Food, Giveaways, Reviews, Sponsored

Rip Van Wafels For The Win! {Giveaway}

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Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Have you had a stroopwafel before? According to Wikipedia,

A stroopwafel is a wafer cookie made from two thin layers of baked dough joined by a caramel filling. 

Rip Van Wafels is a company that makes a variety of such wafels. While they taste like an indulgent, delicious treat, Rip Van Wafels are unique because of their low sugar content (3 g of sugar) and 6 g of fiber per serving. In addition, they contain no artificial flavors, trans-fat, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup, which is something to cheer about.

My family did a taste test and loved the delicious crispy yet chewy texture. They kept wanting to eat more, but I told them I needed to finish my blog post first!

Rip Van Wafels come in the following flavors:

  • Dutch Caramel & Vanilla
  • Chocolate Brownie
  • Honey & Oats
  • Cookies & Cream
  • Snickerdoodle

I especially enjoyed the oat-y flavor of the Honey & Oats.

Rip Van Wafels are the perfect snack to accompany your coffee or tea. If you place one on top of a hot drink, the steam will warm up the wafel and soften the filling-yum. They also taste really good with a cold glass of milk–just ask my kids!

Where To Purchase

Rip Van Wafels can be purchased through their website, Amazon, or at a store near you.

Giveaway Time

One of my readers will win a 12 count box of Dutch Caramel & Vanilla Rip Van Wafels ($17.99 value), so enter the giveaway below!

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Bites of Bliss: Belgian Boys {Review}

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Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Today was supposed to be the first day of Expo West, an event that I look forward to all year. The organizers understandably decided to postpone this huge natural product expo. I am crossing my fingers that I will be able to attend the re-scheduled event. In the meantime, I will continue to connect with brands on my own and share them with you!

One of my favorite pieces of swag from last year’s Expo West was this tote bag from Belgian Boys.

I can’t help but sing the song and smile when I see this bag!

If you haven’t heard of Belgian Boys, they make the most delicious Stroopwafels and Waffle Chips. These Choco Waffle Chips are nice and crispy; the thin layer of chocolate makes them addictive! The Belgian Boys line-up also includes cookies, crepes and mini pancakes!

Aren’t these individually-wrapped Mini Choco Stroopwafels the cutest? Perfect for a portion-controlled snack, or sharing with friends. They come in a bag of 14, and retail for $4.99. My kids really loved these!

Rock That Stash!

It has been a while since I have flown Jet Blue, but apparently the Belgian Boys Choc ‘O Chip Mini Cookie Stash is an official Jet Blue snack. I know that I would be excited if I received some of these cookies on my next flight. They are nut-free, non-GMO, suitable for vegetarians and do not contain palm oil.

Where To Purchase

Belgian Boys products can be purchased online or at a store near you. I am hoping that Belgian Boys expands even more so I can readily find their products for my snack stash!

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Ever-Ready Everipe Superfood Smoothie Kits {Giveaway}

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Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We are a smoothie-loving family. Smoothies are a delicious and refreshing way to take in nutrients. We recently had the opportunity to try Everipe Superfood Smoothies. These smoothie kits contain freeze-dried fruit and other natural ingredients (with NO added sugar). In addition, these plant-based smoothies can be stored in your pantry for up to a year. All you have to add is ice and water (or any type of milk), so you will always be smoothie-ready!

Everipe Superfood Smoothie Kits come in the following delicious flavors:

  • Strawberry Bananza
  • Piña Colossal
  • Unbelievaberry
  • Tropical Zing
  • Cocoa Mojo

Note: Please be sure to check the individual ingredient lists for any allergens, including ground almonds.

Everipe smoothies are so easy to make. Just follow these simple directions:

  1. Pour ingredients from outer pouch + superfood packet into blender.
  2. Add 1 cup of water (or your favorite milk) and 1 cup of ice.
  3. Blend for AT LEAST 60 seconds for a truly creamy smoothie.

My daughter really enjoyed her Everipe Unbelievaberry smoothie. To get an idea of why Everipe smoothies are called “superfood” smoothies, the Unbelievaberry flavor contains:

Mulberries – source of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Mango – vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, whoa!

Raspberries – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, age-resisting, disease fighting.

Blueberries – packed with fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and phytonutrients

Chia seeds – great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids

Plant based hulled hearts –  high in protein, amino acids and an antioxidant powerhouse

Pomegranate – rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Beet root powder –  beetroots are a great source of fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C

We used regular milk and the smoothie had a nice fruity-creamy taste. One packet makes a 12 oz. smoothie. Perfect after-school snack!

Where To Buy Everipe Smoothie Kits

Everipe Smoothie Kits can be purchased through their website. Shipping is free within the continental United States!

Giveaway Time

Enter below to win a trial pack of five Everipe Superfood Smoothie Kits and a fun “Smoothies & Sunshine” t-shirt!

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Choose Chuao Chocolatier Chocolate {Giveaway}

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Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Last Christmas, my sister gave me some Chuao mini chocolate bars and the unique flavors intrigued me. I looked up the Chuao website, and found out that they are a local company based in Carlsbad, California. I was really excited to find out that they offer factory tours. When our schedule allows, we would definitely like to take a tour!

The company kindly sent me two golden goodness bars, an oh my s’mores bar, and a Taste The Joy Gift Set for review.

The oh my s’mores bar immediately caught my attention: fluffy marshmallows and crushed honey graham crackers reunite in milk chocolate. I always enjoy s’mores while camping, and this bar recreates the flavor experience in one bar–ingenious! I love how this bar incorporates contrasting textures to elevate the taste experience.

The description of the golden goodness bar is also intriguing: carmelized sugar and pure 100% cacao nibs dazzle in sweet white chocolate. This flavor is so good because the cacao nibs add a nutty texture and also provide a savory contrasts to the sweetness of the white chocolate. The bar itself is also very visually appealing, with different words “stamped” into each individual square.

Taste The Joy Gift Set

The Chuao Chocolatier Taste The Joy Gift Set is the perfect gift because it allows the recipient to try a variety of the mini bars in the following fun flavors:

  • baconluxious chocolate mini bar: delicate maple sweetness, a sprinkle of bonfire smoked sea salt and crispy, uncured bacon in milk chocolate.
  • firecracker mini bar: sea salt, a dash of chipotle and popping candy crackle in dark chocolate.
  • honeycomb mini bar:  luscious amber honey, caramelized into crisp bits and enrobed in dark chocolate.
  • mintfully brownie mini bar: crispy brownie bites and frosted mint gems unite in deep dark chocolate.
  • potato chip mini bar:  crisp kettle cooked potato chips and a hint of sea salt, mix and mingle in milk chocolate.
  • salted chocolate crunch mini bar: crunchy, toasted breadcrumbs dusted with sea salt and swirled in dark chocolate.
  • spicy maya mini bar: seductive cinnamon, pasilla chile and warming cayenne bedded in dark chocolate.
  • sprinkle dreams mini bar: crisp waffle cone, hazelnuts, and rainbow sprinkles party in milk chocolate.

Don’t all of those flavors sound so interesting and delicious? We especially liked the firecracker and potato chip mini bars. Each mini bar is just 60 calories, so they feel like just a small indulgence. In addition, it is notable that Chuao chocolates are free of artificial preservatives, additives, colorings, flavorings and hydrogenated oils. Chuao Chocolatier products can be purchased through their website, or at a store near you.

Giveaway Time

One of my readers will win the same products I received: two golden goodness bars, one oh my s’mores bar and a Taste The Joy Gift Set, so enter below!

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Valentine’s Day Idea: Chuao Love Child Bonbons

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Disclosure: I received a sample in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Valentine’s Day is just a week away! I always tell my husband that I would much prefer to receive chocolate than flowers-ha. If you’re looking for a special chocolate treat, Chuao Chocolatier has so many great options!

We tried the Chuao Love Child Bonbons, and wow, they are so good! They contain dark chocolate, dried strawberries and port wine. Doesn’t that just sound like a delicious combination? Also, love the upscale packaging, which makes this decadent chocolate feel even more special.

Do you like to give or receive chocolate on Valentine’s Day? I am excited that I will be reviewing more Chuao Chocolatier products on the blog soon. There will also be a reader giveaway, so stay tuned!

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Warm Up With Boulder Organic Soup

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Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

With the chilly temperatures we have been experiencing, soup is an especially appealing meal option. While homemade soup is always nice, sometimes it is just more convenient to have a quicker option on hand. We recently tried Boulder Organic Foods Organic Chicken Quinoa & Kale Soup, which we found in the refrigerated deli section at our local Whole Foods.

Check out this “clean” ingredient list: Chicken Bone Broth* (Filtered Water, Chicken Bone Broth Base* (Chicken Bone Broth*, Chicken Fat*, Sea Salt, Vegetable Stock*, [Onion*, Carrot*, Celery*, Tomato*], Bay Leaf* Garlic Powder*, Black Pepper Extract)), Tomatoes* (Tomatoes*, Water, Citric Acid, Calcium Chloride), Onion*, Chicken Meat* (Chicken Meat*, Water, Rice Starch*, Sea Salt), Navy Beans*, Carrots*, Quinoa*, Kale*, Garlic*, Extra Virgin Olive Oil*, Spices*, Sea Salt,Red Chili Pepper Flakes* *Organic

I like how this soup tastes fresh and is not overly salty like other packaged soups. The quinoa still had a nice bite and the chicken bone broth had a good flavor. I also liked how the kale added some “greens” to the soup. Each container of soup is 24 oz. and contains three servings.

Boulder Organic Foods makes eight delicious varieties of soup:

  • Organic Chicken Quinoa & Kale Soup
  • Organic Green Chile Corn Chowder
  • Organic Minestrone Soup
  • Organic Potato Leek Soup
  • Organic Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Organic Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
  • Organic Creamy Autumn Squash Soup
  • Organic Red Lentil Dahl Soup

Boulder Organic Soups can be found at stores across the United States. Go here to find out where you can find their soups near you.

Giveaway Time

Enter to win three vouchers for free Boulder Organic Soup (up to $30 value)!

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New Year, New Natural Products: #NewHopeBloggerBox

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Disclosure: I received free samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

It is always exciting when a New Hope Blogger Box is delivered to our doorstep. The natural product space is rapidly expanding, and I really enjoy making new discoveries and sharing them with others.

The most recent box I received had a good variety of products. Here are the contents, along with some of my observations:

  • RightRice (Thai Curry flavor): This “rice” is actually made from vegetables. The main ingredients include lentil flour, chickpea flour, pea fiber and rice flour. Each serving contains 5 grams of fiber (compared to 0 grams of fiber in white rice).
  • Bodylogix Vegan Protein: My husband is the big protein powder consumer in our household. He gave this one a thumbs up! The chia provides a nutty flavor, and there was not an unpleasant aftertaste as he has detected in other vegan protein powders.
  • CV Sciences Plus CBD Oil Capsules
  • Human Power of N Neo40: For daily heart & circulation support
  • Madhava Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: We use olive oil all of the time, so I was excited to try this one. It won the Clean Label Purity Award and has been tested for 130 contaminants.
  • Natural Factors Organic Low FODMAP Reliefiber Powder: According to the packaging, this provides relief for constipation, diarrhea and bloating. It is naturally sourced from organic guar beans. Since I have not had these symptoms, I have yet to try it, but it is good to know there is a natural option.
  • Nature Nate’s Natural Raw & Unfiltered Honey: I used this sample for a salmon salad I made, and it tasted great!
  • Mother Raw Organic Caesar Style Dressing & Marinade: This dressing is gluten-free, vegan, peanut-free and canola-free. It contains olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and hemp seeds (among other natural ingredients). I like the idea of being able to use this as both a dressing and a marinade.
  • Torani Italian Syrups Dark Chocolate Puremade Sauce: I am a big fan of Torani Italian Syrups. However, I had never tried their sauces. This dark chocolate sauce is so good! Perfect on ice cream or added to a coffee drink. I like how it does not contain any artificial ingredients, too.

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Experiment In The Kitchen With European Extra Virgin Olive Oil

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Dislcosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

Extra virgin olive oil has become a staple in our kitchen pantry. It is very versatile due to its high smoke point (400 degrees F). It can be used to saute, fry or bake your favorite foods. I also often use it to make homemade salad dressing.

Olitalia believes all great cooking revolves around great oil. Olitalia is the #1 brand most used by chefs in Italy and is now available for home cooking in the US. Look for Olitalia at Eataly locations.

There is a website called Flavor Your Life which provides a lot of useful information regarding European Extra Virgin Olive Oil. For example, did you know that the flavor of olive oil is greatly impacted by the region in which the olive trees are grown? Europe’s diverse climate and soil produce a wide range of olive oil flavor profiles. Here are some key characteristics of the different regions:

  • Spain: typically golden yellow with a fruity, nutty flavor.
  • Italy: dark green and has an herbal aroma and a grassy flavor.
  • Greece: tends to be green, strong flavor and aroma.
  • France: pale in color and has a mild flavor.

My whole family really enjoys eating salmon, so I tried out a recipe I found on the Flavor Your Life website for Grilled Chinese Salmon Salad that uses olive oil as the base for the flavorful dressing.

Grilled Chinese Salmon Salad

The recipe calls for marinating the salmon for thirty minutes.
The super simple dressing consists of 4 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 lime, juiced, 1 tsp. honey,
1 T. fresh coriander, minced, and sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

The salad dressing turned out nice and light and complemented the flavor of the salmon well. n gave it a thumbs up! Be sure to visit Flavor Your Life for more recipe ideas using European Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Olitalia extra virgin olive oil is available at Eataly locations.

Go to https://www.olitalia.com/ww-en/ and follow us at https://www.instagram.com/olitalia.it/

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A Healthy Treat: CompletEats Superfood Cookies

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Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The holidays can easily become a time of over-indulgence, food-wise. CompletEats is a line of superfood cookies that feels like a treat, but contains all-natural ingredients such as almond flour, almond butter, chocolate chips, baking soda, chia seeds and dates.

CompleteEats come in five flavors:

  • Peppermint Cacao Chip Cookie
  • Banana Bread Cookie
  • Mocha Chip Cookie
  • Chocolate Chia Cookie
  • Cherry Almond Cookie

CompletEats cookies are certified vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and contain no trans-fat or artificial ingredients.

The Peppermint Cacao Chip Cookies are made with organic peppermint oil, organic cacao powder and allergen-friendly chips. The cookies are nice and moist and are just sweet enough to make a satisfying snack.

Also, don’t you just love the packaging of these Peppermint Cacao Chip Cookies? They would make a great gift topper or stocking stuffer!

CompletEats cookies are available on Amazon or CompletEats.com.

Giveaway Time

CompletEats is giving one of my readers the opportunity to win a dozen CompletEats Peppermint Cacao Chip Cookies, so enter below!

Be sure to enter these other great giveaways below!

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Make Spritz Cookies With The Zulay Kitchen Cookie Press

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Disclosure: I received a free sample in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

I have fond memories of my mom baking Christmas cookies during the holidays. Spritz cookies made with a cookie press were always a favorite.

The Zulay Kitchen cookie press is a must-have for making the designs associated with spritz cookies. The cookie press is made of durable stainless steel and anodized aluminum and comes with 20 decorative stencils and four icing tips.

Here is an easy recipe for spritz cookies that can be used with a cookie press.

Easy Spritz Cookies

Ingredients

1 c. butter (2 sticks) (softened to room temperature)

3/4 c. sugar

1 large egg

2 t. almond extract (can substitute vanilla extract)

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 t. salt

Directions

  1. Beat butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl. Add egg and almond extract.
  2. Slowly mix in flour and salt.
  3. Load the dough into the cookie press and follow the cookie press directions.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. (When I used a Silpat, the cookies did not brown, as in the picture. If you want the cookies to be a little brown on the bottom, bake directly on cookie sheet).

Make sure the dough is chilled before pressing the cookies out on the cookie sheet. It was so fun trying out all of the different stencils! I will definitely be saving the heart stencil for Valentine’s Day.

These spritz cookies are just begging to be dressed up with some chocolate (white, milk or dark) and colorful sprinkles!

The Zulay Kitchen Cookie Press is available on Amazon. Get ready for cookie-baking season!

Giveaway Time

One of my readers will win a Zulay Kitchen Cookie Press, so enter below!

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