Top 10 things my family did to stay fit and healthy - Featured Blogger on Rudi's Organic Bakery

As a busy working mother, I feel it is very important to lead by example at work, as well as at home. It seems like I am always searching for different ways to share my experiences, goals and passion for life with all who will listen (including my family).

Speaking of my family, I cherish the time I get to spend with them. But, I will admit I have those moments when life gets overwhelming and I would love to go back and hide in the comfort of my bed. I am sure many of you can relate. Yet even when those feelings strike – strike back and get busy with a special activity that everyone in your family will love!

Each and every moment spent with your family with help strengthen your love and commitment to them. And it will encourage you to live each day as if it could be your last…so make a positive impact!

Check out my weekly recap of the top 10 things my family did to stay fit and healthy:
1.) A fun trip to a state park to go paddle boating – exercise without even realizing it because everyone is having too much fun!

We also tried to take a Hot Air balloon ride - but the wind picked up and they stopped.

2.) Packing healthy food choices on our trip away from home including: organic apples, granola bars and lots of water.

3.) Filling up the pool in our backyard to allow for hours and hours of playing and swimming – yeah for exercise!

4.) Taking a rest in the afternoon to recharge our batteries and to make the rest of our day go smoothly – very important with managing small children.

5.) I started keeping healthy organic veggies on our kitchen table in a bowl of water to keep them fresh and crisp. Wow, I am thrilled to see how quickly the celery, carrots and broccoli are disappearing.

6.) We went to church on Sunday. I feel spiritual wellbeing is a must to have a well-balanced and healthy life.

7.) We played ball with our two dogs. It is a great way to get our bodies moving, as well as our pets. It also helps teach responsibility.

8.) We had many family meals together and continued to make healthier food choices, including the most amazing French Toast with fresh organic fruit. (If you want to add some extra flavor to your French toast, why not try Rudi’s Organic Cinnamon Raisin Bread?)

9.) A good night’s sleep for everyone!

10.) I am leading by example by making healthier food choices and working out daily. My boys are noticing and asking lots of questions, which allows me to educate them on the importance of being healthy, and how to take steps to reach goals.

What have you done this past week to be fit and healthy? How about your family?

You can see this featured post on Rudi's Organic Blog...Click here.

Week One - Nutrisystem - Did I lose any weight? #NSNation

Well, I am so excited to report Week One with the Nutrisystem is complete!  And I am pleased to report it went very well.  I think the biggest issue I am having is eating what feels like, all the time.  In the past I was so use to not eating anything until at least after 10am and sometimes as late as 2pm.  So now waking up and eating breakfast has been an experience.  But I must admit I am in LOVE with the Nutrisystem Protein Drinks.  They are so good and my favorite two flavors are Chocolate and Coffee.  They are so rich, creamy and smooth.  And then I also get to eat a breakfast item.  I love the frozen omelets.  I am amazed at how delicious they are, with very limited calories.

My favorite morning snack has been Fat Free Greek Yogurt while I am at work.  And on the weekend, I have been enjoying fresh veggies which I cook up in a very lightly sprayed pan with one egg.  It is delicious and on the Nutrisystem program most veggies are unlimited throughout the day.

Lunch has been good and I find myself loving the meal bars as they are easy to eat at my desk if I can't get a lunch break.  I enjoy including a low fat stick of string cheese to finish off my lunch and some more veggies.  I have been taking a small cooler to work with fresh veggies like snap peas, celery and carrots to get me through the times when I feel hungry.

Mid-afternoon and I get to enjoy another snack.  I love a nice fresh apple or orange, but dried cranberries have really been hitting the spot.

Dinner/Supper has been my biggest challenge as I am home with my family.  I have been fixing their meals and then enjoying my Nutrisystem meal with them.  I like to include a salad with fat free dressing and many times they join along with a salad for themselves.

The best part of my day is the evening dessert!  I love my sweets and this program allows for a little indulgence.  They offer so many different choices.  The ice cream sandwiches are divine!

I am proud to report...I have at least gotten 30 minutes of exercise EVERYDAY!!!  And I feel great!!  Plus, I have proven myself control and have not waivered!  Even when treats have been brought into work or my boys have brought cookies home.

So drum roll please.......

I have lost 3.5 pounds in my first week on Nutrisystem!!!!  I can't wait to see what next week will have in store!!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

Disclaimer: Nutrisystem provided me with free
samples of their product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product

Ready for the 4th of July?

Who here is ready to celebrate the 4th of July in a few days??

I know we are.  I am so looking forward to a few days off.  It is going to be amazing, I am sure.  My only hope is everyone enjoys this special day in the United States, safely.  We are so dry here and I am concerned about more fires.  I know we are not going to be shooting off any fireworks here, but that doesn't mean we aren't going to be celebrating!

There are so many different ways to enjoy the 4th of July.  We are going to be hanging out our American Flag to show our pride for our great Nation!  And of course, no 4th of July would be complete without a BBQ and apple pie!  How are you going to celebrate this year?

I found this great site with some fun facts about the 4th of July I wanted to share. 

Enjoy and Happy 4th of July!

Click image to enlarge

Via: MilitaryVALoan.com

$300 Prize Healthy and Trim Giveaway!! Enter to Win!

 

Graphic Designed by:Deals from MS Do

I am so excited to be part of the Healthy And Trim Giveaway sponsored by Meg's Moxie! As my followers know I have just begun a journey to get fit and eat healthy.  Are you looking to get healthier and more fit this summer? If you are take a minute to enter this fantastic giveaway below.  You could win $300 in amazing products!  Good Luck.

We've purchased a one month supply of It Works Ultimate  Body Applicator Wraps from Angie's Wraps to give away!

PLUS, we have a one month supply of Body By Vi Health

Products from Body By Vi With Michelle F. This includes:

• One bag of Vi Shape Shake Mix
• Vi-Trim Appetite Control Packets
• Sample Flavor Packets To Add To Shakes
• 3 Boxes of Neuro Smart Energy Mix

On top of this, we have $20 PayPal to Give Away as well for you to shop with!

This giveaway begins 6/30 at 12:01am EST and ends 7/14 at 12:01am EST.
Please enter on the easy Rafflecopter giveaway below. It is not necessary to like all Facebook
pages, but doing so will get you extra entries! Any questions or issues with this giveaway,
please contact Meg@megsmoxie.com. Good Luck!

Erin Baker's New Homestyle Granola Giveaway / Review $20 Value!

Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods have truly exceeded all my expectations with their new two flavors of...

Homestyle Granola in two delicous and healthy flavors: Apple Cinnamon and Vanilla Almond.

First let me explain...I have had the opportunity to sample Erin Baker's Cookies and Brownies in the past.  Each of these flavorful experiences left my mouth wanting more.  And what I loved the best about these handcrafted foods....they are kept wholesome and simple.

I am pleased to report Erin Baker has continued that tradition with these new flavors of life altering Homestyle Granola.  Can you believe there is 20 grams of whole grains per serving!  Each batch is handcrafted using the finest ingredients available.

The Vanilla Almond was my favorite!  My nose was greeted with the sweetest vanilla aroma when I cut open this package (which does have a resealable zip).  And let me tell you, my nose knew what my mouth was about to experience.  This granola is delightfully crumbled into bite size pieces which are easy to crunch and enjoy.  The crunch is nice and light, not hard or chewy.  The vanilla flavor was perfect and not too sweet.  I enjoyed the shaved almonds that were hiding among the granola clusters.

The All-Natural Apple Cinnamon Homestyle Granola had the same mouth pleasing texture as the Vanilla Almond, but with one addition....small chewy pieces of dried apples incorporated with the granola.  I found this flavor profile very soothing.  The cinnamon was not over the top and complimented the freshness of the apples.

These two new flavors are perfect to enjoy straight out of the bag!  But you could also add it to yogurt, with a little milk or even as an ice cream topping. 

My only complaint is that is this Granola needs to come with a Warning Label...."Once you try Erin Baker's Homestyle Granola you will not be able to stop!"

Dont miss out on all of Erin Baker's speical promotions via Social Media ...like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Enter for your chance to win a Sample Kit from Erin Baker's.  A $20 Value below.  This giveaway is only open to addresses within the Continental USA!  Good Luck!

Disclaimer:Erin Baker's provided me with a free
sample of these products to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or
sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

TriLight Health Products for Mommies and Children Giveaway / Review. Upto $80 Total Value - 2 Winners

TriLight Health is the first company to speicalize in fast-acting, great tasting, alochol-free, liquid herbal formulas for your entire family.  They have an exclusive 3 Stage Liquid Light Process which makes their products work for adults, yet taste so good kids will love them too!

I was delighted to be selected to review 2 different products from the immense line carried by TriLight Health.  They can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

I chose Tummy Plus and Blue Green Minerals.  And if you are one of the two lucky winners you can select your own 8oz bottle of a TriLight Health product to sample yourself.

The Tummy Plus 8oz bottle came with a safety seal and a screw on lid having 96 servings per bottle.  It is easily used by mixing 1/2 tespoon per 25 pounds of body weight into a 1/2 cup of warm water as needed or even after meals.  Just by reading the ingredients I felt soothed as this dietary supplement includes peppermint leaf, ginger root and licorice root to name a few.

The Tummy Plus mixed easily in warm water and had a very minty aroma and flavor.  The liquid itself is light brown in color.  I tried it after eating a large meal last week and it did quickly calm my aching stomach. 

TriLight Health's Blue Green Minerals is their most potent mineral formula.  I immediately knew it had to be potent after opening up the sealed bottle.  It had a very strong aroma, which I expected after reading the label and seeing the amazing line of high quality Organic ingredients.  You can use this liquid supplement one to two times a day.  Just make sure to shake the bottle well before using.  You can take it straight out of the bottle or add it to water.  I found it easier to take by adding it to water, as it was very strong in flavor. 

"Blue Green Minerals was once called "Liquid Calcium" by a midwife who recommended it during pregnancy for calcium supplementation. To this mineral-rich, highly bioavailable base of natural calcium and trace minerals, we have added ActiVinTM antioxidants and a boost in mineral content, vitamin C, Omega-3 oil, available protein, B-12 vitamins, essential amino acids and chlorophyll. Standardized Calcite SuperTM, a revolutionary new type of calcium created in Japan with a patented process for enhanced absorption, is the key component of the calcium level in this formula. Understanding the body's need for Magnesium in Calcium absorption, we have intentionally added a Citrate form of Standardized Magnesium, which is also the most bioavailable and easily digestible form of magnesium on the market. (from TriLight Health's website)"

So what 8oz TriLight Health product would you pick if you won? 

Their website is so easy to navagite and find what you are looking for, even top sellers!  *Plus this answer is an entry to win below* 

Good Luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Win a Technogel Pillow! Enter today $169 Value!!!

I am so excited to be part of this great giveaway with one lucky person being blessed to win a $169 Technogel Pillow sponsored by Chantelle's Blog.

Contour Pillow: Source

So what are you waiting for?  Enter below for your chance to win a Technogel Pillow.

Contour Pillow box: Source

These pillows are made in Italy and are part of the Dr. Scholl's family of amazing products!! 

Contour Pillow under covers: Source

Technogel pillows have a two year warranty.

If you have any questions about Technogel reach out via social media to the Technogel team on Twitter or Facebook! 

Also visit their websites at  www.technnogelworld.com  and  www.technogelsleeping.com/us and find out more about their amazing pillows!

Below is the rafflecopter for the Technogel Pillow Giveaway, please let Chantelle's Blog know if you have any questions or if any links are broken here.

Open to US Residents 18 years of age and older

     

My Hikes Pant Cuff Fasteners Giveaway / Review $20 Value!!

Oh....My Hikes!  Where have you been since I became a parent?

I must say this has to be one of the most creative and useful child products I have had the opportunity to review and giveaway (keep reading for more details on how you can enter to win!).  I should not be surprised as this product was invented by a mom!

Before I explain what My Hikes are....I have a question for you.  How many parents out their have had to buy a pair of pants and the waist fits perfect, but they are much too long?  Yes, too long and soon look ragged and frayed from walking all over them.  

I know from being a parent of three very active boys, this as always been an issue...but NOT any more!!

That is where My Hikes helps!

My Hikes are made with a super high quality poly carbonate so the fasteners are very durable.  The fun art is 3-D, rubbery and touchable…kids really like them! I love how you can select just the right art to fit your child's personality.  What art would you pick for your child or maybe yourself?

My Hikes fasteners apply with a press and snap to almost any cuff.  It is suggested you cuff pant legs up to 2" in height with vertical pant seam aligned, with a single or double cuff.  Nice and simple, yet very effective!  Just make sure to take My Hikes off of clothing for laundering.  But, My Hikes can be cleaned with a little soap and water, by hand. 

The possibilities are endless when it comes to uses for My Hikes...In the summer children can roll pants up 2, sometimes 3 times for water play or a stylish capri look. In fall/winter, children can roll cuffs just off the shoe.  So far so good at our house with our Dump Truck My Hikes!  They have held up to the daily abuse of our 3 year old son and remained in place!!

Are you interested in buy a pair or two of My Hikes?  If you are....don't forget to use this amazing coupon code (MyHikes40off13) which can be used on My Hikes website for 40% off additional pairs of My Hikes. 

You can use this coupon code immediately for 40% off additional pairs: MyHikes40off13 at www.MyHikesUSA.com Code will only work on the My Hikes web-site.

And if you are feeling lucky - Enter below for your chance to win one pair of My Hikes.

Good luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Shielo Smoothing Complexion Scrub Review

I have always used facial scrubs in my daily skin care regimen.  Many times I feel like I get into a rut and do not look around for new products out on the market when it comes to my personal beauty routine.

That is why I am thankful Shielo sent me another one of their amazing products to review.

Smoothing Complexion Scrub - Anti-Aging - Clarifying Exfoliant for Cellular Renewal.

I love that the bottle is easy to squeeze with a flip top lid for convenient application. 

Shielo's Smoothing Complexion Scrub is made for all skin types with Allantoin + Jojoba Microspheres.  I have very sensitive skin and Shielo's scrub was so gentle and left me skin feeling pampered.

It helped lift away dead skin cells, leaving my face looking healthier and smoother....just like the bottle says "Helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, lighten skin discoloration and stimulate cellular regeneration for radiance" (that it does!).

Thank you Shielo for my glowing face...I feel so young!!

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

PROBAR Fruition Bars Giveaway / Review Gluten Free, Vegan and Healthy Choice - Win a 12 pack Assortment.

Simply Real......

PROBAR  Fruition....

The Superfood Snack!

Each of the Seven Different Flavors are certified organic, vegan and Gluten Free with a full serving of fruit in every snack sized bar!  Congrats ProBar for your first Gluten Free products offered...I am certain they will be a huge success.  And they already are - thanks to the help of Prevention Magazine - Fruition was chosen in 2012 as the Best Bar in the Healthy Food Awards!! 

My question is how did ProBar create such a healthy and flavor laden product?? 

ProBar is amazing in my book!  They have created a perfect moist balance with all the fruit goodness in each bar and only 160 calories.  What a perfect guilt-free snack on the go.  And like I mentioned before - 7 Different flavors to pick from including:

Blueberry - Beautiful, Flavorful, Ripe Blueberry Goodness...need I say more?

Cherry - I loved the chewy cherries in this Fruition bar.  They blended will with the gluten free raw oats.

Cran-Raspberry - Like ProBar states on their web page - This bar "pops" like the 4th of July!  Tart Cranberries and sun riped in raspberries - Yum!

Chocolate Orange - I am in love with the Dark Chocolate that is used in this healthy bar - what a perfect marriage between the bright orange flavor and the rich dark chocolate.  Winner!!

Strawberry - This Fruition Bar make me feel like I was out picking my own strawberries fresh from the patch to create my own healthy snack.  My boys loved this one and so did I.

Peach - The peach flavor tasted so natural, that I could envision peach juice running down my arms after a bite from a warm peach right off the tree.

Lemon - What a refreshing and bright bar.  It was tart, yet sweet like a perfect glass on lemonade. 

PROBAR has graciously extended a special one-time discount to all my readers....head on over to PROBAR's site...click here....and enter the code "BLOGGER" at checkout and receive 40% off your first order!!

Are you ready to win an amazing 12 pack Assortment of the NEW Fruition Bars?  Get a jump on your entries my heading over to Facebook and liking PROBAR.

Good luck and healthy snacking!

Disclaimer:PROBAR provided me with a free
sample of these products to review/giveaway, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or
sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Teas' Tea Ooloing Tea Varieties Giveaway / Review

Around a month ago I had the opportunity to review and giveaway some of Teas' Tea Beverages.  It was an amazing experience.  So of course I was thrilled to find out they were going to send me two different varieties to taste, review and giveaway!

Last time I samples two varieties of Green Tea and they were out of this world delicious and a healthy drink choice.  This time I was sent two bottles of Oolong Tea from Teas' Tea.

I first want to say both bottles were the most beautiful golden color and so inviting to drink ice cold.  I was excited one of the flavors was Golden Oolong Tea (unsweetened).  It has ZERO calories which is perfect to help me in my continued weight loss journey. 

So after a long workout I enjoyed this bottle of beautiful Teas' Tea and it was perfection!  It quenched my thirst and help recharge my spirit.  I am not quite sure how to capture the clean taste of Oolong.  Anyone who has had Oolong I think understands as it is clean and refreshing but complex at the same time.

The Low Calorie, Lightly Sweetened Mango Oolong Teas' Tea is loaded with powerful antioxidants and a small amount of caffeine.  The Mango flavor was suttle and the tea was not too sweet.  I would definitely purchase either of these flavors again. 

Did you know that all the bottles used by Teas' Tea are non-leaching, recyclable and PETE 1/PBA Free. And Teas' Tea is on Facebook and Twitter....check these out and show some love by sharing a comment!

There is something so comforting about tea, especially green tea, from its health benefits to its multitude of serving options from flavors to temperature options. On a hot Summer day, drink your green tea superfood in a refreshingly chilled unsweetened bottle of Teas’ Tea. On a chilly winter evening by the fireplace, drink a cup of soothing warm green tea from loose leaves.

Naturopathic physician and expert Dr. Holly Lucille says, “I think it is such a powerful thing to use your beverage as your medicine and with green tea you can not go wrong! There has been more research on green tea in the last decade and it's health benefits from fighting cancer and heart disease to assisting in weight loss and lowering cholesterol.”

Teas' Tea bottles are sold nationwide in natural and conventional grocery stores like Whole Foods Market, Safeway and online at www.ITOEN.com and Amazon.  And if you are the lucky winners - you can win two bottle of Teas' Tea to enjoy.  Good luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Mara's Pasta 3 Pound Gift Box Giveaway / Review $17 Value!

Making healthier food choices can be challenging.  I know I have heard so many excuses on why people do not want to take the time to think outside the box and incorporate whole grain foods because they are worried about that taste.  Not all whole grain foods are bland with a funky texture.

Have you tried Mara's Pasta?

If you haven't you are missing out.  It is amazing 100% Whole Wheat Artisan Pasta.  This pasta is created with wheat grown by USA farmers!  It is an excellent source of protein, which I find keeps me full longer.  And guess what?  There are no preservatives or additives.     

I don't know how Mara's Pasta has done this, but some how they have created 100% Whole Wheat pasta that cooks faster than any other wheat pasta we had tried.  I was worried as fast as it cooks that it may be mushy.  I was pleased to find out it was not at all.  It boiled up with a delightfully pleasing texture.  It was nice and smooth and lighter in color.  The flavor was spot on and slightly sweet in a good way. 

Photo before cooking.

I don't even think my boys knew they were enjoying 100% Whole Wheat Pasta.  I almost forgot to mention that all of Mara's Pasta is seal in plastic.  What a great idea to help keep everything fresh.  

I am so thankful Mara's Pasta sent me out a beautifully packaged 3 pound Gift Box to sample.

And one lucky person is going to win the same as I received!!  And if  you don't wait to wait and see if you win, get busy and order some of your own today...just click here.

Disclaimer: Mara's Pasta provided me with a free sample of this product to review , and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

All Terrain AquaSport SPF 30 Sunscreen Giveaway / Review $11.99 Value

Come help me celebrate....it is a party!  And one lucky person is going to win their own 3oz bottle of All Terrain AquaSport SPF 30 Sunscreen.

What are we celebrating??

Well, All Terrain Sunscreen received Top Honors by Consumer Reports in the 30SPF Sunscreen category, June 2012!  All Terrain's other sunscreens scored high in June Sunscreen report issued by the Environmental Working Group, which looks for products that are not harmful to children or the environment.

I was thrilled to receive a bottle of AquaSport 30 SPF lotion to try out.  It is just as amazing as Consumer Reports said.  I love the smooth and creamy texture of this sun lotion.  It goes on so easy and doesn't leave your hands greasy and slippery.  But the best part is their truly is no odor.  With all the allergies we have in our home, this feature is a God send.  Having three little boys that LOVE the water, I like that AquaSport is water resistant for 80 minutes per application.


"AquaSport SPF 30 is oxybenzone-free and has full-spectrum protection from UVA (skin cancer) and UVB (sunburn) rays. With non-nano and un-coated zinc oxide, it is natural, non-whitening, non-greasy and fragrance free Lotion (or Spray) that will not cause eye stinging. It is water and sweat resistant and is proven to be effective after 80 minutes in water." (from All Terrain website)

So who wants to win some AquaSport?

Enter below and remember you must complete ALL of the mandatory entries! 

Good Luck and be safe out in the sun!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

SportsGuard Inc Childrens Baseball Safety Equipment Review

Even thought school is out, how many parents can relate that our daily schedules seem to pick up the pace?  I know personally it seems like our evenings and weekends are full of sporting practice and games, especially baseball games.

I have to admit I am one of those paranoid parents that always worries about my boys getting hurt.  I believe in researching everything to death, in order to find products that can help protect my children.  And that is exactly what has happened the other day thanks to my blog.

Upon researching safety measures to protect my boys when they are playing baseball, I was contacted by an amazing company who is doing just that!  Protecting our children when they play baseball and making it affordable for everyone to be able to provide these safety measures for their children.

SportsGuard

Protecting our Children where they need it, while playing baseball!

SportsGuard Inc was founded on that premise by concerned parents and coaches of youth baseball players. The company has introduced a lineup of protective products, where kids need it most.

So I was thrilled and so was my oldest son that they were going to send us out some samples to review.

 HeadGuard for pitchers and fielders was designed with young athletes comfort and safety in mind. It's been tested at a major university and shown to significantly reduce the impact of a baseball. It's lightweight, breathable, moisture resistant and comfortable. Kids won't even know it's in there protecting them.

*I was impressed how easy the HeadGuard was to use - and it came with simple to follow instructions with pictures (just like the other SportsGuard Products)!  You can even go online and watch video instructions, just in case you are unable to follow the instruction sheet.  Perfect...Thank you. 

I loved how light weight the HeadGuard was and it was nice and soft but not bulky.  My son has never made a comment about it being in his baseball hat.  I truly don't think he realizes it is there.*

StealthGuard, the youth heart protector for batters, fielders and pitchers attaches to shirts comes via iron on velcro fabric fusion patches. It's comfortable, machine washable and dry-able. StealthGuard was designed for baseball players, but it is also being used in other youth sports such as soccer and lacrosse.

*Simple and small is a perfect description of this Heart Protector.  It has been tested and shown to dissipate the force of impact.  All you need is a standard iron to apply this important piece of baseball protection. 

The entire heart protector is velcro based, so it can be removed easily for washing your child's shirt.  This protector appears to be very similar to the HeadGuard and is very light weight.*

XGrip is a cushioned grip with a unique tread and pod-design with high-tech materials that gives Extreme Performance and Comfort. It Xtinguishes the sting from aluminum and composite bats and cold weather.

*XGrip is perfect if your child uses his own bat for practice and even better the big game!  It is self adhesive, so you just apply and play!  The biggest tip I have is to make sure the handle of your bat is clean.*

It is not too late to make a different with your child's safety while he plays Baseball!

These SportsGuard Products can be purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods or online through sportsguardinc.com.

Don't forget to check out SportsGuard on Facebook and Twitter.

---Every purchase helps children and adults with Autism.  As a portion of every SportsGuard purchase benefits Eden Autism Services, a nationally recognized center for excellence and nonprofit organization.---

Disclaimer: SportGurad provided me with free
samples of their product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

The Pure Pantry Gluten Free and Delicious Baking Mixes Review PLUS Fresh from Elizabeth's Kitchen Gluten and Allergy Free Cookbook Review

The Pure Pantry

Six years ago Elizabeth was diagnosed with celiac disease, a condition caused by an autoimmune reaction to gluten – a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. She later learned her two children,  also had severe gluten sensitivity as well as allergies to several other foods. 

After several years of experimenting by Elizabeth in the kitchen and stellar reviews from family and friends, she developed a delicious new line of baking mixes from organic, nutritious, whole grain flours high in fiber and omega 3s together with unique recipes that provide limitless possibilities for creating pancakes, waffles, cookies, crepes, muffins, breads, scones, cakes and more.

So the Pure Pantry was born!

The Pure Pantry offers many versatile, certified organic, baking mixes made with delicious, wholesome ingredients free of gluten, casein, dairy, nuts, soy, eggs, refined sugars or preservatives.

Elizabeth was kind and sent me out three of her mixes and her Amazing and Beautiful Cookbook, Fresh from Elizabeth's Kitchen to review.

I want to say I love the packaging on these mixes.  They are in plastic-like bags with a foil lining.  The packages are very tough and store easily.  They also have an expiration date, so you can be sure to get a fresh product!

I am looking forward to trying The Pure Pantry's Organic Sugar Cookie Mix - which is free from gluten, dairy, soy, nuts and eggs.  I love how there are many other uses for the cookie mix right on the bag and website under the recipe section.

My husband is thrilled that we were sent a heavy bag of Organic Buckwheat Flax Pancake and Baking Mix.  He wants to make big pancakes next weekend.  I will have to let you know how they turn out.  If there is any mix left over, I want to make the Fiber Date Nut Scones featured on The Pure Pantry's website. 

Being a Choco-holic of course I had to try the Wholegrain Dark Chocolate Cake Mix as soon as possible.  But I love using mixes to create something besides what the mix is typically intended for...so I found the recipe for Chocolate Pound Cake on the back of the bag.  I want to share how easy the steps were to create this beautiful gluten free masterpiece.

Preheat over to 350 degrees. (easy to do!)

Place the beautiful cake mix in a large bowl.

In smaller bowl blend together 4 large eggs and 1/2 cup melted butter (I like to use Unsalted, but the bag also suggests non-hydrogenated butter substitute).

Pour egg mixture into cake mix bowl.

Blend to combine.

Add 1 cup of hot water to cake mix.

Blend until combined.

Pour the batter into a lightly greased loaf pan...then off to the oven for 45 minutes.

Look at this beauty!

And my The Pure Pantry Pound Cake even tasted better that is looked...and that is saying a lot becuase it is perfect!  I enjoyed a slice with a little whipping cream on the side.

Now I just need to make time to start cooking thanks to my new cookbook...

Fresh from Elizabeth's Kitchen

It is a beautiful cookbook with easy to read printed recipes and awe inspiring color photos throughout the cookbook.

The table of contents is perfect and only gets better when you browse through each well marked chapter.

The beginning of each chapter starts with beautiful photos and a list of the recipes contained in that section.

I can't wait to try the Turkey Meatballs and Gigi's French Onion Soup.  But there are so many other mouth watering recipes that are calling my name in the cookbook. 

You can purchase any or all of these items and more directly from The Pure Pantry website. They can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclaimer: The Pure Pantry provided me with free
samples of their product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if
I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.