Nacho Cheese has an appealing cheesy taste that works well with sandwiches.

The good folks at Beanitos had wanted me to try and review their bean chips which includes all the flavors mentioned above. I myself also enjoyed the Restaurant style and Nacho Cheese and the Original Black Bean tasted amazing with hummus (homemade or store-bought). You can find Beanitos at most natural grocery stores as well as supermarkets that carry natural and organic products. For more information about Beanitos, please visit their website (http://www.beanitos.com/) and visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beanitos/197986039162) and Twitter page (https://twitter.com/Beanitos).

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products. Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume. http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs

As a long time believer that natural foods can cure and prevent almost any illnesses, it’s no wonder that holistic practices and natural medicine has become so popular throughout the years. People are tired of the harsh side effects of conventional medicine and strive to find something that works in balance with the body rather than hinder it from finding its natural cure.

You don’t have to be a believer of natural medicine because even if you were to eat a clove of garlic or drink a glass of cranberry juice, you are already embarking on a journey of self-help through natural healing remedies. And finding something natural to eat and enjoy while reaping their benefits is like decadent chocolate icing on the cake.

Below is a compiled list of food ingredients you’d find practically anywhere nowadays. Taken from the August issue of Better Nutrition magazine, below is a list of products that can help improve your overall health. Some of them are suitable for children as they are common nutrients found in every day foods. If you’re unsure of the ingredients listed, check with your physician or consult a certified holistic physician or herbalist.

Acai – a superfruit that reduces inflammation, relieves joint pain in fibromayalgia, protects against neurological diseases, and helps strengthen immunity.

Aloe – aloe juice has a healing effect on the gastrointestinal tract and can ease heartburn and acid reflux.

Amino acids – as building blocks of protein, they serve as key constituents of neurotransmitters in the brain. They also help regulate blood sugar, boost immunity, build muscle, relieve pain, ease depression and anxiety, enhance sexual function and more. Top amino acids include L-glutamine, L-lystine, taurine, L-arginine, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, and L-tryptophan.

Andrographis – an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat respiratory infections, flu, bronchitis, fever, headache, and sore throat.

Arnica – for bruising, soreness, or swelling, arnica gel and pellets can help speed healing and relieve pain.

Ahswagandha – helps the body handle stress and increase energy.

Astragalus – traditionally used to treat diabetes, this herb also has powerful immune-supportive effects.

Bacopa – studies show that bacopa reduces anxiety while helping the mind learn quickly and retain information. Some believe it many also help prevent and treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Bee propolis – propolis is a substance bee’s use to protect their hives. It possesses antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Black cohosh – rich in phytoestrogens that may ease both immediate and long-term effects of menopause.

Boswellia – the herb helps prevent the deterioration of arthritic joints; reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness; and improve joint functioin. It also calms autoimmune reactions.

B vitamins – vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are needed to make neurotransmitters; niacin helps lower cholesterol; and vitamins B1, B2, and B3 helps energize cells. A B-complex formula can take the edge off anxiety and stress. and lift low moods.

Calcium – studies has shown calcium helps prevent osteoporosis, PMS, and other conditions. It’s most effective when combined with magnesium.

Chia seed – known to have been called ‘the world’s healthiest whole food’. Chia contains the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids of any plant known, and also contains significant protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

Cinnamon – research shows that this spice can lower blood glucose levels, helping to prevent or treat type 2 diabetes.

Cocoa – a concentrated source of antioxidants that help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, enhance heart and artery healthy, regulate blood-sugar and mood, and lower levels of stress hormones.

Coconut oil – this oil contains 44 percent lauric acid, shown to boos HDL (good) cholesterol. It can also help with thyroid function and blood sugar control.

Collagen – research shows that supplements of hydrolyzed types 1 and 111collagen increase collagen levels in skin. Certain nutrients, primarily silicon and hyaluronic acid, help promote healthy collagen formation.

Conjugated linoleic acid – also known as CLA, found in grass-fed meat, and helps reduce body fat.

CoQ10 – coenzyme Q10 is essential for cardiovascular healthy.

Cranberry – cranberry extract helps prevent UTIs by stopping harmful bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract.

Creatine – research shows that supplementing with creatine can help active adults improve strength by 5-15 percent and increase lean body mass by 1-3 percent.

Curcumin – the key therapeutic component of turmeric – the yellow curry spice – is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It has shown benefits in treating heart failure, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer’s.

DIM – found in cruciferous vegetables, DIM helps promote healthy estrogen metabolism and protect against breast, cervical, and uterine cancers. It also helps ease PMS symptoms.

Enzymes – the body has only a finite supply of digestive enzymes and diminishes with age. Use a combination formula at meals to help relieve bloating and gas, and to enhance nutrient absorption.

Echinacea – use this herb to fight off bacterial and viral infections, including colds and flu. Some research shows that Echinacea can help alleviate anxiety too.

Elderberry – scientific analyses of European elderberry have found that the plant is packed with antioxidants and may fight bacteria. But its ability to overcome viruses may be its most valuable quality.

Fiber – fiber from plant sources lowers cholesterol, promotes weight loss, and decreases the risk of some cancers.

Fish oil – studies from around the world have revealed that the benefits of fish oil, including boosted brain power, heart health, and immunity, come from two omega-3 fatty acids – EPA and DHA. Aim to get at least 1 g of combined EPA and DHA daily. 5-HTP – closely related to L-tryptophan, this supplement has shown benefits in treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other aspects of brain function.

Flaxseed – flax and flaxseed oil are among the best sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a vegetarian omega-3 fatty acid. They also contain plant lignans that are known to benefit breast health.

Garlic – helps fight infection, lowers cholesterol levels and triglycerides, reduces blood pressure, and slows the progression of hardening of the arteries.

Ginkgo biloba – ginkgo boots blood flow in the brain and protects brain cells from premature death. The herb also shows promise for those with tinnitus.

Ginseng – panax ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that helps reduce the response to stress. It also supports mental performance, immune function, and adrenal gland function.

Glucosamine & chondroitin – a study of people with osteoarthritis in the knee or hip found that glucosamine supplements combined with walking brought significant pain relief and improved joint function.

Chondroitin stimulates cartilage growth and production of synovial fluid, which absorbs shock and lubricate joints.

Green coffee bean – in studies, the supplement produced an average weigh loss of 1-3 pounds per week, without a diet or exercise program.

Green foods – studies have shown that the healing properties of green foods (such as spirulina, chlorella, and wheat grass) are astounding, impacting cholesterol, blood pressure, immune response, cancer, and more. The common denominator is chlorophyll, which helps deliver oxygen to the blood. Green foods are also rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Green tea – EGCG is considered the chief active ingredient responsible for green tea’s health-enhancing benefits. It has been tested in many studies as a weight loss aid. Green tea is also naturally rich in L-theanine, a calming, anti-anxiety amino acid.

Holy basil – one of the most revered plants in India, this herb is most often used to help the body handle stress better and also ease respiratory ailments.

Hyaluronic acid – studies have shown that HA helps skin retain or reclaim the plump, wrinkle-free look of youth. It has the ability to bind moisture, which helps soften, smooth, tone, and hydrate skin. It also improves joint health and helps ease arthritis pain.

Iron – Iron is an essential mineral that plays a complex role in immunity. A deficiency impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to infection. Have your iron levels measured before taking a supplement. Iron is necessary for bacteria to reproduce so if you supplement with iron and develop an infection, take a break from it.

Krill – in a study from Nutrition Research, 2 gram daily of krill oil – which comes from krill, tiny creatures eaten by whales, penguins, and seals – increased blood levels of omega-3 fatty significantly more than the same amount of fish oil.

Licorice – two types of licorice supplements are available: the first is a whole licorice root extract that contains glycrrhetinic acid, which is helpful in resolving adrenal exhaustion but many cause hypertension if overused. The other type is deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice – in which the glycyrrhetinic acid has been removed to prevent blood pressure issues. Use DGL for heartburn, gastric reflux, and gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin – found in tomatoes, lycopene can slow the increase in prostrate size and lower levels of prostate specific antigen, a marker of prostate cancer risk. Lutein and zeaxanthin help ward off macular degernation and improve visual function in people with macular degeneration.

Maca – a Peruvian plant that’s thought to enhance sexual desire in men and women, possibly by both elevating mood and boosting testosterone. In menopausal women, maca may help reduce anxiety and depression, and treat sexual dysfunction.

Magnesium – this key mineral is critical to almost all enzymatic functions in the body. It is involved in energy production, protein formation, cell replication, and muscle relaxation. After potassium, magnesium is the most concentrated intracellular mineral.

Medicinal mushrooms – medicinal mushrooms offer more health-promoting and disease-fighting benefits than almost any other natural medicine or food. The most widely used for medicinal purposes are reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, maitake, tremella, and wood ear fungus.

Melatonin – melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain that initiates sleep. Darkness triggers melatonin production; however, the body’s output of the hormone declines as we age. As little as 0.5 mg can be therapeutic.

Milk thistle – this herb is a premier liver health nutrient. Its active ingredient is silymarin, which is a concentrated source of antioxidants. Milk thistle has been used in Europe as a treatment for liver disease since the 16th century.

Natto – as a supplement, this fermented food helps dissolve excess fibrin in blood vessels, which improves circulation. breaks down blood clots, and reduces risk of severe clotting. It also reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol.

OPCs -these flavonoids found in high concentrations in grape seed and pine bark, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Oregano – this multipurpose herb is used to treat and/or prevent colds and flu, sore throat, sinus congestion, bacterial infections, bronchitis, rashes, aches, and fungal infections. It’s rich in antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and some omega-3s.

Phosphatidylserine (PS) – PS is most abundant in brain cells. A number of clinical trials have validated the ability of supplemental PS to improve memory, learning, word recall, concentration, and mood in subjects suffering from age-related cognitive decline.

Plant sterols – these substances block the body’s absorption of cholesterol, and some studies suggest that sterols can lower LD (bad) cholesterol by as much as 15 percent.

Probiotics – found in fermented foods, these friendly bacteria can help relieve digestive distress and also boost immunity.

Protein powder – protein powders can help you lose weight by increasing the number of calories burned. Here’s why: replacing some carbs and fats with lean protein will slightly increase your metabolic rate because the body burns more calories when breaking down protein than other types of food.

Pycnogenol – this proprietary pine bark extract benefits the heart and blood vessels in many ways, including helping to prevent excessive clumping of platelets in the blood.

Quercetin – use the plant flavonoid to reduce inflammation and combat allergies (quercetin reduces the release of histamine from immune cells).

Red yeast rice – red yeast rice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and human studies since the 1970s have found that it can lower total and LD (bad) cholesterol.

Resveratrol – resveratrol, the key ingredient in red wine, gained much notoriety after animal studies found that it extends life. It has also been shown to calm inflammation, balance blood sugar, protect against tumors, and enhance both physical and mental performance.

Ribose – this supplement optimizes energy levels. It also improves sleep and mental clarity and eases pain.

Rhodiola rosea – this adaptogenic herb can help with body cope with stress and fatigue.

SAMe- a literature review concluded that “there appears to be a role for SAM-e in the treatment of major depression in adults”. SAM-e has also been shown to help ease pain.

Saw palmetto – this herb is a key supplement for men over 40. It works by stopping testosterone from converting into DHT, a compound that causes prostate cells to multiply.

Sea buckthorn – this berry is known throughout Europe and Asia as the “beauty berry” for its ability to promote softer, younger-looking skin. Research has also shown that sea buckthorn helps to strengthen immunity and protect the heart.

Selenium – selenium is an important mineral that almost no one gets enough of through diet. It ‘s an antioxidant powerhouse and immune booster.

St. John’s wort – in one meta-analysis, this flowering herb was found to be as effective as antidepressant drugs, with fewer side effects.

7-Keto DHEA – this supplement can help you lose weight and stay trim by boosting metabolism.

Trace minerals – trace minerals include zinc, copper, iron, chromium, strontium, selenium, iodine, manganese, and molybdenum. All of these minerals should be found in multimineral or trace mineral supplements.

Valerian – recent studies have substantiated this herb’s ability to improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia.

Vitamin C – vitamin C plays key roles in energy production, mood, skin and bone health, blood vessel strength, and cartilage maintenance. Ester-C, a proprietary, non-acidic form of the vitamin, is easier for many people to digest.

Vitamin D3 – Vitamin D3 is the preferred and best absorbed form of the sunshine vitamin. Research has shown that it reduces the long-term risk of cancer; lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and related diseases; promotes strong healthy bones, and helps fend off colds and flu.

Vitamin K – research shows that Vitamin K can have striking benefits in preventing and reversing osteoporosis, controlling blood sugar, and maybe even reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Vitamin E – use tocotrienols – a “super” form of Vitamin E with greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power than plain old Vitamin E.

Zinc – zinc is a crucial mineral that can benefit eyesight, immunity, acne, male fertility, and more.

Source: Better Nutrition magazine, August 2013 issue. The above is not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure any illnesses or diseases. Always consult a professional if you have any questions.

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of snacks when shelves are dedicated to them in grocery stores. But how do you know which ones are better for you and still taste absolutely delicious? We don’t snack all the time in our household but there are always bound to be some kind of snacks in the house for convenience sake. And when I do the shopping I’m very selective to what I buy and will eat; I’m particularly choosy when it comes to snacking for my son.

Besides sliced fruit and popsicles, I feel it’s okay to let your kids indulge in some better for you snacks that are made with natural ingredients and won’t cause an eye roll thinking that it’ll be bland and tasteless. No, in fact, many natural and organic food companies have produced great tasting and healthier versions of your favorite snacks such as chips, cookies, and even ice-cream.

One company, who you probably never thought would make snacks is Earth Balance (http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/). In fact Earth Balance is known for their all-natural and super delicious buttery spreads made from a wholesome blend of good for you oils. We quite enjoy their spreads and their dressing and I have to keep at least a couple of jars in the fridge so I can use them anytime without fear of them being used up.

All of Earth Balance foods are made with natural ingredients derived ethically and without any artificial ingredients or hydrogenated oils. They are also gluten, lactose, and egg-free for those on a sensitive diet. With so many people having some kind of allergy or another nowadays, it’s good to know that there are natural food companies who are dedicated in making wholesome and delicious foods for those who have certain food allergies.

Being a long time consumer of Earth Balance, the company has graciously sent me their newest products to try which are already out on the market and can be found at most natural grocery stores as well as mainstream supermarkets that carry natural and organic products. The products they sent me were their snacks which consisted of Vegan Aged White Cheddar Popcorn, Vegan Buttery Flavor Popcorn, and Vegan Aged White Cheddar Puffs. We enjoyed all the flavors and varieties and I was amazed at how fresh and airy the popcorns were. Usually bagged popcorn would not taste as fresh or light but there was just something delightful about Earth Balance’s popcorn. The puffs were crunchy and not too salty which is nice because if you’re going to eat a lot of them, you wouldn’t want to consume too much salt when it comes to snacks.  All of the snacks mentioned above are made with expeller expressed sunflower oil and each has their own unique flavor and texture.

My son loves to snack on Earth Balance’s Aged White Cheddar Popcorn and the Cheddar Puffs as he knows he can enjoy popcorn without those errant corn kernels sneaking into a bite. It’s always a hassle to have to dig through the bag to find those unpopped kernels lingering on the bottom. And the puffs has a nice delicate crunch to them that makes them so fun to eat. We like to enjoy their puffs with a sandwich or just as a healthier snack while watching TV or relaxing.

You can currently find Earth Balance products at natural grocery stores as well as most major supermarkets that carry natural and organic products. They also make all organic products which includes their spreads, soymilk, and dressings and since all of their products contain only naturally derived ingredients, you can be sure you’re getting something healthier and better for you than generic products on the shelf these days.

For more information about Earth Balance, please visit their website:  http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs

If you live on the West Coast then you probably know that Jamba Juice is as famous as the neon Hollywood sign. Yup, in good ol’ California, Jamba Juice is practically a family namesake. Jamba Juice is synonymous to good health, delicious, and unashamed enjoyment because with their freshly blended smoothies, you get at least two servings of fruit and one serving of vegetables in each custom blend smoothie. How is that possible you ask? Well, at Jamba Juice, they don’t believe you have to sacrifice good taste for good health. In fact, Jamba Juice smoothies are so yummy they are actually quite addictive!

Jamba Juice ( JambaJuice.com) started over 20 year ago as a means to provide nutritious and delicious beverages that can keep your belly full and your heart happy. With an incredible assortment of sweet and tangy smoothies and juices, Jamba Juice is a convenient way of getting your daily intake of important vitamins and minerals. As popularity with Jamba Juice grew, they later added snacks and food to their healthy lineup of beverages to give you a complete meal if you choose. We love Jamba Juice only because they have such an amazing selection of yummy smoothies that is hard to replicate at home. If you don’t have a blender at home, then the closest thing you’ll get to homemade is with Jamba Juice

Whenever we’re in the mood for a light lunch or a filling beverage to go with a light meal, we always think of Jamba Juice. Perhaps because it’s naturally sweet and creamy or that it has 3 servings of fruits and veggies, we are very rarely disappointed at the smoothies offered at Jamba Juice. And not too long ago, Jamba Juice switched to containers that are made from recycled materials instead of their previous plastic versions. Their smoothies and juices comes in several different sizes and you can also add in extra boosts of vitamins and minerals to your smoothies.

As a Moms Meet blogger (greenmomsmeet.com) I was given the wonderful opportunity to try Jamba Juice’s newest Tropical Harvest Smoothie and Jamba Kids Berry Beet It Smoothie. Tropical Harvest Smoothie is made with a fusion of mangos, peaches, and passion mango juice blended with juices from butternut squash, sweet potato, and carrot. With only 230 calories, this beverage is free of dairy and gluten—plus, it’s an excellent source of Vitamins A and C. It may sound a bit strange with all those ingredients in there, but truly I only tasted the mangos and peaches with a hint of something sweet like carrots and sweet potato. So for those who are shy about drinking something with vegetables in there, don’t worry because you won’t taste the veggies, but you’ll definitely get the full benefits of them. My son really enjoyed the Jamba Kids Berry Beet It Smoothie and if I didn’t tell him then he’d have no idea that there are vegetables in there. The Jamba Kids Berry Beet It Smoothie is made with a unique blend of strawberries, mangos, bananas, and mixed berry juice with carrots, beets, broccoli, spinach, kale, and lettuce. With only 190 calories, this beverage is free of dairy and gluten—plus, it’s an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, B6 and fiber. I really like the fact that it contains powerful kale which is something kids don’t normally enjoy.

Jamba Juice has 809 locations globally so if you’ve never tried Jamba Juice then you really need to get in one of their stores and try them out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed as there is a beverage for practically everyone of every age and culinary taste. The prices are a little higher but the smoothies are so fulfilling it’s like having a light meal in itself. Sometimes we have a Jamba Juice smoothie as a snack as it’s pleasantly filling for a couple of hours and with selections that your kids will surely adore, you can find variations for any age and any occasion.

It’s also fun to join Jamba Juice on their website and on Facebook as sometimes they offer unique coupons and sampling opportunities. For more information about Jamba Juice, please visit their website and their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jambajuice.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet SM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet sM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

Besides children, who else could love you unashamedly, devote their entire being to you, and whimper when you forget to play with them? Why – your pet of course! If you’ve ever owned a pet – dog, cat, hamster, goldfish, anything – then you’ll know that the love from a pet is undeniable and enduring. They love their human just as much as they are loved by their human. The attraction is immense and the loyalty envious. In essence, your pet is everything to you just as you are everything to him.

At least that’s how I felt towards all of my personal pets. They were like my kids and they were truly devoted to me without a fault. I’m pretty sure most pet owners feel the same way about their own pets. There’s just something unique between a certain pet and his owner. And if you treat your pets well, then they will flourish and grow just as your kids will.

That’s why it saddens me greatly to see pets injured, abused, or neglected. And the love of animals is what drew me to essentially become a vegetarian. You don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan to love animals – you just have to accept responsibilities for them as you would for your own kids.

The good folks at Nordic Naturals has partnered up with the non profit organization, Paws for Veterans (http://www.pawsforveterans.org/) in hosting a photo contest on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals). The photo contest runs from 6/28 – 7/18 and you can upload a photo of your pet any time during that period. Once the photo submissions have ended, then voting on Facebook runs 7/19-7/31. What’s great about this contest is the chance to finally show the world just how wonderful your pet really is and if you win the Grand Prize, you and your pet will receive:

• A 3-month supply of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet products and human products – you choose from a list of qualifying Nordic Naturals’ products

• Dog and cat goodies including collapsible water bowl, chew toy, doggie bags and a plush fish toy

• The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Knowbooks by Tracie Hotchner

• A custom canvas painting of your pet by beccavision.com

• Mr. or Ms. Omega-3 Pet Award Certificate

• Profile featured on the Facebook app

With each vote on Facebook, Nordic Naturals will donate $1 to the Paws for Veterans organization to help the company provide loving and long-term homes for homeless dogs. Most of these dogs were discovered abandoned and abused and with rehabilitation, these animals can become loving pets. Paws for Veterans goal is to provide service dogs, training, supplies, and therapeutic group sessions to Veteran and Active Duty men and women struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Physical Disabilities. As a 501 C 3 nonprofit, this organization rescues, rehabilitates, trains, and rehomes dogs as service dogs for injured Veterans.

If you’re a fan of Nordic Naturals and already know about their products, then you have to give their pet products a try as well. Using the same high-standard practices and philosophy in producing Omega products for people, Nordic Naturals also dedicate their superb craftsmanship with their supplement products for animals. If you’re unsure whether to give your pet a supplement, be sure to consult with your pets veterinarian first.

So get some really cool photos of your pets, upload them onto Facebook starting June 28, and maybe you and your adorable pet will win one of the Grand Prizes while raising money to help both dogs and people find happiness with each other. Because if you’ve ever owned a pet, then you’ll know that the love goes both ways – whether you want it to or not.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products. Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.