Making Mom breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day? Here are some ideas!

Are you planning to make Mom breakfast in bed this upcoming Mom’s Day?

This first idea is so easy even the youngest kids can help out!

Garden Lites®, the delicious vegetable company and the leader in unique veggie-rich foods, invites you and your children to serve the BEST mom in the world breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day. Every Garden Lites product is vegetarian; gluten free; made with vegetables as first ingredients; is non-GMO certified; made with clean ingredients; is dairy and nut free and always delicious. Best of all this Mother’s Day, even your toddler can heat up Garden Lites muffins or Superfood Veggie Cakes in minutes and serve to mom with great flair!

With every bite filled with servings of vegetables, this is the perfect way to show mom you’ve been listening to her advice to eat your veggies! This Mother’s Day, be sure to offer some irresistible yet nutritious foods to start the day such as:

  • Garden Lites® Chocolate Muffins, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins and Blueberry Oat Muffins:

These really are delicious and more healthy options! You’ll never believe the first two ingredients in Garden Lites® Chocolate Muffins and Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins are zucchini and carrots!  Heat in the microwave to enjoy a decadent experience for only 120 calories. Garden Lites® muffins come in a package of 6 muffins, for an SRP of $4.99. Every bite of Garden Lites Blueberry Oat muffins is bursting with plump blueberries.  You’ll never believe the first ingredient in Garden Lites Blueberry Oat Muffins is zucchini!  Heat them in a microwave to enjoy a delightful blueberry packed muffin with only 120 calories. All Garden Lites Muffins are Non-GMO and deliciously moist and a great source of fiber.  Garden Lites® muffins come in a package of 6 muffins, for an SRP of $4.99.

And my favorite item is the Garden Lites® Superfood Veggie Cakes, launched only 2 years ago, are already the best-selling item in the company’s portfolios. Experts agree that superfoods are incredibly good for you and Garden Lites Superfood Veggie Cakes are packed with nutrient-rich superfood veggies like kale and cauliflower. Each veggie cake is packed with veggies, gluten free, non-gmo and nutritionally smart. They make a great breakfast, snack or side dish, and have an SRP of $4.99 for 6. They are available in both frozen nationally.

  

Garden Lites has a variety of new products and increased distribution in the freezer section across the country. Some of the best selection can be found at Kroger, Meijer, Target, Costco, Shop Rite, Publix, Stop & Shop, Giant, HEB, Ralph’s, Fry’s, Whole Foods, and many more retailers and online for home delivery at thehealthfoodstore.comThe line also has the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Seal of Approval, which is the first health-conscious, lifestyle-aware seal in the food and beverage industry.

About Garden Lites:

Garden Lites® is a Classic Cooking, LLC brand based in Rahway, NJ that produces delicious vegetable snack foods. Since 2008, Garden Lites has raised the bar in healthy foods by delivering full flavor that’s also veggie rich. Garden Lites has the Good Housekeeping Nutrition Seal of Approval and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Cooking Light – The Healthiest Frozen Foods in the Supermarket: Breakfast;  Grocery Headquarters Trailblazer Award;  Parents Magazine 25 Best Frozen Food for Families;   Gluten Free Digest Chocolate Muffins; Pioneers of Better For You: Refrigerated and Frozen Foods and  Runner’s World Editor’s Pick.

For more information on Garden Lites products, visit www.GardenLites.com and be sure to “Like” on Facebook and Follow on Twitter!

VitaTops®,  America’s favorite and only muffin top would also be a hit with Mom this Mother’s Day!

VitaTops offers new flavors for protein lovers that fit the bill: VitaTops Protein Banana Chocolate Chip has only 130 calories, 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber; andVitaTops Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter has only with 150 calories, 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. These two new protein infused VitaTops products offer the perfect sweet spot of high fiber and protein, which helps fuel energy longer and also helps curb cravings.  VitaTops are also available in VitaTops Superfood CranBran, made with cranberries, oats, chia seeds and flaxseed with 120 calories, 6 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein; and finally for organic food lovers, try VitaTops Deep Chocolate made with organic ingredients, like whole grain flour and cocoa powder and only 100 calories, and VitaTops Wild Blueberry, bursting with organic wild blueberries with 120 calories. The VitaTops Chocolate Chip are still incredibly delicious with a sweet taste of chocolate in every bite, but are now gluten-free, with 3 grams of protein; 5 grams of fiber and only 150 calories!

VitaTops are available 8 oz boxes each with 4 individually wrapped muffins at $4.00 per box in the frozen section of your supermarket.   Or go to www.vitatops.com.

Want to make Mom pancakes or waffles..or maybe French Toast?

Maple Grove Farms Maple syrup is delicious!

About B&G Foods

Based in Parsippany, New Jersey, B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS) and our subsidiaries manufacture, sell and distribute high-quality, branded shelf-stable and frozen foods across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  With our diverse portfolio of more than 50 brands you know and love, including Back to NatureB&GB&MCream of WheatGreen GiantLas PalmasLe SueurMama Mary’sMaple Grove FarmsMrs. DashNew York StyleOrtegaPirate’s BootyPolanerSnackWell’sSpice Islandsand Victoria, there’s a little something for everyone.  For more information about B&G Foods and our brands, please visit www.bgfoods.com

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above products to facilitate this post. Images were also provided. 

Keep It Hot On May 5th – CINCO DE MAYO! Say Ole to the Perfect Chicken Gumbo Original Soupman Launches Seasonal Favorites!

The Original Soupman, the makers of the best-tasting soup in the world, is throwing a festive soup-parade in honor of Cinco de Mayo with a special batch of Chicken Gumbo soup. Now, no matter where you live in the U.S. you can start the party early and have Cinco de Mayo come to you by simply ordering it online at www.OriginalSoupman.com. Order online www.originalsoupman.com  during the week of Cinco de Mayo, which is May 5th for special discounts.

Cinco de Mayo is considered the top day around the globe to celebrate Mexico and its rich history. The Original Soupman wants you to go beyond the Margarita – and enjoy the rich, authentic taste of their South-of-the-border Chicken Gumbo. Every bite of this Mexican inspired soup brims with tender Chunks of plump chicken breasts, tomatoes, okra, bell peppers, carrots, collard greens and celery simmered together with garlic, butter, authentic secret spices and just the right amount of chili peppers. No matter your own roots, one bowl of Chicken Gumbo and you’ll be dancing around your sombrero, ready to celebrate this festive day like a true Amigo!

“It wouldn’t be Cinco de Mayo without a great bowl of our Chicken Gumbo,” says Joseph Hagan, President of The Original Soupman.  “Maybe you can’t fill your sombrero with our delicious hot soup, but you can enjoy it in a bowl right at home wherever you live. We love our fans, and since our mantra is “Soup for All”, we have online ordering so everyone in the U.S. can enjoy a steaming hot bowl of our Chicken Gumbo Soup   – or any of our flavors.”

The Original Soupman brand became famous when the “Soupman” yelled, “No Soup for You” on the iconic television series Seinfeld, at the counter of the store ladling soup on any given day.  Today the brand stands for “Soupman — Soup For All.”

The Original Soupman® soups are now available online and at Amazon.com.  For a store tracker or to order go to www.originalsoupman.com

 Self Disclosure: The Original Soupman. 

Introducing Alpha Burritos!

“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.”

Looking for a quick and healthier option for a burrito? Your search is over! I recently had the opportunity to learn about Alpha Burritos and try them for myself and I am really impressed! I still can’t believe that they are 100% plant-based and taste great! I have to admit when I think of a burrito..I think of meat! So, I wasn’t sure about trying these meatless burritos but they are delicious! They are loaded with protein and veggies and I loved the seasoning blend. My favorite was the Pizza flavor!

They are available in 4 flavors: Mexicali (which I wasn’t able to find because it was sold out at my store! Apparently it doesn’t stay in stock long because it is popular!), Philly Sandwich, Chick ‘N Fajita and the Pizza! They are also cholesterol free, non-GMO and have no artificial preservatives.

You can find out more about Alpha Burritos here. 

The website also has some great recipes!

Look for them on Social Media too!

https://www.facebook.com/alphaplantbased/

Twitter @alphaplantbased

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/alpha.foods/

I have teamed up for a Giveaway! One winner will win a $25 gift card to Walmart to try the burritos for yourself! Warning! You may never eat a burrito with meat again! Leave a comment below telling us which flavor you would love to try! Deadline to enter is May 4th, 2018 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected via Random.org. SoCal City Kids will select the winner. 

Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Pillow for a Good Night’s Sleep

Whenever people talk about their beds, they mention a lot about their mattresses, and rightfully so. A mattress is the principal, most significant financial investment one can make in their sleep. However, when it comes to judging how good each sleep session is, pillows are equally important to mattresses. If a person sleeps on a pillow that is worn out, and crumples and folds it down just to get relaxed every night, it is a warning sign from the pillow asking for an update. Even if the pillow in question is not old and shrunk, it may not exactly be the ideal solution. Here are some important tips on choosing the best pillow for a good night’s sleep.

Fill or fiber

There is a range of fill selections that can be used for pillows. While it is hard to pinpoint one type and call it the best—each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending upon the needs of the user and his or her preference. Here are some of the most common types.

  • Down – These pillows are light in nature and are super-soft. If the user prefers to have a soft place on his bed to rest his head while sleeping, a down pillow is ideal for him. Down pillows are typically manufactured from goose or duck fibers.
  • The Goose Down Pillows are in fact softer than the Duck Down pillows. Hence, they are slightly more expensive. However, there are also different varieties so far as the lightness in Goose Down pillows is concerned. Down pillows are manufactured with various mixtures of down, fluffs, and other stuffing.
  • A memory foam pillow is usually considered as the best pillow for Back Sleepers. These pillows make sure that the head is kept aligned. The density of these foam pillow materials frequently causes the pillow to adapt to the body temperature of the person using it. This pillow’s design guarantees that the user’s head remains cool while staying in a buoyed position.

Weight of the fill

Down or synthetic pillows are light in weight. On the other hand, memory foam pillows are a slightly heavier choice. The weight of the filling in a pillow is completely a personal choice. If the users prefer to reshape and move the pillow about as they change their resting positions, a light pillow might be a good choice. Even though the weight of the fill is completely a personal choice, it is advisable not to select pillows that are too weighty as they can cause discomfort to the head.

Size of the pillow

Most people find a standard sized pillow sufficient enough in terms of its size. If the user prefers to sleep on a bigger pillow, the choice is completely healthy, as long as he can keep the sleeping posture aligned accordingly. The width or fineness of a pillow should allow you to sleep with your head, neck, and shoulders in alignment with your spinal cord.

These factors are crucial to selecting the perfect pillow. It is a decision that is highly important for a good nights’ rest!

 

Mother’s Day Shopping by Personality – from zulily!

Looking for some affordable gift ideas for the special Moms this Mother’s Day? Zulily has you covered and you can find great gift suggestions that are perfect for their personality!

Let zulily help you discover personal & unique gifts for all types of moms this Mother’s Day! Shopping super last minute? Look for the yellow rocket icon for items that ship in 2 days, or you can exclusively shop our Ready to Ship page!  Whether you’re spending $5 or $50, zulily launches thousands of products daily that are sure to surprise & delight.

 

In fact, Zulily compiled a variety of personality profiles below to make gift shopping simple & fun, while still feeling tailored to all the special women in your life:

·         The Makeup Maven – from fragrances, to bath bombs to must-have makeup brands, she’ll beautiful inside & out…

·         The Social Butterfly – Does she love to get out of the house and experience new things? Check out our daily selection of tickets to live shows, sporting events and concerts!

·         The Style Icon – From trendy tops to must-have staples, we’ve got her covered…

·         The Trendsetter – Launching dozens of new brands daily, she’ll stay ahead of the trends with our unique zulily debuts!

·         The Fur Baby Fanatic – Fur baby moms count! Get something quirky to help bond with their animal companion…

·         The Adventure Seeker – Whether she’s hiking through the woods or just camping in the backyard, we’ve got the basics and the bizarre to help her outdoor explorations…

·         The “Fixer Upper” Fan – Is a mom in your life longing to be the next Joanna Gaines? She’ll love our diverse selection of home décor finds…from contemporary to farmhouse, we’ve got it all!

·         The Chef – Whether she’s Julia Child or just making a fun mess, we’ve got essentials to extraordinary when it comes to kitchen & cookware!

·         The DIY Queen – Crafty, clever and creative? Check out our hundreds of DIY kits and personalized items to make your gift truly unique. 

·         The New Mom – Is there a woman in your life about to celebrate their first Mother’s Day? Make it extra special with a gift for her, or baby.

I checked out a few of these and I just love the great ideas! Check them out!

 

Self Disclosure: Some form of compensation may have been received to post but I am personally a big fan of Zulily. Image and information were also provided. 

Lolleez, organic throat soothing lollipops are great for when you have a cold!

     

When it came to sore throats, mom of four and health coach, Melissa Evans couldn’t find anything to “eez” her kids’ throats or her mind. Thus, the idea for Lolleez was born. Lolleez are organic, worry-free, throat soothing lollipops for kids, that offer a simple solution to a simple problem.

I had the opportunity to try Lolleez and they are a hit with my family! I like that they are also great for when you have allergies! They are also available in three delicious flavors that both kids and adults will love! Flavors available are Watermelon, Orange, Strawberry and my favorite: Mango! After surveying hundreds of kids, Lolleez™ founders determined that traditional flavors like cherry and grape have a negative association that is tied to medicines. Another great thing is the shape! Lolleez are flat and on a stick versus a round ball, which is a potential choking hazard.

You may be thinking “What else makes Lolleez different?” Lolleez are made from USDA Certified Organic ingredients and ingredients you can pronounce and understand, like natural fruit pectin and organic honey. They are also Non-GMO as well as gluten, dairy and nut free.

Lolleez is available at Target stores nationwide this April and just in time for allergy season!  Lolleez come in packs of 15 pops: Watermelon, Strawberry, Orange Mango and a Variety Pack for a suggested retail price of $6.99. For more information about Lolleez, please visit www.lolleez.com. “Like” them on https://www.Facebook.com/SoreThroatPops and follow them on Instagram @Lolleez_Pops.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to post. Images were also provided. 

 

Yogurtland Celebrates Spring with Three New Handcrafted Flavors and they are delicious!

The ever-popular, industry leader Yogurtland is springing into this season with three new scratch-made flavors that are sure to fulfill all dessert cravings. Beginning April 2, and available for a limited time, Sea Salt Caramel Soft Serve, Hibiscus Pear Tart and White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake will join the lineup of delicious treat offerings at Yogurtland.

A scrumptious, creamy indulgence, the new Sea Salt Caramel Soft Serve combines real caramel with sea salt for the ideal balance of sweet and salty.

Yogurtland’s Hibiscus Pear Tart brings together the delicate flavor notes of hibiscus with the mouth-watering taste of fresh pear, creating a flavor that will leave all taste buds satisfied.

Taking Yogurtland’s fan-favorite cheesecake to new heights, the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake froyo combines real white chocolate with the fruity flavor palette of raspberries. Combined in a creamy cheesecake base, this froyo flavor offers fans next-level flavor in every bite.

I had the opportunity to visit our local Yogurtland over the past weekend, and my son and I really like the New Sea Salt Caramel! I am also a fan of the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Froyo!

Yogurtland’s flavorologists are continually creating craveable flavors that keep fans loving their frozen dessert experience. Yogurtland owns its own dairy, and by controlling the frozen yogurt making process, the company can deliver the highest quality flavors, setting new standards for millions of fans.

Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors, ice cream, and non-dairy and no sugar added choices while using milk that does not contain antibiotics or added hormones. Fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost.

Presently Yogurtland has more than 320 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Guam, Korea, Myanmar, Oman, Singapore, Thailand, and Venezuela. Flavors are always subject to creative change and popular demand. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com or http://www.facebook.com/yogurtland.

 

Look for the newest flavors at a Yogurtland near you!

Self Disclosure: I received a media-comped visit to post. Information was also provided. The image is my own.

PBS KIDS Announces Adaptive Apparel Collection Available Exclusively at Zappos

      

PBS KIDS and Zappos Adaptive are introducing a line of gender-neutral two-way reversible adaptive apparel with kid-friendly designs that promote independence for all children. Manufactured by 4WARD Clothing, the PBS KIDS Adaptive Apparel Collection will soon be available exclusively at Zappos.com.

The PBS KIDS Adaptive Apparel Collection includes t-shirts and lounge pants designed to meet unique sensory needs. Each item includes dissolvable tags, has no buttons and is made with soft, machine washable poly-cotton blend fabric. The entire clothing line can be worn either forward or backward, making it versatile for kids.

“PBS KIDS is committed to diversity and inclusion, helping children of all abilities learn and grow,” said Dawn Ciccone, Vice President of Brand Licensing, PBS KIDS. “This collaboration with Zappos Adaptive is one more way we’re honoring that commitment. The PBS KIDS Adaptive Apparel Collection is purpose-driven to help empower children, encourage independence and promote creative expression.”

Additionally, in support of Autism Awareness Month, PBS KIDS will air and stream episodes of ARTHUR, DINOSAUR TRAIN and SESAME STREET featuring characters with autism on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Video app. Related digital games can be found on pbskids.org, hands-on activities on PBS Parents, and educational resources on PBS LearningMedia.

As the exclusive home of 4Ward Clothing, Zappos Adaptive promotes inclusion by providing functional and fashionable clothing and shoes to help make getting dressed easier. 4Ward Clothing represents the important underlying concept of providing a garment that fosters independence and inclusion for those who need it most so they can move forward in life.

“We’re so excited to collaborate with PBS KIDS and 4ward Clothing on this collection because it brings something fresh and fun to our assortment of super soft, reversible clothing. Zappos Adaptive is focused on curating a wide selection of products that make our customers’ lives easier, and this definitely helps us fulfill that purpose,” said Derek Flores, Senior Buyer at Zappos.com.

With fun and bright colors using PBS KIDS-branded graphics, the PBS KIDS Adaptive Apparel Collection includes four design themes: dinosaurs, rainforests, oceans and air travel. Offered in child sizes 18m-6x, the clothing line is available at an affordable price, ranging from $26-$32 SRP. One hundred percent of the net proceeds PBS receives from purchases of the PBS KIDS Adaptive Apparel Collection will support PBS KIDS’ mission to empower children to succeed in school and in life.

The PBS KIDS Adaptive Apparel Collection will soon be available at http://www.zappos.com/e/adaptive-pbskids

 Credit:

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers children ages 2-8 the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital media and community-based programs. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn, including their teachers, parents and community. Provided by stations, the free PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and live stream is available to nearly 95% of U.S. TV households. Kidscreen- and Webby Award-winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video.

PBS KIDS offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning, including the PBS KIDS Video app, which is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Chromecast. PBS KIDS also offers parent and teacher resources to support children’s learning anytime and anywhere. For more information on PBS KIDS content and initiatives supporting school readiness and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.

 

About Zappos.com
Established in 1999, Zappos.com has quickly become the leading destination in online apparel and footwear sales by striving to provide shoppers with the best possible service and selection. Zappos currently showcases millions of products from over 1,000 clothing and shoe brands. Zappos is also proud to be rated ELITE by STELLAService and was named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, one of only 40 companies so named in the U.S. More information about the customer service philosophy, unique culture and job openings can be found at www.zappos.com/about/press-kit. More information about Zappos Insights and its business membership program can be found at zapposinsights.com. Zappos.com, Inc. is a subsidiary of Amazon.com, Inc.