Category Archives: Review

July 10, 2016 · 1:40 pm

A Healthier Way To Slow-Cook Your Food!

Did you know that many slow cookers and crock pots leach lead into food when heated up? Lead can cause many detrimental health issues. There are safer ways to slow cook your food. The VitaClay is the Smart Top Rated Clay Pot Cooker. This cooker has computerized, electronic technology that makes it easy to use. It works with hundreds of recipes and best of all it is a healthy way to cook.

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The secret is in the centuries old, slow-cooking, organic clay pot, combined with the perfect computerized balance of temperature, fused to bring out the textures and flavors that will please the health conscious first timer or pro.

The clay pot is non-stick and chemical free. This cooker is perfect for everyone whether you are vegan, vegetarian, health-conscious or just like great food and awesome kitchen appliances.

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We recently tested out the  HIGH-FIRED VITACLAY® SMART ORGANIC MULTICOOKER -in the largest, 8 cup size with a 4.2 qt. capacity. This multicooker also is a Slow Cooker, Steamer, Rice Cooker and Yogurt Maker.

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The VitaClay was designed for the passionate, healthy cook. The award-winning VitaClay®Chef Gourmet Rice and Slow Cooker Pro is now updated to a Smart Organic Multicooker! The cooker features a natural, unglazed, Zisha clay pot that enhances the flavor of food and preserves nutrients, vitamins and enzymes.

The clay pot is free of any non-stick glazes, chemicals or aluminum. To season the pot all you have to do is make rice! That’s right you cook white rice in it for about 2.5 hours and your pot is seasoned. That is very easy to do! The multicooker is programmable and has settings to let you cook stews, soups, all kinds of rice, pot roast and other meats, beans, vegetarian dishes, and even probiotic-rich yogurt.

The all-natural clay pot promotes uniform cooking and the double lid design creates micro-pressure that gives you the most tender meats and flavorful food you can imagine. It also cooks in less time and with less energy! A whole meal can be made in this in as little as 30 minutes!

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After seasoning our pot, I decided to try a chicken recipe in it. I initially thought I was going to make Chicken Cacciatore but I ended up with a slight variation which was a delicious chicken and vegetable dish served over angel hair pasta. The chicken when it was done was so moist and shredded so beautifully. All of the vegetables and colors were delicious and vibrant.

It was simple to make, I just cut up onions, carrots, bell pepper and celery and put in the bottom of the pot. I added some sliced mushrooms and then seasoned with some pepper and garlic powder. I put the skinless, boneless chicken breasts on top of that and then added tomato sauce and Italian style stewed tomatoes. After that I took fresh Italian parsley, basil and oregano from my garden and added that.

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We cooked it for about 2.5 hours and it was just so delicious and perfect for summer because we literally turned it on and left to go swimming at our dock. When we came back after swimming and were famished, everything was ready! I love how it keeps food warm for up to 12 hours without drying it out or overcooking it. That is so nice when you have a large family where everyone may not be eating at the same time. It is also great for those second or third helpings an hour or so later!

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The multicooker came with a nice recipe book and there are more recipes on their website. However you can basically cook all your tried and true slow cooker recipes in it. It has a nice design and does not take up too much room on the counter. It is easy to care for and is something we are going to be cooking in a lot. I will update as I try new things in it.

Enter The Giveaway:

Would you like the chance to win the same multicooker I reviewed? I thought you would, just enter below and good luck!!!

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FEATURES

  • All natural unglazed pure clay pot intensifies flavors of your favorite dishes
  • No aluminum, lead and non-stick chemical coating contacting your food!
  • Up to 4 times faster than conventional slow cooker
  • Easy whole meals are ready in under 45 minutes
  • Food is simmered in its own juices
  • Preserves natural juices, important nutrients, enzymes and vitamins
  • Makes probiotic rich Greek yogurt or yogurt or yogurt cheese
  • 10 minutes up to 5 hours programmable cooking time with 10 minutes increment!
  • Delay timer and automatic Keep Warm
  • Push-button controls and an easy-to-read LCD display / Clock eliminate guesswork
  • Rice paddle & measuring cup included
  • UL listed, FDA, CA Prop 65 and RoHS laboratory tested

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VitaClay is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win an 8 Cup VITACLAY® SMART ORGANIC MULTICOOKER !  Thank you to VitaClay for the review product and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

VITACLAY® SMART ORGANIC 8 CUP MULTICOOKER Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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July 8, 2016 · 12:08 am

How To Live The Life You Never Expected- #lifeweneverexpected #FlyBy #Giveaway

As we go through life, I have found that many things we worry or have anxiety about never happen. Then sometimes in life something totally unexpected, the curve ball hits us, and knocks us for a loop. It was that way when my teenage son was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

It was completely unexpected and certainly not anything the surgeon who removed his enlarged lymph node even felt was a remote possibility. When she called that morning it was obvious she was as shocked with the pathology report as I was. Thankfully my son is a survivor and his cancer was caught so early that it did not show on the Cat Scan or tests he had prior to the removal of the lymph node. I was very aware after his diagnosis how life can turn on a dime at any instant.

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Andrew and Rachel Wilson were hit with something unexpected that turned their lives upside down when both of their children were diagnosed with regressive autism. It was not something they thought was in the realm of possibilities either when they started a family.

This book takes a very honest look at what it is like for them raising two special needs children. The highs and lows, coping with all kinds of suffering, their personal stories and the encouragement that keeps them going that is rooted in the truth of God’s word.  Andrew and Rachel focus on lessons they learned when fighting for joy and thriving in the midst of trials. They focus on how Christ, the One who promises to make all things new has been such a support to them on this journey.

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The authors tell it like it is, this book is raw and very helpful in showing the very real side of raising children with challenges. Even if you do not have a special needs child, this book is powerful in helping you to understand the trials and suffering your family members or friends may be facing with their child. It can help you be a support to them and lend them compassion and comfort in weak times. I think everyone can benefit from reading this book.

You can find this book is available on Amazon. For a chance to win a copy, just enter the giveaway below.

Giveaway:

One lucky blog reader will win a copy of  The Life We Never Expected.  Giveaway Open to US residents. Cannot win on more than one blog giveaway. All winners subject to approval by the sponsor.  Good Luck!!!

The Life We Never Expected Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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July 3, 2016 · 2:18 am

“Would A Worm Go On A Walk?” #Giveaway

We are a family of book lovers and reading aloud to me kids is a very special time that we all treasure. Worm on a Walk by Hannah C. Hall is a creative and funny picture book that all animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God.

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Would a worm go on a walk, if you could lead him down the street?

Would he wear his tiny tennies, if he had four worm-sized feet?

Would a worm go on a walk?

No.

No matter how he tries, worms weren’t made for walking and they don’t like exercise.

The whimsical illustrations and fun text make it easy to teach young children that God created all creatures and children too with wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Our kids loved this book and I can tell it will be a favorite. What I like best is it lets them feel that everyone is loved and special, even a worm.
About the author:
Hannah C. Hall is the author of best-selling children’s books, including God Bless You and Good Night and God Bless Our Christmas, as well as an award-winning blog, HannahCHall.com. Hannah lives in Prairie Grove, AK with her husband, Josh, a worship pastor, and their four children.

Would you like a chance to win a copy of this great book? I thought you would. Just enter below.

Giveaway:

Worm On A Walk Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!  Open to US and Canada residents. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

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July 2, 2016 · 8:26 pm

Great Ways to Entertain Your Creative Child. #Giveaway

Coloring books are in like never before which is why I am so excited to share these coloring books with you. They are very different because they have a very creative aspect that is perfect to give kids something different to really let them get their creative juices flowing.

Fill Me In by Moose Allain  is an original fill-me-in journal from the World of Moose, packed with ideas and complex illustrations to spark the creative imagination. Playful drawings and simple prompts invite creators of all ages to not only color but to sketch, imagine, and finish his dense line drawings. Complete your own city, fill it with people, write a comic, and more. The ultimate rainy-day book, sure to keep budding artists busy for hours!

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The next 2 are both from Rebecca Jones and they are just beautiful.

The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Flowers and Butterflies and The Coloring Book of Cards and Envelopes: Nature let kids get creative with these amazingly innovative coloring books, full of beautifully designed cards and envelopes to tear out and color.

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coloring book Nature
Each book features twenty four designs that are perfect for all ages to decorate and send to family and friends. Take inspiration from real life, or get experimental – try unusual colors and different materials to make each card truly unique! With enough blank space inside for a message, envelopes to customize and cute stickers to seal your card – this is the complete creative package!

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Coloring book nature cards

Want to see more? Check out our video review below:

 

Would you like to win all 3 coloring books? I thought you would. Then scroll on down to our giveaway below and good luck!

Giveaway:

Candlewick Press is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win al three of these coloring books. Thank you to Candlewick Press for the review books and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Coloring Book Creative Bundle Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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July 1, 2016 · 12:47 pm

Find Freedom From Shame-#Un-Ashamed #FlyBy #Giveaway

Nearly all of us go through life feeling shame from something that has happened in our past. It can be the underlying factor of many issues that affect our body image, self-confidence, self-worth and more. Many times we think we are alone in what we feel, the truth is, we are in good company. Realizing that we don’t need to struggle with this and that we can heal the brokenness within us and start living a life filled with freedom from shame is empowering!

Heather Davis Nelson’s book, Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame, shows us how to direct our attention to God who promises to forgive and restore us no matter what. Her book shines the life-giving light of the gospel on those dark feelings of rejection and worthlessness.

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The introduction, Shame:Everyone Has It, is a great start in showing us we are not alone with feelings of shame. The author recounts her fear of public speaking and traces it back to her eight grade graduation where she froze on stage before all of her classmates, their families and faculty. That fear of being publicly embarrassed any time she finds herself in front of a podium with her weakness revealed to the audience is one way that shame manifested its way in her life.

Shame is like a chameleon and easily blends into the surrounding environment so it is hard to see. Shame masquerades as embarrassment or the feeling that you are not quite good enough. It can rear its ugly head when you are about to embark on something new and if unchecked can hold you back and create a nonpenetrable barrier between yourself and others. Many may not even realize it is shame they are suffering from as it gets mislabeled as guilt.

As the author gives examples of how guilt differs from shame and illustrates for us how shame can affect relationships through snippets of life scenarios, it helps us to recognize it in our own lives. I thought it profound that the antidote to shame is empathy and vulnerability. When the author explained how relationships of all types are transformed when we put into practice empathetic responses and vulnerable sharing it was clear to see how that can end the cycle of conflict. It does take more than just empathy and vulnerability because in this world of broken people, there is a chance we can face deeper rejection when being vulnerable which reinforces those shame messages.

It is then, when all seems dark and hopeless that we need to remember a person who left his perfect relationship of impeccable empathy and total vulnerability. He left his perfect place, one where guilt and shame did not exist because sin was absent. It came then that this person who knew the depths of darkness in the human heart entrusted himself to us as a baby, one who was so vulnerable and would not survive without human care. He who was never betrayed would be betrayed by his closest friends. He who knew no sin, would become sin for us.

Isaiah describes Jesus with no greater empathy: “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isa. 53:4). It is through this relationship with our grief-laden savior that our shame will begin to dissipate. Through Christ’s vulnerability we learn to entrust ourselves to fellow broken people. His empathy lets us know we are never alone, though humans may betray and disappoint us.

Through Christ we are clothed with honor not shame. We become part of a community that we will always belong and given a kingdom that cannot be taken away. Walking by faith will transform our relationships, parenting, our churches, our marriages and our work. Shame lingers as long as we await the life to come but it will become quieter when we remember its hold is limited and fleeting.

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This book covers body shame, social shame, performance shame, shame in marriage, shame in parenting, shame in the church and response to shame in the chapters as well as exchanging shame for beauty and a shame-free destiny. I think that everyone can benefit from this book because we all have shame and realizing we are not alone and that shame’s hold on our lives is fleeting is very powerful. Through the chapters I could identify with ways that shame was holding me back and start to work on ways to loosen the hold it had on my life and break free.

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About the author:

Heather Davis Nelson (MA, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a writer, counselor, and speaker. Heather writes regularly at HeatherDavisNelson.com and has been a featured writer at the Gospel Coalition, as well as a contributing author to the Journal of Biblical Counseling. She and her husband are parents to twin daughters and live in southeastern Virginia.

Giveaway:

One lucky blog reader will win a copy of  Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame.  Giveaway Open to US residents. Cannot win on more than one blog giveaway. All winners subject to approval by the sponsor.  Good Luck!!!

Unashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame, Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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June 23, 2016 · 3:22 pm

Top Sports Essentials For Your Little Athlete

With 5 kids who all play sports and a husband who is a world champion power lifter, it goes without saying we are an active family. We love that our kids are not couch potatoes. They literally spend every waking moment in some type of action. Our sons Ethan and Luke are finishing the baseball season and living on a lake we are always swimming during the summer as well as biking and hiking. My oldest is training for the New York Marathon!

As we wind down baseball season I thought I would talk about some essential things to help kids get the most they can out of the sport and also be safe.

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Top Little League Baseball Essentials:

Glove- A good baseball glove is essential. I know as the mom of 3 left-handed kids how hard it can be to find mitts for them. Start early in the season when you are buying one or you might be running everywhere trying to find one. Take your child with you and let them try it on. You never want to buy a glove that is too big. If the glove is too big it will make trying to catch balls awkward and will discourage them. The glove should fit snug without feeling tight. Remember too, gloves will loosen up naturally so size it carefully.

Batting gloves are also nice to have and help your child with gripping the bat. Again choose batting gloves that are sized correctly and are made well.

Batting Helmet- We buy our own batting helmets for our kids because we don’t like kids sharing helmets. First off by buying our own we know our kids have helmets that fit them properly and are offering them the best protection. Second sharing hats or helmets could put your child at risk in contracting head lice, no one wants that. Make sure the batting helmet meets the industry standards and is accepted by your child’s league.

Bat- Choose a bat that fits your child, nothing is worse than having your child get up to bat and hastily choosing a bat that is too big, too heavy or uncomfortable and trying to make the best of it. Your child will not do well and get discouraged. They should also be practicing between games with the bat so they are confident when they are up at the plate.

Take your child with you and choose a bat that is correct for their age and height. This list of the best baseball bats can help in your decision making process. Some kids like heavier bats and some lighter, if you let your child try a few, they can see which they prefer.

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Baseball Cleats-It goes without saying that proper footwear is necessary to play any sport but with baseball you want cleats that fit well and will increase their performance and traction during the game and during drills at practice.

There are many other things you can get like a bat bag, special eye wear, jock straps, baseball socks and so much more! However, I think one of the most important things and one not to be overlooked is something to keep your child hydrated. A good sports drink is absolutely essential! As a mom I don’t like giving my kids sports drinks that are full of sugar, artificial flavors and colors. I want a healthier sports drink for my kids. I found it in BODYARMOR, the #1 Natural Sports Drink!

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BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink with potassium-packed electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins and contains natural flavors, natural sweeteners and no artificial colors, unlike traditional sports drinks.

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Many of the top professional athletes have chosen BODYARMOR over all other sports drinks, including Andrew Luck, Richard Sherman, Mike Trout and James Harden. BODYARMOR is a  GREAT choice for young athletes who don’t need all the extra sodium in their diets or the artificial ingredients that come from drinking other sports drinks on the market.

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BODYARMOR Is Available in 8 Delicious Flavors:

Fruit Punch

Orange Mango

Strawberry Banana

Tropical Punch

Lemon Lime

Mixed Berry

Grape

Blackout Berry

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BODYARMOR is available at Stop & Shop, Target, 7-Eleven and WaWa among others. You can visit the BODYARMOR website to learn more and stay in the loop with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  If you think you would like to give BODYARMOR a try, I have good news! Now you can save when you try it with this downloadable coupon. Click HERE to get your coupon. Please let me know if the comments what you think after you try it.

This post was sponsored by BODYARMOR. As always my words and opinions are my own.

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June 22, 2016 · 2:42 pm

Save During Lemonade Days at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom

Here in New York, the last day of school is tomorrow. If you are thinking about fun family trips to take with your kids, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown, PA is a great choice! Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom has been bringing thrills and fun to visitors for 132 years. If you like roller coasters the historic ThunderHawk that originally opened as “The Coaster” back in 1924 has been refurbished for the 2016 season. The ThunderHawk has all new trains and is totally repainted to resemble the original design. The outline of the classic wooden roller coaster is outlined in bright, white lights to remind riders of timeless American wooden roller coasters of days past.

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Don’t despair if you are not a thrill rider because Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom truly has something for everyone. Whether you come for water slides to seek relief from the summer heat, love the thrill rides, want to try your hand at games of chance or skill,  live events, Dinosaurs Alive or kid’s rides and fun in Planet Snoopy, you will find it!

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Our family just spent Father’s Day there and we had a blast!  If you have little ones, KidsFest is taking place in Planet Snoopy on Saturdays and Sundays from June 17- 26 from 11 am- 5 pm. There are lots of fun activities like craft stations, science demonstrations, a petting zoo and special character opportunities. Our kids loved the trivia contest where they each got a Dorney Park mini fan after answering some fun questions about the Peanuts Gang and Dorney Park. Schroeder also had a sing-a-long and Lucy, Charlie Brown and Linus were there donned in their camp attire! There are plenty of character photo opts too!

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Planet Snoopy is full of fun rides like the Kite Eating Tree, Snoopy’s Moon Bounce, Peanuts Road Rally, Woodstock’s Express and much more! Woodstock’s Express is a runaway train kid’s coaster that our kids just loved!

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This June Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom wants everyone to feel like a kid so everyone pays the kids price for tickets and a portion of online ticket sales goes to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the fight against childhood cancer. Now you can spend the day riding heart-racing coasters and waterslides, knowing there’s a heartwarming cause behind all the fun.

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If you do take a trip to Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom by June 30th, share your photos online with the hashtag #OneDorneySmileAtATime and Dorney Park will donate $1 to help make an impact on those children battling who are battling cancer.  Now that is a great reason to capture and share those smiles!

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You can learn all about the events going on at Dorney Park HERE! Keep up with Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments. If you do go to Dorney Park, let me know how you liked it in the comments too!

 

 

This post is sponsored by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in conjunction with Blog Meets Brand, and I have been compensated for my participation. As always my words and opinions are my own.”

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June 20, 2016 · 12:37 pm

Restoring Gut Health With #NuCulture

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Let’s talk about health, after all, what is more important than good? Did you know that bacteria can hold the key to good health? You may think of bacteria as bad, germy or something to clean out of our body but there are good bacteria that help us. Probiotics are good bacteria and they are normally found in our gastrointestinal tract. They work to overpower the bad bacteria in our intestines and reduce infection and other disease. They also keep our immune system functioning at its best and help reduce inflammation. Probiotics help our intestinal lining to function at its optimal level to enhance our health and protect us from the effects of harmful bacteria.

nuculture good bad

When our balance of good and bad bacteria in our intestinal track gets out of wack all kinds of unpleasant conditions and symptoms can arise. Inflammatory bowel syndrome, cancer, heart disease and metabolic syndrome are just some of the diseases associated with intestinal imbalance. You might be surprised to know that there may also be a link to asthma, obesity and even certain allergic conditions.

More than 100 million Americans are suffering from digestive issues. Several factors can affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut. Overuse of antibiotics, eating processed foods, lack of sleep, aging, stress and even environmental factors like pollution can have negative effects and be detrimental to the good bacteria our bodies need. The good news is that we can help to restore balance with probiotics. When we have a healthy balance we can see big changes in our overall health. A balanced gut can help with issues like lactose intolerance, gas, bloating, constipation, bad breath, body odor, colitis, IBS and more!

So you might think it’s as simple as going to the store and grabbing a bottle of probiotics off the shelf but it’s not that simple. Not all probiotics are the same! Most probiotics available use strains that are not clinically studied, not patented, not stable, not formulated in doses that are clinically proven to be effective, and not even delivered alive. Most probiotics are nothing but a bottle of hype.

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AlternaScript wanted to change this, so, they teamed up with 3 of the industry’s powerhouses and developed NuCulture. NuCulture has 5 clinically studied live probiotic strains for digestive and gut health in 1 capsule. NuCulture contains 15 Billion CFU high-potency probiotics and helps promote good bacteria with PreforPro® Prebiotic.

15 Billion CFU High-Potency Probiotics:
  • DE111® Bacillus subtilis
  • Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07™
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM®
  • Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04™
  • Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37™
Benefits:
  •    Better Health
  •    Reduce bloating
  •    Support digestion
I have been a big proponent of taking probiotics for several years now. I understand that not all probiotics are created equal. Taking probiotics have helped me feel better and look better. I was excited to try NuCulture and I can say they are a great choice when choosing a US manufactured probiotic that is clinically studied and formulated with live probiotic strains. Some issues  I experienced before using probiotics were bloating and digestive issues after eating. NuCulture is effective in keeping these issues at bay. There is also a reduction in my cravings for sugar. If you would like to try NuCulture for yourself, there is a free 7 day trial including free shipping. To get your free trial click HERE! You can also stay in the loop with AlternaScript on Facebook.
Let me know if you try NuCulture and what you think in the comments.

 

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This post was made possible through iConnect and AlternaScript. I received compensation for my participation in this campaign. As always my words and opinions are 100% my own. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.Results may vary. Although this product helped me with the issues I mentioned, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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June 18, 2016 · 4:24 pm

Bacon Bouquet For Father’s Day #ChefsCutJerky

Father’s Day is tomorrow and my husband got an early present, a bacon bouquet! You probably think that sounds funny but he really did. He is not really into flowers, truth be told he does not know the difference between a flower and a weed most of the time. That has led to some huge problems when he decides to just weed my flower beds without telling me, but let’s not go there now.  Back to the bacon. My husband likes jerky so when I found out I could get him a Chef’s Cut Real Bacon Jerky bouquet it was a no-brainer. Chef’s cut handcrafted bacon jerky has real ingredients and is slow-smoked to crispy perfection. This man’s bouquet is perfect to celebrate the special Dad in your life.

chefs cut bouquet

The  Bacon Bouquet arrived in a bouquet box, and included 8 packages of bacon jerky in 3 different flavors: Siracha Style, Maple Style and Applewood Style. My main beef with bacon is the nitrates so when I found out Chef’s Cut Bacon Jerky was nitrate free…you really can have your bacon and eat it too! Beyond that my husband thought it was an awesome Father’s Day Gift! He said it was really tasty and he loved the varieties. It is also much healthier than you might think.

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The jerky is made with uncured bacon that is marinated in chef-crafted seasonings. Each piece is a thin, crispy piece of hog heaven because they smoke each piece slowly. Chef’s Cut has no MSG, no Nitrates and is Gluten Free. Bacon and Jerky Lovers of the world know that is something to rejoice about. If there can’t be bacon flowers, at least there can be bacon bouquets!

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You can see all Chef’s Cut products on their website and stay in the loop with them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

I received a bacon bouquet as a blogger working with Chef’s Cut and #SocialBttrflyCo. All my words and views are 100% my own as always.

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June 16, 2016 · 2:01 am

We Had A Howling Good Time At Great Wolf Lodge!

Great Wolf Lodge Collage

If you are looking for a fun filled family getaway, get ready to have a howling good time at Great Wolf Lodge. Located in the scenic Pocono Mountains of  Pennsylvania this resort features a never ending array of activities that will delight parents and kids alike.

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From the moment we checked in, we were greeted with smiling, helpful staff who went above and beyond in every way possible to make our stay perfect in every way. The kids were given Wolf Passes upon check in that were able to be redeemed for all kinds of things inside the resort as well as activities like the Ropes Challenge.

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GWL 5They had a nice surprise of goodies waiting in our room to welcome us. We appreciate the extra things they did to make us feel welcome.

The water park was very clean and had ample seating around the attractions. There were cabanas that could be rented as well. There is pool side wait staff if you want to order drinks. Unlike other water parks you can bring food and drinks into this water park.  That is very nice, especially if you have a family member with special dietary needs.

The Big Foot Pass was a favorite of my son Ethan as well as my husband. They navigated their way across a pool holding onto cargo nets above or braving it and not holding anything as they jump onto giant floating lily pads. A great way to build dexterity and strength while having fun! Videos for this will be on our YouTube Channel soon.

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We spent great family time in Crooked Creek swimming in single or double tubes as well as free swimming. There is a gentle current but don’t be fooled in thinking this is a calm lazy river! You are bound to get soaked by the overflowing buckets that seem to know just when to empty their water onto your head! It is all great fun, even when you get soaked!

Speaking of soaked, Fort Mackenzie is a water tree house with multiple levels of splash-crazy fun! Interactive water toys and kid activated splash features line the way to the Totem Tower Body Slides! Listen for the bell and then take cover if you can because that means the gigantic bucket on top is ready to tip and when it does…you are going to get drenched!

 

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 The Slap Tail Pond Wave Pool is fun for all. A beach like shallow entrance  leading up to a max depth of 5 feet allows you to walk out and play in the waves. The waves roll in and out giving you some calm water time before then next batch of waves comes rolling in.
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The under 52″ crowd can have great fun in Whooping Hollow, slides and basketball, splashing and swimming fun makes this a favorite hangout for little wolf cubs.
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Chinook Cove  Swim, laugh and splash all day with basketball and balancing play. Let your imagination run wild as you practice your hook shots, free throws and rebounds. Everybody loves water basketball, so you’re sure to go into overtime in this pool of family fun. Our kids spent the most time in this pool, they loved being allowed to jump in and playing basketball was the icing on the cake!GWL 62
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Dining At GWL

 

Our family enjoyed an awesome breakfast buffet with choices of  farm fresh eggs, apple wood smoked bacon, signature wolf waffles, organic yogurts, granolas, made-to-order omelettes, fresh fruits, berries and much more at The Loose Moose Family Kitchen. Seasonal family lunches roll out lighter fare, and dinners overflow with entrées inspired by world cuisine. Of course no vacation is complete without dessert and they have a simply splendiferous variety of desserts.

 

On the water park level there is the Hungry Like A Wolf   which is just what we were after staying  until closing at the Water Park. A large pizza and a bottle of ice tea hit the spot! Crowd pleasers like Brooklyn style, hand-stretched pizza, savory Italian and meatball Parmesan sandwiches, garlic cheese bread and freshly made salads fill the menu. You can call ahead and make make meal time a snap with easy pick-up.

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There is a Starbucks on the 2nd floor and for convenient poolside dining choose Grizzly Jack’s Bar & Grill or Buckets Incredible Cravables. Have a Sweet Tooth? Whether you want fudge, ice cream, cake, cupcakes or cookies, Bear Paw Sweets & Eats is the place!

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Bear Paw Sweets

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The staff in the stores and attractions are very friendly and helpful. Our kids loved redeeming their wolf pass in the Creation Station where they could choose to make their very own Great Wolf Lodge Character. There are lots of outfits and clothing choices for these critters that really makes creating their new friend super fun!  They were also able to activate a Clubhouse Crew game to play with their new friend and when they helped Sammy Squirrel find her nuts they were able to return to the  for a prize!

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We had a full-immersion 4-D thrill ride at the Howlywood XD Theater.  After choosing our movie we were taken to our seats to strap in for a multi-sensory adventure that we will never forget as we traveled along a haunted mine! The motion enhanced chair, glasses and special effects transported us to a totally different dimension.howlywood-1-img9463-800x533

Next we embarked on some dazzling mini golf at the Howl At The Moon Glow Golf indoor course. The kids had a blast putting and swinging along a nature-themed filled challenging course of black light illuminated fun!

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For fun with something bigger than a golf ball we headed off to Ten Paw Alley for some exciting bowling fun!

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Howlers Peak Ropes Course can elevate your family adventure to a whole new level. When you are ready to come down there is the Raccoon Lagoon Play Park to roast marshmallows or play a giant game of checkers.

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The Northern Lights Arcade lets you get your game on in a big way! This  gigantic arcade is filled with fun things to do for kids of all ages. All kinds of driving games, air hockey, basketball and much more provide some game fun for everyone! Our kids were able to redeem some of their tickets for adorable crock charms of the Great Wolf Lodge logo and characters.GWL 35

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Our kids were busy with something the entire stay and said it was the best water park resort they have ever been to! They wanted to know if people could live here  and before we left wanted to know when we could come back!

Have you been to Great Wolf Lodge? If you have or are planning a trip please let me know in the comments. If you have any questions, just leave them in the comments and I will answer to the best of my ability! Visit YouTube to see our video compilation of our experience HERE! More Videos will be posted soon. Also check out the videos and photos posted on Instagram.

Stay in the loop with Great Wolf Lodge on their website, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

 

 

Although we were provided with a media trip and sponsored perks my words and views are 100% my own.

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