Jolly Time Popcorn. The "Popfect" After School Snack Review

Jolly Time Popcorn. The "Popfect" After School Snack!

As a mother of 3 boys, I am amazed daily at how much food they can and do consume.  It is scary the food choices they sometimes make and how unhealthy they eat.  But as a parent many times I am at fault for not having healthier food choices for them to select.

I know after school it is like a feeding frenzy.  They eat anything that is not bolted down.  So this year I am keeping plenty of Jolly Time popcorn on hand.

I love the many different choices of flavors and sizes Jolly Time Popcorn offers.  The mini bags are a perfect snack for my boys after school.  They can quickly pop up some fresh Jolly Time popcorn and also have a banana or apple to finish their healthy after school snack attack. 

One of my favorite staples I keep on hand to also enjoy as well as my boys is the 100-calorie Healthy Pop varieties which include Kettle Corn and a rich butter flavor.  My boys prefer the Kettle Corn as they love the salty and sweet combination.

I love the butter flavor as it makes me feel like a kid again at a movie theater without all the guilt.  As it is the perfect whole grain and gluten-free snack.

And if you want to indulge and I know my boys love a ton of butter sometimes the mini bags of Jolly Time Blast O Butter should be your choice!

 

Look at all the buttery goodness that dripped out on to the bowl.  How could a child not like that?

And I forgot to mention the number one reason why I love Jolly Time Popcorn!  They are based out of Sioux City, Iowa!  I was raised a short distance away and grew up on Jolly Time.  It is great Jolly Time still remains family owned for almost 100 years!  Plus they are the first branded popcorn ever produced. 

 

So come on everyone...lets raise the roof and show my childhood popcorn company Jolly Time some love on their Facebook and Twitter pages!!!

 

And don't forget to pick up a box or two next time you are at the store as a healthy after school snack choice.

 

 

    

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.

Master Lock, Don't go to College without one! The Word Computer Lock Review

I am a huge fan of Master Lock products.  They continue to create and offer such a up to date line of security products.  Many of these products are so useful and necessary to keep personal belongings and electronics safe.  Not only are the useful and necessary...they are easy and convenient to use.

Anyone that has sent a child to college....I am certain has many concerns and worries about their child and their belongings.  It is shocking how much money it takes to send a child to college, let alone the needs supplies to help them succeed, including a laptop computer.

So how do you protect your child's laptop?  That is where Master Lock can help assist with their great WORD Computer Lock.

This Security on the Go Master Lock product features an ultra portable self coiling cable which extends from 3 inches to 6 feet!

I really love the easy to use, set your own WORD combination - which means there are 10,000 possible combinations to help secure your computer.  And an easy to follow instruction sheet is included to help make sure you install your Word Computer Lock correctly. 

 

Just take the looped end of the cable and wrap it around a stationary item (that is not going anywhere).  Then feed the lock through the looped end of the cable.  Then continue to read the instructions how to set your word code.  I love how I hear a slight click once it is in place to know the lock is working.

 

Thank you Master Lock for making it easy to protect the important items in my life and child's life!  And speaking of computers...Master Lock is on Facebook.

 

You and your college student can secure any laptop, netbook, monitor or projector that has built-in lock slot with a Master Lock Word Computer Lock.  As stats report every 53 seconds a laptop is stolen.  Don't let it be yours!

 

Disclaimer: Masterlock provided me with a free
samples 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 in return for the free product.

 

Cartoon Network's Almost Naked Animals Volume 1 DVD and Products Review

Who here has heard of Cartoon Network's Almost Naked Animals program?

I am certain the ones of you that are smiling and chuckling saying, "I had heard of them", either are a parent, grandparent, school teacher, day care provider or someone else who is around children frequently (or a child at heart).

If you are wanting to make a huge impression on your little ones...now if your chance!  Did you know on SEPTEMBER 25, 2012...

Volume 1 of Almost Naked Animals, Cartoon Network's top rated animated series for children ages 6-11 will be out on DVD!!! (MSRP $6.99)

I had the privilege to receive a great party pack, including the Volume 1 of Almost Naked Animals to preview and review.

I must say the excitement in my house when the party pack arrived was contagious.  We all sat down for our Banana Cabana adventures with the animated cast of Almost Naked Animals.

I was surprised to see Volume 1 includes six different episodes for a total of 70 minutes of fun.  It starts out with "It's My Party - Episode 101.  This feature was a great introduction into Almost Naked Animals as they get a hotel ready for a big party.  My boys loved when everyone got trapped in the basement and thought is was great that the duck had to save them.

Also included is the "Saliva Drive - Episode 102", One Star Hotel - Episode 103, What Would Batty Do - Episode 104, Employee of the Month - Episode 105 and  Duck Vinci Code - Episode 106".

I have to admit my favorite was the Employee of the Month episode.  It was funny to find out Howie (fun-loving, hospitality-challenged canine manager of the beachfront hotel) had been awarding himself the employee of the month for years.  The adventure begins when the other staff members (underwear-clad animals) find out and challenge Howie to take on their jobs and do them even better.  It was a riot!!

Like I mentioned before we received a great party pack.  Don't worry...Beginning in Fall of 2012 you can purchase your own Almost Naked Animals items like:

The great I Heart Duck Tote for  $18!

Almost Naked Animals Coaster for $7.

A great Almost Naked Animals Pattern Journal for $11.

And my son's favorite!

Almost Naked Animals T-shirts from $17 and up!

If you are big into social media like I am, you are going to love this!

Almost Naked Animals are on Facebook and Twitter.  But get this!  Many of the Almost Naked Animal cast has their own Twitter or/and Facebook account!  How cool is that.

So here are each of their links just in case you want to follow and like.

Bunny (Hyperactive, hyper-enthused activities director) on Facebook.

Narwhal (egocentric entertainer who rules the hotel lounge) on Twitter and Facebook.

Duck (blissfully-oblivious, all-purpose "handyanimal") on Twitter and Facebook.

And don't forget the lead role of Howie on Facebook!
 

Disclaimer: Child's Play Communications provided me with a free
samples 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 in return for the free product.

 

Ostrim #1 Sports Nutriton Meat Snacks and the New Ostrim Vital-Fuel Trail Mix Bar Review

I have always been a huge fan of meat sticks and jerky.  Since beginning to make healthier food choices I now look at the nutritional contents of almost everything I eat and enjoy.

So when I had the opportunity to learn and sample meat products and a NEW Trail Mix Bar from an amazing line created by Protos Foods, Inc. the manufacturer of Ostrim I couldn't wait!

Look at all the great samples I received!  First let me tell you about this health orientated company direct from their site. "Protos Foods Inc. was founded in 1996 on the belief that consumers have become more focused on wellness and the major role that nutrition plays in a wellness program. The Company's first line of products was OSTRIM Beef and Ostrich Meat Sticks, designed for people who are serious about their nutrition. This line is made from a combination of naturally-raised ostrich meat and lean beef with no fillers.. OSTRIM was the first and remains the #1 sports nutrition meat snack in the US market."   I need to say this is not your ordinary Jerkee.  Ostrim Jerkee is packed full of protein without all the fat.  I really like the high amount of protein as it helps keep me fueled and not feeling hungry.  The reason it is so high in protein is the combination of very lean beef and ostrich.  So each serving has 10 grams of protein!  It comes in two flavors Teriyaki and Pepper.  The Teriyaki is my favorite.  I love the sweetness of the flavoring and the nice and firm but not hard jerkee.  Don't worry about the ostrich...it is not gamy at all.  I would never know I wasn't enjoying beef jerkee.     So many choices are offered in regards to Ostrim's Meat Stick line.  Eight difference selections!   I want to make sure you all understand these Ostrim meat sticks are superior!  They are nice and firm and dry.  I love that they are not greasy and leave your mouth feeling satisfied after a stick...not coated and yucky!   Ostrim Teriyaki - I love the teriyaki! Ostrim Original - Just the natural beauty of Ostrich and lean beef.  Enjoy! Ostrim BBQ - Beautiful BBQ with a bit of heat...perfection! Ostrim Pepper - A spicy, peppery snack. Ostrim Beef & Elk Sweet & Spicy - I enjoyed how the sweet was the first profile to hit my taste buds, followed up with a slam of spiciness. Ostrim Beef & Elk Teriyaki - Yes, like I said before...I love teriyaki! Ostrim Turkey Applewood - The natural Applewood really shined through so if you love that apple flavor...you will love Turkey Applewood! Ostrim Turkey Maple - This reminded me of breakfast sausage...only healthier.  I love the maple goodness, which each bite.   Ostrim Super Nuggets! These Nuggets soft, yet firm in texture and are full of EXTREME amounts of protein!  This entire bag contains 40 grams of protein!  Wow, what a great and flavorful way to get sustained energy!  These nuggets have some definite heat to them, but not over the top. And last but definitely not least are the NEW Ostrim Vital-Fuel Trail Mix Snack Bar. Only 210 calories per bar and 15 grams of protein.  I love this bar and the crunchy and softer mouth feel.  It is wonderful!  I have thought and thought how to describe the flavor combination of this perfect snack, but I can't...other than to say I love them and plan on buying more.  Really I do!   The company's vision is to continuously offer products that offer excellence in Nutrition, Flavor, and Convenience.  Which in my book they do! Learn more about Ostrim and show some love on their social media pages....   Ostrim Facebook   Ostrim Twitter.   Disclaimer: Ostrim provided me with a free samples 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 in return for the free product.

Week 11 Nutrisystem - Slow and Steady #NSNation

 Week 11 is down in my books with Nutrisystem.  And my phrase this week is "Slow and Steady".

I may have not lost a ton of weight according to my scale this week, but my body continues to transform in front of my eyes, every day.  And people continue to comment on my amazing weight loss.  My smaller size clothes that fit a few weeks ago are not baggie and I can actually wear a size medium shirt!  I haven't been able to do that in at least 12 years!

I decided to change this things up with my workouts this week (still haven't missed a single day in 11 weeks!), as my workout program didn't seem to be challenging me anymore.  So I got a few new workout DVD's and they are kicking my hinnie and abs, in ways that make me know I will be seeing more muscle results very soon.

I must admit, I have been adding a new snack in some nights as apples are coming into season and are delicious.  As a treat I have been using a little Nutella spread to dip the apples in.  Oh!  It is so good!  But the key is moderation!

So like I said, "Slow and Steady".

l lost another 0.4 pounds this week!!!

Week 1 - lost 3.5 pounds
Week 2 - lost 3.5 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 4 - lost 1.6 pounds
Week 5 - lost 5.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost 3.5 pounds
Week 7 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 8 - gained 1.8 pounds
Week 9 - lost 5.2 pounds
Week 10 - lost 4.8 pounds
Week11 -  lost .4 pounds

Total Weight Loss So Far after 11 weeks on Nutrisystem 31.2  pounds.

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 my food and support program free
of charge for participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program.

Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery - Review

Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery

I was excited to have the opportunity to sample 5 different gluten free products from the long line of gluten free products created by Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery.

I went on Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery's website to see what they all offered and wondered with excitement, what may come in the mail for my family and I to sample.

I knew we were in for a gluten free treat when I saw their motto:

"Being Gluten Free no longer means compromising on good taste.  Heaven Mills Gluten-Free Bakery is known to have Excellent Quality and as Well as Excellent Taste. Won't Believe It's Gluten-Free!"

So as you can see from the photo we were able to sample traditional breads and sweets.  So do you think Heaven's Mills Gluten-Free Bakery stood up to the motto, with my family and myself?  Keep reading and find out...

I know...I know....are you surprised by the photo above?  Yes, I picked the sweet Gluten-Free Chocolate and Cinnamon Rugelachs.  Aren't they just beautiful.  I loved the texture of these sweet beauties!  They were light, but moist and not crumbly at all.  They melt in your mouth.  The chocolate rugelach was my absolute favorite and had a nice darker chocolate flavor but was not over powering.  The cinnamon rugelach reminded me of a decedent personal sized coffee cake.  It was so moist and the cinnamon was balanced.  I am sad to stay I never was able to eat a whole rugelach.  My boys kept taking them from me and ate all of them in less than a day.  Thank goodness I was able to take this photo...otherwise you would be looking at the bottom of an empty container.

Gluten Free Challa Bread is a traditional Jewish Sabbath staple.  I enjoyed the distinct contrast of colors from the golden brown crispy crust to the soft and moist center.  I felt like this was just hand crafted in a small oven.  It was special getting to cut the slices as thick or thin as we liked

Ummm...Raspberry Tarts!  Gluten Free Raspberry Tarts!!  These gems are so sweet and soft and filled full of perfect Raspberry filling.  Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery, you have proven you are a step ahead by going the extra mile.  I have never had another tart which even came close to containing this much jam!  These go perfect as an end of the day treat with a nice hot cup of coffee.

Gluten Free Pita Bread.  I think these were one of the most flavorful pitas I have ever enjoyed.  They tasted like whole wheat.  I was surprised at how well they held up to a lot of filling and opened easily to fill each pita up to the brim.

 

Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery.... Please keep up the amazing work! 

 

You can find Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclaimer: Heaven Mills Gluten Free Bakery provided me with a free
samples 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 in return for the free product.

 

My secret play to survive Football Season this year...B-Dubs

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Buffalo Wild Wings for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Lord help my family and I!!!

Football Season is being, which in years past has meant the annihilation of family time on the weekends.  But I have a great idea this football season to keep our family in tacked.

Okay, everyone…huddle…huddle…huddle…Protect the football. Get to B-Dubs

Yes, B-dubs.  I know you are thinking I have lost it.  Football season has gone to my brain.  Wrong!!  B-dubs is a way to make everyone in your family happy and content.  Yes, not just my football loving..or should I say worshiping husband…it will make our entire family smile this football season.

The trick to this sneak play is to head on over to your local Buffalo Wild Wings.  If  you have never been there before, let me share what it is.  Buffalo Wild Wings is a sports bar with a complete full menu.  It is a very comfortable and relaxed place where people can hand out with their family and friends.

Don’t worry, as B-dubs as I like to call Buffalo Wild Wings is child friendly.  So your football lover, whom ever that might be can be engrossed in the game and your kids and you can be chowing down on some amazing foods from the diverse menu that includes no weird stuff.  I know my boys love almost everything at B-Dubs.  It is a win, win for everyone involved. 

Just think…happy family….no dishes…no clean up….and another football game put to rest.

Welcome Football Season…I will prevail thanks to B-dubs! (Who knows??? I may have to sneak back to B-dubs with some of my friends for a girl’s night out…ahhhh!)

Starting off our school year right and cool with Gutzy Gear for our backpacks #GuttinGutzy

Gutzy Gear and the new school year go hand in hand!

 

What??

 

You have never heard of Gutzy Gear?

Well, sit back and get comfortable...I am going to educate you about Gutzy Gear and the amazing party they sponsored to help start my boys school year off on the "strap".

 

Gutzy Gear is the perfect and affordable accessory to add personality to any backpack, messenger bag, rolling bag, or duffel (even car seat straps and seat belts)…A perfect way to start out a new school year in style and to show off your own child's style.  I love how Gutzy Gear is continuously expanding their already HUGE collection of Gutzy Gear patches.  So keep an eye out for new ways for your child to express their unique and cool style.  

My son loves the Gutzy with Braces, just like him!

I love how easy Gutzy Gear is to use, apply and remove.  The simple and reusable Gutzy Gear makes it a snap to change things up by removing the strong Velcro patches...which allows your children to trade, collect and share Gutzy's with anyone.

Gutzy patches are simple to use.  Just attached the soft Velcro Gutzy Straps on your child's backpack, bag, car seat straps, etc...and then get busy applying your Gutzy patches.  How simple is that?

You can purchase your own Gutzy Gear online and at select Toys R Us, Target, Walmart, Kmart, and Office Depot locations, and specialty stores nationwide.

 

Visit  Gutzy Gear at www.gutzygear.com.

Follow Gutzy Gear on Facebook or Twitter!

 

Disclaimer: Gutzy Gear  provided me with a free
samples 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 in return for the free product.

FireFly Hot Sauce Review - It will Light your A** Up!

Let me just say....some products have a way of describing their unique qualities, before you even get to sample them.

Firefly Hot Sauce

Yes, the name Firefly should have gotten my attention!  Why would a Hot Sauce company call their flavorful line of products, Firefly?

Hummm....could it be as their bottles say....

"It will light your A** Up!"

 

Well, my husband and I were privileged to test our taste buds this up and coming hot sauce line from Passage Creek Farm.  FireFly Hot Sauce is a real family run business.  Did you know...they grow all their own peppers....make all the sauces....and bottle each one by hand!

They sent us out three of their hottest varieties (they do offer 6 different flavors of hot sauce) which can be purchased online through Passage Creek Farm.

I must agree Firefly Hot Sauces are so hot, yet full of flavor.  We were able to taste the freshness of the simply home grown ingredients.  I love that no artificial preservatives, colors, or thickeners are ever used. And I am still in awe that each and every ingredient is chopped by hand and that same hand is used to bottle each and every sauce including the fun and unique labeling.

 

Okay...now on to our heat seeking adventure with FireFly Hot Sauce!!

 

Tear Jerker

There is a reason why this deep red and thick hot sauce comes with a Warning:  "Try this sauce at your own risk.  Not responsible for sudden loss of breath.  If unable to stop crying or sweating it has done its job".

 

Okay, I have to admit...I was too scared to try FireFly Tear Jerker hot sauce, but my darling husband was up for the challenge.  He loves it, but said a tiny little bit goes a long ways.  He said even though it made him sweat profusely and almost numb, he could taste flavor mixed with the heat.  He loves to add a few dashes to chili and salsa for a added wallop of mind blowing heat.

 

 

 

Cosmic Curry

Look at the amazing list of ingredients in this beautifully colored and unique hot sauce: "Onions, Apple Juice, Chopped Garlic, Vinegar, Chilies, Brown Sugar, Curry Powder, Salt".

This FireFly hot sauce was slightly chunky and beautiful to look at, as well as eat.  It is a perfect marinade and also can be used to enhance stir fry or even as a dipping sauce.  If you enjoy curry you will love the flavor profile of Cosmic Curry...as the curry shines its full flavor which each and every bit.

 

 

Garlic Fire
I am a total clove head..when it comes to garlic.  And FireFly Garlic Fire hot sauce marries the natural heat of prime fresh picked garlic with some amazing chilies that will "light up your a**!"  I love the after burn!  It is fantastic!!

I can't wait to try this in the next bloody mary I concocted.

Look at this beautiful trio of FireFly Hot Sauces.

 They also offer Original, Smokin' Apple and Kickin' Cayenne.

If you would like to learn more check them out on Facebook.

 

Thank you FireFly Hot Sauce for tauting our taste buds and lighting up our A**es!  It has been fun!

Disclaimer: FireFly Hot Sauce provided me with a free
samples 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 in return for the free product.

 

Week 10 Nutrisystem - Let the Weight Roll...Off!!! #NSNation

I can't believe I just finished week 10 with Nutrisystem.  Where has the time went? Where have my extra pounds went?

Hello, new body in progress!  I am well on my way to looking the way I have felt since being in my early 20's many years ago!  Thank you!  Thank you! Nutrisystem.  I couldn't have made it this far without your help and continued support.

I love hearing all the compliments about my weight loss, new found health and rekindling of working out (still haven't missed a day yet, in 10 weeks!!).  I will be healthy and fit. 

 

I am proud to stay...."I am proud of myself and the changes I have made and continue to make to be a healthy and happy person".

So will I be getting my 3rd Nutrisystem Bear this week?  Have I lost or should I say worked hard to lose 30 pounds in just 10 short weeks?  But I must say it is not about the weight loss..it is about making healthy food and lifestyle changes.

Welcome Nutrisystem Community Bear (30 pounds lost) to Pound and Commitment Bears at my home.

 

I lost another 4.8 pounds this week!!!

Week 1 - lost 3.5 pounds
Week 2 - lost 3.5 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 4 - lost 1.6 pounds
Week 5 - lost 5.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost 3.5 pounds
Week 7 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 8 - gained 1.8 pounds
Week 9 - lost 5.2 pounds
Week 10 - lost 4.8 pounds!!!

Total Weight Loss So Far after 10 weeks on Nutrisystem 30.8 pounds.
 

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 my food and support program free
of charge for participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program.