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Activia Selects Review

Posted by Brande on September 27, 2011
in Food and Treats, Health, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

My Review:

We received French Selects Cherry, French Selects Fruit on the Bottom in Mixed Fruit and Greek Selects in Vanilla. We love yogurt in our house. We especially enjoyed the Activia Selects French & French Fruit on the bottom. They were smooth and creamy. The Activia Selects Greek is a thick yogurt. We don’t usually eat Greek yogurt, because of it’s thickness. But, it was still very enjoyable.

Go to this website and you can get your own free Activia Selects to try!

http://activia.us.com/products/enjoy_activia_selects.aspx

About Activia Selects:

“Everyday, millions of people across the country enjoy Activia at mealtime or as a snack. So, we’re especially excited to introduce you to the newest innovations from Activia Selects – new styles of yogurt made from recipes inspired by global cultures, including those from Greece and France. Each allows fans of Activia – and those who may not have tried Activia before – to explore the wider world of tastes and textures offered by a brand they already trust and love.”

“The new Activia Selects styles and flavors, including French style, with large fruit bites layered on the bottom, and Greek style, a creamy blended yogurt. As always, Activia Selects, made with the unique pro-biotic culture Bifidus Regularis, can help regulate the digestive system when consumed daily for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, so you’ll feel good about what you’re eating.”

“Partnering with Activia Selects is Johnny Luzzini, award-winning executive pastry chef and “Top Chef just Desserts” head judge, who can share delicious ways to explore new flavors and textures based on cultural recipes.”

Activia Selects French are available in Cherry, Mango, Pineapple, & Blackberry. Activia Selects French Fruit on the Bottom are available in Strawberry & Mixed Fruit. And the Activia Selects Greek come in Vanilla, Blueberry, Strawberry, & Pomegranate Berry.

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End of Summer – Health and Garden Tuesday

Posted by html404 on September 27, 2011
in Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday

I don’t know about you, but I am always sad when the end of summer arrives. It is always refreshing to have the cool mornings and nights that comes with this time of year, however, it also means winter is just around the corner….which is my least favorite season.

It was a very busy summer traveling back and forth two days a week to Mrs. A’s farm, but full of learning and memories. By the time we had moved in early August, the children (and me too, admittedly) were tiring of being gone from home, traveling and…..weeding. All of that came to an end on Friday, September 16th. We are officially done at Mrs. A’s. Our last farmers market was the 10th. (Oh and by the way, we were in the Glenview news for a feature for the farmers market over Labor Day weekend. You can view it here: http://glenview.patch.com/articles/bringing-the-garden-to-your-plate Sorry forgot the link earlier!)

Now, it’s time to make plans for our own farm. We have our garlic to plant, our 2 fields to till and manure. We are still deliberating over ordering baby chicks for laying hens. Not sure I want to start a batch in cool weather and over-winter them. That’s the disadvantage. The advantage is that we will get eggs in the spring some time – a huge plus if we want them for our family, farmers markets or a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture definition here.) My husband had wanted to wait on the animals but he seems to be more open to the chickens now that we are done at Mrs. A’s. We did just get used feeders and a nesting box off of Craigslist – can you say smelly and dirty?! A definite disadvantage to buying used. We will clean them up before using them to safe guard against any possible contamination occurring. We still need fencing and housing for chickens…and time…lots and lots of decisions.

It still seems a bit surreal that we have our own place to farm. I feel like I have to pinch myself sometimes.

We are thoroughly enjoying our extra space and are praying for guidance for our future farming enterprise.

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NEW! Health and Garden Tuesday Post

Posted by html404 on September 6, 2011
in All Natural Products, Family Stuff, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition, Home

I just wanted to share a little testimony for this week’s post on Health and Garden Tuesday. Over the weekend I went with a friend to give a Raindrop to a client who won a free Raindrop with a qualifying order at one of my friend’s meetings. I was acting as her assistant and had to ring out two towels with hot water. The only thing is I made the water too hot and burned my thumb so much so that it started smarting and blistering right away. I was not able to put anything on it until Sunday morning and when I did I applied two Young Living essential oils: Purification and Lavender. The blistering is basically gone and what remains does not even hurt. I have never used an essential oil on a burn before and am very glad that I did since the pain of the burn is not as long lasting as it usually is. My burn really benefited from using Young Living essential oils.

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30 Meals in One Day Review, Promo Code & Giveaway!

Posted by Brande on July 8, 2011
in Books, Coupons, Deals, Downloads, DVDs & CDs, Family Stuff, Food and Treats, Gift Ideas, Giveaways, Health, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition, Products for Mom, Recipes, Saving Money

So, you spent the day at work or running around with your kids. You get home and the question comes up, “What’s for dinner?”. Imagine telling them we’re having Slow Cooked Chili or Chicken Stuffed Manicotti within 45 minutes! With this book and CD, it’s possible!

Dinner is Ready (by Deanna Buxton) is the book & software I received. In this book, there are 15 chapters. Each explains in detail the steps you need to accomplish your ultimate goal of 30 Meals in One Day. Here are a few chapter titles. “What is Freezer-Worthy?”, “Things That Will Make Your Life Easier”, “The Day Before”, & “Thawing”.

I’m going to share 2 (two) paragraphs from the “Dinner is Ready” book.

From Chapter 2 – “What is Freezer-Worthy?”

“The test for “freezer-worthiness” is, “Do you like it after it has been frozen?” After it is frozen, thawed and heated, can you tell that it has been frozen? If you can tell it has been frozen, you don’t want it on your freezer-worthy list. You are not freezing leftovers! What makes leftovers taste like leftovers? Leftovers can taste dried out, thick and overcooked. Freezing is a marvelous method for food preservation. When frozen properly, the food you serve your family will taste as delicious as if made that day! The intention is to freeze food at or before its peak so you are always serving fresh tasting food. Fully cooked meals such as Slow Cooker, StoveTop and Oven recipes should be frozen as soon as cool enough to go into the freezer. Assemble recipes should be frozen as soon as preparation and packaging is complete.

From Chapter 4 – ” Choosing Recipes”

“Before choosing 15 recipes to prepare, you must first divide them according to cooking method and/or time required to prepare each. Slow Cooker recipes, Oven recipes, StoveTop recipes, and Assemble recipes.

Your recipe list should very nearly consist of:

2 Slow Cooker recipes, 2 Oven recipes, 2 StoveTop recipes and 9 Assemble recipes

This is a general rule. The number of each will probably vary at times. Just be sure to limit the total to 15. Don’t choose more Slow Cooker and Oven recipes than are physically possible in a day and avoid choosing too many labor intensive StoveTop recipes.”

My Review:

What your doing is making 15 double batch recipes, getting 30 meals. This book and software is fantastic! The software is very friendly, when you pick your recipes. It will develop a shopping list and labels! Also, from the software you can print a menu, recipes, and labels! The book is very step by step and it seems as though nothing has been left out! There are 158 pages of recipes! However, I must warn you. You’ll need 1 (one) full day just to cook. So, put your families on notice for that day. That and your shopping day, you’ll probably end up spending more than normal. But, you’ll have tons of meals! I know what some of you are thinking, where am I going to fit 30 meals in my freezer? (There’s a chapter on this too) I’m limited on space and moving in a few weeks. So, 30 meals didn’t make sense to me at this time. Or maybe you want to try it out first. You can do what I did, I made 10 meals (5 recipes). 1 Slow Cooker, 1 Oven, 1 StoveTop, and 2 Assemble. Worked for me!

In addition to Dinner is Ready, they offer Lunch is Ready & On the Side. Got a wedding or baby shower coming up?

Overall, I recommend this product!

Let’s talk promo codes! We’ve got one for you, for you! You can get $5.00 off any order over $12.oo if you use this promo code: UTFAIR Not too shabby!

Join their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Dinner-is-Ready#!/pages/Dinner-is-Ready/192962734062940

Or their blog at http://www.30mealsinoneday.blogspot.com/!

Oh, one more thing! We have a giveaway!!!!

One very lucky Faith and Family Reviews reader will win a Dinner is Ready book and software combo!

You can also purchase this combo on their website at http://www.30mealsinoneday.com/products.php and don’t forget your promo code UTFAIR. If you order the same combo set, then win the giveaway, they will refund your order OR send you another set! AND – it you order the full set (all 3 cookbooks and 3-in-1 software) before the winner is announced, the will refund $60.00 of the winner’s order!

Happy Cooking!

Giveaway-

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what your favorite dish is to cook or bake.
Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):

1 Entry:Follow Faith and Family Reviews On Twitter

1 Entry:Like/Friend Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook.

1 Entry: Join their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Dinner-is-Ready#!/pages/Dinner-is-Ready/192962734062940

2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway, but only one tweet per day please. Include your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:

Giveaway: Enter to win a 30 meals in one day combo pack! http://bit.ly/p4jNyA @faithfamilyrevw! Please share! Thx!

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back this post..

1 Entry: for every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!

Details:
This giveaway will run from July 8th, 2011 to July 22nd, 2011 at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. 30 Meals in One Day will send one winner their prize. Winner will be contacted via email on or before July 22nd and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their e-mail at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to US and Canada only.

Thanks and have fun!

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Veggie Patch Review

Posted by Brande on June 20, 2011
in All Natural Products, Food and Treats, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition, Uncategorized

Company Information

“VEGGIE PATCH, the brand name for FoodTech International’s products, is making a big impact in the rapidly growing soy foods industry. In fact, since it was founded in 1995, Veggie Patch has become a $15 million business and is the fastest growing company in the $300 million meat alternatives retail category.

Featured prominently in produce aisles at leading supermarkets throughout the country, Veggie Patch is well positioned to appeal to this consumer segment: American families wishing to make more healthful food choices. Veggie Patch’s recipe for success is a simple one. We offer America’s favorite foods in familiar and attractive new packaging, with fresh ingredients and delicious taste, making meatless foods “user-friendly.”

An added bonus of the Veggie Patch line is its appeal to children. Kids don’t find vegetables to be intimidating when they look and taste like chicken nuggets! This means parents can feel relieved to know their children are getting the nutrition they need, without the extra fat, calories, chemicals and other modern-day concerns posed by meat— it’s “meat” you can feel good about!”

Product Veggie Patch Offers

Spinach Nuggets, Chick’n Nuggets, Meatless Buffalo Wings, Chick’n Cutlets,, Broccoli Bites, Spinach Bites with Cheese

In addition, they have Simply The Best Veggie Dogs. And 3 varieties of Meatless Sausage, including Jalapeno Cheddar, Spiced Apple, and Sun Dried Tomato with Artichoke.

My Review

First off, I’d like to thank the Veggie Patch team for all their help. For the past few weeks, I had a hard time trying to find Veggie Patch items. Of course, it was my fault. I was looking in frozen food and the Veggie Patch products are located by the tofu’s and veggies.

When I visited the Veggie Patch website (http://www.facebook.com/eatveggiepatch.com) today, I noticed my grocery store only seemed carry about 4 of the 19 products. I will be suggesting they add more Veggie Patch products.

My family and I received the Falafel Chickpea Balls & Spinach Bites with Cheese. One word. YUMMY! I wish my grocery store offered more of the varieties that Veggie Patch offers.

The Spinach Bites with Cheese are wonderful! Our next gathering we are getting them again! Even with the breading they are not “heavy” on the belly.

My husband LOVES chickpeas and the Falafel Chickpea Balls did not disappoint. There is a recipe on the inside of the packaging that is not to be missed, Falafel Pockets. Try them for yourself.

Veggie Patch has a few more new fans! I’ll be speaking with my local grocery store to ask them for more varieties!

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Part 2 of 2 of the Lemon, Thyme and Peppermint Series

Posted by html404 on May 10, 2011
in Eco Friendly Products, Guest Post, Health, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition

This is the second part of a two part series, the first part was shared last week here. This series contains infomation from Dr. Jean Valnet, MD, the well-known French medical researcher and essential oil expert, which appeared in BIOTECH News. Debra Raybern’s comments are preceded by the initials DR.

Oregano and Other Super Oils

In his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, Jean Valnet describes how oil of oregano is potent enough to sterilize sewage water! In 1995 Greek researchers at the University of Thessaloniki discovered that a 1/4000 dilution of fresh wild oil of oregano sterilized septic water.

Even in very watered down concentrations oil of oregano has been found to be “extremely bactericidal” in its action against 8 strains of bacteria including E coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. At Cornell University research has shown it was effective against 30 different germs.

A University of Tennessee study found oil of oregano to be useful against 9 different harmful food borne microbes. In Holland scientists found that carvacrol, one of oregano’s components, did an excellent job in inhibiting food borne Bacillus bacteria.

DR NANCY SNYDERMAN (VO) Noble was experimenting with bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Staph is a very common bacterium that lives on our skin and generally causes no trouble. But if it gets into the bloodstream, say through a cut or surgery, staph can very quickly damage the heart, lungs, brain, or poison the entire system. Staph is also very easily spread by touch. It’s found on doors, handrails, counter tops, you name it. What made Noble’s strain of staph so extraordinary, so frightening, was that it was resistant to the most potent antibiotic in existence, a drug called vancomycin.

“Oil pressed from oregano leaves that contain the active ingredient carvacrol may be an effective treatment against sometimes drug-resistant bacterial infection. Georgetown University researchers have found that oil of oregano appears to reduce infection “as effectively as traditional antibiotics.” Oil of oregano at relatively low doses was found to be efficacious against Staphylococcus bacteria and was comparable in its germ-killing properties to antibiotic drugs such as streptomycin, penicillin and vancomycin.” [Science Daily 10/11/2001]

The findings were presented by Harry G. Preuss, MD, professor of physicology and biophysics, Georgetown University, at the American College of Nutrition’s annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Super charged essential oils:

1. Oil from thyme: Destroys the anthrax bacillus, the typhoid bacillus, the glanders bacillus, staphylococcus, the diptheria bacillus, meningococcus, and Koch’s.
2. Essence of Lemon: Neutralize the meningococcus, typhus bacillus, pneumococcus, staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus. Neutralizes the typhus bacillus, staphylococcus and the diphtheric bacillus
3. BLEND: pine, thyme, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, cloves, cinnamon: Antieptic effect of a blend of essential oils—including pine, thyme, peppermint, lavender, rosemary, cloves and cinnamon was studied in order to test the ability of the oils to purify the air of harmful disease-causing bacteria, and many forms of bacteria —INCLUDING Staphylococcus aureus.
4. Peppermint: Improve mental acuity and alertness, vanquish fatigue, soothe the respiratory system, relieve nausea, fever and vomiting, and quickly put a stop to acid indigestion and heartburn. It kills intestinal parasites, staphylococcus and tuberculosis bacillus. Inhalant for the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
5. BLEND: Eucalyptus, clove, lemon cinnamon rosemary: dramatically inhibit the growth of many forms of bacteria—INCLUDING Staphylococcus aureus.
6. Oil of oregano: Potent enough to sterilize sewage water! It is “extremely bactericidal” against 8 strains of bacteria including E Coil, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. Reduces infection “as effectively as traditional antibiotics and exhibited the greatest antibacterial action against common pathogenic germs such as Staph, E. Coil and Listeria.

Debra Raybern, N.D., M.H., C.N.C., I.C.A. (Naturopath, Master Herbalist, Certified Nutrition Counselor, Internationally Certified Aromatherapist) is the founder of Sharing Great Health, Inc. with nearly two decades of personal and professional experience in helping families regain and maintain optimum health through natural health and wellness solutions. We are a part of her downline in our Young Living business.

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Health and Garden Tuesday-10 Toxic Fruits and Veggies

Posted by html404 on March 1, 2011
in Health, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday

Is it worth it to buy organic? We think so! Especially since the below fruits and veggies are filled with deadly pesticides and harmful chemicals that can cause fertilely problems, cancer, and more! See below:

Cherries- have a thin coating of skin that chemicals and pesticides can leak into. You should always buy these organic whenever possible. Because cherries contain ellagic acid, an antioxidant that neutralizes carcinogens, it’s worthwhile to buy organic.

Potatoes-Who doesn’t love potatoes? You should think twice before eating the skin as potatoes skin are coated with chemicals 36, according to the EWG.

Grapes- Like cherries, grapes have a very thin skin and chemicals can easily leech into this delectable fruit. Also think twice about buying non-organic wine as the chemicals in the grapes are in the wine.

Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, collards, and more)- These leafy green vegetables and more on our top 10 list. with spinach loaded with 45 different kinds of pesticides and kale 57. In 2006, Dole recalled bagged baby spinach after multiple E. coli illnesses associated with the vegetable made their way across the country.

Sweet Bell Pepper-This yummy vegetable contains up to 63 types of pesticides. Ewww!

Apples-need alot of attention from fruit growers and and pesticides are used to stave off mold, pests, and diseases. Research found 47 different kinds of pesticides on apples. And washing your apples with soap and hot water just doesn’t cut it anymore!

Blueberries- 13 pesticides are on a single blueberry. If you eat a handful of blueberries how much pesticides are you putting in your body?? Since blueberries have such a thin skin like grapes and cherries chemicals easily leech into the fruit.

Strawberries- Research has shown that a single strawberry can contain up to 53 pesticides.

Peaches-Are filled with 67 different chemicals, making them number two on the list of most contaminated fruit. On fruit farms they are sprayed frequently to ward off pests.

Celery- A single stalk contains 13 pesticides, while a whole, celery contained as many as 67 pesticides. Chemicals are all over this yummy vegetable and it doesn’t help that it has no protective skin. So if you like this crunchy veggie, go organic!

Buy locally, grown organic produce whenever possible for the best results for you and your family!

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Enhance Your Immune System with Echinacea

Posted by html404 on December 21, 2010
in Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition

Enhance Your Immune System with Echinacea

The cold and flu season is upon us and the H1N1 Virus has once again made the news, you may be wondering what you can do to improve your immune system. After all, no one wants to get sick. The good news is that there are very simple and natural things you can do to start enhancing your immune system right now.

The first and often most common step is to take Echinacea. In fact, according to a study reported on MayoClinic.com, a 2006 study found that the likelihood of experiencing a clinical cold was 55% higher with placebo than with Echinacea. Here’s how to use nature’s addition to your medicine cabinet.

#1 Forms of Echinacea

Echinacea is a relative of the common coneflower. Echinacea purpurea herb is considered to be the most potent Echinacea species. They’re actually quite pretty and can be grown in your home garden. However, eating the flower isn’t going to give you the immune-boosting effects you need. It is the root of this plant which is said to hold the powerful properties.

You can take Echinacea in the form of:

* Tea
* Juice
* Extracts
* Capsule or powder, supplement form

You may also find Echinacea as part of an immune booster supplement

#2 Be aware of its limitations and side effects

Not everyone can take Echinacea, however. Some people can be allergic and suffer side effects. This is particularly the case if you’re allergic to ragweed, marigolds and daisies, and chrysanthemums. These side effects and complications can include:

* Rash
* Asthma
* Anaphylaxis
* Gastrointestinal side effects

#3 Make it part of a routine

To take Echinacea, it’s best to make it part of a daily routine. If you feel a cold coming on and rush to drink Echinacea tea, chances are it’s too late. Instead, make sure the supplement is safe for use – speak with your doctor if you’re unsure, and then find a form that appeals to you. It may be that you absolutely love the tea or perhaps a simple supplemental capsule better meets your needs.

Echinacea is an herb that is still being studied for its immune-boosting properties. In the struggle to stay healthy and cold free this winter, it may be the best natural weapon you have. Take precautions, plan ahead and stay healthy!

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Health And Garden Tuesday: Top 12 Cosmetic Companies Are Actually Harmful

Posted by html404 on November 30, 2010
in All Natural Products, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday

Here is a list of 12 cosmetic companies that are actually harmful. These may be popular, but they are actually very harmful to your body.

Here is a list of the top 12 cosmetic companies:

1. Maybelline *
2. Mary Kay *
3. Estee Lauder *
4. Lancome
5. Clinique
6. L’Oreal
7. Chanel
8. Max Factor
9. Cover Girl *
10. Neutrogena
11. Revlon
12. Avon *

And here is our list of how harmful they are:

12- Mary Kay- Mary Kay is the lowest of all the cosmetic companies that are harmful. Only a 7. But that’s still pretty hazardous. (see here)

11- Maybelline-Maybelline’s products aren’t that pretty either. Their product that contains the most toxins reaches a 8 on the “scale”. (see here)

10- Lancome- Some of Lancome’s products also reach a rating of 8. (see here)

9- Chanel- Chanel also reaches a bad rating for quite a few of their products. They get a 8. (see here)

8- Clinique- It seems 8 is a popular number as Clinique also reaches a 8 on the scale.(see here)

7- Max Factor- Most of Max Factors products are either a 7 or a 8 on Cosmetic Database. (see here)

6- Neutrogena- Neutrogena’s products aren’t good for your body as they reach a 9 on Cosmetic Database. (see here)

5- ESTÉE LAUDER- ESTÉE LAUDER also has some 0 rated products but, they also have some pretty nasty ratings as well on Cosmetic Database. Including some 9’s.(see here)

4- Avon- Avon has some products that are ranked as a 0 on Cosmetic Database. But if you got to the second page you’ll see plenty of 7’s, 8’s, and 9’s. So I’ll have to watch what I buy from them! (see here)

3- Cover Girl- This may be a shocker but Cover Girl is a 9 as well. Some of their products are a okay rating but we found ALOT of their products are either a 7,8, or 9. (see here)

2- Loreal- Loreal also has plenty of products with a toxic rating of 6,7,8,9, and 10! (see here)

1- Revlon- And the big the most toxic cosmetic company on our list is….. REVLON! Yep, although this comapny has SOME non-toxic products. 500 + of their products are either a 6,7,8,9, or 10! (see here)

Happy Tuesday!

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Health and Garden Tuesday: Chicken Pox Vaccine Creates Shingles Epidemic!!

Posted by Bobbie Gould on November 2, 2010
in Health and Garden Tuesday

I recently came across this article on Dr. Merola’s website about how the chicken pox vaccine is creating a shingles epidemic. I thought it was rather interesting so I hope you take the time to read it!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/11/02/chicken-pox-vaccine-creates-shingles-epidemic.aspx