Tag Archives: healthy

Free Healthy Habits Booklets From The Girl Scouts & Together Counts!!! #HealthyHabits

This post is sponsored by the Together Counts/Girl Scouts of USA as always my words and views are 100% my own.
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 #HealthyHabits

I was a girl scout starting as a Brownie  when I was a girl, my daughter was too and I was her Girl Scout Troop Leader. I have such fond memories of my time as a Girl Scout and my daughter does as well.  Earning badges was such a fun time and we had a blast while mastering life long skills that would serve us well no matter where life led us.  I was blessed to see it from both sides, as a scout and as a scout leader.  The relationships built during that time are still with me today and have enriched my life.  The Girl Scouts is a wonderful organization that goes above and beyond for Girls.

Did you know that  Together Counts and Girl Scouts of the USA Healthy Habits Journey  are partnering in the Together Counts Program.  The Together Counts Program is active  nationwide and provided by the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation to inspire active and healthy living via physical activity and nutrition, a fundamental underpinning of efforts to reduce obesity. The principle behind the program is called Energy Balance, which just means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we expend.

o   Energy In: the calories you get from eating and drinking.

o   Energy Out: the calories you burn from physical activities

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Healthy Habits Journey Program & Booklets

The Girl Scouts created three “healthy habits” booklets in conjunction with the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, These booklets can be a great resource  for volunteers to use in conjunction with their Journey Adult Guides. The free booklets help guide girls on their Journey as they learn to lead active, healthy lifestyles. Through the use of these free resources for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, Girl Scout volunteers and families can guide girls in fun, easy ways to achieve “energy balance.”

The three Healthy Habits Journey booklets available for download include:

o    Between Earth and Sky with Healthy Habits 

o    WOW! Wonders of Water with Healthy Habits

o    Get Moving! with Healthy Habits

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I really think it’s wonderful that the Girl Scouts involvement with The Healthy Habits Journey Program & Booklets will go far in helping girls learn early on the importance of staying healthy, fit, exercising and eating well.  With the technology we have today it’s all too common to see kids and their families plugged in and leading a couch potato lifestyle.  I think these booklets will have a big impact in getting the girls and their families to take a closer look at their energy balance and doing active and fun activities together.  You can download all three booklets HERE.

Come To The Twitter Party To Learn More About

If you want to learn more about the Girl Scouts Journeys Healthy Habits booklets and how you can encourage healthy, active lifestyles, plus have a chance to win a $50 VISA Gift Card, attend the Healthy Habits Twitter Party on September 9th from 9-10 pm est.  Log onto your Twitter account and follow the hashtags #HealthyHabits and #GNO. Hope to see you there!

For the latest information and to connect on social media with the Girl Scouts and Together Counts you can connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and their website and blog links below:

  • Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital Facebook Page
  • Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital on Twitter
  • Together Counts Website
  • Together Counts on Twitter
  • Together Counts Blog
  • Together Counts Pinterest


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Schwan’s Can Help You Prepare Healthy Dinners As The Kids Head Back-To-School!!!

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Summer is such a great time and we just seem to have more freedom, the kids are out of school, we abandon much of the rigid scheduling that’s a huge part of our lives during the school year.  When kids start back to school it’s a big adjustment.  Not only is your child in a new grade, new class, with a new teacher but it’s a transition back into a fixed routine.  We have to be more conscious of time and kids need to eat well to stay focused, alert and healthy.  Schwan’s can help you prepare healthy meals for your family that don’t take all day to prepare.

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For over 60 years, Schwan’s Home Service has provided superior frozen foods with convenient home delivery. Their foods are flash frozen at the peak of freshness and flavor. Customers can choose from USDA Choice meats, wild-caught seafood, flavorful skillet meals, Grade A fruits and vegetables, plus their heritage ice cream, distinctive desserts and much more.

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Schwan’s offers delicious foods to satisfy everyone, including family members with special dietary needs including:

– No gluten ingredients
– Vegetarian
– No sugar added
– Heart healthy
– Low calorie
– Low sodium choices

Schwan’s has weekly specials, coupons, online hot deals and new customer special offers. Join the Schwan’s Rewards program and earn 5% back on every online purchase, to be used on a future order.

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100% Guarantee! Love It or Return It! If you’re unsatisfied one of their products – for any reason – they will gladly replace it or provide a refund.

Mommy Ramblings’ Readers Save $ On Your First Order at Schwans Home Service! – $5 off $25 Order – Coupon Code: JULIEN2
$10 off $50 Order – Coupon Code: JULIEN2
$15 off $75 Order – Coupon Code: JULIEN15
Click HERE To SAVE!!!

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Natural Handmade Soap 20% Discount From The Mohawk Valley Trading Company!!!

The Mohawk Valley Trading Company is offering a 20% discount off all of their Handmade Soap from 07/5/14 through 07/19/14 with the Discount Code “Mommy Ramblings Handmade Soap 20% Discount”.

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Handmade Soap and Natural Skin Care Products from the Mohawk Valley Trading Company are made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals, synthetic or artificial fragrances, dyes, detergents, preservatives or any other toxic or harmful surfactants, degreasers, plasticizers, reproductive toxins, pesticides, carcinogens, industrial chemicals or hormone disruptors.

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Instead, they are made with:

Goat’s milk, shea butter, natural plant oils including; olive oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, palm oil, castor bean oil, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil and other botanical sources such as fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs and nuts.

• 100% natural plant-based essential oils distilled or pressed from fresh citrus peels, flower petals, spices, tea tree leaves, herbs and other naturally fragrant botanical materials.

• Beeswax, propolis and raw honey.

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In addition, using the same coupon code, you can also receive a 15% discount on all Mohawk Valley Trading Company 100% Pure Beeswax Candles, Maple Syrup and Honey .

For more information please visit: http://www.tenonanatche.com/handmade-soaps-natural-organic.htm


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Yonanas, Healthy Dessert Maker Review & Giveaway

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With the unofficial start of Summer at the end of this month, cool, refreshing treats are so timely.  However, while ice cream on a hot day may be delicious, it can pack on the pounds if you’re not careful.  There’s a great way to cater to your ice cream craving with a healthy alternative.

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Yonanas, healthy dessert maker takes frozen bananas and other kinds of frozen fruit and turns it into a soft serve style dessert.  You simply freeze bananas without the skin along with frozen fruit you can buy like mixed berries, mango, pineapple etc.  Let the fruit thaw for about 15 minutes at room temperature and then run it through the Yonanas machine.

I was impressed with how easy it was to make a yummy, healthy treat with the consistency of ice cream.  It tasted like a fruity sorbet.  You can add chocolate or top with sprinkles or other toppings if desired.  For easy cleanup the components are dishwasher safe!

 

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Yonanas is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own Yonanas machine.  Thank you Yonanas for the review machine and for sponsoring this sweet giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Yonanas Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Video Review of Caramel MATCHAccino Green Tea Latte/Frappe From RedLeafTea.com

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Enjoy this video review of MATCHAccino Green Tea Latte/Frappe from RedLeafTea.com

 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


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Vacu Vin Carafe and Citrus Press Review and Giveaway!!!

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We all know how good water is for us and if you are looking for an easy way to add  natural flavors to water, the Vacu Vin Carafe and Citrus Press is what you need.  Not only is it aesthetically pleasing  but it is so functional as well.  Just fill the carafe with ice-cold water and add fresh herbs like mint or parsley if you like and then use the handy press to squeeze the juice from lemons, limes or oranges.  Keep the carafe in the refrigerator for refreshing flavored water to quench your thirst.  The carafe is unbreakable and dishwasher safe so care is a breeze!  Below you can enter to win a Vacu Vin Carfe and Citrus Press and also check out our review and giveaway for a Vacu Vin Instant Marinater and the review on the Vacu Vin Pineapple Slicer.
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The Carafe & Citrus Press has three components, each with a unique functionality. The beautifully shaped plastic carafe is unbreakable and will not crack when he falls. On top of the carafe, the bowl of the Citrus Press can be firmly attached. If the carafe is filled with water with mint leaves, lemon wedges or ice cubs, the filter in the bowl will hold them back when you pour the water. In order to squeeze a citrus fruit, cut them in half and place the fruit in the bowl. By turning the press into the fruit, the juice is released and runs through the bowl and into the carafe. The shell will remain on the press and can easily be thrown away. You can also use the separate press for squeezing a lemon over a salad or baked fish. The carafe and bowl can be closed off with the press making sure that flies or dust will not reach you lemonade.

  • Unbreakable carafe
  • Screw closure between bowl and carafe
  • Bowl works as a filter
  • Press can be used separately
  • Press can be used as a lid
  • Dishwasher safe
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Vacu Vin is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Vacu Vin Carafe and Citrus Press!  Thank you Vacu Vin for the review product and for  sponsoring this refreshing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.
Vacu Vin Carafe and Citrus Press Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Kind Healthy Grains Bars, Perfect For Superheroes & Everyone Else! #kindawesome

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

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With the launch of Kind Healthy Grains Bars, I was asked to recognize my own personal super hero.  That’s easy for me, my real super hero is my son Michael who fought and won the battle against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  He had surgery and went through PET scans, CAT scans, and nearly 3 weeks of radiation treatment without complaining and was an inspiration to all around him including the doctors, nurses and other patients.

That was quite an ordeal, but you would never know if judging from his sense of humor, great attitude and champion spirit.  It’s hard being a teenager but to add a cancer diagnosis to what should be carefree, fun years really ups the ante.  Just like a superhero that saves the day and pummels the bad guy, Michael did just that and beat Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with a TKO punch!  For my son and all the other superheroes who have fought a fight they never wanted  to be in, know that you are stronger than steel and braver than any man in tights could hope to be.

For superheroes and everyone else, Kind has healthy grain bars that pack a punch of taste and goodness.  Each bar contains 18-22 grams of whole grains sourced from a blend of 100% unique whole grains including amaranth, quinoa, gluten-free oats, millet and buckwheat making them the perfect snack for any super hero’s healthy lifestyle.  Great to pack in a lunch box, keep in your purse or take with you for a nutrition packed snack during hiking, walking or other activities.  Flavors of the new bars are Dark Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, Vanilla Blueberry, Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt and Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut.

Kind Bars

 #kindawesome

I recently had the chance to try these and they were perfect for that healthy snack when you did not want to eat something bad but needed a boost.  Satisfying and delicious, so much that even my little ones liked them.  A great alternative to that time when you want to run to the vending machine at work for something you will regret after.  Try them today and get your snack on!  You can also follow Kind on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

 


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Gorton’s Grilled Seafood Review and Prize Pack Giveaway!!!

gortons Logo

Many people started the new year with resolutions and popular resolutions were to eat healthier, lose weight and get regular exercise.  If you made resolutions to eat healthier you might want to head to Gortons.com where you can download a coupon and explore their products and recipes.  Gortons has a nice selection of grilled fish and it can help you prepare low-calorie, healthy meals for yourself and your family with ease.

I recently was provided with coupons to pick up several packages of Gorton’s delicious seafood products as well as 2 large oven mitts, a spatula and recipe cards.  Tonight I took out the grilled Tilapia and made a Tilapia Scampi and served it over rice pilaf and with steamed vegetables.  It was absolutely delicious, the fish cooked beautifully and was tender and flaky.  My little ones loved it which speaks volumes because they are very picky eaters.  I could not have asked for an easier to prepare healthy and satisfying dinner for my family.  I cannot wait to try the other varieties I bought!

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Some more exciting news is that you can participate in Gorton’s Real Fabulous Sweepstakes where you can enter daily to win a $1000 Makeover Grand Prize and weekly prizes. You can also connect with Gorton’s on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Giveaway winner will win a prize pack like this from Gorton's!!!

Giveaway winner will win a prize pack like this from Gorton’s!!!

Gorton’s is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win two full-value product coupons, 1 pair of Gorton’s-branded oven mitts, a Gorton’s spatula and an assortment of Gorton’s recipe cards.  Thanks to Gorton’s for the review products and for sponsoring this tasty giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Gorton’s Grilled Seafood Prize Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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Nature’s Bakery Delicious, Whole Wheat Fig Bars Review & Giveaway!!!

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At the start of the new year everyone is wrapped up in making resolutions which are often about getting healthier, losing weight, getting organized, self-improvement and new careers.  Some of those resolutions are easier to keep than others. The following weeks will be filled with people either telling your their accomplishments or ranting about how their resolutions were broken before the first week of the new year ended.

If you’re looking to eat healthier, I have a delicious way to do that.  Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars are whole wheat fig bars with great fruit fillings that make it easy to eat healthy even on the run.  The fig bars were so handy to grab with my coffee in the morning as I was rushing about getting things done during the holidays.  They do not taste like sawdust the way some healthy “treats” do but are truly something to look forward to.  Soft and moist with fruity good centers they are handy to pop in your purse, diaper bag, kid’s lunch box or keep in your desk.   The bars come in flavors like Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Fig, Peach Apricot, Raspberry, Vanilla Fig and Vanilla Raspberry. Try some today!

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Fig Bar

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Nature’s Bakery is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own delicious Nature’s Bakery fig bars!  Thank you to Nature’s Bakery for the review bars and for sponsoring this tasty giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Nature’s Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bars Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules: 

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

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Vacu Vin, Stainless Pineapple Slicer with Wedger Review!!!

My family loves fresh pineapple but one thing I notice is that no one likes to cut it, and many times we buy them with the best of intentions but we end up leaving them out too long and they go bad.  I usually am the only one that cuts them up and I have a good system but it takes time and it’s  a hassle   I was looking at the various options on Amazon.com and found the Vacu Vin, Stainless Pineapple Slicer with Wedger for only $10.60.  It had good reviews so I placed my order and couldn’t wait for it to arrive.  I was even ready with 2 fresh pineapples.

As soon as the UPS truck delivered it, I washed it and went out on the deck with a pineapple and the slicer.  It was simple to use.  You just attach the handle, cut the top off the pineapple, align the slicer so the center is over the pineapple core.  Next, turn clockwise all the way until you hit the bottom of the pineapple and you can turn it counter-clockwise to bring it back up or just pull it like I did.  Then you detach the handle and if you want rings you would be set to just remove it and slice, if you want wedges just place the wedger over the pineapple and push down and you have perfect pineapple wedges.  The entire pineapple was devoured in minutes.

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Now, I am one of those crazy people that likes to eat the core of the pineapple, I always have even before knowing the health benefits in the core.  I could not believe how delicious this core was and I know it was not the slicer but seriously it was sweet and juicy and I ate half of it before I remembered to take the picture.  So many people throw the core away.  I urge you to put it in your smoothies if you can’t eat it plain because the core contains bromelain,  

Bromelain is an enzyme well-known for its ability to prevent and speed the healing of bruises. Some cosmetic surgeons even recommend this enzyme to reduce bruising after cosmetic procedures. Bromelain inhibits the formation of the blood clots that can block blood circulation.

Bromelain has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that counter a range of chronic diseases and infections. Bromelain has been used to reduce inflammation in arthritis, sinusitis, inflammatory bowel disease, sports injuries, trauma, burns, prostatitis, and swelling after surgery. This enzyme may aid in reducing the effects of toxic organisms in your intestines as well as help antibiotics to work more effectively when you need to take them.

Bromelain works to destroy cancer cells. In fact, bromelain is already used by some clinicians as part of the chemotherapy process. A 2011 study in the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Carcinogenesis found that bromelain was effective in suppressing the growth of two kinds of human cancer cells, including melanoma cells. A 2010 study in the journal BioFactors showed that bromelain delayed growth and eventually induced the death of human breast cancer cell.

Pineapple is brimming with nutrients in addition to bromelin.  This whole food is dense with fiber, vitamin C, and phytochemicals, beneficial nutrients found only in plants. These antioxidants fight the free radicals that can damage your cells and cause disease.

So if you are looking for an easy and fun way to quickly get this superfruit from the counter to your families stomachs, try the Vacu Vin, Stainless Pineapple Slicer with Wedger.  If you are looking for an even bigger bargain you can get the Vacu Vin Pineapple Slicer for only $5.85.

 


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