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2021 Holiday Digital Gift Guide

As we’re quickly closing in on the Christmas holiday and companies have started their Black Friday deals earlier this year, I wanted to offer you my annual holiday digital gift guide. In this guide, you’ll find products that fits everyone on your gift list. I usually start my gift list in October but have already started picking up gifts here or there if I think the recipient might enjoy it. Whatever you plan on doing this holiday season, know that even the smallest gift can pack a lot of meaning.

Whenever possible, support small business and family-owned. Support environmentally conscious brands and brands that do not use animal testing. Support businesses that give back. And support brands that are conscious of the health and wellness of their consumers. When we shop responsibly, we are also giving back to the world and generate better karma.

GIFTS FOR CHILDREN:

Whether it’s your own children, a relative, or friends, know that children will inevitably want something for Christmas. In the US, regardless of your religion or beliefs, you’ll see Christmas decorations and sales for this holiday season as early as October. To not break the bank this year and to reduce overall waste, here are some gifts that could last them a very long time.

DIY craft kits. One of my favorite craft kits is from Green Kids Crafts (https://www.greenkidcrafts.com/). Their craft boxes are great for children ages 5-12, but can be tailored for any child. While it’s a subscription type of gift, they do sell craft kits individually as well as unique single gifts. They focus on STEAM and support whole education for children with their craft kits.
Plants. Yes, most children LOVE growing their own plants! There’s just something so fun in watching the little seeds you planted grow into something beautiful and edible. Start off with seeds, soil, and either a small pot or in-ground and you’ll get your little gardener interested in nature very soon!
Green toys. What are green toys? They are toys made from non-toxic, renewable, and safe materials. Green Toys (https://www.greentoys.com/) has a delightful collection of fun and non-toxic toys ranging from toy cars, bath toys, arts & crafts, and so much more!
Museum tickets. Start children at a young age to appreciate various cultures. Whether it’s the arts, nature, or pop culture, children can benefit from learning about things that can expand their curiosity and intelligence.
Books. We are taught to read at a very young age and in school, books are usually required as an assignment. When you get kids interested in reading on their own terms, you help them develop a love for learning. Books, whether on paper or digitally will greatly benefit kids of any age.

GIFTS FOR CULINARY DELIGHTS:

Who doesn’t love great food, especially during the holiday season? But to give some truly unique and delectable food gifts means taking extra steps in finding the right ones.

Epicure – I recently discovered this fabulous company founded by two women who wanted to share their love for healthy food that’s also delicious and wholesome. Epicure foods are made with simple, organic, and allergy-friendly ingredients suitable for the whole family. Their products range from spice blends, meal solutions, protein blends, nutritional yeast toppers, dip mixes, salad dressings, desserts and chef quality cookware. You can find something for almost everyone of every need. Be sure to check out their specials going on right now: https://debradillabough.epicure.com/en-us

Gem City Fine Foods – One of the best things about allergy-friendly foods is that you can find new and exciting options. They offer delicious desserts that are gluten-free and vegan so they are suitable for almost everyone. Gem City Fine Foods is currently offering a holiday special on their Holiday Collection which includes gluten-free pumpkin cheesecake and peppermint chocolate torte: https://www.gemcityfinefoods.com/collections/holiday-collection. Be sure to use HOLIDAY21 for 21% off items in the Holiday Collection.

Popilicious – freshly made and scrumptious gourmet popcorn treats are suitable for kids and adults. These uniquely blended popcorn cakes and popcorn bites offer a truly unique marriage of flavor profiles. From chocolate to pumpkin to peppermint, gifting these popcorn treats and getting some for yourself is a fun way to celebrate the holiday season. Right now, use code HOLIDAY15 to get 15% off: https://popiliciouspopcorn.com/

GIFTS TO CLEAN LIVING:

Clean living is a term for using products made from simple and non-toxic ingredients. From bath products to food to clothing, we can start our journey to living cleaner and healthier and go beyond by supporting brands who live by this rule.

Plaine Products. Founded by two sisters who wanted to better the world by reducing plastic waste, Plaine Products carry natural and organically made products for body, face, and hands. Their wide range of products come in reusable aluminum cans and a returnable empty cans option. They have a great gift section suitable for children, men, and women: https://www.plaineproducts.com/ref/Suzan%20C./. Be sure to use code HappyMom for 20% off.
Mermaid Straws. I’ve been using their reusable straws and beverage bottles for a couple of years and their beautiful designs and high quality products are always a joy to use. These fun and gorgeous bottles, straws, and gift pouches made wonderful gifts for others and to keep some for yourself too! Be sure to use code SCG_MAMA.15 for 15% off: https://bit.ly/3gEArzH

Beekeeper’s Naturals. This holiday season, gift immune boosting gifts that the whole family will enjoy. Beekeeper’s Naturals makes honey products that go beyond just basic honey. With their curated bee pollen and bee propolis which is known for their antibacterial properties, you’re gifting your loved ones honey that tastes phenomenal but is also great for them. Be sure to use code Happymomblogger15 for 15% off: http://www.beekeepersnaturals.com/

Gourmet Tea. One of the best thing about tea is their magnificent health benefits. From antioxidative stress to losing weight, tea isn’t just for tea lovers. It’s the perfect beverage for when you want to wake up, wind down, or just have as a regular beverage. Tea Drops is one of my most favorite brands of gourmet tea. Tea that is made with only natural and organic ingredients, Tea Drops tea are adorably shaped into hearts, ovals, and Hello Kitty! My son loves Tea Drops and I’ve gifted so many people with their tea that it’s always a delight for them! Be sure to use code: BA-suzan20 for 20% off: https://bit.ly/34DUWKF
Organic Chocolate. For the chocolate lovers in your life or just someone who likes to indulge now and then, gifting organically grown chocolates is a great way to offer something healthy and delicious, but also supports the organic cacao industry. Be sure to check out small farm and fair-trade companies such as Equal Exchange: https://equalexchange.coop/, Alter Eco: https://www.alterecofoods.com/, and Unreal: https://www.unrealsnacks.com

Simply Straws. I found this women-owned brand by chance one day and immediately fell in love with their gorgeous glass straws. Once I started using glass straws, I knew it would be an instant addition to my everchanging range of reusable straws. Their glass straws are beautiful to look at and so easy to use. It’s similar to using a glass cup and glass straws look stunning with everything you drink from! Right now, Simply Straws is offering a “12 Days of Gifting” where each day there is a special on their site: https://simplystraws.com/. You’ll definitely find some wonderful gifts for practically everyone on your list!

With this list, you will definitely find something for the people in your lives. Anything from eco-friendly toys to food to bath products, there is sure to be something that will delight your recipient!

Wishing you all a peaceful, joyful, and healthy Holiday Season!

Photos provided by websites included in post.

Affiliate disclaimer: some of these links you click through and purchase can provide me with a minimal affiliate commission. I truly appreciate your participation.

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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December 2, 2021

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Earth Day – April 22, 2016

earthday-promo

I’d like to think that every day should be Earth Day. After all, we live in a world where we have mast resources of practically anything we can get our hands on. Yet, as humans living on this planet, we are also destructing our own world and endangering our precious environment.

Earth Day was officially coined in April 1970 by a US Senator as the day to support environmental protection and awareness. Now celebrated across the world, Earth Day can be celebrated with even the smallest of acts. No gesture is too small for every step in helping the environment get healthy and abundant is the right step.

Following are some simple steps taken from New Hope Network (http://deliciousliving.com/green-living/4-ways-pay-it-forward-earth-day?cid=nhbc#slide) on how you can help this Earth Day:

You always recycle. You buy organic. But in honor of Earth Day (April 22), why not up the eco-friendly ante? Here are four fun ways you can show Mother Earth a little love.

Live near a beach or a river? Organize a waterside cleanup day in your community. Offer prizes for the people who collect the most junk.

watersidecleanup-earthday

Instead of spraying weeds with herbicides, pour boiling water over weeds (just don’t splash the plants you actually want to keep).

weedkiller-dlearthday

If you’re up for a bigger project, transfer your water-sucking green lawn into a xeriscape, which uses attractive, native dry-loving plants to boost curb appeal.

xeriscapeit-earthday

Bring along small cotton bags to use in the grocery bulk and produce sections, instead of flimsy plastic bags. (Pictured: Flip & Tumble Produce Bags)

producebags-earthday

So this Earth Day, pick up trash around your neighborhood, plant some trees or flowers, recycle responsibly, reuse what you can, turn off electricity when not in use, reduce your water usage, use recyclable water bottles, and pretty much anything you can put your mind to as long as you commit to helping the world become a cleaner and healthier place.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

April 22, 2016April 22, 2016

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Garlic Gold – Products Worth Reviewing and Special Offer

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

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

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

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

Garlic Gold currently carries the following products:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is another photo from their website: Asparagus Rotini.

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

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July 15, 2011July 15, 2011

suzan1 Comment

Wholly Food (Fresherized Foods) – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

What makes a guacamole tasty? Well, actual fresh avocados of course and nothing else. However I don’t always have access to avocados so my next best choice is guacamole made by Wholly Guacamole. Why are they so tasty? Because they use only fresh avocados and they pack it in their boxes immediately after making it – so it’s like making it yourself, except with less time and hassle. Guacamole is so delicious with everything – it makes me jump up and down with excitement every time I’m about to open up a fresh package of Wholly Guacamole. But guacamole isn’t the only product made by Wholly foods. They also make salsa and queso (cheese) and those are equally yummy!

Wholly Guacamole was invented over 25 years ago by a restaurant owner who wanted to provide high-quality, pre-made guacamole to serve in his restaurants. But he didn’t want his pre-made guacamole to be filled with preservatives or unnecessary additives, so he discovered a process called High Presure Processing which essentially preserves food through high water pressures instead of chemicals or heat. Chemical preservatives are unhealthy and heat pressures can destroy many of the natural nutrients in food. With this process set in place, the owner created the company, Fresherized Foods which is the parent company of the Wholly line of products. Later on through the years, Wholly Salsa and Wholly Queso were born. And they became the best of siblings – they work in sync yet are totally different.

Why do I enjoy the Wholly line of products so much? Because they taste like homemade food and very close to what I can make at home. But it takes a lot of avocados, tomatoes, and cheese to make the amount that I need and I don’t always have those at hand nor do I want to take up so much time to make a really large batch. So I just grab my Wholly Guacamole, Wholly Salsa, or Wholly Queso and I’m good to go. I enjoy their products with just about anything. It doesn’t have to be Mexican food related. Just use your imagination on what you would like to use them for and you’ll definitely be hooked on it like I am! My son loves the guacamole and queso and my husband devours the entire salsa. Even my nieces and nephews agree that it’s the best tasting guacamole and salsa they’ve ever tasted and kids are finicky eaters so I was glad they liked it!

Wholly products aren’t just delicious, they are also dedicated to helping people realize the importance of all-natural and wholesome foods. Foods such as avocados are high in “good fat” for a healthy lifestyle and tomatoes are rich in important vitamins and nutrients. Visit: http://getofftheranch.com/ for more info. Recently they were part of “The Biggest Loser” program on TV: http://eatwholly.com/biggest-loser-contest.html as sponsors and currently on their website they have a “Buddy-Up and Win” contest as well as recipes, interesting facts, and coupons: http://eatwholly.com/.

I was pretty excited when Wholly Guacamole sent me their Wholly Guacamole, Wholly Salsa, and Wholly Queso to sample and review. I’ve already tried their guacamole but was eager to try their other products. I’ve eaten Wholly Guacamole with chips, with pretzels, on top of baked potatoes, as a dip for french fries, in sandwiches, and I’m thinking up other ways to eat them too. Their Wholly Queso is best heated up and drizzled over nachos or just as a dip, over potatoes, and really just good for any recipe that required melted cheese. Next I’m going to try their Queso over pasta – it sounds appetizing as I’m thinking about it! And the Wholly Salsa is superb on vegetables, in salads, and as a dip. You can even mix in other ingredients with their products for an even more exciting taste and experience! And one of the most important factors of the Wholly line of products is that they do not use any preservatives or chemical additives so you’ve gotta eat them quickly.

Wholly Guacamole/Fresherized Foods has generously offered 4 LUCKY winners of Happymomblogger THREE FREE product coupons EACH. So you can use your 3 free coupons to get all three products or 3 coupons of the same product but different flavor. So how do you win this yummy prize? Read below to find out!

Here is how to enter in the Wholly Fresherized Foods giveaway:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Wholly Guacamole: http://facebook.com/whollyguacamole and write on their wall that you are entering Wholly/Fresherized Foods contest at www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com. Please put HAPPYMOMBLOGGER as the heading.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

#2 entry – Visit http://eatwholly.com/ and tell me what flavors you would like to try.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Enter in my other contests.

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

You can enter as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn. You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box.

Contest Start Date: May 11, 2011

Contest End Date: May 25, 2011 – Contest closed. Winner will be selected. Congratulations to Amber S., Janice, Howell L., and Allison!

Only 4 winners will be chosen at random and I will post the winners names on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer

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May 13, 2011June 3, 2011

suzan74 Comments

Stonyfield Farm – Products worth Reviewing and Giveaway

Do dairy cows usually have a say in where they live and what they eat? Well, most people probably don’t care so much, but when it comes to dairy products, I try my best to buy products from organic companies who are also environmentally and ethically-based. Such is the case for Stonyfield Farm. Not only do they produce organic dairy products, but they are environmentally responsible in every step from raising their cows to packaging to transporting their dairy products. When you have a healthy environment for your cows, then they’ll most likely produce greater amount of milk. And if you feed them grass from certified organic pastures, then it ensures your dairy products will be organic.

The background of Stonyfield Farm began with two friends. One an agriculturist, the other an entrepreuner. Both saw a need to teach their community the importance of yogurt and to support their local farms. Soon after that, what began as a simple idea of teaching their town about sustainable agricultural practices grew into a company that now makes everything dairy related. Stonyfield Farm produces organic yogurts, smoothies, soy yogurts, ice cream, and milk and you can find their products in most major supermarket and natural grocery stores. Their products are even sold in come colleges in the United States. They also offer a “Rewards” program for really fun prizes when you purchase their products.

What I love best about Stonyfield Farm is that my son loves their yogurt. He can gobble up 2 or 3 packages of their YoKids Squeezers which is essentially organic yogurt in a tube. They are easy to hold, fun to eat, and if you don’t tell your kids – the squeezers are also good for them. Currently they come in Strawberry and Cherry& Berry and they’re made with organic ingredients which is so important for little kids growing bodies. Eating as much organically-made food as possible helps ensure a healthier future for kids. And who doesn’t want that? And eating dairy or foods high in calcium and Vitamin D is crucial for growing bodies.

Stonyfield Farm began over 30 years ago with a simple yet honest thought – to teach their community about farming skills. When they realized that the needs of their community and their own family grew, the two friends branched out and started a yogurt company in Stonyfield Farm, Wilton, New Hampshire. It began with a handful of cows and later grew to a collective of small farms that now supply the dairy for Stonyfield Farm. And on those farms, healthy cows are producing organic milk to make their yummy yogurt and ice cream.

But Stonyfield Farm doesn’t just produce organic dairy products. They also make organic soy yogurt which are fortified with important live cultures to help with digestion and immunity. Their organic soy yogurt comes in flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and blueberry. What I like best about their soy yogurt is that it’s really smooth and not immensely sweet so you taste the natural flavors of soy and fruit.

Organic, sustainability, and responsible business practices are what drives Stonyfield Farm to succees and become one of the leaders in the dairy industry. When you choose to purchase and consume organic food, you’re not only helping to improve your health, but you’re also helping organic farms and their communities and furthermore increasing the availability and importance of organic products.

Stonyfield Farm has generously offered 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger some great prizes! The giveaway includes 4 Yokids Coupons, a YoKids super cape, and 4 Oikos Organic Multipack coupons. Read below to find out how you can enter the Stonyfield Farm giveaway: