Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Mediterranean Snacks review and giveaway

I'm still researching healthy products. And I've come across another bunch of goodies to tempt you with. Mediterranean Snacks sent me some things to try and write about. They provide gluten free, no trans fat, and 30% less fat than regular potato snacks in their snack foods. They sent me the Original Veggie Medley Straws, Rosemary Herb Lentil Crackers, Organic Popcorn, and the Original Veggie Medley Chips.

The Straws were a huge hit with my family right off the start! My picky son and even my husband would have devoured the whole bag in one sitting if I didn't limit them both. They are a potato snack-like chips but shaped like square straws instead. So light and airy in texture, not drenched in some salty flavoring - they make a great snack.
Then we tried the Organic Popcorn. Normally the only popcorn I like eating is covered in cheese or caramel. But I really enjoyed this! It’s so light and fluffy. They are air popped with a hint of sea salt and olive oil. My husband even LOVED them. He usually complains if he doesn't have his absolute favorite brand name popcorn, saying that everything else just "isn't as good" or "tastes so-so". And since popcorn is always on hand in our home, this is a snack I truly appreciate having around.
The Original Veggie Medley Chips tasted the same as the straws, but were shaped just like a normal wavy chip. Again, very light and airy in texture. Not drenched in high sodium content. You don't end your snacking with colored sticky fingertips.

Rosemary herb is an interesting taste. I’m not used to it, but these lentil crackers were actually pretty good. It’s a very strong herb and it was good with my moms homemade salsa.  
The prices are comparable to most other store brands you might go for, so if you're paying that much anyways, why not get something much healthier for your family? They also have Hummuz Crispz, Baked Lentil Chips, and Multi Grain Chips. So many different flavors to choose from, great prices, and they may even have a store that carries them near you! Just check the Store Locator here: http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/store-locator/. And to see more about them or what they offer, just go here: http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/. You can also follow them to see what's new: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MediterraneanSnackFoods, via Twitter @medsnax. They also have store fronts on Amazon and Alice.com.

They are supposed to have a $1.00 off coupon on their website, but I was unable to get it to work on my computer. You can still give it a try and perhaps get it to work on yours.  http://www.couponfactory.com/share/71d858a9deef8c71486a972810f7bb05ed3d3364/
I foresee a trip to the store in a couple days when my boys run out of these good snacks!

***I was not paid anything for my reviews. They sent me the product in return for my honest opinions.***

Now for the fun part! A GIVEAWAY!!! That's right, one lucky winner will receive a mixed case of the Mediterranean Snacks Baked Lentil Chips (full size products). Just get your entries in below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 5, 2012

Leading Lady discount and Bra Fit tips

I got some interesting info to share with my female readers recently. And I also have a discount for you all from Leading Lady http://www.leadinglady.com/ . Below I have given you a copy of the tips they share in finding your perfect bra fit. And they have kindly given me a code for you (my wonderful readers) to use should you choose to purchase a bra from them. It gives you 15% off your purchase. The code is MCBLOG1950.



BRA FIT TIPS


The three most important factors in selecting a bra are: Fit, Comfort and Support.


Proper fit is essential to the health of your breasts. The right fit will help prevent sagging, chafing and keep breasts dry, supported and comfortable in even the most strenuous conditions.

So, how do you achieve the perfect fit? Leading Lady’s fit-conscious designer shares her tips for achieving the ideal fit, maximizing comfort and ensuring proper support.

Here are some common signs you may not be wearing the correct size:

If you can see part of your breasts sticking out of the neckline or the underarm, your bra cup is too small for your breast.
If the bra cup looks wrinkled on your breasts, it is probably too large.
You should not be using any of the under-bust elastic as part of the cup. If you are, it means the cup is not big enough for your breast.
Your bra should sit down on both your front and your back. If it is pulling up, the band is most likely too large for your frame and you will not get the correct amount of support.

How can you achieve your ideal fit, support & comfort?


Fit
Look at yourself in a mirror. Your breasts should appear supported and sit up on your chest.
Remember that many women are between sizes, so you may need to try a size up or down to get the best fit.
Read the fit guide. Every company has their own idea of what represents the best fit so this is a great way to make sure the cup and band sizes are correct for you.


Comfort & Support
Make sure the shoulder straps of your bra stay in place when you are in motion. If they slip off the shoulder or cut into the shoulder, adjust the straps or try a different size bra.
Wider and padded shoulder straps will help to keep weight stress dispersed over a larger area for greater comfort.
Adjustable shoulder straps will accommodate your individual needs, depending on your height and the weight of your breasts.


Remember
Replace your bras when they are worn out and no longer provide the support you need.

Consider the use of the bra. You should have a wardrobe of bras for various activities.
Whether you’re shopping for an everyday bra, want something pretty for a special occasion, need a good workout bra, or are looking for a leisure or sleep bra, consider the following:


Wirefree Styles
Make sure that the center front of your bra has some “sink in,” which means the cup sinks in toward your chest.
Look for a bra that gives you added support on the side of the cup. Styles with side slings help keep your breasts lifted for a nicer silhouette.
Wirefree bras are often more comfortable for a full figure bust or a woman who has experienced irritation from an underwire bra.

Underwire Styles
A properly fitting underwire bra can enhance the shape of a breast but make sure the wire sits correctly on your chest. The wire should not sit on your breast but should form a frame around your breast. Be sure the wire does not irritate your skin or breasts.
Make sure the side height is correct for your size. The wire should fit comfortably against your body at both the underarm and the center front. If the wire is too high under the arm, you will be uncomfortable and it may cause irritation. If the wire is too low under the arm, your breast will not be completely covered. If the wire sticks out between your underarm and your arm, your breast is likely pushing the wire out because the cup is too small.


Front Closure
Whether your front closure bra has hooks & eyes or clasps, make sure the closures feel comfortable and support your breasts. Some may have too many hooks, while others may not have enough.
Front closure styles are designed for easy dressing and are especially great for women with mobility issues who are unable to reach to the back to secure bras.
Look for a style that has a slightly wider plush section on the eye half of the closure, to avoid irritation from the hook & eye connection.


Back Closure
Make sure the back closure has at least three closures. Four closures will give you more flexibility with the bra as your size may fluctuate. However, it is always best to wear your bra on the first or second row of eyes. If you consistently use the third or fourth row, you may need to increase your band size.
Make sure the closures have enough padding for comfort.


Wear bras that are best suited to your individual needs.


Full Figure Bras
The fuller the breast the more support is needed, so look for a bra that has both encapsulation and light compression so that you still have full range of motion but have less strain and sagging.
Great support means a bra that encapsulates the breasts.
Compression is helpful to prevent your breasts from bouncing. Remember -- breasts move in more than one direction, up and down as well as side to side.

          Maternity or Nursing Bras
It is even more important to have support at this time because the breast changes size with the advance of pregnancy and when it is either full of milk or not – when nursing, your breast can change size many times a day!
Look for just the right amount of compression so that your breasts do not bounce. Too much compression will not be comfortable because breasts are more sensitive during pregnancy and nursing.
Stay away from cups that have added material or features that can cause irritation on sensitive breasts or nipples.
 
A little info about Leading Lady:
Leading Lady is a premiere intimate apparel company dedicated to creating comfortably functional, remarkably affordable, stylish and easy-to-wear bras, camis and sleepwear. A family owned and operated business, Leading Lady has been expertly tailoring nursing and full figure bras for top brands and retailers across North America for more than 70 years. Leading Lady’s comprehensive line of nursing and full figure intimates – including sexy stretch lace wire-free and underwire bras, supportive and seamless sport and yoga bras, and cozy sleep and leisure bras – can be purchased directly on LeadingLady.com.

Leading Lady is proud to celebrate “Leading Ladies” everywhere through its products, programs and philanthropic activities. Leading Lady is dedicated to arming new moms with the support – physically, intellectually and emotionally – they need to nurture their babies through breastfeeding and committed to supporting a variety of organizations and issues relevant to women across the country. Follow Leading Lady on Facebook,Twitterand Google+.
 
***I was not paid to post this. Nor was I given anything in exchange to post this.***

Friday, October 5, 2012

ChopSaver review - For People with Lips!

If you're like me, you need some kind of lip balm on a regular basis. Whether you play a wind or brass instrument, live in a hot climate (like Texas!) or even because of the medications you may be taking - your lips might get dry and sore. I always have to keep 2 on hand. One on my dresser for easy access inside and one in my bag that I carry when I go out. But I haven't found one that truly lasts long and keeps my lips really moisturized. I also don't like many of the flavors I've tried. Recently I contacted Chop Saver. They make a gluten-free, 100% all natural botanicals and organic lip balm. I thought, no way it can be all natural. Somewhere in there has to be one of those long worded chemicals that no one can pronounce. But I was pleasantly wrong!

So why am I now in love with Chop Saver?
1. All natural ingredients means its healthier for me. Less chance of "catching cancer" and all that jazz.
2. I love citrus tastes and smells. Since Chop Saver uses citrus oils and extracts, you can smell and taste it as soon as you put it on.
3. Long lasting! Even my husband tried it and could still taste some lingering the next day. My lips feel moist much longer than they ever did using name brand lip balms.
4. Made in the USA!! I'm a proud American who loves a homegrown product.
A little background info about Chop Saver:
It was originally invented by a musician. Trumpet player to be exact - Dan Gosling relies on his lips for a living. So they need to stay moist and comfortable as he plays. He began experimenting in his kitchen with herbs and extracts. From his search for the perfect lip balm came ChopSaver. There are two kinds: Original and Gold. Original is for everyday use while Gold has SPF 15 for outdoor use.

This is also great for patients taking Isotretinoin which is used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne (a certain type of severe acne).
Or even for people who suffer from Cheilitis (a medical condition involving inflammation of the lip).


You can request a free sample to see for yourself how wonderful it is by contacting ChopSaver in the following ways:

Dan Gosling -

Call 877-346-0951 ext. 300

Email dan@chopsaver.com

 

Rhea Newman -

Call 877-346-0951 ext. 301

Email rhea@chopsaver.com

 

Check them out at  www.ChopSaver.com
And on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/chopsaver?fref=ts
***I was not paid to say anything about this product. I was sent these items free in exchange for my honest opinions in the form of a review.***

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

The Original Savory Saltine Seasoning Review

Here's an interesting snack idea that I was given the chance to try out... Savory Saltine Seasoning. I'm big on having snacks around the home. I don't always get to sit and eat a meal uninterrupted. But I don't like eating the same things over and over again. I like having a variety of things. Plain crackers are not very appealing to me. Particularly when that's what I ate a lot of during the bouts with morning sickness in my pregnancy. So this seasoning was very intriguing for me. These are also great to bring to parties when you need a snack food idea.
Inside my package from them came this kit: a 2 gallon zip top bag, the Seasoning, and the instruction card.
It comes with enough to make a full box of Saltines or you can make just one pack. The instructions are easy to follow and understand. You do need to give yourself at least 4 hours to let them set. The instructions say for better results to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or pop them in the freezer.
I chose to leave them overnight. I mixed them with the seasoning and oil as directed and refrigerated them in the bag. 
The next morning, I pulled them out and set them on a plate to dry and get to room temperature. My boys immediately wanted to try them. My oldest (3 years old) told me they were hot (meant spicy). But my younger son (2 years old) kept coming back for more. I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. They are indeed savory with a tangy-ness to them. I told myself I'd only eat a few, but I couldn't stop! They make an ordinary cracker extraordinary. But it's not limited to crackers. "The seasoning is so flavorful that it is not limited to making the ultimate cracker. Other uses for Savory Saltine Seasoning include spicing up fajitas, coating chicken or pork, adding to ground hamburger or turkey and dips for chips, crumbling on casseroles, salads and baked potatoes, plus much more. It puts the “yummy” in all your dishes."
And one thing I really like about this... Made in Navasota, Texas!
As their phrase goes: "Savor the Flavor!"
If you'd like to know more about this Seasoning and how to get some for yourself - just check them out on any of the following ways!
Twitter: @SavoryFineFoods
Facebook: Savory Saltine Seasoning
Search "Savory Saltines" on YouTube  (http://youtu.be/YJhzl40qq4A)
Email  info@savoryfinefoods.com
Call:  936.825.1500
Or go to their website:  www.savoryfinefoods.com

***I was not paid or comensated to write anything. I was given this product free for the purpose of review only. Anything said is completely my opinions.***