Health | Faith and Family Reviews

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Flexible Spending Accounts Can Save Your Family 40%

Posted by html404 on March 6, 2013
in Family Stuff, Health, Money & Finances, Saving Money, Uncategorized

It’s been a number of years since we did any health care “shopping” and it really isn’t a problem if you know your way around, however, it can get overwhelming because of the various options available. Something like, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), can offer relief from increasing health care costs, because these benefit plans rely on pre-tax money for qualified health expenses.

Not only can you save on FSA eligible products, but an FSA also gives you access to health care services and thousands of everyday products such as sunscreen, contact lens solution, band-aids, heat wraps and baby care – a bonus for families like ours.

How Does FSAs Work?

Each FSA plan year, employers take money out of your paychecks based on how much you choose to set aside. Beginning in 2013, FSA plan contributions are limited to $2,500 per person. Before you get an FSA, it is vital to calculate how much you want to spend using your FSA.

A word of caution…because FSAs are “use it or lose it” any money unspent is forfeited when your plan year ends. Some employers provide a grace period – or an extension of coverage – up to two and a half months. One big deadline coming up is March 15. Do you have FSAs? Better check to see if you need to use any of your FSA funds before March 15.

FSAstore.com is a one-stop-shop stocked exclusively with thousands of FSA-eligible products, a national provider database and a Learning Center that answers FSA-related questions. You can save on FSA-eligible products throughout the year with FSA Store’s special offers. Check these out before your grace period ends on March 15.

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10 Ways to Beat the Flu Naturally

Posted by html404 on February 26, 2013
in Health, Health & Garden Tuesday, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition

Did you know….

Dr. Richard Schultz (world-renowned Herbalist) calls this “The Deadliest Cold & Flu Season in Decades”

Dr. Joseph Mercola says “vaccinated persons, especially seniors, are still gettting the flu”

We have been fortunate enough to avoid illness this winter, at least so far. That’s amazing since we have eight children…..and we all know how often young children get sick. The only thing I can contribute our healthiness to, besides God’s grace, is to our new health regimen that includes using thieves hand purifier and 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils, which have in turn healed our cells, and diffusing essential oils into the air of our home keeps our air quality good.

Did you know our cells have memories? This explains why in past years we have always got sick at the same time every year. I think we have finally hit a plateau and the essential oils have repaired our cells’ memories. Did you know essential oils could do that? We didn’t until we started learning more about them. This leads me to share our 10 ways to beat the flu naturally before I go off on a totally different tangent, like explaining how the cells repair themselves! Another day….

10 Ways to Beat the Flu Naturally

1. Food and Supplement Supply. Healthy food and the right supplements are very important to staying healthy. We have been trying to keep a steady supply of Ningxia Red in the house but I cannot. We always run out.
2. Healthy Elimination. Lots of water, fiber, fruits and veggies help aid in healthy elimination. A build up in our colon can lead to a build up of toxins in our body.
3. New Toothbrush. If you have been sick get a new toothbrush or at least sterilize the one you’ve been using while you have been sick because it is harboring your cold or flu germs.

4. Pure Water. Not tap water. Make sure you filter your tap water to remove harmful toxins.
5. Clean Air. During the winter months it’s hard to get the air circulating in our homes. This is why we use a home diffuser to diffuse essential oils into to the air as it helps purify it.
6. Daily Exercise. Daily exercise is not only good for the body but your mind and spirit as well.
7. Hand Washing. Frequent hand washing helps eliminate the risk of illness being spread. A good hand sanitizer, like thieves hand purifier, that doesn’t kill the good bacterial is an essential in our home.

8. Changing Out Towels and Washcloths. When illness goes through our home I make sure to wash the hand towels and washcloths once a day, if not more depending on the illness.
9. Avoid Sick People and Crowds. Stay home. We don’t have any trouble staying at home. We stay home so much that a few of our children have become homebodies preferring to be home than going out anywhere. If that is impossible for you then at least stay at home when you know there’s illness at your destination, like a sick relative’s or friend’s.
10. Get Enough Rest. This goes without saying. Getting enough rest helps our body fight off any invasion of viruses and sickness.

Hope these 10 ways to beat the flu naturally helps you consider a healthier alternative to over the counter drugs and prescriptions, which often have harmful side affects. All of the above do not.

How about you, have you been sick yet this winter? What do you do to beat the flu? Leave me a comment telling me about it!

This post contains a link to one of our other businesses.

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Children’s Mucinex Review for Smiley 360

Posted by html404 on February 24, 2013
in Blog Stuff, Health, Parenting, Reviews

’tis the season. Oh the joys of noses running and hacking coughs. As much as I appreciated the Smiley 360 Blogger offer to do a Children’s Mucinex review, I didn’t want to have to try it. I’m sure all you Mom’s understand. Well, low and behold my little darling started showing signs of the stuffy nose and cough. Good thing we had our Children’s New Formula of Mucinex in the closet. The multi-symptom cold with expectorant cough suppressant and nasal decongestant was just the thing we needed. It covers the stuffy nose, cough, chest congestion and breaks up mucus in a favorable flavor of Very Berry. After I read all the warnings, uses and directions the first thing I noticed when I opened the box was the dosing cup. It’s a short and wider than other dosing cups included in other brands. Which was much easier for my daughter to drink, it fit her mouth more like a cup she normally drinks out of. She’s not fond of tastes of medicine (but who really is, right?), she said it was good. The Children’s Mucinex helped her cough and stuffy nose, especially throughout the night, which makes this Momma happy.

Children’s Mucinex is alcohol free and there are 7 kinds of liquid forms to choose from depending on the ailment. In addition, there are 3 “mini melts”. From what I read about Mini Melts, you open the packet and pour the contents on your child’s tongue and they swallow it.

Complete drug facts, uses, warnings, dosing chart, and active ingredients please click here.

If you are unsure about using Children’s Mucinex® Multi-Symptom Cold liquid for
your child, talk to your pediatrician. With Children’s Mucinex and all medication, please read all the instructions before you dispense it to your child! Please call the toll free number 1-866-MUCINEX (1-866-682-4639) if you have any product related questions.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product and promotional products from Smiley 360 in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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When a Loved One Smokes

Posted by html404 on February 9, 2013
in Family Stuff, Health, Home, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Safety

My mom is coming for a visit from Nova Scotia, Canada in March. We haven’t seen her in four years. Yikes! We know. Kind of sad. Usually she prefers not to come visit us in the winter because we are NON-smokers and of course there is no smoking in our home so my mom has to smoke outside. Brrrrr…..It’s not going to be the warmest in March here in Chicagoland. Nah-uh. She asked me to tell the children to figure out a way for her to stay warm when she goes outside to smoke. We have yet to come up with anything. It’s hard when a loved one smokes and you don’t.

Both my parents smoked all during my grown up years. My mom says she couldn’t tolerate smoking while she was pregnant with me because it made her sick, so even from the womb I didn’t like cigarette smoke! My mom was always more conscientious about rolling down her window etc. than my dad was when they were smoking in the car. She’s still like that today. She doesn’t like the children to stand right next to her when she’s smoking and will tell them to move away so they don’t breathe it in. It’s kind of hard for them to stay away from their grandmother for very long when they only see her every several years – she’s not tech savvy so there’s no skype-ing or Facetime going on around here to stay in touch between visits. That’s something we have to work on.

My mom and dad both tried to quit smoking numerous times when I was a child, even trying hypnosis, but to no avail they couldn’t break the nicotine habit.

When my mom comes in March I am hoping to present her with an electric cigarette in hopes that when she tries it she may feel motivated to try to quit smoking again and just maybe, just maybe, that smokers cough will improve too.

When a loved one smokes and you don’t what do you do?

This is a compensated post.

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Keep Children Healthy this Season ~ Avoid RSV in Young Children

Posted by Professor on January 28, 2013
in Articles, Education, Family Stuff, Health, Home, Kids Stuff, Parenting, School

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a very scary thing for new parents…or any parents for that matter. Premature infants are at greatest risk! My first child was a month early and weighed in under 5 pounds. My sister had premature twins that were only 3 pounds each at birth. We both had our scares with RSV…but were very fortunate not to contract the virus.

The treat of RSV is one of the reasons I chose to stay home with my children and quit teaching in the traditional classroom. Daycare was very scary for many reasons to this protective mama…and RSV was one of those scary things!

When my daughter entered school she had pneumonia 3 times in kindergarten and I cannot help but think to imagine what she could have picked up had she been in a daycare setting.

We have had a few friends who have had to deal with this disease and it can be devastating to a family. But remember since almost 100% of babies will contract RSV…we may have had it and not even known it!

In fact the fact that my daughter had pneumonia 3 times in kindergarten could partially be because of the RSV virus. Luckily we were able to treat or and not have any further complications. However, sometimes if not treated or prevented RSV can be deadly.

I have 3 children and the only one who ever showed signs of RSV or its negative effects (pneumonia) was my oldest daughter. She was a preemie and I took all of the precautions of dealing with RSV and other sicknesses she could contract. I mean she had no other siblings, I did not work (so no daycare), we limited visitors to the house, we practice good hygiene and hand washing….yet somehow we still had our bout with illness.

My other 2 children were always relatively healthy and never showed signs of illness aside from the common cold. Even when having school age siblings…did I do anything different? NO, in fact I was probably more “loose” with the next two …taking them out more often, etc. But they STILL might have had the disease and been carriers and I would never know it.

PLEASE take the time to educate your self on RSV as it could have long term and devastating effects on your family or others with whom you come in contact.

Please read the information below to learn more about the threat of RSV

The Threat of RSV in Child Care and School Settings

It is estimated that 82% of U.S. children aged six weeks to six years old, spend some amount of time in child care. Whether it’s five or 50 hours a week, the risks of spending time in a daycare or pre-school setting are the same — increased exposure to contagious germs and viruses.

Children’s inborn behavioral habits such as a need for close interpersonal
contact and lack of good personal hygiene, combined with an environment that promotes and rewards sharing, make daycare settings an environment for infection spreading. Because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, this is especially worrisome for very pre-term babies in daycare, or with school-aged siblings who bring germs into the home.

Premature infants are very susceptible to infection in the early weeks of their lives, so contracting something as small as the common cold can present danger. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common, seasonal virus that affects two-thirds of all infants by age one and almost 100% of babies by age two, because it’s highly contagious. RSV can live on surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, toys, bedding) for several hours and is often spread through touching, hugging and kissing.
Daycare increases this risk of RSV spreading as children are constantly sharing toys, tables and high chairs as well as eating and napping in close quarters.
RSV typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms, but in some babies it results in a serious respiratory infection.
Those most at risk for severe RSV include premature infants, as their lungs aren’t fully developed and they have fewer infection-fighting antibodies than full-term babies.
The RSV season typically runs from November through March, so during the winter months parents should be especially
careful to watch for signs of RSV.

Below are symptoms of severe RSV infection that require immediate medical care:
· Coughing or wheezing that does not stop
· Fast or troubled breathing
· Spread-out nostrils and/or a caved-in chest when trying to breathe
· Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
· Fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F in infants under 3 months of age)

If a child has milder symptoms of RSV, the virus will likely run its course without any cause for parental alarm. It is important; however, for these parents to remember that even a mild case of RSV can be spread to other children, some of whom may be at high-risk for developing a serious infection from the virus. For this reason, it’s always best to keep a sick child home when possible, to prevent the spread of germs and viruses.
Once contracted, there is no treatment for RSV, so working together to prevent the risk of RSV is critical. All parents should take steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including always washing their hands and child’s hands, and asking others to do the same. It’s also important to remember to keep toys, clothes, blankets, and sheets clean and avoid crowds and other sick children during RSV season.
Prevention is especially important for babies at increased risk of becoming ill from RSV. Parents of preemies should be informed of the dangers of RSV, as well as the risks that certain child care settings can present. If possible, parents of highrisk babies may want to consider alternate options, such as nannies or in-home daycare centers, where exposure to dangerous germs can be minimized. Regardless of child care settings, it’s important for parents who believe their child may be at high-risk for RSV to speak with a doctor about prevention.

A few facts about RSV that all parents, caregivers and loved ones should know:
· Almost every baby will contract RSV by age 2, but only 1/3 of moms say they’ve heard of the virus.
· Serious RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000
hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.
· RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November
and lasting through March for most parts of North America.
· Certain babies are at an increased risk of developing serious RSV infection, so it’s important to speak with a
pediatrician to determine if a baby may be at high risk for RSV, and discuss preventive measures.
· Symptoms of serious RSV infection include: persistent coughing or wheezing; rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths;
blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails; high fever; extreme fatigue; and difficulty feeding. Parents
should contact a medical professional immediately upon signs of these symptoms.
· There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take preventive steps to help protect their child (wash
hands, toys, bedding frequently; avoid crowds and cigarette smoke).

Visit www.RSVProtection.com and follow #RSVProtection on Twitter for more information.

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

www.momcentralconsulting.com

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Connect 2 Happiness with GaiamTV #sp #Connect2Happy

Posted by html404 on January 20, 2013
in Education, Health, Health and Nutrition

Many new year resolutions are made in hopes of resolving or at least improving health, weight or financial issues. All worthy goals but how many people actually succeed in accomplishing what they set out to do for the whole year? Wouldn’t it be better to start with a shorter time frame? Say…30 days. Like a 30-day challenge. Wouldn’t it be more fulfilling to take one month at a time rather than attacking the whole year in one shot?

If health, nutrition or weight loss were on your new year’s resolution, one way you can start living a healthy, happy lifestyle is to take advantage of all the great health, nutrition and food shows and documentaries at GaiamTV. I came across quite a few things I have never seen before, it’s definitely geared towards the health conscious.

I don’t know what I was expecting from GaiamTV but it was completely different to my expectations. Much more education than entertainment.

Gaiam TV is like Netflix for the mind, body and spirit and contains over 2,000 titles! Like other streaming networks, GaiamTV is available 24/7. Its service capabilities include personal computers, iPads and smartphones. GaiamTV is subscription based $9.95 per month, with unlimited access to content, not strings attached, no commitment and cancel at anytime. For convenience, GaiamTV offers a free 10-day trial.

Connect 2 Happiness with GaiamTV

What if your goal is just to not only work on your health but also work on your happiness? Gaiam also has their Connect 2 Happiness 30-day challenge that will inspire you to take a deep look inside to figure out what truly makes you happy. Below you will find Day 1 challenge:

STOP. LOOK. LISTEN.

When we take a moment to listen to our inner guide, we get clues that can lead us down the path toward true happiness. Choosing what makes us feel happy over what makes us feel safe can take us out of our comfort zone; yet when we connect our passions with our actions, we stop seeking and start living. Find your joy: listen to yourself, and take action.

Start a conversation with your inner guide. Ask yourself these three questions, and listen closely to the answers.

1) What makes you happy?
2) What are you passionate about?
3) How can you bring more of that into your life?

I thought these were very good questions. Definitely made me think about things I haven’t thought about in a long time. I think a little self-reflection is good for the soul. More spiritual people might attribute it to letting a Higher Power guide them rather than their inner self. Either way I think it’s a positive exercise.

I like doing things like this and find it motivating.

What about you what makes you happy? How do you think GaiamTV and the Connect 2 Happiness 30-Day Challenge could help you? Remember to visit the Connect 2 Happiness promotion and check out GaiamTV, if you haven’t already.

This is a paid post for GaiamTV.

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Your Brain Injury Compensation Claim

Posted by html404 on January 14, 2013
in Health, Uncategorized

The success and size of your brain injury compensation claim will depend on a number of factors. The severity and type of brain injury, any additional injuries, and any other costs that need to be covered will ultimately determine the extent of payment that you receive but so too will other factors. Whether you accept a settlement or fight on in court, the exact details of the accident, and individual details of the compensation claim case will have a major bearing on the outcome of your case.

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can take a lot of time to heal and the last thing you require during this period of rehabilitation is to be worrying about work. With early compensation you can use this money to cover the cost of living so that you don’t have to rush back to work and you can use the money to pay for private medical attention, to pay for any necessary rehabilitation items, and for any other necessary purposes.

How To Proceed

You should ensure that you attend doctors’ appointments and visit healthcare professionals as and when required because gaps in your health records could prove problematic during your case. Your solicitor will aim to acquire copies of your health records so that he or she can use these in your case. These records will show the exact injuries that have occurred as well as the severity of those
injuries.

Compensation And Settlement

Compensation figures will take into account your benefits and salary and you will be able to gain sound advice on financial issues from your solicitor. They will also represent you during any court case or, if you prefer, they will attempt to gain quick compensation so that the money can be used to pay for treatment or so that you do not have to rush back to work.

Contact www.theheadinjurysite.com for more details on how to proceed with a brain injury compensation claim.

This is a guest post.

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Food Allergies Education – A Healthy Tuesday Tip

Posted by html404 on January 8, 2013
in Articles, Education, Health, Health and Nutrition

Food allergies education. How many of you educate yourselves about food allergies, especially if your children don’t even have them? How many of you think about keeping children with allergies safe?

We have friends whose son has extreme allergies. She has to carry an Epipen. I remember a story she told of her older daughter helping with dinner preparations – making tacos – her daughter neglected to wash her hands after touching the different ingredients. After dinner her son started to get a red, itchy face…a sign of an allergic reaction. They determined that when their daughter made the tacos the residue from the cheese on her fingers caused their son to react to his dairy allergy. Amazing. Our friends are not the only ones suffering through the challenges of extreme allergies. There are so many children with life threatening allergies now that there are Food Allergy Initiatives and Ministries to support and help families, especially in dealing with their child(ren) attending school.

Last year there was an article featured on Yahoo that I thought worthy of attention, even a year later, because I believe food allergies education is crucial to keeping children with allergies safe.

Nearly 6 million or 8% of children have food allergies with young children affected most.[1]

The prevalence of food allergies and associated anaphylaxis appears to be on the rise. [2]

According to a study released in 2008 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about an 18% increase in food allergy was seen between 1997 and 2007. [3]

Even though I homeschool I feel it is important for us as parents to educate not only ourselves but also our children about food allergies because we all either know someone with deadly allergies or will inevitably meet someone with them. It is important for the safety of children with food allergies that we are aware and alert to the fact that our children need to know how to safely offer treats to their friends because there isn’t always going to be an adult around to “save” an allergic child from a harmful ingredient.

Please share what you have done to increase yours and your children’s food allergies education.

[1][2][3] FoodAllergy.org Food Allergy Facts and Statistics for the U.S. http://www.foodallergy.org/page/facts-and-stats

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Yardenit Cosmetics Review

Posted by Professor on January 3, 2013
in Eco Friendly Products, Family Stuff, Girl Stuff, Health, Personal Care Products, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Seasonal Stuff

Yardenit is the celebrated baptismal site on the sacred Jordan River in Israel. They embrace Pilgrims from the four corners of the earth who come to the Holy Land and to Yardenit for a specific purpose: to walk in the footsteps if Jesus and to be part of the baptismal ritual of following their Savior through the waters of baptism.

You do not have to travel to the Holy Land to experience Yardenit specialty products. You can visit their online store and shop for Holy Land souvenirs, Christian and Jewish gifts, inspirational jewelry, food items eaten during biblical times, music, books, clothing, cosmetics, and toys.

Our Review:

I found this was a very interesting website and web store. I had never actually sought out a store in the Holy Land so I was not aware that one existed. This is a rare gem! The web store offers so many products for both Jewish and Christian guests. They offer a vast array of products… from cosmetics to clothing!

We were privileged to review two of their cosmetic products. We were sent AYA Natural Nail Oil and Olea Essence Lip Balm. Both products are all natural which was a plus! I was concerned about getting a package from overseas … as I was not sure if it would ship well…especially with cosmetics enclosed. But I assure you Yardenit packaged their products beautifully and safely. They were packaged very tight and wrapped so that nothing would break or spoil. I was very impressed.

AYA Natural Nail Oil:

This product is made of 100% AYA natural Oil blend that may have antifungal properties. Nourishes, Moisturizes, and promotes healthy nail growth.

Ingredients: Extra Virgin olive oil, Sweet Almond oil, Tea Tree oil, Jojoba oil, Wheat Germ oil, Geranium, Rosemary, Lavender, and Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

*** We liked this product… the overall packaging was very nice. The oils come in a little dropper like bottle. You then apply right to the nail and rub into the cuticles daily. I used this item for a week and found that it made a difference to the overall health of my nails and cuticles. My cuticles are generally very dry … but this product improved them ten fold. I find that they are no longer peeling after use of this product. My oldest daughter also used this product. Sometimes her nails are prone to peeling …after using this product I can honestly say that her nail structure has improved. It seems that her nails are healthier and stronger and no longer peeling.

Just as a side note… the description states that it “may” have antifungal properties. I believe this is because one o the ingredients in the product is Tea Tree Oil, which is a known antifungal agent.

Olea Essence Lip Balm:

This product is made of all natural ingredients with no preservatives. It is Olive oil based and enriched with jojoba oil, wheat oil and avocado oil. It restores damaged and chapped lips.

Ingredients: Olive oil, Seabuckthorn oil, Bees Wax, Jojoba oil, Sesame oil, Caster oil, Wheat Germ oil, Avocado oil, Tea Tree oil, and Lavender oil.

*** This product was also a hit in my family. We are currently in the winter season and chapped lips are the norm around our house. This product came nicely packaged in a little pot …so it is easily applied with the finger. So I could easily use this on more than one person if needed (unlike a stick lip balm … where it would be limited to one person). The person who benefitted most from this product was my son. He is prone to chapped lips and often licks the top of his lips so the area right above the lip is red and chapped. We have a hard time finding anything except Vaseline that will do the trick because he says that the products we have tried “burn” his skin. Well, we have a new favorite in this product! This has done wonders for his skin and it is gentle and does not burn! It has cleared up his redness and chapped lips…I am so pleased! I did in turn use this on myself and found that my lips feel smooth and not as dried out as they usually feel this time of year! Very nice product!

Overall, we were very impressed with the Yardenit products we received. The only thing I do have to mention is that since the products do have Tea Tree oil in that particular oil seems to take over as the scent of the product. It is not a bad scent… some call it medicinal or a clean scent. It does not detract from the product… but it does take over the other oil scents that are ingredients in the product. I must say that since the Nail oil had the ingredient of Almond oil I expected an overall “almond” scent since that oil seems to be a powerful scent… but the Tea tree Oil is stronger. In the Lip Balm the Tea tree oil was not as strong… but it was still the main scent. I attribute the scent not being as strong in the Lip balm because it is a solid rather than a liquid like the oil. But generally the scent is not bothersome; in my experience it is rather pleasant.

On a side note: I was interested in another product and was worried about shipping to the USA from Israel (I thought it might be expensive) when I enquired with the company I found that their sipping rates are based on weight. The product I was looking at was their hand lotion, which is 150 ml or 5.1 fl oz.; the shipping on this product would be about $ 5.00. I found that this shipping cost was comparable to an average online store. So I was pleased.

Yardenit is currently having a sale on some of their merchandise…so take a look around their store! You can find a link to the store here: http://www.yardenit.com/store

For those interested in the Yardenit site on the Jordan River or for more information on Yardenit in general feel free to visit their home page here: http://www.yardenit.com

If I am ever in Israel I think this would be a neat place to visit and a great place to purchase souvenirs!

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Christmas Entertaining Ideas

Posted by html404 on December 13, 2012
in Family Stuff, Food and Treats, Health, Health and Nutrition, Holidays, Organic, Recipes, Reviews

With the Christmas season upon us so is Christmas entertaining. In the past few years we haven’t done as much entertaining, mostly because I cannot seem to keep my house as clean as I once did before I worked from home – I’m home working, but not always cleaning – and let’s just say we have a long way to go in that department.

We try to eat healthy and serve healthy food during the holidays, but we don’t try to force our eating habits on others. We like kefir and yogurt, but not everyone does. However, for those of you who do have family and friends who are adventurous and will try anything you serve on the nutritional spectrum, we have some Christmas entertaining ideas and recipes just for you, compliments of Redwood Hill Farm and Green Valley Organics.

Christmas Entertaining Ideas

We love mixing fresh (or frozen) fruit with our yogurt/kefir products. The following recipes do just that and we appreciate all the nutritional value and information Redwood Hill Farm has shared right along with them.

Brainy Blueberry Smoothie
Makes one Smoothie (approx. 10 oz.)

Need a little brain boost Don’t get blue; enjoy a healthy helping of blueberries, known for their phytochemical prowess and antioxidants, both thought to improve cognitive function. Combine with walnuts for their essential fatty acids and our easy-to-digest Redwood Hill Farm Plain Goat Milk Kefir or lactose free Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir for a thoughtful drink that will have you pondering (and answering) the meaning of life in no time.

1/2 cup Redwood Hill Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup unsweetened blueberry, pomegranate, or orange juice
1/2 medium fresh or frozen banana
2 TBPS. walnuts (about 6 halves)
1/2 cup ice cubes, adjust to reach desired consistency

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Bigger Boost: Add a teaspoon of lecithin per serving, a natural source of choline required by the body to support nervous system health, brain function, and heart and liver health.

Per serving: 256 cal; 8g protein; 10g total fat (1g sat. fat); 39g carb; 5mg chol; 47mg sod.; 5g fiber; 26g sugar*

Go-Go Greens Smoothie
Makes one Smoothie (approx. 10 oz.)

Has your get up and go, got up and gone? Juice up your day with nourishing greens, bursting with energy to spare. We added a kiss of apple and a handful of strawberries for sweetness and recommend including a frozen banana for an extra creamy texture. Our Redwood Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir pack a punch of protein and are the only kefirs available with Flourish R – a proprietary blend of 10 live active probiotic cultures. Make enough to share as a family and friends will be green with envy of your renewed vim and vigor.

1 cup (about 1 handful) leafy greens (chard, spinach or kale with ribs removed)
1/2 cup Redwood Hill Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (about 5 whole berries)
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice or cider
1/2 medium frozen banana
1/2 cup ice cubes (adjust to reach desired consistency)

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Bigger Boost: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for a boost of fiber, omega 3s, and calcium. Add a scoop of lactose-free whey protein isolate powder for added protein.

Per Serving: 182 cal; 6g protein; 2g total fat (1g sat fat); 36g carb; 5mg chol; 64mg sod; 4g fiber; 1g sugars*

Pumpkin Pie in the Sky Smoothie

Makes one smoothie (approx. 10 oz.)

Our favorite smoothie tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass – without the guilt of buttery pastry and whipped cream. Its cinnamon goodness is just that: a boost that’s anti-inflammatory and getting kudos for lessening the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Our Redwood Hill Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir adds just the right amount of creamy indulgence with the benefit of belly-friendly bacteria for easy digestibility.

1/2 cup Redwood Hill Farm Plain Kefir or Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice or cider
1/4 cup unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1/2 medium fresh or frozen banana or 2 pitted dates
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
2 TBSP. sweetener of choice (we like maple syrup)
1/2 tsp. to 1 tsp. cinnamon (to taste)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (optional)
1/2 cup ice cubes (adjust to reach desired consistency)

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

Top it Off: Add a couple of tablespoons of cinnamon granola (and a bit of candied ginger) to the top, grab a spoon, close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re enjoying Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.

Per Serving: 295g cal; 8g protein; 5g total fat (2g sat. fat); 54g carb; 5mg chol; 124mg sod.; 5g fiber; 32g sugars*

*Nutritionals calculated using Green Valley Organics Plain Kefir

Enjoy and let me know if you try these recipes! For more recipes from Redwood Hill Farm visit http://redwoodhill.com/recipes

Faith and Family Reviews received product coupons in exchange for this feature.