RXBAR Kids: Tasty, Real Food Snack Bar for Kids!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

As a busy mom of three in school now, I am ALWAYS on the look out for easy to eat snacks for the kids but that DON'T sacrifice health and nutrition!

Lately, my kids have been begging for the RXBAR Kids bars (a protein bar made with real food ingredients)!

The bars are made with the same core ingredients as the original bars – egg whites, dates and nuts – and contain zero added sugar with no gluten, soy, dairy or artificial ingredients. It’s a delicious, no-mess snack that’s great for an on-the-go option parents can feel good about feeding their kids.

The bars come in kid-friendly portions and tasty flavors, including Chocolate Chip, Berry Blast and Apple Cinnamon – each with 7g of protein to keep kids full and focused.

The kids LOVE the taste and I love that it is grab and go variety, whole food nutrition, made with pure protein from egg whites and nuts, and never more than 9 ingredients! The kids get the nutrition they need without the mess or hassle! And I love that they list the ingredients right on the front!

Buy It:

You can purchase RXBAR Kids at Target (SRP $5.99 for 5ct) and online at RXBAR.com.

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Noodles & Company Celebrates The Return Of Fan-Favorite Dish, Pasta Fresca!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

When I get the choice of what we eat at night, I am headed to Noodles & Company! They have the absolute best comfort foods and their noodle meal varieties are ALL delicious and fresh! I have NEVER picked a meal there that I didn't like! My whole family loves it there too, it is easy to order and pickup and it is affordable! Can you tell I am IN LOVE with Noodles & Company??!!! 😍

AND thanks to popular demand, Noodles & Company brought back its fan-favorite dish - Pasta Fresca this summer! After a four-year hiatus and thousands of requests from customers, Pasta Fresca returns to its original recipe roots, featuring flavorful balsamic, olive oil and roasted garlic over penne pasta, tossed with fresh tomato and spinach and finished with Parmesan cheese.

Noodles & Company broke the news of the dish’s pending return to fans via social media and in-restaurant teasers in the weeks leading up to its comeback.

“We listened to our guests, and as the saying goes, the customer is always right – you simply can’t mess with a good thing. And we don’t just have a good thing in the return of Pasta Fresca, we have a great thing,” said Jonathan Tress, vice president of marketing at Noodles & Company. “From its high-quality, great-tasting ingredients to its passionate following among our loyal guests, we’re excited to put Pasta Fresca back on our permanent menu.”

Noodles & Company offers guests familiar and global flavors from around the world. Each dish is carefully handmade to guests’ specifications, using only the freshest ingredients, including 14 fresh vegetables that are prepped throughout the day along with other high-quality ingredients including cage-free eggs; organic milk and tofu; and naturally raised pork, including bacon and meatballs.

Buy It:

You can find your local Noodles & Company here

* Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Try @CedarlaneFoods NEW Cauliflower Pilaf This Spring!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Are you looking for a tasty way to incorporate veggies into your meals? Then check out the new Cauliflower Pilaf from CedarLane Natural Foods!

At only 40 calories per serving, the Cauliflower Pilaf is the perfect low-carb side dish for any springtime meal. Carrots, red bell peppers green peas and onion all come together on a bed of finely chopped cauliflower to make this delicious (and vegan!) dish, which can be served alone or in addition to a nutritious dinner.

The pilaf can be prepared in a microwave in less than ten minutes or can be heated in a conventional oven in about 25 minutes.

This Pilaf was tasty and so full of nutritious veggies! And it fed my hungry family with leftovers to spare! That's what I call a great side dish!

We are also lovin' some of CedarLane's other products like their burritos! These make the perfect, easy and nutritious meal for any busy evening (or when I just don't want to cook!).

Buy It:

You can purchase all CedarLane products at a local retailer near you!

*Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

New Delicious Treats from @otis_spunkmeyer!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

One of my favorite things to watch happen in the food industry is when a company realizes that some of their ingredients are harmful, icky and not needed in their foods and they MAKE A CHANGE!

I have loved watching Otis Spunkmeyer, one of my absolutely favorite treats brands, make this change and it has made me and my body SO HAPPY! Their baked goods are still absolutely DELICIOUS but they have the “No Funky Stuff” promise, meaning no artificial flavors, colors or high-fructose corn syrup.

Otis Spunkmeyer is also turning 40 this year and they are celebrating with some new foods in April and others continuing throughout the year. From Mini Brownie Bites and Frozen Cookie Dough, to new Loaf Cakes and seasonal foods, Otis Spunkmeyer is excited to expand their popular retail line that launched in 2016. All the new foods will have this same “No Funky Stuff”promise!

The first two new foods, Super Cookies and Strawberry Crème Cakes will be launching in early April and I can tell you from experience - THEY ARE DELICIOUS!

My husband loves two things - strawberry and cake so the Strawberry Creme Cakes quickly became his favorite. And for me, the Super Cookie was a dream come true! This soft chocolate chip cookie is big enough to share with friends and family..but you won't want to!

Otis Spunkmeyer once again surprises me with more NEW delicious treats and I am once again so thankful they have their No Funky Stuff promise!

Buy It:

You can purchase all Otis Spunkmeyer treats at your local retailer.

* Thank you to Otis Spunkmeyer for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Enjoy a Sweet Treat from Loacker

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

I love trying new foods and products from other countries - especially when they are sweets or desserts! :)

Recently, I tried for the first time a sweet treat from Italy - Quadratini from Loacker and it is Oh, so GOOD!

For generations they have used selected, premium raw materials and ingredients in an unspoiled, natural environment to produce unique wafers and chocolate delicacies. Together with modern production technology, this has ensured the high quality of their products.

The Quadratini is an irresistible cube shaped crunchy pleasure that I have enjoyed with coffee, as a sweet snack or as an after dinner delight!

They have so many delicious flavors to choose from and each bite-size, crunchy cube features five light, crispy wafers and four layers of the smoothest cream filling that will tempt you to enjoy more than one! I know I couldn't stop at just one!

My favorite Quadratini was the Dark Chocolate flavor! This subtly bitter dark pleasure in a cube shape features four layers of the smoothest cream filling held by five light, crispy wafers. The delicious cream with 9% dark chocolate turns these crunchy little cubes into an unbeatable composition for lovers of dark chocolate!

My husband had a hard time choosing his favorite but Coconut was his favorite choice on many occasions!

Four layers of the smoothest coconut cream are held by five light, crispy wafers. The fine cream filling with real coconut flakes turns these crunchy little cubes into a true tropical dream. Coconuts mainly from Indonesia and the Philippines are used for the shredded coconut flakes. Real coconut flakes lend an exotic, fresh flavour to the product, carrying you off in daydreams.

I love that they care about the ingredients they put in these treats (no artificial colors, no preservatives and no hydrogenated fats!) and they taste so light, fluffy and delicious! I dare you to try them and stop at eating just one!

Buy It:

You can purchase Loacker products from Target, Walmart.com and Trader Joe’s

* Thank you to Loacker for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Stock Mom's Pantry with @explorecuisine!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

My family is big fans of pasta! We love pasta salad, spaghetti, lasagna, mostaccioli, tuna salad and so much more! However, I do try to cut back on gluten products so we are always on the search for our next favorite gluten-free noodle!

Recently, we have been trying Explore Cuisine and they have quickly become one of our favorites! I love that they offer so many different types of gluten-free noodles including Black! (Bean) Spaghetti Noodles and GREEN! (Lentil) Lasagne noodles! They have been so fun to try and the whole family has loved the taste and texture!

Explore Cuisine products are the perfect solution for busy moms looking for healthy alternatives for their children. Explore Cuisine’s newest line of “Pulse Pastas” are made from fresh organic lentils and organic chickpeas. This collection is changing the landscape of the pasta aisle.

With a commitment to making the “pasta for everyone,” Explore Cuisine products are all vegan, certified gluten-free and non-GMO. In just minutes you and your family can enjoy a meal made with organic ingredients and jam packed with protein, fiber and iron.

Products available in the pulse pasta line:

· Red Lentil Penne

· Green Lentil Penne

· Red Lentil Spaghetti

· Chickpea Spaghetti

· Chickpea Fusilli

· Green Lentil Lasange

Plus, they have some great recipes to go along with their tasty pastas! Our family favorite would have to be the Black Bean Spaghetti with Heirloom Tomatoes! Check it out below and try it soon!

Black Bean Spaghetti with Heirloom Tomatoes

• 1 package black bean spaghetti – cooked, drained
• 2 large heirloom tomatoes (preferably red and yellow) – seeded, chopped
• 2 ½ T. olive oil, divided
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 5 basil leaves, cut into ribbons
• salt and red pepper flakes to taste

Gently combine tomatoes with ½ T. olive oil, garlic, basil, and salt, and red pepper flakes. 

Toss spaghetti with 2 T. olive oil. Top with heirloom tomato mixture.

Most importantly, these products are organic and GMO-free so I feel great serving them however and whenever!

If you are looking for that unique gift for that healthy mom in your life or for the mom who loves to cook, Explore Cuisine makes a unique, tasty and healthy gift this Mother's Day!

Buy It:

You can purchase Explore Cuisine products at retailers nationwide or online at explorecuisine.com. (MSRP $4.99)

* Thank you to Explore Cuisine for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Celebrate Earth Day with Justin's!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

With April hosting World Health and Earth Day, I am going to feature companies that value our health and our earth!

Today, I am going to feature one of my favorite sensible snacks and sweets: Justin's!

Justin’s offers sensible snacks and recipes for a wholesome diet, without excess calories, sugar, sodium or fat.

Justin’s values not only sustainable practices, but also integrity and transparency at every step of the way. By sourcing the highest-quality, local ingredients, simplifying the supply chain, and initiating environmentally friendly office practices, they strive to mitigate their environmental impact.

In addition to taking care of the earth, Justin’s emphasizes taking care of the community. They pay-it-forward through their hunger relief efforts with Conscious Alliance and the entrepreneurial global poverty relief efforts with Whole Planet Foundation.

From breakfast and lunch to snacks and desserts, Justin’s provides a variety of seven better-for-you nut butter spreads, perfect for incorporating into daily eating habits. We love the Classic Almond Butter and Honey Almond Butter in our house!

Justin's also tastes great in all kinds of recipes! Start the day with Justin’s Nutty Overnight Oats! Check out the recipe below:

Justin's Nutty Overnight Oats 

INGREDIENTS

1/3 Cup Oats

1/3 Cup Almond Milk (or other milk)

1 Tablespoon Justin's Nut Butter (any flavor)

1/2 Banana (sliced)

1 teaspoon Chia Seeds

1/8 teaspoon Salt

Optional: Shredded Coconut, Berries, Pumpkin, Honey, Cinnamon 

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients in an empty Justin's jar or other airtight container. Allow oats to soak in the refrigerator at least 2 hours, or overnight. In the morning, give everything a good stir and enjoy!

Check out how to end your day on a tasty note as well with a Thai Peanut Pasta Salad.

And for snack (and sweets time!), Justin’s Squeeze packs and Peanut Butter Cups are a must! They are portion controlled, packed with protein and pair excellent with nutrient-dense foods like fruits!

These Dark Chocolate PB Cups are a must in my house at all times - they are definitely my go-to treat at the end of a long day!

So have a tasty and healthy Earth Day this year as you enjoy tasty Justin's products!

Buy It:

You can purchase Justin's products at your local retailer/grocer

* Thank you to Justin's for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Re-Commit To Your Resolutions With the Help of Stop & Shop!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

It's three months into the year and about that time to give yourself a reality check about your New Year's Resolutions! Are you eating healthier? Are you losing weight? Are you exercising more?

If you aren't actively reaching for your goals, the good news is that you still have a lot of year left! It isn't too late to start NOW!

And Stop & Shop is ready to help you with their 375 retail stores throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. They offer many organic and healthy food choices. Whether the resolution is to lose weight, eat healthier or snack smarter, Stop & Shop offers great products to meet all those goals!

Stop & Shop offers some tasty organic foods that my family has really been enjoying from snacks to spices, they have a great selection and it can really help inspire some tasty and healthy meal ideas!

I love that they offer such a wide range of organic and natural products! The Vitamin D was great as we wait for the sun to appear on a regular basis. And the spices are something I use every day!

And for snacks and baking, we use the peanut butter, granola, and blue agave nectar! Such great healthy items!

Nothing makes me happier than when I go into a grocery store and know that I can find whatever I need...and have it be organic! I really appreciate retailers that are caring about our bodies and health!

Thank you Stop & Shop for being one of those great, caring retailers!!!

Buy It:

You can purchase all Nature's Promise products at your local Stop & Shop

* Thank you to Stop & Shop for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Warm Up this Winter with Campbell's Organic Soups!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Well, I know spring is supposedly on the way...but here in Minnesota it is still cold, snowy and icy.

So what do we do to stay warm here in Minnesota? 

We need warm, tasty soup! 

And I am not alone....

According to the November 2015 US Soup Report from Mintel, those who purchase soup tend to prefer traditional soup qualities such as savory (47%) and comforting (60%), and prefer soup with culinary elements like a poultry-based broth (31%), vegetables (73%), poultry (58%) and noodles (56%). Across the United States, there are some classically beloved Campbell’s Ready to Serve Soup varieties according to recent IRI data from the latest 52 weeks of volume sales, including top five favorites:

1. Chicken Noodle

2. New England Clam Chowder

3. Sirloin Burger & Country Vegetable

4. Grilled Chicken & Sausage Gumbo

5. Chicken & Dumplings

And what makes me happiest of all, is when the warm, tasty soup is organic and easy to make! And I get that from Campbell's with their great organic line of soups.

They have such a great variety of organic soups including my favorites Tomato Basil and Chicken Tortilla. And the Chicken Noodle is great for those sick days in our house.

Best of all, they are easy to make for those crazy, busy days that just happen. I am so happy to be able to trust the organic ingredients and make a tasty, healthy meal without all the fuss, time and energy that some days I just don't have! :)

So make sure to warm up this winter with Campbell's organic soups! They have a great variety and you are sure to find a favorite that is easy to make and tasty too!

Buy It:

You can purchase all Campbell's organic soups at your local grocery store.

* Thank you to Campbell's for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Skip the Sugar this Valentine's Day - Give Pirate's Booty as a Healthier Treat!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Looking for something for your child to give to his or her classmates this Valentine's Day that isn't full of sugar, artificial colors or high fructose corn syrup? With grocery stores and pharmacies lining the shelves with seasonal, sugary sweets, consider giving Pirate's Booty as a better-for-you valentine this year.

This gluten-free snack can be enjoyed by all classmates and with it's ideal 1/2 oz. packaging, it's perfect for school deskside deliveries. Paired with a personal valentine, its a Valentine that the whole class will enjoy...without the sugar high.

Pirate’s Booty is the deliciously baked, never fried, puffed rice and corn snack made with aged white cheddar cheese. Real, tasty ingredients that are easy to pronounce (and even easier to enjoy!) make for a snack that’s a real treasure!

I definitely know my children beg for it every day in their lunch boxes and I like it just as much...if not more! I will be putting Pirate's Booty in their Valentine's Day gifts instead of sugary sweets for sure!

It makes a great snack for the whole family and friends too - we recently served it at our Super Bowl party and it was a hit!

Make the switch today! Stop sending sugar sweets to school for Valentine's Day and make it a pirate-y Valentine's Day this year!

Buy It:

You can purchase Pirate's Booty at your local retailer.

*  Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Make Healthier Valentine's Day Treats with Dandies All Natural Marshmallows!

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

Let me tell you something that may be shocking to most people....

My children have NEVER eaten a marshmallow!

Why? Because I know what is in most mainstream marshmallows and I didn't want that anywhere my children's bodies! Yes, I have wished that I could put some marshmallows in their homemade hot chocolate. Yes, I have wanted to make them smores and yes, I have wanted to make them rice krispy bars. But, I haven't....until now!

Let me tell you how excited I was to find out about Dandies marshmallows, the first Non-GMO Project Verified marshmallows on the market! Dandies are made with all-natural ingredients and completely free of gelatin, artificial ingredients, and high fructose corn syrup. The products are produced in the company’s dedicated facility, which is free of dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree-nuts. Dandies marshmallows are also free of wheat, gluten and corn, 100% vegan, and certified kosher by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

The best part is, these marshmallows are indistinguishable from their conventional counterparts. Dandies are air puffed, which gives them a traditional texture and flavor that melts and tastes just like the marshmallows we grew up with. Light, fluffy and kid-friendly, Dandies are perfect for roasting over a fire, making gooey summer s’mores, cooking up crisp rice treats, or putting the finishing touch on a loving cup of hot chocolate.

I will admit I was a bit skeptical at first. Would these really be a real substitute for other marshmallows out there. Would it float in a cup of hot chocolate? Would it melt in a gooey s'more or make a tasty rice krispy treat. And the answer is

YES!

I first put them to the hot chocolate test and it passed with flying colors! My children have asked for marshmallows and hot chocolate every day since and I almost want to say yes! :)

I even had to give them a try and I can vouch for the fact that they really did taste like the ones from my childhood.

We plan on trying them out in some Valentine's Day treats, like in maybe these Cherry Vanilla Crispy Treat Cupcakes! I will definitely share how it goes!

But most importantly, I never have to shy away from desserts or treats that have marshmallows as an ingredient again! I love that and I love that my children can finally experience a marshmallow without any guilt from this mom!

Buy It:

You can purchase Dandies Classic Vanilla Marshmallows in big (campfire style) and mini sizes at Whole Foods Market and other natural foods stores across the U.S., Canada and select International markets. The SRP is $4.99 for a 10oz package. 

* Thank you to Dandies for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*