Happymomblogger

Jamba Juice – Products Worth Reviewing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

July 18, 2013

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Nordic Naturals What’s Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest

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

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

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

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

A 3-month supply of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet products and human products – you choose from a list of qualifying Nordic Naturals’ products
Dog and cat goodies including collapsible water bowl, chew toy, doggie bags and a plush fish toy
The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Knowbooks by Tracie Hotchner
A custom canvas painting of your pet by beccavision.com
Mr. or Ms. Omega-3 Pet Award Certificate
Profile featured on the Facebook app

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

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

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

June 14, 2013

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If You Care – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

If you ever feel like there’s just not enough natural products to make the world a better place – well, you’re somewhat right. But more and more companies are coming out with every day products that are not only safer for you but for the planet as well. You just have to know where to look and to understand their overall goal. Unfortunately if you don’t shop at a natural grocery store regularly, then you might miss out on some really great natural products that have either been in the industry for many years or are just starting out. One company who makes amazing household products using naturally derived ingredients is aptly named, If You Care (http://ifyoucare.com/). They make a great assortment of products to use throughout the home that you’ll wonder why you never discovered them before. And that’s because If You Care is a fairly new company, having launched their first product in the market just over 20 years ago.

If You Care began producing their first product, unbleached coffee filters, which was also the very first unbleached coffee filters to market in the United States. Later the need for more environmentally-friendly products to be available gave If You Care the opportunity to produce other environmentally safe products including Dish Liquid, Household Gloves, Trash Bags, Sponge Cloths, Laundry Detergent, and their 100% Recycled Aluminum which uses 95% less energy to produce than any other aluminum foils out on the market today. With the sole purpose of making products that will leave less environmental impact and with the lightest carbon footprint possible, If You Care has dedicated themselves in making products that you will be proud to use every day.

If you look through their array of useful and innovative products, you’ll find products that not only help you get your job done, but can be easily recycled, reused, and repurposed. With their products certified from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and not made with anything toxic or potentially harmful to the environment, it’s easy to see why their products are a natural choice for those who want healthier and better products. I’m excited that they carry such an extensive line of goodies for your home that it’s almost safe to say that you’ll find everything you need from dishwashing detergent to baking pans to natural firelighters. And all of If You Care’s products are made from recycled materials including their packaging, they do not contain chlorine or anything potentially toxic, and from only biodegradable substances. And their Household Gloves for instance are made from 100% renewable resources and are dyed with biodegradable non-toxic inks and glues.

The good folks at If You Care had wanted me to try their most popular Household Gloves/Dish Gloves and Sponge Clothes. As mentioned above, their Household Gloves are made from renewable resources and are non-toxic and their Sponge Clothes are also made from 100% renewable resources and can be used over and over again as well as being super absorbent and resilient. I really like the fact that you can wash the sponge clothes in the washing machine and it actually stayed pretty true to shape after a couple of washes. And if you look at how thin the cloth is, you wonder if it’ll actually soak anything up, and yes indeed – it cleaned and washed my dishes very well as well as served its purpose in cleaning the kitchen countertops. I’m sure there are many other uses for it, I just haven’t gotten around to using it for anything other than my kitchen yet.

The folks at If You Care would also like to give 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to try a pair of their Household Gloves and Sponge Clothes. The Household Gloves comes in Small, Medium, and Large and the Sponge Clothes come in a pack of 5. I think you’ll be thoroughly delighted at the usefulness of their gloves and sponge clothes and you’ll also feel good knowing that they are much safer to use than the other leading brands out on the market today. So how do you win this great prize? Read below to find out! And while you’re at it, be sure to enter their Facebook contest as well here: http://ifyoucare.com/new-if-you-care and visit If You Care on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IfYouCareProducts/app_208195102528120, Twitter: https://twitter.com/if_you_care, and Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ifyoucareUSA/.

Here’s how to enter in the If You Care giveaway:

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

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” If You Care on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IfYouCareProducts 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 If You Care giveaway. Become a follower of If You Care: https://twitter.com/if_you_care and “Tweet” that you are entering the If You Care contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me which products you would most 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: June 3, 2013

Contest End Date: June 18, 2013 – CONGRATULATIONS TO KAREN 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 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

June 3, 2013July 6, 2013

suzan20 Comments

Van’s Natural Foods – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

In our house, we’re no stranger to foods that are gluten-free. Having lived on a mostly gluten-free life since I was young, I find that I don’t feel as weighed down after eating nor do I feel sluggish. Not that wheat or any product related to it is necessarily bad for you, it just depends on what type it is. In fact, I recommend whole grain products to ensure a healthy lifestyle. But whole grains aren’t limited to just wheat. In fact, you may also include quinoa, brown rice, oats, and millet to name a few to the whole grains collection. So then what do you get when you cross something that’s free of wheat but still full of delicious goodness? You get a product that’s not only good for you but may have you wanting more of it. Not everyone is gluten intolerant or wish to eat a gluten-full diet, but are there enough choices in the food aisles to keep your taste buds satisfied? With the rise of celiac disease and an aversion to foods containing gluten, wheat, and anything related, it’s no wonder that gluten-free products are becoming more and more popular. As people are becoming more aware of the effects of eating too much wheat/gluten in their diet, companies are giving in to the demand.

One such company whom we’ve grown to admire and appreciate is Van’s Natural Foods (http://www.vansfoods.com/). For over forty years, Van’s Natural Foods have been serving up wholesome, delicious, and better for you food products that will ultimately delight your taste buds making you wanting more. And with a pretty impressive array of products to choose from, I’m pretty sure you’ll find something to your liking. I’m constantly stocked up on products from Van’s Natural Foods, not because I hesitate to make them myself, but because when we do have a desire for something convenient yet wholesome, Van’s Natural Foods is a great choice. And because Van’s Natural Foods makes their food from scratch and as minimally processed as possible, it’s almost like making a batch of waffles or pancakes on your own. But because Van’s Natural Foods have an extensive selection of products to choose from, you really don’t need to make them on your own when you’re in a pinch.

Van’s Natural Foods’ belief is that everyone should enjoy a healthy and balanced meal. Using only organic and natural ingredients, you won’t feel bad eating their yummy Chocolate Chip Mini Waffles or their full-of-cheese Gluten-Free Cheese crackers. In fact, with desserts, snacks, and breakfast in their arsenal, keeping a few of their products in your freezer or pantry might be a good idea. Both my son and I love their Chocolate Chip Mini Waffles as they are small enough to enjoy a few of them and filled with deliciously sweet chocolate chips. We eat them either with syrup or without, and sometimes with a bit of ice cream or whipped cream as dessert. And their regular breakfast items come in both gluten-free and made with organic whole grains. We tried both versions and I honestly could not tell the difference.

Recently Van’s Natural Foods came out with a gluten-free line of natural snacks and breakfast items. With products including gluten-free cereals, crackers, French toast sticks, pancakes, snack bars, and waffles, there are quite a lot of yummy products to choose from. When Van’s Natural Foods had sent me all of their newest gluten-free products to try and review, I was really delighted and surprised that these gluten-free products were actually so delicious. Many people think that gluten-free means bland, taste like cardboard, and are boring foods. While some companies may make gluten-free products that are bland, not with Van’s Natural Foods though. Their gluten-free products are made with a delicious blend of whole grain oats, brown rice, millet, quinoa, and Amaranth flours all uniquely intermixed with either something savory or sweet. When we first tried their gluten-free Honey Nut Crunch Cereal, I literally could not put the box down. They were so good that we ate them with and without milk. They make great on the go snacks – just toss a handful into a bag or reusable container and you’ve got something delicious, nutritious, and sweet.

You can find Van’s Natural Foods at almost any grocery store that sells natural foods. And with gluten-free products on the rise nowadays, you’ll be glad that you have Van’s Natural Foods at your back. If you’re gluten intolerant or just want to stray from wheat/gluten products, then give Van’s Natural Foods gluten free products a try. You won’t be disappointed at their taste and variety.

The good folks at Van’s Natural Foods were kind enough to offer 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to try their newest gluten-free snacks and breakfast. The winner will receive 3 FREE product coupons to pick up any variety of Van’s Natural Foods gluten-free products.