Recipe section using organic ingredients
I’m not an excellent cook, but I think I’m pretty skilled enough to throw together a few ingredients and make a good tasting dish. Or at least that’s what I hope my family and friends think!
More than lately, people are starting to realize the importance of buying and consuming organic food due to their extraordinary health benefits and for the sustainability of the planet. From eating as much organic food as possible at an early age, I’ve actually come to understand that most organic food actually does taste better and there are scientific research proving that certain organically-grown produce are tastier and more nutritious. Ofcourse proof is in the pudding, so to speak, and the more you eat organic produce, the more you can find out the difference for yourself.
I wanted to share some of my recipes using organic produce and ingredients (or at best, locally-grown produce). Make sure to ask the producers of locally-grown produce whether they are organic or pesticide-free. Pesticide-free guarantees no toxic pesticides or herbicides are used however, it doesn’t guarentee that the soil is toxic free. Organic produce are certified organic by the USDA and farmers and companies go through a rigorous certification process to ensure their products are completely and ethically grown under organic standards.
I hope you truly enjoy these recipes and feedback is always welcomed. Most of the recipes are my own, but some may come from family and friends or resources which I hope all will be informative and delicious! If you have any suggestions on organic produce or ingredients you’d like to try, please let me know.
Enjoy and good health!
Eco Lips – Products worth reviewing and GIVEAWAY
I’m always on the lookout for naturally-made beauty products from companies I’ve never tried before. Ofcourse, trying new products can be both exciting and a bit tentative at the same time. I don’t know if the product will work, how well it will work and then are there going to be any side effects. But usually when one chooses to try products from companies who uses only natural ingredients and certified organic ingredients it’s pretty safe to assume that their products are harmless to the average person. And if you take the time to delve into the company’s history and standards, then you can decide whether it’s safe to try a new product or not.
Luckily, I discovered Eco Lips, a company that produces only organic and all-natural lip products that are safe for people and for the environment. When I was looking around for a new lip balm to try, I found Eco Lips in my friend’s natural food store and when I read the ingredients I was amazed and relieved. Their lip balms contain very little ingredients which is always a good sign and they use only ingredients essential to the product. Their lip products are made with certified organic and natural ingredients derived from plants and contains no preservatives or toxic chemicals that can seep into your skin. Their base ingredients are organic jojoba oil and organic beeswax and most of them contain added vitamins to help nourish and protect your lips.
Personally, I think Eco Lips make great gifts for people who are constantly in the sun or water or who has very chapped and dry lips. They are in nicely-sized tubes and can fit well in pockets, purses, and backpacks. They also provide Eco Clips which are simply clips that are carabiners, Eco Leashes, Eco Key Rings, and Eco Lanyards – all of which are convenient for whatever situation. I had bought a few to give away to my nieces and they were instantly hooked on the lip balms! Their packaging are also attractive and eye-catching.
Eco Lips also has a division called “Cause Balms” http://www.ecolips.com/CauseBalm/ where they donate a portion of their profits to non-profit organizations. But actually, if you purchase lip balms from Eco Lips you’re already helping yourself and the environment by purchasing and using products that do not contain harmful ingredients. With so many lip care products out there, it can get pretty daunting to decide which one is right for you. I personally needed an effective lip balm to heal my dry lips and to wear under my lipsticks on days when I need a bit of color on my lips. And if I’m going to be using something that goes directly onto my skin, why wouldn’t I chose a product that is safe and effective? Their lip products do not contain artificial colors or flavors and even their tinted lip balms contain only natural minerals derived from the earth. With so many types of lip products to choose from, one can’t really go wrong in selecting Eco Lips.
So what types of lip care products does Eco Lips carry? Well, besides the basic all-around lip balm for everyday use, they also have lip balms with SPF (sun protection), Vegan lip balms, fruit-based lip balms, medicinal lip balms, tinted lip balms, and even lip balms co-branded with companies like Honest Kids and Dagoba Chocolates. There really is a lip balm for every person – adult and child!
Eco Lips began with a humble background – a young couple brought together by the love of natural lip balms who fell in love and eventually created a company that sells natural and organic lip products. I honestly believe that smaller companies try harder to produce better products because their origins are usually based from humble and modest dreams. Their sincerity in providing their consumers with quality products can only eventually outshine the bigger conglomerates out there.
Eco Lips was kind enough to give me some of their best sellers to sample and review. They are also offering one LUCKY reader an Eco Clip with the flavor of their choice!
If you would like to win a VERY useful Eco Clip with the flavor of your choice, then here is what you’ll need to do:
How to enter in the Eco Lips products giveaway:
MANDATORY ENTRY:
#1 entry – “Like” Eco Lips on Facebook and write on their wall that you are entering the Eco Clips contest at www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com. Just put happymomblogger as the heading.
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
#2 entry – Visit http://www.ecolips.com/ and tell me what other products you would like to try from Eco Lips.
#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: February 1, 2011
Contest End Date: February 13, 2011 (CONTEST CLOSED – WINNER WILL BE SELECTED)
Congratulations to Jordi N. for winning an EcoClip courtesy of Eco Lips!
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.
Popchips – Products worth reviewing and GIVEAWAY
Has anyone ever told you not to “pop until you drop”? Well, in the case of Popchips, perhaps it’s okay to pop until you “drop” :).
If you’ve never tried Popchips before, then you’re missing out on some really unique and great tasting chips! Popchips are not chips in the traditional sense of being fried or baked. Popchips are “popped” in the sense that potato flakes and potato starch are blended together and then with a lot of heat and pressure, BAM!, Popchips are created. Popchips uses only all-natural ingredients and they are natural goodness with little amount of fat. A single serve bag has about 100 calories and 3 grams of fat. So they’re great for those who are on the 100-calories snack diet.
Popchips was founded by 2 creative “poptimist” geniuses who wanted a healthier alternative to the popular American snack. Although Popchips is still a processed food, it is labeled as a healthier alternative to fried chips because it isn’t fried and very little amount of oil is used. They also use non-genetically-modified (GMO) potatoes and their chips are free of preservatives and artificial flavors and colors. That’s why they’re considered all-natural, because they don’t add any junk that nature didn’t provide.
My son, my husband, and I all love Popchips. They truly have a unique taste unlike any other chips out on the market. Because they’re not fried, they’re not greasy and because they’re not baked, they’re not as dry-tasting. Popchips has a slight melt-in-your-mouth sensation after you place a delicate chip in your mouth. Popchips currently comes in seven flavors: original, barbeque, sour cream and onion, cheddar, sea salt and vinegar, parmesan garlic, and salt and pepper. Each flavor has a unique blend of ingredients and they come in single serve 1 oz. bags or larger 3 oz. bags.
For me, Popchips are a great in-between meal snack; as a side with a meal; or eaten alone as a meal. Although I really wouldn’t recommend eating a whole bag as your dinner. It might be hard not to munch off the entire bag though, but with all-natural ingredients, and low in fat content, you really can’t go wrong with these chips. I usually enjoy my Popchips with a refreshing glass of water or some ice cold juice. Popchips are also great with your favorite dip but I really enjoy them just as they are – so that I can truly savor the delicate moistness of the chip and the intense flavor that “pops” in my mouth.
I was fortunate enough to try a selection of Popchips for the giveaway. Imagine my excitement when I received the package and tore open the box! My son who is just as wild about me getting packages at the front door, oohed and aahed when he saw the bags of Popchips. The flavors that I tried are Original, Barbeque, Sour Cream and Onion, Cheddar, and Sea Salt and Vinegar.
The Original flavor is basically just their original flavor with nothing else added. The original is one of my favorite flavor because I can definitely taste the uniqueness of the chips. The Barbeque flavor has a really spicy kick to it and a bit of sweetness to smooth it out. I really like this flavor too because it’s like a fiery dragon meeting a little bee (okay just picture the image in your mind and you’ll understand). The Sour Cream and Onion has a potent amount of creamy onion taste and just a bit tart to the bite. Cheddar really needs no explanation at all – it’s packed with an immense amount of natural cheese in every part of the chip so this is great for cheese lovers. And the Sea Salt and Vinegar isn’t as strong as some other sea salt and vinegar chips that are out on the market. It’s a bit savory in the initial bite and then the tang of vinegar lingers on your tongue. Plus sea salt is a whole lot healthier than processed salt.
When it comes to choosing a flavor of Popchips you really can’t go wrong with any of them. I like all of the flavors to be honest and any flavor placed in front of me will satisfy my craving for something savory, sweet, and tangy. The snack sizes are great for lunch bags (for both adults and kids) and the larger sizes work well at parties or for an afternoon break while watching TV. Just make sure each of you have your own bag 🙂
Popchips is based in northern California and they own every part of the process – from selecting the potatoes, to cooking them, to packaging. So it’s a wonderful little company that’s soon spreading its own news. You can find Popchips at major supermarkets, health food stores, and even at Target and some Costco warehouses. The staff at Popchips are tremendously helpful and “poptimistic” and they all seem to really enjoy working there. So that tells me that a company who cares about their employees and their consumers is a really good company to keep in mind and support.
For more information about Popchips, please visit their website: www.popchips.com. You can also order their chips at their online store.
And here comes the giveaway part. One LUCKY winner will receive a month’s worth of “chipment” (as they like to call it at the Popchips headquarter). The winner will get an assortment of flavors so that he/she can really enjoy the variety that Popchips has to offer.
Here is how to enter:
MANDATORY ENTRY:
#1 entry – “Like” Popchips on Facebook and post on their wall that you are entering the giveaway at www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com. Please put Happymomblogger in the heading.
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
#2 entry – Go to Popchips website: http://www.popchips.com/ and click on “the snackers credo” tab and tell me one of the company’s credo.
#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: February 1, 2011
Contest End Date: February 13, 2011 (CONTEST CLOSED – WINNER WILL BE SELECTED)
Congratulations to Stacey K. for winning a month’s supply of Popchips courtesy of Popchips!
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.
Seventh Generation – Products worth reviewing and GIVEAWAY
From the Great Law of the Iroquois: “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” Seventh Generation firmly believes in this philosophy and hence derived their company name from this principle. In every action that they make, Seventh Generation takes responsibility in all aspects of the business – from their non-toxic products to their 100% recycled paper products to their recycled and recyclable packaging. Their mission is, “To inspire a more conscious and sustainable world by being an authentic force for positive change”. The 20-some years company consider themselves to be the first socially-responsible company in the world and takes considerate measures to ensure that they not only uphold their responsibility to the planet, but that their suppliers, partners, shareholders, staff, and the public will do the same. Every Seventh Generation product that you purchase and use will help save natural resources, reduce pollution, and keep harmful toxic chemicals out of the environment.
Many of you may have already heard of Seventh Generation or even have a few products of theirs in your home. Some of you may not and if you’re interested in wanting to keep your home and your health as clean and toxic free as possible, then Seventh Generation products are a fantastic way to do that. My family and I have been using their products for many years and even before my son was born. When I choose a product to clean my home or to wash the dishes or launder my clothes, I take great care in choosing products that do not produce harmful fumes or residues that may be breathed in or set into my clothes. I’m also a big label reader and when I first discovered Seventh Generation products at the store, I saw that their packaging was unique and their labels describe exactly what their products offer. I also delved more into the background of the company and was happy to know that they take such great pride in their products and that they also donate a portion of their profits to charity. They are a company that proudly stands in what they believe in as well as helping educate the public and the government in the importance of responsible consumer products.
So what does Seventh Generation sell – you may ask? They sell basically everything you can use to clean your home (or anything you call home) as well as chlorine-free baby care and feminine care products. All of their products are non-toxic and they use sustainable palm kernal oil and recyled packaging. They strive to put their products in recyclable bottles and uses only natural renewable resources. Their phosphate-free cleaning products will not harm the environment and they even have a Free and Clear line which contains no fragrances which is great for people with certain sensitivities.
But if you do choose their products that contain fragrances, know that Seventh Generation uses only essential oils derived from natural resources such as Lavender, Lime, Oranges, Peppermint, Spearmint, and so forth. And although some of their products do contain preservatives for shelf life reasons, it is used in minimal amounts and as much plant-based as possible.
Seventh Generation is a company that constantly strives to find innovative ways to protect the environment and their consumers with their ingredient choices. With so many products to choose from, you can definitely find something suitable to your needs. For more information about Seventh Generation, please visit their website: http://www.seventhgeneration.com/.
Seventh Generation generously offered me the Free and Clear Starter Set to try and to give away to one LUCKY reader! Although I do prefer my laundry detergent to smell nicely, the Free and Clear laundry detergent made my clothes smell nice and clean rather than “perfumed”. And the disinfecting products do contain Thymol(from Thyme oil). Although these are not considered free and clear, they are great for immune-depressed households or those with small children. The scent is essential oil – not synthetic – and dissipates quickly. The Free and Clear Set includes:
Disinfecting Multi Surface, Disinfecting Bathroom, Disinfecting Wipes (35 ct.), Laundry Detergent (Free and Clear 32 oz.), Liquid Fabric Softener (40 oz.), Dish Liquid, All-Purpose Cleaner, Auto Dish Pacs, Glass Cleaner, Natural Paper Towels (1 roll), Seventh Generation Recyled Bag
How to enter in the Seventh Generation Free and Clear Starter Set Giveaway:
MANDATORY ENTRY:
#1 entry – Please tell me the reason you would use Free and Clear in your home.
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
#2 entry – “Like” Seventh Generation on Facebook and write on their wall that you are entering the Free and Clear set giveaway at happymomblogger.wordpress.com. Just put Happymomblogger as the heading.
#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.
#4 entry – Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs using the link provided below.
#5 entry – Enter in my other giveaways.
CONTEST START DATE: February 1, 2011
CONTEST END DATE: February 13, 2011 (CONTEST CLOSED – WINNER WILL BE SELECTED)
Congratulations to Daiva B. for winning the Free & Clear Starter Set courtesy of Seventh Generation!
You can enter as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn. You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box.
Only 1 winner will be chosen at random and I will post the winner’s name on my blog.
http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm
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 labels carefully before 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.
A Mother’s Advice
I never imagined being a mom can be both difficult and fun at the same time and it’s all because of a little boy – my little boy to be exact. Sure, I was a “mom” to many animals before but pets don’t talk back to you or give you opinions you didn’t know they had.
But I truly enjoy being a mom and it’s mostly because I’m learning and growing along with my son. Sometimes we’re a little silly, sometimes we’re a little strange, sometimes we’re trying to be serious, and sometimes we’re just crazy fools. And yet sometimes, I wonder if what I’m doing is the right way or the wrong way. It’s not easy being a mom, or even a child I suppose, and I often look in wonder and awe at the moms out there who have three, five, or even more kids. My mom has four kids, all of whom have their own kids, including yours truly. So whenever we go visit my parents, I glean a little bit of motherly advice from my mom.
On our previous visits to my parents house, my mom told me candidly that I should mother with patience and humility. Young children are like carbon paper – they will copy everything you do and say – so I should lead by example. At first I had thought that was a pretty tall order to make, but then as time go by and I watch my son and how we interact, I realized that this bubbly, energetic, and curious little boy does emulate me and I certainly need to be a good leader for him. When I get angry, I should be calm and cool which in turn teaches him to handle stressful situations in a healthy manner. And on the other end, when I’m super excited about something, I shouldn’t act like a complete fool just because of something that’s overjoyed: we must learn not to go overboard.
My mom is a good leader by example. After all, she has had many years of experience as a mom and a grandmother and I still wonder how she maintains such patience and grace. I’ve learned from her (although through my own mistakes) that kids will inherently drive you crazy at the time when you need them to be good and that they’re really just curious and growing up – they’re not really trying to make you crazy. So at the times when I see her interact with my son, I realize that although his inquisitive nature makes him impatient at times, it’s when he’s talking or doing something with my mom that her calm and patient attitude towards him guides him to be a better listener. So maybe my mom is right after all – lead by example to your children and they’ll eventually outgrow whatever they need to outgrow. And when you look at it that way – this should be applied to adults as well and not only children. However, teaching adults to have patience is a different topic altogether.
I’m not patient by nature rather I’m patient by nurture (and there goes the nature by nurture theory). And you would think after all the years working at a preschool has really ripened by maturity status. But being patient and calm with other people’s children is very much different than with your own. Or maybe it’s not so different? As I reflect back to my preschool-teacher days, I realize that kids really are just kids after all. They don’t know what’s going on – they’re just following their intrinsic nature – and that is to learn and grow and absorb all they can around them. My nephews and nieces all go through their own stages just like every other child including my own and if I want to have a peace of mind, then I need to learn to embrace the bad behavior with the good. I think every parent raise their children with gritted teeth one time or another but we eventually learn from our own lessons as a parent. And hopefully one day I will teach my son the same advice that my mom has taught me.
The reason why I write this is because I have family members, friends, and collegues who are all parents and who I have all admired at one point or another. My brother has 4 kids but since he works all the time, the kids are pretty much raised by my sister-in-law and each time I wonder how she does it all. And she’s full of advice on how to raise children. It’s not easy being a mom but it becomes easier if you learn from your mistakes.
I am truly proud of my son who is super intelligent, sensitive, and inquisitive. After all, if he wasn’t so intelligent, sensitive, and inquisitive, I probably won’t be learning as much as a person and as a mom. His natural instincts to want to learn and observe has made me want to learn more as well. He marvels at every little thing that to a grownup may not be as exciting, yet when I look through his eyes, I can understand why he finds such amusement at the most unassuming things. I suppose pretty much every mom feels that way about their kids – that when their children glow with amazement at the simplest things, it’s what makes being a mom most worthwhile.
So sometimes I take my own mistakes with a grain of salt but if I want to learn from my mom and lead by example, then patience and humility really should go hand and hand. And hopefully one day, my son will dole out his own fatherly advice to his children and they’ll learn from his advice as well.
Happymomblogger 