Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas all! I hope your holiday season is filled with good food, family, and friends. Mine has been. :-) I am looking forward to another year with you all. Here are some winter pictures I took while visiting my parents in Iowa. What a stunning winter wonderland!

SodaStream Review!

As a member of HouseParty.com, I recently received a complimentary SodaStream along with a party pack. I love that the SodaStream creates carbonated beverages in an affordable, sustainable way. Below are pictures from the party I brought my Soda Stream too. People enjoyed learning about how the SodaStream worked and trying a few different flavors. 

Above is the cake I baked with some homemade frosting, that turned out more like a glaze since I added a wee bit too much milk. Live and learn!

Chobani Greek Yogurt Review!

I love Chobani yogurt and am a huge fan. They keep introducing new products, and I am happy to share some of the new products I was sent to sample with you today. Chobani Greek yogurt is delicious, preservative-free, and healthy. It still boggles my mind when I introduce people to Greek yogurt who have never tried it before. If you're among that group of people, do give Chobani a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Below are some of Chobani's new products and flavors that I reviewed:

Honey Ginger Bite: 9.5 of 10. This was so unique! I am a huge fan of ginger and loved this. I liked the pairing of honey and ginger. The flecks of ginger were a perfect addition.

Key Lime Blended: 10 of 10! I absolutely loved this flavor! I don't normally enjoy key lime, but this was a perfectly rich, thick, natural, and sweet flavor that tasted like a rich dessert - this is definitely a healthier option than key lime pie though.

Orange Vanilla Blended: 7.5 of 10. This flavor was okay, but the vanilla seemed to overpower the orange flavor and therefore I found it a little dull compared to their other options. To fully enjoy this flavor, I'd recommend some mix-ins or using this in a smoothie. Then you'll be golden.

Peachy Pistachio Flip: 9 of 10. I would have never come up with this flavor combo myself (peach, pistachio, and dark chocolate), but Chobani pulls it off. It's very flavorful, and all the flavors come through.

Blueberry Power Flip: 9.5 of 10. Blueberry is a standard flavor, but the addition of walnuts and hemp and chia seeds packs an extra punch... maybe that's why 'power' is in the name. (pictured below)

Almond Coco Loco Flip: 9.5 of 10. Almonds, coconut, and dark chocolate? This is dessert! What a lovely pairing of flavors. I'm a fan of these flips. (pictured below)

Tropical Escape Flip: 9 of 10. This treat is most definitely an escape. I could close my eyes and picture myself upon a sunny beach. While I enjoyed the yogurt more so than the toppings, I found the whole thing to be tasty, crunchy, and filling with a well-balanced pairing of pineapple and coconut.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your local grocery store and try out some of Chobani's new products! I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Gfreely Review: Healthy, Gluten Free Food Delivered to Your Door!

Greetings! Do you follow a gluten-free diet? Do you have friends who are gluten-free? Do you enjoy gluten-free goodies? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you need to take a look at Gfreely.

Gfreely "makes a healthy, sustainable gluten-free lifestyle simple, accessible and fun for consumers all over the world." They sell  monthly subscription boxes, have an online shop, and even share recipes and helpful tips! Learn more at their website!

I was sent one of their monthly subscription boxes, and below are all of the great treats that were included! What a deal! Especially with prices starting at just $24 per month. 

I enjoyed each and every one of the gluten-free snacks included in the box, and even had the chance to share a few items with others who also loved the food. I was happy to be introduced to a variety of brands and products without needing to seek them out for myself. Now I know what products I enjoy most and can buy them on their own. Gfreely's monthly subscription box is a fun and helpful service. I encourage you to take a closer look at Gfreely - you won't be disappointed.

One more reason to take a look at Gfreely: You can get $5 OFF the monthly subscription! Just use the code BLOGGF5 when you order.

Enjoy!

Homemade Applesauce

One activity I look forward to during Autumn is picking apples. I also love eating and cooking/baking with them. I have never made homemade applesauce though, so I finally decided to try my hand at it.

To my surprise, it was not hard at all! You simply peel, cut, and core the apples, pour them into a pot with a bit of water, and then simmer for around an hour or more, stirring occasionally. I also added a fair amount of cinnamon towards the end of the process because I love it. :-)

Have you ever made homemade applesauce? Do you have any tips or tricks?

After making mine, I did freeze about half of it. I love being able to freeze food - so convenient!

Biena Foods Roasted Chickpeas Review!

Have you ever tried roasted chickpeas? A number of my friends have not, but I was able to introduce a few of them to this delicious and nutritious snack by sharing my samples from Biena Foods. They found the roasted chickpeas to be crunchy and nutty, which is a great description! I just love how satisfying they are. I received the four flavors below to sample:

Biena Foods does an excellent job of describing their flavors, so I'll include their descriptions below:

Cinnamon Maple: Bold Vietnamese Cinnamon, a touch of Pure Maple Syrup and Evaporated Cane Juice. They’re sweet enough to satisfy those sweet cravings, without being too sweet.

Honey Roasted: Real wildflower honey rounded out with sea salt for a sweet and slightly salty taste experience.

Sea Salt: Lightly dusted with sea salt harvested from the Atlantic Ocean. The original crunchy roasted chickpea snack that started our brand!

Barbeque: Classic BBQ flavor with tangy, sweet, spicy, and smokey undertones that is sure to keep you satisfied. See these in the picture below!

I love that these roasted chickpeas are made with all-natural ingredients. They are low in fat and are a good source of protein and fiber.

My favorite flavor was a tie between the Honey Roasted and the Barbeque. I loved the sweet and salty taste of the Honey Roasted and enjoyed how much the Barbeque flavor reminded me of BBQ chips, and yet these are so much better for me!

Try Biena Foods Roasted Chickpeas for yourself, and find them on Facebook and Twitter!

Pro Compression Giveaway Winner!

The lucky winner of the PRO Compression Giveaway, according to random.org, was number 6, Daniel Budsy!!

Thanks to all who entered! Stay tuned for some more great reviews and giveaways coming soon.

PRO Compression Socks Review and Giveaway!

Have you heard of compression socks? What about PRO Compression Socks? I am VERY glad to have the opportunity to review a pair of PRO Compression Marathon Socks, pictured below. 

So, why compression socks? Because "compression technology helps improve blood flow, resulting in better, more consistent performance with less fatigue and faster, more efficient recovery. In addition to improving vascular performance, Marathon compression socks provide support to critical muscles and tendons, helping reduce inflammation and soreness."

I wore the marathon socks after a hilly 35 mile bike ride and found they really did reduce my soreness. These socks are very comfortable and even have moisture control and a non-slip design. These socks do not fall down! I look forward to running in these socks and wearing them after tough workouts.

I think my calves may be a bit large, as you can see through the pink socks to my skin in the picture above. :-)

Interested in a pair of marathon socks or sleeves for yourself? Use this coupon code: PCBLG for 40% off socks and sleeves!

You also have a chance to win a pair of PRO Compression Marathon socks through a giveaway here (sponsored by TEAM PRO Compression). The giveaway will close on Sept. 16.

To enter, simply follow PRO Compression on Twitter or like PRO Compression on Facebook. Leave a comment below with your twitter name or Facebook name.

For an extra entry, link to this giveaway on Twitter (Win a pair of @PROCompression socks! Giveaway hosted by @cygirl88 at http://foodfotosandfun.blogspot.com/2013/09/pro-compression-socks-review.html) and/or follow my blog. Leave a comment for each below.

Thanks! Best of Luck!

The Skin Regime 1-4-All Peel Review and Giveaway!

Greetings! Do you remember when I reviewed The Skin Regime? Well, I am back this time to review the 1-4-All Peel! It works for EVERY skin type (except those with severe issues or diseases) and EVERY skin color. For a mild peel, you just put on 1 layer. Each additional layer increases the strength for those who want a stronger peel. Hence the name "1-4-All." The peel has glycolic and a pinch of TCA. It will reverse sun damage, lighten dark spots, reduce acne, even out your skin tone, tighten pores, and reduce fine lines. How awesome?! This is just like the expensive salon peels, but more like what dermatologists use in their offices.

I tried this peel earlier this week and am quite happy with the results! It is very easy to apply at home. I did just 1 layer for a mild peel and didn't experience too much redness. Afterwards my skin was noticeably smoother, which is awesome. I definitely think this peel can be a great addition to your skin routine! Of course, I also recommend The Skin Regime book for additional tips and information about beauty products and skin care. The book explains why most products are actually a huge waste of time and money. The book shares how to create a personalized regime based on products and advice most dermatologists recommend for their patients.

Now for the giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a a sample of the new 1-4-All Peel and a free copy of The Skin Regime: Boot Camp for Beautiful Skin! I'll choose the winner on August 19.

To enter, email giveawaywinner007@gmail.com and state why you're interested in trying the 1-4-All Peel.

For additional entries, comment below if you post about this giveaway on your blog, if you follow my blog, and/or if you add my blog to your blogroll.

Thanks and best of luck!

CONGRATS to Karrie, our winner!

Citizen Chef Sauces Review and Recipe!

Do you enjoy cooking, but sometimes wish for an easier way to add flavor to your dishes? In need of some inspiration? Look no further than Citizen Chef! Citizen Chef is a brand of fresh meal solutions that promotes fresh ingredients, real cooking and eating together. Their sauces and salad kits help people prepare 'fresh, healthy, and tasty meals at home.' Learn more about their sauces from the promotional brochure below!

Check out Citizen Chef on Facebook and Twitter!

Citizen Chef sent me their sauces to review. I just love the variety of flavors they offer. The sauces are fresh, very flavorful, all-natural, and easy to use. I especially enjoyed using the Limone Garlic sauce for a grilled chicken salad, and I also created a special dish and new recipe from their Chipotle Adobe sauce. I made "Southwest Stew," pictured below.

Southwest Stew

1 Chipotle Adobe Citizen Chef sauce
1 lb venison
6 small cubed potatoes, baked
1/2 c. sliced mushroom pieces
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
Dash of rosemary and crushed red pepper

Brown the venison over the stove. Add other ingredients and simmer until onions and mushrooms are soft and flavorful.

This was a fun and easy recipe, and the Chipotle Adobe sauce really made the dish! What a tasty meal! I definitely recommend Citizen Chef sauces.

The Good Bean Review

Have you ever tried roasted chickpeas? Have you tried baking them for yourself and failed? I have, and for that reason I am excited to share some new products with you. The Good Bean is a company that started by selling all-natural roasted chickpea snacks in 4 flavors in 2010. These are an excellent alternative to standard snacks like chips, nuts, pretzels and popcorn because they're gluten-free, nut-free, high protein, high fiber, and low fat. In 2012, the Good Bean Fruit & No-Nut Bar was released. These are wholesome snack bars in which nuts are replaced with high-fiber, high-protein chickpeas for a bar that has 40-60% less fat than the competition. Learn more here!

Below are the products I was sent to review:

Smoky Chili and Lime: 9.5 of 10. Both flavors come through and are strong and delicious. This snack is satisfying, and the beans are quite crunchy... these are much better than the ones I attempted to make awhile ago.

Sweet Cinnamon: 9 of 10. Love that this tastes like a dessert and yet it's healthy and good for me.

Cracked Pepper: 9.5 of 10. These are fiery! They made my mouth hot, but it was a pleasant heat.

Sea Salt: 9.5 of 10. These were a great salty, crunchy snack. I added raisins to them for a tasty salty and sweet snack.

Fruit and Seeds Trail Mix Bar: 9 of 10. The chickpeas had a thick texture and reminded me of nuts - go figure! This bar had a lovely sweet, fruity flavor and I enjoyed the seeds too!

Apricot Coconut Bar: 11 of 10! This was so surprisingly delicious!! Sweet coconut, apricot, cinnamon and other wonderful flavors. This bar had a great texture and was like a fabulous dessert.

Chocolate Berry Bar: 10 of 10. A sweet, dessert-like bar with great-tasting chocolate. Yum!

I definitely encourage you to try some of The Good Bean products, especially the Apricot Coconut Bar. You won't be disappointed!

Raw Organic Whey Review

I recently received a sample of Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder to review. I typically start each day with a green smoothie and protein powder is a common ingredient. There are so many protein powders on the market though, so it can be hard to know which one to use. 

Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder is one option I recently discovered, and I am happy to share it with you. According to their website: "Raw Organic Whey was created in our quest to find the purest, unadulterated organic whey protein. Superior quality begins with what the cows eat and how they live, which is why our whey comes from cows that are pasture-fed on small family farms. We ensure that these cows are raised without hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or genetically modified feed." Sound good? I think so. :-) 

Some other facts about Raw Organic Whey are below:

• Only 1 Ingredient: 100% Pure organic whey from the milk of grass-fed cows
• No added sweeteners, preservatives or fillers
• Soy Free (no soy lecithin)
• Sourced 100% from small US farms
• rBGH/rBST hormone free
• Processed at low temperatures WITHOUT acid treatment
• Certified USDA Organic

 "Green Smoothie in a Bowl"

9.5 of 10! Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder is great! The nutrition facts are impressive - not as high in calories as some protein powders. The powder blends very well and doesn't taste chalky or gritty like some protein powders. The powder can be blended with other flavors so you can create the taste you desire. The only suggestion I would have would be for there to be some flavored options since I am partial to flavored protein powders. Still, I was able to add a little vanilla and Truvia to my smoothie, and it turned out great.

Would you like to try Raw Organic Whey too? You can purchase it on Amazon! Visit Raw Organic Whey on Facebook too!

Carrot Cake Mix Cookies

Have you ever had a box of cake mix, but not wanted to make cake or muffins? Then you can try cookies! Cookies are more portable and work great if you're traveling and want treats for the trip and to give to whomever you are visiting. I baked these cookies for a recent trip, and they turned out wonderfully. They are tasty, quick, and simple to make and store. 

Some cake mixes have a cookie recipe on the back of the box, but if not, all you need to do is add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup oil to the mix and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 min.

I've been doing a bit baking lately, so stay tuned for more recipes and ideas to come!

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!

Skout Organic Trailbars Review!

Skout Organic Trailbars "were born in the lush Willamette Valley of Oregon. Made with delicious organic ingredients, they embody the rugged and energetic spirit of the region. Skout Organic Trailbars sustain those who seek, find, and embrace adventure to its fullest." These bars make for a healthy and very tasty snack! They are great to take along on a hike or bike ride, or you can stash a few in your desk drawer at work when you need a little extra energy and don't want to raid a vending machine or nearby candy dish. I'm very glad to have received some samples of these bars to review for you.

Here are some more cool specs for Skout Organic Trailbars (pictured below):

• Certified Organic
• Certified Gluten Free
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• Naturally Occurring Nutrients
• No Refined Sugar or Fillers
• Certified Kosher
• Vegan
• Dairy & Soy Free

I rate these bars a 9.5 of 10. I enjoyed all of the flavors, especially the chocolate and coconut and the blueberry and almond. These bars remind me of larabars, but aren't as sticky, which is something I appreciate. They are filling, made with quality ingredients, and very portable. I also love the packaging - it highlights the natural quality of the bars. :-)

Be sure to check out Skout Natural Foods on Facebook and Twitter! I also recommend trying these bars for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

QStick Review!

Do you have any unwanted facial hair? Do you wonder how you can remove it easily and for a low cost? I think the answer is the QStick! I was sent a complimentary QStick to review and am happy to share that review with you today.

According to their website, the QStick is:

• Convenient, easy & fast
• Safe for all skin types
• Finer hair re-growth
• Small enough to carry
• Hypo-Allergenic
• Environmentally friendly & reusable

I agree with all of these statements! I tried the QStick and was impressed at how quickly and easily I could remove unwanted facial hair. Did it hurt? To be honest, yes, it did hurt a bit, but primarily just around my mouth - a more sensitive area. While I've never waxed, I think you could compare it to that. This is much less messy though! I love that it's portable too, so you can bring it with you on longer trips.

Have you tried the QStick? Have you tried other ways to remove facial hair?

Redmond Clay, Bath Salts, Real Salt, Re-Lyte Electrolyte Replacement Capsules, and Earthpaste Review

Have you heard about Redmond? This company has some awesome products that are "simple, clean, and real - just the way nature intended." I was sent some Redmond product samples to review, which are pictured below. I sampled Redmond Clay Facial Mud, Earthpaste, Bath Salt, Real Salt, and Re-Lyte Electrolyte Replacement Capsules.

After trying the different products, I can honestly say that I'm happy with them all. My favorite was the Redmond Clay Facial Mud. I swear I could feel it cleansing my skin, and some of the redness/pimples on my face diminished after just one use! Earthpaste was my second favorite product. I've never tried natural toothpaste before, but I was happy to try this brand. While it took a little getting used to the different flavor and texture, I was happy that the paste left my mouth feeling fresh and clean sans artificial flavorings and iffy ingredients. The bath salts also worked wonderfully, and the real salt (a tasty natural sea salt!) was great for seasoning various dishes. I'm still working my way through the Re-Lyte Electrolyte Replacement Capsules, but I do think they are helpful for athletes. They contain important electrolytes and trace minerals that help prevent cramps - sounds good to me!

Fifth Third River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Today I ran my first 5K of the year! It was a great experience (aside from waking up before 6 AM on a Saturday). I love the atmosphere surrounding races. I feel like I'm at home, and I'm always brought back to my days as a high school runner at cross country and track meets. This event was the largest I've ever run in, and is in fact the largest 25K road race in the nation. There were over 5,000 runners in the 5K and over 6,000 in the 25K.

I finished 4th in my age group, which was much better than I expected. I do think the better runners in my age group went for the 25K though, so my goal is to run the 25K next year. I think that's a good goal, and I'm looking forward to preparing for it.



Image from: http://interactives.woodtv.com/photomojo/gallery/7343/1/53rd-river-bank-run-2013/53rd-river-bank-run/

Recharge and Detour Protein Bars Review

Are you in need of a quick pick-me-up during the afternoon or a low calorie, high-protein snack to fuel you after a workout? I have a couple options for you!

I was recently sent two different types of protein bars for review. The first was a Recharge sample pack, which is actually on sale right now for only $5 AND free shipping.

Raspberry + Apple: 9.5 of 10. The bar was firm, chewy, and a bit sticky. I loved how sweet and fruity it was. It also didn't taste like whey protein despite that being an ingredient. It was satisfying for a little bar! 

Chocolate + Caramel: 10 of 10! This was my favorite flavor! This bar was so delicious with a sweet chocolate coating and a gooey caramel inside that reminded me of a milky way (though it's been a very long time since I've had one!). I couldn't believe there was only 1g of sugar and whey protein in it since it didn't taste at all like a protein bar. I enjoyed recharging with this!

Caramel + Peanuts: 8 of 10. This bar had a nice chocolate coating and a sweet, gooey caramel inside with a little peanut pieces. I could taste the whey protein with this bar though, so it wasn't as reminiscent of a candy bar like the other flavors.

Detour Bars are another whey protein bar option for you. I was sent a complimentary sample of their new lower sugar neapolitan flavor pictured below.

Lower Sugar Neapolitan Detour Bar: 9 of 10. This bar has a lovely chocolate coating and a sweet combination of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. You can taste the whey protein in this bar, but I couldn't tell that it was low sugar. This bar definitely provides a nice amount of protein and can be a great post-workout snack or breakfast on the run.

What types of protein bars do you enjoy? There are so many options out there! I tend to enjoy a variety depending on how much protein I'm looking for, what flavors I enjoy, and so forth.

Inbru Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to all who entered my Inbru Giveaway! The lucky winner is # 3 - Karen!

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways! I have some neat products to share with you all.

Hope you're enjoying summer! This squirrel sure is - picnic lunch and all!

Inbru Review and Giveaway

Inbru is the sugar-free, fat-free, calorie-free, carb-free way to flavor your favorite coffee, and I am so happy to share it with you! "Simply select your favorite coffee - dark roast, light roast, decaf - and add Inbru to the ground coffee in the filter basket. Inbru releases its essential aromas during the brew process, creating a deeply aromatic and incredibly delicious flavored coffee experience. Each 24 gram jar of Inbru includes a handy measuring scoop and enough Inbru to flavor 80 servings of coffee at home or in the office."

I have an AeroPress, so I used Inbru with it AND it worked perfectly. I chose to review the Chocolate Fudge and Butterscotch Drop flavors from among 19 flavors total!

9.5 of 10 for both flavors. The chocolate fudge added just a hint of chocolate flavor to my coffee and made me smile. :-) The aroma is wonderful, and the butterscotch drop aroma was my favorite. Also, I did experiment and try adding a small scoop of Inbru to a smoothie once. It did add the flavor, but the little flakes weren't filtered out as they are with the coffee grounds. Still, I think they're safe to consume and the added flavor was tasty.

Interested? You can purchase your own jars here and for the month of April you'll get free shipping if you buy 6 or more jars!

Inbru Giveaway

Inbru is sponsoring a giveaway for 1 lucky reader! You'll win two jars of your choosing. In order to enter this giveaway, comment below with the two Inbru flavors you'd choose if you win. Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. 

For additional giveaway entries, tweet about the giveaway - Check out the @InbruCafe giveaway @cygirl88 http://foodfotosandfun.blogspot.com/2013/04/inbru-review-and-giveaway.html (leave link to tweet as comment), blog about this giveaway (leave link to post as comment) or follow my blog.

This giveaway will end on May 2, 2013. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator.

Best of luck!

* Inbru sent me two complimentary jars for review. My comments are my own.

Sibu Beauty Review

Sibu Beauty offers "premium skin care products made from the Himalayan sea buckthorn berry. Known as the “beauty berry” across Europe and Asia, sea buckthorn contains over 190 bioactive compounds that restore, revitalize, and protect youthful beauty – from the inside-out AND outside-in. These hardy berries help nourish skin, hair, and nails with powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids." You should definitely check out their product line!

I was sent a complimentary Sea Buckthorn Face and Body Bar to review. Read more below!

Sea Buckthorn Face and Body Bar: 10 of 10! I love this bar! It has a very unique, strong, and pleasant aroma. It has a smooth texture except for the berries, which provide a soothing exfoliation experience. I really do feel like this bar revitalizes my skin cells. I also like that this bar is paraben-free and cruelty-free, and contains NO dairy, wheat, gluten, sodium, yeast or preservatives. This means that almost anyone should be able to and want to use it. :-)

Check out Sibu Beauty on twitter, facebook, pinterest, and their blog!

And now for some good news! The winners of The Skin Regime giveaway were Melissa and Christine! Thanks to all who entered!

The Skin Regime: Boot Camp for Beautiful Skin Review and Giveaway

Earlier this year I was sent a complimentary copy of Dana Ramos' The Skin Regime: Boot Camp for Beautiful Skin along with a sample Glycolic Acid Peel.

This book covers all you need to know about skin care. It's an easy read with straightforward directions. Dana recommends an affordable skin regime that actually works! I'm impressed with the results and am excited to continue following the book's recommendations. I especially loved the peel. I was a little nervous to try it since I've never done a facial peel before, but I followed the directions, and afterwards my face felt like a load had been lifted from it. It felt like new baby's skin, just like the book said. I also had no negative reactions like red skin, so I was especially pleased.

If you're sick of using a cabinet full of skin products with limited results or if you're at a loss for how to care for your skin, this is the book for you. It is a small book, but it is packed with great advice and information.

Still not convinced? Check out the first 30 pages for free here!

You can also check out The Skin Regime on Facebook and Twitter, and you can buy the book at Amazon.com.


And now.... for a Giveaway! Two lucky winners will receive a copy of The Skin Regime along with a sample Glycolic Acid Peel. Giveaway ends on March 31.

To enter this giveaway, email giveawaywinner007@gmail.com and state why you're interested in trying The Skin Regime.

For additional entries, comment below if you post about this giveaway on your blog, if you follow my blog, and/or if you add my blog to your blogroll.

Thanks and best of luck!

Wholesome Meal Snack Bites Giveaway Winner

Thank you to all who entered the Wholesome Meal Snack Bites Giveaway! Random.org has declared #1 the lucky winner, which is Vera! I'll be emailing you shortly!

Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways!

Wholesome Meal Snack Bites Review and Giveaway

Do you snack? Do you ever eat breakfast on the go? Then I have a great product to share with you today: Wholesome Meal Snack Bites! Snack Bites are "nutritious balls of organic nut butter with a one of a kind packaging that’s super healthy and great for on the go." They are made from organic and all-natural, gluten free ingredients with top shelf Non-GMO proteins, and they come in 5 great flavors (Peanut Butter, Vegan Cran Almond, Nutty Monkey, Chia Chocolate, and Sunny Honey).

Nutty Monkey: 9 of 10. These were a bit dry, but they miraculously held together and melted in my mouth. They were chewy and crunchy with rice crisps, nuts and a great peanut taste. They were actually fairly sweet for having so little sugar. I love the cute container too!

Chia Chocolate: 10 of 10! What a delicious and fabulous, rich chocolate flavor. I'd take this over a chocolate kiss! The crunch is great, and it is so pretty with chia seeds speckled in. Absolutely delightful!

Sunny Honey: 9.5 of 10. These are very rich with a sweet tangerine and honey flavor. These were smoother and creamier than other flavors, but still had the crunchy rice crisps inside.

Vegan Cran Almond: 9 of 10. These were a bit dry, but sweet with crunchy crisps and tasty cranberry pieces.

Peanut Butter: 9 of 10. I enjoyed the peanut butter taste and the other flavor that I couldn't quite figure out. It was strong and I liked it though. These were a bit dry as well, but still held together and the organic rice crisps added a satisfying crunch.

Aren't these snack bites cute?! Would you like to try them for yourself? You can purchase them online here! You can also enter a 5-pack giveaway below!

Snack Bites Giveaway

In order to enter this giveaway, visit and like Wholesome Meal Snack Bites on Facebook.

Leave a comment with your Facebook name and email address so I can contact you if you win.

It's that simple!

This giveaway, generously sponsored by Wholesome Meal Snack Bites, will end on March 4, 2013. The winner will be chosen by a random number generator.

AeroPress Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered my AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker Giveaway. Random.org has named lucky number 5 our winner, which is Karen! Congrats! Since Karen didn't include an email address in her posts, I'm going to ask her to comment on this post within 48 hours with an email address so I can contact her about her prize. After 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Don't delay!

I don't know where you all live, but below is a picture of the snowy weather we're having in Michigan right now. Brrrrr!

Homemade Sugar Cookies, Pumpkin Bread, and Granola

Today I'm going to share a few recipes I've made recently. Also, I want to remind you that I have a giveaway for an Aeropress Coffee Maker going on now. You should check it out!

Easy Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 1/4 cups white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll spoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Easy Pumpkin Bread 

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cups sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin 

1/2 cup olive oil 

2 eggs

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix together flour, salt, baking soda, and sugar. In a separate bowl combined pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and spices. Combine with dry ingredients. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a toothpick poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack. You can also use this recipe to make pumpkin muffins. 

Maple Nut Granola
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp. almond or vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups fruit and seed trail mix

Mix all ingredients together except trail mix and place on baking pan, which you can cover with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make the clean-up easier. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes, stir, then bake another 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Mix baked granola with trail mix for an even more robust granola treat.

AeroPress Coffee Maker Review and Giveaway

How do you like to start your day? A run? Yoga? Green Smoothie? I personally love a hot cup of coffee along with a wholesome breakfast. For this reason, I am very happy to share my review of the AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker with you all.  I was sent a complimentary AeroPress to review from Aerobie, which has a number of other neat products too.

This coffee and espresso maker produces the "world's smoothest, richest brew," and it does so very quickly! The press time takes only 20 seconds. Check out it's slick design below:

AeroPress Coffee Maker: 10 of 10. I love this! The coffee really is rich and smooth as advertised! It is also a very quick process that is super easy to clean-up. I am definitely impressed. I also used this to make coffee for my parents during a visit, and they loved it.

Would you like an AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker? You can purchase one from a number of physical and online retailers (retails for just $29.99) or you can enter my giveaway for an AeroPress of your own!


Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment stating how you enjoy your coffee.

Extra Entries (leave one comment for each): Post a link to this giveaway on your blog and comment with a link to that post.

Tweet about this giveaway: Win a #free #Aerobie #AeroPress #Coffee and #Espresso Maker at Food, Fotos, and Fun! at http://foodfotosandfun.blogspot.com/2013/01/aeropress-coffee-maker-review-and.html.
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This giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will end on January 30, 2013. The winner will be picked via random.org. and will have 48 hours to respond to the winning e-mail to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Make sure you leave a valid e-mail address in your posts! Giveaway is sponsored by Aerobie.