Reviews | Faith and Family Reviews

Archive for Reviews

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.

Share and Enjoy

{6 comments}

Lovable and Cuddly Pajanimals

Posted by 278Wife on December 13, 2012
in Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Reviews, TV Shows

I grew up watching The Muppets, so I was so excited when the show, “Pajanimals,” from the Jim Henson Company and Sprout came on television for my son. The show is on everyday and it is one we record regularly. A few days ago when we received our package of two of the Pajanimals, Squacky and Apollo, my son could not wait to play with them. These very high quality plush characters are very soft and perfect for sleeping and cuddling. The 15″ plush is perfect for a toddler and the 9″ plush is perfect for a baby, 18 months and over. Both are extremely soft, have bright eye-catching colors, and look just like they do on TV. My son’s favorite part is that their tongue is in the shape of a heart.

They are available in two different sizes, the 15″ and the 9″. There are four different characters to choose from. Apollo is a green dog with purple pjs, Cowbella is a white cow with purple pjs, Squacky is a blue and yellow duck with polka dot pjs, and Sweet Pea Sue is an orange pony with pink pjs. Also available in their Pajanimals line is a Snuggle Up Story Mat that shows all of the Pajanimal characters and has a soft book that turns into a pillow.

Overall, these plush characters are absolutely adorable and my son is completely attached them. He will not go to sleep without them! They are lovable and cuddly Pajanimals.

Faith and Family Reviews reviewed the following website in exchange for membership access. While we consider it a privilege to receive compensation for reviews, our thoughts and opinions are our own.

Share and Enjoy

{7 comments}

I Spy with Lola App Review

Posted by Brande on December 12, 2012
in Downloads, Education, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Reviews, Techie Stuff, Technology/Electronics

Meet Lola the Panda Bear. Are you ready for your little ones to go on a searching adventure with her? Great! Don’t tell the the kids but I’m sure they will learn a few things along the way too.

I Spy with Lola App

There are 3 different levels with I Spy with Lola – Easy, Medium, and Hard. BUT, you need to get through the easy level before you can move on.

Lola flies in her airplane to a destination in the world that your child will pick. Watch out because some are locked because they are higher levels. For example, if you child picks Hawaii on the map the app will tell you it’s Hawaii. Once the destination is picked Lola flies in and will tell you to find the sunglasses, boat, dolphin, etc. If you choose the wrong one, it will tell you the object but will not cross it off Lola’s list.

Once you complete the first level, the second level or medium level are about things that begin with …. For example – things that being with “B”. The Hard Level is “a hat that shades your eyes” – along the lines of a riddle.

I Spy with Lola App Review

My 4 year old daughter loves this app. It’s teaching her new objects and helping with “things that begin with the letter …”. She’s working on the “riddle” or hard part with some help.

Download I Spy with Lola from iTunes. It’s available for iPhone and iPad. You can also get a free version to try out before you buy!

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.

Share and Enjoy

{5 comments}

Still Lolo

Posted by html404 on December 8, 2012
in Books, Reviews

Still Lolo by Lauren Scruggs and the Scruggs family is an inspiring true story about the Scruggs experience when Lauren walked into an airplane’s propeller a year ago this past week and lost her left hand and left eye. Think Bethany Hamilton of Soul Surfer.

When I called this book an inspiring true story it wasn’t just because the phrase was typed on the front cover or because others have called it inspiring. I think whenever I read a book detailing someone’s tragic event and comes through it stronger it helps those of us hearing about it be inspired to adapt to life’s changes and to look at life’s challenges differently.

Bethany Hamilton actually wrote the forward of this book and shared Lauren’s definition of every day courage,

Even when life hits you hard, keep going.

I can only imagine how Bethany and Lauren must have felt as they went through the ordeals life threw at them with the propeller and shark attack. I am sure this is something they had to remind themselves over and over again.

Here are some of the notes I took from the book as I was reading it:

Christ as our strength and source of hope…
Bethany also shared how God mended and healed their hearts again and again. How often do we need him to do that for us?
The Physical Therapist story on page xii of Bethany’s intro…the Physical Therapist wanted Lauren to take 20 steps and Lauren took 30. Bethany said this encouraged and inspired her to take “10 extra steps”
80 people filled the waiting room once word got out that Lauren was in the hospital – they were all waiting for the word “stabilized” – I don’t even think I know 80 people who would do that for me or my family.
Isaiah 40:29-31 was shared within the book and I started reading it on a day that I was emotionally, mentally exhausted and it was an encouragement to me.

There were other things that stood out to me too, like the fact that Lauren’s parents got divorced but the end result was a blessing most divorcees do not get to experience.

The Scruggs’ family friend, Cindy, who told Lauren, ” God wants to use you mightily for his purposes, in ways you can’t yet imagine. But before he can do a work through you, he needs to do a work in you.” She seemed to speak life into Lauren. Negativity is a common trait in our society. I wonder what would happen if more of us chose to speak uplifting words instead of words that tear down – how different the world would be?

As you can see by the things I shared from the book, I gleaned a lot from it. I loved how the whole family’s story was interwoven and included. It really gave a clear picture of their family, where Lauren came from, where she was at, how she was before the accident and after. By allowing each family member to tell his or her version of the story gave a clearer picture of their life.

I give Still Lolo two thumbs up as a must-read book. Just beware to shed a few tears in the process. You can read the first chapter here.

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

Share and Enjoy

{No comments}

Maddie and Matt Happy Earth App Review

Posted by Brande on November 29, 2012
in Eco Friendly Products, Education, Family Stuff, Free Stuff, Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Reviews, Techie Stuff

The Maddie and Matt Happy Earth App is a free earth friendly app. It is a wonderful tool for teaching your kids about recycling and helping the Earth.

There are 5 different activities. “Spot the Difference” is 2 pictures side by side and you tap where is the difference is. Is it actually tricky, but fun. Below is my Maddie and Matt Happy Earth App review.

Maddie and Matt Happy Earth App Review

Here is “Create your Own Happy Earth”. Which you drag and drop face parts to make a happy Earth.

Then there is “Segregation Game”. This one you drag and drop the trash into the correct can. If you choose the wrong can, it “throws” the trash back.

With “Choose a Screen” you select a bubble. When the screen changes it take you to Matt and/or Maddie and teaches you about conservation. For example, if you chose “Conservation of Water” – Maddie and Matt would tell you to turn off the faucet when washing dishes.

“Earth Facts” is very cool. By giving you 10 fact. When you select a fact it will show more about that fact.

Did you know the Earth is 4.6 Billion years old? Now, that’s what I call a bonfire! (Editor’s note: The Gould family does not believe the earth is 4.6 billion years old. That is what evolution teaches. We hold to the biblical view of creation which teaches the earth is actually only 7,000-10,000 years old.)

As an adult I really enjoyed learning more about the Earth and Conservation. This type of app I would suggest for kids 6 years or older. My daughter is 4 and doesn’t understand all of this information yet. But, this is a fantastic app for your older kids.

Share and Enjoy

{One comment}

ZonePerfect Perfectly Simple Bars Review

Posted by html404 on November 27, 2012
in All Natural Products, Food and Treats, Health and Nutrition, Reviews

A few weeks ago we received samples of ZonePerfect’s Perfectly Simple bars. Protein bars are one of our weaknesses. We “simply” cannot refuse them! There haven’t been many we haven’t liked, unless it’s been the ingredients. We try to read the labels carefully but sometimes we miss things. For this one it’s the soy protein isolate. We know there’s a lot of controversy surrounding soy products, but we are still learning.

ZonePerfect Perfectly Simple Bars Review

There are three kinds of ZonePerfect Perfectly Simple Bars: Toasted Coconut, Peanut Butter Crunch and Cranberry Almond. All three are free of gluten, preservative and artificial coloring.

We really liked all three bars. They were tasty and we liked them. The only complaint we have is there wasn’t enough of them!

Share and Enjoy

{No comments}

The High Calling Review

Posted by html404 on November 26, 2012
in Articles, Business, Family Stuff, Reviews

I recently had the opportunity to read The High Calling newsletter. It is a weekly newsletter centering around articles about “every day conversations about work, life and God.” Below you will find The High Calling review that I wrote. I chose to review the October 24, 2012 issue.

The High Calling Review

The articles in The High Calling newsletter are short and to the point, almost leaving me with a hunger for just a little bit more. I really liked these articles in particular:

Gratitude as a Business Strategy by Dena Dyer was enlightening and encouraging as I thought about our little business ventures and I especially liked this:

Proverbs seems to agree, according to chapter 16, verse 25 (New Life Version): “The man who gives much will have much, and he who helps others will be helped himself.”

Stop Waiting for God to Tell You What to Do With Your Life by David Rupert was something I could relate to and testify as true because there have been many times my husband and I have just taken what we call a “leap of faith” and God has assuredly met us on the other side.

I believe God joins us only when we take that initial risk. If you have a tiny twinge of passion toward anything, you have to jump right through it on your own. It is there that God will meet you.

The High Calling newsletter covers many topics from work, community and culture to family, faith and attitude. These subjects are covered in the form of articles, videos and audio. I encourage you to check it out and see what nuggets you find to inspire and encourage you.

Faith and Family Reviews reviewed The High Calling in exchange for an Amazon Gift card. While we consider it a privilege to receive compensation for reviews, our thoughts and opinions are our own.

Share and Enjoy

{No comments}

The Christmas Pony

Posted by html404 on November 19, 2012
in Books, Holidays, Reviews

As the title suggests, The Christmas Pony is indeed about a little girl’s hopes, dreams and even prayers of getting a pony for Christmas.

Set in 1937, the middle of the Great Depression, when people were struggling just to put food on their tables, Lucy knew better than to wish for a pony but she had more faith than the grown-ups in her life and she continued to pray for that very thing.

Lucy’s mother ran a boarding house which kept the family afloat during such a stretching time financially. So when a pair of strangers were looking for a place to stay while their car is being repaired Lucy excitedly invites them to stay at her family’s boarding house….after all she had prayed for more boarders. I loved Lucy’s faith, definitely something to learn from.

This book surprised me about half way through and took on a new prayer for Lucy. The shift in the story was a good one.

I appreciated the values taught in this book and the family’s work ethic. I think as we make plans for our farm, this story made me think of how God has provided for us this far and reminded me that if it’s His will, He’ll continue to provide for all our needs.

My daughter also read the book and enjoyed it. She thought it was really sweet. She thought Lucy was a big help to her mother. She didn’t like Veronica (I didn’t either she was a vain creature who only thought of herself) nor Lucy’s belligerent friend, Helen, who wasn’t much of a friend at all.

Overall it gets two thumbs up from us.

“Available Sept 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

Share and Enjoy

{No comments}

Sleep Number Review #sleepnumberm9

Posted by html404 on November 14, 2012
in Bedding, Furniture, Home, Reviews, SALES, Shopping

I had never heard of Sleep Number before until I received an opportunity from Smiley360. We have been slowly trying to replace older mattresses in our house, especially now that the children are getting older too. I was excited to check out Sleep Number beds.

Last night Peanut and I went out to the closest Sleep Number store to check it out.

Sleep Number Review

Our local Sleep Number store had a rather small show room, but very bright, clean and neat. The gentleman working the store was very courteous and helpful. He greeted us and asked how he could help us upon entering. Then after I told him why we were there he gave us a demonstration of the C3 mattress, which was very cool. Peanut and I loved the remote and the fact that two people on the same bed could adjust their mattress to their own comfort level. There was a complimenting video that went with the demonstration, however, his computer was not working. He didn’t want us to hold that against him so we didn’t. Oh and before the demonstration the sales rep even put a sheet of tissue over the pillows our heads would touch while we laid on the mattress.

I’d definitely consider purchasing from Sleep Number under the right circumstances money-wise. If money were no object, then I would have purchased tonight and had items delivered!

The great thing about Sleep Number they have several different series of mattresses to choose from and with those choices are another variety of choices to help individuals get a good night’s sleep. From air to memory foam and elevation their beds are sure to appeal to a broad range of people.

They also carry custom comforters, pillows, bedding and mattress covers.

NEW Sleep Number Mattresses

Sleep Number has two new mattresses M7 and M9. Unfortunately our little store only had the M7. Loved it’s soft texture better than the polyester. Here are a few tidbits about the M9:

• It’s a memory foam mattress

• 13-inch bed offers the highest memory foam profile

• Exclusive SLEEP NUMBER® DualAir technology

• 5-inches of LuxFit™ foam softly cushions pressure points and features a breathable air-flow design

• Temperature balancing sleep surface is designed to absorb excess heat that can disrupt sleep

• Luxuriously soft fabric made from natural fibers

• 2 wireless, digital remotes, plus Full-Fill and Memory features

Sounds comfy, eh? I can attest to the comfort of a memory foam mattress as that is the kind of mattress we have now and we love it!

Semi-Annual Sleep Number SALE!

Save $500, 0% financing for 18 months (restrictions apply). See www.SleepNumber.com for complete details.

I received a gift item in return for this post as a member of the Smiley360 blogger program. All opinions are my own.

Share and Enjoy

{One comment}

Pinypon Party Review!

Posted by Brande on November 14, 2012
in Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Kids Toys, Reviews, Shopping

I was very excited when I received an email saying Faith and Family Reviews was chosen for this Pinypon Party! I love to review new toys and I know my daughter does too! We live in Northwest NJ and lost our power on Monday October 29th due to Hurricane Sandy. I got the congratulations email Nov 1st (thank you iPhone) and this HUGE box came within the next day or two, which was such a treat for my daughter since we didn’t get our power back until November 7th. Needless to say we started our party early, thanks to MommyParties.

Here’s a picture when we opened the box.

So, a few of you are probably asking “What is a Pinypon?”

These little guys are Pinypons. They are all interchangeable.

Mix and match their legs, bodies, hair, and heads. Some even have 2 different faces on each side. Get product for small motor skills for the pre-schoolers.

Here’s the party set up! MommyParties graciously sent two sets of Vans, a few extra dolls and an extra baby doll to giveaway at our party.

Pinypon Party Review

We played find the Pinypon card to win a Pinypon. In addition, there was a drawing out of a hat for the extra Pinypon Van and the Baby. The Mom’s took extra coupons to pass around to other friends. So, everyone went home happy with their new toys. Due to all our outages and impassable roads, some of our party goers were unable to attend. I did have a parent ask that I not post pictures of her children and I am respecting their privacy.

All in all, Pinypon and Nenuco are great toys. Pinypon dolls do come with some very small pieces and parents should watch their children with the dolls and pieces. The recommended age on the box is 4 and my daughter is that age. She did wonderfully with them and loves them.

Here’s a few pictures of her playing with them.