Posts by admin:
- Quinoa and Chia Seed Wrap with Teff and Flaxseeds
- Soft White Rolls
- Brown Seeded Rolls
- Brown Seeded Sandwich Loaf
- White Sandwich Loaf
- Multigrain Wrap
- Multiseed and Plain Bagels
- Dr. Ohhira’s Essential Living Oils: This is a great alternative for those who are VEGAN. It is a vegan alternative to fish oil that contains eight natural plant and seed oils that are cold-pressed, extracted, and prepared to provide plant-based essential healthy fats. Contains the following oils: Rice bran oil, Borage seed oil, Sunflower seed oil, Avocado oil, Perilla seed oil, Flax seed oil, Japanese tea seed oil, Olive oil, The oils are cold-pressed and stable at room temperature.
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Dr. Ohhira’s Propolis PLUS fuses antioxidants with immune-supporting components that support immune health, digestive function, and antioxidant support. Supplements contain Brazilian green propolis, flax oil Omega-3, prebiotic and probiotic support, and antioxidants vitamin E and astaxanthin. This vegetarian certified supplement supports joint comfort, immune support, healthy nervous system function, cardiovascular wellness, and overall digestive health.
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Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Kampuku Beauty Bar nourishes skin by maintaining appropriate surface dermal pH and the appearance and integrity of collagen fibers. The beauty bar promotes healthy skin cell rejuvenation, hydrates and replenishes the skin, and supports the skin’s healthy barrier function. With 14 natural plant extracts, Kampuku provides chemical-free moisturizing, probiotic support, and natural deodorant benefits. This gentle but effective beauty bar is suitable for daily use on all skin types, especially very sensitive skin.
- Original Formula (30ct) SRP $35.95, after discount: $29.00, a savings of $6.95
- Original Formula (60ct) SRP $59.95, after discount: $47.96, a savings of $11.99
- Receive a FREE Kampuku Beauty Bar – ($12.05 Value).
- FREE (First Class Mail) Shipping.
- Use Promo Code at checkout: momj2017
An Invitation to Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Philadelphia
April 4th, 2017
This past Friday, the older girls and I got a chance to check out the new LEGOLAND® Discovery Center at Plymouth Meeting Mall. Thanks to the Brownstein Group for hosting us.
An Invitation to Play
My girls have recently become a lot more interested in LEGO® bricks in the last few months. They started very young with LEGO® Duplo sets and have been loving building princess castles and such. When I heard that there was a new LEGOLAND® opening nearby, I jumped at the opportunity. When we arrived, we noticed a whole new entrance by the Boscovs with a large yellow giraffe made entirely of LEGO®. Even though it was a rainy day, it was a perfect time to be indoors exploring.
When we arrived we took a little car ride with Imagination Express that brought us into the discovery zone. Once we arrived, we did not know where to start. There were stations around the vast space inviting the girls to play. My girls were immediately drawn to the sculptures and objects around the area built entirely of LEGO® bricks. They were so amazed at how life-size cars, sculptures and cities could be built just with LEGO® bricks. There were stations with an invitation to play and design. I loved the fact that there were prebuilt sculptures for kids to add to with their own ideas. Although we were not handed a map, we decided to go exploring. The girls started at the soft playground area that was pretty impressive.
A World of Discovery
It is places like these that I most enjoy seeing my girls being excited about learning and playing in creative ways. While there is always time to play, a time to use the imagination is imperative. The girls first checked out Pirate Adventure Island, which is a soft play area aboard a LEGO®-themed pirate ship. Since it was a media day, it turned out to be a little more crowded than expected since I learned there were some school LEGO® clubs invited the same day. My girls climbed and checked out the floors and were done in 10 minutes after a hoard of older kids flooded the area. We then decided to check out the NINJAGO Training Camp.
The training camp ended up being a laser maze that was ideal for any child 5 and older with different levels of expertise. I do not usually send in my kids to go and play. I am always there to learn and discover with them so when I found out that each child was to go in by themselves into a dark room, I was not so sure. My girls had never experienced laser maze but they were really wanting to know what it was all about, so the attendant agreed to let the girls go in by themselves at the beginner level. I waited at the exit and was able to check their ninja skills. Well, they were out within a minute. It seemed way simple for them but then they knew what to expect. We decided to skip the line to come and try another turn later.
Fun for all ages
We passed the DUPLO park and I immediately knew that my almost 2-year old would love that area. I decided to leave her home and scope the place for her for the next time. I believe she would love the place a lot! The girls went down the mini slide in the area a few times before being mesmerized by MINILAND®, an interactive city made from over a million bricks! It was really fun to see Philly made of LEGO® bricks.
We skipped over the LEGO® Racers and Build Challenge Circle to check out LEGO® Friends which consisted of 4 stations. One of those stations was to add on to a built area but the other stations allowed the kids to create on their own. My middle daughter requires a little more prompting but after showing her characters and how to set them up, the girls were at the station for more than 30 minutes. There was an option to attend a Creative Workshop, which gets kids to listen in on an expert for tips, but the girls were already so engrossed in their projects.
Dining and Watching
Before we headed to the 4D Cinema, we had a snack. We noticed there were two rooms set aside for those folks interested in hosting a birthday party. They were cozy room that looked like they could host around 20 kids and 10 adults. Next to that area was a coffee shop and café where they sell snacks and lunch. There were a good amount of tables inside the café as well as outside of it. No outside food will be permitted inside the facility except for those families who bring babies.
The girls very much enjoyed the 4D Cinema. It included special effects like water sprays, lights and more to add on to the experience of watching. The girls were very engaged as it was their first time experiencing any dimensional viewing. We noticed that there will be other options for shows starting in the summer but it was a nice break from meandering through the center.
Summary
I really look forward bringing the girls back to LEGOLAND®. I am quite sure that it will be PACKED on the weekends but the last entrance is around 5pm and the center closes at 7:30pm so I say that the evenings might work best. The other issue I was foreseeing was the sanitizing process. With so many kids coming through, I wondered how the center would focus on cleaning after a full day. I hope to hear back and report soon!
My girls are already planning on their next visit with their younger sister. If you get a chance to visit OPENING day is April 6, 2017. There are special deals going on now for a limited time for annual passes. Five dollars ($5 off) off of $59. Normal admission is $24 at the door per person with kids under 2 being free. IF you buy online you also save $5 with a timed ticket.
Full Address:
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Philadelphia
Plymouth Meeting Mall, Unit #1055
500 West Germantown Pike
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
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Getting Rid of Unhealthy Eating Habits + Giveaway
March 28th, 2017I am on week 11 of my health and weight-loss journey and I cannot tell you how happy I am. There is nothing like taking charge of your life and telling your bad habits to move on back. There is no easy fix for losing weight because it is a daily challenge to be consistent.
Unhealthy Eating Habits
Something a lot of people will not know about me, especially if you were to look at me, is that I grew up in a home that focused on healthy eating. My mother prepared everything fresh and was always making new recipes to keep us well fed. What I struggled with the most was being denied the foods that were not good for me. There was no moderation, it was simply forbidden to eat sugar. You know how it goes, when someone tells you cannot have something, the more you want it.
I became THAT child that hid sweets and desserts from her mother. I would find hiding places in my room when I was given candy. Later in elementary and middle school, I would help people out with their homework in exchange for gum, candy, and anything else I could not get my hands on. Looking back, I realize that I wish I have understood why my mother had done what she had done.
Fast forward to my days as an adult and a mother. I realize that if my mother had just chosen healthier options and occasionally allowed us to have treats, that perhaps I would not have made the choices I made as an adult. By the grace of God, I have been learning not to hold on to a parent’s mistakes. I am embracing the fact that my mother did the best she could in HER understanding, but now as a mother, I can take a different approach so that my girls do not see food the way I did.
Focusing on Whole Foods
As I am learning about a healthier eating lifestyle, the more I realize that I am not forbidden from eating foods. I do not have to binge on them to make me feel better. In fact, they will not make me feel better but will only be abusive to my body. I came to a point where I just did not care what I put in mouth. I did not see a point and I did not think it would be bad for my body. You know, I threw an adult tantrum and paid a high price. I gained weight due to my lack of self-care.
In the 80 days I have been in my healthy eating lifestyle, I have had to heal from many things in order to view food in a healthy way. God created food to be enjoyed, but it is food that he gave us and not the processed junk that ruins our bodies. I am thankful for the journey ahead and what I have been able to accomplish with God’s strength, to pick myself up and change my course, not only for myself but for the sake of my girls.
BFree Gluten and Wheat Free Products
Along the way, I have come across companies that really help out those who have intolerance to wheat and gluten. While I do not have those intolerance or allergies, I have read that decreasing the amount of wheat and gluten is important for our bodies because the process it goes through can really lead to digestive issues and allergies. Yet again, too much of anything can be harmful to the body but I am glad that there are brands like BFree Foods that make vegan, GMO-free products that are a better option for folks.
BFree offers the following in their line:
The newer products that I have not tasted are the Sweet Potato Wraps and the Pita Bread but they look amazing. The sandwich bread toasts really well and does not fall apart, and the wraps are so versatile. I made chips with the wraps for a healthier party food option with my bean dip. They make great options for quesadillas and burritos too! The rolls are so hearty and flavorful, they make for delicious sandwiches for a great picnic.
Giveaway
Want to try these products? You definitely will be happy when you receive them because ONE winner will get a box of goodies to try. Enter below to get a chance to try these products If you want to see where they sell the product, check your zip code on their page.
Check BFree on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and on YouTube.
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Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics: Vegan and Vegetarian Supplements Review + Coupon Code
March 21st, 2017Disclosure. I received product through Moms Meet Ambassador program to review and test items. I am by no means a health professional and am not telling you to take this. This is simply my review of my experience. Please read about product on your own and receive advice from a medical professional if need be.
I am always on the lookout for a new probiotic to take in order to keep my gut health in check. SO far, I have not been consistent with any brand but I was glad to test another supplement, like Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics, to see how it affected my overall health. See, this comes in perfect timing since I have been incorporating a more clean eating lifestyle. I knew I would get better results from taking these supplements at this time.
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics
One of the things I learned about Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics is that it is known as the world’s most premium probiotic, as claimed on the their site. Why do we need probiotics do you ask? It helps with digestive support in addition to strengthening the immune system. Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics are considered to be a superior probiotic aiding in nutrient absorption. Unlike most other probiotic products, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics are not cultured or grown in a laboratory. Ingredients such as mountain spring water, fruits, and vegetables are fermented for three years with 12 distinctive probiotic strains.
Prebiotics is then encapsulated along with the probiotics that have grown together over the three-year period which creates an end to the fermentation process called postbiotics. This allows the supplements to deliver viable probiotics that encourage your body’s innate ability to grow its own friendly bacteria thus improving digestion and boosting the immune system.
Supplements I received
Usually when I sign up for programs through Moms Meet, I am not quite sure what the brand will send. Sometimes it is detailed and other times there are additional surprises in the package. In this instance I received the following:
What I thought
I took these supplements for more than 3 weeks and I truly felt energized. Between the essential oils and the Propolis Plus, I started my morning with each of these and I felt like I was hormonal balanced. I truly know when I am not feeling so balanced with lack of sleep, inappropriate eating and stress, but I really tried to keep everything balanced by eating well, sleeping more and keeping calm. I like having the option of a supplement that really keeps me in check.
As far as the beauty bar goes, I believe I would need a little more time to see skin cell rejuvenation. I love the fact that it provides chemical-free moisturizing and that my skin did not feel so dry after washing. I look forward continuing to use it the next several weeks when it is gone.
Want to try?
These products are definitely high on the price point but for the quality of product I would say you are getting a deal. Here is what you can get through Moms Meet:
20% off the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of Dr. Ohhira‘s Probiotics
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Bottle Room Lamb and Beer Communal Dinner {Review}
March 14th, 2017Bottle Room is located in Downingtown, PA adjacent to their other business called Station Taproom. New to the scene is their communal dinner that brings together people alongside great food. Bottle Room offers an incredible array of local and international beer but not only that they are a chic beer bar where you can meet your friends or even MOM friends for a pint and a snack of unique small plates and appetizers. This place will not disappoint! Even though I was treated to a delicious meal, this does not sway my opinion or review.
Bottle Room – Cozy Beer Bar for locals
After almost a whole week running a household solo while my husband was on a work trip, I finally had a chance to come up for air. While I fell guilty leaving my husband with the kids after barely a day at home, I decided it was definitely required and needed for me to take a break. Let me just take a moment to say that I am spoiled by my husband because he really does know how to take care of the girls so that mommy can go out for some fun.
I learned earlier in the week that the Bottle Room in Downingtown, PA was holding their first ticketed dinner centered around locally farmed and raised lamb and beer. Who wouldn’t want to come?? Compared to their other business, Station Taproom, Bottle Room seats fewer people and so the event was only open to 16 people.
When I arrived, There were three sections for seating and my name place was secured with three other guests. If you have never experienced communal eating, you must at one point do it because it is the most rewarding time.
1st Course – Lamb Tartare
Each group had a cozy area with printed menus used as place setting cards. I had the pleasure of sitting by Jes, a funny and entertaining young woman who brought her father and grandmother to enjoy the fabulous dinner. I loved the fact that she knew her beer since she works for a beer distributor. It worked well for me because I was able to ask her questions throughout the dinner.
The excitement was felt everywhere with anticipation since every course was to highlight lamb, meat that I hardly eat. Chef Tim came to each of our tables and described each dish before we started, which was such a highlight of the evening. There is nothing more personal than the creator of your dishes coming out to share his passion.
Lamb tartare was our first course which consisted of lamb loin that were cut into small cubes that had been mixed with capers, mint, and shallot. Each dish was served with a single egg yolk with a side of crostini. The finishing touches ended with a sprinkle of sea salt that created a savory explosion with each bite. I would not normally eat anything raw, but the dish intrigued me so much that I ended up enjoying each and every bite.
This dish was paired with Tripel Karmeliet, a golden Belgium beer with an alcohol by volume of 8.4%. Truth be told, I knew nothing of this beer but I thought it was an amazing pairing because I could taste a bit of lemon after each bite of the lamb tartare. Thanks to Wiki, I read the beer profile and definitely could taste the vanilla and banana flavors, but it was not off-putting. Before I left for the evening, I made sure I bought a bottle to go because it was so tasty.
2nd Course – Spinach Salad
Before you read past this course, the title should have included Lamb Bacon. Our second course consisted of baby spinach with a generous mixing of pecans, sliced apples, thinly sliced radish, blue cheese and drizzled with a bourbon vinaigrette. Did I forget to mention LAMB BACON? Our table agreed that the bacon was nicely cured with hints of cinnamon. I learned from Chef Tim after the meal that the lamb bacon takes less time to cure than regular bacon. All I wanted to know was when I could join the chef backstage to witness his delicious creations.
The salad was paired with a Reissdorf Kolsch, a Pilsener beer that is bright yellow and light in flavor. While I think it paired well with the salad, it was not one of my favorite beers. I consider myself an IPA lover but thanks the evening I was able to discover other beers that won over my palate.
3rd Course – Stout Braised Lamb Shank
By the third course, we were all certainly relaxed, thanks the lovely environment and company. Before we knew it, the room was filled with incredible aroma of braised meat. You could hear each guest gasp as each plate was served. A hot Stout-Braised Lamb Shank was served with served with a root vegetable puree and au jus. The aroma was intoxicating, but even more so after the first bite. I have never tasted such tender meat that literally fell off the bone. Chef Tim had seared the meat the day before and then started braising the lamb shank 4 hours before the event.
Not only do I think this course was the highlight of the evening, but the 2012 Chimay Grand Reserve was also a perfect pairing. The Belgium ale is dark brown with a 9% alcohol by volume with rich flavors that consisted of spices and fruits with a hint of caramel. It definitely complex in flavor but it was a most exceptional pairing with the lamb shank.
4th course – Ice Cream Cake
You might be wondering how much more we could enjoy after the feast we had already experienced but I want to make sure you know that the evening was spaced so perfectly. The chef did inform us that we would be taking a pause before dessert so that we could take a break to move around the bar or even chat with other guests.
Before dessert arrived we received our next beer that was paired with it. I love the fact that we had a local beer since there are many breweries in Philly and in its surrounding suburbs. Levante Brewing is actually 20 minutes from where I live but one of the breweries that I have not had a chance to experience. Their Bullitt Train Imperial Vanilla Stout was creamy and robust with definite vanilla flavors. My husband is the stout lover at home but after having this one, I was convinced that I should have it for dessert more often.
The five-layered ice cream cake consisted of alternating layers of mint chocolate chip ice cream, brownie crust, and vanilla cream frosting. I loved Chef Tim’s description and reasoning for using fresh peppermint leaves instead of peppermint extract because once I took a bite of the cake I knew why. The fresh flavors of mint in the cake heightened with each bite. The experience was subtle and elegant and a perfect pairing with the brownie crust. Dessert was such an exquisite finish to the evening and one that I wanted to enjoy even longer into the evening.
Communal Dinner
If you ever get a chance to enjoy a communal dinner, please do it. It is the best experience and reminds me of my trip to Germany before I had kids. We would sit in restaurants where the tables were so close together that all guests would be chatting soon. Not only is it fun to have amazing fresh food but it is also a plus when you have a group of people to share the experience. I loved my time with Jes, Neil and her grandmother. I feel like I have new friends and even ones that love enjoying great food and drinks.
If you are local, check out Bottle Room in Downingtown, PA on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe to their feed so that you can find out when their next ticketed dinner will occur. You do not want to miss it! I certainly cannot wait!
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Clean Eating with Weight Watchers
March 8th, 2017This is not a sponsored post with Weight Watchers, but simply a post to check in with my readers. My recent journey is simply to help others feel more motivated to jumpstart their health. There are affiliate links within the post.
Update
Remember me? I hope you have not forgotten about me. I had to take a step back to really focus on the things that have gone on the back burner. I hope you understand that. While I started this blog as a hobby, the last 2 years it has been more of a part-time job. It has been great but since having three kids, keeping up with everything has been a little more than I expected.
The Mother load
This term definitely takes on a new meaning because I feel like I have been taking on so much since I started having kids in 2011. Every mother out there must know and understand that your own life as a mother completely changes and it is not your own anymore. After having my third daughter in 2015, I started feeling like super woman, juggling more that any person could or should really do.
Everything came to a halt the end of December. Have you ever come to the end of yourself and realized that if you did not make huge changes in your life that everything would become worse? I know I might sound dramatic to some, but I know I had been putting myself last and not eating well. I prayed and asked God what I should do to make these changes so that my life could get back into track.
Weight Watchers
I know I am not the only mother who has sought to get healthy after having kids. It is crazy how many things are out there especially when involved in social media that bombard women what and how our health can get back on track. The problem is that every woman’s situation is different and cannot fit into any certain mold other than one that I have proven to be true.
After I had my first daughter in 2011, I signed up for Weight Watchers for the FIRST time ever. I decided to sign up for meetings because I was away from home and not even close to family to help or to have as accountability. Within 6 months my husband and I were 30 pounds lighter. It was incredible! Little did I know that after getting to my first goal, that I was pregnant again. I said to myself that I would be able to keep track but my stress levels and my appetite changed and my focus was derailed.
The Lifestyle for Every Mom
In between my second and third daughter I just did not care about anything other than keeping life afloat and under control as much as I could. What finally came down was realizing how much I wanted it. Did I really want to bring my eating habits under control? As a food blogger and foodie at heart, there is such thing as self-control, but somehow I had lost it. Apathy and self-loathing set in.
I do not care what people say, but Weight Watchers works. For me, it works even more so when I go to meetings and hear the personal stories of achievement and weight loss. It works in a way that I know I will be going in and weighing in only ONCE a week and see the progress after tracking what I had eaten the week prior to my weigh-in. So far as of January 1st, this mom of three has lost 16 pounds!
Clean Eating is the Way
One thing I definitely have been doing differently than ever is eating as clean as possible. My husband, as always, is as supportive because he also wants to be fit. It is so helpful to have your spouse on board because it makes the cooking so much easier. He cannot complain especially since he is losing weight too!
Going back to eating clean is important for me to stress to you guys. Last time I did Weight Watchers, I tried cutting corners and eating fat-free and eating diet foods even though I knew that was not the way. The only way is to eat as real and clean as possible which I believe Weight Watchers is all about. We’ve been loving and enjoying our fruits and veggies coupled with lots of protein with complex carbohydrates on occasional meals.
All the Work Counts
Meal prepping is essential especially as a mother of three toddler girls under the age of 6. It is a lot of work but it has made me FEEL AMAZING, empowered, and energetic. Taking my health under control has been possible only through prayer from God because without his strength I would not have felt inspired to get my health back. I even have more energy to work out. Using my Weight Watchers app and calculator has helped calculate my recipes but there are digital smart point counters that work real well.
I have been sharing all my meals on my Instagram as a source of inspiration. I will be back to posting recipes especially for those interested in the program. It is always great to find a fellow accountability partner that wants to regain control of their health. I am thankful there are tracking programs like Weight Watchers that really DO work and at a pace that is healthy for the body without shocking it.
