Larry's Beans Coffee Review & Giveaway

Larry’s Beans wants you to love your coffee & truth be told…after opening the bag of Larry’s Dr. Mojo blend, I was lovin’ every little bean in my sight!  Here is another feel-good coffee:  

• 100% Fair Trade
• Shade Grown
• Organic
•   Facilities that utilize composting & rainwater harvesting
• Green facilities including solar heated flooring, natural lighting, sustainable packing to name just a few!
• Larry’s local deliveries are made in his bus that runs on vegetable oil collected from local businesses
• Larry houses Raleigh’s only B100 Biodiesel refueling system
• Biodegradable bags

Although I was born & raised in Michigan, I am a forever North-Carolinian, where Larry’s Beans reside.  Also, being a healthcare professional, I learned that UNC Hospital runs on Larry’s Dr. Mojo beans and no wonder you get top-notch care there!  Larry’s beans has coffee, teas, mugs that make you happy to drink out of, coffee gadgets, gift certificates, and soon they will have a coffee club!  There are so many unique blends, including the Dr. Mojo which is a new favorite, Bean Martin Blend, Cowboy Blend, & soooo many more including decaf blends & raw coffee beans!  Larry’s Beans is so cool that I am going to find a way to get my future dietitians there for a tour (and based on the website, I now need to know why you can’t touch ‘Ryan from packaging’s’ beard…)  There are too many amazing things to say about Larry’s Beans that you really need to visit his site: Larry's Beans

Thank you Larry’s Beans for sending me your unbelievably good Dr. Mojo blend and my new “happy” coffee mug at no cost for my review.  Thank you also for allowing my readers the opportunity to win a bag of your Dr. Mojo blend and a “happy” coffee mug of their own.  You guys simply rock!

Clean Out the Pantry Chili

1 can of Black Beans

1 can of Chili Beans

2 cans of light kidney beans

2 cans of diced tomatoes, Italian style

1 can of crushed tomatoes

1 can of fiesta corn

1 green pepper

1 white onion

1 TBSP chili powder

1TSP Cumin

Toppings:  Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese, Franks Red Hot, Etc.!

Start by sautéing the green pepper and onion. 

   

Then put the green pepper and onion in a crock pot.  Put all of the other ingredients, except for the toppings, into the crock pot.  Stir it up & cook it on low for 6 hours.  Tamper & Add/Delete other ingredients as you please!

GOOD Hemp Seed Oil

 I just love my heart-healthy oils. I use olive oil and canola oil frequently, but was very interested to try GOOD Hemp Seed Oil because I wasn't exactly sure what it would taste like & wanted to learn more about the health benefits.

The taste is very good.  The kids & the husband liked it too.  It has a nutty flavor to the oil, almost like a sunflower seed, from the hemp seeds.  We used it as a dipping oil for bread with a shake of Italian Seasonings.

And once I learned it was created by a couple of British guys, well....I knew that 1)  I liked the products already because lets face it...most American girls love British guys and 2)  I knew their commercial would be stunning and it is!  Take a look below for a very creative and entertaining video:



So let's talk about the health benefits of GOOD Hemp Seed Oil:

• 2.5g of OMEGA 3's per serving (tablespoon) which is fantastic since most people do not get enough OMEGA 3's in their diet
• 23x more OMEGA 3's than Olive Oil & 2x more than Canola Oil, which is great for people who need to switch it up or for people who need those extra OMEGA 3's but do not want fish-derived products
• 28% less saturated fat than Olive Oil
• GOOD Health Facts check this link for more healthy facts!
• Vegetarian and Vegan approved!

Thank you GOOD for sending me your delicious hemp seed oils at no-cost for my review! All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Total Fitness Review & Giveaway

If you have not been to Total Fitness DVDs then you are missing out on an amazing site for great fitness products!  For some of us, we either do not have a ton of time to get to the gym, or some of us just do not like exercising outside of the privacy of our own home.  Total Fitness DVDs has an incredible selection of fitness DVDs and fitness equipment for absolutely reasonable prices.  I am amazed at the selection of childrens workouts.  It is a fact that our young generation is getting larger and having fitness DVDs available for home use is an excellent choice for kids who are shy or embarrassed about exercising in front of their peers.  I wanted to review the dance-fitness DVDs because I need some upbeat music when I exercise and who doesn't want to have a bunch of smooth moves when heading to the family weddings during the summer!  Total Fitness DVDs sent me Dance Off The Inches:  Cardio Hip-Hop to review and WOW!  It is so much fun!  I made sure to go through the dance tutorial (having no dance background at all) and I highly suggest you do the same.  The workout was fun and I could not believe how much ab work I got out of it.  The workout kicked my butt & my kids had a blast doing it with me.  Jennifer Galardi, the Hip Hop leader in the DVD is motivating and energetic.  As I mentioned, I have NO dance background and this DVD was a great workout & a good way to learn some fabulous dance moves.  On top of their incredible prices, Total Fitness DVDs is giving you 10% off of your order with coupon code:  10off at checkout.  Total Fitness DVDs has also agreed to giveaway The Firm:  Cardio Dance Express to one of my lucky readers!  Get your dance on and your fitness on!  Don't let the upcoming Holidays be an excuse to gain weight.  Feel great before we ring in a new year!

Thank you so much Total Fitness DVDs for providing me with products to review and giveaway at no-cost.  Opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Flatout Review & Do Good Donation!

Feed your body:

I have always been a HUGE fan of Flatout wraps because they are high fiber/low calorie/taste awesome alternatives to bread.  This is important for me, as a Mom who needs to keep my children entertained when I pack their lunch every day.  These wraps are PERFECT for the Halloween season.  Last night we had another family over & made pumpkin-face pizzas with the new Hungry Girl Flatout Foldit Flatbread for the kids & for the adults, Honey-Wheat Flatouts.  It was a blast!  Flatout has some incredibly spooky ideas for Halloween treats on their facebook page including Spooky Snake Bites, Creepy Crawlies, Goblin Grabbers & Yummy Mummies just to name a few.  They are quick and easy to make for a super fun addition to your Halloween festivities!  Check out these recipes at:  Flatout Halloween Recipes

Feed your soul:

Flatout Cares! Do Good Donations in October

“Helping others is important to us at Flatout. Knowing that one in six Americans go hungry every day, we recently donated 20,000 lbs. of our new Hungry Girl Foldit® Flatbread to food banks across the country. 

Tell us about a Flatout fabulous organization that you support and how it could benefit from a “Flatout Do Good Donation.” Now through Nov. 5, 2011, we’ll pick one great cause a week and donate $1,000 plus Flatout products to help make a difference. No purchase necessary.

For more details and how to enter, visit www.facebook.com/FlatoutBread now through November 6.

·     Tell us in 200 words or less about an organization that you support that can benefit from a Do Good Donation of $1,000 and Flatout product

·     We’ll pick one winner each week and donate to the nominated organization

Thank you Flatout for providing me samples of your products at no-cost for my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

                                                

Cobra Corn Review & Giveaway

I CAN'T STOP EATING THIS!!!  Beware, this snack is highly addictive because of its tastiness!  I wanted to review Cobra Corn because I love popcorn, I love snacks, and I love cobras.  Cobra Corn has a one-of-a-kind flavor- Mumbai Masala which is a blend of 10 Indian spices and seasonings that tantalize your taste buds, but they also keep it real.  As in, it's good a really good snack choice too:

• No artificial flavors or colors
• No MSG (thank you!)
• No preservatives
• Gluten-Free & No Trans Fat

I fed this to my co-worker who was addicted after the first bite (also a Dietitian).  We both love the spices, it is just yummy yummy yummy.  Plus, the company is based out of Chicago & I love Chicago.  And to make things ever better, Cobra Corn is giving away a case of it for one lucky reader (6 bags)!  Thank you Cobra Corn for graciously sending me your awesome product for free & for giving my readers the chance to win it as well!!!

Clif MOJO Bar Review :nom:nom:nom:

I don't know about you, but any time I can ingest some extra MOJO...it has to be a good thing!  I contacted the CLIF Bar company about their products because they are a very popular choice with clients.  CLIF MOJO are trail mix bars made with mostly (70%) organic ingredients with a pretty good dose of protein.  I was sent the Chocolate Almond Coconut, White Chocolate Macadamia, & Dipped S'Mores bars for review. 

CLIF MOJO is a line of trail mix bars made with organic ingredients and featuring a variety of nuts plus, pretzels, raisins, chocolate chips and other real ingredients for a crispy, crunchy texture and sweet and salty flavor.

 

Chocolate Almond Coconut:  :nom:nom:nom:  I loved this one the best.  It tasted like a dessert, in fact, much like one my Grandma would make at Christmas.  It was sweet & the coconut is plentiful.  I am not sure I would classify this as a trail mix bar, rather an excellent alternative to a candy bar!  You could slice this up into squares and serve it as a dessert at a potluck and no one would know.  Yum.

Dipped S'Mores:  This trail mix bar actually tastes more like an actual s'more than most s'more products out there.  The extra cocoa dip makes the mouth feel of this bar very enjoyable and it is not too sweet/not too salty.  I am not a huge fan of s'more flavored products, but I would certainly eat this one again.

White Chocolate Macadamia:  I was pleasantly surprised at this bar.  I expected it to be sweet, but it really only had a hint of sweetness, which was really refreshing because I felt as though I was consuming a more natural trail mix bar while eating it.  This bar would be excellent if you are out and about (hiking, events, games) and need a snack because it has a good 8 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrate (perfect for a snack!), and 190 calories.

For more information about these bars, check out CLIF Bar or like them on Facebook-CLIF Bar

Thank you CLIF MOJO for letting me review these delicious trail mix bars at no-cost for my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Tiny Footprint Coffee Review & Giveaway

Picture this: It is a beautiful, crisp morning and you are drinking a hot, delicious cup of coffee that is full of good karma. Doesn't that sound like a good way to wake up? I thought so :) I have been looking for sustainable products to share because they are the true Trifecta of my message...to feed your mind, body, and soul at the same time. As mentioned in my earlier posts, I tend to be a coffee snob. I asked Tiny Footprint Coffee to send me their coffee to review and they graciously said yes & are willing to let y'all try some as well through my giveaway.

Tiny Footprint Coffee tastes incredible. I like light, medium, and dark roasts but decided to try the medium roast. The taste was full and rich, and probably could easily beat Starbucks in a blind taste-test. Just reading the bag of coffee made me feel good: It takes them 4 pounds of carbon to make a pound of coffee, so they plant 54 pounds of carbon sucking trees...creating 50 pounds of good karma in every bag. I could kiss the bag of coffee. Tiny Footprint Coffee is a collaborative effort between Minneapolis Ad Agency, Pocket Hercules and artisan coffee roasters, Roastery 7, & Mindo Cloudforest Foundation.  So listen, coffee is good for you.  I will make it a point to tell you why in a later post.  In the meantime, give an awesome gift and feel good about it, either to yourself or others who love a good cup of coffee with the added bonus of good karma.  Thank you Tiny Footprint Coffee for letting me review your coffee for free & providing an amazing giveaway to my readers.  It is taking every ounce of self-control not keep it all for myself ;)

Bakery on Main's Gluten-Free Instant Oatmeal Review & Giveaway!

I LOVE Oatmeal!  I especially love flavored oatmeal or dressing up plain oatmeal with fruits & nuts & various things.  I first tried Bakery on Main's products at the Food & Nutrition Conference/Expo in Boston last year and their Gluten-Free Granola was absolutely delicious.  I am not going to lie (hence...the Honest Dietitian) but I do have trouble finding GF foods that I am in love with, so listen...I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS OATMEAL.  Bakery on Main was kind enough to send me a packet of the Gluten-Free Instant Oatmeal in Strawberry Shortcake, Apple Pie, and Maple Multigrain Muffin flavors at no cost for me to review.  These delicious oatmeals are made with:

• Certified Gluten Free Oats
• Amaranth
• Quinoa
• Chia & Flax Seeds

So you are looking at an oatmeal that is high in fiber, non GMO (thank you!!), dairy & casein free, low sodium, GFCO certified gluten free, Kosher OU Parve, and no trans fat or cholesterol.  Lots of people are following a GF diet, for various reason aside from people with Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerances.  Other individuals include people with Autism who eat a GF/Casein Free diet in an attempt to reduce symptoms, athletes who feel a GF diet helps to improve performance, as well as those individuals who have eliminated Gluten from their menu & just feel a whole lot better!

My favorite flavor was the Strawberry Shortcake.  The oatmeal cooked up good, in fact I made mine with boiling water and was happy with the parallel consistency with the regular instant oatmeals I have had.  Here is the main difference, there was more sustenance to each bite.  The oats were a bit firmer, the flavor was more natural, & since the fiber content between the oatmeal & strawberries was higher, I actually was full before the bowl was done!  That, my friends, is a sign of one excellent oatmeal.  Warm, cozy, filling...and I am happy & ready to go!  Thanks to the wonderful Bakery on Main for letting me try these oatmeals & they are so nice that they're going to let you try them too!!!

4 Ingredient Swiss Chicken Recipe

Another delicious recipe that tastes better SO MUCH BETTER than it looks!  Here is a recipe that includes 4 ingredients.  How easy is that!  And it is delicious, one of the family favorites that I enjoyed as a kid, where (no offense Mom!) most of our entrees included a can of some-sort of Campbell's soup.  Serve this with some whole-grain biscuits & green beans for a comforting, warm meal.

Baking Time:  35 minutes; Oven Temperature:  375*F; Servings:  4-5 servings (depending on how big your chicken breasts are!  I recommend 5 ounces per chicken breast)

Ingredients:
-One can of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup
-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-1 box of Stove Top stuffing
-8 slices of 2% Swiss Cheese

This is so easy.  Make the box of Stove Top stuffing in the microwave.  Spread the can of mushroom soup on the bottom of a casserole dish.  Place the chicken breasts on top of the soup.  Place the slices of Swiss cheese on top of the raw chicken breasts.  Finish by placing the cooked Stove Top stuffing over the Swiss cheese.  Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and place in the over for 35 minutes at 375*F.
For 4 servings:  Calories:  405 calories/serving; Protein:  35 grams/serving; Carbohydrates:  28 grams/serving; Total Fat:  13 grams/serving; Sodium:  837 mg/serving---which you could reduce with reduced sodium products as well! Average price per serving is $1.74.

It will smell wonderful and taste great!  I am sure some of you have a different version of the same recipe and I would LOVE for you to share!

Brothers-All-Natural Healthy Snacks

I think the kids and I might have a new favorite snack! Brothers-All-Natural were kind enough to send me their Fruit Crisps for a review.  Since I work out of a childhood & adolescent weight management clinic, I am always keeping my eyes out for healthy snacks to recommend to kids and their families.  The Fruit Crisps are 100% freeze dried & come in 7 flavors:  apple, apple cinnamon, pear, banana, strawberry & banana, and pineapple.  There is no sugar added to these tasty snacks and I think they are an excellent choice for on-the-go and in-the-lunchbox!  Check them out at Brothers-All-Natural to find a store that sells them near you.  I was happy to see they were available at many retailers where I live.

Here is my youngest daughter taking a snack break after school.  She LOVED them!

I tried the Apple Cinnamon Fruit Crisps and they were delicious!  My husband tried the Banana Fruit Crisps and he thought they had just the right amount of sweetness.  My daughters wanted more of the Fruit Crisps and for only 35-60 calories per Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Fruit Crisps, you can bet this snack will not spoil their dinner.  In fact, if I had one suggestion for Brothers-All-Natural, I would suggest at least 100-150 calorie packs of the snacks.  Give them a "Like" on Facebook & in all honesty, these snacks are great & I am putting them on my FAVORITES list!

Weight Loss Supplements & Nutrient Interactions

Weight loss supplements are not for everyone but can be very helpful for some people.  If you are overweight or obese, check with your medical doctor to determine if you are a good candidate for weight loss supplements.  Weight loss supplements are not to be used for a long-term solution to overweight or obesity issues.  Sometimes they can just give people a jump-start & allow people to focus on making lifestyle changes, without a hearty appetite.  In all of my years as a Dietitian, I have only agreed with a few patients that weight loss supplements would be appropriate for them.  Some of the appetite suppressants, such as phentermine, can be addicting & can give people adverse side effects, such as a rapid heart rate or anorexia.  Fat absorption inhibitors such as orlistat (or over the counter Alli) can be excellent choices, since if you decide to eat high fat meals…the result can be explosive!   

Here are some drug/nutrient interactions to be mindful of if you do take a supplement:

Fat Absorption Inhibitors (orlistat):

Since these supplements block fat absorption in the GI tract, it is recommended to take a multivitamin that includes your fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K, and beta carotene in the evening, at bedtime.  Also, Fish Oil contains fatty acids, so if you are on fish oils, make sure to take the fat absorption inhibitors at least 2-3 hours apart from your fish oils.

Appetite Suppressants: ( sibutramine, phentermine, diethylpropion, etc.)

Most of your over the counter weight loss supplements and “fat-melting” supplements (you might see these at health stores as thermogenics) have CNS (central nervous system) stimulants in them.  Adding them to your prescription appetite suppressants could be harmful or lethal!  Some of these CNS stimulants include green tea, guarana, bitter orange, or caffeine.  Also, be aware of the dangers of using Serotonin-enhancing supplements with appetite suppressants, such as St. John’s Wort, SAM-e, L-tryptophan, and 5-HTP because they could lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening syndrome with adverse side effects such as hallucinations, headache, coma, shivering, diarrhea, and tremors, amongst other things!

Meatloaf from the Gods

Meatloaf from the Gods

Baking Time:  1 hour & 10 minutes; Oven Temp:  350*F; Servings:  8 Heavenly Slices

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cups of milk
• 2/3 cups of Italian Style bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning blend
• 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup of Sweet Baby Ray's Traditional BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of dry mustard

StepOne:
1.  Combine beaten eggs & milk in a bowl.  In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs, onion, Italian seasonings, fresh parsley, and salt.  Add the bread crumb mixture to your ground beef and mix together by mashing with your hands.  Then add the egg & milk mixture and continue to mix with hands until all ingredients are incorporated well into the beef.  Place mixture into a loaf pan (8x4x2).
2.  Bake your loaf for 1 hour (or until the internal temperature reaches 160*F).  Spoon off any fat.  In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and dry mustard.  Spread this mixture over the top of the loaf.  Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
3.  Take the loaf out of the oven and marvel at its beauty.  Do this for 10 minutes & then serve it.  You will be happy you did.  Calories:  230 per slice; Total Fat:  8 grams per slice; Sodium:  487mg per slice; Carbohydrates:  12 grams per slice; Protein:  19 grams per slice.

Gnu Bars Review & Giveaway!

Now that we know how important fiber is & how little most of us get, check out these wonderful fiber-filled Gnu Bars!  Gnu bars provide 12 grams of fiber per bar & only 130-140 calories, depending which flavor you get.  I tried the Banana Walnut bar for breakfast this morning and it was tasty!  These bars are baked and come in 7 different flavors:  Orange Cranberry, Banana Walnut, Cinnamon Raisin, Chocolate Brownie, Peanut Butter, Espresso Chip, and Lemon Ginger.  They pack a huge punch of fiber which works with weight management, promotes on-going regularity, and supports heart health/lowers cholesterol.  This is a CLEAN product:  natural with no high fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oils, Kosher, Vegan, and good golly...for a fiber bar, it has flavor!  I am impressed!  You can find these at any The Vitamin Shoppe stores & some Whole Foods Markets.  You can also order them at Gnu Foods.

GIVEAWAY

One lucky reader of The Honest Dietitian will win one of each of the 7 flavors of the Gnu Bars!  The giveaway is open until Midnight, Wednesday October 12th 2011.  Winner will be chosen using Random.org.  The winner will be notified Thursday October 13th  and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is picked.  Please leave your email in a comment, or make sure it is visible in your profile!

Mandatory:  Go to the Gnu Foods Facebook Page and "like" it.  Tell them The Honest Dietitian sent you!  

Extra Entries:

• Like The Honest Dietitian on Facebook (2 entry)
• Subscribe to my blog via Google Friend Connect (2 entries) & let me know you did so
• Tweet about my Giveaway & leave a comment (2 entries)
• Subscribe to my blog via email & let me know you did so (2 entries)
• Add me to your blogroll & leave me the link where you did so (3 entries)

Thank You & Good Luck to Everyone!!  Look for More Giveaways this Week!

The Honest Truth about Fiber

What is the honest truth about fiber?  We just don’t get enough!  Most people think of fiber as something old people have to have to keep themselves regular, when the reality is that we all need adequate fiber to keep us ALL regular, as well as lower our risk of diabetes and heart disease.  The recommended intake of fiber is 25-35 grams per day.  I’ve seen a million food journals and done a lot of research and it is sad to report that most Americans consume less than 15 grams per day on average.  Fiber containing foods are usually foods that are exceptionally great for you:  whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.  Insoluble fiber is the roughage of foods that your body can’t digest, so it happily bulks your stools to keep your digestive system happy & keeps you fuller longer, which can aid in weight loss.  Soluble fiber helps to reduce your LDL “bad cholesterol”.   

Here are some tips:

• Do not all of the sudden go from eating 4 grams of fiber per day to 35 grams per day.  Gradually increase the fiber in your diet, so you don’t experience any unpleasant side effects.  I want your fiber experience to be a pleasant one & not a gas! 

•   Drink lots of water with your fiber containing meals and snacks.  Not only will this help the fiber to expand to make you feel more full and satisfied, but it will also help “move things along” in your belly.

• Read labels or take a gander at the National Fiber Council to get an idea of foods that contain high amounts of fiber and start adding them in to your family’s meals.  Everyone feels better with fiber!

Supreme Protein Bars...DELICIOUS!

When I contacted Supreme Protein to review their protein bars, I was told to put a seat belt on my taste buds because they were in for a ride!  I thought that was quite a statement, but it turns out that they were right.  I have finally found a protein bar that I am excited about!  Often, there are times when clients, friends, and family ask me about protein bars.  I have no problem with suggesting protein bars for after workout snacks, or even as a breakfast choice on-the-go, but this is the first protein bar that I have tasted that doesn’t leave an after-taste and is YUMMY.  Last night my daughters and I were on the go with a long drive for a late-night soccer game.  I let them try the Carmel Nut Chocolate & Peanut Butter Pretzel Twist bars as a snack to hold them until after the game.  They LOVED it!  In fact, my youngest daughter said “these should not be for adults, they are too good and kids would eat them!”.  I thought that was cute.  But not as cute as when my boss this morning (who is an avid runner and bicyclist), in her business suit, used her finger to get all of the chocolate out of the wrapper and said that she is hooked!  

Give these Supreme Protein  bars a try!  They are available at CVS, Walgreen’s, GNC, Wal-Mart, & thousands of other retail locations.  Supreme Protein graciously sent me the Carmel Nut Chocolate (my favorite!), Peanut Butter Pretzel Twist, and Peanut Butter & Jelly bars for free to me for review.  Thanks so much, because now I can confidently suggest a good-tasting protein bar to people!

Sustainability: Not just a trend

Have you ever met someone who thinks “green” and “sustainability” are terms that are just the current-trend of the times?  Unfortunately, I have.  I have heard people say “organic” is just a trend.  Maybe these people do not understand that sustainability refers to taking care of and being responsible for the resources and maintenance of the world that is raising us.  We must protect ourselves and our future by creating environments of sustainable economic, environmental, and social atmospheres. 

There are so many things you can do to encourage a sustainable planet & many of these things you have been taught since childhood:

1. Turn off the water faucet when brushing your teeth.

2. Make sure to do full loads of laundry & only run the dishwasher when it is full.

3. Use natural lighting in your house & turn lights off when you are not in the room.

4. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.  I don’t even think this should be optional anymore.

5. Plant a garden!  This will serve many purposes, including producing healthy foods & providing the opportunity for fresh air and light exercise.

6. Turn off your electronics and take your kids outside.  Take your dog outside.  Take your   significant other or best friend outside.  Go for a walk, kick the soccer ball around, and throw a Frisbee.  It’s free, it feels good, and you’re making memories.

Going bananas sure tastes good!

I think bananas get some bad hype.  I used to hear it all of the time in the hospital from patients..."Bananas are too high in calories"..."Bananas have too much sugar"...and that made me sad.  Bananas are a wonderful fruit that you can get year round.  They are one of the best sources for potassium and vitamin B6.  They also contain vitamin C and manganese, which protect your body from nasty, harmful free-radical damage to your cells.  If you are picking bananas out at the store, and want some that are ripe and ready to eat (or bake banana bread/muffins with), you need to look for ones that are yellow with a few brown spots on them.  The vitamins & healthy enzymes are at their peak when the fruit is ripe!

One medium banana only contains around 109 calories, which is a great snack choice!  Put it between two pieces of whole grain bread and slap on some peanut butter and you have yourself an "Elvis" sandwich (but keep off that bacon)!  Bananas are cheap & easy to add to many recipes to sneak in some extra nutrition, such as smoothies, fruit salad, and oatmeal!

I finally got my first face-lift!

Well, not literally my face...but the face of my blog thanks to Pinki Design!  It is always a good idea to have an awesome graphic designer around.  They are multi-purpose!  You always need someone reliable around to help you with business cards, wedding invitations, party invitations, logos, tee-shirts, etc. with that extra-special touch.  Think about your family reunions or your friend's birthday party!  Wouldn't it be nice to have designs that are specifically for your loved ones?  Take my advice and make friends with a graphic designer...they really can do everything.

These are coasters with an original illustrated map of Ferndale, MI with each coaster representing a different part of the city by my favorite graphic designer Pinki Design HOW COOL!

My choice for "favorite graphic designer to have around the house" goes to Pinki Design, which is based out of Ferndale, MI (Metro-Detroit).  The brains behind the business is Laura Leidlein, who has a great background in design and illustration, but most importantly a deep passion for art.  Her freelance graphic work includes (but is not limited to):  logos, business cards, flyers, websites, illustrations, posters, t-shirts, etc.  She also has turned some of her designs into gifts:  Pinki Boutique & is working on some incredible original jewelry as well.  So, do yourself a favor and have a graphic designer handy...but don't worry if you don't have one...I will share mine.