Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

Perfectly Peachy Pineapple Smoothie With Bigelow Tea

Before the year began I had a solid list of resolutions and changes that I vowed to stick to, no matter how tough the temptation. One of these being my love, addiction, and urge to drink the fizzy beverage known as soda. Does anyone really stick to their resolutions and promises for more than a few weeks, maybe even days? I know what you’re thinking, it’s almost impossible to keep the willpower going strong! For me it was easier said than done. While I never paid attention to the unhealthy affects of soda, I came to realize that there were other options that would quench my thirst without harming my body. This is why I started drinking tea, hot and cold. Whether it’s fruit flavored or green, the brand that I prefer is Bigelow Tea. 
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Cascadian Farm Organic Review

Since becoming a mom three years ago, my lifestyle and diet has noticably changed. Living in Colorado I was introduced to natural food stores, farmer’s markets, and a healthy way of eating.  I have noticed that eating organic is not only a trend but now a lifestyle for many Americans. I, myself have been trying to wiggle in more natural products into my family’s diet. Eating organic is not only healthier but it allows you to enjoy the true flavors of each ingredient. One of the most popular brands I have purchased is Cascadian Farm. All of the products that Cascadian Farm offers are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically engineered ingredients. This means there are no artificial flavors, preservatives, or extra junk to alter the appearance. Cascadian Farm currently has 75 delicious, high-quality organic products on the market. These include granola, cereal, granola bars, frozen fruit, vegetables, and much more. 

Cascadian Farm was kind enough to send me two of their upcoming products, Berry Cobble Granola and the Crunchy Granola Bars in Oats & Honey. The first thing I was eager to try was the Berry Cobbler Granola. Does the title alone not sound absolutely yummy? I love granola and am always taste testing new brands to find what I like to call, my “Holy Grail Granola!” Cascadian Farm is actually  known as being America’s Favorite Granola Cereal Brand. Granola can be eaten so many ways and I don’t think many people realize how versatile it can be. You can eat it on yogurt, in milk, baked into treats, or even tossed in a trail mix. 

The Berry Cobbler flavor is made with organic whole grain oats, crisp rice, dried cranberries, and blueberries. Short and simple, huh? The medley of these ingredients baked into the granola makes it crunchy and flavorful. It doesn’t get soggy quickly and when you open the bag there are big crunchy chunks instead of a ton of small flakes. When you bite into one of the dried fruit pieces, they are chewy and add a nice contrast of texture. I don’t think it’s going to get any better than this but I am anxious to try the Crunchy Granola Bars too. 

The Cascadian Farm Crunchy Granola Bars are available in two flavors at the moment. These include Almond Butter and Harvest Spice. In 2013 we will see the release of three new flavors, Oats & Honey being one of them. The other two are Peanut Butter and Oats & Cocoa- YUM! When I received my package I was thrilled to see the Oats & Honey inside because I regularly eat snack bars with both main ingredients. Each box contains 10 individual packages with two crunchy bars inside. While they are delicious eaten just as they are, I like to sometimes break mine up and toss them into vanilla yogurt as a snack! The Oats & Honey flavor has the perfect amount of sweetness, crunch, and hint of vanilla. Compared to other leading brands, you can really taste all of the natural flavors blended together. 

By taste alone it would be hard to tell that they are only made with seven wholesome ingredients. I’ll admit, I am not used to buying products with such a short list of ingredients on the back. It was refreshing to see that I recognized everything inside- rolled oats, sugar, sunflower oil, honey, sea salt, molasses, and vanilla extract. With 23 grams of whole grain per serving, these are an excellent healthy snack for adults and children. It is estimated that 48 grams of whole grain are recommended each day. By eating one package of crunchy bars that takes care of almost half! They are great for packing in lunches or serving as an after school snack. I really haven’t been able to stop eating them myself…

With basic natural ingrediants, Cascadian Farm is keeping it simple while also delivering a ton of flavor in each of their products.  To learn more about Cascadian Farm and their organic products, visit the website here. You can also interact with the brand by liking them on Facebook. Keep an eye out in 2013 for more delicious releases!

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this review. I will not be compensated and all opinions are my own. 

LARABAR Review & Giveaway

Sometimes being a mom can keep me busy, and at times too busy to grab a normal meal. Recently I have turned to eating healthy snacks that contain at least protein and fruit so I have energy even on the go. One of my favorite things to munch on and keep in my purse is the ever-so famous AND yummy Larabar. Larabar products are delicious,satisfying, and most importantly CLEAN! Larabar believes that the foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat. There is no better support system than an ingredient in it’s natural state. Their bars are not only made with fruits, nuts, and spices but they are also free of any unwanted additives, food colorings, or preservatives. While some Larabars contain 5 ingredients, you will notice others will only contain a simple 2. No added sugar, just natural sweetness from the whole ingredients they are made from.

 
There are SO many flavors of Larabars to choose from. When asked what kind I would like to sample, I knew immediately I had to try the Coconut Cream pie! When it comes to coconut I love anything and everything that contains even a hint. That being said, this was the first one I tried. I really really liked the flavor of the bar along with the texture. I found it to be dense and filling. The coconut was not too over powering either. I think this is going to be my favorite..actually I know so!

Larabar also sent me three other flavors- Banana Nut Bread, Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte, and Fruit & Nut. The Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte was immediately snatched by Toodie who consumed it within minutes of opening. I think she thought it was a treat because she kept telling me she loved the chocolate bar! If a three year old will eat these it just goes to show how good they really do taste. The last sample they sent was Fruit & Nut which I have conveniently stashed in my purse for running errands and a healthy snack for the movies.

 
If you would like the chance to win a variety of delicious Larabars then enter through the rafflecopter below!


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Disclosure: I received this product  from LARABAR for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Buddy Fruits Review & Giveaway

 
Toodie is very picky about her meals, but when it comes to snacking she is all over it. There is never a fight to eat a snack, just pure willingness to invade and rummage through the pantry! About a month ago I came across Buddy Fruits at Publix and decided to purchase a few of their Pure Fruit Bites to try. Of course, Toodie loved them- but so did i! I ate a whole pouch by myself and wished I had purchased more. Buddy Fruits generously sent me several samples of their popular fruit bites and fruit blend puree pouches. We couldn’t wait to give them all a try.
Buddy Fruits provides a healthier option for snacking and their products are packed with nutritional value. This can be hard to find when shopping for snacks to take on the go. Walking down the aisles in the grocery store you see pre-packaged cookies, chips, and fruit snacks loaded with additives. With Buddy Fruits, you do not have to worry about food coloring, preservatives, or artificial flavoring. They are also dairy and gluten FREE. Their convenient packages contain 100% fruit and are the perfect portable snack.

There are six different flavors of fruits bites. Each package is only 95 calories and provides 1 whole serving of fruit. The flavors include Blackcurrant, Orange, Pomegranate & Acai, Apple, Raspberry, and Banana. Finally, a healthier alternative to the typical fruit snack! Toodie had no problem eating two bags as soon as these arrived. These will be a new addition to her lunch box each week.

There is also a wide selection of blended fruit flavors as well. You can choose from Banana, Strawberry, Apple Cinnamon, Mango Passion & Banana, & Multifruit. These pouches are only 60 calories and the contents are 100% fruit. No peel, no seeds, and no mess! They can be eaten straight from the pouch or squeezed into a bowl. Either way the package can be re-sealed for later use.


 The Buddy Fruit Mission:

Simplify your everyday life
Help your kids to eat more fruits
Contribute to a healthier life

Combine eating with fun 

Would you like the chance to win your own Buddy Fruits display mix? This will include their Fruit Bites and  Blended Fruit Pouches! Enter below through the rafflecopter form.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received this product  from Buddy Fruits for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!


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