Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Late night snack time

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is stay up late, watching cooking shows and eat snacks. Right now Masterchef and The Next Food Network Star is on, 2 of our favorite shows. The only problem is they make me hungry! I always want a snack when I watch an episode. Thank goodness for Hormels Snackers, that have saved the day in more than one occasion.

These are my 2 favorites. Spinach and artichoke dip with chips or bread. I like any of their queso's with tortilla chips too.
I highly suggest putting one or two of these in your secret mom snack stash!
In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Friday, January 30, 2015

5 Things that NEVER should be re-heated

Growing up I would definitely say my mom was a saver. Nothing in my house went to waste, especially leftovers. My mom can turn some leftover dishes into some pretty awesome meals, who do you think taught me this popular recipe switcheroo? However, she also would save and re-heat everything! Not just about everything, EVERYTHING!!! So I compiled a list of the top 5 things that I think should never even be attempted to be eaten a second time.
5. Scrambled Eggs



Would my youngest eat this re-heated no problem? Sure! Is it just gross and wrong, yes. There is something about re-heating scrambled eggs that just makes them rubbery, less flavorful and just gross! Trust me.

4. Chili Cheese Fries

I use to work at an A&W and loved their chili cheese fries... when eaten fresh. This is something that has to be eaten almost immediately after being made. Just  imagine eating it a day later and reheated in a microwave, its as gross and mushy as it sounds (I promise.)  I want to know if this can even be considered a french fry the next day? 

3. Oatmeal

Have you ever left oatmeal (or cream of wheat for that matter)  out too long and it's gotten that gross film across the top? Imagine eating that throughout the entire dish. I think I'll pass on the slimey leftover hot cereal today, thanks. 

2. Hamburgers


Enough said.
1. Macaroni and Cheese

I don't know what it is about this dish, somehow it's just not the same re-heated. I don't have a problem with other pasta dishes, or even Mac and cheese from scratch, just this one. If there is ever any left over in the pan, it always goes straight to the garbage and not to a tupperware container!
Bonus-



I almost didn't do a bonus this top 5 series but I obviously changed my mind. Besides at this point I almost have to, since every other top 5 has a bonus thought. 

My husband hates soggy bread, he is very sensitive when it comes to wet bread. For example we went to a family members house who served us 2 day old subway sandwiches once, I almost became a widow that day, he seriously almost died. So I will say in our house my husband does not care for not only left over sandwiches but anything that could involve soggy bread, such as enchiladas, burritos, french toast and sometimes even pizza.
What can you not stand re-heated? 

Friday, November 14, 2014

School Days Nostalgia


Who remembers the cafeteria peanut butter bars? I do, and I didn't even have school lunch very often. When I did I picked either a day where they had pizza or peanut butter bars. Can you imagine had the school put those on the same day, it would have been genius. School lunch sales would have hit all time highs. I decided my kids needed to enjoy a little Delicious nostalgia from my youth. I looked all over for the right recipe, and I think I found it at www.triedandtriedagain.blogspot.com. Not too hard, but would be just as delicious as I remember them being. I think I found it. It actually was a pretty easy and quick recipe. My kids even had a blast helping make them.
Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars 
1 1/2 C Flour
1¼ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Baking Soda
¾ C Butter -best if at room temp
¾ C Sugar
¾ C Brown Sugar
1 ½ tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 C Creamy Reduced Fat Skippy Peanut Butter (split )
2 Eggs
1 ½ C Quick Oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
In a small mixing bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and salt. 
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugars, 3/4 C Skippy peanut butter, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.  
Gradually add dry ingredients, just until incorporated.   Then, s tir in the oats.   Spread onto a greased 11 x 15 Jelly Roll Pan (cookie sheet).   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.   Cool for 10 minutes.

  


Frosting:
½ C Butter (1 stick) 
3 ½ C Powdered Sugar
2 T Cocoa
¼ C Milk 
1 tsp. Vanilla

The frosting is a two step process. First, whip the remaining ¾ C Skippy Peanut Butter until it becomes lighter colored and fluffy. Carefully spread the whipped peanut butter over the pan cookie.



Then, add butter to a small sauce pan and melt the butter. Add the milk and cocoa. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat just until boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar. Stir until thickened. Pour over the peanut butter and gently spread over the cookie. Cool completely, and slice into bar cookies.

Then pick you could pick out one of your favorite books from elementary school and have story time with delicious peanut butter bars.  Perfect blast from the past. 



In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Easy Dinner Idea- Pasta

This post is going to start different than planned. It was going to be about how angel hair pasta cooks fastest, and how to keep some spaghetti (or other pasta sauce) on hand can help make a fast dinner. In the end I think it's about how chaos can even sneak a few points in there too sometimes!
Yesterday was a long day. So when I was making my quick pasta dinner I grabbed a jar that Hormel sent me to review. I saw pictures of tomatoes and garlic with the words thick and chunky on it, and assumed pasta sauce. I even decided to try my new app and make my first gif to go along with this pasta dinner post. After I poured it in the pot I thought, something is off about this pasta sauce. Sure enough that's because it's not pasta sauce, It's salsa! Good thing I caught it, cause that would have been some weird pasta!

So as a side note I will review Chi Chi's salsa and let you know what I think. I might try it in a yummy recipe, let me know if you have a good one to try!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Easy Dinner Ideas- Anything Covered In Syrup

The title says it all. Usually when I need something fast that I know all my kids will like I go with Breakfast for dinner. Anything my kids can put syrup on is never a fail in my home. Pancakes, waffles, french toast or even scones. Yup I once told my kids scones were pancake balls so to this day they cover them in syrup.


I think french toast is one of my favorites. Granted I like to make my french toast with texas toast. This is something I had to actually make a habit of keeping in my pantry just so I could make french toast in a pinch. My favorite thing to add to the toast is a syrup I got from a friend a few years ago that she called Magic Syrup. This is how you make magic syrup.
Magic Syrup:
In a saucepan melt 1 cube of butter; add 3/4 Cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of buttermilk. I don't usually have buttermilk on hand even though it is cheap and lasts a long time. It's OK if you don't just do milk and about a half a Tablespoon of white vinegar. Boil this then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
My kids love to scoop out the bubbles onto their toast. 

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

SkippyYipee

To add to my crazy week I thought I would add my favorite snack. It's Skippy peanut Butter. It goes with so much stuff! I like it plain, with celery, raisins, on crackers, on toast, or sometimes with chocolate. I tend to be an ornery mom when I'm hungry. So Skippy makes me more of a yippee  mom! When I fell full i can be more spontaneous and fun. Peanut butter has the protein I need to fill up and goof off.  Here's some of my Skippy Yippee's moments from last week of just goofing off and enjoying life as a craze (not ornery) mom!

Baby Cell Phone Selfies
Mario Kart Tournament
So click here to have some fun with the #SkippyYippee Fun Button. It may just help brighten up your day and help you get through one more crazy day.




Ithe spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own 

Easy Dinner Ideas- Hot Dogs or Chili Dogs

Let me start out by saying I am not a huge hot dog fan. I don't eat them very often, but if I do I like them 3 different ways. Grilled, in central park with mustard or with Hormel Chili. Since I don't have time to bust out the grill, and I'm not in New York, then that means its time to bust out the chili dog.
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Hot dogs are one of my kids favorite things to eat. They are super easy to cook as well, whether you boil them or use the microwave they don't take very long at all. Although my kids just like to dip theirs in ketchup Dad and I like ours with Hormel chili. Dad likes his hot dog  in a bun with cheese and jalapenos, I sometimes like mine just like my kids- plain on a plate, no bun. Either way adding the chili elevates the usual hot dog into something more hearty and tasty for my husband and I.

Another thing I like to do if my eyes are bigger than my stomach and I heat up too much chili is make Cheese and Hormel Chili Dip. Which can also be great if you are going to a Halloween party this week and need to bring a dish to share. You can get the easy recipe here. Next time I suggest  dipping bell peppers in it.
What else do you like to put Hormel Chili on?
In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own 

Monday, October 27, 2014

Easy Dinner Ideas- Fajitas into Tortilla Soup

I don't know about you but this is going to be a crazy week for me. I have 1 child having surgery, practices, Halloween activities, church responsibilities and other time consuming things going on.  I like to have a few go to recipes that I can go to when having a day (or in this case a week) that I need a quick dinner using ingredients on hand. Sometimes the hard balance with this is healthy dinner vs. quick dinners. Several days this week I am going to post some of the things I make for my family in a pinch and how I like to make them more mommy and daddy approved.
Since yesterday I had some time to cook and prep for the week I decided to make fajitas for dinner. Diced some yummy bell peppers that have been awesomely priced, added some chicken and made fajitas. Fajitas with a wheat tortilla and some non fat plain greek yogurt makes it  a win for me. Chicken, cheese and tortillas made it a win for my kids.

Then tonight we are using the leftovers to make a crockpot tortilla soup. I threw the leftover fajitas in the crock pot and added about a cup of chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced peppers and a can of enchilada sauce. My husband likes to eat his with tortilla chips, while my kids mix their soup with sour cream. Depending on the diced peppers and/or enchilada sauce it can come out a little spicy.  Another nice thing is sometimes if I have a ton left over I freeze the soup, then next time I'm in a pinch again all I need to do is reheat and serve.
This is one of my favorite use of leftovers into a different recipe. What's yours? I would love to know. Comment, tweet or facebook me yours. Maybe I'll share it with everyone :)

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Crepes


Crepes with Skippy Chocolate Peanut Butter and Bananas



1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted



In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.


Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.


Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.


One thing that helps if your crepes are getting too thick (especially if you don't want to buy one more thing to take up room in your kitchen that is made to cook 1 thing like a crepe pan) then buy a crepe spreader. You just spin this in the middle of the crepe and it spreads it even and it keeps the crepes in a nice circle. 






 
After the crepes are done than you add a generous amount of Skippy Chocolate Peanut Butter and  sliced bananas inside the crepe, and roll them up. This is actually one of my favorite kind of crepes. If there are extra crepes left over then sometimes when the kids aren't looking I can heat one up for myself and do this really quick. As a side note my son likes to make one with Skippy peanut butter, chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own    

Friday, August 29, 2014

Make Your Own Bread Crumbs

Ever wonder what to do with the ends of the bread. Or have your kids left the bag wide open and the bread started getting hard? You should make your own bread crumbs with it. I love how expensive bread crumbs are. Really? It crumbs! From bread!
Its really pretty easy. I leave the bread out on a plate to dry out for a day or 2. Then I crunch it up to fit in my magic bullet and I pulse it. Then I add some Italian seasoning, shake it up and store it in a mason jar. Done, see not hard at all!

Next I need to make some of my own meatballs and freeze them. Tweet me your favorite meatball recipes.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Kodiak Cakes Minute Muffins Review


I was intrigued when asked to review Kodiak Cakes new Minute Muffins. As a mom of 4 always on the go I am always in need of a quick healthy breakfasts.

The first one I tried was the lemon chia muffin. It ended up being my most my favorite! It had a nice bright flavor to wake you up in the morning. Plus the chia seeds will give you energy and much needed antioxidants and other nutrients. it was so easy to make too. First I tapped it a few times to make the mix flat, then added the necessary water, and stirred.


 Then I popped it in the microwave for a minute, and yummy hot muffin here we go.

The very next morning also happened to be my errand running, mom chauffeuring go, go, go day. I had just strapped all the girls in the van and started to head out when I realized I not only forgot my daughters ballet shoes but I also forgot to eat breakfast. I ran in the house, added water to the blueberry muffin cup, put in the microwave, and just as the timer beeped a minute later I had found my daughters shoes. Perfect timing. I grabbed it, a plastic spoon and a banana and went on my way. Actually eating breakfast is not only the ideal way to start the day, but helps me not turn into a grouchy mom. I was so grateful that these were sitting out on my counter, otherwise who knows what I would have done. Needless to say these are officially added to my always keep a few in stock list, just for those crazy quick breakfast mornings. Way healthier and tastier than pop tarts ;)
I saved the chocolate one for a night when I was exhausted and needed a chocolate treat after putting the kids to bed. The apple cinnamon I had for a snack one day and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was light and had a nice subtle cinnamon flavor. Every time I ate one I couldn't help but think how much I would have loved these  when we were moving around a lot and living in hotels.
  Here is the link to there website to see how and where to purchase these delicious quick and easy muffins.  http://www.kodiakcakes.com/minute-muffins/
Don't forget to like their Facebook page for recipes, products and deals.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Hormel Rev Meat Snack Mix's

Our family loves to be on the go. We look forward to car trips, outings and lots of adventures. Which also results in lots of eating and snacking on the go as well. I am always on the look out of good healthy snacks that we actually like. Especially things with protein. I was really looking forward to review the new Hormel Rev meat snacks.

 Hormel has these new Rev Meat Snack Mix's that I love. I tried 3 different flavors. The Spicy BBQ & Bacon, Pepperoni Pizza, and Turkey Ranch. They also have Honey Mustard Bacon (One I can't wait to try) and a pepperoni and cheese snack mix. Each of them having 8-12 grams of protein.
The Spicy BBQ and Bacon tastes just like it sounds. It had a nice spicy BBQ flavor and lots of bacon in it. The BBQ comes from the BBQ seasoned bagel chips, the kick is from jalapeno bacon and it also has sourdough pretzels in it as well.
The Pepperoni Pizza Snack mix has cheese crackers and parmesan, tomato herb bagel chips, and pepperoni. Really cute little pepperoni to be specific. Perfect snack for that picky eating kid that loves pepperoni pizza.
My favorite was the Turkey Ranch Meat Snack mix. It comes with cracked pepper pita chips, ranch seasoned breadsticks and smoked turkey. It was addicting. I couldn't stop just after one cup, I had to eat two! 



  • Where can you find some of these yummy filling snacks? Right now they are at several Smith's in the state of Utah selling them. Here are a few of the Smith's that you can purchase them at:
Smith's in Pleasant Grove
210 East 700 South

Smith's in Orem
45 S State Street

Smith's in Draper
212 E. 12300 S.

Smith's in Sandy
10305 S. 1300 E.

Smith's in Salt Lake City
3470 Bengal Blvd

Smith's in Ogden
4275 Harrison Blvd

I also have several $1 off coupons I can give out. That would make them probably just a little more than $1 each. If you are interested in trying one and want a coupon then leave me a comment below of which Smith's you would go buy it at,  and which meat snack sounds yummy to you. I'll pick a few comments at random on March 1st to give them out to. Make sure to include your email so I can contact you.

  •  I am curren tly a member of the HORMELTM REV TM Meat Snack Mix Program and this post is part of my involvement in the Group. While Hormel Foods provides me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all statements and sentiment in Utah Queen of Chaos are my own.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Price Matching Seminar

 
Many of you may or may not know I love to find good deals. I especially love when other people take the work out of couponing, price matching, and deal hunting for me. When we went from 2 working parents down to 1 I decided I couldn't make money any more, but I can find ways to save money. That's when I stumbled across pricematchwithrachel.com.
 
Price match with Rachel is my go to, bookmarked website. I never check out at the store without looking what's on sale first. Even if I am stopping for a second or splurge buying, I make sure I am getting the most for it before I check out. I just click on the bookmark on my smart phone and check while I'm in line to check out.
 
I love the way it is divided up into sections. Although I frequent the dairy, meats, fruits and vegetables sections the most often. That is usually where I save the most money. If you have read any of my healthy eating articles you know we eat a ton of fresh produce in my house, so if I can get it for less than even better!
 
She is even hosting a free seminar this Wednesday the 22nd.  It's at   Stevens-Henager College Business TA's Provo/Orem from 6:30-8pm in the auditorium. This is a great way to get free tips on organizing, shopping, price matching, and other ways to save time and money on grocery shopping. It's an unfortunate thing we have to do as mom's, and often too. I'll try any tip at least once if it will make my shopping experience faster or less stressful!
 
 
 
You can also like her facebook page for other seminars, deals and giveaways at #/rachelspricematch That is how I found out about the 5 for $1 avocado sale recently. I stocked up and froze many of them. I did that the last time bell peppers were on sale for $.25 each too. I sliced, diced and froze them. Now I have plenty for fajita's, stir-fry's, soups, and quesadilla's. If you can't make it this week, make sure to like her facebook page for the next one.

Friday, January 10, 2014

BBQ Pit Stop Review and Giveaway

I was so excited to do this review for BBQ Pitstop. Things may be a little backwards in my home when it comes to barbequing, because I am the one who loves to grill. About 8 years ago for Mother's Day I got my first grill. I am always looking for good rubs, spices, and sauces. I finally have found my one stop BBQ needs shop.
 
 
The first thing I tried was the Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub. This rub was made for chicken but tastes better on pork. I tried it on chicken cause that's what I had in my freezer and boy was it delicious. With 4 kids I like quick healthy meals, that still impress my husband when he gets home from work. Using this rub was perfect. I rubbed the chicken in the morning. One thing I love about rubs is that you don't always have to do it ahead of time. Obviously the longer the better, but it makes me look like an amazing cook when the rub does all the work. I also love rubs because they have 0 calories. If eating healthier is part of your New Years resolutions then spices are the way to go. They enhance flavor without the extra calories.
 
 
 
Before dinner I popped the chicken in the oven. When it's warmer outside I obviously grill it, but it was too cold to go outside. Then I made some risotto (my girls love rice) and some carrots with a little bit of ginger.  My husband loved it. As I wrote this review he still was telling me how good it was. Yummy smoky flavor with a nice little kick to it. I took the extras and shredded them to go in chicken quesadilla's for the following night as well. I am excited to try this rub on pork. If it was that good on chicken, it will be that much better on pork.
 
 
 
 
 
On Christmas Eve I knew we were going to have a crazy day, but would want a nice dinner that night. I decided to make pork ribs letting their delicious Blues Hog Barbecue Sauce do all the work. I put the ribs and the sauce in my crockpot, and forgot about it all day. When we walked in the door the aroma hit us like a brick wall. Even my kids were saying how good dinner smelled! Eight hours on low in the crockpot was perfect. The ribs just fell right off the bone. It was the perfect combo of sweet, smoky and spicy, perfect for ribs. Just like it says on the bottle "especially excellent on ribs."  
 
I love different kinds of spices, my spice rack is overflowing. I also love impressing with top quality barbeque sauce's. Next time you have company over why not impress with the best ingredients, which do a lot of the work for you? Check out www.bbqpitstop.com/ for their full line of grills, smokers, spices and sauces. Also like them on facebook for tips and updates.
 
BBQ Pit Stop are also giving away a rub. Woot, woot, I know how much you guys love giveaways. This is a yummy one too. So visit their website and browse through their sauces and spices. Then comment below which one intrigues you the most. Enter by using the rafflecopter below. No cheating, I will be verifying the entry. Closes 1/17/14 at 12:00 AM
 
 
 
 
 
**I was only given the product to review, no other compensation was received. All opinions are my own honest opinions.**

Thursday, July 11, 2013

I Love Zupas!


I will never forget the first time I ate at Café Zupas. It was a magical and addicting moment. A place with yummy and healthy food? How did I not know about this place sooner? That was when they only had 2 places open. Now they have over 19! One of which is opening this weekend. I was invited to join there new store in a VIP dinner party. Being thrilled to receive an invitation is an understatement.


My husband and I went and tried 1 of their 3 new items on the menu. They have a Mediterranean turkey sandwich, pistachio crème brule, and a pomegranate spinach salad that looks refreshing! We tried there pistachio crème brule, which is delicious. It has that nice creamy subtle pistachio flavor with some berries on top for some sweet bursts. I loved it. If you want to try it this Thursday through Saturday, July 11th-13th, at their new West Valley location they are giving free dessert with every dine in meal.
I loved their nice large seating of their new store. Lots of room for sitting. Plus their new menu is big, bright, and has pictures of the food. They are 1 of 3 stores with a window into the kitchen. This way you can see there are no microwaves and may even be lucky enough to watch the chefs prepare the food, if you get there early enough ;) Go visit there new location at 2927 South 5600 West, West Valley City, UT   this Saturday the 13th for lots of fun festivities. If you are feeling lucky here is some of what they have planned:

FREE DESSERT

It’s no celebration without dessert! You’ll receive one free dessert with every meal purchase (must dine-in to be eligible).
  • FIRST 50 PEOPLE GET 50% OFF

    Come early and claim your place in line. The first 50 people will get their entire food purchase at 50% off!
  • WIN FREE FOOD FOR A YEAR!

    Yes- you read that right! Every customer that comes through our line will be entered to win free food for an entire year (a $520 Cafe Zupas gift certificate)! That’s enough to eat at Cafe Zupas every week for a year!
  • $25 GIFT CARD EVERY 15 MINUTES!

    In addition to our drawing for a year, we’ll also be giving away a $25 gift card every 15 minutes! When you order your food, you will become part of a drawing that will take place every 15-minutes. While you sit back, relax, and enjoy your food, we’ll announce the winners for your group!


  • Not sure what to try? I have a hard time choosing myself. My favorite soup is also their number 2 most sold soup, and that is the tomato basil. I have always loved tomato soup. I have had my fair share of tomato soups from several places, and hands down they have the best. However, their #1 most sold soup is the chicken enchilada soup. It is so rich and full of flavor, I recommend at least tasting it next time your in line. Simply because they let you do that. That's right, they let you sample the soups.
    My husband with his favorite- Lobster Bisque

    Café Zupas is my favorite place to eat. I know I am always getting healthy fresh food, that fills any craving! If you can't make their grand opening in West Valley don't sweat it! They have several locations all over Utah, and also in Arizona and Nevada! Be sure to follow them on Facebook or Twitter to stay up to date on what great deals and promotions they have.

    Wednesday, July 10, 2013

    Freeze Dried vs Dehydrated with Thrive Life

    I was excited to sit down with Heidi and talk about Thrive Life, which was once Shelf Reliance. I love their new name and the way they have branded their products. Each letter in thrive has a different color that goes with a color coded category. As a person who loves to organize and loves smart marketing schemes I love this part. Thrive has over a 100 different products to purchase.
     
     
    Thrive life is a great source for emergency preparedness products. One of the main things I spoke to Heidi about is there freeze dried foods. Not only meant for emergencies, but for every day use.
    How is freeze drying different than dehydrating?
    Dehydrating is done at a very high temperature and takes a long time. Not only does the product shrink in size, but loses nutrients.
    Freeze drying happens within hours of being picked and happens quickly. Freeze drying not only locks in the nutritional value but the flavor, size and color. Because they stay the same size, it makes it nice when adding freeze dried food to a recipe. Freeze drying removes more water than dehydrating giving the food a longer shelf life. Most Thrive  products last 25 years unopened, and average 1 year after being opened. They even have a place for you to write when you opened it. That way you don't question if it's still good and you know how long you family goes through it.

    One product I was intrigued by was their spices. I was always told that spices don't have a long shelf life. I love and use cilantro and basil a lot. The idea of it lasting 25 years unopened and 1 year opened is very appealing. A must have for my food storage.
    On top of all the basics Thrive has sauces and express meals. The shelf life of the express meals and mother sauces are 10 years. I love the idea of quick meals and soups. I always like to have quick meals for days I'm not in the mood to cook, or haven't gone shopping.
    They have so much to offer for people building their food storage. I asked Heidi where she recommends starting.
    1- Top 10 meals.
    Make a list of the 10 things you cook the most and start there. Buy the ingredients for those meals first. Either splurge and buy all 10 meals worth of food or start with just what is needed for 1 meal.
    2- The Q.
    Thrive has a great way to get what you need little by little. Just like your Netflix Queue you make a list of what you want and need. You can customize your Q in several ways. Then you set a monthly budget, and receive items from your Q right at your door.  Rachel from pricematchwithrachel.com recommends taking the money you save from price matching and using it towards building your food storage supply.
    3- Host a party.
    If you host a show you get all kinds of deals and products.
    Heidi (Thrive Life Consultant) & Jennifer (Queen of Chaos)
     
     
     
    Needless to say Thrive Life has countless products and yummy foods for you. They also offer free cooking shows and a testing room at their warehouse. This was the yummy part. I got to try so many different foods. I can see how versatile many of the foods are. The fruits were one of my favorites. Heidi gave me some pineapple to take home and share with my family. They are too yummy to share with the kids, they are hidden in my secret stash.  I also love the yogurt bites. I am ordering some for the next car ride to snack on for sure!
    I highly suggest getting in touch with Heidi to learn more about what Thrive has to offer you. Not only are Thrive's products cheaper if you go through a consultant, but she can help you get the most out of your products. She sometimes has giveaways and free classes of her own so make sure to  follow her websiteblog, pinterest, facebook or twitter.
    I just scratched the surface of what intrigued me personally the most about Thrive. I am sure as I use and love their products more I can share more in the future. Make sure to get in touch with Heidi for a more in depth conversation of what she and thrive has to offer.
    If nothing else let your mouth water as you go through their yummy catalog.
    Heidi has donated a  pantry can of freeze-dried sliced strawberries to give away. Use the rafflecopter below for your chance to win. When the giveaway ends the winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email, or I will have to pick a new winner. I hate having to pick a new winner, so make sure you respond to my email.
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    Friday, May 31, 2013

    Week 2- Fight the Cravings


    "Are you hungry or are you bored?" I ask my kids this all the time. All too often as a parent when my kids are bored, fighting, need a time filler we use snacks. We also go to food out of habit. What's a movie with out popcorn or a holiday with out baked goods? There are ways to help fight cravings and snack better.
    Start out by allowing yourself to have snacks. Schedule your self a snack after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't skip them. Otherwise like Christy mentioned here you will binge or run to junk. Eat lean protein, healthy fats, or produce. Easy lean proteins are things like turkey, Greek yogurt, hard boiled egg whites, soy or black beans. Some great healthy fats can be avocado, nuts or almond/peanut butter. If you are going to have a higher sugared or carb snack eat it sooner rather than later. That way you give your body more time to burn it off.

    A new study shows raisins as a great snack. Compared to other snacks raisins help you feel more full so that you intake less calories. Raisins are cholesterol and fat free, and have very little natural sodium. Plus they are a great anti-oxidant. Raisins are easy to take anywhere.
    Celery and apples with peanut butter are one my kids favorites. I eat mine with almond butter. My son loves to make "peanut butter ants." Which are raisins with peanut butter. It's a little messy but healthier than a fruit snack. Click on the picture below for 100 more snack idea's

    What do I do if I still crave things between snacks and meals? Hopefully if you are eating 3 proper meals, and 3 filling snacks you shouldn't crave too much. If you do here are some things I use to help me with cravings.
    First of all I use any kind of positive motivation or sayings. I put them on my fridge. I use to have this picture on my fridge, right now it's a Hawaii picture.

    If I you are craving sugars try eating a huge spoonful of actual sugar. Chances are you won't be able to do it. Even if you do I wonder if it would be healthier than whatever the alternative was?

    When I have a chocolate craving I get out 10 chocolate chips, usually dark chocolate. I eat only 1 every minute. That way for 10 minutes I get a nice chocolaty snack. Usually those 10 minutes and a tall glass of water help hold me over till the next meal.
    Try drinking some water or chewing some gum. Try something to keep you busy and occupied. I am sure there is some laundry, or a good book somewhere to help get your mind off food.