Category: Product Reviews


Black Rice

Filed under: Simple Solutions for Cooking, Nutrition, Product Reviews, Vegan Vegetarian Dishes, healthy food - savings/discounts/coupons, Gluten Free Recipes — Leave a comment
June 8, 2012

I just came across a wonderful product that was just DELICIOUS and wanted to share.
It is BLACK RICE by Hinode and it happens to be a natural SUPER FOOD.
If you haven’t already tried it I encourage you to try it at your first chance. It cooked very quick at 35-40 minutes.
It has a wonderfully rich, sweet and nutty taste that pairs perfect with your favorite veggie, entree or salad.
This beautiful Black colored rice turns purple once cooked, and is naturally low in fat, free of gluten, cholesterol and sodium.

Although Black rice has been around since ancient times, it is just recently becoming known as a superfood.

HINODE Black Rice is an exotic variety of 100% whole grain rice once reserved for emperors and royalty. Often referred to as a “superfood” for the beneficial nutrients found in its black grain, Black Rice is naturally gluten free and contains fiber, iron, niacin, magnesium, thiamin and antioxidants.

Black Rice provides a beautiful contrast when presented with colorful fruit, vegetables and salads.  Its nutty texture and slightly sweet flavor are coveted by professional and home chefs alike.

Black Rice is Naturally:

  • Whole Grain
  • Gluten Free
  • Cholesterol Free
  • Sodium Free

Like Hinode on facebook for $1 off

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Natural Approaches to Cleaning Options – Clean Up Your Act!

Filed under: Green Cleaning, Health Tips, Product Reviews — 2 Comments
May 22, 2012

Clean Up Your Act

Natural spick-and-span options are better than ever, so say goodbye to toxic chemicals in cleaning products.

Clean Up Your Act

A clean home is a healthy home, right? Not necessarily. It turns out the very efforts to rid your living space of dirt, dust, mildew and grime might make it a more dangerous environment for you and your family. And you’re not the only ones who could suffer: Many of the ingredients in household cleaners contaminate the air and water as well as thousands of organisms, from algae to wildlife, when they are washed down drains and make their way into the ecosystem.

What’s Wrong with What’s on the Market
“Conventional commercial cleaners are some of the most toxic substances you can bring into our home,” says Linda Mason Hunter, home ecology specialist and co-author of Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home. “Many of the chemicals found in cleaners have only been around since World War II, and they’ve never been tested for long-term health effects.”

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the immediate health risks associated with the use of conventional household cleaning products include asthma attacks, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders and memory impairment. Additionally, a 1987 study by the EPA determined that the air inside a typical home is up to ten times more polluted than the air outside the home because of the toxic chemicals many of us use to scrub and sanitize. They include the following:

Formaldehyde a volatile organic compound, found in liquid cleaners and floor polishes, that is suspected of causing cancer.

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) a toxic compound that irritates the respiratory system and emits poisonous vapors when combined with ammonia or vinegar.

Petroleum distillates (naphthas) nonrenewable, oil-based resources found in furniture and floor polishes that can affect the central nervous system and lead to cognitive and behavioral problems.

Pesticides and fungicides such as chlorine and alkyl ammonium chlorides, found in most conventional antibacterial cleaners and mildew removers. They can cause skin irritation and nervous system damage.

Polish Off or Pitch Out?
There are two ways to go about switching over to eco-friendly products: gradually replace your scrubs and sprays as you use them up, or toss toxin-filled items out once and for all. Experts are split on the issue, but Annie Berthold-Bond, author of Clean & Green: The Complete Guide to Non-Toxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping, cautions that there are a few situations in which she suggests making an immediate change. “If the home contains young children or anyone who is pregnant, sick or sensitive to chemicals, contact your local recycling center about disposing of your toxic cleaning products,” she recommends.

If you choose to deplete your supply of conventional household cleaners before replacing them with safer alternatives, carefully follow the instructions to avoid toxic reactions, always wear gloves when you clean, and make sure your home has lots of ventilation while you’re scrubbing —even an open window or two can help get the fumes out.

Make a Lifelong Change
Once you start using natural cleaning agents, you’ll find it hard to believe you ever allowed something labeled ”Hazardous” into your house. Here are a few of the products we’ve taken a shine to, plus some tried-and-true homemade options you can make with everyday pantry items such as baking soda and vinegar. Store-bought or homemade, they’re all reasonably priced, readily available and really work at keeping things spotlessly clean— without compromising your health or the environment.

AMAZING ALL-PURPOSE LIQUIDS

Earth Friendly Products’ Creamy Cleanser
Who wouldn’t choose lovely scented lemon oil over petroleum-based products for cleaning porcelain and stainless steel surfaces that directly touch dishes (in the kitchen sink) and your delicate skin (in the bathroom)? This grease-cutting cream gives them all sparkle and shine, without scratching.
$3/16 oz.; ecos.com

Bi-O-Kleen’s Spray & Wipe Cleaner
Grease-cutting, disinfecting grapefruit seed extract and orange oil make this a versatile liquid for everything from countertops and toilets to laundry and upholstery stains. It’s even safe enough to use on dolls, teddies and that muddy toy dump truck.
$5/32 oz.; bi-o-kleen.com

Homemade Option: baking soda and vinegar
Mix 1 cup each water and vinegar plus 2 Tbs. baking soda in spray bottle. Use as you would any cleaning liquid.

FABULOUS CARPET AND FLOOR SCRUBBERS

Seventh Generation’s Natural Citrus Carpet Cleaner
The hydrogen peroxide (a powerful bleaching agent) safely replaces the neurotoxin butyl cellosolve and the possible carcinogen perchloroethylene in conventional carpet foams and sprays. The nonaerosol spritz loosens ground-in dirt, dissolves stains and eliminates odors. Plus, your just-cleaned carpet will be safe enough for little ones to crawl around on.
$5/32 oz.; seventhgeneration.com

Homemade Option: Shaving Cream
Spray foam shaving cream on carpet stains, let stand 30 minutes, then rub with a sponge and vacuum.

Earth Friendly Products’ Floor Kleener
This natural alternative to petroleumbased cleaners is made of coconut and lemon oils that condition and cleanse hardwood and laminate floors without stripping them or leaving chalky streaks. Vinegar in the formula dissolves grease and wax buildup.
$3.79/22 oz.; ecos.com

Homemade Option: vinegar and warm water
Mop floor with a solution of 1/2 cup distilled vinegar and 1 gallon warm water.

SUPER SCRATCH-FREE SCOURER

Bon Ami Polishing Cleanser
Talk about standing the test of time! For over 120 years, Bon Ami has been chlorine-, dye- and fragrance-free. The all-purpose cleansing powder has naturally abrasive minerals that cut grease and add shine without scratching surfaces.
$1.39/14 oz.; bonami.com

Homemade option: baking soda and lemon
Sprinkle baking soda on a used lemon half and use as a scratch-free scrubber on counters, tiles and stainless steel.

WONDER WINDOW TREATMENT

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Window Spray (Lemon Verbena Scent)
Renewable, biodegradable plant-based surfactants in this spray provide the same streak-free shine as ammonia-laced blue liquids. What’s more, the fragrance acts as an aromatherapy pick-me-up to get you through doing all the windows.
$5/20 oz.; mrsmeyers.com

Homemade option: vinegar and newspaper
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in spray bottle, spritz on glass surfaces and wipe with newsprint for a streak-free shine that won’t leave tiny fibers behind.

DIVINE HAND-WASH FOR DELICATES

Forever New Fabric Care Wash
This biodegradable, cruelty-free powder is the preferred cleanser of high-end lingerie dealers. The patented formula contains no phosphates or bleach to keep delicates from bleeding or fading.
$5/8 oz.; forevernew.com


To whiten delicate garments without bleach, soak them for 30 minutes in a solution of 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and 4 cups water.

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Bob’s Red Mill Online Flour Sale – 20% Organic Wheat Flour

Filed under: Featured Stores, Health Tips, Healthy Food Stores, News, Nutrition, Product Reviews, Wellness — 4 Comments
April 2, 2012

If you have been following the blog for a while you have heard me talking about Bob’s Red Mill and their wonderful line of products often. If you are new to the site, this may be the first time you have heard the name.  Bob’s Red Mill Brand  is my preferred flour brand that we use in all the recipes we post.  Not only do they carry wonderful flour they also have incredible grain products, which we use regularly.  They have an array of wonderful products which they carry in bulk from sea salt, oats, rice, beans, cereal, soups, and so much more. If you haven’t had an opportunity to take a look at their site, please do at Bob’s Red Mill.com.  They are currently running a 20% off special on the organic flour.  They also have a sale section listed at the top of their site where they run specials on items daily.  We highly recommend this flour and use it in countless recipes on the site. We love a good bargain, and wanted you all to be sure to get every bit of savings available.  They carry the large 5 and 25lb sizes as well as the very small bags.  When they have their sales we like to stock up, and I hope you do as well.  This is a great site to pick items and get them in the large sizes and split them amongst friends and family to get the best least expensive bulk deal without the big cost of buying it all.

Have a super great day and week.

Some other favorites we get from Bob’s Red Mill that are on Sale this Month are:

Organic Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
Brown Rice Flour
Organic Coconut Flour
10 Grain Cereal
Organic Brown Flaxseed Meal
Organic Golden flaxseed (We have been using this soaked in many recent recipes listed on our blog)
Organic 7 Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix
13 Bean Soup
Gluten Free Baking Flour
Gluten Free Brownie Mix
Gluten Free Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal

**Enjoy 10% Off Everyday on any Case Packs – These are great for sharing and splitting**

Experience the SUPERIOR DIFFERENCE of Bob’s Red Mill Product Line

Preserving Nutrition Through Tradition

At Bob’s Red Mill, we know that you can’t rush quality. That’s why we manufacture our products using time-honored techniques, like grinding whole grains at cool temperatures with a traditional stone mill. This production ‘secret’ allows us to seal in the freshness and bring you wholesome, quality foods, just as nature intended.

Our beautiful stone grinding mills are much like the ones used during early Roman times. And to this day, our quartz millstones remain the best way to produce the finest products available. Unlike high-speed steel rollers, our stone mills ensure the most nutritious parts of the whole grain remain, so we can pack all-natural goodness right into your bag.

Milling, Testing, Packaging, Distributing—All Under One Roof

We’ve known from the first day we opened our doors in 1978 that to make the best products possible, we’d have to be able to do it all ourselves. And with our state-of-the-art milling, packaging and distribution facility located right in Milwaukie, Oregon, we’re able to guarantee quality, every step of the way.

Bob’s Red Mill takes great pride in handling all aspects of the production process in-house, starting with processing, washing and inspecting the grain, and ending with shipping the finished product to your door.

Each product undergoes extensive quality control tests within our in-house laboratories. During this testing phase, our gluten-free offerings are segregated from our other products, and tested in special gluten-free-only ‘clean room facilities.’

But don’t just take it from us; you can actually see the results of all our hard work. With our special clear packaging, you get to be the final judge of the quality and freshness of our products, before you take them home.

Sourcing the Finest Products
from Our Farms to Your Table

Our relationship with our product starts at the source, with the farmer who produces the grain. We maintain personal relationships with farmers from across the country and make an effort to visit their farms. Together, we ensure that we’re offering the best product available, while always using best practices.

Ensuring Certified Organic, Whole Grain Goodness

We often hear the question from our customers, ‘What does organic really mean?’ It is, simply, a label assigned to foods that are produced without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and that do not contain genetically modified organisms (more commonly known as GMOs). Organic food production also supports farming methods that are deemed environmentally sound.

We’re proud to offer one of the largest lines of organic, whole grain foods in the country. When you see the ‘USDA Organic’ label on our products, you’ll know that to earn that label, Bob’s Red Mill had to complete a rigorous certification process through the USDA’s National Organic Program.

Our Most Popular Organic Products

MEET THE REAL BOB

Before you get to know about our business, you need to meet the man behind it — Bob Moore. You’ll recognize his friendly face on our products and if you ever tour our mill or visit the Bob’s Red Mill Whole Grain Store and Visitor’s Center you might even get to meet the man himself. For over three decades, Bob has been committed to providing people everywhere with the best quality foods available.

His passion for health and belief in taking care of one another is as strong today as it was when he first started the business with his wife, Charlee, all those years ago. Bob plays a fundamental role in the daily operations of the business and his enthusiasm and ‘honest-to-goodness’ approach are shared with every of one his employees. It’s this passion for providing the very best nutritional whole grains that has helped make us the leading name in health foods across the country.

How Bob’s red mill began

Bob’s journey began serendipitously in the mid ’60s after coming across a book about old stone-grinding flour mills. His enthusiasm was immediate and he decided to find usable stone mills, which were becoming rarer due to the domination of high-speed steel roller mills. His persistence paid off. Equipped with several sets of millstones from an old North Carolina water-powered flour mill, Bob and his wife ,Charlee, began their first mill in Redding, California.

After a few years, they decided to pursue others interests and retired to Oregon City, Oregon in 1978. On an afternoon walk, Bob came across an old mill that, as luck would have it, had a big sign out front reading “for sale”. In just a few short months, he was able to source a beautiful old mill that could stone grind flours and cereals for local customers. Word quickly spread and Bob’s Oregon City based mill enjoyed much success until 1988 when a fire destroyed the building.

Never one to back away from a challenge, Bob knew he owed it to his family of employees and loyal customers to build the business again from scratch. Rising to the challenge, he spent many years growing the business to where we are today. Our current site located in Milwaukie, Oregon is a 320,000 square foot facility covering some seventeen acres and produces thousands of products each day, all made with the same good old-fashioned techniques our customers have come to love and trust since our beginning.

A name you can trust

Trust, honesty and integrity. These are the three principles our business is built on. Our packaging is a great example of this commitment: our clear bags that let you see the high quality of every one of our products. By producing the very best in whole grain foods, we’re able to fulfill our commitment to help look after more and more people through better nutrition. Bob simply wouldn’t have it any other way.

An employee owned business

Bob’s 81st birthday was particularly special. Rather than receiving gifts, he decided to give his greatest gift away — his business. Bob surprised all his employees by giving them total ownership of Bob’s Red Mill through an Employee Share Ownership Program (ESOP). For those who know Bob, it’s yet

 

Another example of his kind-hearted generosity. As Bob puts it “It was just the right thing to do. I have people that have worked with me for over 30 years and each and every one of them deserve this.”

You can rest assured that every Bob’s Red Mill employee is committed to sourcing, milling, testing, packaging, labeling and selling the finest products available. After all, it is our business.

Watch Bob’s Interview with Diane Sawyer »

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Yellena James on Etsy

Filed under: Art, Beauty, Featured Artisans, Featured Stores, Perfect Hand Made Gifts, Product Reviews — Leave a comment
February 22, 2012

Here is another Incredibly talented and Amazing Artist Yellena James.  She is one of my favorites.  If you haven’t had an opportunity to visit her at her Etsy site, you definitely will want to drop in.  I want to personally extend an invitation to you, and encourage you to head over as Yellena James’ work is incredible and does not disappoint.  She has some breathtaking works so full of color and life.  These make extraordinary gifts for friends and family and are truly works of art.  You will find a brilliant array of organic shapes, colors and sizes.

About The Artist Yellena James

She is an artist/illustrator residing in beautiful Portland, OR.
Her work has been described as “colorful arrangements of organic shapes and tangled lines (which) are at once floral and alien, organic and sci-fi, crafty and fantastic.” Within each piece she creates an intimate world that possesses its own ethos and its own emotional range.
Besides showing her artwork in galleries around the globe, she has done illustration work for Anthropologie, K2 Snowboards, Nike and many others.
Her work has also appeared in Vogue Australia, Giant Robot, Domino Online, Design Sponge, Apartment Therapy and many other art and design resources and publications.

Affordability:

Yellena has five print sizes of her original work available on her site. The prices of her prints are very reasonable and range from $10 for the small 5 x 7 prints to $48 for the 11 x 14 sizes.  These prints are stunning framed. Yellena also has unique original print brooch/pins available for $22.  These are wonderful gifts for Birthdays, Holidays, Weddings, Engagements, Showers, Housewarming and more.

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Our Featured Store this week is Addie GERTRUDE Collections

Filed under: Art, Featured Artisans, Featured Stores, News, Perfect Hand Made Gifts, Product Reviews — 2 Comments
February 4, 2012

We will be featuring amazing and talented artisans selecting one each week.  We hope you are inspired by these incredible talents and consider gifts from their stores when the need arises.  Our First featured store will be ADDIEGERTRUDE from Etsy.  You will find stunning colors with fabulous patterns and hand painted work.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to take a look at their lovely creations in their store you will want to check them out right away.  They are comprised of an Amazing  Mother Daughter Team, along with Best Girl Friend, all working together to make these beautiful finds possible for everyone. If you are looking for a special gift for a baby, child, shower, or for your own children, and you want a personal touch, then the AddieGERTRUDE Collections store, on Etsy may be just the place for you.

Use any of the green quick links listed throughout this article to get you straight to the AddieGertrude store.

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You will find an assorted array of Fantastic pieces at Addie GERTRUDE Collections:

Baby & Children’s Quilts
Canvas Art
Burp Cloths
Sundresses
Art Onesies
Fabric Applique Onesies
Handmade Accessories

Hello! My name is Bethani Wait. Together, me and my Mom (Barbara Werrett Nielsen) and best girlfriend (Jessica Jane Anderson) have found a passion for combining fabrics and paint to create timeless, vintage inspired collections intended to make gifting and designing for babies and children easy.Our Addie Gertrude lines include any or all of the following: quilts, canvas art, burp cloths, sundresses, art onsies, fabric applique onesies and accessories and are all handmade and original!! Coordinating “Vinty-chic” fabrics and acrylic canvas art create pieces that invoke imagination and creativity for your child’s nursery, room or space. VIntage inspired clothing will set your little one apart with uniqueness.We are a perfect resource for “Group gifters”!! Multiple buyers can collectively go in on a unified and thoughtful gift. We offer a variety of items that compliment each other giving you the option to pay just a few dollars or splurge and gift/own the entire collection!We hope AddieGertrude Collections will be a part of your home and cherished memories for years to come!Enjoy and thanks for visiting us….
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Super Cute Hand Made Toys!

Filed under: Art, Product Reviews — 2 Comments
December 28, 2011

Monkey Madness

We came across these in a store with so many lovely hand made gifts.  These super cute monkey plush toys were made from recycled socks and stuffed with organic cotton.  They are super cute and make wonderful gifts.  Just another hand made creation to consider when you are buying gifts for any occasion.  Think local, handmade first to keep your costs down and get a gift that will last.  You will also be helping your community and local artisans.  When you buy local you will avoid the high retail costs that include the fuel and shipping charges as well as the marketing and packaging materials that YOU the consumer pay for.  Keep your costs down and buy from your town.  Look around today and you will be amazed at the local talent that produces such wonderful things.  When you are out of town look around as well and you will pleasantly surprised at what was under your nose all along.

Don’t forget to use these skills all year long, whether you are picking up a gift for a wedding shower, a new baby, a birthday or other occasion use these tips to help you save big and pick up super meaningful gifts helping your town keeping your funds local.

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Bob’s Red Mill

Filed under: Health Tips, Nutrition, Product Reviews — 3 Comments
November 28, 2011

Bob’s Red Mill Grains

If you haven’t had a chance to experience the Bob’s Red Mill products you may want to pick some up next time your out, visit their website at Bobsredmill.com, or order from their online website.  They have a fantastic array of whole grains and some wonderful discounts on buying bulk when you go to their site.

A great idea we had in our community was pooling grain orders to a number of families and all saving by buying bulk.  You may not be able to eat a case of grains or even afford to buy a bulk order, however, the savings you experience may interested you.

Pooling orders together with family and friends in the area brings down your shipping costs substantially and the price of the goods, by sharing the costs with others.  Most all the Bob’s Red Mill Bulk items can be ordered in separate packs or in a large bag giving you the option to conveniently separate the order for others in a fast, efficient and sterile manner.  If you belong to a large church, club or organization ask around.  You will be pleasantly surprised at how many folks are interested in saving and will pitch in to try a new product and get it at a lower cost then your standard retail stores.

Bob’s Red Mill carries everything from oatmeal to quinoa to soups and more. If you haven’t checked them out be sure to do so as Bob really knows how to do it right and has been making wonderful healthy grains for many years.

Go about your day and make it GREAT!

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Organic Madhava Agave – Light

Filed under: Product Reviews, What Is... — Leave a comment
September 16, 2011

This is a great brand Madhava Organic Agave.
There are 3 types light, medium and dark.
The light seems to be the tastiest of them all.
You can get this large bottle when it is on sale for about $4 and it will last for a while.

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Alternatives to Butter: Earth Balance Organic Buttery Spread

Filed under: News, Product Reviews — Leave a comment
September 16, 2011

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to butter, you may want to try this delicious

EARTH BALANCE – Organic Whipped Buttery Spread

It looks like butter, tastes like butter and melts like butter without the butter.

I highly recommend this brand and you can also pick up their olive oil buttery spread that is great as well.

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Vital Wheat Gluten Flour

Filed under: Product Reviews, What Is... — 4 Comments
September 10, 2011


Vital Wheat Gluten Flour

Where to Get this?:

You can pick this up at most all health food stores and chains.  Whole Foods carries it.  You typically can get the best deal on the bulk wheat gluten flour that you dispense yourself.

Favorite Packaged Brand

My favorite brand that you can find at most all healthy food stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joes’ and some standard grocery chains is:
Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Gluten Flour.  You can also get their products online at: Bob’s Red Mill. Com.  They also do a lot of promotions and savings on their products and specialize in wheat, oats, flour, beans, grains, cereals and more.  They are a great resource for bulk whole grains. They also ship in flat rate boxes which keeps the shipping affordable.  I order from them and had my delivery in 2 days.  I was pleased with all the flours I picked up and how great everything has been that I have used.  (My last order was oat flour, wheat flour, wheat pastry flour, barley flour, vital wheat gluten flour, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and garbanzo beans.  Everything was wonderful! We look forward to trying some of the other options as well.)

Affordability Factor:

You can pick this up for a couple a dollars for the 1 lb sack.
They also have  5 lb, 10lb, 20lb and 50lb you can by at a great savings.
I like to ask around and see if anyone else wants to pool in and get the larger size that way we all get more for less.  When you can buy the larger sizes, with more in them, they charge you less.  Splitting them up amongst friends and family for an order is really smart and a great way to save piggy backing on an order.  The shipping is then divided as well amongst all that are in the pool.  Which further brings the postage down lower then it would be for an order alone.  Buying smarter can really help you save a bundle!

About Vital Wheat Gluten:

The flour is made from the protein of the wheat berry.  When you add water it becomes elastic like.  Added to bread dough and other recipes , it helps retain the steam from baking adding volume to baked goods.  It can be a great asset when baking whole grain course flours and cereals.

Use:

Vital Wheat Gluten is 80% protein.  Use 1 Tablespoon per cup of flour in your bread and baked good recipes.  Using this will help retain moisture, texture and help it rise.

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