Wild Planet Foods: Albacore Wild Tuna, Chicken and Wild Sardines #Review #Sponsored by #MomsMeet

 

​​I received the above product(s) free of charge from Wild Planet Foods and MomsMeet. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Finding Tuna anymore that is edible and from a company that practices safe standards, well it is not that easy. I find many canned versions pretty much a “surprise-in-a-can” because you can’t see the product, so you have take that leap of faith that it will look good and not just be minced fish that should have been discarded. I have bought many brands that allege to hold high standards, to just be disappointed or worse, the only difference is the label and price tag, but the questionable source remains the same. I just stopped eating tuna! Not the best answer when I crave a salad or tuna sandwich, but it was my way to not even deal with it. I then heard many people stopped too because like with many industries, we found out how things are made. The pink goop that made nuggets, well call tuna the grey-ish soup that looked or tasted nothing like the fish. I don’t want to hide the fish with condiments, so why bother was my attitude.

Then came Wild Planet. Okay, I was skeptical because I saw the glossy pamphlets, the pretty pictures and read the materials. It sounds really good:

The company is all about sustainable resources and practices. The main part was traceable responsibility when it comes to the foods they distribute. Not only does Wild Planet have high standards when it comes to fishing, but also on the product they deliver to your family’s table. So, pretty much I don’t have to dress up my tuna to hide getting a not so good can. Wild Planet is a control freak! I like that because that is how I shop and how I would want someone picking my food for me. They are involved with all the fish they purchase to ensure quality, flavor and that texture remains as premium as it can be. No over handling, no hiding yucky questionable “flakes” of fish meat in a can, and making sure that if your can states Albacore Tuna, you get what is labeled.

 

Wild Planet also offer many varieties that come in canned, jarred or pouch versions.  You also can pick products that are packed in oil to no salt varieties.  Every selection is just the fish and no water added:

• Albacore Wild Tuna
• SkipJack Wild Tuna
• Wild Yellowtail
• Wild Sockeye Salmon
• Wild Pink Salmon
• Wild Sardines
• Wild Mackerel
• Wild White Anchovies
• and Organic Roasted Chicken

 

You can see the only thing that comes from a farm, is the chicken and that is even held to organic standards. The rest is all wild caught with strict guidelines like no long lines, no nets, no FAD (fish aggregating device) and turtle safe. Founded in 2004, Wild Planet respects the consumer by first showing the same regard to the seafood they catch. We hear about cage free eggs and how that misnomer is used, but there is no funny stuff when it comes to Wild Planet. They are open about the practices they keep and it has become the mantra the company proudly lives by. Wild Planet is based in my home state of California and all their products are part of the Non GMO project. Like I mentioned, there is really finally a company you can trust when it comes to seafood (and chicken).

 

 

Taste Matters: 

Okay, I missed the heck out of Tuna! The fish is fresh and the flakes are large in size.  Think of a fish steak that was kindly packaged in a can with little to no over handling.  You see how the natural fish is shaped and the “breaking of the flake”, that fish meat is up to you.  You want larger pieces for salad, you got that! Want to fork it and make smaller pieces for a sandwich or to enjoy with crackers, again you are in control of that.  I should have tried Wild Planet longtime ago but I did not want to take that leap……take the jump with both feet in and pick up a can, pouch and/or jar.  This is a can packed with fish and not water, oil, fillers or anything.  Just purely good seafood!

 

You can Connect with Wild Planet Foods at:

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• LinkedIn
• Coupon

#WildPlanetFoods #MomsMeet

 

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SunRype: The NEW Fruit & Chia Bars and just released Energy Bars #Review

SunRype, makes bars for consumers that want other options than the soy loaded and artificial sweetener filled bars, you see in so many products of this kind today. I want real food and this goes for when I need a pick-me up snack to even a replacement meal. My Husband has soy sensitivity and I want a bar we can both share and eat. We usually even split an energy bar when we are running errands and the last thing I want to do, is say you can’t have this one. The bars are gluten free and even though we do not have a sensitivity or allergy to gluten, we like to not always eat the same ingredients with every meal. When SunRype approached me about reviewing their 4 most recent bars, I looked into the company and liked how they stated things like “100% Fruit Snacks”, “Simple Ingredients”, to words in the ingredients list that you can pronounce…….so a bar I can actually trust!

I was sent the following varieties from two of SunRype’s newest collections:

Fruit & Chia in Mango Twist
Fruit & Chia in Apple Cinnamon
Energy in Chocolate Coconut
Energy in Raspberry Chocolate

Verdict:

Taste matters because I love fruits and vegetables, and never understood why others did not until I tasted some bars on the market. Any real fruit was annihilated and I probably would feel the same if my introduction to certain fruit bars began that way. SunRype, respects the fruit! The Fruit and Chia bars are like the breakfast scatters I already eat. Every Sunday, I fill a mason jar with dried fruits, seeds and nuts to eat throughout the week. It’s mixed with several flax seeds from ground to whole, dried fruits from coconut to acai berries to other ingredients like cocoa nibs and even mini dark chocolate chips because everything in moderation does not hurt, plus actually makes eating your meal an enjoyment. Ironically, I skip what I call the common filler nuts like peanuts and it’s nothing against the nut but I prefer almonds, pistachios, to walnuts and if I crave peanuts, I’ll just eat peanuts. When I read the packages on the SunRype Fruit & Chia bars, they make what I eat. Versus it being a scatter that I usually eat with yogurt or Kefir, they put it in a package I can travel with. Great for mornings I am in a hurry or dinner will be at a later time that busy day. The bars start with 100% fruit pieces and use sweeteners from the fruit itself to molasses and even brown rice syrup. You know…..real foods! It’s a whole grain bar and they use gluten free oats and brown rice flour. Each of the Fruit & Chia bars contain 800 mg of ALA Omega-3 Fatty Acids and both the Mango Twist and Apple Cinnamon bar is just 200 calories per bar. Sodium is just 50 mg and you get a nice 4 grams of protein. I avoid cinnamon anything. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the spice but most times anything with it is loaded and overpowering. Not with SunRype! The spice is a compliment and the bar resembles an apple bread I bake from scratch. The Mango is a nice break from the common flavors and has a tropical puree taste from the dried mango but because the bar contains coconut, it has a beautiful balance.

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Now, the SunRype Energy bars come with 7 grams of protein that is plant derived. SunRype, also does not hide behind proprietary blends, they list what their energy blend comes from. The main component is pea (protein), green tea extract and ginseng powder for an energy boost. I find my body not only gets a natural boost from these ingredients but I metabolize them better, so no crashing like you would have with some energy drinks. The Chocolate Coconut is 210 calories and the Raspberry Chocolate variety is just 10 calories less. Not bars that you have to punish yourself later by cutting calories from your meals. They are decent in size and more than fulfill their need by stopping hunger to even keeping you going. The Chocolate Coconut was my favorite of all 4 bars. I love coconut and SunRype did not skip on the ingredient. I not only satisfied myself with a snack but also a craving. The Raspberry Chocolate still had the tartness from the berry! Love that because it’s the whole point I go after such berries, I want what they bring from the tart to sweetness that is unique in flavor to that variety.

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All in all, this bars were a hit. They remind me of my morning scatters I enjoy, mixed with fruit leather bars I purchase at the local Framer’s Market…..SunRype just got the wonderful idea of making them both meet to make a bar that is not only nutritious, but a pleasure to have. They have a store locator for their products to even available on Amazon, so no reason to not give there treats…..I mean bars a try. 🙂

 

Connect with SunRype at:

• Online
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• #SunRype #SunRypeBars #SunRypeEnergyBars #SunRypeFruitChiaBars

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from SunRype. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Fé Fit: Fé Fuel Gluten Free Protein and Energy Bars #Review #FeFit

When I read Gluten free on a package, I really first think does that mean flavor free too ? So many products advertise a healthier option, however your diet is more based on avoiding to eat it, versus what the product delivers.  Not the smartest way to diet and going hungry because a product tastes so bad is also wasted money.

When I was approached to review the Fé Fuel bars, I liked the flavors and ingredients but I was a little fearful of what would come.  Is it going to be a dry hockey puck like many of these date based bars of today, or is it going to be a mushy mess.  I like dates.  Many products that are gluten free use it as a base for texture, moisture content and fiber intake……many failed at making good flavorful products that I started to question my liking of dates.  I can’t understand how a moist date can become so dry that it sucks any moisture out of your mouth.  Gluten free products should not dehydrate you!

The good news, you know how so many products advertise the “Best of”, well Fé Fit did not lie!  Their Fé Fuel bars are not only great for being Gluten free but I would eat them just because they taste good and have a good amount of nutrition to combat hunger, plus keep you going.

You start with three flavors to choose from and I opted in ordering the multi-pack to keep things interesting (dislike eating the same everyday) and also so I could taste all three bars.  The flavors are not only good tasting but not the typical Peanut Butter this and Chocolate chip that.

• Coconut Pecan
• Cacao Nib Almond
• Apricot Cashew

All bars deliver only 140 calories and the first ingredient is Isolate Whey protein, with 10 grams of protein.  Then comes raw pecans and organic dates.  The aforementioned is the base product and it then expands to the flavors of the bars.  Everything is kept in it’s raw state, making this a Paleo diet friendly bar or for people like me that seek no processing.  Sweeteners range from Organic Coconut Palm sugar, Organic Coconut Nectar, to Organic Coconut Sugar and Raw Honey.  Simple list and the shortest I have seen on an energy/protein bar.  You will recognize everything on Fé Fuel’s ingredient list and it’s always a plus knowing what you are eating.

Out of the bars I have eaten in any class, and by this I mean gluten filled or not, to different proteins from pea to whey, the Fé Fuel bar kept me the fullest.  It’s hard to comprehend because it’s small in size but it makes an impact.  I felt full and not bloated, just energy that kept me going and a sense of satisfaction.  I was happy because I was not hungry but had energy.  I kept thinking if the bar had enough because it’s 1/2 the size than a typical bar but it kept me feeling better in all areas.  I digested easier and some bars tend to make me feel bloated as I consume water, sort f like they poof inside me as I hydrate.  Not these bars!  Pure energy is all I got with zero unpleasant side effects.  I ate them crushed in yogurt to just grabbing one and going.  The texture is pleasant when eating and each bar tastes like the combination listed in the package.  If I was craving chocolate, the Cacao Nib literally nipped that craving because it had sufficient chocolate to satisfy my indulgence.

Retail Price Point: $29.99 for a box of 12 bars.  24 bars is prices at $59.98 and 36 bars at $89.97 via the website.  You can save 20% if you subscribe for monthly delivery.  I also found that via Amazon, you can order 12 bars for $19.99!

No matter the diet you follow, these bars have a place in your tummy!  I found the Fé Fuel bars are what I have been looking for because in the end I don’t want hunger to stop me or worse, cause me a headache and I could keep going.  The bars are satisfying and great tasting like they should be. Fé Fit, also has an entire site dedicated to healthier living from fitness and diet plans that break down in 90-Day combo kits.  The Fé Fit company goes beyond just providing nutrition but also a way to change your body into a healthier you that I always find is a bonus and also to look better.  With Summer upon us, you can start eating cleaner and feeling better.

 

Connect with Fé Fit at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• #FeFit

I received the above product(s) free of charge from FeFit.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

The 14 Day Skinny Teatox System Review #SkinnyTeaTox

I love tea as it is, so doing this review came easy for me. Two weeks to a skinnier me and also a detox, I’m game!

The 14-Day system is very easy to adhere to. You make a cup in the morning from the loose tea and the Skinny TeaTox team included a strawberry shaped tea infuser to use. It is made of silicone and it’s the first of this type I have used, as all mine are metal base. The infuser was so easy to clean and dry that I became a huge fan of silicone infusers and can’t wait to get my hands on that adorable Manatea (get it!) one!

 

The A.M. tea steeps for about 4 minutes and I found it a little on the weak side in taste, so I let it steep longer. On warmer days, it was about 20 minutes and I would then walk by and toss 2 ice cubes in for a cold refreshment. Easy to make and the A.M. tea has very light notes that I would describe more towards an herbal like flavor versus the stronger notes you get from black and green teas. I started my morning hydrated and the effect I felt was mostly in energy. It was a welcoming effect because it did not just hit me, but it was the type of energy you don’t notice but I did notice I kept going. It gave me that extra edge and no jitters or negative effects like with energy drinks. I mostly had the tea with zero types of sweeteners but I did have a couple cups with a smidge of honey but to give you an idea of how light the tea tasted, I felt even a 1/4 teaspoon of honey made the tea taste like honey water versus tea, so I skipped on doing this.

Retail Price Point: 14-Day system is currently on sale for $32.00 on the site, from $42.00.  The tea infusers are separate and each sells for $11.00.

The evening tea comes in bags and is a much stronger tasting tea. Senna leaf is what I mostly picked up and it is known to be used as a laxative. Now, the tea did zero for me when it came to whatever it was suppose to do. I never feel hungry in the evening, so it maybe helps someone if they have issues with that. I had the tea hot and you drink the P.M. version every other day, not once a day like the A.M. one. Senna leaf is known to be used for constipation, to help move digestion and so forth. I would get a lot of stomach noises and sometimes the activity was loud when it came to noise but never did I feel like I had to rush to the bathroom or an unpleasant…..well, gurgle.  I expected to use the restroom more, but just got a lot of noises and squeals like you would experience with hunger and it got a little annoying.  Anyone around me would ask me if I was hungry or if I was okay.  That is how loud the noises were.

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Verdict:

All in all the system is super easy to follow and remember. One evening my Husband reminded me of my P.M. tea and I had to let him know it’s every other day and why….so he quickly kept tabs in case I would forget. He is always kind enough to offer to make me a hot cup of tea every night, so this why he kept tabs and would know what tea to offer me. The system’s main goal is detoxification that causes weight loss, via good energy and just helping the system to move along at doing what is suppose to do. See it as a cheerleader! I did however not lose a pound. I watch what I eat as it is but I only experienced an interruption in how I regularly use the restroom. When I took the evening version of the Skinny TeaTox, the following day I would not go like I go on my regular schedule (once after breakfast and once after dinner).  I had no need to go in the morning, so I felt uncomfortable and bloated (now, the noises make sense). I would then go two to three times that evening. It disrupted my healthy going pattern and a detox (if needed and remember healthy organs already do this for us) was not what I felt and saw. My skin does not look good. I thought maybe the purge is happening to my skin and it will look bad and then better. Thinking it’s part of the detox phase. Nope! My face recovered when the program ended and it took me about a week after to start seeing the effects and I had to push more water than before I started the program. In conclusion, my normal regimen of teas and water, plus a healthy diet is what keeps me losing weight and feeling better. My body says so by responding as it should and keeping even a healthier bathroom schedule. I think where you are when it comes to dieting, is how well any program, including the Skinny TeaTox will respond with you. If you eat bad then you may have things you wish to purge from your system but in the end, purging yourself of eating badly on a regular basis is what will make the real change. I maybe see Skinny TeaTox as a jump start program.  The program also details a healthy eating system and what foods you should eat and what to avoid.  This is where I praise the system highly because if you are lost or need a re-freshening course, the Skinny TeaTox provides information in a pamphlet they included and also on their site.  I can also see using the A.M. tea combined with any morning tea, as a natural energy booster shot!

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Connect with Skinny TeaTox at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• #SkinnyTeaTox

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Skinny TeaTox.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Siggi’s: Icelandic Style Skyr Strained Non-Fat Yogurt Tubes in Blueberry #Review

 

I’ve been fortunate enough to get to try a whole host of yogurts, Greek style, European style, Australian style…the list goes on and on. Some have been great. Some, not so much. A few are now in my regular rotation. Siggi’s falls into that last category. You might not have heard of Siggi’s, but you really should make a point of finding yourself some.

Siggi’s is truly a different kind of yogurt. In fact, it called Icelandic Skyr, a protein-dense low sugar form of yogurt. Truthfully, they

My local Target carries the Siggi’s Yogurt Tubes in Blueberry & Strawberry

had me at “low sugar”. In the U.S.A., almost everything you can buy in the markets is salty or sweet. Overly so at that. Don’t believe me? Take a look at almost everything in the middle of the market. Sometimes I think the FDA has revamped the 4 major food groups as salt, sugar, corn and soy. So when Siggi’s skyr says it’s not too sweet, I jumped in with both feet. It’s got all the probiotics and active cultures of the best Greek-style yogurts, but the yogurt here is the star, not some syrup on the bottom or some packets of stuff in a sidecar either.

Here’s another bone to pick: the tubed yogurt marketed mostly to kids is loaded with sugar. It’s practically syrup itself . Yuck.

But not Siggi’s. The yogurt you get in the cups is almost identical to the yogurt in the tube! Nice. And while it’s not as thick as the cups, I’d assume to promote viscosity and ease of eating, it’s not some runny mess either. Finally, something you and the kids can share, and not have them hopped up on a sugar rush later! I’m in love with a tubed yogurt? I am, and I have no shame admitting it. It’s so good hubby made a tube or two a part of his morning breakfast routine.

I have tried only the blueberry tubes from Siggi’s so far, but I’m a big enough fan that I have plans to immediately go and get the other flavor as well.  You can also freeze them and have a healthy frozen yogurt treat!

This is a product unlike any on the market today in the U.S., and if you’re like me a day you’re fed up with all the sugar in everything, get some Siggi’s today. You’ll wonder how you ever ate yogurt any other way before.

 

Connect with Siggi’s:

 

• Online
• On Facebook
• On Pinterest
• On Twitter

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Siggi’s.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Oloves Olives: Veggie & Bean Delight Quinoa Salad #Recipe

 

 

• Veggie & Bean Delight Quinoa Salad

You have a great salad that is packed with protein and fiber that is perfect for a “Meatless Monday”. You can also make this in the evening and it holds well for up to 3 days in the fridge. No dressing needed and you can eat it over a bed of lettuce, fill two tomato halves, or stuff an avocado. I opted for a little bed of lettuce to go with my avocado and it made two beautiful and very filling cups.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 /2 cup of Tri-Color Qunioa (cooked, drained and cooled)
• 1/2 cup of White Kidney Beans
• 1/2 cup of Garbanzo Beans
• 1/4 cup of raw Carrots (diced)
• 1/4 cup of raw Celery (chopped)
• 1/4 cup of raw Zucchini (diced)
• 1/8 of a cup of raw Red Onion (diced)
• 1 pack of Oloves in Lemon & Rosemary
• 1 pack of Oloves in Basil and Garlic
• Optional- Feta crumbled Cheese (add this before serving as a topper)

 

I sorted on white beans because I wanted a lighter texture.

1/2 cup of Quinoa (measured before cooking)

Begin by cooking your Tri-color Qunioa, draining and allowing it to cool.  I always cook mine with a touch of smoked salt and this is why I did not any more to the salad.  The flavor comes all from Oloves olives!

I used Baby Carrots and just chopped them

Celery

Bite size when it comes to dicing all the veggies

Then chop up all your veggies and add to a large bowl that is big enough to mix and toss.

Drain and rinse both cans of beans and take 1/2 cup out from each type of bean.

Add to veggies and toss.  Then open an avocado in half, so you are left with two equal sized halves.  I always brush mine with a little lemon or lime juice to preventing browning and add a little flavor.

Then simply open 1 bag each of the Oloves pouches in Lemon & Rosemary and the Basil and Garlic varieties.  Add to salad and toss to combine.  Taste and if you want to add a little salt or freshly cracked pepper…….go right ahead but I found the flavors were perfectly balanced by just using what Oloves provided.

Then simply lay out some lettuce (even Kale) so the avocados don’t feel lonely, top with the salad and you can add some Feta cheese if you desire.  You can store the remainder in a glass container for up to 3 days.  I never store with the cheese because for no reason it sounds “icky” to me, so I top just before serving.  Enjoy!

With Feta crumbled Cheese

You can also have it with no cheese

I find a nice medley of lettuces helps bring more fun to the party!

 

 

Get your Oloves and you can make the above recipe and more at:

• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/OlovesOfficial
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/OLOVES_
• On-line– http://www.oloves.com/
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/Oloves001/
• Google+– https://plus.google.com/112403076622386645916/posts
• YouTube– http://www.youtube.com/user/OlovesOfficial
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/oloves_olives

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Oloves.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

Oloves Olives: Perfect Olives in every pack #Review

I really enjoyed the Oloves pack I received with a subscription box and served as my introduction to the brand. You have perfectly shaped green olives that are infused with flavors, not even a pit to get in the way of your munching. Perfect brine paired with a nice “meaty” olive, both the quality of the olives and the ingredients make for one spectacular combination. The company was kind enough to share their selections with me and every Oloves pouch leaves you with a very happy and satisfied taste!

You have several flavor variations to choose from, so the Oloves party never gets dull:

• Basil & Garlic
• Chili & Oregano
• Lemon & Rosemary
• Chili & Garlic

All products are made with simple ingredients that are Vegan, Kosher, Gluten Free, and all natural. Low in saturated fats and each pouch is a friendly 50 calories.

Basil & Garlic:

These are natural green pitted olives and they have a touch of salt, sunflower oil, basil, garlic, vinegar, and acidifiers listed as lactic and citric acid. The pouch weighs 1.1. ounces and safely keeps the green olives intact. No broken or smashed ones and I added them to a salad, which made my dinner look like a beauty and my taste buds were 100% satisfied when it came to the flavor and texture. You get a nice brine that is not over loaded with acids or too high in flavor when it comes to the marinade. Oloves found the perfect balance where the other flavors compliment versus taking away from the olive.

 

 

Chili & Oregano:

An olive with a little attitude! I love this one and the pouch made a delicious muffuleta spread that went wonderfully paired with a Rosemary Ham sandwich. The chili adds a little heat and zest but because the olives are plump and “meaty”, this olive can handle the heat! I will be making a brushetta next time and topping each bread slice with half of an olive in this variation. It changes up the flavors and the Oregano compliments the topping nicely.

 

Chili & Garlic:

I love garlic but I shy away from it when it comes to packed goods and mostly because manufactures do not respect the clove. You want garlic in it’s full real flavor, not some powdered stuff that looks and tastes like saw dust. Oloves not only got the harissa spice right but the real garlic notes are so there. This is a black olive that slaps back when it comes to heat and flavor but I polished 2 baggies off because I was going to win this battle!

 

Lemon & Rosemary:

I never knew lemon went so well with that nice acid and brine flavors you get with olives. It just awakens your taste buds with the freshness and the rosemary even made me add a pack (chopped up) into the daily bread I bake. It went so well with the rustic loaf that I will be repeating that concoction again. I also made a salad that has zero dressing because like I mentioned, these are not boring olives. They are the spice of the party!  I will be posting the recipe next!

 

Get your Oloves kick at:

• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/OlovesOfficial
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/OLOVES_
• On-line– http://www.oloves.com/
• Pinterest– 
• Google+– https://plus.google.com/112403076622386645916/posts
• YouTube– http://www.youtube.com/user/OlovesOfficial
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/oloves_olives

 

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Oloves.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

 

 

Siggi’s: filmjölk Swedish-style drinkable yogurt Blueberry Quick Bread #Recipe

 

This is a bread that uses very little sugar and delivers a wonderful texture derived from the combination of flours and the moisture from Siggi’s Filmjolk yogurt. At 0% fat with Siggi’s drinkable yogurt and the little amount of sweetener used, this is a great bread you can enjoy with less guilt!  I am able to enjoy it as a breakfast bread or even a dessert bread. Goes great with seasonal fruit and you can adjust this recipe easily by using any of Siggi’s yogurts. Very versatile and best of all…..very tasty!

Let’s get started……

Ingredients:

1 cup of Whole White Wheat Flour
1 1/2 cups of All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup of Almond Flour/Meal
1 teaspoon of Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon of Baking Soda
1 1/2 cups of Siggi’s Blueberry Filmjolk or any flavor you desire

You have your choice when it comes to sweeteners in this recipe and the goal is just to use 1/2 cup to get there and I used:

1/4 cup of Dark Molasses
1/4 cup of Maple Syrup & Orange Blossom Honey

1/4 Unsweetened Dried Blueberries and make sure to plump them before adding by using hot water and waiting 20 minutes for them to re-hydrate. You can get creative and warm a fruit drink (i.e. blueberry juice) to hydrate them and I have used the microwave method where I add the blueberries to a bowl, add water and then microwave to warm.

1/2 cup of fresh Blueberries

Optional- Sprinkling the top with Turbinado Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

1/4 cup of Unsweetened Dried Blueberries

Soak in warm water to add moisture and “plump up” the fruit

Start by re-hydrating your dried fruit and I went with blueberries but you can use whatever fruit or combination of fruits you desire.

Grab a bowl and mix your flour with a whisk.

Add 1 teaspoon of Salt and teaspoon of Baking Soda

Whisk to combine

Then add the Salt and Baking Soda, and whisk again.

Siggi’s Blueberry but you can use any flavor you desire

You need 1 1/2 cups of the Yogurt drink

Measure out your Siggi’s Filmjolk and set aside.

You need 1/2 cup of sweeteners (liquid form) that can be derived from several sources.

I went with a combination of 1/4 cup of Dark Molasses and then added the rest from Maple Syrup and Honey to reach the 1/2 cup quantity

Make 1/2 cup of any sweetener mix you desire.

Rinse out the water from your blueberries

Then add the fruit to your dry mix and incorporate

Add the re-hydrated fruit to your dry mix and fold until well mixed.

Add the Siggi’s Yogurt

Also the 1/2 cup of sweeteners to your mix

Then take the wet ingredients (Siggi’s Filmjolk and the liquid sweeteners) and add them to your dry ingredients.

 

Fold all ingredients making sure everything is well incorporated and mixed.  You want to make sure there is no dry mix lurking and everything is mixed nicely and wet.

Grab a loaf pan, spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Add the mixed batter to your pan and spread evenly.

Take the 1/2 cup of fresh berries and start studding the top of the bread.

I went with rows

Not perfect

Just making sure everyone gets at least 3 with every slice

Then, you can sprinkle with sugar to create a nice flaky crust (crisp top) and also sweeten the fresh fruit.  I went with Turbinado sugar because I love the texture and how it makes a loaf just glisten!

The sugar and especially Turbinado really makes a great crust.

The larger crystals also create a crunch and helps sweeten the fruit just a touch

Bake the bread at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.  My Blueberry loaf took 47 minutes and I did not need to cover the pan with foil at anytime but if yours starts to over brown, so ahead and cover loosely (tent) with foil.

 

Give it 15 to 20 minutes to set before flipping the loaf out

I use a toothpick or cake tester to loosen any caught edges before flipping

The loaf is cooled for 20 minutes and I use a cake tester to loosen any stuck edges before flipping and allowing it to fully cool.

I start slicing always after 1 hour or more of cooling to allow everything to rest and not lose any moisture.

 

I served mine with more fresh Blueberries and a nice smothering of whipped topping.  The whipped topping was a cinch to make, just softened cream cheese, a little powdered sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream.  You just then let the mixer do the work until it’s nice and fluffy.  You want an airy topping, not very stiff peaks……just a cloud for the berries to float on when served.  Enjoy!

I highly suggest using Siggi’s Filmjolk yogurt and you can get your Siggi’s fix at:

• Online- http://siggisdairy.com/v2/products/detail/filmjolk/blueberry/19/#sthash.ZEyLtwuH.dpbs
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/siggisdairy
• Pinterest– http://pinterest.com/siggisdairy
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/siggisdairy

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Siggi’s.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

Siggi’s Icelandic-style Yogurt: Blueberry filmjölk Swedish-style drinkable yogurt #Review

In my continuous effort to try every yogurt out there, I found Siggi. What is a Siggi’s yogurt? Well, I first was drawn in by their very clean and low-key look. Then I saw their motto of, ” simple ingredients and not a lot of sugar”, on the packaging. That is how I eat, cook, well practically live. Yes, I bake and often but I don’t enjoy very sugary or very salty foods. I like to taste the flavors nature provides in their simplicity. As I always do, I went over to Sprout’s market and got lost in the yogurt aisle. I even blocked some people while I reached as far as I could to get the blueberry bottle of Siggi’s Filmjolk. I was fortunate to have the company send me coupons because I wanted to feature them on my site after my husband and I shared just one cup of Siggi’s Blueberry yogurt. Yes, one cup is all it took for me to get on the “Siggi’s……oh, dear goodness I love you”, wagon! It’s not greek and it’s a texture and recipe that’s all it’s own. It’s rich but not super milky in taste, just creamy and whatever the flavor on the package shows, that is all you get with a touch of sweetness. That is all! Simple, good and now we always with a high tone say, “Seeeee-ggy”, when we reach for it. I do wonder what people think of us! 🙂

I did not get a coupon for the Filmjolk but you know when you have tried something from a company and it surpassed all your expectations? Well, Siggi’s did this so I just took the plunge and grabbed the last bottle of Filmjolk Sprout’s had in stock.  I get home and I can’t wait for breakfast and sort of regret I had dinner already because a “dinfast” or “Breakinner” would have been perfect but off I go to get my beauty sleep.

The next morning, I wake-up tired and you know it went away once I knew my curiosity of what Siggi’s drinkable yogurt version was going to be like. Being that blueberries are at a reasonable price, plus I had just shopped for fruit, and I had granola in hand…….well, it was the breakfast of champions I created. Siggi makes a yogurt that leaves a zero film in your mouth or throat, but remains creamy in texture when eaten. I love it and not only did I fall in love when I took the “sniff” test, I knew right there and then to pour it over my banana, peach, blueberries, and granola breakfast……more what my husband calls my morning “scatter”.  The yogurt is not bitter or sour, just think of being left with a clean palette and whatever fruit you picked as the after-taste.  Refreshing and also fills you.

Ingredients as listed from the site:

• Blueberries
• Cane Sugar
• Fruit Pectin
• Live Active Cultures
• Pasteurized Skim Milk

That is all!

Great health benefits too like:

Live Cultures

Bifidobacterium sp., L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. lactis subsp. cremoris, L. lactis subsp. lactis, L. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis, L. rhamnosus, Leuconostoc subsp. cremoris, S. thermophilus

Probiotic Cultures Per Serving

L. casei + B. lactis 1billion

Just 120 calories for a very generous and healthy serving of 8 ounces.  You can drink, eat, use it as you would kefir to even baking with it and that is exactly what I did and of course it has a blueberry theme too.  I will be posting my Siggi’s Blueberry Bread recipe soon so stay tuned but while you wait, have a Siggi anything and I mean it……you will forget the Greeks and become an Icelandic yogurt fan too!

Sneak Peak of recipe coming

Siggi’s Blueberry Bread

Connect with Siggi’s:

• Online- http://siggisdairy.com/v2/products/detail/filmjolk/blueberry/19/#sthash.ZEyLtwuH.dpbs
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/siggisdairy
• Pinterest– http://pinterest.com/siggisdairy
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/siggisdairy

My local Target carries the Siggi’s Yogurt Tubes in Blueberry & Strawberry

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Siggi’s.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

 

 

Klout Perk: People V.I.P. Perk with 3 month Magazine Subscription and World’s Most Beautiful gift box #PEOPLEVIP

Another great Klout perk! Who doesn’t love getting boxes filled with goodies? Certainly not this gal! This one had a nice mix of items from jewelry to nail polish, and all courtesy of People’s Magazine. Definitely a great way in getting that V.I.P. feeling across! They call the items below Editor’s Pick and that means People’s Magazine did the hard work of testing things out to knowing what is currently H-O-T at the moment!

 

Let’s get started on the goodies…….

 

1. Hungry Girl: Chew the Right Thing

A cute but also informational diet book that helps in making better choices when it comes to eating. Perfect timing with Summer creeping closer and that means swimsuit weather too. You don’t want to eat yourself out of a bikini and this little set gives you 50 recipe cards filled with less guilty versions of the food you enjoy munching on. The low caloric versions range from everything like sweet treats, drinks, to full meals. Easy to follow and playful at the same time!

 

2. Zoya Nail Polish in color Rue
I have tried most brands out there of nail polishes and I once owned a Zoya in a red hue, however it was a bright red and so not me that I gave it away. Wanting to gift it to someone meant not trying it and I always pondered about the brand, many a times walking around Ulta with a bottle but never making the commitment to actually buy it and taking it home. I love neutral shades and I am guilty of purchasing the same color but from different brands. I don’t mean to but there are those tones that just make you smile and this Rue color is it for me. I love how it is a shade that goes with any season and any mood. It’s pretty, noticeable but does not scream out, “look at my nails”…..it sort of just goes with the flow kind of color. I also became a fan of Zoya’s formula because it makes me look like an expert when applying even when I try convincing my left paw to stop shaking.  I was able to do a polka dot accent nail because it was one of my better less shaking going on nail polishing days!

Zoya Rue

Zoya Nail Polish in Rue

 

 

3. Professional Hair Detangler
A comb-slash-brush but without a stick. You would think it’s like a broken brush and what’ the fuss? It comes down to control and less stress to your hair. The wand on a brush tends to make you put out more “umph” and this is why so many times we accidentally pull on (or out) our own hair even when it’s ourselves doing the brushing. I’m not into pain and much less tangles, so this little palm miracle makes we have less ouch and I can use it with wet or dry hair. I also like that there is no stick to deal with, so it travels well too.

4. Delicate Spring Bracelet
A gold accented bracelet that is light on the wrist and can easily be combined with other items to get that “stackable” look we are seeing with everything. We layered clothes for a while, so it seems we are now doing it with our accessories too. I liked the gold shimmer part but the plastic blue wires were just not me. I will not be tossing this piece away but with a little D.I.Y, I will be making this into something that is more “me” and that is the whole point when it comes to looks, you go with what you like!

5. Chevron Beauty Set
Three different sized bags that feature a nice green colored chevron pattern. I have make-up bags that I store inside other make-up bags because every bag has been used, needed, and even borrowed at one point. Easy closure and I love that these are also wipe-able inside. I’m not a make-up spill”er” but my purses are spotless because these baggies have saved me one time or another. Purses get dropped, stepped on to I have caught my husband using mine as an arm rest. I now still yell but with less spazing if anything was crushed and made a mess. I also use the larger one for half frozen water bottles that are cold and sweat….sort of like when you go to see a movie and don’t want to pay $6 for 8 ounces of H2o. Not that I’m giving you ideas or anything 🙂

6. People Magazine Subscription
I am reader of all magazines and this usually comes about that I run out of things to read and I’ll read anything for entertainment. I’m not a huge celebrity follower but enjoy entertainment news, like what is coming out soon to what got axed that I just started watching. People’s has it all, to shopping tips and even make-up advice. I will be enjoying my 3 months of entertainment along with my goodies!

I have said it before and if this box does not convince you, I have no idea what will.  Join Klout!  It’s a great way to experience what you already like and also a bit of the new so you can change up now and then.  I was unsure I would enjoy People’s Magazine and wrote it off in the past but I just learned a new thing, I actually found articles I enjoyed to even coupons!

Connections:

• Connect with Klout on-line- http://klout.com/#/create
• See what is new with People’s Magazine at- http://www.people.com/people/
• People’s Magazine via Twitter– https://twitter.com/peoplemag
• People’s Magazine via Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/peoplemag
• #PeopleVIP

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Klout and People’s Magazine.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.