Creative Snacks Co. Review

Recently, I spoke with Kelly over at Creative Snacks Co and she offered to send me some of their snacks to review for the blog and as always, since it was healthy, I was happy to oblige! Kelly sent me the almond clusters to try out.

I love that their snacks have zero artificial flavors and are made with all natural and healthy ingredients! I love throwing these in my purse so that I can have a healthy snack while I'm out shopping, not to mention they are so delicious! I also enjoyed adding them to my morning cereal of bananas, coconut flakes and raisins with coconut milk.

You can purchase Creative Snacks just about anywhere- Whole Foods, Target, Amazon, Costco, EarthFare, The Fresh Market, World Market, etc. 

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are completely my own, based on my personal experience.  

What are your favorite go to healthy snacks?

Beanfield Snacks Review

Beth from Beanfield Snacks recently offered to send me a few different varieties of their healthy snacks. I can admit that chips is my unhealthy addiction and the thought of eating chips without the guilt sounded great to me!

I really like Beanfields Snacks because they are gluten free, Non-GMO and Vegetarian. I love that their chips are loaded with fiber and protein. The Nacho Chips are my favorite because they taste similar to Doritos, but much healthier! 

I love all of their chips, especially paired with hummus or guacamole. My hubby didn't like these as much, so the more for me!

Here is an example of the ingredients from the Jalapeno Nachos (another of my favorites!)

For purchasing Beanfields snacks , you can get shop via this link. They have several ordering options including Amazon, Jet, Thrive Market, VitaCost, Lucky Vitamin, Etc.

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are completely my own, based on my personal experience.  

Changing up my Morning Coffee!

I recently spoke with Michele at nutpods about reviewing some of their creamer products and I was happy to oblige since you know that I love coffee! I normally use coconut milk or sometimes half & half, but I honestly loved it just as much, the nutty flavor gave my coffee an extra kick!

I love that nutpods is a dairy-free alternative to half & half made from almonds and creamy coconuts. I especially love that they do not contain any weird stuff like soy, carageenan, sodium caseinate, artificial flavors, hydrogenated oils or corn syrups.

If you are interested in purchasing nutpods, you can order through their online store, Amazon, Jet, Vitacost or Lucky Vitamin or find a store in your area.

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are completely my own, based on my personal experience.  

Laird Superfood Review

Recently I spoke with Scott over at Laird Superfood and he kindly offered to send me some awesome products to review for the blog. Of course, I happily obliged!

   

I decided to try the different creamers in my morning coffee and I have to tell you, I am in love with my coffee even more than ever! These creamers are a mix of healthy oils, coconut milk, coconut nectar and Aquamin, nature's best source of calcium.

What I really love about Laird Superfoods are that they are non-dairy, GMO free, gluten free, vegan as well as providing you with the minerals and nutrients that you need for energy.

Even my picky husband tried one of the coffees and he absolutely loved it!

If you would like to purchase Laird Superfood products, you can purchase them in their online store. I definitely plan on purchasing these again in the future!

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinion are entirely my own, based on my personal experience.

Merry Christmas + some new healthy eats!

Like I mentioned in my last blog post, the holidays have been insane! The good part at least is that I am pretty much finished with Christmas shopping.

Besides decorating and shopping for Christmas, I also recently received some healthy bars in the mail from Thunderbird Bar. I was so excited to try these out for myself!

These bars are dairy free, grain free, soy free, sugar free, gluten free, vegan, paleo certified & Non-GMO. Perfect for my diet! I requested the Fruit & Nut to try, but they also carry Nut & Seed bars.

I love that these bars are all whole food ingredients- fruits, nuts, seeds and spices, nothing else added!! All of the bars were amazing, but my favorite bar was the hazelnut + coffee- of course! I love how these are chewy instead of crunchy bars; so much less messy to eat when I'm out and about. These would be perfect for before or after a workout or for hiking, especially with the added protein.

To see more flavors, you can also check out their online shop. I am looking forward to trying the nut & seed bars next time!

What type of healthy snacks do you like?

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are entirely my own, based on my personal experience.  

Enjoy this Healthy Chocolate without the Guilt!!

So I recently was in contact with the nice people over at ChoNanga about reviewing some of their chocolate products & they sent me one of everything! Let's be honest, I'm not about to turn down chocolate, especially gourmet chocolate!

I really love how all of the chocolates have added benefits such as peppermint, maca, hempseeds, turmeric, matcha green tea, bee pollen & more! It made me feel so much less guilty about enjoying chocolate! My favorite was the Energy & Vitality but they were all so amazing that I would probably just order the sampler pack so that I can enjoy them all again!



I love supporting companies like ChoNanga because all of their ingredients are free of gluten, soy and GMO's. They use organic and fair trade ingredients whenever possible. When you purchase ChoNanga chocolate, you are also helping farmers get better prices, educating children in rural communities & keeping pesticides out of the environment. In addition, they pledge 2% of their profits to organizations that support a healthier planet, such as the Sacred Valley Project, which provides boarding and education to low income young women in rural Peru.

To grab some of these amazing chocolates for yourself (or as a stocking stuffer for your loved ones), you can check out their online shop here. Their prices are very reasonable too! Let me know if you try some and which is your favorite!

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are entirely my own, based on my personal experience.  

Udi's Gluten Free Review!

I have been working really hard lately to eat healthier and eliminate gluten and I feel so much better eating this way! Still, sometimes my life gets so busy that I have to resort to pre-made frozen meals. Lucky for me, there are so many healthy options out there for people like me!

Recently, Udi's Gluten Free kindly sent me some complimentary coupons to use on their products to review. I was more than happy to oblige! I already purchase their gluten free breads, pizza and pastas but the Veggie Lasagna was new to me, so I chose it to review.

Udi's Gluten Free Veggie Lasagna is layered with mozzarella and ricotta cheese with tomatoes, zucchini, squash, onions and celery. My husband and I eat frozen meals at least once per week since we stay pretty busy and it's great to know that there are healthy, gluten free options out there! I love how easy it was to just pop in the oven and bake.

Comparing this lasagna to other frozen lasagnas that I've had is not even comparable. My husband honestly thought that this lasagna was home-made (I had to break the truth to him that it was frozen and he was very surprised!) For the people who dislike vegetables out there (my Mom and brother!), even though it has zucchini, squash, onions and celery, you could not even tell that they were in there.

You can find Udi's practically anywhere. I purchase mine from Publix, Whole Foods, Fresh Market and even Target.

Have you tried any of the Udi's Gluten Free products? I would love to hear about which ones that you've tried!

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are entirely my own, based on my personal experience.  

Shaping up for the Summer + a Review

Lately, we have been enjoying the summer and going swimming at my brother's pool a few times per week. I have been taking advantage of the pool so that I can exercise and I have also been doing my HIIT workouts and speed walking. For some reason, it's been really difficult for me getting back in shape this time, so I ordered some Chromium Picolinate from iHerb today, and I'm hoping that it helps boost my metabolism and work some magic. Getting in shape is a daily commitment and it's definitely not for the lazy!

I have been eating really healthy since we got back from our week-long cruise. All gluten free, no breads and I have cut way back on sugar. Recently, I received these healthy heart bars from Rawxies to review. I was definitely in need of some healthy snacks and detoxing after all of the heavy foods from my cruise. 

I love the fact that rawxies are gluten free, soy free and dairy free; especially since I have allergies to all three. These heart bars were very filling and the perfect snack! My favorite two were obviously the chocolate chip cookie dough and chocolate brownie- yum! They also carry other great flavors such as mint chocolate chip and cranberry pecan.

If you are looking for a healthy snack these are perfect for before or after your workout. You can find them online at Amazon Prime, Lucky Vitamin, Vita-Cost, Abe's Market or The Gluten-Free Mall. You can also check their locations map online and find them in a store as well.

What's your favorite healthy snack?

Purely Elizabeth Review

I recently spoke with Caroline at purely elizabeth and she kindly emailed me a couple of coupons to try out some of their products. I chose the Blueberry Hemp Ancient Grain Granola & honestly, it was the best granola that I've eaten! The granola was crunchy with sweet blueberries.  It was sweet but instead of regular cane sugar, they use a coconut sugar which is a low-gylcemic sweetener. I love that it is Gluten-free + vegan as well.

The only downside was that it was so good that I kept wanting to eat it..so maybe tell yourself that you'll just have a small portion so that you don't overdo it! They also offer oatmeal, cereal and muesli; so lots of great breakfast options! 

I'm really looking forward to trying out the Pumpkin Fig and Cranberry Pecan Ancient Granola next! You can order any of their products online or at your local food store (Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Sprouts,EarthFare, Kroger, Ralphs and lots more!) I picked mine up at Whole Foods.

They also have a cookbook that looks amazing!- it has over 100 all natural, organic and gluten-free recipes.It's available on Amazon,Anthropologie & more-here's the link to learn more about the cookbook.

Have you tried any of the purely elizabeth products? I'd love to know!

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are completely my own, based on my personal experience.  

Raw Revolution Glo Bars Review

 Recently, Dorathea from Raw Revolution sent me some raw food bars to review. I mentioned in my last couple of blog posts about working on eating healthier. I love that these bars are vegan, low sugar, gluten free and dairy free! I honestly loved every one of the bars that Raw Revolution sent to me. My top two favorite bars were the mixed nuts caramel and sea salt as well as the dark chocolate and sea salt.

These bars are perfect for when you are on the go and don't have time to stop and grab something to eat! From 10-15 grams of protein in each bar, you will be sure to feel more energized and full enough to hold you over for a while. These are also perfect for pre and post workout to give you that extra protein boost that your body needs!

You can purchase any of their products on their online store Raw Revolution. Use promo code RRSM at Raw Revolution to get 20% off your entire purchase! I also plan on picking up some more of these bars at my local whole foods on my next food shopping trip.

Keep up with Raw Revolution on FaceBook, Twitter or Instagram to stay tuned to their Freebie Fridays where they give away free bars!!

Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. These opinions are completely my own based on my personal experience.

Vapour Organic Beauty Review

Recently, I spoke with Victoria at Vapour Organic Beauty and she offered me some of their beauty products to sample. I decided to try the Soft Focus Atmosphere Foundation and the illusionist concealer for my dark circles. Especially, since I have always had issues trying to conceal my dark circles.

Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation is made with 70% Certified Organic ingredients and 30% natural mineral pigments and vitamins. Atmosphere nourishes with Organic Pumpkin and Papaya Complex, brightens the skin with Organic Camellia, and is infused with Vapour’s face-specific infusion of anti-inflammatory Frankincense, antioxidant Tulsi, and moisturizing and calming Lotus flowers.

I love that their makeup is made from entirely certified organic plants, vitamins and minerals- so basically, all day it is improving my skin! Not to mention that is is not animal tested, which I love! I love how silky the foundation feels when applying, it has a nice smell to it as well. The concealer was very easy to apply and did a really nice job of covering my dark circles. I love how the foundation and concealer worked together to make my skin appear more glowing and natural, instead of thick and painted on like so many other makeups tend to.

If you try Vapour Organic Beauty products and decide within 30 days that you are not happy, they will refund your money. But to be honest- I really don't think you will have that problem. If anything, once you try their products, you will probably want to order more, I know I do! I have had several people comment on my skin since I have been using Vapour Beauty for a week- one comment was that my dark circles were gone, which was one of my main reasons for trying the illusionist concealer. I will definitely be ordering it again, once I run out!


*The Vapour Organic Beauty Products- Illusionist Concealer & Soft Focus Foundation were both sent to me to review free of charge, however I was not paid any money to do this product review. Any products that I review are of my own personal opinion and experience.

Kaeng Raeng all natural detox program

Remember in my last blog post, how I blogged about eating more raw veggies & fruits and less meats, pasta? Well, it hasn't been easy, but I have been doing really well this week- I have been eating lots of raw veggies, smoothies, green tea and fruits and I do feel much better already!

One thing that I have been enjoying lately is smoothies. Recently, Danielle, a rep from Kaeng Raeng sent me an all natural detox program to try. I was excited because lately life has been so crazy for me, having a handicapped dog and also trying to build a new home and I could use something easy and healthy!! Plus, the nutritional values are not too shabby either!

One serving of Kaeng Raeng makes 24-32 fl oz and contains: (drink 3 per day)

Fewer than 240 calories!
-1 oz of raw, freeze-dried fruit powder -- that's the equivalent of 8 oz of fresh fruit per serving! No preservatives, no chemicals, just fruit, straight from the ground, freeze dried for convenience.
-19 grams of lean non-genetically modified soy protein and daily vitamins including B-12
-2 billion CFUs of vegan L. Acidophilus probiotics to bolster your immune system and improve digestion
-Full serving of vegetable fiber (safe for daily use)
-No artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners
-No caffeine, laxatives, or stimulants
-No animal products or peanuts
-No preservatives or fillers

Just mix a detox packet with almond milk (or you can use water), shake and go!!

I made this smoothie with a packet of Kaeng Raeng, handful of spinach leaves, 1 apple and almond milk and it was so delicious! Even my husband enjoyed it and he is very picky, especially about eating healthy foods.

One thing that I have noticed with the cleanse is that my skin and eyes look clearer and I haven't seen a loss in weight, but my body seems to be toning and I have so much more energy now! Before, I was so exhausted all of the time- I love that I can take these packets to work and mix them with my water or almond milk and I have a healthy meal! You can find out more about Kaeng Raeng detox program here.

What do you do to get back on the healthy bandwagon?

*The Kaeng Raeng Detox Program was sent to me to review free of charge, however I was not paid any money to do this product review. Any products that I review are of my own personal opinion and experience.
*I am not a medical professional. This is not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your doctor as needed.

Geek Chic

Hi guys, I  just received these Geek Chic glasses from Firmoo - you like? I think they are fabulous and make me look super smart! I ordered the Style #SD2300 in Tortoise in case you were wondering.


Firmoo will even send you the first pair free if you are a new customer & you only have to pay the shipping. How fabulous is that? I am already thinking about ordering another pair- maybe something in a darker color.  Okay, back to reading my book- hope you are all having a wonderful day!! xoxo-Melinda