Unique, Practical and Green Artwork
These folding baskets made entirely of recycled chopsticks are truly works of art. In anticipation of getting my basket in the mail I was scrolling through the website reading about “Chopstick Art” and how “25 billion PAIRS” of chopsticks are being thrown away per year. That is a LOT of chopsticks! If you think about this for a while you realize that you can not even begin to grasp human waste as a whole. If that is the impact chopsticks are making then think of all the disposable containers, drink cups and waste we go through daily. It really touched my heart reading how passionate Bryan (the chopstick artist) is about his art. He collects used bamboo chopsticks, sanitizes them and makes beautiful, practical decorative baskets for the home—this is called Kwytza. This is Bryan’s unique idea inspired by his living in China for several years. By doing a little research he found out that 25 million trees and bamboo plants were being used to support this disposable chopstick habit. Reading all this, then getting my basket I felt very emotional and appreciative of this piece of art. It will be lovingly displayed in my home. If you have that eco-conscious, earth loving friend they need one of these. A few more details about my basket—it is super compact and folds perfectly in half for storage. It is the perfect shape to hold fruit, napkins, display items… just about anything. Today it is holding bananas sitting on my countertop. I expect it to be around for a long time giving me a big smile every time I see it. Thank you Bryan for sharing your art with me and your story!
Gettin' Jerky With It
This Jerky is the ultimate one to blog about!!! My friends and I tried it out and boy oh boy was it a hit. They were a little skeptical about the Ostrich Jerky (pleasantly surprised) and excited about the Beef Jerky, they both were very thick and chewy just the way jerky should be. I thought the Beef Jerky would be a better hit than the Ostrich Jerky but they loved the Ostrich (“the ultimate red meat”). The Ostrich Jerky was very flavorful and it is Mountain American Jerky’s highest protein and lowest fat Jerky that they offer. The Beef Jerky is made fresh daily and they have 6, count them, SIX different flavors, including: original, spicy, teriyaki, peppered, habanero, and garlic black pepper. Mountain American Jerky has all their bases covered offering beef, buffalo, salmon, alligator, elk, venison, turkey, and don’t forget the ostrich jerky. Go to their page—they have cheese and non-jerky meats as well.
The Big Skinny
I am an organized person, really I am or at least I try to be. There are a couple of exceptions—my purse and my desk! Those two things are generally both a rash of unnecessary items and clutter. Other than that my house is VERY minimalist and I have nothing out, ever. I enjoy it that way—order makes me more relaxed. A while ago I decided that I needed to get my purse under control. I was constantly digging for my gym card, taking out the wrong credit card, stuck in line unable to find my ID, losing receipts—need I go on? My requirements for a wallet included—no leather, fits nicely in my purse, keeps me very organized and everything is VISIBLE. The Big Skinny wallet fit all my prerequisites and some. The Big Skinny wallets are the World’s Thinnest Wallets! How cool is that? The wallet I ended up going with is the Monte-Cougar in vegan nylon (black). Why did I choose this one? The design was a huge one--
“Our special “divide & conquer” design breaks up your cards into 4 discrete areas so they don’t all stagger on one long row leaving huge lumps. Our designed breakup into 4 general areas means there will be very nice symmetry when your cards are in place and the wallet is shut so you’ll have more of an even, flattish plane rather than “staggered bulges” like all those other out-dated thick regular wallets. Easily thin enough to transfer from purse to purse, backpack to satchel, or it even can be carried just by its skinny sexy self because it is so light. Snaps securely shut, and features an extra long coin compartment on the outside for easy access.”
Features:
* 1 general billfold/checkbook area with full-length separator
* 1 general billfold/checkbook area * 8 extra-wide credit card pockets
* 2 extra-wide clear ID/credit card pockets
* 1 snap
* 1 exterior extra-large gusseted zippered coin pocket
Once I got all my stuff that once bulged out of my previous wallet neatly organized I was so impressed with how light and thin this still was! Its like a magic wallet and has inspired my whole purse to get organized!
“Our special “divide & conquer” design breaks up your cards into 4 discrete areas so they don’t all stagger on one long row leaving huge lumps. Our designed breakup into 4 general areas means there will be very nice symmetry when your cards are in place and the wallet is shut so you’ll have more of an even, flattish plane rather than “staggered bulges” like all those other out-dated thick regular wallets. Easily thin enough to transfer from purse to purse, backpack to satchel, or it even can be carried just by its skinny sexy self because it is so light. Snaps securely shut, and features an extra long coin compartment on the outside for easy access.”
Features:
* 1 general billfold/checkbook area with full-length separator
* 1 general billfold/checkbook area * 8 extra-wide credit card pockets
* 2 extra-wide clear ID/credit card pockets
* 1 snap
* 1 exterior extra-large gusseted zippered coin pocket
Once I got all my stuff that once bulged out of my previous wallet neatly organized I was so impressed with how light and thin this still was! Its like a magic wallet and has inspired my whole purse to get organized!
Suspicious but Delicious
I am always looking for inspiration to drink more water. I love plain water but with a hint of flavor I know I drink much more. Nuun makes these very unique drink fizzy tabs (similar to an alka seltzer) to add to water giving it a banana, berry or lemon-lime flavoring. Now not only does it add flavor to your water but it is a sports drink that is electrolyte enhanced. To add to my excitement it is SUGAR-FREE, portable and fun! All you do it take a single tab from the tube, drop it into 16 oz of water, wait two minutes for it to dissolve and drink away. The banana one is crazy good and at only 3 calories each tab you get some vitamins and minerals to boot. Put this on the top of my “cool drink finds”!
Aidells – oh nom nom nom
Who would have thought that a blend of Turkey and Chicken could make an Italian style meatball taste better than any I have ever had before? I am in love with Aidells all-natural, health-ified, gourmet meatballs. Now don’t start associating Aidells with JUST meatballs because that is very far from the truth, just what we happened to have first. Their sausage is just as good as the meatballs but I will get to that shortly. I love easy and these were incredible tasting and perfectly simple to prepare. I put them in a pan for a short while, they were already cooked for me so I didn’t have to worry about that and added sauce and voila—I had a perfect meatball. In addition to meatballs and sausages Aidells has breakfast links, char-broilers and a total array of flavors to choose from. For lunch I had to try the chicken and apple sausage, it was too good for words. I was so happy that the package was at home and I was at work because I could have easily had another. There is a reason that Aidell’s taste so good—their choice of ingredients. Aidell’s hand crafts everything in small batches using the finest chicken and turkey meats then adding fruits and vegetables blended with herbs and spices to make the perfect meatball, sausage or patty. This is truly a gourmet delight. You will be amazed at all the flavors they had to offer. I never knew there were so many possibilities! 
Step 1—Put in pan
Step 2—Simmer in sauce
Step 3—Serve over noodles
Step 4—Enjoy! Simple and mouthwateringly delicious.
Step 1—Put in pan
Step 2—Simmer in sauce
Step 3—Serve over noodles
Step 4—Enjoy! Simple and mouthwateringly delicious.
Perfect Fitting T’s
Us girls who fit into the more “athletic build” type have a hard time finding a great fitting t. I know it happens to me a lot—doesn’t sit right over my arms, not long enough to cover THE gap when working out, and sometimes it simply isn’t cute enough to wear out & about. Check out my new BAMBOO (eco-friendly) t-shirt from Naked Yoga Planet (cool name, huh?). I got the sea blue in a small and am thrilled with it. They have other colors too so you can stock up-- white, black, natural, moss green, brown, sky blue, earth red, brick, rust, and heather gray. The women's "Oh Yes Bamboo Shirt" is perfectly “true” to size, I can really appreciate that with internet shopping!
Why is this called our "oh yes" bamboo t-shirt? That's what you'll say when you touch it! Great fit. Softer than your softest cotton shirt. People are going to touch you. Made from the fastest growing plant on earth. You'll like these shirts.
Made of 70% viscose from organic bamboo, 30% organic cotton.
In addition, Naked Yoga has men’s bamboo clothing and are going to be carrying (pajamas, shirts, shorts, hats), socks, and baby clothing in the near future so check back often for new arrivals. They also have a full selection of Yoga Mats, Yoga Accessories, Body Care (wraps, massage rolls, kits), resistance training (balls, rings etc…), a full array of cool hemp items like womens & mens clothing, hats, scarves, home décor, bags, wallets even frisbees!
Product Description
Why is this called our "oh yes" bamboo t-shirt? That's what you'll say when you touch it! Great fit. Softer than your softest cotton shirt. People are going to touch you. Made from the fastest growing plant on earth. You'll like these shirts.
Made of 70% viscose from organic bamboo, 30% organic cotton.
In addition, Naked Yoga has men’s bamboo clothing and are going to be carrying (pajamas, shirts, shorts, hats), socks, and baby clothing in the near future so check back often for new arrivals. They also have a full selection of Yoga Mats, Yoga Accessories, Body Care (wraps, massage rolls, kits), resistance training (balls, rings etc…), a full array of cool hemp items like womens & mens clothing, hats, scarves, home décor, bags, wallets even frisbees!
Better than homemade
Occasionally I will make a passed down marinara recipe and save the leftovers for quick and awesome dinners. I will never have to slave over that tedious recipe again! I am a working woman with very little extra time on my hands people! I have yet to have a “jarred” sauce that I love. Maybe this is because I grew up in an Italian household with real sauces and authentic dishes.
So when I found out about Chicago based Couplaguys (LOVE the name clever and funny), I carefully read their ingredient list and it sounded like old fashioned sauce—how it is meant to be prepared. Last night, I was lucky enough to actually get to try Couplaguys marinara sauce. I could not believe how thick this sauce was (see it sitting on the spoon) and how hearty! I popped open the top and the aroma of the sauce literally filled the kitchen and made my stomach start grumbling. All I had to do was heat the sauce up and serve. The jar is perfectly proportioned to one pound of pasta but lucky for me I have some leftover waiting for me in the fridge, it will not make it to the weekend. Not only do they have a marinara sauce they have: Awesome Arrabiata, Buoy Base (read about this one—so cool), Crème de la Crimini (with sliced Cimini mushrooms), Perfect Puttanesca, Serious Sesame Sauce (this is right up my alley), and Terrific Tapenade (YUM).
I have to give a special shout out to my new friend Joe over at Couplaguys! I really enjoyed talking to him and he has a serious passion for food. I am on a personal mission for this sauce to be carried locally in Milwaukee, it is THAT good, but in the meantime you can order direct from their website.
I have to give a special shout out to my new friend Joe over at Couplaguys! I really enjoyed talking to him and he has a serious passion for food. I am on a personal mission for this sauce to be carried locally in Milwaukee, it is THAT good, but in the meantime you can order direct from their website.
Bliss by the spoonful
It seems like you keep hearing more and more about the health benefits of using coconut milk and oil—well I found an even better way to do it! Coconut Bliss ice cream! I chose the vanilla flavor to try out first so that I could get the full coconut experience even though they have a full range of flavors including chocolate (yes, I passed up chocolate). I was happily surprised when I open the container to find specs of vanilla beans in the creamy, dreamy, ice cream. On first spoonful, I was sold. I love coconut in any form and this ice cream is no exception. The vanilla flavor was perfect, simple and pure tasting. I could detect the coconut milk as expected but it was really light and just added to the creaminess factor of the frozen dessert. Even someone who isn’t keen on coconuts would love this ice cream—it is delish and needs no doctoring to make it taste gourmet.
Flavors:
Pineapple Coconut (will be my next one they compare it to a pina colada OMG)
Naked Almond Fudge (needs no more explanation)
Chocolate Peanut Butter (the ultimate combo)
Dark Chocolate (my true love)
Naked Coconut (for die hard coconut fans- count me in!)
Mint Galactica (sophisticated mint-chip)
Cappuccino (better than coffee)
Cherry Amaretto (interesting)
Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge (sounds fantastic)
Pineapple Coconut (will be my next one they compare it to a pina colada OMG)
Naked Almond Fudge (needs no more explanation)
Chocolate Peanut Butter (the ultimate combo)
Dark Chocolate (my true love)
Naked Coconut (for die hard coconut fans- count me in!)
Mint Galactica (sophisticated mint-chip)
Cappuccino (better than coffee)
Cherry Amaretto (interesting)
Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge (sounds fantastic)
Getting Flirty in the Kitchen!
I love aprons, they are so cute, feminine and not to mention handy plus they keep your clothes clean and some even have pockets to carry stuff around in. Well, Flirty Aprons has taken their aprons to a whole new level. They are cute, fun and flirty and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Here is what you need to do-
1. Visit their website
2. Choose a super flirty apron
3. SAVE money-- right now they are offering a 30% OFF COUPON! That is BIG -- Just enter the coupon code: 30coupon
4. Share the coupon code with your friends and let them be flirty like you!
5. HURRY--This coupon will end Sunday February 28th 2010 at midnight!
Hands OFF
My Chocri! What is a Chocri????? It is a customized chocolate bar made by YOU. Log onto their website and pick from tons of great ingredients in steps—first you pick your chocolate base, then pick from fruits, nuts, spices, confections, décor, grains and holiday specials. It is not basics here either people—I am talking raw nuts, coated nuts, dried fruits, savory spices, sweet spices, cookies pieces, candy, cereal – you name it, they coat it in chocolate. So here are my two very different chocolate bars:
Bar #1: Dark chocolate, raw cashews, coconut pieces, dried raspberries.
Bar #2: White chocolate, dried strawberries and walnuts
The thing I loved about these bars is that it is fun to do and I was so excited to get my “creation” in the mail. I also loved that the chocolate was of such a high quality as well as the ingredients and they sure didn’t skimp on them either. You can actually make your bar a healthy treat to enjoy in moderation. Create a chocolate for someone you love or yourself.
Bar #2: White chocolate, dried strawberries and walnuts
The thing I loved about these bars is that it is fun to do and I was so excited to get my “creation” in the mail. I also loved that the chocolate was of such a high quality as well as the ingredients and they sure didn’t skimp on them either. You can actually make your bar a healthy treat to enjoy in moderation. Create a chocolate for someone you love or yourself.
Familiar Face in the Crowd
Among the sea of protein powders, drinks and bars there is always the familiar EAS Sports Nutrition brand available. Its popular at almost every retailer and for good reason. It is awesome! I had the pleasure of trying their Banana Crème drink, Strawberry Crème drink and a Chocolate Peanut butter bar. I already pick up their protein powders when I shop at my “warehouse” store so I was very curious on what their ready made bars and drinks were going to taste like. The Strawberry Crème tastes JUST like Strawberry milk that you used to have when you were little! I could not believe it was a protein drink. The Banana Crème was my favorite of the drinks. I LOVE banana stuff and this was super creamy and had a great banana taste, not artificial like most banana “flavored” items. EAS also knows how to make bars. This bar was seriously like a dessert. A little high for my protein/ caloric needs for a snack but I cut it in half and had the rest for an afternoon treat. Their website has loads of information and it is super flashy with athletes, products and free coupons occasionally!
Funny Bones
This really had me cracking up! The best part about it is it REALLY looks like one of those very environmentally unfriendly coffee cups but is actually an eco-friendly, funny cup! It is very thick and sturdy meant for either hot or cold beverages and includes a silicone lid to help prevent spills that fits oh so tightly on the top. You can use this over and over and toss it right in the dishwasher!
Party Time!
We had a birthday party at our house this weekend. The spread was great! This is pre-party:
Our gracious guests added to this and we had tons of foods AND tons of leftovers (nom nom nom). The big hits were the Whale Tail Chips and the Deliciously Pure, Purely Delicious Walkers Shortbread cookies. Besides the yum factor of Whale Tail’s stone ground organic yellow corn tortilla chips (with a hint of sea salt) they also rated high on the dippable factor (Whale Tails seem to be the best dipper ever) scooping up salsa like it was their job! Another thing I love about Whale Tails is that a portion of their proceeds go to help marine life—they contribute to whale research. So not only are they delicious, they help our whale friends and they are certainly conversation starters! Walkers Shortbreads were the other stand out in the crowd food item! I didn’t know these shortbreads were going to be such a hit! I put out the original butter shortbreads and snuck one while preparing the table. I was in shock of how good and simple these were oh and seriously addicting! WOW! The Walkers began making cookies over 100 years ago so its pretty obvious that they have it down pat! The butter cookies are melt in your mouth fabulous with a perfect texture for dunking into coffee or straight up on their own. They have branched out from plain shortbreads and now have more varieties including ones with chocolate chips, fruits, spices and nuts. YUM! Oh and these are free of icky artificial colors and flavorings like a lot of cookies out there.
Our gracious guests added to this and we had tons of foods AND tons of leftovers (nom nom nom). The big hits were the Whale Tail Chips and the Deliciously Pure, Purely Delicious Walkers Shortbread cookies. Besides the yum factor of Whale Tail’s stone ground organic yellow corn tortilla chips (with a hint of sea salt) they also rated high on the dippable factor (Whale Tails seem to be the best dipper ever) scooping up salsa like it was their job! Another thing I love about Whale Tails is that a portion of their proceeds go to help marine life—they contribute to whale research. So not only are they delicious, they help our whale friends and they are certainly conversation starters! Walkers Shortbreads were the other stand out in the crowd food item! I didn’t know these shortbreads were going to be such a hit! I put out the original butter shortbreads and snuck one while preparing the table. I was in shock of how good and simple these were oh and seriously addicting! WOW! The Walkers began making cookies over 100 years ago so its pretty obvious that they have it down pat! The butter cookies are melt in your mouth fabulous with a perfect texture for dunking into coffee or straight up on their own. They have branched out from plain shortbreads and now have more varieties including ones with chocolate chips, fruits, spices and nuts. YUM! Oh and these are free of icky artificial colors and flavorings like a lot of cookies out there.
Creamy Coating!
I have been venturing outside of my typical desserts and trying new stuff lately. Last night I CRAVED fruit for dessert but always need my chocolate. We all know fruit and chocolate go perfectly together! Saco has microwavable chocolate wafers that turn into a creamy chocolate when microwaved. They come in a microwave safe cup but I did not want to waste any of the container so just dolled myself out a portion for my fruit dipping pleasure. Yum! They also make a cocoa powder that is a type that I have never tried. It is unsweetened like I always buy but it is a mix of natural and dutch. I used it to make a batch of my chocolate pudding and it turned out great! Saco has a full line of gourmet cooking and baking products— I LOVE whipping up concoctions with the types of ingredients they carry. I also got some dry milk powder which I love for making protein bars, smoothies, in coffee and to make creamy oats.
Shake your Ton-Ton
I love these sauces by Tonton! They come in great flavors like Vinaigrette, Sesame, Teriyaki and Ginger. Much to my taste buds surprise the Ginger turned out to be my favorite and no doubt being that it is a NASFT* award winner! I am not generally a Ginger fan so I do not know how this worked but it was SO good—a tad sweet and very versatile. I used the Sesame to toss onto noodles and topped with sesame seeds and cabbage strips, the Ginger I also used to make noodles and tossed this with fresh spinach leaves. Wow, these saucse are great. I look forward to making a salad with the Vinaigrette and using the Teriyaki as a tofu marinade. 
A little more on the Tonton Ginger sauce—it happens to be the company’s best seller and the one that you need to try! It is a thick sauce made with:
Onion, Tomato, Celery, Japanese Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Sea Salt & Alcohol), Canola Oil, Corn Syrup, Vinegar, Ginger, Garlic, Sesame Oil, Lemon Juice, Salt, Black Pepper, Spice and Herbs—it can be used many ways but especially flavorful as a dressing on salad, veggies, as a marinade and over pasta. YUM!
A little more on the Tonton Ginger sauce—it happens to be the company’s best seller and the one that you need to try! It is a thick sauce made with:
Onion, Tomato, Celery, Japanese Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Sea Salt & Alcohol), Canola Oil, Corn Syrup, Vinegar, Ginger, Garlic, Sesame Oil, Lemon Juice, Salt, Black Pepper, Spice and Herbs—it can be used many ways but especially flavorful as a dressing on salad, veggies, as a marinade and over pasta. YUM!
Fountain Of Youth
Or should I say a cup of youth? The benefits of tea have been proclaimed by sources in every country and proven by scientific studies. Now, if someone told you that you could have a lasting solution to weight control over the long haul and contribute to your personal fountain of youth would you deny it? I want to try it out for myself after reading Asti Alexander’s personal weight journey and inspiration for the lineup of teas by Astea Teas. I have always wondered the exact same things that Asti went through when moving to Korea and faced with a whole different style of eating. Instead of losing weight, 40 pounds piled on when everyone around was slim and healthy! What gives? These teas were born after learning that it might be the teas keeping the people around her lighter! Their tea was robust, earthy, organic and rich—just how I found these teas to be. They are nothing like I have ever had before. They did make me feel “lighter” and gave me a boost—I am going with the Sipping Yourself Slim teas. So far, I do feel less bloated, slimmer and more energized to boot! There are three great tea varities all with a different spin on their purpose. Here is a brief description of each from their website—for the full story you have to check it out. If you think you knew all the benefits of sipping on tea, think again. And these teas are really geared towards us who need all the extra help we can get! Taken from website:
Flush It Pu’li detox tea Now I love all my teas immensely, but if I had to pick just one to take on a deserted island, I’d have to pick this one. I carry some with me wherever I go, so I won't miss my after-meal cup. It’s obviously the favorite child. (Indulge me as I to take moment to thank my good friend H who introduced this tea to me at our favorite teahouse in the mountains of Hong Kong.)
This tea can pull all the junk right through you from the fried whatever you had at lunch to the round of dirty martinis you had the night before. Flush It comes from trees that are hundreds of years old in the southwest region of China. And unlike the slimming teas, it only gets better with age. In fact, these teas are a commodity and can be extremely precious — up to $300 dollars (US) per cup!
Flush it has an earthy smell and feel to it
Flush It is our strong silent assassin for detoxifying.
Why Flush It is so special
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Reduce blood sugar levels
• Reduce risk of stroke, heart failure, cancers and diabetes
• Help protect the skin from UV radiation-induced damage and tumor formation
• Delay some forms of aging
• Lower the alcohol content in the blood
Many coffee drinkers will enjoy Pu’li’s rich, deep flavors. Since it has less caffeine than coffee, it is a great alternative for those looking to decrease caffeine intake and enjoy the health benefits of tea.
Lose It Black Dragon slimming tea
Lose It is the beauty queen of teas. It smells the best, has the best color and typically has emerald green leaves that fill a cup as they unfold. In fact, the variety that we currently offer is Gui Fei, which translates to “Concubine” — a fitting name for such a beautiful tea. Gui Fei is semi oxidized as opposed to twice fermented like Flush It. (I personally recommend both teas for a complementary weight loss and detoxing program. It took time to put the weight on and fill your body with toxins so keep in mind it is not going to disappear overnight, however, drinking ästea will help speed up your new lifestyle change and help kick your organs back into optimally functional levels to once again achieve balance.)
Lose It Black Dragon tea promotes weight loss
Scientific studies have found that it does this by:
• Increasing metabolism to enhance the function of fat metabolism
• Activating the enzyme responsible for dissolving polysaccharides and triglycerides
• Blocking fat metabolism by bonding to the cholesterol, retarding absorption as it goes through the digestive tract.
Black Dragon Tea Boosts Your Metabolism. Throughout the day we munch away on various delicious cuisine and once the digesting process starts the food is broken down into different essentials like carbs, protein, and fat. These are synthesized into triglycerides in the liver and the small intestine, which are then carried in the bloodstream. They take the bloodstream highway throughout your body until they find their exit and a nice landing place- unfortunately they like to settle in our tummy, hips, and thighs. Triglycerides aren’t bad, in fact they are the primary kind of fat contained in the human body as it is used as a source of energy for life support in between meals and physical activities, however, excess amounts of triglycerides will be deposited within fat cells – leading to the condition of obesity which is not the result we are looking for. Keep your body moving and grooving while sipping your tea to keep you slender and healthy.
Black Dragon has the same calorie-burning catechin polyphenols as our Pu’li tea, and along with proper dieting and exercise can help in weight loss. Drinking 2-4 cups a day can also affect thermogenesis — where the body’s core temperature rises slightly resulting in an increased metabolic rate and assist in banishing fat. Several recent studies have suggested that Black Dragon tea may increase the metabolic rate by as much as 20% when used on a daily basis. It appears to do this by increasing the expenditure of energy and promoting the oxidation of body fat stores. Along with thermogenisis is the calorie burning polyphenol EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) widely believed to aid in boosting the resting metabolic rate. ästea’s Lose It helps control weight and can bring noticeable results to your body both inside and out.
Black Dragon is a great complement to our Pu’li tea for a balanced weight loss program. We are thrilled to bring you some of the finest Blue-green aged teas China has to offer and encourage your spirited exploration.
Flaunt It JinBaiLong stress and weight-management tea
Every now and then — or whenever I come across a true treasure — we’ll be changing up the SpecialTEA. You’ll love this one!!
Being a modern, gal about town (okay, the planet), I’m on the go constantly. Probably just like your life, mine’s go, go, go from the moment I back flip out of bed to the moment I crawl back in umpteen hours later. Even though I try to take time for myself, I’m still stressed from time to time. And because those high and lows are never “scheduled,” I’m thrilled to have found this season’s SpecialTea.
JinBaiLong tea is a weight loss aide as it is said to increase your HGHhuman growth hormone. HGH is a natural hormone that is produced, stored and secreted by the pituitary gland situated at the base of the brain. Resent research has revealed that increasing HGH leads to a decrease in body fat and an increase in lean body mass. Naturally elevating the levels of HGH leads to a significant decrease in fat storage and greater feelings of energy and vigor. As we age, our bodies still produce HGH but not at the same rate in our youth and we were still growing (up vs out). Some scientists believe that decreased levels of HGH are the culprit for the pesky fat that refuses to shed. JinBaiLong signals the pituitary to naturally release HGH thus leading to a leaner sexier you. Last but not least, Flaunt it is an anti ageing aide with its high levels of antioxidants similar to our Lose It tea.
This tea starts out just like our premium slimming tea, cared for beautifully in the high mountains of Asia, and then about 10 days before harvesting it is shaded to produce more glutamic acid amino acid that is naturally produced in the human body. Once harvested it is immediately placed in stainless steal vacuum drums and the oxygen inside is replaced with nitrogen during an 8-hour period at 105°. This process is what makes this tea different than other teas. Out JinBaiLong tea is 100% organic and contains optimal levels — as established by the Japanese government — of amino butyric acids that give it its massive benefits.
Personally, this is my choice for afternoon tea when I need something to take the morning stress away but still give me some pep in my step to finish the day. I usually brew enough for a day or two and keep it in a pitcher in my fridge for a perfect cup of relaxing iced tea. This tea is especially good when I have teatime munchies or get those malicious food cravings that can pack on the pounds. Stress relieving tea? But it is true- Mother nature and science make a great team!
This tea is personally making me feel great. The connection between my increased energy and easier buttoning of my pants (even after a weekend out with friends) means the world to me! Plus I get to drink a tasty treat while flushing and slimming.
Flush It Pu’li detox tea Now I love all my teas immensely, but if I had to pick just one to take on a deserted island, I’d have to pick this one. I carry some with me wherever I go, so I won't miss my after-meal cup. It’s obviously the favorite child. (Indulge me as I to take moment to thank my good friend H who introduced this tea to me at our favorite teahouse in the mountains of Hong Kong.)
This tea can pull all the junk right through you from the fried whatever you had at lunch to the round of dirty martinis you had the night before. Flush It comes from trees that are hundreds of years old in the southwest region of China. And unlike the slimming teas, it only gets better with age. In fact, these teas are a commodity and can be extremely precious — up to $300 dollars (US) per cup!
Flush it has an earthy smell and feel to it
Flush It is our strong silent assassin for detoxifying.
Why Flush It is so special
• Reduce high blood pressure
• Reduce blood sugar levels
• Reduce risk of stroke, heart failure, cancers and diabetes
• Help protect the skin from UV radiation-induced damage and tumor formation
• Delay some forms of aging
• Lower the alcohol content in the blood
Many coffee drinkers will enjoy Pu’li’s rich, deep flavors. Since it has less caffeine than coffee, it is a great alternative for those looking to decrease caffeine intake and enjoy the health benefits of tea.
Lose It Black Dragon slimming tea
Lose It is the beauty queen of teas. It smells the best, has the best color and typically has emerald green leaves that fill a cup as they unfold. In fact, the variety that we currently offer is Gui Fei, which translates to “Concubine” — a fitting name for such a beautiful tea. Gui Fei is semi oxidized as opposed to twice fermented like Flush It. (I personally recommend both teas for a complementary weight loss and detoxing program. It took time to put the weight on and fill your body with toxins so keep in mind it is not going to disappear overnight, however, drinking ästea will help speed up your new lifestyle change and help kick your organs back into optimally functional levels to once again achieve balance.)
Lose It Black Dragon tea promotes weight loss
Scientific studies have found that it does this by:
• Increasing metabolism to enhance the function of fat metabolism
• Activating the enzyme responsible for dissolving polysaccharides and triglycerides
• Blocking fat metabolism by bonding to the cholesterol, retarding absorption as it goes through the digestive tract.
Black Dragon Tea Boosts Your Metabolism. Throughout the day we munch away on various delicious cuisine and once the digesting process starts the food is broken down into different essentials like carbs, protein, and fat. These are synthesized into triglycerides in the liver and the small intestine, which are then carried in the bloodstream. They take the bloodstream highway throughout your body until they find their exit and a nice landing place- unfortunately they like to settle in our tummy, hips, and thighs. Triglycerides aren’t bad, in fact they are the primary kind of fat contained in the human body as it is used as a source of energy for life support in between meals and physical activities, however, excess amounts of triglycerides will be deposited within fat cells – leading to the condition of obesity which is not the result we are looking for. Keep your body moving and grooving while sipping your tea to keep you slender and healthy.
Black Dragon has the same calorie-burning catechin polyphenols as our Pu’li tea, and along with proper dieting and exercise can help in weight loss. Drinking 2-4 cups a day can also affect thermogenesis — where the body’s core temperature rises slightly resulting in an increased metabolic rate and assist in banishing fat. Several recent studies have suggested that Black Dragon tea may increase the metabolic rate by as much as 20% when used on a daily basis. It appears to do this by increasing the expenditure of energy and promoting the oxidation of body fat stores. Along with thermogenisis is the calorie burning polyphenol EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) widely believed to aid in boosting the resting metabolic rate. ästea’s Lose It helps control weight and can bring noticeable results to your body both inside and out.
Black Dragon is a great complement to our Pu’li tea for a balanced weight loss program. We are thrilled to bring you some of the finest Blue-green aged teas China has to offer and encourage your spirited exploration.
Flaunt It JinBaiLong stress and weight-management tea
Every now and then — or whenever I come across a true treasure — we’ll be changing up the SpecialTEA. You’ll love this one!!
Being a modern, gal about town (okay, the planet), I’m on the go constantly. Probably just like your life, mine’s go, go, go from the moment I back flip out of bed to the moment I crawl back in umpteen hours later. Even though I try to take time for myself, I’m still stressed from time to time. And because those high and lows are never “scheduled,” I’m thrilled to have found this season’s SpecialTea.
JinBaiLong tea is a weight loss aide as it is said to increase your HGHhuman growth hormone. HGH is a natural hormone that is produced, stored and secreted by the pituitary gland situated at the base of the brain. Resent research has revealed that increasing HGH leads to a decrease in body fat and an increase in lean body mass. Naturally elevating the levels of HGH leads to a significant decrease in fat storage and greater feelings of energy and vigor. As we age, our bodies still produce HGH but not at the same rate in our youth and we were still growing (up vs out). Some scientists believe that decreased levels of HGH are the culprit for the pesky fat that refuses to shed. JinBaiLong signals the pituitary to naturally release HGH thus leading to a leaner sexier you. Last but not least, Flaunt it is an anti ageing aide with its high levels of antioxidants similar to our Lose It tea.
This tea starts out just like our premium slimming tea, cared for beautifully in the high mountains of Asia, and then about 10 days before harvesting it is shaded to produce more glutamic acid amino acid that is naturally produced in the human body. Once harvested it is immediately placed in stainless steal vacuum drums and the oxygen inside is replaced with nitrogen during an 8-hour period at 105°. This process is what makes this tea different than other teas. Out JinBaiLong tea is 100% organic and contains optimal levels — as established by the Japanese government — of amino butyric acids that give it its massive benefits.
Personally, this is my choice for afternoon tea when I need something to take the morning stress away but still give me some pep in my step to finish the day. I usually brew enough for a day or two and keep it in a pitcher in my fridge for a perfect cup of relaxing iced tea. This tea is especially good when I have teatime munchies or get those malicious food cravings that can pack on the pounds. Stress relieving tea? But it is true- Mother nature and science make a great team!
This tea is personally making me feel great. The connection between my increased energy and easier buttoning of my pants (even after a weekend out with friends) means the world to me! Plus I get to drink a tasty treat while flushing and slimming.
Hands Off!
Last night I was doing my usual—got home from work, fed the cats, packed lunches, made dinner, cleaned up a bit etc… After dinner I typically lay out my clothes, clean up again and if I am especially ambitious I will lay out the ingredients for my breakfast the next day. So I got out my unopened bag of JK Gourmet Granola. I had peeked through the front once before and liked what I saw WAY too much so I put it way in the back of my cereal cabinet hoping out of sight, out of mind until next week. Well, this time I could not take the temptation or the waiting until the next day to have my new granola. I was so curious to see how it tasted! JK Gourmet makes granola but it is not your typical oats based granolas filled to the max with oils and sugars. It is a whole food based grain free blend that is all-natural and preservative free sweetened with a touch of honey and packed with nuts and seeds. So what EXACTLY is in it? I had the Original blend which has: Sunflower seeds, raisins, unsweetened coconut, walnuts, almonds, honey, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds. How was it? Top of the crop. Seriously. The taste coupled with the nutrition made it the best granola I have ever had. It was different and totally irresistible with just the right amount of honey kissed sweetness. It doesn’t need anything else and doesn’t have anything funky to make it hearty or tasty, it just IS. If you are leaning towards incorporating a more WHOLE food based diet (this should be everyone), or if you have any dietary restrictions (gluten-free, lactose intolerant, trying to eliminate refined sugars) and if you are a granola freak like myself then this is definitely for you. I have included a pic of the nutritional snapshot. Bear in mind when you are looking at labels where the calories are coming from. Yes, nuts are high in calories but they are also high in nutrients and are GOOD calories and fats. That toaster tart or sugar laden cereal that you see has a similar amount of calories supplies you with a huge dose of sugars, fats and calories all while being devoid of the nutrients that your body needs and craves. You can bet that starting your day or snacking on a whole foods like JK Gourmet Granola’s you will stay full, energized and your body will thank you! On their website they have other heart healthy foods, recipes and an inspiring story on how Grain-Free JK Gourmet’s products began. 
Savoring the Harvest with the Middleton’s
What is better than fresh, organically farmed apples, cherries and blueberries? How about if they are picked at prime ripeness enhancing the already high quality of the natural flavors, then handcrafted into apple sauces, apple butters and fruit preserves? Middleton Organics strive to provide healthy, yummy food to people at a reasonable price which is something I can definitely appreciate. In addition, the apple sauces (Let’s Get Saucy collection) contain no added sugars—just fruit. The apple butters come in various flavors including traditional apple, apple citrus, apple cherry and apple blueberry. Use them as a spread or try out one of Lori’s recipes that come on the jar! Then there is the Cherry Sauce & Preserves—you could use it the traditional way or on pancakes like I did! YUM! They have other ideas for these great spreads, sauces and preserves on their website. Stop by! They also have great gifts! I ALWAYS think food is the perfect present!
Morning Pancakes with Bing Cherry Sauce & Preserves!
So Fresh, So Clean
So I am making my moves towards natural in just about every aspect of my life. If I am not there yet—I am looking into it. The more I find out the more I am sure that every little bit I can do to help my body, the earth and educate others really does add up to something great! Moving on—I was not afraid to make the move on any other product except for the deodorant. Lets be honest—I workout and sweat. I am in close quarters with people, I do not want to be the smelly one at the gym.
Day #1: Wore to work with my chemical stick in my bag “just in case” but by the end of the day still fresh. Wore to gym, noticed more perspiration but no added smell.
Day #2: Exactly the same! So far, so good. I do not mind sweating—actually I LOVE sweating just don’t like smelling.
My take on natural deodorants are changed now thanks to Lafe’s. I felt clean while still using a healthy, organic product. Contrary to many people’s beliefs deodorant DOES get absorbed into our glands and does run through our systems so in knowing that we really should make the switch to a natural product containing ingredients like: natural mineral salts, baking soda, hemp oil, and essential oils. Lafe’s has five scents to please just about anyone-- active, lavender, tea tree, fresh, powder and unscented. Lafe’s doesn’t just make deodorants, its just all I have tried. Check them out online (I LOVE SHOPPING ONLINE for the huge selection and EASE).
Day #1: Wore to work with my chemical stick in my bag “just in case” but by the end of the day still fresh. Wore to gym, noticed more perspiration but no added smell.
Day #2: Exactly the same! So far, so good. I do not mind sweating—actually I LOVE sweating just don’t like smelling.
My take on natural deodorants are changed now thanks to Lafe’s. I felt clean while still using a healthy, organic product. Contrary to many people’s beliefs deodorant DOES get absorbed into our glands and does run through our systems so in knowing that we really should make the switch to a natural product containing ingredients like: natural mineral salts, baking soda, hemp oil, and essential oils. Lafe’s has five scents to please just about anyone-- active, lavender, tea tree, fresh, powder and unscented. Lafe’s doesn’t just make deodorants, its just all I have tried. Check them out online (I LOVE SHOPPING ONLINE for the huge selection and EASE).
Cocoa Powder Rocks the World
I am a cocoa powder ADDICT. I use it in my oatmeal, my very own pudding mixtures, add to protein shakes, ice cream, to make sauces, hot chocolate—the list goes on. Equal Exchange does make other stuff too—don’t get me wrong but their cocoa was so rich and chocolately I had to give it an immediate shout out. They also have coffee, chocolate BARS, and snacks like nuts and fruit. Equal Exchange is different from your average retailer though… It is a worker owned Co-op with a huge set of values and ethical trading practices while staying honest, fair and dealing with small farmers who support sustainable practices. I consider myself honored to be able to try their products. Here they are:
Organic Very Dark Chocolate (71% Cacao)
The top seller at our retail web store - a delicious and rich dark chocolate experience. Vegan and gluten-free. 3.5oz per bar.
Organic Baking Cocoa
Our delicious organic Fair Trade certified cocoa baking powder is perfect for brownies, cakes, cookies and countless desserts. The small scale growers of the CONACADO cooperative carefully cultivate their cacao trees with gentle, shade-grown, chemical-free farming methods. This creates the natural environment preferred by cacao trees as well as native wildlife and migratory birds. Then the co-op selects the best beans for special post-harvest processing, including a critical three day fermentation stage. Finally, in Holland, the cocoa nibs are dutch processed to create this premier baking powder. Vegan
Toffee Caramel Coffee
Roast: Medium
Flavor: brown sugar, molasses, toffee and toasted caramel with buttery texture and a creamy finish
Chocolate Bar- 10/10. Rich, dark and smooth just how chocolate should be. I ate a few squares and put the rest in the freezer to save it from myself. It is dark chocolate so just a few squares actually kicks that chocolate craving right in the butt.
Organic Baking Cocoa- 10/10 I can tell when I made my “cocoa-oats” that this cocoa was of a much higher quality than what I usually buy. I used one tablespoon and it gave it just the right amount of chocolate flavor and I did not need much sweetness to off-set that chocolate bitterness that comes with baking cocoa.
Toffee Caramel Coffee- 20/10 Is just as decadent as the name states and then some. I could taste the hints of Toffee and Caramel all in a rich roasted coffee. If you are a coffee lover you have to try this!
Organic Very Dark Chocolate (71% Cacao)
Organic Baking Cocoa
Toffee Caramel Coffee
Flavor: brown sugar, molasses, toffee and toasted caramel with buttery texture and a creamy finish
Chocolate Bar- 10/10. Rich, dark and smooth just how chocolate should be. I ate a few squares and put the rest in the freezer to save it from myself. It is dark chocolate so just a few squares actually kicks that chocolate craving right in the butt.
Organic Baking Cocoa- 10/10 I can tell when I made my “cocoa-oats” that this cocoa was of a much higher quality than what I usually buy. I used one tablespoon and it gave it just the right amount of chocolate flavor and I did not need much sweetness to off-set that chocolate bitterness that comes with baking cocoa.
Toffee Caramel Coffee- 20/10 Is just as decadent as the name states and then some. I could taste the hints of Toffee and Caramel all in a rich roasted coffee. If you are a coffee lover you have to try this!
A True Original
I am addicted to THIS website. It has an insane amount of products on it that cover everything from politics to health to jokes. You can put anything you want right onto a t-shirt, bag, water bottle, poster, mug -- all of your choice and CUSTOM. I mean the possibilities are absolutely endless. Just when I thought I saw most of the images on there I see a whole other category to check out. It is amazing. So you can find something already created on there or make something totally unique. There are hundreds of ways to search and seemingly endless categories. You can search by topic, popularity, news, sports, tv, animals—you name it. Now personally, I fell madly in love with the huge Fitness/ Exercise section they have. I can not even describe to you how great the things are. I am always hard pressed to find cute tanks that represent females who lift weights, love exercising etc. So I picked up a few of those (will be modeling them on here this weekend), a duffel bag, two canvas She-Devil (see pics) bags and a SIGG water bottle that I heart—it says “No Excuses”. SO SWEET! If you don’t have a SIGG water bottle you should get your hands on one. They are great—big and keep your water cold not to mention totally cool if you get a custom one from Café Press. Watch for more coming soon on my tanks.
Totally Nuts! Kreamy Peanut Butter Goodness
If you have never had Krema OR Crazy Richard’s natural peanut butters then you are really missing out. No pun intended but they are the KREAMIEST nut butters I have ever had. The gourmet brands have a variety of butters including my favorite peanut, cashew, almond and even spicy blends! What sets their family of peanut butters apart is their use of only the best quality peanuts, their own roasting and grinding process without adding extra fasts, salts or sugars. People are so mis-lead about nut butters… some people think that they are bad for you since they do contain a lot of fat but as long as it is a peanut butter without added transfats like Krema or Crazy Richards, the fat is GOOD fat—fat your body needs for proper function. It is truly a health food and can be part of ANY diet.
They are one of the OLDEST peanut butter companies in operation so they must be doing something right. What is your favorite way of enjoying peanut butter? I love mine in recipes, smoothies, on toast, with celery, plain on the spoon! Here is one of my favorite ways to enjoy my Krema and a pic for your drooling pleasure. Take your desired amount of peanut butter and roll into a ball (sometimes I add dried fruits to the mix). Take a tablespoon of cocoa powder (or cinnamon) and mix with sweetener of choice on the side. Roll your formed peanut butter ball in the cocoa-sweetener mix and put on a piece of wax paper, place in the fridge. Let it set and voila! Its like a truffle but BETTER!
Fun + Fit = Fit Decks!
Sometimes slaving away at the gym gets old, you don’t have time or you just want to learn some new moves. That is where Fit Decks come into play. They are exercise playing cards that are SO much fun! I brought the office edition to work and we were stretching and getting a workout in all while in the office. We were having a ball doing it too. I also got the Body Weight deck and that one is MY FAVORITE. It is awesome. I love doing bodyweight type exercises because you can do them anywhere and without equipment. I have to tell you I learned some new moves from this deck that I have already started incorporating into my routine.
The objective of the deck is great and there are so many variations of playing:
• Basic draw - simply select the number of cards you would like to play and perform a new card every 60 seconds (60 seconds includes rest).
• One color workout - focus your workout on a specific color (upper, middle, lower, or full)
• Double or nothing - guess the color of the next card - if correct, skip a card - if wrong, do it 2x.
• 10-in-Row - Perform 10 repetitions of each exercise no matter what the exercise is. For a better cardio workout, don’t give yourself any rest in between.
• The Cycle - perform 1st card at the beginner level, 2nd card at intermediate level, 3rd card at advanced level (then repeat the cycle)
• 1-minute straight - Perform the selected card for 1 minute straight, then immediately go to the next card, with no break. For example, if you picked Squats, you would perform squats for 60 seconds straight, no matter how many repetitions you complete. Disregard the fitness levels (beg, int, adv) during this game.
• The Pyramid - draw 1 card on Monday, 2 on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday, 4 on Thursday, 3 on Friday, 2 on Saturday, 1 on Sunday. After a few weeks, increase to 3, 4, 5, 6, 5, 4, 3.
• The Diamond - draw 4 cards on Monday, 3 on Tuesday, 2 on Wednesday, 1 on Thursday, 2 on Friday, 3 on Saturday, 4 on Sunday. After a few weeks, increase to 5, 4, 3, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Intervals - take FitDeck along with you on your next power walk, jog, or hike. Every 5-10 minutes, stop your activity, draw a card, perform the exercise, and then return to your power walk, jog, or hike.
They have a multitude of deck to choose from too, see below:
Click the link below that best describes your situation to find suggestions for workouts and games appropriate for you:
• Back-to-Basics
• Expecting Mom
• New Mom
• Parent
• Teacher
• Military
• Childcare
• Fitness Fanatic
• 5,10,15-minute routines
• Maintenance Plan
• At-home
• Stuck at my desk
• On-the-road
• Easily bored
• Flexibility
• Navy SEAL candidate
The objective of the deck is great and there are so many variations of playing:
• Basic draw - simply select the number of cards you would like to play and perform a new card every 60 seconds (60 seconds includes rest).
• One color workout - focus your workout on a specific color (upper, middle, lower, or full)
• Double or nothing - guess the color of the next card - if correct, skip a card - if wrong, do it 2x.
• 10-in-Row - Perform 10 repetitions of each exercise no matter what the exercise is. For a better cardio workout, don’t give yourself any rest in between.
• The Cycle - perform 1st card at the beginner level, 2nd card at intermediate level, 3rd card at advanced level (then repeat the cycle)
• 1-minute straight - Perform the selected card for 1 minute straight, then immediately go to the next card, with no break. For example, if you picked Squats, you would perform squats for 60 seconds straight, no matter how many repetitions you complete. Disregard the fitness levels (beg, int, adv) during this game.
• The Pyramid - draw 1 card on Monday, 2 on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday, 4 on Thursday, 3 on Friday, 2 on Saturday, 1 on Sunday. After a few weeks, increase to 3, 4, 5, 6, 5, 4, 3.
• The Diamond - draw 4 cards on Monday, 3 on Tuesday, 2 on Wednesday, 1 on Thursday, 2 on Friday, 3 on Saturday, 4 on Sunday. After a few weeks, increase to 5, 4, 3, 2, 3, 4, 5.
• Intervals - take FitDeck along with you on your next power walk, jog, or hike. Every 5-10 minutes, stop your activity, draw a card, perform the exercise, and then return to your power walk, jog, or hike.
They have a multitude of deck to choose from too, see below:
Click the link below that best describes your situation to find suggestions for workouts and games appropriate for you:
• Back-to-Basics
• Expecting Mom
• New Mom
• Parent
• Teacher
• Military
• Childcare
• Fitness Fanatic
• 5,10,15-minute routines
• Maintenance Plan
• At-home
• Stuck at my desk
• On-the-road
• Easily bored
• Flexibility
• Navy SEAL candidate
Organic Grooming
Yesterday was a great day! A package came in the mail right on time from The Herban Cowboy website containing their Organic Grooming Products. Well, it just so happened to be my SO’s birthday that day and wow were these products ever a hit! They smell DELICIOUS. Earthy, woody, clean and fresh all at the same time. The packaging is chic yet masculine and the scent is right with it. Colognes, lotions, aftershaves etc… make such great presents because who doesn’t like to smell good? Smelling good gives you confidence and makes you FEEL good too! It is so hard to describe a scent but each product was just heavenly. We got the “Dusk” Cologne/ Milled Bar Soap, Max Protection Deodorant and the Carrot & Cucumber Balm. A bit about the company: they carry certified vegan products and make a very minimal environmental impact making it easy for all of us to “Go Green”!
All Things Organic Meet
Jappel Organics is a great shop offering an array of sustainable goods for your home and body. Recently I was able to get the T-Herbal Face Lotion and the Rooibos Eye Cream from their new Supreme Organic Skin Care Line. The crew at Jappel understands how sacred the skin really is and how harshly it is treated on a day to day basis. Various irritants, the sun and aging all create havoc for your precious skin cells and that is where a quality skin regime comes into place. Now that I have hit my 30’s I am becoming aware of how important taking care of my skin really is… especially the tissue like skin around my eyes. Rooibos eye cream is very thick and creamy for that gentle skin, enhanced with hyaluronic acid, lavender, blue green algae, calendula, rooibos, pomegranate extracts and evening primrose to retain the moisture in this area. Moisturized skin always looks healthier! So what about the rest of your face? Jappel has a Herbal Face lotion to cover that as well. It coats your skin with a nice layer of lotion that soothes with teas and herbs all while maintaining your skin health without harsh chemicals, parabens, or preservatives.
What more could you ask for? Well, they do have more! I also picked up some Chia Seeds from their online marketplace. What are Chia Seeds? Here is a tiny insight into the wonderful world of Chia in the works of Jappel:
Chia seeds are similar to the familiar flaxseed. But, there is much more packed into the little Chia seed that will give Flaxseed a run for it’s money. Chia provides both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet. Chia is easily stored and won’t become rancid with age like Flaxseed. Chia digests well when eaten whole or may be used in hundreds of possible recipes. The only flavor Chia will add is a slight nutty taste and a huge amount of nutrition.
Omega-3’s are the good fats that do a great deal for us. They nourish the brain, lower cholesterol, protect against inflammation and ward off heart disease to name a few. Fish such as Salmon are the usual sources for omega-3’s in our diet. But, as concerns grow about the presence of toxins in fish, alternative plant sources of omega-3’s, like flaxseed and chia seed, are becoming more important. A great factor with Chia Seed is that it doesn’t have cholesterol like most fish. The black, white, brown, and every shade in between are all equally nutritious. A blend of the types of Chia are a great marriage.
I was surprised to learn that Chia Seeds are a protein source! How exciting. Here is my breakfast from this AM along with the recipe:
1 ¼ cup boiling water
Add ½ cup rolled oats to this, let it boil until most of the water is absorbed.
Add ½ cup liquid egg whites to the mix
A few frozen berries if desired
Let this simmer. Then add ½ scoop of Vanilla Twin Lab Protein Powder and sprinkle Chia Seeds over the top. ENJOY!
Chia seeds are similar to the familiar flaxseed. But, there is much more packed into the little Chia seed that will give Flaxseed a run for it’s money. Chia provides both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet. Chia is easily stored and won’t become rancid with age like Flaxseed. Chia digests well when eaten whole or may be used in hundreds of possible recipes. The only flavor Chia will add is a slight nutty taste and a huge amount of nutrition.
Omega-3’s are the good fats that do a great deal for us. They nourish the brain, lower cholesterol, protect against inflammation and ward off heart disease to name a few. Fish such as Salmon are the usual sources for omega-3’s in our diet. But, as concerns grow about the presence of toxins in fish, alternative plant sources of omega-3’s, like flaxseed and chia seed, are becoming more important. A great factor with Chia Seed is that it doesn’t have cholesterol like most fish. The black, white, brown, and every shade in between are all equally nutritious. A blend of the types of Chia are a great marriage.
I was surprised to learn that Chia Seeds are a protein source! How exciting. Here is my breakfast from this AM along with the recipe:
1 ¼ cup boiling water
Add ½ cup rolled oats to this, let it boil until most of the water is absorbed.
Add ½ cup liquid egg whites to the mix
A few frozen berries if desired
Let this simmer. Then add ½ scoop of Vanilla Twin Lab Protein Powder and sprinkle Chia Seeds over the top. ENJOY!
Feminine Products
Awkward to talk about? Maybe! But as women we all use them so why not go natural in the process. Think about it this way—tampons and other personal care products are going in a very sensitive spot, shouldn’t your products be chemical free, certified organic and 100% cotton without chlorine, synthetics and plastics? I think so! Everyone has special needs when it comes to this area, check the chart below from the Natra Care website—I am sure they have you covered (literally haha!). The natural tampon and pad line is new to me too but I have had the chance to try and it and have to say the quality/ absorbency is on par with the mainstream synthetic, chemical laden products out there. If you care about your body you should care what goes on it and in it.
Honibe – pure honey joy
Are these not so cute? They look like little honeycombs and are in fact honey drops that are so fun and versatile (and they taste great). Honey Drops come in two flavors: Pure honey and Pure honey with lemon. I am very partial to the Pure honey one but if you are a lemon fan those are great as well. Honey Drops are 100% pure dried honey in a convenient, portable, non-stick, non-mess honey that you can hold! Great for dropping into your coffee, tea or just for a quick treat by itself. Only 20 calories per piece helps you control your intake without having to measure sticky honey. Honey is good for digestion, is an excellent energy supplement and has a high concentration of antioxidants.
Making the Transition to Green Living easy!
The market is getting more and more eco-conscious allowing consumers the choice to be “green” in their daily living. Where do you start though when you are used to the disposable, wasteful lifestyle that most Americans have grown quite fond of? Give a Green Bag – Full Spectrum Living offers all sorts of solutions for gifts and yourself while promoting the eco-friendly lifestyle. They have an array of living kits on their website that you can order for yourself or gift to a friend. Lucky me for getting a “Light Green Full Spectrum Living Kit”—take a peek:
Included in my kit of goodies:
A Green Light Green Home Booklet with tons of living green and money savings tips.
4 corn-based cards with recipes for household cleaning products
Spray bottle for making my cleansers or air fresheners
Sponge Towel- equal to 17 rolls of paper towel!
Hemp Scrubber to remove stuck on dirt and grease
Soap Berry Nuts (equal to 4 loads of laundry soap)
Sprouting sponge
Recycled pens and pencils (these are so cool—the pens especially)
Reclaimed fiber cleaning cloths—use instead of paper towels etc… just wash and reuse
Recycled lidded jar—again for mixing your homemade solutions
Everything in this pack is awesome. I could not get over the pens and the reusable towels. I would consider giving this as a gift to anyone since it is so versatile and handy. It also steers the green-newbie in the right direction by teaching how to’s on making cleaning solutions, reusing cloths etc…
Check out their website for more great ideas—and products you have never seen before including their Laundry Ball which allows you to do your laundry without polluting mother earth.
A Green Light Green Home Booklet with tons of living green and money savings tips.
4 corn-based cards with recipes for household cleaning products
Spray bottle for making my cleansers or air fresheners
Sponge Towel- equal to 17 rolls of paper towel!
Hemp Scrubber to remove stuck on dirt and grease
Soap Berry Nuts (equal to 4 loads of laundry soap)
Sprouting sponge
Recycled pens and pencils (these are so cool—the pens especially)
Recycled lidded jar—again for mixing your homemade solutions
Everything in this pack is awesome. I could not get over the pens and the reusable towels. I would consider giving this as a gift to anyone since it is so versatile and handy. It also steers the green-newbie in the right direction by teaching how to’s on making cleaning solutions, reusing cloths etc…
Check out their website for more great ideas—and products you have never seen before including their Laundry Ball which allows you to do your laundry without polluting mother earth.
Raw Crunch
Kathy Feldman has so much going on! I just started reading her book The Raw Crunch Diet book and so far it is amazing. I have learned so much and her philosophies are spot on. I love that Kathy preaches a very natural diet and lifestyle but understands that life has to have balance. In addition to her book, she also has a workout DVD (watch for a review coming soon) and her line of Raw Crunch Bars. Now before I get way into the bars I just want to mention how REALISTIC her approach is… and how well it must work, have you seen her abs?! She is hot! In her book, she has you drinking a lot of water, green tea, eating fruit, Raw Crunch Bars, Vitamineral Green Smoothies and anything you want for dinner—making life in the real world one you can survive and instead of a “diet” it is more of a lifestyle. I was wondering how good these bars could be since all their ingredients are raw, unprocessed and uncooked – “no artificial nothin’”. Of course, I packed my lunch and took the Chocolate one as my mid-morning snack for today. The bar was absolutely DELISH. The base was made of sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and raw cashews. Accented in this yumminess was DARK CHOCOLATE chunks, flaxseeds, pecans, honey sticking it all together, macadamia nuts and a touch of sea salt. All of this for 150 calories, 5 grams of protein, 10 grams of good fats and 3 grams of dietary fiber. I am so excited by everything Kathy has to say. There are SO many people (including myself) that can benefit from her. She is so knowledgeable in the field of exercise and nutrition. Instead of achieving weight loss via diet foods she teaches you to eat whole foods and eliminate waste from your body. I am really looking forward to her other selections: blueberry, cranberry and goji berry (although it will be VERY hard to top the chocolate). Here is a great excerpt from her website: Raw Crunch® bars are an uncooked, unprocessed, nutrition boost, free of artificial supplements, colors, flavorings and preservatives. They stabilize your blood sugar and are great for natural appetite control. By keeping your blood sugar stabilized, you are more likely to release stored body fat for energy. The hardest part for people to grasp is that you have to add heart healthy fats to your diet if you want to lose excess body fat. The more healthy fats that you consume during the day from foods like avocados and Raw Crunch® bars, the less calories that you will consume in the evening. These healthy fats will satisfy your hunger, thus reducing your appetite and lowering your total food consumption. Even though dietary fat contains more calories than protein or carbs, its effect on curbing appetite results in less daily calorie consumption. These healthy fats give you energy, lean you up like crazy and make your skin vibrant and glowing as well as reduce digestive stress. So whatever you do, don't skimp out on these healthy fats!
Most cooked commercial energy bars, in addition to their unhealthy saturated fat, contain so much artificial sweeteners and cheap synthetic vitamins and protein that you’re almost better off eating a candy bar. That’s why my husband and I began making our own healthy bars. As athletes ourselves, we understand the value of a clean burning fuel for intense workouts, as well as a satisfying snack at the office. In the Raw Crunch® bars, we formulated the most nutrient dense, antioxidant rich ingredients.
Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1 bar (28g)
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Sat Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0g
Sodium: 60mg
Potassium: 130mg
Total Carbs: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 5 g
Most cooked commercial energy bars, in addition to their unhealthy saturated fat, contain so much artificial sweeteners and cheap synthetic vitamins and protein that you’re almost better off eating a candy bar. That’s why my husband and I began making our own healthy bars. As athletes ourselves, we understand the value of a clean burning fuel for intense workouts, as well as a satisfying snack at the office. In the Raw Crunch® bars, we formulated the most nutrient dense, antioxidant rich ingredients.
Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1 bar (28g)
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Sat Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0g
Sodium: 60mg
Potassium: 130mg
Total Carbs: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 5 g
Cover your rooms in QUALITY!
Natural Area Rugs carries chic, modern natural fiber area rugs and other floor coverings setting a high standard! Area rugs can do so much for a room—warm them up, provide a barrier from cold wood floors even hide stains. Whatever your reason, if you are looking for a unique, natural rug check it out. My whole house is hardwoods so I need rugs everywhere and I LOVE durable rugs that I know will last and are an easy clean up. Check out my new ones:
Mine are in the Seagrass (I had never seen before) and Sisal. They also have wool, shag, bamboo, mountain grass and jute. They can also make them in so many shapes and sizes—the possibilities are endless! It makes me happy that they are Eco-friendly!
Shop by:
Room
Color
Popularity
Material
Price
Size
And they offer:
Free Shipping
Free 30-day returns
Shop by:
Room
Color
Popularity
Material
Price
Size
And they offer:
Free Shipping
Free 30-day returns
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
