Healthy Gluten Free Snacking this Summer with NoGii

     For years, I have seen and heard NoGii gluten free snacks. Though the brand was a staple at gluten free expos I frequent, I never actually had the chance to try the products. So, when I was contacted to sample and review their products thru Moms Meet, I didn't have to think twice. 

    When I received the box sent by Elisabeth Hasselbeck and company, I was astonished! I couldn't believe how generous this company is. 

    Then something hit me. Are they trying to bribe me with quantity because they lack quality? I suddenly became a bit skeptic. Can you blame me? After all, a good tasting gluten free bar is indeed hard to find in spite of the choices available. 

     After sorting which products are for my own consumption only (contains ingredients that aren't safe for most of the kids), I decided on tasting the Chocolate Caramel D' Lites. These 1 oz bars were an instant hit with me and Child#1 (who outgrew her peanut allergy). It was really delicious and full of flavor. This little snack has it all - sweet, salty, crunchy, gooey and yes, filling! With just 120 calories and 7 grams of protein, it is definitely a healthy treat. 

That's Child#1 enjoying her gluten free loot. 

     Next, my daughter and I tried the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Bar. After learning how filling the D'Lites bar is, we figured out that this bar will be perfect as an in between activities meal. With 20 grams of protein per bar, (now I know why it's called High Protein) this bar has become a regular in my summer bag.  Just like it's smaller counter part, this bar is really tasty and satisfying. Shhh... even my husband (who's a picky gluten free bar eater) is a big fan. NoGii is now a part of his lunch bag too. 

     Not a fan of Peanut Butter? NoGii Gluten Free NonGMO bars are also available in these delectable flavors: 

• Chocolate Coconut
• Chocolate Mint
• Cocoa Brownie
• Cookies n Creme
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel
• Rocky Road

(A quick note: All the above flavors contain Soy protein)

     If you are in a Paleo Diet, you might like to try NoGii's Paleo Bars which comes in 3 yummy flavors:

• Nuts About Berries
• Nuts About Nuts
• Nuts About Tropical Fruits    

    About my earlier concern about quantity over quality, I have to say the people behind NoGii aren't just generous. They are definitely confident with their products. They know that one can will not grow tired of eating their healthy, gluten free bars. Honestly, they got me, hubby and Child#1 hooked. Even the other kids got curious. They even said that when they outgrew soy or nuts, NoGii will be the first food they will eat.

     Now for a quick treat. NoGii is currently having a contest called NoGii Tablesetters. You and one lucky guest could win a Free trip to New York City and meet NoGii creator Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Simply head on to NoGii Facebook page and complete the entry form their. No purchases needed to join.  

     Have you tried NoGii bars yet? If so, what's your favorite flavor? Mine is Cookies n Creme. 

- Roz

(Note: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet Program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product. Please see my full disclosure here.)  

Friday Freebies & Deals: Enjoy Life Pentils, Herb Gardening, Decluttering and more

   Summer is in full swing in our household. What are you up to? I'm of decluttering and reorganizing before the next school year starts. I'm still buried with the papers these kids brought home. 

     If you plan to stock up on healthy snacks, now is the best time as I've found some great coupon codes for you. There's also a bunch of books on gardening and organizing.

     Do you have any savings tips or coupons to share? Let me know so that we can spread the love.

     TGIF!

- Roz

(Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that when you make a purchase, I would get a little commission from it. Don't worry, that doesn't affect your price at all. Thanks so much for helping me maintain the blog. Please see my full disclosure here.)

Coupon Codes

Brothers All Natural Snacks Buy 3 Get 1 Free
Coupon Code: BUY3GET1FREE

Xlear Care Kit for just $25 (plus shipping)
Coupon Code: SAVE50

Enjoy Life Plentils, Crunchy Cookies, Soft Cookies Get 15% OFF
Coupon Code: JULY4TH 


Free Ebooks
 
       As of posting, these ebooks are free to download. Since the price can change anytime, I suggest you check the price before you download.

Paleo Diet by Jessica Cambridge

Gluten Free Cooking by Julius Wellington

The Busy Girl's Guide to Speed Cleaning by Elizabeth Bolling

Decluttering Tips for the Sentimental by Elena Dupont

The Practical Guide to Organic Pest Control by Paul Jackson

Organize Your Closet by Sallie Stone

The Art of Frugal Simplicity 

A Beginner's Guide to Herb Gardening

Container Gardening

How to Prepare Herbs and Store Them Properly

Natural Allergy Relief with Xlear Nasal Spray

    This past Spring was brutal to many allergy sufferers. On top of the usual allergy and asthma medications, my family relied on help of natural remedies to function well. One of the best helpers we had came from an Xlear Care Kit I received as a Moms Meet blogger. 

    The Xlear Nasal Spray was a total life saver. This spray has helped alleviate the congestion brought about by the environmental allergens our family have such as grass, dust mites, pollen, ragweed and more. 

      Unlike most saline solutions, Xlear Nasal Spray is all natural and only contains purified water, salt, grape seed extract and xylitol (a natural product that has been shown to decrease bacterial adherence in the nose). It is safe for my kids with food allergies. Plus, it has no unwanted side effects, non addictive and doesn't damage sensitive tissues.  

        

    Xlear Nasal Spray not only cleans the nasal passages, it also helped it stay hydrated and moisturized. As most moms know, dry nasal passages cause stuffiness and sudden nosebleeds. Not a pretty sight especially with young children. Even with the drying effects brought about our antihistamines, I was surprised how our noses stayed hydrated. 

      Aside from the amazing Nasal Sprays, the Xlear Care Kit also includes their line of Dental Care products known as Spry. The toothpaste, Oral Rinse, Gum and breath mints which are made with non GMO ingredients also contain xylitol. 

       For years, my family and I have used xylitol based dental products because of its health benefits. The Spry line is one of the better brands currently available in the market. It leaves the mouth feeling fresh without the overpowering bitter taste of mint. Even the two younger kids in the house enjoyed using the mouth wash and toothpaste.  

       The breath mints and gum are also a big hit. Not only are those naturally sugar free, the xylitol used to sweeten it are believed to help prevent tooth decay. 

       

        Interested in trying these products? Here's the good news, the makers of Xlear has a special offer just for you my TFM Friends. The Xlear Care Kit which normal sells for $65.00, will be available to you for only $25.00 (plus shipping and handling). That's a 62% savings. 

         Simply click this link and use the Coupon Code SAVE50 at checkout. Hurry, this deal is good until June 30, 2015 only. 

  

- Roz

(Note: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group, LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do no necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product. Please see my full disclosure here.)     

7 Quick Takes: What a Food Allergy Mom is Thankful For

  School year 2014-2015 officially ended. As my children were relaxing this Friday, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with all the stuff they brought home this week --- used up books, leftover supplies, summer school packets and endless stash of paper. 

   While I try to figure out what to do with this new pile of craziness, these dusty plastic bags filled with unused medications caught me eyes. That's when it hit me. 180 school days passed and these were untouched. Thank God! 

    So instead of focusing on the new workload this summer brings, I decided to pause. Incidentally, there's a 7 Quick Takes link up so I got inspired to write and participate in it. 

     For today, I am thankful for:

      1. The packs of epinephrine, asthma inhaler and antihistamine the school nurses sent back home. This meant that both Child#2 and Child#3 didn't have any allergic reaction or asthma attack in school.

     2. The achievements each child brought home - Student of the Week, Honor Roll, High Honor Roll and impressive report cards. It certainly showed that they worked hard this past year.

    3. The practice sheets by Child#4. It was a struggle to teach this "leftie" how to form the letters properly. Now he enjoys writing sentences.

     4. A Flu-less winter. Yup, all 6 of us were clear even if we didn't have flu shots. In fact, we didn't have any emergency room trip this year. 

     5. Laid back mornings. My inner drill sergeant is currently on vacation too. Since the kids don't have to be out at certain times, I'm enjoying the calmer environment. 

     6. Being able to enjoy cooking and baking again. With not much distractions like kids' projects, homework and extra curricular activities, developing food allergy friendly recipes will be back.

     7. Just having all my 4 kids together in one place. Since they are all with me, there's no need to panic every time the phone rings. I know they are all safe. Not to mention, it's time for making memories together.

     How about you? What are you thankful for today? Tell us in the comments below so that we can all celebrate them. 

- Roz

Rebecca's Gluten Free Cookie Mixes Giveaway

    I can't believe the school year is almost over. One more week and the kids will be home bound. You know what that means right? New routine, new activities and yes, time to make more memories.  

   With the nicer weather, I'm sure you wouldn't want to spend hours in the kitchen cooking for our always hungry children. Is it only me or have you noticed that the young ones tend to consume more food when they are home? 

     Anyway, since most of us who are managing food allergies have no choice but to make most of our food from scratch, I'm sure you will be very excited with my latest product find.

      Rebecca's Gluten Free is a California based company that specializes in easy and delicious gluten free and vegan mixes. Currently, their signature items are their cookie mixes. It which available in these well loved flavors:

• Snicker Doodle
• Chocolate Crinkle
• Chocolate Chip
• Lemon Sugar
• Pumpkin Spice

(Just a quick note: The product has a note that mentions it is processed in a facility that may contain peanuts and tree nuts.)

        What makes Rebecca's Gluten Free cookie mixes different from most gluten free mixes out there is their "super easy" promise. That means we don't need to add more than 3 ingredients to make delicious cookies. Sounds good right?

     For this review, I was sent a free Snicker Doodle cookie mix. Originally, the packaged asked for just one egg and 8 Tbs. of butter to add to the mix. Since my children can't have both, I decided to make a Flax goo (egg substitute) and Earth Balance Soy free Buttery spread. 

     With the help of my trusty electric mixer, I creamed the flax goo and buttery spread before I slowly added the cookie mix. The mixture was a bit crumbly at first but after a minute or two of mixing, it slowly came together nicely. 

     

      To make the cookies almost the same size, I used a small ice cream scoop. Then I rolled the dough into balls. Finally I coat each ball with the cinnamon sugar that was also include included in the mix. The mix gave me 26 pieces of 2 inch cookies.  Not bad for $6.99 a pack.  

     

     The end product!  As you can see, the cookies turned out nicely brown. Though it took a little longer to bake (I added 5 minutes to the suggested baking time.), the wait was definitely worth it. Not only are the cookies food allergy friendly and yummy, these without a doubt are the fastest ones to make. 

     It was given 4 thumbs up by the kids. They even emphasized that these cookies tasted like the ones they used to have (pre food allergy diagnosis). My husband and I agreed that Rebecca's Gluten Free Cookies are not only delicious but it can actually give the regular ones (egg, milk and wheat laden ones) a run for their money.  

    Taste and texture wise, no one can tell that these are gluten free and even vegan (I made substitutions remember?)   

      Don't just take my word for it. I have an exciting news. Rebecca has generously sponsored a giveaway for you my TFM Friends. One lucky reader will get a chance to win not one but three (3) cookie mixes! The best part, the winner will get to choose which flavors he or she would like to receive. Is that cool or what? 

     This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years old and above. You don't need to purchase anything. Simple do the tasks below to get entries. The giveaway will end on June 20, 2015 11:59 EST. After that, the winner will receive an email from me. 

      So, what are you waiting for? 

- Roz

(Note: I received a free product from the sponsor for this review. This however, doesn't affect my opinions and thoughts about the product. You, my readers is my number one priority. Please see my full disclosure here.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway