The Weekend is Here

Funny story last week I went strawberry picking with Andrew.  When the owner of the farm started passing out plastic clamshells, to put the freshly picked berries in, Andrew and his friend gave her the lowdown on why plastics were bad and let her know that plastic released nasty chemicals into our environment.  It seems that Andrew not only took in what Beth Terry and Danielle Richardet had to say 2 months ago when they were in town, but he is sharing the information with everyone he knows.

I wasn't the least bit embarrassed by his announcement, I was proud that he was sharing the information he had.

Our family has been slowly incorporating more plastic free options in our house.

For example I only buy tomato sauce that is in glass jars.  No more cans because the acid from the tomatoes can leach chemicals from the cans.  We don't buy food items, if we can help it, that are in plastic.  Case in point all our peanut butter now comes in glass.

The flipside having all of these glass jars has made getting bulk items at the grocery store easier AND I have been packing leftovers from lunch in them handily.  My son Owen actually had a plastic talk with one of his friends one day while he was heating up his lunch.

We are spreading the word!

Today I want to share a product that I was introduced to through Conscious Box and that is Bambooee.  These are towels are sustainably produced from organic bamboo.  They are soft in texture and can be washed over and over again.

The number of uses for them is endless.  You can clean up spills, wipe messy little faces, or wash up the windows.

What I think is pretty amazing is how clean they come in the wash.  My husband used one to soak some grease out of bacon.  Once washed the towel looked just like new.  He was super impressed and at that moment bought in to why I made the purchase.

Fun fact Bambooee gives back to the global good by planting a tree for each purchase.

To help proliferate the anti-paper towel movement I would like to give away a towel sample to 15 lucky winners.

I haven't been compensated by Bambooee in anyway to provide this review, I just did it because I really believe in their product.

To enter the giveaway please use the rafflecopter below.  The winner will be announced in Wednesday morning's post.

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So do you have any good plans this weekend?  I am taking my oldest, Owen, to his first political activist movement.  We are going to participate in the March Against Monsanto on Saturday.  This should be an interesting learning experience for him and will expose him to what regular citizens can do if they band together.

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Weekend Wrap Up

Well this weekend wrapped up No Impact Week here in Greensboro.

To commemorate the week I finished by reading No Impact Man by Colin Beavan.

A good book indeed and it gave more in-depth information than could obviously be included in the movie.

I do have to say, and I in no way receive any sort of compensation for doing so, that the book is well done and the real jewel of the book is the list of resources in the back.  You can get website information about how to volunteer with a local environmental group or how to find a clothing swap in your area.  There are also numerous book suggestions (many of which have gone on my list to pick up at my local library).

To further apply our no impact philosophy, and to do something useful with a plastic item, my son Andrew and I made a watering can from a large white vinegar bottle.

To make it was super simple.  He drilled (yes he got a little power tool exposure) one hole in the cap and then several holes in the bottom of the bottle.

To make it work

• Fill a bucket with water (preferably with water from your rain barrel).
• Push the bottle down in the water so that it can fill up (keep your thumb off the top hole)
• Put your thumb over the hole on the cap and lift from bucket

The water is trapped and you can just remove your thumb from the hole once you are at the flower bed.

I was really impressed with how easy this was and that it worked.

Once the recycling project was finished we were on to another project...chocolate making.

I am so very lucky to have a friend like Sharon, Bit of the Good Stuff.  She sent me this fantastic raw chocolate making kit.

I put my fear aside and got out the kitchen scale.

I put WAY to much thought into how hard this was going to be...because in the end it was SO easy.

It took all of about 10 minutes (and then another 90 while I waited for it to set up in the fridge).

My result...well take a look for yourself:

They are in a four leaf clover pattern for St. Patrick's Day

I put a goji berry on each one and waited.  I didn't want to get too fancy or stray from the original recipe as I wanted to make sure I got it just right.

My kids will tell you they love them, but are mad that I didn't let them eat more than one a piece.

They are indeed delicious and I highly recommend raw chocolate making to anyone who can do a little measuring.

Other than that that was about it for my weekend...OH well there was a little matter of Georges St Pierre retaining his welterweight title (in a fantastic fight against Nick Diaz).  

Yeah for GSP!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and are ready to kick off a fantastic Monday.

Remember today is the last day to enter my Plastic Free by Beth Terry giveaway (check it out here).

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Cool Stuff to Share

Plastics

Am I the only one or do you also think of The Graduate when you hear people talk about plastics?

This past Saturday I went to one of our local libraries and heard Beth Terry, author of Plastic Free, and Danielle Richardet, It Starts With Me, speak.

Beth spoke about how she has moved to creating almost no plastic trash (except for some of the unavoidables like prescription refill bottles) after reading the article "Our Oceans Are Turning to Plastic...Are We?"

She showed us the ugly, British trash exported to China:



But she also showed us the good, products that can make for more eco-friendly living:

Glass Dharma glass straws

Chico reusable bags that come with a pouch (so you can always keep one on you)

RePEat bamboo utensil set that you can keep in your purse

Danielle also read the same article on water pollution and became driven to bring down her plastic consumption.

She not only uses reusable bags at the store but she brings jars everywhere with her.  She has them for her bulk bin items at her local co-op but also for leftovers at restaurants.

I have never thought about bringing my own container to a restaurant.  But it is rather wasteful to bring home the one time use container when I could plan ahead and bring something with me.

Did you know you can bring your own jars to fill at the bulk bin section of grocery stores (places such as Whole Foods, local co-ops, and natural food stores)?  

After the talk I was overwhelmed with information.  Beth's advice was to just do what you can and don't try to tackle everything at once...because after all every little bit helps.

That was good advice.

Now I mentioned that Beth wrote a book, Plastic Free:

I would like to give you all an opportunity to win a signed copy of this book.

The giveaway will run through Monday March 18th and I will announce the winner on Tuesday the 19th.

To enter fill in the Rafflecopter below (I promise the winner's book will be shipped plastic free)

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Conscious Box GIVEAWAY

Today is a VERY chilly Monday  here in North Carolina, but I have just the thing to get your blood pumping....

A giveaway from Conscious Box.

This isn't just for one month either...it is a 3 month subscription (a $59 value).

Conscious Box now comes in three varieties:

Original
Vegan
Gluten Free

A box to fit any need!

There is something else exciting about this wonderful, ethical, sustainable, and green company they have launched a new website.

There you can create your profile, review products, manage your subscriptions, and even purchase some of the items that have been in your box.

You can earn points for your reviews of products, answering polls, getting a subscription, etc.  The points you earn can then be applied to your purchase, and lessen the total cost of an item.

Super Cool Yes?

I think so.

I have been a big supporter of Conscious Box and have loved working with them.

So would you like to win the 3 month subscription?

That is rhetorical I KNOW you want this.  So to enter please use the rafflecopter below and be sure to tell your friends (the more that know about this awesome giveaway the better).

The giveaway will run until midnight on Wednesday (March 6th).  I will announce the winner in Thursday's post.

If you would like to purchase a box at a discount use the promo code GOCONSCIOUS for 50% off.

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Happy Valentine's Day

Some people will do anything for love...this though might be crossing a few lines...OUCH!

                                                               Source: thecools.com via The Cools on Pinterest

Today people will take time out of their day today to let people know they love them.

                                                          Source: Uploaded by user via Ronnie on Pinterest

I've set up e-cards to be sent to my husband every hour, on the hour, while he is at work (he doesn't read my blog...so this reveal won't ruin the surprise of receiving harassing loving messages).

Seriously who wouldn't want to get messages like this:

For us we don't like the mushy cards, with tons of words, quick sarcastic banter is the way we roll.

I hope whatever you are doing today that you have fun and that it is filled with love.

Remember tomorrow I will announce the winner of my Wholesome Sweeteners gift basket...you still have a chance to win, just head to the post here.

Here is a fun little tidbit I learned on the radio today.  Apparently those who are good at whistling are also good kissers.  What do you think?

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Valentine's Day Treat

We all know that Valentine's Day is a mere two days away.

Have you thought about what you will be doing for your sweetie?

Maybe something kind of sexy?

I wanted to share with you a recipe from Wholesome Sweeteners that might be enjoyable on Valentine's Day:

I do want to say a quick word about what I think is special about Wholesome Sweeteners.  Their products are organic and Fair Trade (meaning farmers are paid a set premium for their crops).  By doing this local farmers can compete against factory farms...and who doesn't want to support the local farmer?  I think that deserves a little Valentine's Day love.

The love doesn't stop there Wholesome wants to give away to you, one of my lucky readers, the below gift basket:

That is a lot of DELICIOUS agave.

Would you like to know how you can win?  Enter through the Rafflecopter below.

The giveaway will be open through Valentine's Day.

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Happy Monday Giveaway

Today is Monday and in honor of it being the start of the work week I thought I would host a giveaway.

I know, super sweet of me and all :)

Really I am just trying to ensure that my name stays on the "Nice" list I would hate for Santa to bring me a lump of coal.

So far I think it is working!!!

Today I want to give you all an opportunity to win a December Conscious Box.

A perfect gift from me to you...or to a friend if you want this gifted to someone special.

So how do you win?

Simple fill in the Rafflecopter below.  I will announce the lucky winner on Thursday (December 13th).

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New Kid on the Block

No I don't mean these New Kids

As fantastic as the hair was for Donnie, Danny, Jordan, Jonathan, and Joey I am referring to a new yogurt on the block:

I was selected to participate in a tasting of their yogurt.  

Muller has teamed up with Quaker to bring their European delight to this side of the Atlantic.

I was sent:

Two FrutUp (peach passion and cherry)

Three containers of the Corner (Greek with almonds, blueberry, and crunchy granola)

As soon as the box arrived my wolfpack of children were too excited to be contained and each had to pick out one to try.

The frutup have fruit on top instead of the traditional "fruit on the bottom."  My daughter particularly liked this because she was able to eat all of the fruit and then add granola to the yogurt on the bottom.

My boys each chose a corner yogurt and had fun scooping over portions of the topping as needed.

The overwhelming response was YUMMY.  Followed by this expression from my 5 year old:

I think that means he really REALLY liked it.

What I think is the most useful about the corner yogurts is that you can control the amount of add ins.

Guess What!

 I get to share this yummy product with my readers.

I have 10 coupons for free yogurt to giveaway.  The only catch is that you have to be on the East Coast, currently that is where it is being sold.

So check out their website here, and see if there is a location near you.  If so leave me a comment and a way to get in touch with you so I can get you some coupons.

You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on the latest happenings.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday.

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Fish Cakes and a Winner

This weekend my husband was in the mood for something out of the norm, food wise.

I find we get stuck in ruts with food and the variety of food we eat gets a little stale.

Enter the Fish Cake!

These are very simple to make, much like the black bean cakes.

Ingredients:

.75 lb of Cod (wild caught not farm raised)
1 baking potato, peeled and diced
1/4-1/2 C panko bread crumbs
2 green onions finely chopped
1 clove of garlic diced
1 tbsp mayo
1 egg, beaten
2 tsp Old Bay
juice from 1/4 of a lemon

Simmer you cod for about 3 minutes in water (till the fish turns white).

Boil your potato until it is fork tender, then drain and set aside.

Put all of your ingredients in a bowl and mash with a fork.

If the mixture is too wet add more bread crumbs (hence why I put 1/4-1/2)

Patty out the cakes and fry in a skillet with some vegetable oil until golden brown (about 3 minutes on each side).

These came out wonderfully.  They were crispy and full of fish, not overwhelming with fillers.  The cod was mild in flavor and didn't have "fishy" smell or flavor about it.

We made 12 cakes that were about the size of the palm of my hand.  If you wanted you could make them smaller and they would make a perfect appetizer for a party. 

I have not forgotten about the my giveaway for Conscious Box that I put up on Friday.  I would like to announce the winner is Tonya!!!! 

Congratulations Tonya November's Conscious Box will be coming your way later this month.

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday.

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Trick or Treat (giveaway)

You  may have thought that Halloween was over

But guess what....

I have a treat for one of my lucky readers.

Today I am hosting a giveaway for the November Conscious Box.

You see it is their 1 year anniversary and to celebrate they are giving away boxes packed with all sorts of surprises (sorry they didn't tell what the goods would include).

However if I can say one thing it is the these boxes are always loaded with wonderful treats (both to eat and to use, i.e. soaps, hand sanitizers, face masks).

I know you would be completely psyched to have this arrive in your mailbox:

So are you ready to get you win on?

Just use the Rafflecopter below and I will announce the winner on Monday November 5th.

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Kashi Chocolate Squares giveaway

Today is giveaway #3!

First things first congratulations to Anna (Crunchy Creamy Sweet) for winning the Fiber One gift pack I post about on Monday.

Remember there is still time to win the Progresso Soup giveaway I posted yesterday (see here).

On to today's post Kashi Chocolate Squares.

As a member of Mom's Meet I was given the opportunity to sample these squares with my family.

What particularly intrigued me about the product when I was asked to sample it was that it contained the normal 7 whole grains that Kashi is famous for however the "hidden" ingredients were sweet potatoes, black beans, and agave for sweetener.

I was totally sold when black beans were thrown in the mix, I love them in brownies.

The texture of the squares is chewy and moist, but my kids were less than thrilled with flavor.

I think they were wanting something MORE chocolaty, like dessert, instead of a snack bar.

I think they have just the right amount of sweetness, and for other adults I think this is true.

However if you heat a bar up in the microwave and put a small scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream on top you indeed have one superb dessert/treat.

Guess what?

I have a giveaway from Kashi to share with you all.

What will you win?

Kashi lunch bag and 2 coupons for free Kashi products.

The coupons are good for these bars or for any of Kashi's other fabulous snacks or cereals.

How do you win? 

Fill out the rafflecopter below.

The winner will be announced Friday the 28th.

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I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet

SM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM 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.

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Progresso Soup Giveaway

Let the giveaway's continue!

Yesterday I posted a giveaway from Fiber One (there is still time to enter so head over here) with a very cool gift pack.

Today I have another "souper" cool gift pack to provide one of my fantastic readers.

How would you like to win this (I feel a bit like Bob Barker from the Price's Right here):

• water bottle
• insulated lunch bag
• soup mug (with attached spoon)
• 2 cans of Progresso light creamy soup

Each serving of soup is 100 calories (or 2 points from Weight Watchers).  A great way to keep up wholesome eating while the fall rolls in.

Progresso has 40 flavors of light soup.  Head over to their website and see which ones might soup suit you!

To enter the giveaway use the rafflecopter below.

The winner will be announced Thursday the 27th.

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Disclosure:  The coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Progresso^® through MyBlogSpark

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Yoplait Giveaway

The air outside is crisp and cool.

Football is back on (go Packers!!!)

That means that Fall is here (well techinically it begins Saturday but who is policing).

When the fall arrives people tend to eat more comfort foods and, a bit like bears, we tend pack on a few extra pounds.

People we are not hibernating and even though some comfort food is good we should also keep healthy foods in mind.

I have been given an opportunity through My Blog Spark to give one lucky reader this gift pack:

• yoga ball
• water bottle
• Yoplait work out towel
• coupon for Yoplait light
• coupon for Yoplait Greek yogurt

Did you know that Yoplait is now endorsed by Weight Watchers?  Greek yogurt is 2 points per serving.

My kids will be enjoying the yogurt I received, but I am thinking about taking my yoga ball to work with me, and using it in place of my chair...I am sure I will get some funny looks in the male dominated office I work in. 

Do you know anybody who does this?

Would you like to be the lucky winner?

Just use the rafflecopter below.  A winner will be selected Monday September 24th.

*Yoplait provided me with free product, information and gift pack through MyBlogSpark*

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Vegan Happiness

Well today is Friday and the weekend is almost upon us.

Today I want to share a giveaway...and a vegan one at that.

I have written about the subscription service Conscious Box on here before (here, here, and here).

Well I am back to let you know that something new and exciting has happened at Conscious Box...they have a vegan box.

How cool is that?

Conscious has teamed up with former pro triathlete Brendan Brazier.

You know the author of the Thrive diet and exercise books and formulator of Vega.

By the way Brendan, if you are reading this...I LOVE my vanilla Vega every morning!

Brendan is curating all of the contents of the box.

From past experience I know that those happy little boxes are always packed to the brim.  I cannot wait to see what comes in the vegan box.

*disclaimer you do not have to be vegan to enjoy this* :)

I've submitted to get my subscription...but how would you like to win one?

Conscious Box has offered me the opportunity to give away one of their vegan boxes to a reader.

I am so excited to share this with you all.

Conscious has some of the best customer service around and they truly care about the products they supply.

To be eligible to win you need to go to Facebook and like the Conscious Box page.

Leave me a comment that you "Liked" them and feel free to leave any other comment (or questions).

The giveaway will be open until Wednesday the 22nd (I will announce the winner in Wednesday's post).

The vegan subsciptions start in September so it will be mid-month that you will receive your box.

I do need to quickly say congratulations to Tamar from Ladies Holiday.  She won my $50 BabyLegs giveaway prize pack.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.  Do you have any plans?  If so please share :)  I will be getting everyone haircuts (so they are all trimmed up for school) and working in the garden.

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Back to School Giveaway

Well in yesterday's post I promised a giveaway today.

I am not one to welch on a promise so here it is.

I have a $50 gift pack to giveaway from BabyLegs Organics (which includes at least 2 pairs of leg warmers).

Now you may be asking what are BabyLegs?

Well in April of 2005, a young mom was confronted with a diaper rash that just wouldn't quit. The rash needed some fresh air to heal, but she was also concerned about keeping her daughter warm. In a moment of inspiration, she snipped the feet off of a pair of socks and fitted her daughter from hip to ankle with a cool set of leg warmers. These leg warmers not only kept her daughter warm, but also protected her from the elements, made diaper changing and potty training easier, and protected her soft knees while crawling. With some fun designs and some grassroots marketing support, the functional and fashionable leg warmers that began as a solution to keep little legs warm quickly became much more.

Now they produce these very cute and fashionable legwarmers for both boys and girls:

They have got TONS of more styles, and I just don't have the space to show them all...but they are precious.

For younger children they really do provide nice protection for their knees.  For the older children it is a wonderful opportunity to add a little flair to their outfits.  For someone like my daughter these are just a dream AND they don't interfere with her potty training.

There is different sizing depending on what product you might purchase (they sell socks, tights and leg warmers), but a link to that is here.

If you would like to see what other fans of Baby Legs are saying you can head over to their Facebook page and check it out.

I bet right about now you are asking your self "How do I enter this giveaway?"

Simple use the Rafflecopter below.  I will announce a winner on Monday August 20th.  Be sure to share this opportunity with your friends.   And remember Baby Legs are for boys and girls so this is open to everyone.

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