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Shop Healthy Choices with ThriveMarket

January 19, 2015 by

Keeping your family healthy, happy and deliciously fed doesn’t have to be a struggle. With so many food options out there it’s no wonder lots of those choices are the wrong ones. My family LOVES to snack. Who am I kidding, I do too.  But there are better ways to snack without losing taste and quality. Thrive Market is your new answer.

Thrive Market is an online marketplace where you can find the very best natural and organic products at wholesale prices.  With over 2,500 of the highest-quality food, supplement, home, personal care, home good, and beauty products all focusing on bettering you, your family and your home.  Shop within the parameters that mean the most to you.

This means no label reading when trying to shop for new meal and snack ideas. This means shopping with confidence that your baby’s skin is going to be protected with a paraben, phthalate and synthetic ingredient free wash or lotion. This means the supplements that you are taking each day are working to build a better stronger body without sacrificing on quality and purity.  Each product is given a set of values that range from specifics about the ingredients, business or impact on the earth.  You’ll know instantly if each item is Nut-Free, Made in the USA, SLS Free, Fair Trade or Biodegradable or made from a Family Owned or Woman Owned Business.Shopping Healthy with Thrive Market

Shopping Healthy with Thrive Market

I was given a credit to shop and with all of the unique options it took me hours to spend $100. I chose items I knew we’d all like but also branched out and got  few surprises hoping for good results.

Shae is a freeze dried fruit fanatic. I received 4 bags and 1 was gone within the first day.  The Popcorn Indiana brand was amazing and I ate both bags by myself. I told the kids it was off limits, this was mom’s special popcorn.

I was also able to get Rob a Sriracha Mayo. He’s been using this on his sandwiches for work and even as a dip for fries. It’s spicy without being overwhelming like straight Sriracha.

I did find some prices to be equal or even a touch higher than my grocery store. I think with some more research and growth Thrive Market can really go against the big box stores with price.  They already have them beat with selection so that’s a step in the right direction. If anything it’s a great way to try something new like I did with this coconut oil. I’ve been seeing so much about the health benefits lately so instead of buying just any brand in the store I went with one that has already been vetted by Thrive Market.

I didn’t expect this to smell good enough to eat by the spoonful. #firsttimer

A photo posted by melinda babiak (@melindababiak) on

Thrive Market is a membership shopping outlet. For the cost of $69.95 you’ll have access to thousands of health conscious items that normally aren’t at our fingertips at the typical grocery, warehouse and bargain retailers. Plus for every membership that is purchased Thrive Market gives one away to a low-income family so they can provide for their family they way they really want to, with smart, healthy, sustainable choices. Start shopping today with their free 30 day trial membership.  You have nothing to lose.

Healthy living should be easy, affordable and accessible to everyone. Thrive Market makes that happen.

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Steps to Healthy Eating for the New Year

December 30, 2012 by

With the New Year comes many promises of change. Changes to eating habits, changes to exercise, changes to habits. Some changes come easier than others. Starting on the road to a healthier diet can be quite simple. Taking steps to incorporate new ingredients or techniques can be done in baby steps. Jumping feet first into an elaborate diet plan isn’t the answer for everyone. I believe that living an overall healthy lifestyle is the best answer, Using the old adage “All things in Moderation” fits perfectly here.

I’ve included below some steps you can take to incorporate into your everyday menus and meal plans. Take into consideration your own restrictions and allergies. Apply what makes sense and enjoy the food you eat.

  • Desserts, treats and snacks should never be excluded. Indulge a little.
  • Use smaller dinner plates; you’ll be surprised how your eyes can fool your belly.
  • Swap whole wheat pastas and breads for energy draining simple carbs like white bread and rice.
  • Serve plated meals rather than family style it will discourage unnecessary 2nd and 3rd helpings.
  • Use flavorful options like Parmesan cheese, spices and fresh herbs in place of excess salt and fats.
  • Utilize hidden kitchen gadgets to encourage healthy meals like the salad spinner, grill pan or non-stick griddle.
  • Cut back on the fat by going meatless once a week. Boost protein with tofu, edamame or flaxseed.
  • Try new cuisines to update flavor and presentation to everyday ingredients.
  • Shop light. Swap regular grocery items for healthier ones; low fat sour cream, milk, salad dressing and yogurt.
  • Use spices, herbs, mustard, vinegars and honey as marinades and dressings, skimp on the oil.
  • When you are done baking those delicious gooey brownies, package and freeze individual portions for less temptation.
  • Stock up on nourishing snacks; fruits, ready to eat veggies, nuts and cheese.
  • Eat slower, savor each bite, enjoy your food.



SAFESKIN Healthy Hygiene Tips

August 14, 2012 by

Summer is wrapping up in our house. We are getting ready for school, football practice is in full swing and the nights are getting cooler. This doesn’t mean I let my guard down when it comes to water/pool/playground safety and keeping my kids healthy. MRSA is a real threat to everyone in almost any situation. Small scratches and cuts become welcome signs to this highly contagious and bacteria.
walgreens gift card giveaway
Stay protected with SAFESKIN* Kids Antibacterial Gel. A long lasting protective barrier is the best defense to keeping everyone safe.

About SAFESKIN* Kids Antibacterial Gel:

  • Use for topical wound care for minor cuts, scrapes and burns
  • Provides barrier to MRSA
  • Antibacterial gel that is antibiotic free
  • Long lasting up to 48 hours – if the bandaged wound stays clean and dry
  • Non-greasy formula helps bandages to stay in place better
  • Fragrance and alcohol free, non-staining patented formulation
  • Made in United States

Don’t miss the special giveaway sponsored by SAFESKIN* Kids Antibacterial Gel for a $100 Walgreen’s Gift Card. Use this to not only buy SAFESKIN* Kids Antibacterial Gel but all the other items needed to keep your family safe, healthy and happy as the new school year begins.
I Disclose




Stress Relief with C3* for Stress and SpaFinder GC Giveaway

March 23, 2012 by

Stressed? Who isn’t? In fact when I did a search of the word stress on our blog, 84 posts came up. That’s a lot of mentions on one blog. Wow!

stressed momThere are so many factors that contribute to stress; daily errands, children, work, finances, family. The effects of too much stress run the gamut from physical to emotional to mental such as;

  • Lack of motivation or focus
  • Headache
  • Sadness or depression
  • Muscle tension
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep problems
  • Overeating
  • Anger
  • Social withdrawal
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness

As parents we must find ways to relieve the stress so everything around us doesn’t suffer. Finding ways to relax need to make it on our priority list. Personally I like to turn off the tv, get a hot cup of tea and leaf through a magazine. Since the weather has been so beautiful lately I’ve been parking myself on the deck to enjoy the fresh air while watching the kids play outside.

C3* for Stress (www.C3forStress.com) is an all-natural, lemon-lime flavored drink mix of healthful botanicals and replenishing vitamins and minerals that helps relieve the symptoms of stress by keeping you calm, cool and connected to your natural energy.
spafinder gift card giveaway

C3* for Stress can be used after a hectic day or in anticipation of a busy one. A nutraceutical approach can be safer than a pharmaceutical one in some cases. Using healthful vitamins, minerals and plants is how C3* for Stress results in a calming yet alert result. C3* for Stress came naturally for it’s creators, Jeff Stein and Edgar Veytia. In 1996 they started with Elixir, a store known for its natural beverages. Then came C3* for Stress because it was something they personally needed.

Jeff summed it up: “We really believe in our tagline: ‘Calm, cool, connected.’ That’s exactly how I feel when I’m at my best. Who can argue with that?”

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Achieve the ultimate stress reliever; a month’s supply of C3* for Stress (two 15-packs) and a $75 SpaFinder Gift Card. Enter to win here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! by just sharing your best stress reducing techniques or tricks.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • SHARE this giveaway on YOUR Facebook wall
  • Follow Mom & Dad & C3* for Stress on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Destress with @C3forStress and enter to #win $75 SpaFinder GC #giveaway from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/GKjGw2
  • Like C3for Stress on Facebook.
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Everyday Life/Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, April 13, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.
I received products on behalf of C3* for Stress to facilitate this post and giveaway.

I Disclose




WhoNu a cookie could be good for you plus giveaway

June 30, 2011 by

Is it snacktime yet? At least 8 times a day I hear this coming from one or more kids. My kids would eat all day long if I let them and NO, they wouldn’t always make the best choices. I hate always denying them a treat but know they need the nutrition and sustenance to get them going throughout the day.
whonu-cookies-healthy-vanilla-sandwichWhoNu cookies arrived one day and claimed to be loaded with 20 vitamins and minerals plus 3 grams of Fiber. Fine, a healthy cookie but would it taste good? The vanilla sandwich and chocolate chip cookies are gone. You might be saying kids will eat cookies even if they were covered in dirt, not my kids. They are picky. If it doesn’t taste good they aren’t going to waste the snack time on it. Rob even raved about the WhoNu Chocolate Chip cookies, and he’s the cookie freak. Me I like a salty bag of popcorn but he would dust off a pack of cookies in a heartbeat.whonu-healthy-chocolate-chip-cookie

There is no healthy cardboard food feel here. WhoNu cookies are just good cookies. We haven’t opened the other two flavors yet but I’m guessing we aren’t going to have any issues.

Get your own WhoNu cookies from retailers near you starting in July and get the complete run down of healthy details from the official website. Win a couple packs of WhoNu cookies and a $25 WalMart GC just by letting me know what flavor you would most like to try. TWO LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! readers will be winners of this tasty prize pack.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules will be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed, bottom of page
  • Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect, bottom of page
  • Follow Us on Networked Blog, bottom of page
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: WhoNu Cookies & WalMart GC#Giveaway @lkwhtmomfound & @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/lSJ6Km
  • SHARE this giveaway on your Facebook wall (easy to use widget at top of post) OR WRITE on our Facebook Wall that you entered to win this giveaway
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Family/Article post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Sunday, July 24, 2011. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

 

 

I Disclose




FOLLOW UP – Shaun’s Doctors Appointment

January 28, 2011 by

On Wednesday Shaun had an appointment with our family doctor so we could begin talks on getting Shaun evaluated for ADD/ADHD.  Our doctor is so cool and when he first came into the room he spoke with Shaun first asking him if he knew why he was at the doctors.  Shaun told him why he thought he was there and he was right then we moved on with talking with the doctor. 

The doctor went over things that could be possible signs and gave Melinda and I some paperwork that needs to be filled out by us and by Shaun’s teachers.  After all of the paperwork is filled out we will then move forward in determining what needs to be done.  The doctor would not talk about any treatment plans or medication.  He told us lets do the paperwork first and move from there which I thought was cool because I do not want to rush into anything.

Melinda is trying to get an appointment with Shaun’s teachers today as she had one Wednesday but it was cancelled due to the snow storm.   So we are on our way to getting to the bottom of this but it is going to take a few weeks but I am ok with that.  I don’t want to rush Shaun’s diagnosis.  We will continue to keep everyone posted!




Our Poor Boy Shaun

January 26, 2011 by

Recently Shaun’s quarterly school evaluation came home and it wasn’t good.  It said Shaun talks excessively in all of his classes, distracts others and is below 2nd grade level.  Needless to say Melinda and I aren’t happy and are very upset about this. 

At his last report card Shaun was at “Meets 2nd Grade Expectations” so we are a little suprised at his declining progress in school.  Melinda called to set up a meeting with all of his teachers for this Thursday and a doctors appointment for today.

Melinda and I want to get Shaun evaluated to see if he may have ADD.  I know people think ADD is an excuse but we have been putting this off for a year or so and we can’t ignore it any longer.  Shaun talks excessively, is easily distracted, always moving and has zero attention span.  I am not a fan of medicating young children but if it helps Shaun in school and life I am all for it.  I want Shaun to be successful and I feel right now he is to hyper and distracted for that to happen. 

We will make sure to update everyone as these appointments take place and let you know how things are progressing.




The Dirty Dozen

January 3, 2011 by

A goal of the new year is to get back to healthier eating. We’ve always done pretty good but I’ve gotten lazy and also bored with our tried and true recipes. Nothing sounds appealing anymore. My mission is to come up with some new recipes or revamp our existing goodies.

To start I researched the foods we should and shouldn’t be eating. We’ve never fully gone organic but I need to be more conscious of what goes into our bodies. Below is a list of the Dirty Dozen; the list of produce that should be avoided unless grown organically. Pesticides and herbicides are toxic and can’t just be rinsed off.
fruits
• Celery- with no skin to protect it, celery is one of the most contaminated veggies out there
• Peaches- it’s skin get sprayed with pesticides to keep insects away
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Nectarines
• Bell Peppers
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cherries
• Potatoes
• Grapes (Imported)

Local farms, farm stands, farmers markets and things like that are your best bet. While most farms and orchards are certified organic many of them utilize the same practices. The certification process is expensive but just ask questions. Farm to table is the healthiest, freshest and usually tastiest way to eat.
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Back to School with CLIF Kids ZBaRs and Twisted Fruit Giveaway-CLOSED

August 23, 2010 by

Watching what kids eat today with all of the unhealthy options available is more important then ever and with school about to start it is extremely important to send our kids to school with healthy and nutritional snacks. Clif Kid’s Organic snacks are doing just that with their ZBaR’s and Twisted Fruit. Clif Kid’s organic snacks are giving parents a healthy on the go snack that is tasty and will keep kids nourished all day.

Nationwide, the ZBaR is the number one selling kid’s snack with six awesome flavors to choose from: Chocolate Chip, Blueberry, Honey Graham, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Brownie, and S’mores. Kids love the all-natural and organic ingredients including rolled oats, chocolate chips, blueberries and more. Parents love the nutrition value; they include the right blend of protein, carbohydrates and fiber that work together to balance kids’ energy levels without crashing. And there are no processed sugars or corn syrup added.

Another great snack option is the Twisted Fruit which is the equivalent of one whole serving of fruit and is a good source of vitamin C. And they too like the ZBaR, have no processed sugars or corn syrup added. Twisted Fruit also comes is six terrific flavors: Strawberry, Grape, Mixed Berry, Pineapple, Sour Apple and Tropical Twist.

In my house the ZBaR is a hit with Shaun and Sabreena. Recently I had to take a trip to the local bike shop and while I was making my purchase Shaun spotted a section with all six flavors of the CLIF Kid Organic ZBaR’s. Needless to say he wasn’t going to let me out of the bike shop without buying a few of them which I was happy to do. Shaun likes to be like me (I eat the regular Clif Bars) and eat them while he is riding his bike. On another trip to the bike shop Sabreena spotted the same section of CLIF Kid Organic ZBaR’s Shaun did on a previous trip and again I bought a few which I was happy to do. How could I say no to a snack like these? I couldn’t!

If you are out at the grocery store or local bike shop keep an eye out for CLIF Kid Organic ZBaR’s and CLIF Kid Organic Twisted Fruit. You kids will thank you and you will be happy you picked them up. Win a supply of CLIF Kid Organic ZBaRs and CLIF Kid Organic Twisted Fruit snacks from LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! 2 Winners will each receive a package of 2 dozen snacks. Visit CLifKid and tell me which flavors you think your kids would love the most.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Review, Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad and ClifBar on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway up to 3 times per day, please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Kid’s @ClifBar #giveaway 2 winners @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/9hYIw4            
  • Like LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Clif Bar on Facebook AND post about this giveaway on your wall. (include link to giveaway)
  • Blog about this giveaway, including links to this post and the sponsor as well as a complete description the the contest and prize
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday,  September 17, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Having No Health Insurance Stinks

August 10, 2010 by

Since losing my job in November 2009 Melinda, me and the kids haven’t had health or dental insurance and have been pretty lucky so far. Recently we were able to get the kids dental and medical insurance but Melinda and I are still without. Being a contractor is good in some ways but bad in others like no heath insurance benefits.

One day last week one of my teeth started bothering me to the point where every time I ate or drank hot or cold liquids a shooting pain went from my tooth to my head. It became so bad a few times I almost blacked out from the pain so finally yesterday I had all I could take and went to the dentist. I was hoping all it would be was a cavity and need a filling but in the back of my head something told me this was going to be a major deal and I was right. After an x-ray and exam my worst fear came true. I need a root canal. Part of my fear is the root canal itself and the other is the financial damage this root canal is going to cause. The total cost of this root canal is $1,050 and I was in total shock when he told me that. This is the first time in my life that I have been without insurance so I have never seen numbers that large when going to the dentist. The crappy thing is I am sort of in a real pickle because I need to get the tooth fixed but on the other hand I don’t have the $1,025.

I am considering having the tooth pulled because it is 3 from the back and not visible but I am reading horror stories about the pain and nasty after effects a pulled tooth causes. It also would only cost about $300 to have it pulled which is huge price difference from a root canal.

So I am not sure what to do. I did have the dentist alleviate the pain by drilling a hole in the tooth and digging out the nerve so now I can drink with no pain and can eat using the right side of my mouth. I am scheduled to go back this Monday to either have the root canal finished or have the tooth pulled. I really don’t know what to do but I need to figure it out over the next 5 days. Having no health or dental insurance sucks!




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