I Didn't Have Time For Lunch...until #AlphaBurritos

I received a complimentary sample of this product from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to facilitate this review. All opinions are 100% my own and not influenced by the company described below.

I feel like most of my blog posts begin with, "as a busy mother of three young children".

Probably because most of the things I write about really do revolve around the fact that:

1. I have three children - 18 months apart and 21 months apart - which is a recipe for an insta-busy life
2. I like to find products that work to help me manage my chaotic busy lifestyle

It's true that I'm often talking to mothers about needing to take time to eat healthy meals in order to keep their energy up to deal with the demands of motherhood.

However, I often forget my own advice and forget to eat lunch as I'm hurriedly throwing food at my three minions.  

"More apples, MOM!"     

 "More peanut butter and jelly, MOM" 

After discovering Alpha Burritos, I realized that I almost always have an extra 80 seconds that it takes to heat up this burrito!

Did I mention that Alpha Burritos are 100% plant based?  As in, no animal products!

More and more research coming out lately, has made my family attempt to shift to more vegetarian meals and eliminate meat where and when we can.  We are not vegan or vegetarian, but are simply trying to be healthier with less meat in our diets.

Alpha Burritos come in four flavors:

• Mexicali
• Philly Sandwich
• Chick'n Fajita
• Pizza

Interestingly enough I think my favorite flavor was the Philly Sandwich - which is surprising since I'm really into mexican flavors typically.

My girls also took a bite of each and asked for more and "my own, please?" of the Philly Sandwich. 

So, I guess that takes the argument off the table that kids don't like "veggie burritos". 

Here are some reasons I liked #AlphaBurritos:

• 11 grams of protein in every burrito!

• No GMOs

• No Cholesterol

• No corn syrup

• No artificial preservatives 

• Zero animal products

• Only 80 seconds to heat in the microwave 

You can find Alpha Burritos at your local Walmart! How convenient is that?

To find your closest location, visit: http://alphaplantbased.com/store-locator/

 

Join The Movement! 

• Facebook -  www.facebook.com/alphafoods
• Instagram - @AlphaFoods
• Twitter - @alphaplantbased

Mom Outfit Elevated With prAna Sustainable Clothing #Giveaway

I received this product for free from #MomsMeet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own #MMLovesprAna.

I'm a mom.

But, before I was a mom, I was my own person.  A woman with some pretty unique style when it came to clothing. 

I don't like to wear "mom clothes" but when I'm stretching across the second row of my minivan to buckle the carseat in the third row, I like to wear at least movable, aka. comfortable clothes.

KEEP READING for your chance to WIN the sustainable clothing prAna outfit I'm wearing.....

photo credit: my 5 year old daughter :-)

Have I found my happy medium brand? The cross between stylish and comfortable, plus sustainable?

I'm definitely NOT a fashionista, but still refuse to wear sweatpants to the grocery store.

I want something that's easy to throw on and move around in, but that doesn't say "I've given up." 

Wearing this prAna Devan Henley seriously feels like drawing yourself a warm silk bath and being surrounded in silky smooth warmth.

It's one of those clothing items that just separate themselves from the rest, when you put it on, you can feel the quality of the design and craftsmen(women?)ship that just makes it sing.

It's not bulky, but it's warm. The organic cotton/jersey blend is perfect for the crisp fall weather we're about to experience!

Don't even get me started on these Mantra pants, made with soft hemp. 

So, I rarely am able to find clothing that fit by just by ordering them online. I have some weird hip to waist ratio or something.  All that to say, these Mantra pants fit me perfectly.

For reference: I'm 5'3, 125lbs...and typically wear a medium in pants (I have a thick-ish waist), however, I followed the sizing guide on the prAna website and ordered a XS which fit me perfectly (I'm often a Petite Medium in other brands).

It's still fairly hot up here in Northern CA, but I find myself checking the weather station each morning hoping it's pants weather because all I want to wear is Mantra!

Both the prAna Devan Henley and Mantra Pant are totally transferrable from a yoga class to the grocery store or library.

In fact, the Mantra pant could be paired with a nice blouse for a night out on the town with your partner, which I'm planning to do next week! 

As you can see in the above photo, my reality is kids jumping all over me when I'm trying to relax or meditate, so at least my clothing can pamper me with the comfort of their design. 

I'm sold on the classic and moveable style of prAna!

Oh yes. It's the small things that count these days, when I'm pressed for time in the morning to drop off the kiddos at Kindergarten.

prAna makes me happy to not have to stress about what to wear. I'll just throw on this Devan Henley and Mantra Pant and get going with ease and style.

Now who wants to buy me one in every color?!



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My Kids Favorite Treats Are Vegan? #HailMerry #MomsMeet

Don't these girls look pretty content?

It's because they're holding a stash of tasty award-winning snacks from Hail Merry®.

Shhh...please, don't tell them that they're Certified Vegan, Kosher, Dairy-Free, Grain-Free, Peanut-Free, Gluten-Free and Non-GMO because they taste FULL of fresh yummy goodness! 

 ...and I mean who could resist a treat that has a tattoo as rad as this "Non-GMO" Roller Derby girl.  

My girls instantly fell in love with Ms. Non-GMO and had to put on the tattoos right away.  I won't lie I felt pretty awesome sporting mine too!

What's better is that I felt really good about letting my girls snack on these
Merry Bites™ because they don't have highly-refined sugar or flour and include raw plant-based oils that are important for their growing bodies.  

In our home, we don't believe in non-fat foods - unless they're naturally occurring.  Instead, if you do your research, you'll learn that the body benefits from healthy fats in moderation. 

The process some companies go through to remove fat, with machines that spin them so fast that their natural structure breaks down and separates, seems so wrong to me. 

Merry Bites™ are created in a women-owned ((fist bump)) kitchen by dehydrating at a low-temperature. Traditional snack baking at high heats removes much of the beneficial properties of the raw oils and ingredients - which just doesn't make sense, now does it. 

Because of this process, Hail Merry® cookies are totally FRESH, and won't sit on your self for months and be okay - and that's totally okay with me. 

I'd rather have to refrigerate a product, knowing that all the natural occurring health benefits remain intact, than to have a snack that can sit on my shelf for a year because of all the junk preservatives it contains. 

You can find Merry Bites™ in these awesome flavors:

• Lemon Macaroon
• Caramel Sea Salt *my favorite*
• Salted Brownie
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough *my girls favorite* 
• Pure Vanilla Macaroon and
• Dark Chocolate Macaroon

So, while refrigeration is recommended when storing these tasty non-GMO treats, the cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.

EXPERIMENT

(Cold or Room Temp - trying it two ways)

#1. Straight from the fridge
#2. Leaving it on the counter for 30 minutes before eating

.....................Ugh, the waiting is the hardest part.

RESULTS

#1. The cold, straight-from-the-fridge version was good, but kind of flaky, and primarily the coconut flavor was prominent. Some of the other flavors couldn't break through, and weren't fully developed in my opinion.

#2. When the cookies are left on the counter, and reach room temperature, the coconut oils in the product begin to melt (at 76 degrees), so the Merry Bites™will essentially melt in your mouth. ALL of the flavors come together and really sing, especially in the Caramel Sea Salt!

 

CONCLUSION

 

Set those sweet babies on the dang counter before enjoying!

If you haven't already stumbled across Hail Merry® products at your local grocery store, you can find out which store near you carries these delicious treats at: http://www.hailmerry.com/where-to-buy

Learn More about Hail Merry®

• Twitter: @hailmerrysnacks
• Instagram: instagram.com/hailmerrysnacks
• Facebook: facebook.com/hailmerry 

 

Not a joke.

The girls just got themselves into this peaceful, loving embrace after I let them taste the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Merry Bites™.

Maybe because they were made using Fair Trade Certified™ dark cocoa, they're feeling the world love.

Or, maybe just because they're my weird little kids.  




I received product for free from Moms Meet, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted here are my own.

E-Hydrate Portable Protein for Adults & KIDS! + #Giveaway

I received complimentary products to facilitate this review from the sponsor of  #MomsMeet program (greenmomsmeet.com), May Media Group, LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use the product and post my opinions on my blog. My opinions may not reflect those of May Media Group, LLC nor the manufacturer. 

I'm starting to think my three girls are the most active children on the face of the earth.

They seriously, don't stop expelling energy for a single moment during the day.

From parks, to school, to T-Ball, the gym, birthday parties and playdates, they are always on the move.

Sometimes, I feel like they need a little more than water, in this hot Northern California heat to hydrate them.

Keep reading for a chance to WIN these products to try yourself!  

E-Hydrate has both an adult and kid-friendly hydration, nutrition and protein line that all taste great!

After the girls expend all their energy on the T-ball field, I like to give them some protein to help keep them strong and E-Hydrate has created the perfect products for this.

KIDS Protein On-the-Go provides:

• 10 grams of protein (only 70 calories)
• only 4 grams of sugar
• certified gluten-free
• portable & recyclable pouches
• more electrolytes than leading sports drinks

My girls absolutely LOVED the E-hydrate Kids Protein shake in the to-go bottle that you just add water to, shake and guzzle enjoy straight from the bottle.

Their favorite flavor was Cinnamon Roll, of course, and after sharing a bottle, asked for more!

When my oldest kiddo is in preschool, I try to fit in a gym class a few times a week. Often, I'm running from the gym, back to preschool to pick her up, then to the park, and errands.

I don't have time to go home to mix up a protein shake for myself, to re-build muscle so was very excited to find E-hydrate's Protein On-The-Go pouch, in Chocolate and Vanilla. 

It's super easy and convenient! 

All you have to do is pour water into the pouch that comes with pre-measured protein powder inside, shake it, and drink in it's very own portable bottle. 

Wow, 25 grams of protein in each serving is pretty good.

Okay, I may not look terribly happy in the photo here, but I'm REALLY just freaking tired, after a 6 mile elliptical run at the gym. 

The Protein On-The-Go was exactly what I needed to fill me up to go pick up the kiddo from preschool, hang out at the park, and grab some lunch at the store before heading home. 

What's more important is that it actually tastes good and isn't strangely grainy like some protein shakes are. 

I was supposed to save a bottle to see what my husband thought about it after his workout, but err....um....I liked the chocolate so much that I took the vanilla the next day to the gym with me. 

Sorry, hubby.

I almost forgot to mention, they have a KIDS Natural drink mix that provides daily recommended amounts of  vitamins B, C, D, and more electrolytes than the leading sports drink - with ZERO grams of sugar and no caffeine. 

Flavors, that can simply be mixed into juice or water are:

• Grape
• Strawberry Lemonade
• Fruit Punch and Apple

These are great for a hot day, when the girls have been running around in the heat to help re-hydrate their tiny bodies.

Want to know more? 

Connect with E-hydrate online to find their latest products and get special offers at E-hydrate.com!  

Psst! Be sure to use my exclusive promo code: THANKS20 for 20% off your order! 

~ ENTER MY GIVEAWAY ~

 a $50 Value!  

Enter to win (2) E-hydrate Ultimate Sample Packs, each including:

(2) Protein On-the-Go pouches

(4) Hydration Drink Mix Sticks

(4) Kids Hydration Drink Mix Sticks

 

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Fresh Express 30-Day Salad Swap Party & Review!

Disclosure: 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.

I just joined the 30-Day Salad Swap!

When's the last time you ate a salad that actually filled you up and made you feel like you indulged in whole delicious meal?
 

Fresh Express just rolled out this great idea, called the 30-day Salad Swap, where you trade in your favorite high calorie meals, for a salad with the same flavors, but less calories and better for you!

Sambazon Acai Juice & Smoothie Superfood + Giveaway

I'm sure you've all heard of the incredible antioxidant properties of the Acai berry, right?

Have you tried Acai yet?  I just did.

Sambazon and #momsmeet recently gave me the opportunity to try Sambazon juices and smoothies, which claim to be made from the finest organic Amazon Superfoods on the planet.

It's pretty cool, knowing that each purchase of a Sambazon product, means that you're helping to keep over two million acres of the Amazon Rainforest sustainably farmed and are securing the jobs of over 10,000 family farmers - since Sambazon is Fair Trade certified.

The main ingredients in the Sambazon juices and smoothies are Acai [Ah-Sigh-ee]...(now aren't you glad you know how to say it correctly?) as well as Acerola [Ah-sir-o-la] and Yerba Mate [Yur-ba Mah-tay].

Acai is known as the Original Amazon superfood, and has tons of antioxidants and healthy omegas.  For example, the Acai Berry + Vanilla Protein Superfood Smoothie, has Omega 3, 6 and 9 and boasts 8 grams of protein.

That's more protein than you can get by eating an egg!

Here are the varieties I tried:

PROTEIN: Acai Berry + Vanilla

• My favorite of the three. A predominate vanilla smoothie flavor with just a touch of earthy acai berry flavor. I like that this bottle packs a whole 8 grams of protein, so I could likely skip breakfast with this one.

ENERGY:  Acai Berry + Yerba Mate + Guarana

• My hubby tried this one, since I'm breastfeeding still, I didn't want to mess with the Guarana. This blend has 50mg of caffeine for a bit of a boost, but less than the caffeine in a cup of coffee.

ACAI: Acai + Blueberry + Pomegranate Juice Blend

• Not a huge fan. The consistency is a little too thick to be a refreshing juice, and a little too thin to be considered a smoothie.  I guess if you think of it as drinking a supplement, then it's okay. The Acai berry flavor is really earthy to me, has a slightly oily feel in my mouth. I poured the juice into a cup with ice, which made it more enjoyable.

Why Sambazon?

• All products are NON-GMO
• USDA Organic
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Provide Whole Food nutrition

Learn more and connect with Sambazon:

Check out their website: sambazon.com
Like them on Facebook: facebook.com/sambazon
Follow them on TWITTER: twitter.com/sambazon
Pin 'em on Pinterest: pinterest.com/sambazon
Get artsy with them on: instagram.com/sambazon

~ Enter to Win ~

(3) FREE Product Vouchers & this Cool Wooden Bowl & Spoon

Value $45.00

• US Residents, 18+ only
• Giveaway ends: June 16, 2013
• Complete Rafflecopter Entry Form below for your chance to win!

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*Disclosure: 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 adn 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.