Head Back to School in Style with Northwest

My son loves the Yankees, and he has almost every collectible under the sun. Luckily, at Northwest,  I found something really unique. Their awesome sports lunchboxes boxes and backpacks are sure to spruce up your back to school wardrobe and please any sports fan. We picked out a lunch cooler, and my son loves the cool Yankees emblem on it. As a green mom, I love the idea of having a reusable container for my kids' lunches because it creates less waste.

The container zips shut, keeping the food secure even when it gets jostled around inside the box. The airtight and insulated container also keeps bread fresher than plastic or paper bags. They are compact enough to fit inside of schoolbags and since they come in a variety of styles, all your sports fans will be happy.  I love that you can fit both a sandwich and other snacks or fruit all in one convenient package. When we're done with it, it's also easy to clean. Just wipe it down with warm soapy water and let it dry. I know this handy  Northwest lunch bag will be a staple for us during the upcoming school year.

 If you have a Yankees fan in your household, be sure to check it out. Of course, this is only a fone example of the beautiful designs available at the Northwest. They also have lots of other awesome styles that are perfect for the back to school season including superheroes and television characters. Here are a few more styles we love. 

To see all the Nothwest has to offer, be sure to visit their website or follow them on their social media.

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​A Healthy Summer Camp is "In the Box"

Snack in the Box

Snack in the Box is a unique, patent-pending, dual-chambered snack container that allows parents to pack two snacks in one durable, spill-proof container. With two separate chambers topped with pop-up lids, it’s easy to pour healthy snacks and fruit in the right amounts and get them out easily, too.  Pack one side with a healthy choice and the other with a fun treat. Snack in the Box fits perfectly into lunch boxes and is made of USA-made Tritan™ and Polypropylene so it’s BPA and Phthalate free. Snack in the Box is also stain resistant and dishwasher safe (top shelf, please!). Each chamber holds 6oz of food.

Drink in the Box

Now available in 8 oz and 12 oz sizes, Drink in the Box is a durable, boxy-shaped drink container that is spill-proof, leak-proof and fits perfectly into lunch boxes.  It’s also made of Tritan and is dishwasher safe (top shelf, please!). No worrying about mold or bacteria. The food-safe silicone straw is replaceable and detaches from the top for easy cleaning. Use Drink in the Box for fruit-infused water, organic juices, milk or diluted juice. 

Both Snack in the Box and Drink in the Box come in four fun-filled colors – green, orange, pink and blue – and retail for $9.99, $11.99  and $14.99, respectively. Take charge of snack time with Precidio’s “In the Box” products.

My Thoughts

I always pack snacks when I take out my kids. Whether we got for a walk on the trails or spend the day at the beach, they are bound to get hungry eventually. The Snack in the Box is the perfect way to snack on the go without creating unnecessary waste or spending a fortune on individual bags. There are two different compartments, so you can choose two of your favorite snacks. The lids snap closed and are spill proof. They are even easy to clean.

The Drink in the Box is the perfect compliment to the Snack in the Box. My daughter has issues with her teeth and so her juice has to be diluted to prevent cavities. She's only four and ready to start pre-school and I was worried she'd feel left out when all the other kids had their juice boxes. With the Drink in the Box, I can fix her drinks just the way she likes them, and she still gets a box like everyone else. Of course, this container is even  better than the average box. You can fit twice as much inside, it's more affordable than disposable juice boxes, and a much better choice for the environment because you're creating less waste.  It's also spill proof and dishwasher safe.

Lunch Bundles Makes Lunch-on-the-Run a Breeze - #Giveaway

Having ‘lunch on the run’ is something that busy moms are all too familiar with, but there aren’t many on-the-go meals that moms can feel good about serving their kids or eating themselves. To save moms the time and energy required to prepare lunch every day, Revolution Foods offers Lunch Bundles – perfect for grown-ups and kids alike.

Lunch Bundles are delicious, nutrient-dense meals that are packed with protein and fiber, and are lower in saturated fat, sodium and sugar than comparable brands. Like all Revolution Foods offerings, they include only high quality ingredients, including meats raised with no antibiotics or added sodium nitrate/nitrites and rSBT-free cheese, and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

My Thoughts

I am a spur of the moment kind of girl. When I step outside in the morning, and its a nice day, I'll just decide to go somewhere--whether its the park, the beach, or a nature trail. But when you make last minute decisions, you might not have time to pack lunches for everyone. That's where the Lunch Bundle from Revolution Foods comes in.  They make meals on-the-go easy with their convenient prepackaged meals. Not only are they perfect for a fast-paced lifestyle, they're also a convenient way to get school lunches taken care of.

My family received a few of the different meals to try out. Each of my older kids picked one  to take with them to school. I was pleasantly surprised to find they contained pretty healthy options for processed food, but they were also tasty treats my kids were excited to eat.  My daughter picked the SuperFood Meal. She's a vegetarian so this was perfect for her. It included trail mix, corn & flax chips, chickpeas & almonds, dark chocolate raisins, and veggie chips. She just loved the variety and found it a satisfying meal. 

My son is meat eater, but even he was impressed with the Sundipper Meal. This one includes trail mix, no-nut butter, gluten free pretzels, dried bananas, and soy nuts.  This one is a great option for anyone whose on a gluten free diet, but anyone who likes to eat a healthy meal will love it as well.  My kids ate every bite of their meals and thought they were an exciting and fun alternative to regular sandwiches. Revolution Foods Lunch Bundles give you everything you need in one box. 

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive two FREE vouchers for Lunch Bundles. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on  4/25/16. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Revolution Foods for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

Organic Juice that Children will Love

Ask anyone their definition of quality nutrition and you’re likely to hear the words “simple,” “authentic,” and “real.” People are demanding integrity from the foods and beverages they buy, which is why new 100% pure, USDA organic pūrjus™ juices are the perfect addition to a wholesome, satisfying diet.

pūrjus completely avoids preservatives, artificial flavors, colors and sugars. Made in Austria from the highest quality fruits and vegetables, pūrjus is premium juice for people who care about their health. Three flavors make up the pūrjus line:

·         apple juice: Light and refreshing, pūrjus apple juice is rich in antioxidants which may prevent chronic diseases and avoid aging. Research shows that apple juice can help boost brainfunction and increase memory. pūrjus apple juice, taken from European Streuobstwiesen (meadow orchards), delivers two full servings of fruit per bottle.

·         beet juice: pūrjus beet juice features the sweet, earthy beet flavor people love. Beet juice is known for its many health benefits including reducing bloodpressure and helping to reduce cognitivedecline; each bottle is the equivalent of two vegetable servings.

·         beet apple pear juice: Combining three popular juice flavors, this variety is a great alternative for people who want the benefits of beet juice in a delicious, fruitier taste. In addition to the benefits of beets and apples, pear juice provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. This juice provides one vegetable and one fruit serving per bottle.

“pūrjus is 100% pure vegetable and fruit juices that nourish the body naturally,” said Matt Herzog, President of CAJ Food Products, Inc., owner of the pūrjus brand. “All three varieties are all-natural, vegan and gluten-free. Best of all, pūrjus is a reasonably priced organic juice. Finally, there’s a premium-quality juice option at a moderate price for people looking to improve their health.”

pūrjus is packaged in 16.9 fl. oz. (500mL) bottles with a suggested retail price of $4.99. Look for pūrjus in the natural juice section. To learn more, go to www.drinkpurjus.com.

Back to School - Snyder of Berlin Gluten Free Chips!

 Snyder of Berlin^®, a leading snack company which produces chips, cheese snacks, popcorn, and more, is bringing the flavor of Gluten-free chips in all their  glorious flavors right into the school year – and the lunch box.

The diverse product line is now available in NEW 2.75 oz.; 6.75/7 oz., 9.5 oz. and 15 oz. Party Size.  The new extended packaging pays homage to Berlin, Pennsylvania with eleven flavors each featuring a different landscape or location.  Snyder of Berlin offers a full range of snacks using locally grown ingredients.    The snacks have a fresh taste and still offer small town pride which is crafted in every bag of Snyder of Berlin.  Snyder of Berlin has been made in the Laurel Highlands since 1947.  The products can be found in supermarkets, convenience, mass market, club and specialty stores or purchased online at www.snyderofberlin.com

Consumers can still expect the same great taste they know and love from Snyder of Berlin.  Suggested retail prices are: $1.49 for the 2.75 oz., $2.50 for the 6.75/7 oz., $4.29 for the 9.5 oz. and $4.99 for the 15 oz. party size.   The Snyder of Berlin® potato chips are available in Original, Bar-B-Q, Honey Bar-B-Q, Sweet and Sassy Bar-B-Q, No Salt, Vlasic Dill Pickle, Salt & Vinegar, Cheddar, Sour Cream, Rippled and Wavy. A majority of Snyder of Berlin chips are Gluten-Free; always check the bag for Gluten-Free claims.

The Barn photo seen front and center on each package reminds consumers of the barns seen dotting the landscape throughout the Berlin, PA area.  Different flavors of Snyder of Berlin chips feature information panels of unique locations throughout Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. The locations that are featured are: Ohiopyle Falls, The Wolf Rocks in Linn Run State Park, The Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail, The Somerset Historical Center, The Lower Humbert Covered Bridge, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Fort Ligonier, Fallingwater, Beam Rocks, Powdermill Nature Reserve, and High Point Lake.

The unique locations featured on the flavors include:

• Ohiopyle Falls, featured on Snyder of Berlin^® Original Potato Chips, is 38 Miles from Snyder of Berlin. At the tiny town of Ohiopyle, the rushing river drops 20 feet over a wide sandstone ledge. During special events, Ohiopyle Falls is open to thrill-seeking kayakers.

• The Wolf Rocks, as seen on the Snyder of Berlin^® Original Bar-B-Q Potato Chips, in Linn Run State Park is 27 miles from Snyder of Berlin. Wolf Rocks is just one of many sandstone outcrops above 2,500 ft. From many perches along the summit of Laurel Ridge, the skyline of Pittsburgh is visible-nearly 50 miles away.

• The Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail, shown on the Snyder of Berlin^® Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips, is 15 miles from Snyder of Berlin. The GAP Trail connects Pittsburgh, PA and Cumberland, MD with a nearly-level 150 miles of biking and hiking trail throughout the Appalachian Mountains. 

• The Somerset Historical Center, displayed on the Snyder of Berlin^® Cheddar & Sour Cream Potato Chips, is 15 miles from Snyder of Berlin. The Somerset Historical Center is a 150-acre museum that preserves the history of rural life in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

• The Lower Humbert Bridge, exhibited on the Snyder of Berlin^® Honey Bar-B-Q Potato Chips, is 27 miles from Snyder of Berlin. Pennsylvania has the most covered bridges remaining in the US including the Lower Humbert Bridge. The Lower Humbert Bridge was built in 1891 and crosses Laurel Hill Creek in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County.

·       Seven Springs Mountain Resort, as shown on Snyder of Berlin^®  Rippled Potato Chips, is 24 miles from Snyder of Berlin^®.  A mountain resort, this all-season go-to destination features an awe inspiring 750 foot vertical drop, 33 slopes and trails, 7 terrain parks and 11 lifts. In the summer season, people enjoy fishing, hiking, luxurious spas and more.

·       Fort Ligonier, captured on Berlin^® Sweet ‘N Sassy BBQ  Potato Chips, is 32 miles from Snyder of Berlin. This historic area offers a glimpse into American history, with a reconstructed fort showcasing the 18^th century, complete with authentic rare artifacts in the museum. In October, the Fort Ligonier Days festival is held in the neighboring town.

·       Fallingwater, showcased on Berlin^®   Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips, is 41 miles from  Snyder of Berlin^®.  Designed in 1935 by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this stunning location boasts a structure growing over the falls, and is a true union of art and nature. Local sandstone and dramatic cantilevers helped create the historic house, complete with original furnishings entrusted in 1963 to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

   

·       Beam Rocks, featured on Berlin^®  No Salt Added Potato Chips, is 22 miles from Snyder of Berlin.  Located along the magnificent ridges of Laurel Highlands, the Beam Rocks on Laurel Ridge feature a 90-foot cliff, and offers breathtaking views and opportunities for climbing adventures. A true mix of nature and adventure, Beam Rocks is for outdoor enthusiasts.

·       PowderMill Nature Reserve, highlighted on Berlin^® Vlasic Dill Pickle Potato Chips, is 32 miles from Snyder of Berlin. This environmental research center is a quiet refuge, welcoming scientists, students and families interested in the natural world.  A perfect place to explore, bird-watch or simply enjoy nature.

·       High Point Lake, displayed on Berlin^® Wavy Potato Chips, is 23 miles from Snyder of Berlin. Mount Davis soars to 3,213 feet and is the site of Pennsylvania’s highest elevation. The lookout tower offers stunning views of the vista, including a view of three states. Near the pristine summit is the 334 acre High Point Lake, stocked with 8 species of game fish.

My Thoughts

I got to test out a few bags of these tasty Snyder of Berlin Potato Chips, and they are snacks that are simply delicious. They're made with all the best ingredients, and are packed with flavor. Each crunchy chip is a delight for your taste buds. They taste amazing on their own, but they are also perfect for dipping into your favorite condiment. Of course, the best part is that they are gluten free. They also come in some unique flavors like the Vlasic Dill Pickle which was our favorite.  It takes sort of like vinegar chips, but even better.  We also tried the Honey BBQ, and they were fantastic as well.

 My kids really enjoyed this chips. They aren't greasy like most chips, but they are still crispy and taste great. Most gluten-free chips taste like cardboard, but these are packed with flavor and you can be proud to serve them up in your child's lunch box.  If you're looking for a great snack to start the school year off right, give these chips a try.