Category: Uncategorized

As you age, you may often wonder, “Why is my skin changing too?” Well, nature and your body’s natural biochemistry plays an important role in how your skin changes as well. That’s why as you get older, it’s crucial for you to take even better care of your skin and your body. You can eat healthy, exercise, reduce stress, limit exposure to toxins and most importantly, using products for your skin that are free of toxic ingredients. Remember, what you put on your skin may get absorbed into your body and you really don’t want all those unnecessary preservatives, artificial ingredients, or ingredients that can cause potential health problems later on.

I take skincare very seriously as I know the results of what you put on your skin and in your body. When I worked with a beauty cosmetics company a long time ago, I learned alot about skincare and the steps you can take to ensure a healthy, radiant skin for many years. Besides eating well and drinking plenty of water on a daily basis, you also have to take great care to detoxify your skin regularly. You also have to use protective skincare products that work with the balancing of your skin and body and most importantly – use skincare products that uses natural ingredients. When I was searching for a new skincare company, I came across a company called Andalou Naturals who makes all-natural skincare products for adults.

Andalou Naturals diversed themselves from other skincare companies by using advanced Fruit Stem Cell Science with natural, fair-trade, and organic ingredients. Fruit Stem Cells from certain fruits produce certain beneficial results such as repairing and regenerating healthy skin, increasing the longevity of skin’s own stem cells, defending against UV and oxidative stress, and repairing skin’s DNA to combat the visible signs of aging. The active fruit stem cells used in their products come from rare Swiss apples and grapes from the Burgundy region of France. Both have proven to be effective in the combat against aging skin and the abilities to renew, regenerate, and repair. Andalou Naturals also incorporates their BioActive 8 Berry Complex with bilberry fruit stem cells. These important berries include certified organic blend of Acai Berry, Aronia Berry, Bearberry, Bilberry, Black Elderberry, Goji Berry, Rosehips Berry, and Sea Buckthorn Berry all of which provides the skin with super antioxidants to combat environmental stressors, support cell turnover, increase collagen and elastin, and strengthen dermal immunity.Andalou Naturals objective is to provide natural, healthy, and effective skincare products for your face, your body, and your hair. All of their products contain certified organic ingredients and ingredients that are beneficial to your body and your health. I was given an opportunity to try and review their Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser because of its brightening properties. The Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser contains vital ingredients for healthy skin which includes Meyer Lemon extracts which tone, heal and protect promoting healthy cell renewal, Manuka Honey which soothes and heals to clarify and restore balance, Rosehip Oil which naturally contains essential fatty acids to hydrate and nourish and to support healthy cells, and Vitamin C which increases healthy circulation and defends against free radicals for a balanced complexion.  And I have to say – it smells absolutely wonderful! The Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser smells like you stepped into a garden of fresh citrus fruits radiating their exquisite scents. And of course, the product is easy to apply, rinse off, and left my skin soft and radiant. It was a fantastic new product and I was glad to discover them.

So if you’re looking for a natural skincare and body care  company with products that can promote and heal, then look no further than Andalou Naturals: http://andalou.com/. Andalou Naturals would also like to offer 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win their very own Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser! So how do you win this great prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Andalou Naturals giveaway:

(Please note, the rules have changed slightly. Please read carefully before entering)

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Andalou Naturals on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/andalounaturals and write on their wall that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger: http://www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com/. Please put Happymomblogger as the heading.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: 

#2 entry – Become a follower: http://twitter.com/#!/happymomblogger and “Tweet” me @happymomblogger that you are entering the Andalou Naturals giveaway. Become a follower of Andalou Naturals: http://twitter.com/#!/AndalouNaturals and “Tweet” that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Visit http://andalou.com/ and tell me what products you would like to try.

#4 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#5 entry – Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs using the link provided below.

You can enter as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn.  You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box. Only 1 contestant per household please. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize. Any violation of the rules will deem your entry as disqualified.

Contest Start Date: January 3, 2012

Contest End Date: January 17, 2012. CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED. Congratulations to Maryann D. for winning the prize!

Only 1 winner will be chosen at random and I will post the winner’s name on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

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/in.php?id=storm

There’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of rice with your favorite Asian stir-fry. Or a plate of buttered rice with your favorite baked fish. Or seasoned rice in your favorite burrito. No matter how you use it, rice is a versatile, delicious, and healthy food. Rice can be enjoyed by virtually anyone of any age and it’s easy to eat, easy to prepare, and easy to store. And when you eat whole grain brown rice, you get even more health benefits than regular white rice. No matter what kind of rice you eat and cook with, it’s easy to see why rice has become a popular staple in most households across the world.

I’m particular to all kinds of rice but I particularly love brown rice. Brown rice is a whole grain and all of the grains in the rice is retained, nothing taken out. Brown rice has a natural nutty texture and flavor and I particularly enjoy it as fried rice. You can also use brown rice to substitute white rice in any of your recipes and you’ll find a delectable delight to the new texture and flavor. Brown rice can be used in many recipes and although it’s a bit rougher in texture and taste, once you begin eating brown rice, you’ll find yourself wanting more of it because of it’s unique flavor and texture.

Without a doubt, rice, either white or brown, has quickly become a household favorite throughout the world. Although it is known to have originated in Asia, many other counties eat rice as either a main dish or as a side dish. In Asia, rice is usually eaten steamed or as a porridge. In Southern America rice is enjoyed as a side dish usually flavored with something else. And in the US, because of its diversity of people, rice can be enjoyed virtually in any way – whether it be steamed, fried, or flavored. When I discovered a rice company that makes exceptional, delicious, and natural rice grown in the US, I’m happy to support them. Rice Select has become a favorite brand in our household because they make an assortment of organic and naturally-grown rice right here in the United States. Their rice are also grown from non-genetically-modified grains and they proudly support the Non-GMO Project. Rice Select also supports sustainable agriculture by developing high yielding rice varieties that require less pesticides, fungicides and water resources as well as organic foods by developing new organic products. Rice Select’s production facilities operate pollution-free and use only minimal processes to mill and package nutritious, high quality, all natural food products. Rice Select’s PET jars are also re-usable and recyclable and BPA- free.

Rice Select is a company based in Texas and they have been in the rice-growing business for over 30 years, which started with their famous Texmati Rice. Texmati Rice is basically a combination of basmati rice and traditional American long grain rice. The result is rice that’s a bit fragrant, chewier, and fluffier. Rice Select makes both non-organic and organic versions of their Texmati rice which also comes in brown rice. I’ve tried their organic Texmati rice in both white and brown and I have to say, that their brown Texmati rice is incredibly delicious and unlike other traditional brown rice. It’s a bit nuttier in texture and flavor but it’s also slightly fluffier than other traditional brown rice. My son also enjoys brown rice and I’m so glad since brown rice is a bit more nutritious.

Rice Select is a leading maker of rice in the United States. But they don’t produce just rice – they also make whole wheat couscous, Texmati with red rice and beans, Texmati with red rice and lentil, Texmati with brown and wild rice, pearl couscous, orzo, Texmati Mushroom Medley, Texmati Vegetable Medley, and Risotto. So I’m sure you’ll find something that will fit your exquisite palatte. All of their rice are grown in the United States and they are completely natural without any added colorings or preservatives. Their products are also non-genetically modified and kosher and they support many programs and charities such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Rice Select was kind enough to send me samples of their organic white and brown rice and their regular Texmati white and brown rice. It was a sincere delight to try all the varieties with our meals at home. Sometimes I made fried rice with them, sometimes we just ate them steamed. No matter how you enjoy your rice, you’ll find something delightful with Rice Select’s rice as well. Rice Select has also generously offered 3 LUCKY readers of Happymomblogger the chance to win their very own far of Rice Select rice! The winners will each receive 1 FREE product coupon to pick up their own choice of rice at their favorite grocery store (you can find stores near you on their website: http://www.riceselect.com/). So how do you win this fabulous prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Rice Select giveaway:

(Please note, the rules have changed slightly. Please read carefully before entering)

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Rice Select on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/RiceSelect?v=wall and write on their wall that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger: http://www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com/. Please put Happymomblogger as the heading.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: 

#2 entry – Become a follower: http://twitter.com/#!/happymomblogger and “Tweet” me @happymomblogger that you are entering the Rice Select giveaway. Become a follower of Rice Select: http://twitter.com/#!/riceselect and “Tweet” that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Visit http://www.riceselect.com/ and tell me what products you would like to try.

#4 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#5 entry – Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs using the link provided below.

You can enter as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn.  You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box. Only 1 contestant per household please. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize. Any violation of the rules will deem your entry as disqualified.

Contest Start Date: January 3, 2012

Contest End Date: January 17, 2012. CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED. Congratulations to Julie M., Dave L., Eugenie W. for winning the prizes!

Only 3 winners will be chosen at random and I will post the winners names on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

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/in.php?id=storm

If you like crunchy, crispy, savory, and delicious crackers like me, then sometimes you can go crazy trying to find a good cracker that fit those descriptions. With so many choices and varieties out there, sometimes you’re lucky and you end up with a bag full of yumminess. Sometimes you get a cracker that tastes like salted cardboard. But what if you want something that’s delicious and good for you? Well in that case, there probably aren’t too many choices out there. However, I came across a brand called Crunchmaster not too long ago and they make wholesome, natural, savory crackers that’s also really delicious tasting. I thought, what an interesting name for crackers – let’s see if they’re truly crunchy!

Crunchmaster makes all-natural crackers with whole grain goodness but without the traditional processed wheat that you’d find in most crackers. Crunchmaster’s crackers are made with a blend of California-grown brown rice, stone-ground corn, oat fiber, sesame, quinoa, amaranth and flax seeds. If you’ve never tried rice crackers before, then you’re in for a real treat when you take a bite of Crunchmaster’s crispy crackers. Although whole grain brown rice is the main ingredient, you can definitely taste the ground corn mixed with a bit of other whole grain textures. The combination is superb and unlike any other crackers I have ever had. Crunchmaster’s multi-grain crackers also comes in a variety of flavors including Original (which is naturally savory), Rosemary and Olive Oil, Roasted Garlic, Toasted Onion, Sea Salt, Roasted Vegetable, and White Cheddar. My favorites are the Roasted Vegetable and White Cheddar and my son and husband also loves White Cheddar – although they ate through most of my samples!

What’s so great about Crunchmaster’s multi-grain crackers is that they are truly nutritious in the sense that they are baked in the oven and not fried, they contain 21 grams or more whole grain per serving, they’re high in fiber, they’re free of saturated fat, and they’re made with all-natural ingredients (www.crunchmaster.com). What I really enjoy about the taste is their use of tamari, which is a japanese-style soy sauce. Tamari’s flavor is a bit richer and deeper than traditionally-brewed soy sauce and you can taste the savory and tangy flavor of the tamari in each cracker. Crunchmaster’s crackers are a bit crunchier than most crackers that I’ve tasted, perhaps because of the blend of rice in them, and we enjoy them as is or with a dip or spread. I really enjoyed my White Cheddar flavor with my sandwiches and soups as it’s definitely healthier than fried chips! And the other great thing about Crunchmaster’s multi-grain crackers is that they’re certified gluten-free so it’s a great snack for those who are intolerant to wheat and gluten.

As a member of Moms Meet: http://www.greenmomsmeet.com/, I was given the unique opportunity to try and review Crunchmaster’s White Chedder Multi-Grain Crackers and I have to say I’m very happy to have tried them. In our household, we try not to eat junk food or anything overly processed and when we want a healthy and delicious snack, our top choice has got to be Crunchmaster. Their crackers are a great size – not too big and not too small and the best thing is that my son enjoys them too. It can be pretty hard to find a nutritious and yummy-tasting savory snack for kids nowadays and I think if you have kids, then you’d have to let them try Crunchmaster. Give it to them as is, without any dips or sauces at  first and see how they like them. I’m sure they will enjoy the extra crunch that they experience with the first bite and the savory and flavorful taste of each unique cracker. Crunchmaster’s multi-grain crackers are also free of artificial ingredients and preservatives so you know you’re giving your kids something healthy, delicious, and fun to eat. We went through one entire bag in one sitting and I was relieved when I realized there were a few more in the pantry. So I encourage you to try Crunchmaster’s multi-grain crackers in any variety of flavor and you’ll probably find a new savory snack too. Crunchmaster can be currently found in most natural grocery stores and nationwide supermarkets.

Crunchmaster and Moms Meet would love to give 1 LUCKY reader of Happymombloger the opportunity to try their delicious, savory crackers. The winner will receive 1 box of Crunchmaster’s White Cheddar Multi-Grain Crackers of their very own! So how do you win this delicious prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Crunchmaster White Cheddar Multi-Grain Crackers giveaway:

(Please note, the rules have changed slightly. Please read carefully before entering)

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Crunchmaster on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Crunchmaster and write on their wall that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger: http://www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com/. Please put Happymomblogger as the heading.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: 

#2 entry – Become a follower: http://twitter.com/#!/happymomblogger and “Tweet” me @happymomblogger that you are entering the Crunchmaster giveaway. Become a follower of Crunchmaster: http://twitter.com/#!/luvcrunchmaster and “Tweet” that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Visit http://www.crunchmaster.com and tell me what flavors you would like to try.

#4 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#5 entry – Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs using the link provided below.

You can enter as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn.  You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box. Only 1 contestant per household please. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize. Any violation of the rules will deem your entry as disqualified.

Contest Start Date: December 3, 2011

Contest End Date: December 15, 2011 – CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED. Congratulations to Janice W.!

Only 1 winner will be chosen at random and I will post the winner’s name on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

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. 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/in.php?id=storm

 

 

 

If you have kids or know any kids, then you know that kids will always want to play and play – with toys. But with so many choices out there, which toy is the best? Well, there really is no “best” toy out there for any specific child or reason – it’s whatever that interests your child or the child you’re buying the toy for. You may ask yourself, “why am I getting more toys for my kids?” Well, there are many reasons such as that they’ll scream their head off if you don’t buy it for them, or that they’ve been really, really good and they deserve it, or my favorite – because the toy itself is educational and creates fun and learning at the same time.

So what toy company makes something that’s fun and educational? Oh, and to top it off – is environmentally conscious and non-toxic for children? My favorite choice is Melissa & Doug: http://www.melissaanddoug.com/. Melissa & Doug makes toys for infants to school-age and they are both educational and fun. They have puzzles, food play, stuffed animals, wooden houses, you-name-it-you-got-it. Melissa & Doug started as a grassroots company and rightly named their company after the little boy who inspired their creations. We have several Melissa & Doug toys in our house and my son has played with all of them over and over again. They bring out creativity and if you want your kids to enjoy something that’ll last more than a few hours, you’ll most likely find something from Melissa & Doug.

Currently, Melissa & Doug is encouraging everyone to go on their website and cast their vote on of their selected favorite toys. It will help ensure them with the continuation of their creative juices. Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys  you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North “Poll!” You’ll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

So for more info, click on the “CLICK HERE TO VOTE” tab in the photo below and it will take you directly to Melissa & Doug’s voting page. And you’ll also get 25% just for voting! With the holidays coming up, a little bit of money saving wouldn’t hurt and with so many choices and great prices, you’ll probably find a few toys that you and your child will love.

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/in.php?id=storm