MoPweeze Gluten Free, Vegan Cupcakes Giveaway

       I am a big fan of local businesses.  That's why when I learned about MoPweeze Bakery during my GFAF Expo blogger stint last Fall, I didn't waste anytime connecting with them.  Quite a daunting task at that time since their booth was always packed with people sampling their yummy treats.

        

         Anyway, what makes MoPweeze Bakery close to my heart aside from it being an NJ business is their product.  All their desserts are wheat/gluten, dairy, egg, soy, sesame and nut free. Happy dance Food Allergy friends!

       According to its owner and head baker Christine, she started the company because she knew first hand how difficult it is to find delicious treats when one has life threatening allergies.  She and her husband have food allergies.  So are their two sons.  The biggest inspiration of MoPweeze came from her youngest son Maddox who is currently allergic to 19 foods and counting.  

        Above is the sampler pack Chris has sent (they deliver in the NJ area and ship nationwide) my family to try and review. It included flavors such as 'Jamaican Me Crazy' Blue Velvet, Gimmi Mo Banana Choco Chip and Janny's Chocolate Mint. Looks pretty right?

       As you may know, Child #2 and Child#3 are high risk for having  Anaphylaxis for multiple food. That's why I made sure that MoPweeze's facilities are completely nut and peanut free.  On top of that, Chris assured me that all their flavorings and ingredients are vegan and gluten free.  

       You should see the excitement in Child#2 and Child#3's eyes when they saw the cupcakes and I actually told them that they can have a cupcake I didn't make.  Not that my cupcakes aren't good. They said they felt relieved that in case, I'm not able to make them a treat, they can also tell their dad what to buy for them.  Hmm.. these kids are getting smart.  What do you think? 

        When the kids and I tried the cupcakes, we were all surprised that the cake is moist and really flavorful.  The frosting is also light and not overly sweet.  Blue Velvet was hands down their favorite among the three flavors.  3 out of 4 liked the Chocolate Mint.  While Child#1 preferred the Banana Chocolate Chip.  As for me (the one with the sweet tooth and no known food allergies), I liked all of it.  Who says only those with food allergies can enjoy these cupcakes?  

         Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner, our friends from Mo Pweeze Bakery would like to give you a sweet treat.  They are giving away 4 Yum Yum Cupcake Jars to one lucky US reader. That's a total of 8 cupcakes (retail price of $32 + shipping).  You can choose up to four flavors as well.  

             What are you waiting for? Join now. This giveaway will end on Feb. 9, 2015 11:59 pm EST.  

             Good luck!

- Roz

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 

(Note:  I received free products to use for this review.  This however, doesn't affect our opinions.  Please see my full disclosure here.)

Deal Alert: Ultimate DIY Ebooks & Ecourses Bundle

        I know most of us are DIY'ers (Do-It-Yourself).  Admit it.  Even if we don't consider ourselves creative,  food allergies have made it our way of life.  From recipes, to snacks, parties, and even daily things such as clothing, bags, pillows. gifts, we would spend hours searching for new ways to make our families and children's lives more fun.

       That's why, I'm so excited to share with you this tremendous Deal Alert running this week.  With more than 76 ebooks and bonuses, I'm sure this will get all our creative juices flow.  

    Yes, there aren’t enough hours in the day, right? With work, helping the kids with their homework, preparing meals, cleaning up after everyone and putting yet another load of laundry on, there’s very little time for sleep – let alone DIY and crafting!




       But do you look at that bare wall in the den and that tatty tablecloth on the kitchen table, and just wish you had a few hours to do something about them? Or do you browse through those wonderful crafting successes on Pinterest and think to yourself that “one day” you’ll have a few more minutes to yourself so that you too can create something incredible?

      You’re not alone – there’s a huge community of people out there who are feeling just as frustrated as you are!

      Thankfully though, there’s an exciting new product to help you quickly and easily get into (or back into) the creative projects you’ve been desperate to start. It’s called The Ultimate DIY Bundle, and it’s a collection of carefully curated DIY and crafting eBooks and eCourses from the world’s leading authors and bloggers in the industry.

      For the crazy low price of just $34.95, you get access to a carefully curated library of over 76 eBooks and eCourses. And let me reassure you that this really is great value: the Ultimate Bundles team (who produced the resource) has spent MONTHS seeking out the most respected experts in the industry and asking them to contribute their premium-quality eBooks and eCourses. These really are the best of the best when it comes to DIY and crafting advice and information.

Topics in the bundle include:

• Home decor
• Furniture painting
• Photography
• Chalk pastels
• Handmade gifts
• Homemade skincare products
• Cake decorating
• Photography and photo-editing
• Paint colors and interior design
• …and a whole lot more (76 eBooks and eCourses in total) – to help you be inspired or get started with your next DIY or crafting project!

      There’s no need to worry about information overload though: The Ultimate DIY Bundle comes with a complete guide to getting started, so that you can know exactly which resource to use for your specific crafting or DIY project and jump straight into it with confidence!

      Hurry though! The Ultimate DIY Bundle will only be on sale for 6 days – from 8am EST on Wednesday, January 21 until 11.59pm EST on Monday, January 26.

      You can buy with complete confidence because you’re covered by the Ultimate Bundles 30-day money-back guarantee. That means you have a full 30 days to enjoy all the eBooks and eCourses in the bundle, and if you don’t think they provided enough value, you’ll get a full refund.

      Not only that, but The Ultimate DIY Bundle comes with 4 awesome bonuses, worth over $118.  That’s 3x the price of the bundle alone! These include…

• A free $15 Store Credit PLUS 8×10 Art Print from Hope Ink ($43 Value) 
• A free online class from Craftsy (up to $60 Value) 
• Free $15 store credit to Fawnsberg.com 
• A free sewing pattern PLUS a Premium Video Class from UpCraft Club ($19.99 Value) 
• Free, full digital copies of Where Women Create Magazine and Greencraft Magazine ($20 value) from Stampington and Co.

       So, don’t miss your chance to grab The Ultimate DIY Bundle, and get 76 incredible eBooks and eCourses for just $34.95. All you need to do is take action by midnight on Monday, January 26!

This amazing deal ends in just…

Pick up your copy right now, before it’s too late. Or, learn more here.






          What are you waiting for?  Get it now and start creating. Oh, and don't forget to share the "love" to all your friends too.

- Roz


(Note:  I have affiliate links included in this post.  Please read the fine print about this bundle and read the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the bundle.) 

Tuna and Corn Casserole - Gluten, Dairy, Nut Free

      A casserole is one of my favorite go to dishes. What's not to love?  It requires little prep time, basically cooks by itself and most importantly, always a crowd best-seller.  

        After I learned about my children's food allergies, making casseroles was quite a challenge.  As you may know or learned by now, most of the traditional soups used in casseroles are not gluten free. Not to mention loaded with preservatives and sodium.

        So, when I had the chance to try Dole's Garden Soup varieties at the GFAF Expo in NJ, I didn't waste any time.  I reached out to them so that I can use and review their new products.

      Dole Garden Soups is the latest addition to Dole's growing packaged foods.  It comes in five varieties namely Carrot Ginger, Southwestern Black Bean and Corn, Roasted Garlic & Tomato Basil, Tomato Vegetable and Sweet Corn.  The two later varieties are my favorite.  Aside from being creamy and delicious, these soups are:

         * Gluten Free

         * Non GMO

         * Preservative Free

         * Low Fat

         * No Cholesterol 

         * Ready to Eat 

         * Top 8 Allergen Friendly (except for the Roasted Garlic &Tomato Basil which contains milk)

         It is also very versatile.  Did you know that you can use it as gravy or sauce too?  Yes, it's an excellent ingredient for casseroles as well.  The Sweet Corn Soup is my secret ingredient to this really easy, yummy and kid friendly Tuna and Corn Casserole dish.  Not only is it allergy friendly, this version is really healthy too.  

          What do you think? Will you give this one a try? 

         

- Roz 

Ingredients:

1 (26 oz) box Dole Garden Soup Sweet Corn
4 cans (about 3 cups) canned tuna in water, drained
1/2 cup green peas
1/2 cup corn kernels
3 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. paprika
2 cups water
1 lb. gluten free macaroni (uncooked)
3 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbs. lemon zest
1 tsp. oil (canola, avocado or sunflower oil)


1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Grease a 13 x 9 casserole dish with oil.
3. Put all the ingredients except for the lemon zest and parsley in a big bowl.  Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish.
5. Top with the lemon zest and parsley.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35- 40 minutes.
7. Serve hot.

(Note: I received free products from the company for this review.  This however, doesn't affect my opinions and experience using the mentioned products.  Please see my full disclosure here.)

Friday Freebies: Ebooks on Smoothies, Canning, Ayurveda, Valentine Treats and more

      Wow!  The week flew right before my eyes.  Yes, I was missing in action.  Did you miss me? 

       If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, I'm sure you have an idea what I was up too.  Are we friends there already?  I hope so.  

        Anyway, I'll be posting what's keeping me busy lately this weekend.  Here's a little hint - weight loss, new recipes, product reviews and more giveaways.  Sounds cool? 

         For now, I'm sharing some of the free ebooks I found today.  I hope you'll get them now before the prices go up.  

         TGIF my friends.

- Roz

Nutribullet Superfood Smoothies - 100 Mouthwater, Ultra Healthy & Super Filling Recipes

DIY Pantry: Canning and Preserving Basics

 

Ayurveda 101 : Basics for Natural Health and Well Being

Organic Eating on a Budget: How to Buy Affordable Organic Foods to Achieve a Healthier Diet and Lifestyle

My Yummy Paleo Valentine - 14 Quick and Easy Gluten Free Valentine Treats and Snacks

Deal Alert: Food Allergy Friendly Giveaways and Freebies

       How did the first work week of the year 2015 go?  Yes, it's already Friday my friends.  Can you believe it?  

       Since I know that you all enjoy freebies and giveaways, I compiled a list of ongoing deals this week just for you.  The best part is that, all these are gluten free and food allergy friendly products.  

       Don't forget to share the love to all your friends who might need them too.  

       Have a great weekend!

- Roz

       

   

                     

 Organic Gemini TigerNuts Giveaway
            Here's the ongoing giveaway here on the blog.  The prize is a gift pack which includes Raw TigerNut Snack and TigerNut flour.          

After Holiday Allergy Friendly Giveaway
      20 Participating Brands such as Brother's All Natural, So Delicious, Sun Butter, Surf Sweets, Amanda's Own, Smart Flour, NutriMOM and more.

Allermates Free Alert Bracelet 

     Good for Allergy, Asthma, Vegan, Autism or Epilepsy Alert bracelets with a retail value of $5.99.  Use Coupon Code FREEBandFB at checkout.  Must pay shipping fee.  Promo is valid until 1/10/15. 

GF Jules Baking Mix Giveaway
       VegetarianMamma is hosting a giveaway this week.  The prize is a gluten free corn bread mix from GF Jules.

Epi-Pen $0 Co Pay Card 2015 and Free Carrying Case
          It's back! The makers of Epi-Pen has released their $0 Co-Pay Card for this year.  It's still $100 off your insurance co-pay and is good for up to three  2-pack Epi-pens.  If you register your Epi-pens, you'll also get a free case and an email reminder when your medication is about to expire.  The cases are limited so get them asap.

Organic Gemini Tigernuts Review and Giveaway

        Did the Chocolate Chip Blondies recipe I share earlier this week stirred some curiosity in you? I know I posted some ingredients that you might be a little hesitant to buy just for the recipe.  So, to make sure that you can try the recipe and of course, Tigernuts, I teamed up with Organic Gemini, the company that uses Tigernuts as a centerpiece of their products, for our first giveaway this year.  Are you getting excited?

      What exactly are TigerNuts? It is a root vegetable (not a nut) that originates from Northern Africa and Mediterranean. For centuries, this tuber which is also known as nookon or chufa, has been a staple in some people's diet. This vegetable is loaded with fiber in the form of Resistant Starch, a prebiotic that actually helps our bodies develop probiotics.  Plus, it is rich in iron, potassium, phosphorus and Vitamins E & C.   Sounds good already? 

       

       Anyway, the people at Organic Gemini has sent me three of their best products to try. The TigerNut Raw Snack, is the purest it can be.  This raw and sun dried TigerNuts snack is vegan, paleo, Kosher, allergy free, gluten free and nonGMO.  

        The kids and I like that it is naturally sweet and has a nutty flavor as well. The snack however is really fibrous.  So be prepared to chew it for a while.  The manufacturers suggest to soak it first so that it becomes softer and to enhance the flavor.  

        

            I also received a bag of Organic Gemini TigerNut flour which is basically ground TigerNuts. This naturally gluten free flour is great for baking. It is not grainy and gives baked goods a hint of sweetness and nutty flavor.  I've used it on my Chocolate Chip Blondies and the results are always perfect. Oh, don't forget about the health benefits too.  

          If you are also avoiding dairy (and nuts) like us, I suggest you give these TigerNut Horchata a try.  Nutrition wise, these are way healthier than most dairy substitutes available in the market. It is naturally sweetened with either medjool dates, honey or fruits.  Yup, no added sugars! My kids love the Banana flavor.  I'm torn between the Chai and Coffee.  These Horchata are excellent for baking too. 

          Now for the exciting part.  Our friends from Organic Gemini would like to giveaway a gift pack of a full sized Raw Tiger Nut Snack and Tiger Nut Flour to one of our readers. What a great way to start the year right? 

           This giveaway is open to all US residents 18 years old and up.  It ends on Jan 23, 2015 11:59 pm EST.

           Good luck!

- Roz

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


(Note: Though I receive free products, this doesn't affect our views regarding the products.  Please see my full disclosure here. )

Gluten Free Vegan Protein Rich Chocolate Chip Blondies

        Do you have a sweet tooth? I do!  In fact, I would gladly skip any meal just to have dessert.  

     Since I decided to make our family's meals and treats a lot healthier this new year, I'm now focused on creating recipes that are sneakily filled with good for you ingredients.  To get the ball rolling, I am sharing with you this very easy recipe for our favorite Chocolate Chip Blondies.  

        Unlike the traditional ones, these blondies don't contain any butter or shortening, eggs or even gluten.  The beans make it creamy and delectable.  Flax seeds not only binds it together, it also provides Omega 3's and fiber.  Speaking for fiber, have you heard of Tigernuts?  Tigernuts, contrary to its name is not a nut but a small root vegetable native to Africa.  It is the #1 source of Resistant Starch, a Prebiotic fiber that resists human digestion and becomes fuel for our bodies natural Probiotic bacteria.   The flour I used in this recipe is made with Tigernuts which has a sweet and nutty flavor. 

          Are the ingredients making you scared?  Don't be!  These have been used by people outside the US for ages.  Plus the end result is surprisingly divine.  Just ask my four tough critics.  The best part is that, I don't have to be guilty about having a piece or two.  Oh, and these are also great for the kids' lunch box dessert.  

            Ready to try something new?  Then give these blondies are try.  Don't forget to let me know how it turned out too. 

             Have a great week!

- Roz

Ingredients:

1 15 oz can cannellini beans, rinsed well
1 cup organic raw cane sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbs. flax meal (ground flax seed)
6 Tbs. lukewarm water
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. Himalayan Pink Sea Salt (coarse ground)
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup Organic Gemini TigerNut Flour
3/4 cup chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate Morsels  )

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper.
3. Make a flax goo by combining water and flax meal. Set aside for at least 5 minutes before using.
4. In a blender or food processor, add the beans, sugar, vanilla, flour, baking powder, oil, nutmeg and flax goo.  Blend or process until smooth.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.  Top with chocolate chips.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the sea salt on top.
8. Let the blondies cool in the pan before slicing.
9. Enjoy!

(Note:  This post contains affiliate links for the ingredients I used in this recipe. Please see my full disclosure here.)

10 "Let it Go" moments for 2015

       2014 was a challenging one for me.   As I look back, I realized, it could have been an easier year, if I just learned to be more sensitive to the signs and messages God has readily provided for me.  The theme song from the movie Frozen for instance, (which I try to avoid as much as possible because I can't take it anymore) was a good start.

Photo courtesy of CallMeArtsy 

     
        So for this year, I promise and even challenge myself to just let certain things go.  Specifically,


Whenever I feel guilty for saying "NO"...  Let it go.

Whenever I feel unappreciated... Let it go.

Whenever someone enjoys to be annoying ... Let it (them) go.

Whenever a person purposely makes me upset ... Let it (all of them) go.

Whenever I beat myself up for not finishing my To Do list ... Let it go. 

Whenever perfection stops me from doing something... Let it go. 

Whenever negative thoughts occupy a big part of my brain... Let it go.  

Whenever unimportant things take up my precious time ... Let it (all) go.

Whenever I want to say something and choose to hold back ... Let it go.  

Whenever I have the urge to put myself last... Let it (that) go.


        How about you?  Are there things you are letting go this new year?

        Wishing you a more exciting, happy and fulfilling 2015.


- Roz