Category: Uncategorized

Children in the US go hungry

Just the other day I read an article in Parents magazine that deeply touched my heart. It was an article about malnourished children in the United States in the July 2011 issue of Parents magazine. The article points out that one in four children in the US do not have enough food to eat. Wow – one in four children. Imagine a family of four kids – only 3 of them are estimated to eat a meal while the other does not. I think of my brother who has four kids and luckily they all have enough food to eat, but I can’t fathom the idea of one of my beloved nieces or nephews sitting in her or his bedroom starving. Of course, my brother would never let his kids go hungry but what happens when a parent can’t feed all of his/her children? The article also states that in a larger family, it’s usually the parents that end up going hungry just so they could feed their children.

It saddens me to know that while the US is helping malnourished children in other countries, they are forgetting that children in this country are also going hungry. And yes, although third world countries may need more help, we’ve got to find a better solution for everyone – in this country and in other underprivileged countries. Food is the number one priority in almost everyone’s life. Without enough food, we not only go hungry, but we feel sad, tired, and distraught and often that not, we end up doing things we regret. Food fuels the brain and the body, and I’ve read stories about people who steal and hurt others in order to be able to put a plate of food on their dinner table. Parents may go to extremes to feed their hungry children, but it shouldn’t lead to further downfall.

In the Parents magazine article, titled, “The Hungry House”, the author noted that when a child becomes malnourished, the child will need 50 percent more quality nutrition than a typical child does in order to regain his/her health. And unfortunately, that would have to happen rather immediately for their health to recover. Which is pretty ironic when, how do you gain 50 percent more quality nutrition when you have even less of that to begin with? Where will these malnourished children get the extra nutritional help? Fortunately, on some small scale, there are facilities and groups in the United States that can help those who do not have enough food to eat. There are local food pantries, public schools (as long as it’s during school season), and private and public fundings. But as the author points out, what happens to these children when it’s summer? Most of them rely on at least one free regular meal during school season which is provided by the school (or at least a very inexpensive meal), but when school’s out, and there’s no longer free food offered at school, families must rely on their local charity or donations for regular meals. The author also notes that donations for food are usually made around the holidays but what about throughout the year? I see supermarkets with their meal donation coupons of $1, $3, or $5 posted at the checkout and seldom do I see people pick them up during checkout unless it was a holiday. However, I did hear a great story that a cashier told me about last Christmas season. She said that one man came in and purchased $1000’s worth of meal donation coupons without batting an eye. She thought apparently it was quite natural for the man to be doing something so charitable.

Food pantries are great, but they’re not available everywhere and sometimes their food gets distributed so quickly, that they don’t replenish fast enough. And donating the right type of food is crucial as well. Food pantries look for food that are easy to use in most families, have a long shelf life, and are substantial. They want food that can feed an entire family which includes canned beans or any canned vegetables, flour, milk, basic staples such as sugar, salt, etc. and they also welcome toiletries such as paper towels, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. I know whenever we sponsor a family during the holidays, we also include toiletries in the gift basket along with food that families don’t normally get to treat themselves with.

In the Parent’s article, the author notes that states with the highest “food-insecurity” rates are typically Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina but I personally feel that all of America are affected by hunger. It could be a single income family or a single parent raising several children, or just a family that does not have the means to earn enough income to provide a steady stream of food every day. And I think it’s doubly important to point out that when children go hungry and do not get enough proper nutrition, it leads to further complications down the line. America can be a wonderful place, but it can also be a glutinous place. There are many families who wastes food and teach their children that wasting food is all right. I think it’s important to teach kids to know about portion control – kids should take only what they need instead of filling up their plates with stuff they’ll never finish. If you’ll also notice in restaurants, A LOT of food goes to waste when a family could have easily shared their food with one another instead of ordering more than what they can consume. Or take the rest to go and eat them for dinner or for lunch the next day. Every time there’s food leftover on our plates, I take them to go and jazz them up a bit for another meal. You just have to remember that there are families out there who don’t have the luxury to eat out and would do anything for a complete meal.

My suggestion would be that if you have extra staples in your home and you’d like to donate them, then keep a bag handy in your kitchen. When you know you won’t be eating or cooking with that staple, then place it in the bag. Once the bag fills up, take it to your local food pantry. Many times staples such as canned goods or flour or sugar gets thrown out because they expired or because we forget that we bought a truckload of them to stock up on. If you would like to read more about the article in Parents magazine, here is the direct link: http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/hunger-american-children/?sssdmh=dm17.541612&esrc=nwpmmdailytip080911&email=1937670098.

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Kids and the New Nutrition

Growing up in a family of doctors and health experts, I’ve come to learn a few things here and there about nutrition and eating healthy. I don’t have an MD or a PhD in medicine, but learning from my own mistakes, doing extensive research, and working at my parent’s medical clinic has taught me some important lessons. Now most of these lessons everyone probably already know about: eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink water and not soda, and exercise as often as possible. But as a first time parent, I also did a lot of research on proper nutrition for babies and children and I asked a lot of questions. Because kids after all, depend on us to provide them with the right nutrition and to grow healthily and happily.

As I grew up in my parents house, they taught me to eat fresh vegetables and fruits and to maintain a healthy weight. However, once I went off to college on my own,  the not-so-healthy monster reigned during my college years. I think (like most college kids), it was mostly due to studying into the wee hours of the night, juggling friends and having fun, and just not enough time to eat right. I remembered back in college when I started feeling sluggish or tired, it was probably contributed by my poor eating habits and lack of sleep. As I got older, I went back to trying to eat healthier and doing the right exercises to rebuild my health and stamina. I recollected the important lessons that my parents taught me about eating properly and eating appropriately and my not-so-healthy monster happily waved goodbye.

The ironic thing about eating healthy and nutritionally is that you have to keep at it. Much like riding a bike or doing the laundry – you simply have to do it often in order to make a habit of it and be good at it. When I say be “good” at it, I mean making good choices instinctively and without thinking twice about it. Examples would be choosing fresh fruits over canned fruits, drinking water instead of soda, exercising instead of sitting around doing nothing, fresh vegetables instead of vegetable in a sauce, and eating power foods that help enhance your health. These are all crucial lessons that I’ve learned and am trying to teach my son. So far he really enjoys eating fresh fruits and he loves drinking water. If you emphasize the importance of these lesssons, then you will instill a lasting love of healthy and nutritional foods.

Kids living in the United States nowadays are overburdened with junk food. They see it on TV, they read it in magazines, and they even have it in their schools. And when parents are faced with demands at work, at home, and anywhere else, sometimes it’s just easier to grab the most convenient foods on the store’s shelf and call it a day. But little do parents know that they are showing their kids that it’s okay to eat junk foods or convenient foods that have absolutely no nutritional value (example: white bread). And what happens when your kids see their friends eating a Twinkie or drinking soda? Well, if you have taught your kids to eat healthy and make healthy food choices from the beginning, then most likely they’ll be disinterested in what their friends are eating. Or at best, they’ll ask you about it and you can tell them that those are not good food choices. It’s probably okay to indulge them once in awhile, but you know the old saying  – once you’ve had a taste of it, you’ll want more.

So what do you to when you don’t have the time, money, or resources to buy healthy foods? Well, you can start with the basics. Choose foods that are higher in nutritional content and filled with important nutrients that are necessary for a child’s growing body and brain. My ultimate suggestion is buying organic of course, but if it’s not possible, then choose locally grown and buy organic when possible. After all, kids are still more susceptible to toxic pesticides, fertilizers, and chemically-produced foods. Below are some suggestions to what’s appropriate for kids and the importance of them:

Calcium – this is an important nutrient for growing bodies. Calcium along with enough Vitamin D, can help build strong muscles and bones in a growing child’s body. Start them early on this and they’ll develop strong bones and muscles into their adult years. Once adult’s reach a certain age, the calcium in their bones start to deplete regularly, so it’s also crucial for adults to take Calcium and Vitamin D together for absolute absorption. Here is a link to a great article on Calcium and children: http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/PDFs/Calcium_and_Kids-web.pdf. Foods that are rich in calcium and that kids will enjoy are:

Milk, Cheese, Yogurt, Fortified foods, Soymilk (make sure soymilk are fortified), and Ice Cream (as long as it’s made with whole milk).

Iron – Iron is essential for red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body and for important brain health. When kids are low in iron, they are sluggish and tired and can’t concentrate. Babies get iron from their mother’s breast milk, but after they’ve stopped drinking breast milk, it’s important to include this vital vitamin in their diet. Although I don’t recommend young kids to be vegetarians, vegetarians can get their intake of iron from soy, lentils, nuts, dark greens, and iron-fortified grains. Just remember to eat Vitamin C- rich foods along with Iron-rich foods for better absorbtion. Foods that are rich in Iron are:

Beef, Poultry, Beans, Nuts, Mollusks, Lentils, Chickpeas, Soybeans, Egg Yolks, Dark Leafy Greens, Raisins, and Iron-enriched Cereals.

Be cautious of too much iron consumption in young kids however. Overdose of iron can be dangerous and always consult an expert if you’re unsure.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a powerhouse and pretty much most of the vegetables and fruits available contain this important vitamin. It helps with proper absorbtion of most other foods because it is easily digestible and your body knows how to filter it throughout. Vitamin C is also great for building your immunity and is essential in the maintenance of bones, muscles, and blood vessels. Although it hasn’t been proven to truly prevent colds in kids and adults, eating enough of this important vitamin along with other nutrient-rich foods will help build a foundation of good health . Foods that are rich in Vitamin C are:

Oranges, Tangerines ( or any citrus fruits), Guavas, Strawberries, Papayas, Kiwi, Dark Leafy Greens, Tomatoes, and Broccoli

Potassium – This important nutrient helps with normal heart and muscle function, maintains proper fluid balance, and builds energy. It also helps promote strong bones. It will also help kids keep a normal blood pressure which can carry on into adulthood. Foods that are rich in Potassium are:

Vegetables and Fruits that are “orange-colored” such as oranges, tangerines, bananas, apricots, and cantalope, Tomatoes, Milk, Yogurt, and Fish.

Fiber – Fiber is such an essential nutrient because kids and adults need it on a daily basis. Fiber helps regulate the stomach and the intestinal tract so that kids will feel regular. Fiber helps with digestion so that important nutrients can properly pass through their system for proper assimilation. Fiber is also great at keeping kids full, especially when kids run around all day depleting a lot of energy. Foods that are rich in Fiber are:

Legumes, Lentils, Berries, Nuts, Chickpeas, Oranges, Apples, and Cereal that contain high fiber content.

Along with these power foods for the proper development in kids, parents need to also remember that cutting down on heavily processed foods and foods that contain addictive qualities such as refined sugar and high sodium only leads to health problems down the line. And feeding kids too much sugary foods make them depend on sugar to enjoy a proper meal. If you don’t give your kids sugar from the beginning, then they’ll think it’s absolutely normal not to have it in their daily diet. Of course sugar is unavoidable, but it’s better to get them from natural sources such as fresh fruits, or at least have them eat foods that are low in the sugar and sodium content. I have also found that organic milk tastes a lot sweeter than non-organic milk. Maybe it’s the cows diet, maybe not, but organic milk is not only beneficial to the health, but to the cows and the environment as well.

Along with limiting refined sugar, high sodium, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and trans fat, it’s also important to choose whole grains instead of enriched grains. Much of the necessary nutrients in grains are removed during the “enriching” process thus making the food less nutritional. To me it’s rather ironic that companies who make enriched bread don’t realize that much of what they’re doing to adding important nutrients to their bread was already inside the grains before they removed them. Whole grains are also rich in fiber and minerals and they taste a whole lot better too.

As with most foods, it’s best to eat them in its raw form or at least minimally processed. When your kids eat too many processed foods, the essential vitamins and minerals are lost in the process and they just end up eating non-nutritional foods. I know it may be hard for some kids to eat certain foods unless it’s soaked in sugar, but start them at an early age and they’ll grow to love it and will even ask for it. My son would prefer eating his favorite fruits over any sugary treats. So if you set down a plate of cut fruits in front of your child, most likely he’ll eat it because there’s nothing else. Besides, fruits are so naturally sweet, juicy, and fun to eat, why wouldn’t you want your kids to enjoy them?

So the next time you’re inclined to pop open a bag of M&Ms for your child as a treat, try placing a plate of sliced fruits with some melted dark chocolate. You are in control of what you give your children to eat and in turn giving them the much needed knowledge for their future.

photo courtesy of Earthbound Farm (http://www.ebfarm.com/)

*Editors note – these are just suggestions from Happymomblogger. The statements used in this post are not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure any sickness or diseases. Do your own research when possible and trust your instincts when it comes to giving your children the proper nutrition for ultimate health.

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IZZE – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

I don’t let my son drink sodas or anything artificial. I really don’t drink anything artificial either and I no longer drink sodas. When I found out all the yucky stuff that went into making soda, I was repelled by it. But when we are craving something sparkly and refreshing, we reach for beverages that contain fruit juice and sparkling water only. And that’s when we discovered IZZE not too long ago. IZZE, named after the daughter of the founder of the company, is an all-natural sparkling juice beverage company and their sparkling beverages are truly delicious! There are so many flavors to choose from and all of the flavors are effervescently yummy! And because they are made with only the juice of real fruits, I don’t feel too bad about serving it too my son. Sometimes you need a little bit of kick with your fruit juice, and what better way to do that than with IZZE?

The company IZZE was founded by two friends who believed that good-tasting beverages should also be good for you. That’s when the co-founders decided to create a sparkling beverage that contained only natural ingredients without any unnecessary additives. IZZE sparkling beverages do not have any preseravatives, and with the exception of their Sparkling Birch and Sparkling Ginger, their drinks do not contain any sugar – only the pure taste of natural fruit juices. I think that’s why I like IZZE beverages so much – that it’s not too sweet, but sweet enough to satisfy a sweet, bubbly, drink craving. I also like the fact that it is very refreshing, especially when it’s been in the fridge for a long time. You don’t even need to add any ice to a cup – you can drink it straight out of the bottle or the can. I personally like the glass bottle version because it’s readily recyclable and you can also reuse it for many purposes. And it looks really pretty.

IZZE’s current lineup of flavors and varieties are:

IZZE Sparkling Juice and the flavors include Pomegranate, Grapefruit, Lime, Blueberry, Clementine, Peach, Blackberry, and Apple.                                

IZZEesque (which is a low calorie beverage) includes Watermelon, Black Rasberry, Limon, and Mandarin                                                                                          

IZZE Fortified which includes Clementine, Pomegranate, Apple, Grapefruit, and Blackberry and are fortified with essential vitamins                                                                                                                   

IZZE Natural Soda which includes Ginger and Birch

I haven’t tried their new Natural Ginger and Natural Birch yet but I think they sound quite interesting! A beverage made from birch oil – definitely something different and unique. And that’s exactly what you’ll find IZZE beverages to be – uniquely satisfying and craving for more. But IZZE isn’t just a pretty bottle with an effervescent kick. IZZE believes in giving back to the community and to be responsible for the environment. They support local and nationwide events that mirror their own philanthropic views and is partnered with the Global Education Fund – an organization dedicated to bringing educational support to children in need. You can read more about it here: http://www.izze.com/giving-back/global-education-fund/. IZZE also uses Wind Energy where possible and post-consumer recycled cardboard in the packaging of their 4-pack containers. IZZE also supports “Bike to work day” for their city’s annual event and makes sure that their employees are always happy and satisfied. With a company that cares about people in their products and their philosophy, that’s always a win-win situation.

Although I’ve  tried a few of their varieties previously, IZZE sent me samples of their new IZZEesque in their four dazzling flavors: Watermelon, Black Rasberry, Limon, and Manadarin. I was incredibly honored and pleased to try the new flavors. My son and I are big watermelon lovers and I think our favorites were the Watermelon and Mandarin – although they were all flavorsome and intensely satisfying. Because they were low-calorie (the IZZEesque versions contain only 50 calories per 12 oz.), they weren’t as sweet as their other varieties but it was still amazingly delicious! I’m not ashamed to admit that I gulped down the entire bottle in one sitting! And right now with it being Summer, IZZE sparkling beverages have what it takes to cool you down and make you feel all tingly when you drink it. So – IZZE wanted to give readers of Happymomblogger a chance to try and enjoy some of their sparkling beverages. The prize is 2 FREE product coupons good for a FREE (up to $5.99) 4-pack of 12 oz. bottles of IZZE or IZZE esque. There will be 5 winners total with 2 FREE coupons each. So how do you enter in this bubbly contest? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the IZZE giveaway:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” IZZE on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IZZE  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 IZZE giveaway. Become a follower of IZZE: http://twitter.com/#!/izze and “Tweet” that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

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

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Enter in my other contests.

#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.

Contest Start Date: July 14, 2011

Contest End Date: July 28, 2011 – Contest closed, winners will be selected. Congratulations to Becky, Layne, Joann, and Eugenie for winning the prizes!

Only 5 winners will be chosen at random and I will post the winners names on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING! (For those of you who entered and did not win, you can visit IZZE on Facebook where they’re offering a $1.00 off coupon right now. Or, you can enter to win AND print out a coupon – double goodness!)

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

suzan14 Comments

Somersault Snacks – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

“mmm,Mmm,MMM”, as my son likes to say when he’s eating something yummy. That’s exactly how I feel when I bite into a crunchy, crispy, and scrumptious Somersault snack. They’re part pretzel and part savory, and a whole lot of tasty! Somersault snacks literally makes me want to do somersaults (if I still knew how) because they give me the sufficient energy I need with the balanced amount of protein and fiber to keep me strong. If you’ve never heard of Somersault Snacks (they’re currently all over Peet’s Coffee and certain natural grocery stores), then you’re in for a real savory treat!

Somersaults are a crispy and crunchy cookie-like morsel that’s about an inch wide and filled with a ton of sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. It crunches more like a cookie but the bite tastes similar to a pretzel. The ingredients are simple and wholesome and you’ll probably get hooked after the first bite like I did. Even my son, who’s not so much a “crunchy” snack lover, devoured the entire bag of salty pepper when we were on a car trip. They’re easy to eat, easy to digest, and easy to travel with. So whether you’re craving a salty, crunchy, in-between meal snack or you want to pack something for work or school, Somersaults are a wonderful choice. Why? Because they are made with all-natural ingredients and they are packed with the nutritional powerhouses of sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and whole wheat flour. You get an abundance of antioxidants, fiber, and protein in each bag – and that’s something you don’t normally find in a savory snack. So if you’re going to go the healthy route, then it’s always best to snack on something that’s good for you and tastes great as well.

Somersaults was created with one basic motto in mind – to provide people with a healthy, delicious, and wholesome snack that can be enjoyed by the whole family. And since they’re bite-sized, it’s easy to satisfy a snack craving without feeling guilty afterwards. Somersaults uses only all-natural ingredients including high oleic sunflower oil, sea salt, organic evaporated cane juice, chicory root fiber, vanilla, garlic, and vital wheat gluten. Their snacks do not contain any preservatives, no genetically modified ingredients are used, and no trans fat. They’re also low in sugar and sodium and contain the natural inulin found in chicory roots that provide the necessary fiber in our diet. But what really makes Somersault Snacks stand out from the other snacks on the market is their use of sunflower seeds as the main ingredient. Sunflower seeds contain Vitamin E,  antioxidants, fiber, minerals and healthy fats. Plus they’re super delicious and fun to eat alone or mixed into a crunchy snack like Somersaults.

Currently, Somersault Snacks come in four flavors: Pacific Sea Salt, Dutch Cocoa, Salty Pepper, and Santa Fe Salsa. Our favorite is the Salty Pepper because it’s slightly salty and has just a little bit of kick to it. The Dutch Cocoa has a really surprising chocolate flavor and is a bit sweet and savory at the same time. It’s sort of like drinking hot cocoa and eating something salty at the same time – quite a delight to the taste buds! Somersaults are also low in calories and they come in 3 different sizes – .5 oz, 2 oz., and 6oz., so you’re free to choose the right size for your snacking needs.

Above picture is actual size of a Somersault.

I was really delighted when Somersault Snack Company sent me a variety of their snacks to try and review. We devoured the smaller-sized bags and kept some of the larger ones for traveling or when we’re out and about. It’s hard not to eat the entire bag though because they’re bite-sized and they’re delicious! Somersault Snack Co. has also generously offered 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger their basic product kit which includes one of each Somersault flavors (S.S. Sea Salt, Salty Pepper, Chez Cocoa, and Santa Fe Salsa) in 6 oz. and 2 oz. packages, and 1 of 3 Somersault flavors in ½ oz. packages. So if you win, you’re free to share or keep them to yourself 🙂 So how do you win this scrumptious prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Somersault Snack Co. giveaway:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Somersault Snack Co. on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SomersaultSnacks 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 Somersault Snack Co. giveaway. Become a follower of Somersault Snack Co.: http://twitter.com/#!/SomersaultSnack and tweet that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Visit  http://www.somersaultsnackco.com/ and subscribe to their newsletter.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Enter in my other contests.

#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.

Contest Start Date: July 14, 2011

Contest End Date: July 28, 2011 – Contest closed, winner will be selected. Congratulations to Janice 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

suzan23 Comments

Garlic Gold – Products Worth Reviewing and Special Offer

We’re true garlic eaters in our household. I was raised on eating garlic in practically every meal. I can eat garlic in its raw form or cooked, but either way, there’s just something about the unique spiciness and bitter flavor of garlic that satisfies my taste buds. I’ve slowly trained my son to enjoy garlic too and that’s mostly because garlic is so good for you and the uses are abundant. And, until recently, I didn’t know there was a new way of enjoying garlic – and that comes in the form of toasted garlic bits, made by Garlic Gold. Garlic Gold makes organic garlic products and we were immediately seduced by the crunchy, toasty, and slightly sweet flavor of Garlic Gold’s garlic nuggets.

Garlic Gold, which they are called hand-crafted, artisanal, gourmet garlic food products, comes in the form of garlic nuggets, garlic oil, and garlic vinaigrettes. They use only certified organic ingredients in all of their garlic-themed products and with their product line so simple and straightforward, you’re sure to find a product that will become your kitchen’s main staple. Only problem is, they’re so delicious, that they won’t last long in your kitchen. Garlic Gold’s distinctive combination of organic garlic and organic cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil really sets the standard for all things garlic. Their garlic products can be enjoyed with virtually any dish or eaten alone, as my son and I find ourselves doing every time.

Garlic Gold began with a young chef and his chef dad in the hopes of developing something “garlicky” that can be enjoyed by everyone and everywhere. Their school project turned into a huge success when the likes of food icons David Rosengarten, Chef Emeril and Kath Younger tried Garlic Gold’s products and were instantly hooked. Garlic Gold’s products are hand-crafted to this day still and the simple concept of merging garlic and olive oil became more than just a condiment – it became a step above all other garlic condiments. When my son, my husband, and I first tasted Garlic Gold’s gold nuggets, we were so amazed at the incredibly wonderful taste of their garlic nuggets. When I read the ingredients, I was a bit surprised that it contained only organic garlic, and organic olive oil. I was imagining an array of salt additives or enhancers that made it so scrumptious, but I think what really made it excel in flavor was the fact that it was hand toasted to a perfect crunchiness. The crunch is just right – not too hard, and not too mushy. It was garlic heaven indeed!

I think what makes Garlic Gold products really exceptional is the fact that their ingredients are simple yet sophisticated. Most everyone knows the taste of garlic and yet with Garlic Gold, the garlic in their ingredients are sweeter and smoother with a slight undertone of bitterness to it. And the fact that organic extra virgin olive oil is used instead of regular cooking oil really helps with the garlic nuggets not being too greasy and the blend of olive and garlic flavor meshes perfectly. Their products are also really easy to use – you don’t even have to chop up the garlic yourself. Just add the garlic nuggets into prepared dishes or, you can add it while you’re cooking to give it that “secret” garlicky flavor everyone will be asking you about.

Garlic Gold currently carries the following products:

Garlic Gold – a blend of toasted organic garlic and organic extra virgin olive oil. Drizzle this over bread, vegetables, seafood, as a dip, or stir-fried into dishes and you’ll have an excellent taste of toasty garlic and olive oil flavor.

Garlic Gold Nuggets (Original, Italian Herb, Parmesan, and Sea Salt) – these are toasted with organic extra virgin olive oil to a perfect crunchiness! They are great sprinkled over rice, pasta, vegetables, soup, or eaten by itself.

Garlic Gold Oil – a blend of garlic and extra virgin olive oil in a delectable infusion. Use this in place of your regular olive oil to give it that unique garlicy flavor.

Garlic Gold Vinaigrettes (Meyer Lemon, Classic Balsamic, and Red Wine) – use this as you would with any vinaigrettes; as a dressing, a marinade, a dip, or however way you would like it.

Garlic Gold’s headquarters nestles in Ventura, California and they make and test all of their products in their “certified organic kitchen”. In their facility, they also create new and interesting recipes that can be found on their website: http://garlicgold.com/garlic-gold-recipes/. Their products can be found in most natural grocery stores and I’ve seen them in certain national supermarkets. You can also purchase their products online. Since I discovered Garlic Gold not too long ago, they sent me some of their products to try and review. I tried their entire line of Garlic Gold Nuggets and their Garlic Gold Oil and I have to say, their nuggets didn’t last very long in our cupboard. My son ate them all – he would sprinkle them on the palm of his hand or in his spoon and eat them straight up! Garlic Gold has also offered readers of Happymomblogger a 20% off discount at their online store for a limited time . Just enter: happymom20 in the “coupon code” area when you’re checking out. Here is the direct link to their website: http://garlicgold.com/. Trust me, you will not be disappointed at Garlic Gold’s delicious and ultra-scrumptious organic garlic condiments! Since garlic and olive oil has so many health benefits, why not try them in a different way? And if you have trouble getting your kids to eat anything – try sprinkling some Garlic Gold nuggets on their dishes – they’ll gobble up their food!

 Here is a dish I made with organic tofu, broccoli, carrots, mushrooms, onions, teriyaki sauce, and Garlic Gold Nuggets.

Here is a photo from their website: Sausage Spinach Fritatta.

Here is another photo from their website: Asparagus Rotini.

Hurry! The 20% off discount ends on July 28, 2011! Enter: happymom20 at checkout.

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

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Gotta Love The Fresh Beat Band – An exclusive interview

With a nervous giggle from me and an exuberant “Hi” from my son, we got on the phone with Kiki, Marina, Shout, and Twist, aka The Fresh Beat Band. I was given a unique opportunity to interview The Fresh Beat Band over the phone since they were in New York filming “The View” and I’m on the West Coast. Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (Kiki), Tara Perry (Marina), Thomas Hobson (Shout), and Jon Beavers (Twist) greeted us excitedly while my son jumped up and down wanting to talk to them. After polite and friendly greetings were made, we got down to business. Here is a recap of what we talked about over the phone:

Q – As a TV band, do you have dreams of becoming a real band and touring on the road?

A- Yes! We’re already touring on the road. We had a concert at Sesame Street, Mall of America, and recently the Festival of Books in Los Angeles. And we’re planning on releasing a Fresh Beat Band CD.

Q – On the show, you’re best friends – do you guys hang out in real life?

A- We’re actually really good friends in real life. We go to the movies together, we have dinner and we hang out as much as possible.

Q – What do you do when you’re not taping the show? Hobbies, interests, etc?

A- We don’t have too much time to have fun. On the weekends we have to record. But when we’re not taping, we do our usual stuff:

Thomas – I love to travel and see other parts of the world. I think  traveling really helps me with acting on the show. I also love watching movies. The latest movie that I saw was Super 8 and I’m proud to say that I laughed, I was scared, and I cried.

Tara – I love to watch movies. I like fishing, and spending time with friends and families. The last movies I  saw were Super 8, Xmen, and Green Lantern. I’m a big sci fi nerd.

Yvette – I’ve been putting together an album – Spanish and English album. And the last movie I saw was Xmen. I loved it!

Jon – I like to make my own music. I like watching TV, and playing basketball – I grew up in Iowa so being as tall as I am, playing basketball wasn’t a choice – it was expected. I love to Rap. I play Chess. I love watching old movies in my trailer on the set. The latest movies I saw was Doctor StrangeLove starring Peter Sellers. I love actors who are real. We were on the set after filming the 3rd season and we got the opportunity to sign the rafters on the Paramount Studios. 

Q – Tara– you’re the new girl on the show. How has your reception been since joining the cast and replacing Shayna? How has the cast and fans reacted to the sudden change?

Tara – The reaction has been good. Kids don’t see it as a difference yet. They just see the costume and a red-headed girl and everything is good.

Thomas – Adults have had said something mean though in a debate over Shayna and Tara. It’s just unnecessary to be so judgemental over a new actress playing the same character.

Yvette – We love having Tara on the show and we love her accent. Tara is from Arkansas.

Q – Tara – Marina’s character has a specific personality on the show, but I notice that you play it a little differently than Shayna did. Did you put your own personality into the character or were you told to play it exactly as the character should be?

Tara – Before joining the show, I watched all the previous episodes. I brought my own personality into Marina– I was trained in Improv so it’s really helped me with the character. I also trained with Jon doing Improv.

 Q – You all play instruments and sing on the show – do any of you actually play instruments or sing on a daily basis?

A- Yes, we all play instruments on a daily basis. We all enjoy music in our own way.

Jon – I rap all the time because it’s what I do. I’m also planning on my own CD coming out soon.

Yvette – When I auditioned for the role of Kiki, I brought my violin and guitar and I said to the producers, “okay, so which instrument would you like me to play first?”

Q – Can you tell me anything about the upcoming episodes? Anything your fans should look out for?

A-  On Season 3 there will be a lot of special guest stars. So look out for them.

Tara and Yvette – Stay tuned, a lot of great episodes are coming up.

Yvette, Tara, Thomas, and Jon were as gracious in real life as the characters they portray on The Fresh Beat Band. I was surprised to know that they are just a bunch of normal, hard-working, and fun-loving kids (although I probably shouldn’t call them kids), but they were super nice and incredibly real. No fake “Hollywood” actors here, guys!  

So by now all of you should have watched their new episode, “Cool Pool Party”, right? Wasn’t it great! My son and I are definitely looking forward to the new season and the puzzles, excitement, and fun that comes with them!

The Fresh Beat Band airs on Nickelodeon and you can watch certain episodes on the Nickelodeon’s website: http://www.nickjr.com/the-fresh-beat-band/.

 

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