Toastees From Almondina Review and Giveaway! Ends 6/27/2017

My family is snack crazy.  We are always searching for the perfect snack! Happy Husband is an after-work, TV time snacker.  Me? Early morning / late evening whilst enjoying coffee or hot cocoa.

Sweet, gooey cookies and cakes don't appeal to me, oddly enough.  I prefer lightly sweet, crunchy snacks.

I was simply delighted to discover Toastees from Almondina!  These wonderful, crunchy almond cookies are fabulous! Thinly sliced and filled with almonds and assorted flavours -- they are a tasty, low-calorie, low-fat, healthy treat! 

Toastees come in assorted flavours: Cranberry Almond, Coconut Orange Almond, Lemon Poppy Almond, Sesame Almond.  The Coconut Orange Almond is my favourite. My Mother just loves the Cranberry Almond!

FROM THE WEBSITE:

Grandmother’s Secret

Grandmother’s secret recipe is a no added fat,

no-cholesterol cookie for our time.

Almondina® is the inspiring success story of a man whose great loves include both music and wonderful food. For generations his family loved his grandmother Dina’s most secret cookie, which she called Petit Gateau Sec. Yuval Zaliouk, an internationally known symphony conductor and gourmet chef, always had a special place in his heart (and stomach) for this exquisite, crispy wafer with the delicate flavor of roasted almonds and the natural sweetness of plump raisins.

“Generous as she was in giving away her recipes, Grandmother Dina kept the one for Petit Gateau Sec a total secret until the end of her life. Only then did she finally reveal the secret to her daughter, Ahuda, my mother.”

“It is with her blessing and with pride that the Zaliouk family shares these delicious, healthful wonders with your family.”

Long after his grandmother’s death, Zaliouk became aware that the remarkable characteristics of this addictively delicious but extremely nutritious cookie fell squarely in line with the growing demands of health-conscious buyers at the end of the century. Within seven years having started baking in his kitchen, the cookies, renamed Almondina® for his grandmother, were available in all fifty states, sought after in seven foreign countries, and had brought him recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year.

This all-natural, crispy almond cookie has no cholesterol and no added fat, salt, or preservatives. It is wonderfully crunchy and does not have to be (paired with something else to be enjoyed). However, it is a delightful accompaniment for coffee, tea, soft cheeses and fine light wines. The rush to eliminate fat from gourmet foods too often has also eliminated most of the flavor, a fact which is in sharp contrast to this enticingly delicious cookie.

Since the introduction of the classic Original flavor, more distinctive variations have been introduced, all of which continue to be packed with roasted almonds.

Almondina makes all of their products with love and care. That's why they taste so good!

Don't just take my word for it, just look at the joy on my Mom's face!

Sheer Bliss!

Each 5.25 oz bag retails for approx. $3.99.  You can find them at a store near you!

Almondina Toastees are also available at 

Almondina.com and Amazon.com!

The generous folks at Almondina are giving one of my readers the chance to win a sample package just like the one I received:

A Toastees Variety Pack! Two bags each of Cranberry Almond, Coconut Orange Almond, and one bag each of Sesame Almond and Lemon Poppy Almond!

 (Retail Value: Approx. $40.00)

Just follow the entry instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

OPEN TO CONTINENTAL 48 STATES ONLY, PLEASE, 18+, No PO Boxes. Phone number required for shipping purposes only.

Disclosure: I received a Variety Pack of Almondina Toastees for the purpose of this review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

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A Wild Soap Bar Review and Giveaway! Ends TONIGHT!

If you're like me, you are NOT into chemically-manufactured soaps. Unpronounceable ingredients, warning labels, and astringents that leave your skin feeling stripped of moisture.

No, that's definitely not for me.

I want natural soap. I want a soap that a human has created from natural, organic ingredients.  That's why I have been a fan of  A Wild Soap Bar since I discovered them back in 2011.

The creators at A Wild Soap Bar are dedicated to making soaps that not only clean, but soothe and calm the skin. These are natural soaps.  The owners have studied natural ingredients and crafted soaps for over 20 years. You may rest assured that you are not buying those fake soaps that contains synthetic materials, harsh detergents, or petrol-based chemicals.

A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed to receive a few bars to review.  Happy Husband and I were both delighted.

The first soap we tried was the Castile Olive Oil soap. (Of course, after I used it, Mike claimed it exclusively for his own).  This is 100% real Castile soap with extra-virgin olive oil made in the Old World-tradition.

It's fragrance-free and offers a small, dense lather that cleans so gently that it's even perfect for babies!
Mike loves it because his skin is so sensitive.  I love that, too, plus the fact that it's such a long-lasting soap.  It rinses clean but doesn't make the skin feel stripped.

I learned, too, that 100% of the profits from this soap are used to lift people up through micro-lending and training worldwide.  Click HERE to track our progress and join our Wild About Good team!

The next soap I tried is mine alone: Horsemint!

Horsemint is a beautiful purple flower that grows in the wild.  It's an invaluable ingredient in this amazing, energizing, eye-opening soap!  The soap has such a bright minty fragrance, great lather, and leaves the skin feeling so clean.  Absolutely NO filmy residue is left on the skin.

The third soap we tried is Witch Hazel.  Witch hazel has been used for hundreds of years in North America (first by Native Americans) to reduce inflammation, relieve itching, soothe rashes, and reduce redness and swelling.

The Witch Hazel Soap is a creamy lavender/mint scented bar.  It contains soothing witch hazel distillate, organic aloe, and organic oat flour. The fragrance is reminiscent of an English garden. For me, this is the perfect soap to use after a day outside.
Mike likes this after work as well.  He ALWAYS comes home with itchy skin.

A Wild Soap Bar uses only the best natural ingredients in their organic soaps.  I trust them. You will, too!

Care and Feeding of Natural Handmade Soap:

Since our handmade soap is in its pure and natural state, it doesn't contain any synthetic preservatives or artificial hardeners. It doesn't need to. With just a little care and feeding, you can prolong the life of your soap and it will serve you very well.

•Don't let your soap drown in water.
•Feed your soap plenty of fresh air between uses.
•Store your soap on a well drained soap dish.
•Use a natural wash cloth or loofah to extend its life.
•Use your fresh new soap within 6 months of purchase.
•Store unused soap in a dark cool place like a lingerie drawer or linen closet.

You may connect with A Wild Soap Bar on their website and Social Media pages:
Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and @awildsoapbar on Twitter.

The wonderful folks at A Wild Soap Bar have generously offered one of my readers the chance to win the same set of natural, organic soaps that I received!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA, 18+, No PO Boxes, please. All entries are verified. Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 12, 2015.

DISCLOSURE:
I received three bars of soap for the purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the items.

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Chocolate A Day Review and Sweepstakes!

Chocolate A Day is giving away 20 years’ worth of Chocolate A Day Deluxe Multivitamin—the chocolate that loves you back.
 This award is equivalent to 240 boxes and about 6,000 pieces of creamy dark Belgian chocolate with 100% daily value of 10 vitamins and minerals!
 The 20 years’ worth of Chocolate A Day will be given out between May 5, 2015 thru May 15, 2015, and then June 9-19, with one winner being announced each day on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Each of the 20 winners will receive a one-year supply of Chocolate A Day (equivalent to 12 boxes).

 I LOVE this vitamin! Sugar-free Chocolate? Yes, please! Healthy? Yes, please!
 It's the perfect chocolate! It tastes great, it's heart-healthy dark-chocolate, and can be used by diabetics (sweetened with Maltitol).

 Happy Husband and I are taking these every day. Neither of us likes to take huge, hard-to-swallow pills. But who doesn't want to eat chocolate? :)

This creamy, dark Belgian Chocolate is decadent but it's ingredients include:
Vitamin A 5000IU, Vitamin C 60 mg, Vitamin D3 400IU, Vitamin Ed 30IU, Vitamin K1 120mcg Vitamin B1 1.56 mcg, Vitamin B2 1.7 mcg, Vitamin B3 20 mg, Vitamin B6 2 mg, Folic Acid 300 mcg, Vitamin B12 6 mcg, Calcium 65 mg, Magnesium 20 mg, and Zinc 11.25 mg.

Want to learn more about Chocolate a Day and other products?  Click here to visit Color Earth

Connect with Chocolate A Day on their social media pages:
Facebook, Instagram, and @Chocolate_A_Day on Twitter.

DISCLOSURE:
I received a supply of Chocolate A Day vitamins for the purpose of this review. This post contains affiliate links for which I may be monetarily compensated.  The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item.

Mohawk Valley Maple Syrup Review and Giveaway Ends 2/16/14

DISCLOSURE:
I received products from Mohawk Valley Trading Company for the purpose of review.  I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).

You'll recall that I recently posted a review of Mohawk Valley Trading Company's Raw Honey

I thought it couldn't get any better than that. I was wrong!

It gets better!

I also received a bottle of their amazing Grade A, Robust, Dark, Pure Maple Syrup.

Like most people, I've bought maple flavoured syrup. Trust me, the imitation does NOT do the real thing justice at all. Mike (Review Daddy) and I will never buy imitation again. Last night, we had home-made french toast, bacon, and Mohawk Valley Trading Company's  REAL Maple Syrup.

Seriously, how does one describe perfection? Slightly thick, fragrant, sweet... those are just a few inadequate words.  It truly enhances the food that you're eating -- it doesn't overpower it. It's versatile as well. It's NOT just for pancakes, french toast, or waffles.

Check out this recipe for Maple Pecan Scones!

Just take a good, long look at Mike's masterpiece last night... French Toast, Bacon, and real Maple Syrup.  Are you hungry now???

Cool, huh! Mike cooked!  Every bite better than the last -- Delicious! Mike doesn't know it yet... but we're having french toast again tonight! :D

About Maple Syrup:

Maple syrup is made from the xylem sap of sugar maple, black maple, or red maple trees, however it can also be made from other maple species. Maple syrup production is mainly located in northeastern North America; specifically the northeastern states (including New York, Vermont and Maine) and the southeastern parts of Quebec and Ontario, Canada. Given the correct weather conditions, it can be made anywhere in the habitat range of the maple trees. In cold environments, the trees store starch in their trunks and roots before the winter; the starch is then turned to sugar that rises in the sap in the spring.

Our maple syrup is made primarily from sugar maple sap, which is preferred for maple syrup production because it has an average sugar content of two percent. Sap from other maple species is usually lower in sugar content, and about twice as much is needed to produce the same amount of finished syrup.

The folks at Mohawk Valley Trading Company have generously offered one of my readers the opportunity win the same 32 oz. Glass Bottle of Pure Maple Syrup that I received. I thank them kindly!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

***Open to USA, Only. ALL entries will be verified!***

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Protein Bakery Review and Giveaway Ends 11/18/11

Like most people, I don't always get the protein I need in my daily diet. I do love my protein shakes, but sometimes... you just want something deliciously wicked to snack on.

When I heard about The Protein Bakery I admit to being a bit skeptical. Seriously, how often does something that's good for you really taste good?

Have no fear -- these amazing brownies, cookies, and blondies are scrumptious!

The Protein Bakery is the brain-child of Stephen Lincoln, a former Fitness Instructor. His vision of a a healthier, fun way to balance one's diet opened the door to the Bakery as it is today.

I received a fantastic assortment of items from The Protein Bakery:
COOKIES:
Pumpkin Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies (A seasonal delight!) and Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies. I got to keep these for myself and they are delicious. Perfect for a cozy night wrapped in a blanket and sipping a hot mug of apple cider.
BLONDIES:
Peanut Butter Blondie (Mike's favourite) and the seasonal Pumpkin Walnut Blondie (MINE!).
BROWNIES:
Black and White Brownie, Chocolate Chip Brownie, and the Peanut Butter Brownie.

I must tell you -- they didn't last long. They are so good. Rich, chewy, moist -- all of things you want in a brownie, cookie, or blondie.

And... they are good for you! Giving you that needed protein and much needed fiber!

We are a unique boutique bakery in Manhattan. Not a store front, we are located on the THIRD FLOOR of a landmark building. In our eclectic LOFT space we have our entire bakery product line ready to be purchased. We love meeting people from all over the planet and we invite you to come pick out your favorite flavors of cookies, brownies and blondies.

We Are Open To The Public
For this weeks hours check out our website www.proteinbakery.com or call (212)206-7796.
Always available by appointment.

The Protein Bakery is located at:
20 West 20th Street, Sweet #309
New York, NY 10011

You can connect with The Protein Bakery on their Social Media pages:
Protein Bakery on Facebook, @proteinbakery on Twitter, Linkedin, and on their YouTube Channel

The kind folks at The Protein Bakery have generously offered one of my readers an assortment of 2 brownies/blondies, 2 colossal cookies and 4 cookie 2-packs (A $45.00 value with shipping).

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter and win!

OPEN TO USA ONLY, PLEASE. One entry per household.

DISCLOSURE:
I received an assortment of items from The Protein Bakery for the purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my use of and experience with items.

Mediterranean Snack Foods -- Review & Giveaway -- Ends 9/16/11

As you know, I've been trying to eat healthier and lost some weight. Its not always easy. In fact, for me, it's often very hard as I'm a snacker, a hold-over from my college days, I suppose.

I've been actively searching for healthier snack foods and I do believe I've struck gold!

I discovered Mediterranean Snack Foods! These snack chips and crackers are truly unique and absolutely delicious. Not to mention a very healthy alternative to the fried snacks I often buy.

Mediterranean Snack Foods make their Baked Chips and Crackers from Lentils.

Lentils are an ancient grain and are among the world’s healthiest foods. They are high in protein, vitamin B1, and essential minerals for a healthy diet.

I love the taste of the baked Lentil chips and crackers: it's light, crunchy, and definitely very flavourful. (Mike and I finished off a bag of Cracked Pepper Chips in one night. (We were watching a Braves game -- you understand!)

When I can get Mike to eat a chip or cracker that isn't fried... you KNOW it must be good! When I catch him making off with another bag... That my friends is a testimonial!

Mediterranean Snack Foods makes all of their oven-baked Lentil Chips and Crackers with all-natural ingredients. They are gluten-free, low-fat, a good source of protein, and Kosher!

I love dipping the chips into hummus -- it's so yummy! Plus, it's the added advantage that I'm eating a healthier snack. A snack that also tastes so good.

Needless to say, the chips are going fast! We are savouring the crackers. We're spreading the light, flavourful crackers with soft cheese (brie especially) or adding slices of baby Swiss and munching away!

The Mediterranean Snack Food Company is an entrepreneurial, privately-held company founded in 2005. Our mission is innovation to produce great tasting, nutritionally superior snacks.
Using the superfood benefits of lentils in combination with whole grains and legumes, we create unique healthy and delicious snacks.
We use only the highest quality, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients, creating snacks to satisfy even the most health-conscious food enthusiast.
But our commitment to nutritional excellence never causes us to lose sight of the most important feature of good snacking – Great Taste!

Our Values
*We are committed to providing the best natural snack products for our customers who we consider part of our family.
*Our products are grown naturally, free from any additives, chemicals and genetic modification.
*We are long term partners with our customers and retailers, and value our relationship with them.
*We are committed to supporting the local communities we serve and the longevity of all our partners, employees and suppliers that work with us.

You can connect with The Mediterranean Snack Food Company on their
Blog, Facebook, and Twitter pages and also on their YouTube Channel.

The wonderful folks at Mediterranean Snack Foods have generously offered one of our readers an amazing sampler package similar to the one I received!

Just follow the instructions below for your chance to enter to win!

Open to USA only. One entry per household, please. All entries will be confirmed. Contest will close 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, September 16, 2011. Prize will be mailed directly to the winner by the Sponsor.

Disclosure: I received a sampling of Lentil Chips and Crackers from Mediterranean Snack Food Company for the purpose of review. I received no monetary Compensation. I was under no obligation to write this review. The opinions expressed herein are my own and based on my own use of and experience with the item(s).