Happymomblogger

It’s easy to pick up a paper towel, dry your hands with it and then throw it away. But did you ever wonder how all those paper towels can affect the environment? Living in the United States gives us the opportunity to use whatever is convenient, but it’s also that convenience that makes us forget about all the waste that’s produced from it. We as individuals can make a change in helping the environment, prevent the so called “global warming” and help the world make less waste.

People Towels (https://www.peopletowels.com/), a company dedicated in making 100% certified organic Fair Trade cotton towels helps with our choices in reducing, reusing, and reinventing the common household towel. With People Towels, they are easily washable and easy to tuck into a purse, pocket or backpack. In fact, People Towels are an ideal size for almost anything you would use a towel and paper towel for. They are great to keep in bathrooms, in kitchens, and to carry around you whenever you need a personal towel. They help keep your hands clean and help prevent extra usage of paper towels. In fact, having your own hand towel also helps prevent germs from spreading with dirty paper towels or towels you share with others.

People Towels was invented as an idea taken from the Japanese nation where reusable towels are common practice. To prevent overuse of paper towels or napkins, People Towels are indeed a great personal towel that you can keep virtually anywhere. All of People Towels are made with ethically sourced organic cotton and printed with eco-friendly dyes. They are also partners with many environmental and social companies and movements including 1% For the Planet, The Breast Cancer Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and a few others.  With such a promising company and product that’s environmentally and socially responsible, you really can’t go wrong with trying People Towels towels. In fact, I keep several of them in the house and some I have given away to friends and family so that they can also reap the benefits of their own personal hand towels.

With People Towels you don’t have to worry about not having anything on hand to wipe your hands or face, or especially when public restrooms are out of paper towels to dry with. In a convenient 9×9″ size, you can literally tuck a towel anywhere you see fit. Although I would love to have bigger sizes for other uses, People Towels is working on making different sizes in the future. You can also find People Towels at certain natural grocery stores and specialty stores throughout the US and parts of Canada. They are easy to spot because of their colorful and unique designs and can also be purchased on their website.

What’s really fun about People Towels is the ability to design your own towel to personalize them if you want. You can put your own photos on the towels or whatever you think might look good on a hand towel. They make excellent gifts for practically anyone and if everyone uses their own People Towel’s hand towel, think of all the trees we would save! People Towels are suitable for students, travelers, co-workers, and virtually anyone who could use something that’s helpful, convenient, and personable. I think they also make fun gifts for birthday parties, weddings, and anywhere you might want to give a party favor for your guests. Your guests will think it’s such an innovative present that they’ll want to get more for themselves!

What I like about People Towels is that they become really soft after a few washes. But because they are made with organic cotton, they will shrink quite a bit which is something that isn’t too big of a deal but can hinder the usage. But they are the right size for drying your hands or your face or to wipe down something that you would normally use a paper towel for. They are easily washable, doesn’t wrinkle, and are quite cute looking.

As an official People Towels Ambassador, I was given the unique opportunity to try their organic cotton towels. And they have also kindly offered 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win a 3-pack towel set of their very own. If you have kids in school, these would make wonderful gifts for them. They are convenient, easy to use, and ultra stylish!

So how do you win this great prize? Read below to find out:

Here’s how to enter in the People Towels giveaway:

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

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” People Towels on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peopletowels?ref=ts 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 People Towels giveaway. Become a follower of People Towels: https://twitter.com/peopletowels and “Tweet” that you are entering the People Towels contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me what you would use People Towels for.

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

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. Happymomblogger is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged prizes but will do the best to ensure your prize gets there. In  the event the winner can not be contacted within 3 days of email sent then another winner will be chosen. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law.

Contest Start Date: August 16, 2013

Contest End Date: August 30, 2013 – CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED.

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

Cleaning can be such a pain sometimes but we still have to do it if we don’t want to jeopardize our health. But what if the products that you’re using to clean your house can cause more damage than good? With so many conventional cleaners out on the market today, our heads can spin wondering which household product will clean that nasty food stain off the kitchen counter while doing it in a safe way. If you were to take a look at the household cleaning shelf at any grocery store, you’d probably find several aisles dedicated to them.

While conventional cleaning products can do the job well enough, I don’t like the idea that I’m readily breathing in toxic fumes and that my son has to breathe them as well. Scents linger in the air and on surfaces and can easily permeate that delicate olfactory sense of ours. Our body reacts unnaturally to the toxic fumes and health issues can arise. So for me, it’s safer to use safe and non-toxic cleaners in our home. And while you can make your own effective cleaning products at home, it’s also easier to purchase them without wondering how much to add or remove from your own concoctions.

When I discovered a fairly new company called Eco-Me (http://www.eco-me.com/), I was impressed at the ingredients they use in their cleaning products. With only naturally-derived ingredients in their cleaning products, it’s a safe bet to assume that there are no toxic fumes or toxic residuals lingering dangerously around. In fact, Eco-Me products are made with base ingredients that you would recognize as natural and safer than the conventional cleaning products you’d find elsewhere. Their All Purpose Cleaner is made with vinegar as the main ingredient and we all know that vinegar does a stellar job at disinfecting.

Eco-Me was founded on a personal need when a health issue caused one of the founders to develop cleaning products that are not potentially hazardous to the health and to the environment. A comprehensive lineup was then produced for the home and later natural pet cleaning products were added to their inventory. All of Eco-Me products do not contain any petro-chemicals, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, parabens, colorants, and harmful preservatives. They also use plant-based essential oils that are added to their products for a delightful and freshly cleaned scent. I really like their all-purpose cleaner since it really does a superb job cleaning almost anything! We use it mainly to clean our kitchen because of the subtle vinegar aroma and it almost always does its job every time.

Eco-Me currently has a complete lineup of household cleaning products which includes the All Purpose Cleaner, Dish Soap, Floor Soap, Laundry Detergent, Stainless Steel Cleaner, Wood Polish Cleaner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Scrub Cleanser, Carpet Refreshener, Air Fresheners, and Hand Soaps. Their pet products include Dog Shampoo, Conditioner, Detangler, Clean Spray, and Dry Shampoo. Their pet products are also made with natural and non-toxic ingredients so your pets can be cleaned safely too. I do love a company that offers a comprehensive line of products so you don’t have to mix a bunch of different companies to get your house spotless.

With Eco-Me making such conscientious products for people and animals, it’s no wonder that they have become quite popular throughout the years and can be found at most natural grocery stores. They follow strict guidelines according to the Natural Products Association and all of their products have not been tested on animals and are considered vegan (meaning no animal by-products are used.) Considering all the harmful cleaning products that are available out in the markets these days, we have to be conscious of what we buy and what we use that can end up in landfills, cause pollution, and use up precious resources without giving back. And because Eco-Me products are packaged in recyclable materials, you can easily recycle them or reuse them as well.

With a desire to eliminate all toxic cleaning products in our home, I’ve come to appreciate companies who are dedicated in making products that are easy to use, safe for people and the environment, and fairly priced. It’s easy to pick up a cheaper version of cleaning products at the local grocery store, but with inferior ingredients come with superior ill side effects. We may not all be able to afford natural cleaning products and besides making them on your own, it’s good to find a company that helps us on that step. And if you have little kids in the house, their immune system is so delicate that why would you use anything that can potentially harm their health in the long run?

The good folks at Eco-Me had wanted me to try some of their products so I chose their All Purpose Cleaner and Dish Soap. The All Purpose Cleaner has vinegar as the main ingredient and although you do smell that scent immediately, I was impressed at how quickly and efficiently it cleaned up what I needed to clean. My husband liked using it on our tiled floors and he remarked the first time using it at how it never left a streak and it cleaned the floor “better than the other stuff”. We also use it on our bathroom windows and yup – no streaks whatsoever! The Dish Soap had an enticing lemony-fresh scent and it soaped up incredibly well. I liked it so much that I started using it wash my hands.

Since Eco-Me knows that my readers are just as conscientious about their health and their family’s health, they have kindly offered 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win their All Purpose Cleaner. As I mentioned above, their All Purpose Cleaner really does clean practically anything and leaves your house smelling unconditionally clean. If you’re familiar with the use of vinegar as a cleaning agent, then you’ll really enjoy using Eco-Me’s All Purpose Cleaner. So how do you win this awesome prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Eco-Me giveaway:

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

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” Eco-Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EcoMeNaturalProducts 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 Eco-Me giveaway. Become a follower of Eco-Me: https://twitter.com/eco_me and “Tweet” that you are entering the Eco-Me contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me which product you would like to try.

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

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. Happymomblogger is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged prizes but will do the best to ensure your prize gets there. In  the event the winner can not be contacted within 3 days of email sent then another winner will be chosen. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibed by law.

Contest Start Date: August 16, 2013

Contest End Date: August 30, 2013 – CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED.

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

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.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs

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.

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