Coming soon to a natural foods store near you: Food For Life sprouted waffles and english muffins

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day - especially on the weekends. Saturday and Sunday are typically the only days of the week where I have time to whip up some of my favorite pancake or waffle recipes, and I get a bit irritated if I need to be on-the-go first thing on Saturday morning and can’t get my weekly waffle fix. As other health-conscious vegans know, it can be difficult to find pre-packaged vegan breakfast foods that have that freshly made taste.

When I heard that Food For Life would be releasing several new breakfast items, I was thrilled! Not only is Food For Life’s sprouted whole grain bread my favorite type of bread, but Food For Life was also there for me with their wide range of gluten free products when I decided to try a gluten free diet for about a year.

New to the Food For Life family are Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Grain Flax English Muffins and waffles. These delicious new items are diabetic-friendly, USDA organic, vegan, and Kosher Pareve. The Sprouted Grain Flax English Muffins are made with healthy ingredients such as organic sprouted wheat, barley, lentils, millet, and flax seeds, and the waffles come in flavors such as apple nut, blueberry, golden flax, and original sprouted grain.

The english muffins contain both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and are comprised of 5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving. The waffles combine 6 different grains and contain 9 essential amino acids.

With these delicious, healthy, and quick breakfast items, I no longer feel jipped on the weekends if I don’t have the time for a homemade breakfast. All I need to do is pop a couple of waffles in the toaster, top them off with a square or two of MELT Organic buttery spread and a drizzle of maple syrup, and I’m good to go.

The Sprouted Grain Flax English Muffins are just as delicious and are perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or for a sandwich. I like to pop mine in the microwave and top it off with peanut butter and jam or a sliced avocado and a drizzle of olive oil.

Although these amazing new products are not yet available in stores, keep an eye out for them at a natural foods store near you! To find other Food For Life products, use the Food For Life store locator. Many Food For Life products can even be purchased in bulk online.

Whether you’re vegan, gluten free, or are just trying to incorporate healthier foods into your diet, Food For Life has you covered!

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Food For Life

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MELT Organic offers vegan, fair trade buttery spreads for your July 4th celebration

Whether you’re looking for a buttery spread to whip up your favorite chocolate frosting recipe or your mouth is watering for something to butter up the grilled corn on the cob during your July 4th celebration, MELT Organic has you covered.

MELT Organic offers products that are both delicious and affordable, but it’s also a brand name that you can feel great about supporting. Most of their products are vegan, including the new MELT Organic Probiotic Buttery Spread. If you’re like me, you’re always trying to find new ways to consume probiotic-rich foods. Receiving the great benefits of probiotics from indulging in a buttery spread is basically unheard of! Plus, the probiotic-rich buttery spread also contains good fats such as virgin coconut and flaxseed oils.

Rich & Creamy MELT Organic is vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher Pareve, and made from Rainforest Alliance Certified palm fruit oil. Have a gluten or soy allergy? No problem. MELT is perfect for you, or anyone else who is looking for a delicious plant-based buttery spread.

MELT Organic even offers buttery sticks which is perfect for baking or smothering on bread. According to MELT Organic, their buttery sticks cook and taste just like real butter, but with ⅓ the saturated fat and calories. Even better, MELT products also provide nutritional benefits, and they can be found in many stores throughout the United States. Use their store locator to find a retailer near you. You can even order MELT products online so you can spend less time in the store and more time enjoying the summer weather.

With delicious products on the market like MELT Organic, it’s getting easier and easier to go vegan each year. Bring any of these three MELT products to your 4th of July celebration and let others see for themselves just how delicious plant-based buttery spreads and sticks can really be.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter  | Website | Pinterest
Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: MELT Organic

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Try freeze-dried Crunchies for a flavorful snack in a pinch

It can be difficult to find healthy snacks that don’t require refrigeration or a lot of prep work, and that’s where freeze-dried fruits from Crunchies Natural Food Company come in. Many of us would like to eat raw foods on a regular basis, but we just don’t have the time, money, patience, or equipment.

Crunchies are more nutritious than fruits dried by heat, and they’re completely natural with fruit being the only ingredient! Freeze-drying allows the fruit to retain its nutritional value, while also enhancing its shelf life.

To retain most of the nutrients of fresh, whole fruit during the freeze-drying process, fresh fruits are promptly frozen after harvesting and undergo a low-pressure drying process where frozen water is removed directly as steam, bypassing the liquid state.

Thanks to Crunchies, we can keep an all-natural snack in our purse or lunchbox and not worry about keeping it fresh or refrigerated. Plus, Crunchies are incredibly affordable, delicious, and completely allergen-free. If you love the taste of fruit and don’t have an allergy to it, Crunchies are absolutely perfect for you.

Choose from single-serve bags of fruits for $1.25 each or resealable pouches that range from $5-6 a piece. Their current products include strawberries, mangoes, pineapple, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, cinnamon apple, strawberry banana, and mixed fruit.

Purchase 6-packs online for $28.99 or find them in a store near you! Crunchies are the perfect healthy snack that you can keep on you at all times.

“We are simplifying the lives of active, health-conscious shoppers by offering a snack that’s hands-down the best in terms of ingredients, nutrition, taste and convenience,” says Scott Jacobson, president and CEO of Crunchies Natural Food Company. “Our hope is that, by giving people a new way to enjoy pure fruit, we can help them make better choices for themselves and their families.”

Pick up your first bag of Crunchies today and see for yourself just how deliciously convenient these snacks are. 

For more information, check out their website or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Website | Pinterest 
Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Crunchies Natural Food Company

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BFree Foods offers delicious variety of allergen free breads

As vegans and vegetarians, we know just how easy it is to live happy lives without meat or dairy products. However, it can become a bit more restrictive for many who throw gluten free into the mix, especially for those who love traditional breads, bagels, wraps, or buns. Many of the gluten free breads on the market contain eggs or milk, so those are out of the question for vegans. Many other store-bought gluten free breads tend to crumble or easily fall apart.

Gluten free vegans can now rejoice because BFree Foods offers delicious allergen free breads that just about anyone can enjoy. Not only are these delicious products moist and taste like the breads we all grew up eating, but they don’t crumble or fall apart either! Ditch that lettuce wrap and indulge in a traditional veggie burger or hummus wrap with these amazing gluten free breads from BFree Foods.

Each and every BFree bread product is free of common allergens such as dairy, eggs, wheat, gluten, nuts, and soy. Instead, you’ll enjoy healthy ingredients that consist of superfoods such as quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds, buckwheat, and more. You won’t even be able to tell that BFree products are completely allergen free - they really do taste that amazing. Plus, BFree products are non-GMO and contain real, whole foods.

“We’re doing more than just making breads gluten-free,” says Nathan Fisher, VP of sales at BFree Foods. “We’re transcending trends to deliver real health and quality. Because of BFree’s top-notch nutrition, ‘authentic bread’ taste and durability, we truly stand out. BFree products appeal to a broad variety of health-conscious American consumers, including—but certainly not limited to—those with dietary restrictions.”

You can find BFree products such as bagels, wraps, rolls, and loaves of sandwich bread at many stores throughout the U.S. Use the store locator on their website to find BFree products near you. Unfortunately, BFree products are not available for online ordering at this time.

For additional information on BFree products, visit their website or find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: BFree Foods

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Try energizing new green drink from Kaeng Raeng

Just like their clever name suggests, Kaeng Raeng is always coming up with new allergen-free products for individuals who are looking to feel healthy and strong. Their all-vegan products are filled with beneficial nutrients that helps each of us to feel our very best.

If you’ve ever done a standard cleanse, you probably know how awful they can be. However, the cleanses that Kaeng Raeng offers are the complete opposite! Kaeng Raeng cleanses are fun, refreshing, and delicious. Plus, they’re even soy-free, gluten-free, and free of caffeine, GMOs, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. There are no added sugars—just natural goodness. Their new Daily Green Energy is just what you’d expect from Kaeng Raeng, which is simply amazing.

If you’re not ready to do a full cleanse just yet, then the Daily Green Energy may be the perfect place to start. The Daily Green Energy is packed full of vegan probiotic cultures, B vitamins, and important nutrients that come from 12 real fruits and vegetables.

The Green Energy drink is perfect for a quick boost of energy, or a healthy meal on-the-go. I enjoyed my Daily Green Energy drinks as a nice pick-me-up in the afternoon, or blended into a smoothie for breakfast. It can also benefit you before or after a daily workout. Plus, it’s safe to drink during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Kaeng Raeng recommends drinking your daily pouch of Green Energy in a few different ways:

• The Health Novice should drink their Daily Green with a smoothie that consists of at least 12oz of water plus juice, non-dairy milk, and raw fruits and veggies. 
• The Health Conscious should drink their Daily Green Energy with 6oz of water plus 2-6oz of juice.
• The Health Nut should drink their beverage with 8-12oz of water. 

The Daily Green Energy is made even more convenient with their Green Blender Bottle for mixing on-the-go.

If you’re busy and have a hard time incorporating enough fruits and vegetables into your diet on a daily basis, the Daily Green Energy is for you. Where else can you get a single beverage that contains spinach, kale, banana, carrots, spirulina, ginger, chlorella, strawberry, peas, celery, blueberry, and broccoli? The Daily Green Energy drink is the perfect way to get all the nutrients you need into one glass.

Purchase your seven-day supply of energy for $34.99, or fifteen-day supply for $59.99. Trial packets are $6 each.

Kaeng Raeng also has some new body care products available, too! Check out their new line of body care products here. What will Kaeng Raeng come up with next? We can’t wait to find out!

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Kaeng Raeng

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Tribest Sedona Rawfood Dehydrator is every vegan food enthusiasts’ dream

If you’re a vegan food enthusiast like myself, then you’re probably interested in trying every type of food available to followers of a vegan diet, whether it be raw food, vegan paleo, high fat and low carb, junk food, gluten free, soy free, and more. Even if you don’t follow a raw food diet at all times, you’ve probably tasted dehydrated treats such as banana chips, no-bake cookies, or maybe even a dessert or a pizza at your favorite vegan restaurant.

Raw foods may seem time consuming, expensive, and tedious for many people, but they can be made simple with the right tools and accessories. If you’ve been dying to make some of your own dehydrated goodies but haven’t known where to start, then you’ll want to try the new Tribest Sedona Combo, SD-P9150-B Rawfood Dehydrator.

At $449.95, you may consider this purchase a splurge, but it will be totally worth it. Remember when you were worried about the price of your Vitamix but now you wouldn’t want to live without it? That’s exactly how the Tribest Sedona Combo Dehydrator will make you feel!

Many people think of raw food as eating nothing more than fruits, vegetables, and nuts, however, the possibilities are endless with the Sedona Combo Rawfood Dehydrator. You can make desserts, crackers, crusts, chips, and luxurious meals like lasagna and even pizza!

The Sedona Combo Rawfood Dehydrator has a five-year warranty and comes with nine BPA-free trays, which make it super convenient to dehydrate multiple items at once. You’ll enjoy features such as the digital thermostat, dual fan technology, stainless steel handle, and transparent glass door.

The Two-Stage Sequential Temperature-Timer (TST) is another great feature which allows you to begin the dehydration process at a higher temperature and then automatically lower it to finish the dehydration process, without losing any important enzymes that are often lost when foods are cooked at higher temperatures.

Even if you’re new to dehydrating food at home, the Sedona Combo Rawfood Dehydrator makes it easy with step-by-step instructions and plenty of information to get you through your first raw food cooking experiment.

You may find this Sedona YouTube video helpful if you’re a first time user. This video from Tribest may also be helpful at getting you familiar with the Dehydrator. Chances are that you’ll be addicted to your new Sedona Combo Rawfood Dehydrator before you even know it.

To get you excited about your new purchase, check out raw food recipes from Rawmazing, The Rawsome Vegan Life, and Choosing Raw. Enjoy your new addiction to raw vegan goodness!

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Tribest

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Book Review: Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking

The number of vegans in the world is increasing more and more each week, and so is the number of people choosing to eat gluten-free. Whether you are eating gluten-free because of an intolerance or maybe you’re just trying to eat less wheat products, it doesn't mean you have to give up on eating delicious desserts!

You may be familiar with popular food blogger Cara Reed, creator of Forkandbeans.com. Reed’s website features vegan and gluten-free recipes and receives over 10,000 hits per day! Reed’s recipes can be found all over the internet, but you can also purchase her new cookbook, just in time for the holidays.

Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking is the perfect holiday gift for the people in your life who choose to eat healthier versions of their childhood favorites, but no less delicious! The new cookbook contains more than 100 delicious recipes—all gluten-free, egg-free, and dairy-free. Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking is even perfect for people with food allergies.

With so many recipes to choose from, you will have no problem accommodating all of your guests this holiday season. Choose from recipes such as:

▪ Sweet Almond Braided Bread

▪ Rosemary Beer Bread “Cupcakes”

▪ Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake with Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust

▪ Blueberry Buttermilk Coffee Cake

▪ Pumpkin Cupcakes

▪ Maple Nut Scones

▪ Chocolate-Frosted Donuts

▪ Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

These mouth-watering desserts will trick anyone into enjoying a vegan and gluten-free dessert. They won’t be able to notice a single difference in taste! The best part is that since they're healthier, you can indulge in even more than usual.

Purchase a copy of Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking today, just in time for your holiday gatherings!

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking

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BOOK REVIEW: The Last Mile by Blair Richmond

The Last Mile
 by Blair Richmond
Ashland Creek Press

The final installment of The Lithia Trilogy is finally here. And it was well the worth the wait. By now Richmond’s fictional town of Lithia is as well known and well loved to me, as is Rowling’s Hogwarts. It is a place of great mystery and mystique. Where the living and the dead walk amongst each other still searching for answers to the questions that Richmond so deftly illustrates, if plague us in life, will surely plague us in death.

Richmond seamlessly blends together stories of love and betrayal with deeply resonating underlying themes such as veganism, the environment and Shakespeare. “The Last Mile” is the perfect culmination to the trilogy. Unearthing the lengths we must go to live in harmony with all of nature, and to save not only those we love, but ourselves in the process.

Humbly Reviewed by Erica Settino

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Product Review: Way Better Snacks Offers Springtime Chips

Way Better Snacks does it again—yet again, they prove that they do have way better snacks! This time, they have launched a delicious pita chip called Simply Sprouted Pita-ahh Chips, along with the new Simply Spicy Sriracha and Simply Tangy Mustard & Onion Sprouted Tortilla Chips.

Like their existing flavors, these chips are simply amazing. They are not greasy or oily, but they are a tasty, healthy and fulfilling snack, perfect for any upcoming picnic or party! The new Pita-ahh Chips come in flavors such as Smoked Havarti, Toasted Garlic, and Pinch of Sea Salt.

Each bag of chips is filled with sprouted grains, which make for better nutrient absorption and easier digestion. When seeds, beans and grains are sprouted, their natural outer layer is unlocked, making the nutrients more readily available for the body to absorb. What’s not to love about these snacks?

Plus, all Way Better Snacks tortilla chips are Certified Non GMO Project Verified, kosher, vegan, and an excellent source of whole grains. They contain low amounts of sodium, and are a good source of fiber. The tortilla chips are also Certified Gluten Free, while the pita chips naturally contain a form of gluten that most people can better digest.

If you’re looking for some of the other varies of Way Better Snacks chips, choose from the Simply Sprouted Tortilla Chips line which includes Simply Sunny Multigrain, Simply Sweet Potato, Simply Beyond Black Bean, Simply So Sweet Chili, Simply Unbeatable Blues and No Salt Naked Blues. Each variety contains ingredients such as flaxseed, chia seeds, quinoa, black beans, broccoli seeds and daikon radish seeds.

Choose Way Better Snacks and purchase these delicious varieties today!

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website
Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue.

Photo credit: Way Better Snacks

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Book Review: The Oh She Glows Cookbook

If you happen to be familiar with Angela Liddon’s fabulous blog, Oh She Glows, you are not going to want to miss her brand new book featuring over 100 vegan recipes. The Oh She Glows Cookbook contains delicious recipes with beautifully photographed breakfasts, smoothies, appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, and desserts. Using all healthy and whole-food ingredients, these recipes are enough to persuade even the toughest critics or die hard meat-eaters.

After Angela Liddon struggled with an eating disorder for many years, she embraced a vegan diet to help her feel great from the inside and out. Readers will too, once they try the outstanding Chakra Caesar Salad, Chilled Chocolate Espresso Torte, Eat Your Greens Detox Soup, Empowered Noodle Bowl, Quick & Easy Chana Masala, or the Walnut Avocado Pear Salad. Each recipe contains a colorful, mouthwatering photo of each dish.

In her cookbook, Angela Liddon provides great tips for stocking a plant-based kitchen, pressing tofu, and recipes for making basic vegan recipes such as chocolate frosting or mayonnaise. Even the newest vegan or vegetarian will find this cookbook beneficial.

The Oh She Glows Cookbook is the perfect addition to you or a friend’s home during US Veg Week, which goes from April 21-27. Purchase your copy today and take the vegan plunge, or encourage someone else to do the same! Readers will be amazed at how simple and delicious Angela Liddon’s vegan recipes can be. However, one must personally experience the deliciousness of healthy, vegan cooking in order to believe it!

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Oh She Glows

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Product Review: Kaeng Raeng Soy Free Cleanse

Chances are, you enjoy drinking smoothies and probably drink them on a regular basis. Not only because they are delicious, but because you can pack fruits, vegetables, and super foods into one amazing drink. Plus, they are great as meal replacements or when on the go.

What if you could drink delicious smoothies to help you lose weight, feel great, and fight cravings and bad habits? With the new soy free Kaeng Raeng cleanse, you can do just that! Similar to their original formula, the soy free cleanse is vegan, gluten free, nut free, caffeine free, all-natural, non-GMO, and absolutely delicious!

If you have a soy allergy or are simply trying to cut back on soy, choose Kaeng Raeng’s soy free formula for a 3-day beginner cleanse or a 6-day veteran cleanse. A 6-day cleanse is ideal for people trying to lose weight. Enjoy 3 meal replacement pouches per day and blend into smoothies with liquid, frozen fruit, vegetables, and ice, or simply mix with water, juice, or non-dairy milk.

Enjoy three delicious flavors including “Into The Blue,” “Joyful,” and “Daybreak.” Each flavor is absolutely delicious and incredibly filling!

For my second Kaeng Raeng cleanse, I chose a 3-day beginner cleanse in the soy free formula and I lost 5 lbs. in three days, but I also felt incredibly full and satisfied after each Kaeng Raeng smoothie. I didn’t feel weak or like I had gone without food—instead I felt revived and strong! I even continued working out during my cleanse. I felt great! Plus, I could hardly finish each smoothie because they are so large and filling! However, you can also snack on raw fruits and vegetables or even nuts if you are looking for a little something extra during your cleanse.

Order your Kaeng Raeng cleanse just in time for summer. Why diet or give up your favorite foods when you can do a quick and easy cleanse that helps you to lose weight, kick cravings, or switch to a whole foods, plant based diet. Kaeng Raeng will help! By the end of your cleanse, junk food will be the last thing on your mind.

Order your Kaeng Raeng cleanse today and follow their motto—“be healthy, be strong!”

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Kaeng Raeng

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Book Review: Where Do The Animals Go When It Rains?

Do you ever wonder where our animal friends go when it rains? We bet your children do! In Janet Crown's new children's book, Where Do the Animals Go When It Rains?, she collaborates with her children, Henry, Jack, and Sloan to explain where animals go when it rains and how climate change can have an impact on their habitats.

This beautiful story came about when Janet would tell her children bedtime stories each night. Janet and her children would choose an animal and they would create a story about where the animals lived and what their worlds were like.

Where Do the Animals Go When It Rains? will encourage other children to think imaginatively while learning about different animals from all over the world. Children and parents alike will also fall in love with the beautiful illustrations by Daron Rosenberg.

Children of all ages will love Where Do the Animals Go When It Rains?. Along with exploring the topic of weather and climate change, the book also lets children readers use their imaginations, which is a necessity for all great children's books!

Purchase your copy of Where Do the Animals Go When It Rains?, and ALL earned proceeds from the book will be donated to The Painted Turtle, an organization that supports children with serious medical conditions.The organization celebrates kids just being kids!

Purchase your copy of Where Do the Animals Go When It Rains?, teach your children about the animals they love, and support an excellent cause!

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter
Minnesota Alexandra is a lover of all animals, but has a soft spot for especially dogs and rabbits. She believes that life is not complete without an animal to love. Alexandra is highly passionate about animals and animal rights, and wants to raise awareness of the cruelty that many animals suffer in the best way she knows how, and this is by written word. Alexandra is a recent graduate of Metropolitan State University in Minnesota, with a degree in Professional Writing and a minor in Creative Writing. She absolutely loves to write news and creative nonfiction, and obsesses over spelling and grammar.

Photo credit: Where Do The Animals Go When It Rains

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Product Review: Rice n Simple Perfectly Steamed Rice

As vegetarians or those who eat a healthy, well-balance diet, we tend to eat more grains than the average person. While we love their delicious taste and the outstanding health benefits, it can be hard to consume them with as many meals as we'd like due to their cook times.

However, with the new Rice n Simple Perfectly Steamed Rice by Gabby's Choice, we can enjoy the same health benefits of white jasmine and brown rice in just minutes of prep time! The new all-natural and gluten-free instant rice comes prepared in single-serving bowls and cooks in just one minute, which makes it the perfect solution for a lunch break or a quick dinner.

Unlike many other brands of instant rice, Rice n Simple Perfectly Steamed Rice tastes fresh and comes out of the microwave perfectly steamed and moist. Plus, the rice is of the highest quality and is imported from Thailand and selected for its delicious flavor, unique texture, and naturally distinctive aroma.

Rice n Simple Perfectly Steamed Rice comes in six different choices, such as:

• Jasmine Rice with Shoyu (Soy) Sauce
• Jasmine Rice with Shiitake Mushroom Glaze 
• Jasmine Rice with Teriyaki Glaze 
• Brown Rice with Shoyu (Soy) Sauce 
• Brown Rice with Shiitake Mushroom Glaze 
• Brown Rice with Teriyaki Glaze 

Each bowl of rice is absolutely delicious and tastes completely fresh. Each sauce is also unique and could be used in a wide variety of recipes.

While not in stores yet, Rice n Simple can be purchased in packs of six on Amazon for less than $3 each. Rice n Simple will become available in retailers nationwide in the coming months. Be sure to look for Rice n Simple at your favorite stores.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue.

Photo credit: Rive n Simple

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Product Review: Oh, My Sweet Punkin Cranberry Tortilla Chips

Just in time for the holidays, Way Better Snacks is proving that healthy can also come in the form of a delicious, crunchy snack! This time, it takes the flavor of pumpkin and cranberry with their new Oh, My Sweet Punkin Cranberry Tortilla Chips. This is the perfect combination for holiday gatherings!

If you've tried any of the other Way Better Snacks chip varieties, such as the Simply Sunny Multigrain, Simply Sweet Potato, Simply Beyond Black Bean, Simply So Sweet Chili, Simply Unbeatable Blues and No Salt Naked Blues, you know that Way Better Snacks chips are not only healthy, but they are so much tastier than your regular greasy bag of potato chips.

Not only are these tortilla chips delicious, but every serving of Way Better Snacks contains 420mg of healthy Omega 3 essential fatty acids.  The Oh, My Sweet Punkin Cranberry Tortilla Chips contain real cranberries and pumpkin and are sprouted from ingredients like flaxseed, chia seeds, quinoa, black beans, broccoli seeds and daikon radish seeds. The broccoli and daikon radish seeds contain sulphoraphane glucosinolate, the same natural antioxidant that is found in broccoli.

Plus, each serving of Way Better Snacks chips contains at least 17 grams of whole grains. If you're looking for a tasty way to eat healthy in the New Year, simply work more Way Better Snacks chips into your diet!

Way Better Snacks are also gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, and vegan. Does it get any better than that?

Purchase the new Way Better Snacks Oh, My Sweet Punkin Cranberry chips before it's too late, as they are a limited edition and will only be sold through January 2014! Stock up on them for serving guests at all of your holiday parties into the New Year.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Way Better Snacks

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Product Review: FiberLove Bars

If you are like me, healthy bars are a go-to for a quick breakfast, a snack to hold you over until lunch, or just a treat when you want something sweet. However, it can be tough to find something that isn’t genetically modified or packed full of high fructose corn syrup. Plus, finding inexpensive bars that are vegan can also be difficult.

If you’re looking for a healthy bar that you can love, try the new FiberLove bars by Gnu Foods. With eight delicious flavors to choose from, you will fall in love with each flavor. Plus, all but one is vegan!

Each FiberLove bar is entirely natural and Non-GMO Project certified. Each bar only contains between 130-160 calories. They are free of hydrogenated oils, soy, Trans fat, high fructose corn syrup, and are also kosher certified.

Choose from Banana Walnut, Blondie Bar (the only non-vegan bar), Blueberry Cobbler, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Brownie, Cinnamon Raisin, Orange Cranberry, or Peanut Chocolate Chip. Each flavor is delicious and you might find yourself grabbing one of these bars for a quick snack instead of a cookie or brownie.

Aside from the delicious flavors, each FiberLove bar contains 12 grams of natural fiber, 6 grains and seeds, and helps to promote natural regularity, weight management, and a healthy heart. What’s not to love about FiberLove?

Just in time to kickstart a healthier New Year, purchase your FiberLove bars online at the FiberLove website, or find them at a store near you. Each bar is sold for $1.99 each, but you can purchase a 5-pack for $9.45 or a 16 pack for $28.65. Or, join the FiberLove club and receive free shipping and 30% off the regular bar price. Purchase your bars today to feel better in the New Year!

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: FiberLove

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Book Review: Sweet Debbie's Organic Treats

The perfect cookbook has arrived just in time for you to serve delicious allergy-free vegan recipes at your holiday gathering. Whether you will be baking for other vegans or for family or friends who have gluten, egg, dairy, soy, sugar, or nut allergies, Sweet Debbie’s Organic Treats by Debbie Adler has something for everyone to enjoy. The best part is that they are all vegan and completely allergy-free.

Whether you are vegan, diabetic, trying to eat healthier, have celiac disease, or have any other food allergy or intolerance, you will benefit from the Los Angeles bakery owner's delicious recipes. The new cookbook has something for everyone to enjoy. From muffins to cookies and bars, brownies, breads, cupcakes, donuts or even truffles, guests will be drooling.

You will even find several appetizer recipes for parties such as the “Potato Pizza Wheels” and “Guacamole Bread.” Plus, each recipe is filled with bright, beautiful photographs and easy-to-follow instructions.

With recipes from her famous Los Angeles bakery, Debbie Adler’s sweet organic treats will convince skeptics of all kinds that vegan and allergy-free treats are no different (other than their cruelty-free and allergy-free ingredients)! Nobody has to suffer because of a food allergy or intolerance—Adler makes allergy-free baking delicious! Serve any of Adler’s healthy treats at your holiday party and they will be a hit for everyone.

People are often shocked that allergen-free baking can be made possible while still tasting delicious, so keep a pen and paper handy because you will probably be asked to write down the recipes to share with your guests! Remember to tell guests that they can visit Sweet Debbie’s Organic Cupcakes in Los Angeles, which also caters to celebrities, Hollywood studios, large food companies and customers nationwide. I know I'll be stopping by during my trip to Los Angeles.

Purchase your copy of Sweet Debbie’s Organic Treats at Amazon.com.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website
Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Sweet Debbie's Organic Treats

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Product Review: Freeze Dried Crunchies

If you’re looking for a healthy but delicious snack that is both convenient and packed with nutrients, try the new Freeze Dried Crunchies by Crunchies Food Company, LLC. Choose from flavors such as BBQ Roasted Veggies, Buttered Sweet Corn, Edamame, Grilled Edamame with Wild Rice, Roasted Veggies, or Salted Edamame.

These tasty low-fat snacks are freeze dried with no additives or preservatives and they are wheat, gluten, and GMO-free. They are also rich in fiber. These snacks are perfect for anyone who normally doesn’t like raw vegetables—they taste just like candy! Plus, they are healthy and the resealable grab-n-go bag makes for great snacking at any time.

After the holidays, many of us feel the need to eat a little healthier to get back in shape. Even vegans, vegetarians, or people who are health-conscious tend to indulge on a few extra calories during the holidays, so the new Freeze Dried Crunchies snacks are perfect for getting back on track for the New Year.

Purchase your Freeze Dried Crunchies today! If you feel the need to indulge on something that you might regret later, grab your bag of Freeze Dried Crunchies instead. You’ll choose a much smarter option but your taste buds will still love you for it.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Crunchies

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Product Review: Pyure Organic Stevia Sweetener

Whether you’ve been a fan of stevia for a while or you’ve just started to learn about the benefits of the natural sweetener, you will definitely want to try the new Pyure Organic Stevia Sweetener by Pyure Brands.

Pyure is the first company to bring certified organic, non-GMO verified stevia to the market. Pyure is the perfect addition to your morning coffee, tea, smoothies, protein shakes, cocktails, or simply to sprinkle on your favorite food. Pyure’s Organic Stevia is the highest-quality stevia there is, and it is absolutely delicious!

Pyure Organic Stevia Sweetener is a zero-calorie, organic stevia sweetener that is completely calorie-free, sugar-free and natural. Not to be confused with artificial sweeteners like Splenda, Pyure Organic Stevia Sweetener is healthy, great for health-conscious eaters, and even safe for diabetics. Plus, it’s non-GMO Project Verified, which is especially important.

Pyure Organic Stevia Sweetener is made by using the sweetest part of the stevia plant, and then blended with organic agave inulin fiber, which serves as a probiotic and digestive aid. It even contains 4 percent daily fiber per serving. The packets are also very convenient when you’re on the go or want to add a little sweetness to any drink or meal.

To find a store that sells Pyure Organic Stevia Sweetener online or in your area, please visit http://www.pyuresweet.com/store-finder/.

Be sure to follow Pyure Brands on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Pyure Brands

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Book Review: Baking By Hand

If you’re looking to eat healthier and want to eat less store-bought breads and doughs, look no further than Baking By Hand by Andy and Jackie King. In Baking By Hand, professionally-trained bakers and authors of this fantastic book feature their top 100 recipes which include everything from sourdough to ciabatta to a multigrain loaf. Recipes are easy to follow with step-by-step instructions so even the newest of bakers will feel like pros.

While not a completely meatless cookbook (with just a small section about making sandwiches), most of the recipes are vegetarian or even vegan. Vegans can enjoy many recipes such as the Poached Garlic Sourdough and Toasted Walnut Sourdough, the Marinated Olive Sourdough, the French Baguettes, plus many more.

From baguettes to oatmeal-cinnamon-raisin loaves to apple pies, this book has something for everyone at any time of the day. Readers can also enjoy a delicious homemade grape jelly recipe or they can learn how to custom-make their own pickles. This book has a little something for everyone!

With the holidays nearing, this could also be the perfect gift idea for the baker in your life! Purchase your copy of Baking By Hand today.

Alexandra Beane | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Website

Minnesota Alex is a freelance writer who holds a BA in Professional and Creative Writing. She has a strong interest in veganism, holistic health, and emotional and physical wellbeing. When she isn’t reading and writing about health and wellness, Alex is trying new plant based recipes in the kitchen or can be found volunteering with a Minneapolis-based animal rights organization or local rabbit rescue. 

Photo credit: Baking By Hand

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