Celestial Seasonings Introduces Fair Trade Organic Teas

As I have talked about before, my family drinks a LOT of tea. I like the taste and the health benefits of it as well. My mom had me drinking tea with milk and sugar before I could even walk!

One brand we have always trusted is Celestial Seasonings (SleepyTime before bed for the kids works GREAT!). So you can imagine my excitement when I heard of the new organic varieties.

For more than 40 years, Celestial Seasonings has created natural teas that are good for you and good for the world. We’re continuing this tradition with our Organic & Fair Trade Certified™ Estate Teas – a family of flavorful, aromatic blends featuring teas from the world’s finest estates. And because they’re Certified 100% Organic and Fair Trade Certified, you know you’re enjoying the pure flavor nature intended and supporting rural farming communities at the same time.

Why choose Organic Fair Trade Certified Estate Teas?

• Certifed 100% Organic means it’s better for our people & for the planet
• Fair Trade Certified ensures better working & living conditions for tea growers & their families

Celestial Seasonings Oranic Fair Trade Teas come in 5 varieties:

• Earl Grey Estate Tea
• English Breakfast Estate Tea
• Jasmine Green Estate Tea
• Perfect Trio Estate Tea
• Pure Green Estate Tea

Right now these teas are only available at Whole Foods Market, priced at about $5 a box.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Disney's Minnie-Rella DVD Giveaway! 4 Winners!

Now that my nieces are 2 and 4 they are really starting to enjoy Minnie Mouse. Since we received this DVD Minnie-Rella in the mail a few days ago, we have watched it at least 12 times!

Mouseke-magic meets storybook enchantment in a charming Clubhouse adventure inspired by your favorite fairy tale! To surprise Minnie with a special present, Mickey and the gang keep her busy with loads of chores until they pick out the perfect gift. Tired from so much work, Minnie falls asleep. and her dreamy fantasy begins. With a "Mouseke-doodle-lee-do," Fairy Godmother Clarabelle waves her wand and sets the magic in motion. Will Minnie-Rella make it to Prince Mickey's castle in time? What will happen at midnight? Will the slipper fit? With help from YOU - and the right Mouseketools - happily ever after is just a wish away! Sparkling with music, fun, three extra episodes and 10 bonus Minnie's Bow-Toons, Minnie-Rella invites every little princess to have a ball!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Cascadian Farms Organic Protein Bars

A few years ago, my mom introduced me to Cascadian Farms products. Back when my boys were in school, she showed me the granola bars and they loved them packed in their lunch everyday, and I loved that they were organic and good for them. 

Now, Cascadian Farms has a new Protein Bar, which is SO good. I absolutely love nuts, as a pick me up in the afternoon, and while we are out on nature walks. 

These protein bars come in 2 delicious varieties: 

Honey Roasted Nut:  Honey roasted peanuts and organic pea protein give this bar an irresistible chewy goodness and nutty crunch!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Smooth peanut butter, sweet chocolate chips, and organic pea protein give this bar an irresistible chewy goodness and nutty crunch!

The nutrition facts are pretty good on these bars too!
Serving Size 1 bar (50g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 250   Calories from Fat 130
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g   22%
Saturated Fat 2.5g    12%
Trans Fat 0g  
Cholesterol 0mg    0%
Sodium 120mg    5%
Total Carbohydrate 21g    7%
Dietary Fiber 3g    13%
Sugars 11g
Protein 9g    10%
Iron    2%

You can purchase Cascadian Farms Organic Protein Granola Bars in the natural section of most major grocery stores. 

 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Coastal Living Body Care now at Lands End!

One of my favorite stores to shop in is Lands End. I just love how comfy I feel in their clothes, and they have the nicest boys jackets! Recently, I heard about their new body care line called "Coastal Living Body Care" and I knew I had to try it. 

Happiness is the first deep breath of ocean air you take, wandering down a dirt path to where lavender blossoms along the edge of the dunes. This new fragrance combines that delicate lavender with nourishing honey, transporting you to a lighthouse by the sea amid the blooms of summer. Our gift set makes it easy to give — or get!

Coastal Living Body Lotion: 

• A nourishing blend of delicate lavender and honey transports you to a lighthouse by the sea
• Moisturizes and softens and lightly fragrances skin  
• Enriched with shea butter and vitamin E
• Apply liberally after bath or shower

Coastal Living Body Wash: 

• A naturally refreshing blend of delicate lavender and honey transport you to a lighthouse by the sea.
• Gently cleanses and lightly fragrances without stripping, drying or damaging the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth 
• Cleanse, renew and reveal all-day skin radiance with Refreshing Body Wash

Coastal Living Hand Cream: 

• A naturally soothing blend of delicate lavender and honey transport you to a lighthouse by the sea.
• Softens, smoothes, and replenishes dry skin
• Infused with aloe and vitamins A and E
• Naturally occurring oils and emollients absorb instantly to hydrate and strengthen skin for healthy tone and texture

These products start at about $8.50 and can be purchased here or in any Lands End retail store. 

 

 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Burnt Impressions Toasters "Poe Toaster" Review

I love products that serve a purpose and help me teach my boys about history in a fun way. That's exactly what this Poe Toaster does. This morning when my boys woke up, I made them some toast, and waited for their reaction...Xander was the first to notice.."oh my gosh! mom! there is a man's face on my toast!"....yep..That's Edgar Allan Poe, a famous poet who wrote poems like "The Raven", "The Bells" and "The City in the Sea". 

We then proceeded to spend an hour or so reading much of Poe's work, and discussing his life, and ultimately..death. 

The boys had a great history lesson, and it was made even more fun with the help of BurntImpressions.com.

BurntImpressons has many toasters to choose from, you can even create your own personalized toaster, for example, a picture of your dog on the front with the toaster that makes an impression of a paw print! Priced at just $24.95 these are a great deal. I think next, I am going to choose this Jesus Toaster, or the Barak Obama Toaster. 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

It's National Chocolate Mint Day! Celebrate with Balance Bar Gold Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch

Chocolate Mint Day is all about celebrating everything "chocolate mint", including cakes, ice cream, candy bars and more...but what about a healthier option?

One of my favorite combinations is chocolate mint..I am a sucker for it! So when I was offered the chance to try Balance Bar GOLD Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch, I knew I had to try them.


The chocolate in these bars is so good, and the mint pairs perfectly with it, it really reminds me of the Thin Mint (Girl Scout) cookies. The bar is chewy on one layer, and crunchy on the next. YUM!

What about the nutrition facts of this bar? Here you go!

• 14g Protein
• 200 Calories
• Balanced 40-30-30 Nutrition
• Excellent Source of Antioxidants & Vitamin D
• 23 Vitamins & Minerals

At 200 calories and 14 grams of protein, when I had one for breakfast this morning, it has kept me feeling full!

One reader is going to WIN 10 bars of their very own. To enter, use the rafflecopter form below.
Good luck! Giveaway ends 2/28/14.

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Post Great Grains are a Great Way to Start the Day

Post Great Grains brings whole foods from the field to your bowl for a nutritious breakfast you have to see to believe. Less processed ingredients like whole grain flakes from actual wheat berries, as well as real fruit and nuts, come together in this tasty and nutritious morning favorite. Rather than grinding our wheat into flour and then stamping it into uniform flakes, Great Grains carefully cracks or steams the whole wheat berry, which helps to lock in full flavor and nutrients. All of the varieties of Great Grains have at least 30g of whole grains per serving and are a heart healthy way to start the day.

With 6 varieties to chose from, you are sure to find one you will like!

• Protein Blend (Honey, Oats and Seeds)
• Protein Blend (Cinnamon Hazelnut)
• Cranberry Almond Crunch
• Crunchy Pecans
• Raisins, Dates and Pecans
• Banana Nut Crunch

We were lucky enough to be able to sample a few of the varieties, and I have to say the Cinnamon Hazelnut was my absolute favorite, and it gave me enough protein to feel full (I am one of those cereal eaters who will eat half of a box at a time for dinner!).

You can find Post Great Grains Cereals in most grocery stores.



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Sara Lee Brownie Chocolate Chip Cakes

Chocoholics unite! Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU), the nation’s largest baking company and part of Grupo Bimbo, has chocolate lovers covered for Valentine’s Day and National Chocolate month with mouth-watering decadent and delicious treats. Fans can make chocolate their guilty pleasure all month long with the fantastic Sara Lee Brownie Chocolate Chip Snack Cake treats that combines a unique and delicious double batter mix of brownies with rich chocolate chip cookies. Who could ask for more? 

This Valentine's Day, Xander, Riley and I tied red bows on these cute Sara Lee Brownie Chocolate Chip Cakes and gave them out to out home school friends...they were a huge hit!

You can purchase this Sara Lee product and more at most local grocery stores.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Chick-Fil-A is Celebrating 50 Years of the Original Chicken Sandwich!

Chick-Fil-A just happens to be the go-to restaurant for Casey and I, and we are super excited to learn that this year is the 50th anniversary of the Original Chicken Sandwich!

Every time we are in Chick-Fil-A, Xander reads me the tray paper that says "we didn't unvent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich" and finds it fascinating that Chick-Fil-A really invented it! They sure do it right too, and we love that we can get extra pickle, or no pickle on our sandwiches. Now that my boys are getting older, they have moved on from the kids meal, and always get an adult meal (sometimes they ever try to take my food too!). So this year is even more special to us, since our favorite menu item is the Original Chicken Sandwich.

Chick-Fil-A has graciously offered the readers of 7 Kids and Us the chance WIN an offer card good for a free 8 count chicken nuggets in February and a free medium lemonade in March. 

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Why We Start Our Mornings With Nutella

My kids have never been big morning eaters. They usually go into "hunger mode" around noon. Before that, getting them to eat much of anything is a joke. 

Recently, I was intrigued by a commercial with a mom and her 2 kids getting ready for school eating a piece of toast with Nutella, and I figured it was worth a shot. 

My kids were new to Nutella, so I explained it as a "chocolate nut spread" and they were excited to try it on toast for dessert one night. The next morning, I asked them if they wanted a piece, and they both said YES, thinking "why is mom giving us dessert for breakfast?". They didn't each eat a whole piece, but they got a few bites in and were much more prepared for the morning school work routine. 

Since they took a liking to Nutella, I decided we would try a few recipes. 

I am looking forward to this one the most!

French Toast with Nutella Hazelnut Spread & Strawberries

 

 

You can check out all the different recipes here, or follow Nutella on Pinterest for even more fun ideas!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Dark Chocolate Multigrain #Cheerios

With a touch of rich dark chocolate taste in every bite, new Dark Chocolate Multigrain Cheerios® cereal offers a perfect balance of multigrain goodness and a delicious touch of chocolate taste in every bite.

We recently had the opportunity to try a box of the new Dark Chocolate Multigrain Cheerios® cereal, and the whole family loved it! I like that I know it's good for me (and my family!) since it's multi grain, and...well..Cheerios. The chocolate isn't overpowering either. I thought it would be more like a chocolate cereal, and its more like a regular Cheerios with a touch of chocolate..just enough to make breakfast really fun!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.

Kiss My Face Early to Bed and Early to Rise Shower Gels

I have to admit. I have always been a little jealous of my kids because they get to take a nice relaxing lavender bath at night before bed. When Xander was about a year old, I finally decided to try it for myself, and it's so perfect to have the lavender scent calm and relax you. 

Kiss My Face Early To Bed Shower Gel ($10.95)

Forget the day and slip into the night with this shower gel that is time tested and included botanicals, clove, chamomile, jasmine, lavender, neroli and ylang ylang to relax, calm and soothe the skin.

Kiss my Face Early To Bed Shower Gel contains: 

• Chamomile which calms and soothes the skin
• Yling Ylang which calms the body and mind
• Olive Oil which is a superb moisturizer for all skin types.

Kiss my Face Early to Rise Shower Gel is great for those of us who have a harder time waking up in the morning. It has a nice lemon scent that gets you energized for the day. 

Kiss My Face Early To Rise Shower Gel ($10.95)

Forget the coffee; this is your warm up for the day ahead!  Hydrotherapy and aromatherapy work together to stimulate and invigorate with bay, basil, eucalyptus, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint and wintergreen botanicals

Kiss My Face Early to Rise Shower Gel contains:

• Basil which stimulates skin circulation
• Lemon which is uplifting and refreshing for the skin
• Olive Oil which is a superb moisturizer for the skin

You can purchase Kiss My Face products at most mass retail stores or online.

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned in this post to help facilitate my review. All opinions are mine and I was not influenced in any way. Please contact Paige@7kidsandus.com with any questions.