Smith and Blessings: Moms Meet

Showing posts with label Moms Meet. Show all posts

Sunday, October 12, 2014

The Kupp' For Kids

If you have more than one kid, chances are you have at least twenty cups sitting out at any given time. If you don't, then change the number to a ten. Sound about right? I know that's how it was in our house. There was a juice cup, a water cup, a milk cup, a cup because you couldn't find one of the other cups & then the cup that just had to be used. Times three. (That would be fifteen if you happen to be focusing on my math.)

But now, there's only three cups. One for every kid.

Made with imported glass from Poland & a toxic free silicon sleeve made in Maine, the Kupp' helps teach responsibility all while being an eco-friendly choice over the standard plastic children's cup. You can see that the handle itself is actually a part of the sleeve, which I'll be honest here, I thought was really cool!

The Kupp', is inspired by kids, but made my a mom.

I know what you're thinking, but it's glass!!! So far, I have to say that they hold up pretty darn good. And actually, telling my kids that they were in fact glass, made them be slightly more careful with them. Not to mention that it totally made their day being able to drink from an actual glass - made of glass! (C'mon, you remember that "I just drank from a glass for the first time" feeling.)

But the responsibility of the Kupp' doesn't end there. My kids get to choose their color at the beginning of the day (& we take turns going first so that one kid doesn't get the same color every time so that there's no arguments). Then they use the same cup all day. For my oldest two, they're responsible for washing their Kupp' throughout the course of the day (I wash Hayden's for her). So not only are they learning how to be responsible, but they're also learning a little bit of independence & accountability too.

Aside from the basic teachings & the whole concept of the Kupp', my favorite part has to be the vibrant colors! Which actually represent the world around us.

Blue is for water & is associated with confidence & loyalty.

Green is for the earth & is associated with newness, calmness, endurance & stability.

Orange is for the sun & is associated with creativity & happiness.

Red is for warmth & is associated with strength & courage.

************
•Holds 6 ounces.
•All glasses are recyclable & certified lead and cadmium free.
•Silicon sleeves are BPA/BPS free medical & food grade silicon and produced by ISO certified manufacturer.
•Reatils for $16.99 each or a 4 pack bundle (you ever get to choose your colors) for $67.96.

Keep up with the latest from Kupp' on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram.

**Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC. or the manufacturer of the product.

Moms Meet is an online resource that empowers moms to come together in an informal setting and talk about the latest on raising healthy families and living green. Moms Meet offers exciting opportunities for Mom Ambassadors and their groups to sample the latest healthy, green products. Sign up today!

Sunday, August 31, 2014

WORLDFOODS Sauces

**Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC. or the manufacturer of the product.

When I was a teenager I worked in a small Chinese restaurant that also had a small Thai menu. There, I developed a taste for dishes such as Siracha, Siam & Curry. I quickly found that I put the tastes that I was accustomed to up on a pedestal & was very judgmental when it came to the same dishes from other places. The only time anything ever got my seal of approval, was when I ordered at a restaurant that was owned by my boss' family. Unfortunately, over the years, most of them have closed their doors. Except for one, but I rarely get to go there & indulge my taste buds.

I'll admit that I was extremely hesitant to try this particular group of sauces from WORLDFOODS, but also excited. It's been so long since I've had a good curry. And if I could make it at home all the time, I would be the happiest gal on the block!

Thai Yellow Curry Cooking Sauce

This creamy yellow curry made with coconut milk, lemon grass, ginger, green chili, coriander, cumin, fennel & turmeric, was right on the spot! I made my dish with chicken, onion, green pepper, carrots & green beans. I tried to remember what was in the curry dish I loved so much when I made this. I know I was a bit off on the ingredients, but it was still amazing since the sauce was such a #TBT (so to speak).

Thai Green Curry Paste

I was wondering how on earth this small jar was ever going to be enough to make a meal, but I tried to anyways. I was shocked at how the amount of sauce was just right. Not to mention tasty with its blend of green chili, lemongrass, Thai coriander, tamarind & cumin. For this dish, I used steak (the kind that says "perfect for tacos" simply because I felt like it), green pepper, carrot, water chestnuts & bamboo shoots. There was still the curry flavor I loved, with just a bit more heat . All in all though, it was the perfect blend yet again.

Thai Coconut Galangal Stir-Fry Sauce

I really had no idea what to expect with this sauce. I had never heard of "galangal" before, but come to find out it's a cousin of ginger, only with earthy & citrus notes to it. This creamy sauce also boasts coconut milk, lemongrass, tamarind & chili to it's list of ingredients, giving it a mild bite. For this dish I used chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, onion, snap peas & egg. Honestly, it reminded me of a spicy peanut sauce (one of my faves), which is most likely from the earthy galangal.

Indonesian Fried Rice 'Nasi Goreng' Paste

I was completely clueless as to what dish to make with this paste. So I decided to look up some of the recipes that WORLDFOODS has on their site. I finally decided on the Stuffed Peppers with Indonesian Fried Rice. Which was probably the biggest chance I was taking since I never step out of my stuffed pepper comfort zone. The result was so amazing, that dinner was devoured before I remembered to even take a picture. This paste resembled the tomato paste & sauce that I put in my stuffed pepper recipe, just with a distinctive Asian flair to it. And chilies of course.

Keep up with the latest from WORLDFOODS on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Well Beginnings Diapers & Wipes

We just got out of the diaper scene when I happened to receive a package of Well Beginnings diapers & wipes. I was going to give them to a friend of mine to try on her little one since they were the right size, but then the unthinkable happened. We ran out of pull-ups! Eeek! I was about to trek out to Walmart, just to pick up some more since that was the closest store to us that was still open. But then I remembered that I still had the Well Beginnings that Moms Meet had sent me. Talk about a lifesaver! And an impressive one at that!

Well Beginnings is Walgreens' exclusive baby care brand & has a full line of products.

The first thing I noticed was how adorable the elephant character was. The second thing I noticed was that these diapers seemed to have a perfect fit with their soft stretchable waist & side panels. And I'm pretty sure they did, because somehow, we avoided one heck of a stinky blowout in the morning. But thanks to the inner liner with natural botanicals, aloe & vitamin E, my daughter's bum wasn't agitated at all.

Ok, so after we made it to the store the next morning to get our pull-ups, I swung by my friends house to give her the diapers (I selfishly kept the wipes for myself). She called me the next day to tell me that she loved me! She had been having an awful time trying to find a new brand of diapers for her son to wear since he suddenly developed allergies a couple months ago. Usually after a diaper or two, she can tell if they're going to work out or not. She used 5 before she called me & didn't have any indication of an issue yet. She was over the moon that they were truly hypoallergenic. Plus she was happy that she wasn't going to go broke buying them. (A package retails for $8.99 & a box retails for $18.49.)

I usually tend to buy the sensitive wipes when I buy them just because they're a close match to my homemade version. But I usually loathe the packaging that they come in. More often than not, you end up fighting with a single wipe to get it out of the package. So what happens next? That wipe calls for backup & before you know it, you'd got about a quarter of the package in your hand. So of course you have to stuff them all back in, making them a pain to get out until you finally get to were the wipes like you again. I don't know about you, but that drives me absolutely insane. I'll have you know, that my sanity was not compromised during the use of these wipes.

So aside from actually being able to get the wipes out of the package, they're pretty fantastic themselves too. They're made with Tri-Form, a unique 3-layer fabric that consists of two quilted soft outer layers for gentle cleansing & a strong inner layer to prevent tearing. They're also dermatologist approved, hypoallergenic & alcohol free. Basically what it comes down to, is that you only need one wipe (very rarely it's a 2-3 wipe job) & they won't irritate little bums.

And although I didn't willingly share these wipes with my friend, I did tell her about them & she stopped to pick some up herself. Yep, she loves me...I mean the wipes, she loves them too.

Keep up with the latest from Walgreens on Facebook, Twitter & Google+.

Gluten Free Goodness with ginnybakes

Lately I have been trying to incorporate more gluten free foods into my daily diet. It's not a necessity, just a conscious choice. I realized some time ago that I feel less run down after indulging in a gluten free goodie. So when the kind folks at Moms Meet sent me a mini treasure trove of products from ginnybakes, I was over the moon ecstatic! You see, ginnybakes creates organic, gluten-free, non-GMO treats that are delicious & nutritious.

These ginnybars were my absolute favorite! But then again, I'm a sucker for fruit & nut bars as it is, so it came as no surprise. Although if I had to pick a favorite flavor, Karma, Love & Apricots would win. It had the perfect blend of salty, sweet, crunchy & chewy. And apricots of course! (These are definitely getting ordered in the future.)

Then there came cookies. I'll admit, I really didn't think these were going to be very good. I'm not sure why, I just didn't. But oh-em-geeee! They were amazing! Before I knew it, the kids & I stood around a package of the Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bliss & completely devoured them in less than 5 minutes. These were by far, the best chocolate chip oatmeal cookies that never came from my recipe book, that I ever tasted!

The kids are all in a cookie coma state of heaven!

The kids were super excited when they saw the bags of mini cookies. And I have to admit that I was too, since they always feel special when they get anything "mini". I asked them how they were & I got a few muffled "good" responses amongst the chewing. Which says a lot actually. Especially since I got to enjoy a few minutes of silence (if you don't count the chewing noises that is).

It took me a minute to realize that these were baking mixes. Baking mixes?! Most companies don't generally offer baking mixes of their goodies so I was uber excited. Especially since they just take a few ingredients (preferably organic) to make.

Ginnybakes also has a brownie & muffin mix (not pictured) available. The brownies were a hit! Not only were they delicious, but they smelled amazing while they were baking. And I know it's a big no-no because of the egg, but the batter was my favorite part. Hey now, someone had to lick the spoon! (Right?)

All in all, I have to say that I was incredibly impressed with ginnybakes. Not just because I loved everything, but because my family did too. And it definitely helped me show them that you can eat healthy & still indulge.

Keep up with the latest from ginnybakes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest & Google+.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

good2grow Juices

As a mom, I have to say that finding drinks my kids love is never a problem. But finding drinks that I love them to have usually is. Until now of course.

good2grow juices are the perfect blend of fun & nutrition!

So let's start with the juices themselves, shall we.

•No added sugar

•No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

•Non-GMO

good2grow juices come in three forms - 100% Fruit Juice (apple & fruit punch), Organic (apple) & Fruit & Veggie V-blend (strawberry kiwi & tropical fruit juice medley). And while my kids loved the 100% apple juice, I have to say that the V-Blends were the favorite all around. They loved the taste & I loved them drinking one combined serving of fruits & vegetables.

The patented spill-proof SippaTop^™bottle topper is just that - spill-proof (go ahead & hold it upside down, I double dog dare you). These BPA free tops also come in fun characters that kids love. Mostly because of the partnership between good2grow & companies like Disney, Marvel & Nickelodeon. (For a full list of characters, click HERE.)

Did I mention that the SippaTop™ is reusable? How about dishwasher safe (top rack)?! And the bottles are recyclable! I swear, good2grow thought of everything! Which is something that is very much appreciated by this mom.

Over 100,000 good2grow^® locations. Find the closest to you HERE!

good2grow grows with kids too. Which means that they come in three sizes, 4oz, 6oz & 8oz. But if you ask me, the 6oz is the perfect size. They also retail for $2.49-$2.99 for a single serve bottle & $2.99-$3.49 for a refill pack.

And while you're at it, check out their StoryStitcher! You can shoot and stitch Vine videos to create your own fun stories.

Keep up with the latest from good2grow on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Be sure to sign up for the good2grow newsletter too (located at the bottom of their home page). Once you do, you'll receive a Buy 1, Get 6 Free coupon!

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Walgreens Ology Laundry Detergent

Being a married mother of three, I do a lot of laundry. And I have to say that I've gotten über particular about my laundry detergents over the years. It used to be that just anything would do. But now, I need something that is not only made for all types of clothing (delicates & regular washings), but something that actually works too. All while being free of toxic chemicals of course.

*sample size

I love this Ology 2X Laundry Liquid so much, that I'm going to be making an extra trip to Walgreens this week to pick up more. Yep, Walgreens!

Ology is a line of household paper, cleaning & personal care products that are free of harmful chemicals (& 100% tree free) that was created by Walgreens.

The Ology 2X Laundry Liquid fights tough stains just as good as the others! I used this on everything from the hubs work clothes (yuck!), to the kids clothes after they were outside playing in the mud & everything came out clean. They even felt clean too! Minus the residue that other laundry detergents can sometimes leave behind (one of the main reasons for my über particular-ness).

Available in Free & Clear and Spring Lavender & Vanilla scents, Ology 2X Laundry Liquid is made to use in both HE & regular washing machines.

Fun fact: Ology Laundry Liquid is bottled in 100% post-consumer materials.

It's also endorsed by Healthy Child Healthy World & lacks the following harmful chemicals: ammonia, chlorine bleach, DEA (diethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine), parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, nonylphenol ethoxylates, triclosan, and SLS/SLES.

And I should probably mention that it retails for only $6.79! (50 fl.oz./33 loads)

Keep up with the latest from Walgreens on Facebook, Twitter & Google+ and Ology on Facebook.

household paper, cleaning, and personal care products - See more at: http://www.greenmomsmeet.com/2014/04/walgreens-ology-laundry-detergent/#sthash.X7tB6PXg.dpuf

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Gutsy Chewy Supplements

My hubs is forever having stomach issues from the combination of stress at work, skipping meals & eating like total crap when he does get the chance to eat. It seems like just about every day he comes home from work & comments about his stomach bothering him. So when I came across Gutsy Chewy, I knew he was the perfect candidate to try it! Especially since all he had to do was chew it for as long as he could before swallowing.

Available in Citrus & Wildberry flavors.

Gutsy Chewy Supplements were invented by a gastroenterologist & dentist, Dr. Doug Haghighi, making them the perfect solution to queasiness. They contain apple cider vinegar, licorice extract, papaya extract and xylitol to help support your gut and oral health along with calcium and magnesium. They are also all-natural, gluten free, lactose free & vegan friendly.

After a few days, I asked the hubs if he was taking Gutsy Chewy. Especially since he hadn't come home complaining about his stomach bothering him. He said he was, which was a shock because he's usually so bad about taking any medicines or vitamins I try to give him. But he said that they worked pretty fast & the amount of time varied by how uneasy his stomach was being (usually within a few min., but on occasion up to 10 min.)

I know they look humongous in the picture, but they're as big as the bottle. Perfect for breaking into half if need be & still getting enough.

I personally haven't had the need arise to take them yet (knock on wood), but I do carry a bottle in my purse. Just in case, ya know. But I do have to say how much I like that you can easily half a Gutsy Chewy for when you don't necessarily need the whole thing. They're big enough that you can just snap it on the perforation. After all, you don't want to waste something that works so well!

Prices range from $15.99-$79.99 plush shipping. But they do currently have a 3-for-2 Summer Special going on right now! So if you are prone to queasiness after enjoying your favorite foods that don't like you back, you should definitely check out Gutsy Chewy for yourself.

Keep up with the latest from Gutsy Chewy on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

*Disclaimer:

Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically Gutsy Products. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any

disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition. This product contains papaya and should not be used by people with a latex allergy. Keep out of reach of children.

Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically Gutsy Products. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition. This product contains papaya and should not be used by people with a latex allergy. Keep out of reach of children. - See more at: http://www.greenmomsmeet.com/2014/03/for-bloggers-only-gutsy-chewy-supplements/#sthash.jHIxbalr.dpuf

gastroenterologist

These supplements were invented by gastroenterologist and dentist, Dr. Doug Haghighi, and contain the perfect balance of apple cider vinegar, licorice extract, papaya extract and xylitol to help support your gut and oral health along with calcium and magnesium. Gutsy Chewy supplements are all-natural, free of gluten and lactose, vegan friendly and made in the U.S.A., making them a safe choice. - See more at: http://www.greenmomsmeet.com/2014/03/for-bloggers-only-gutsy-chewy-supplements/#sthash.jHIxbalr.dpuf

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