Arnold/Oroweat Sandwich Thins Naturals & Getting Healthy

It's no secret if you read my blog, you know that I'm an Arnold Sandwich Thins fans and I couldn't be happier when I learned the latest product from Arnold called Naturals and the one I'm trying today is 100% Whole Wheat Flax & Fiber Rolls.  I've read a lot on Flax and even purchased a box a couple of weeks ago that I sprinkle on top of certain foods for the health benefits.  As is always the case in January, I'm on a mission to lose weight and I have my entire family and some of my extended family involved on the quest to lose weight.  Arnold Sandwich Thins' has a good motto on their Facebook page right now, "Don't Diet Just Try It."   There are even great recipes that are low in calorie but big in taste (see below for examples).

Anyone who follows a diet knows how hard it can be to stick to something so rigid but a diet doesn't have top be rigid if you just follow some basic changes like switching out refined/processed sugars and flours for whole wheat products.  Of course calories do count which is why I love Arnold Sandwich Thins as they are only 100 calories for two slices (or a thin/roll).  When you count calories, that's important and some of us on the diet are so this is great for us.  Arnold Sandwich Thins are made of whole grains, 5 grams of fiber, 1 gram of fat and has no high fructose corn syrup.

If you follow Weight Watchers, they only equate to 3 points and with a little smart toppings of vegetables, you can make a pretty low point sandwich that really satisfies.



Here are some of my favorite recipes with Arnold/Oroweat Sandwich Thins:

Autumn Turkey Sandwich

Ingredients 2 slices Oroweat® Health-full 10 Grain bread 1 teaspoon cranberry sauce 2 slices of bacon, cooked and cooled (option: turkey bacon or reduced-fat bacon) 2 oz. deli turkey breast 1/2 serving Spiced Sweet Potatoes* 1/2 cup spinach leaves Serving size: 1 sandwich *Spiced Sweet Potatoes Ingredients 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4" cubes 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger 2 teaspoon walnut oil 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions Prep time: 5 minutes Toast two slices of bread and spread a thick layer of cranberry sauce on one slice. Layer turkey, sweet potatoes, bacon and spinach on the bread slice; top with the other slice. Cut in half and serve. Nutritional Value (per serving) 370 calories 11g fiber 30g protein 46g carbs 10g fat *Spiced Sweet Potatoes Directions (10 servings) Prep time: 30 minutes Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a roasting pan; stir well to coat. Bake for 10 minutes; stir and bake until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes more.

Hawaiian-Style Breakfast Sandwiches

Ingredients 4 Oroweat® 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins 1/4 cup light cream cheese, softened 1 tablespoon apricot preserves 8 ounces low-sodium ham, or Canadian bacon 4 sliced pineapple rings 1 Italian plum tomato, sliced 4 slices Muenster cheese (garnish) Serving size: 4 sandwiches

Directions In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese and apricot preserves; reserve. Grill ham (or Canadian bacon), pineapple rings, and tomato slices over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until browned (you can use a specially designed grilling pan/rack to prevent food from falling through the grill). Spread the top half of the toasted english muffins with the reserved cream cheese mixture. Place Muenster cheese on the bottom halves. Arrange the grilled ham, pineapple, and tomato slices on the cheese. Cover with the top halves and serve. To reheat, microwave sandwich for 1 minute, or until warmed through.

To see more great recipes, click here and here.

After receiving my complimentary package of Arnold Sandwich Thins Naturals 100% Whole Wheat Flax & Fiber Rolls, I can definitely say I'm hooked.  The best thing I like about the Sandwich Thins are they made of whole wheat and don't have that real strong wheat flavor or texture that some have.  I also like that there is no high fructose corn syrup added which is important to me as I try to eliminate products with that in it.  I also enjoy the ease of using Sandwich Thins in that I can pop them in the toaster for a quick snack or I can pile on any topping to make a delicious sandwich.  I'm also lucky in that I live near Publix Supermarkets and they routinely have these on the buy one get one free sales so I stock up on them.  If you haven't tried them yet, you really are missing out and even if you aren't counting calories, they are healthy since they are made of 100% whole wheat.




*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary product pack.  I was not required to post as the viewpoints are mine and I am a repeat Arnold brand customer.

JustLuxe Trips of a Lifetime: Win a Trip

  

Dreaming about an exotic vacation?  I've been to many countries in Europe but I never made it to Italy.  It's one country that I would love to see.  If you are like me, you would love the chance to win a free vacation.  Chances are and you might be able to win it in the “Trips of a Lifetime” sweepstakes, sponsored by JustLuxe.  JustLuxe is the largest affluent lifestyle guide in the world, and they’ve teamed up with some of the most prestigious hotels in the world to offer luxury vacation giveaways every month.  Featured destinations are Paris, Greece, St. Lucia, Vienna, and others.

The grand prize winner will get a 4 night stay in suite at the Halekulani Hotel and Resort in Honolulu, roundtrip airfare, and if that is not enough, an exotic car rental complete with a personal chauffeur.  Paying for that yourself would cost more than $30,000.  I used to live in Hawaii and it's very expensive but it's one place that I think everyone should visit at least once.

Head to JustLuxe HERE to enter.

I'm an AvonDreamers Ambassador

I think I've been an Avon customer ever since I was in my late teens.  I do not buy all my products inclusively from Avon but I've always had an interest in Avon starting with the mom of one of my best friends who sold the products.  Through the years, I kept up with Avon and once Avon was available online, it offered another venue to stay up to date on the products.  Through my blogging, I've also been introduced to new products which I very happily accepted because I've always counted on Avon to deliver products that I would love and if I didn't, they took them back.  I've also contemplated through the years on selling Avon but never made the jump over.  I figured here is a company that has been around for years and is trusted by so many households.

I say households because Avon isn't the same Avon you might have grown up with.  Avon has products for everyone and the variety to include sales, makes it more appealing to me.  To be able to shop online or have an Avon representative come to me is a win-win.  I was one of four ladies selected to become an AvonDreamers Ambassador and what that means is I get to introduce my readers to great products both the tried and true and new products.  I'll also get to have some giveaways so stay tuned for that!

Have you ever thought about selling Avon?  There is no time like the present to begin as with the economy the way it is, we never want to hold back on looking good and with the Avon line, the products are very reasonable and they really do sell themselves due to great branding and reputation.

Right now, you can become an Avon Representative for only $20!  

This includes all your brochures for the first two campaigns, samples and a tote bag.   There are also incentive programs and a great commission program on sales.

Each campaign period is two weeks which gives you a good amount of time to pick up those orders.  You can also choose to have an online store which can enhance your sales if you spend a lot of time online.  Send books to your friends, check in on neighbors and make friends with new ones.  If you e-mail a lot, add it to your signature line to let everyone know you are an Avon Representative to generate more exposure.  There are many ways to gain customers while representing a great company such as Avon.

Take that step and send me a message to learn how easy it is to start a new career with Avon!




Disclaimer:  As noted in the post, I am acting as an ambassador and am not affiliated nor paid by Avon.  My posts might provide an opportunity for an incentive prize.

4 Pack of Cheerios from Amazon for $7.91 + Free Shipping

Great deal if you like Cheerios at Amazon.  Purchase this four pack at $11.29, select the Wubscribe and Save option where you choose how frequent you want them delivered.  Note:  You can adjust the Subscribe and Save features at any time to include cancelling it if you decide it's not for you.

Use code BIGNYNY at checkout to save more with a final cost of $7.91 for four boxes!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas from Ficklets & AdorableBabyClothing

Valentine's Day isn't all about romance as kids love this holiday. What other day do they get to pass out valentines and candy?  It's a special day because it's a fun day for them.  I always tried to find something to get my girls each Valentine's Day just to show them how special they are to me.  Since I have a new grand baby and a three year old, I can still dress them up pretty in spite of my seven and 22 year old's not be willing participants in whatever it takes to make mama happy.  My three year old is a foo-foo girl and I couldn't be even happier.  When she puts on her Cinderella dress that I found at Adorable Baby Clothing and her feather boa, I'm beyond happy.  At last!  One of my children is NOT a tomboy!  I buy all my formal dresses at Adorable Baby Clothing because the selection is amazing and I can easily find two sizes in the same dress without having to spend hours disappointed at the mall.  The quality is immeasurable as every dress I have purchased is not made of poor quality material or stitching.  Every detail is beautiful and I plan on passing each dress on to my children.   The customer service is amazing too and the owner, Cynthia, is more than an owner and has turned into a dear friend.

If my children wore glasses, Ficklets would be the place to go.  I met the owner of Ficklets, Ros, online and have grown to love both women dearly as friends.  Ficklets were created out of love a mother has for her daughter.  When Ros' daughter didn't like her glasses, the idea to create something to inspire her daughter to like her glasses was born.  Ficklets are cute, inexpensive ways to let kid's personality shine through on ordinary glasses.  Whether it's hearts, butterflies, soccer balls or puppies, there are so many to choose from for boys and girls and any age.  There are even blingy ones for us moms who love a little bling for our own glasses and there are some cool Halloween skull Ficklets that appeal to some men based on comments I've seen on Twitter!

For this Valentine's Day, I wanted to share with my readers some ideas if you are like me and adorn your little one with gifts.


Black Stretch Velvet Top and Burgundy Embossed Taffeta Dress

My girls in the dresses 

Gallop and Go Stick Pony

Again, my girls with the ponies ;)

Burgundy Taffeta Vest and Pant Set

Boy's Personalized Valentine Sweatshirt

Pink Ballerina Onesie from Mud Pie with Free Personalization

Click here to see the many other gift ideas from AdorableBabyClothing.com

Here are some cute Ficklets that are perfect for Valentine's Day:

Hearts Eyewear Charms

 

Hot Lips Charms

These are non-Valentine's Day but are adorable and would make a great gift to your little one:

  

For the girls and moms like me:

  

Click here to see the great selection of all Ficklets available.

Blogging Pays Off & More with SocialMoms

Ever considered blogging?  It doesn't take much to get started other than a desire to write about something you are interested in.  You have to decide what it is you want to tell everyone about.  Whether it's about being healthy, chronic medical conditions, saving money or whatever hobby you have, it's so easy to start.  When I started blogging, it was just to share information on trying to stay younger looking which quickly evolved into product reviews and giveaways.  I still like to share information but find that I'm not doing it as much as I would like to and saw that my blog turned more into a product review and giveaway site.  I'm not complaining as I have greatly benefited from this aspect of blogging as well as my readers.  Not only have I benefited but so have the businesses that participate and partner with bloggers.  Since blogging, I have found so many new products that I have become loyal to.

These brands get free advertising from me as I post about the products I love more than once.  I become a brand ambassador, so to speak, unpaid.  When I find a brand I believe in, I like to tell others so it's a win-win situation.  With blogging, comes opportunities such as the ones that SocialMoms (formerly known as TwitterMoms) provides.  I just went to Target yesterday and racked up a $154 bill and paid only $32 for it thanks to the use of three gift cards I won from participating in various blogger programs.  Today, I just received a $50 Sears card and I'm still holding a $50 Staples card (a giveaway ongoing right now here) and a $50 Hasbro card.  I forgot that I also have a $100 Tiny Prints card to use as well.  Many times, I pass the prize on to my readers in an effort to pay it forward and hopefully it lands in the hands of someone who needs it more than I.

If you thought about blogging, give it a try, it doesn't take much and great mom places like SocialMoms is a wonderful way to engage other moms and learn a lot about different topics and products.


*Update: I just used my $50 Sears card and purchased four pairs of Levis for my seven year old and a nightgown for me and only paid 83 cents out of pocket.

In Pursuit of the Good Things for My Children

It's a constant battle finding good food and drinks for my children.  They are very picky probably just like any other child.  The problem added to my children are two medical conditions that lower immunity in both.  My seven year old's epilepsy poses many problems from epilepsy itself to migraines to insomnia to sicknesses quite frequently.  I did not know about the immune issue until I was invited on a few epilepsy Facebook groups and exchanging posts on that factor.  Apparently, it's pretty big with epileptics.  My three year old has a very serious pulmonary issue.  When she catches a cold, on average, every one and sometimes every other one, will land her in the hospital.  She crashes fast and the only cure is oxygen and liquid steroids.  She also starts coughing with just a little elevated activity and has who is deemed as the nation's national expert of childhood asthmas, puzzled.  He just prescribed Advair but after reading it has not been approved for children under four and it also has a black box warning, I am waiting for my next appointment with him to discuss.  Due to deaths, per the blackbox warning, I'm not comfortable putting her on it.


I probably rambled a bit but it set the background as to why I need to really find better alternatives to my children's love for sodas and McDonalds.  I found the pursuit of eating more natural or organic had to occur in baby steps.  It wasn't anything that I could just turn a switch without a revolt.  I started going to Earth Fare and loved the set up. It reminded me of a European market full of good, wholesome and fresh foods of every variety.  It was that one day, they had samples of Pirates Booty available and my girls loved them.  Success!  I found I could exchange one bad snack for something natural, no preservatives and prepared better for them.  I kept going to the store hoping for more samples and more new choices for the girls.  Unfortunately, the snack aisle is the only one that I have been able to convert so far.  I'm going to keep trying.

My next step was sneaking foods into their meals which did not work.  I followed the directions exactly but they did not like them.  As an alternative, I'm purchasing organic meat and milk without the hormones as well as whole wheat bread products.  They enjoy their Juicy Juice which is excellent since it is 100% natural juice and given the increased increase of natural products, there are now great selections of natural cheese from Sargento to Kraft.  It's nice to see the corporations are listening and understanding as parents or just people, we want healthy foods and not foods laden with antibiotics, pesticides, processed and refined foods, hormones and so forth.  The next step is removing and replacing GMO foods.  There are a lot of controversy going on about GMO foods.  If you think GMO foods are new, it's a misconception only because it's becoming more well known.  GMO (genetically modified) have been around for years.  I just have a problem consuming something where man has altered the genetic code either for increased production, more robust crops, disease and pest resistance qualities.  It seems when man tinkers with things for us, it makes it bad for us.  I'm finding that organic foods are putting "non GMO" on their labels so I have to watch for those.

Next is water.  Dr. Mercola, a leading authority of healthier alternatives, just sent an e-mail with the latest updates and this one included the continued controversy over bottled water.  Not only due to it possibly containing the same harmful chemicals as regular tap water but the connection to the various and sometimes fatal health issues from BPA plastics.  The harmful BPAs leach from the plastic into water and this also applies to the home filtration systems.  From what I read, the best approach is using glass.  I don't know why we just don't return to everything being in glass as it's healthier and there are no leaching concerns or at least until they learn otherwise or alter the manufacturing process.  They do drink water so I will have to switch them over to using a glass container to store and it's time to throw away all the plastic drinking cups unless they are BPA free.



Vitamins are a tough crowd to be in around my picky ones.  After many, many attempts of finding the right ones, they have settled on the Disney Fairies Gummy Vitamins.  I've tried other gummy vitamins but for some reason they won't eat them.  They taste just as good but they have just started on the second bottle so at least they are getting something good.  They also get their Vitamin D from being outside and milk.  The allergist prescribed 15 minutes of sunlight a day which is hard in the winter but I make sure they get that on the warm days.

As a parent, it's so hard to give your child what they need to thrive, ward of serious diseases and to learn healthy habits to take into adult hood.  When they are picky, it's even harder and I'm still in pursuit of getting them to eat more vegetables and fruit.  So far, they just like carrots, corn, potatoes and bananas.  I have a long way to go!

Popchips: Healthy, Tasty Snack Food

Have you heard of Popchips?  I never had until I was introduced to them via Happy and Healthy Moms.  They are the smart way to indulge in those foods that normally are oh so bad for you.  They are not fried and they aren't baked.  I bet you are wondering how they are made then!  They are heated a little, a little pressure is added and pop, it's a chip.  They have over half the fat of fried potato chips, trans fats and cholesterol all gone.  The seasoning is all natural so no artificial flavorings, seasonings or preservatives.  There is also a flavor to appeal to most chip fans:

• Original
• Barbeque
• Sour Cream & Onion
• Cheddar Potato
• Sea Salt & Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper
• Parmesan Garlic Potato

Popchips have won numerous kudos for their chips as being a healthier alternative to snacking.  I have tried each flavor and much to my surprise, I really like them.  By far, my favorite are the Salt & Pepper because I like spicy foods and this provides a great taste of spice.  The chips are light and not greasy and they don't have any after taste that lingers as some other foods have.  Each flavor was rich and not dull.  I was very surprised at how the flavors were plentiful and I didn't feel like I was sacrificing taste and quality for health.  They are a great way to satisfy that snack indulgence without putting chemicals and more inside.  

I'll be a repeat customer as I strive to find healthier choices for my children and myself.  Popchips provides a quick and easy way to help me achieve my goals this year of getting healthy.

   

Popchip on Facebook

Popchip on Twitter

Popchip on YouTube

Popchip on Delicious

Click here to find a retailer who sells Popchips

*Disclaimer:  I did receive a complimentary package of product in exchange for my review.  My opinions were not influenced.

Progresso Souper YOU Contest Details, Coupon & Gift Pack Giveaway 2/1 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

CindyWindy2003 said...

http://twitter.com/#!/carafferty/status/27378363182092288
carawling(at)hotmail(dot)com

January 18, 2011 9:55 AM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Nothing is really new other than it's 01/2011 but every year in January, a renewed interest in losing those extra pounds resurfaces across the board.  It hits me about every nanosecond and even though it seems so easy to do, it isn't.  As I embarked into this new year, I decided to kick it up a bit and put out a challenge to my family.  In our group, we have all of January and February to lose weight.  The winner with the greatest percentage lost, wins $100.  My incentive is to win so I don't have to give away the money and of course, you know their incentive.  My oldest is participating too and with her recent pregnancy, she is looking to shed those extra pounds she picked up and her approach is via Weight Watchers.  One of the benefits of that program is to inclusion of Progresso Soups since they have 40 flavors with a 100 calories or less (per serving) and one serving counts as one point for WW.  This diet is ideal for her since she loves soup and is an avid Progresso Soup consumer.

 

With the new year, Progresso is kicking it up to encourage everyone to enter the Souper You Debut contest from January 3rd until March 16th.  You can also enter on Progresso's Facebook page to win a complete make over in New York City.  If you have never been to NYC, you are missing out as it's such an experience to visit the city, walk, take the subway and so much more.  I want to win!


Here are the details:


Three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York City from May 20th-22nd. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay in an NYC hotel, a full makeover, a guided wardrobe shopping spree with a personal consultation at a New York City department store, and $1,000 in spending money. 

To enter, you’ll need to do the following:

• Go to Progresso on Facebook to learn more and enter the contest
• Submit your essay (200 characters or less) telling Progresso why you love their soups that contain 100 calories or less, and why you deserve a chance to win a trip to NYC for a full fashion overhaul
• In addition, you need to submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay

Once the 10 finalists are announced, you can visit Progresso on Facebook from March 30th through April 13th to vote for your favorite. 

Visit the Facebook page to download a coupon for $1.00 off four (4) cans of Progresso Soup and to check out makeover videos provided by MyStyle.com and the Style Network. Be sure to also "Follow" Progresso on Twitter to keep up with the latest news from Progresso. 

As part of my participation in MyBlogSpark, I received a Progresso Soup Gift Pack that included five cans of Progresso Soup (which were all delicious minus the Clam Chowder since I don't like clam chowder), a large yoga mat that rolls up and comes with a cool carrying case, a water bottle, set of aerobic bands, a carrying case for keys/wallet and wrist bands.  This was a great prize pack to kick me off in my endeavor to get in shape and get healthier.   I had the Light Pot Roast soup last night and it tasted so good.  It wasn't salty and it was light enough to make me feel good yet didn't leave me feeling like I missed out on something.  I love Progresso Soup and it's the one we buy the most.


Now, what you are also waiting for, the giveaway!


One winner will receive a VIP coupon for a free can of Progresso soup, as well as a yoga mat, water bottle, set of aerobic bands, sport headband and two sport wristbands.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which is your favorite Progresso Soup.


Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog - you must confirm you subscription
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries per day)
• Tweet about the Progresso Contest with:  Enter to win a trip to NYC w/ Progresso Souper You Debut #myblogspark @Progresso http://www.facebook.com/Progresso?v=app_
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries - can be done once)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries for each giveaway entered and the giveaway must be on-going at the time you entered this giveaway)

Giveaway ends 2/1 at midnight (EST) 


*Disclosure:  Progresso provided the free product, information, and giveaway through MyBlogSpark.

Avon Voices: First Ever Global Online Singing Talent Search

 

What do Fergie, Sheila E. have in common?  They will be part of an international celebrity panel for Avon Voices.

If you are woman over 18 with an amazing singing voice, thanks to Avon Voices, your woes can be over.

Avon Voices is Avon’s first-ever global online singing talent search for women and songwriting competition for men and women.  A panel of celebrity judges, including Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, Sheila E., Diane Warren and more are on hand, providing singing tips and helping select our finalists. 

And if you are picked as a finalist, you’ll get the chance to TRAVEL (takes care of the vacation) to Hong Kong, Rio de Janiero, Paris, Hollywood, New York or Nashville, plus PHOTO AND VIDEO SHOOTS, a PROFESSIONAL MAKEOVER and coaching (will get you feeling pretty again).  The best part is, the winners may get the opportunity record a professionally produced album (the whole world will now hear you). 

It takes 30 seconds.  Record a video of you singing 30 seconds of a hit song from the approved list that you can do right from your home.  It’s a year-long competition but you only have until February 13, 2011 to submit a 30-second video clip at www.avonvoices.com.  

Videos of celebrity judges and other information about Avon Voices can be found on their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/avonvoices. 


This program benefits the Avon Foundation for Women’s global campaign to end violence against women and girls.