Back to School Cereals Kids Will Love

The stores are packed with dozens of cereal choices but its hard to find ones that my kids will eat that aren't filled with sugar. I didn't really think it was possible to find a gluten-free cereal that didn't taste like card board. But we got an exciting surprise when we tried out Honey Nut Chex.  This cereal has no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial colors or flavors.  They are made with whole grains and other all-natural ingredients, and they taste great! You won't be able to tell the difference between this and other brands that are loaded with sugar. Each of my kids wanted a second bowl because they liked these cereals so much. And since it made with whole grain and gluten free, I know its good for them.  

If you prefer a cereal with a little crunch, Baked Oat Bites from Nature Valley are another fun choice. My teen children devoured this box of cereal in one day. It's made with cinnamon and has a light, sweet drizzle.  I have to agree that the cereal was awesome.  It's an option both kids and adults cane enjoy. It stayed crispy in the milk and had just the right amount of flavor.  

If you want to have a little more fun  with your cereal, check out some of these fun trail mix recipes.  The Blueberry crumble is my favorite!

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Chex™ Trail Mix
• Hot & Spicy Chex™ Mix
• Blueberry Crumble Chex™ Party Mix
• Sweet and Salty Bunny Chex™ Mix
• Tropical Oat Bites Cereal Snack Mix

If you're looking for some awesome cereals to start your kids' school days off right, try Honey Nut Chex and Nature Valley Baked Oak Bites. Look for them in stores nationwide including Walmart and Shoprite.

Scaring Up Votes for Monsters Cereal - #Sweepstakes

Looking for an election candidate you can really stand behind?  This election year, your favorite more-friendly-than-frightening Monsters are vying against each other in hopes of being elected to the position of America’s favorite cereal Monster. With three awesome candidates in the running, my family was a little torn. 

 Franken Berry promises to electrify your breakfast with great berry flavor and always be frank.  My teen son's name name is Frank, so he felt he had to back his namesake.  He took to the poles to cheer on this berry-tastic candidate.  

Boo Berry is promising full transparency to get your vote.  My daughter Willow has always had the nickname of Boo because she used to look just like the little girl from Monsters Inc. So, of course, Boo Berry was her favorite pick. She was so enthusiastic, she tried to block Franken Berry's photo opp.

Count Chocula is currently leading the polls, working through the night to assure that if he’s elected America’s favorite cereal Monster,  he’ll deliver the goblin’ good chocolate people crave! My youngest song Nicky is a little monster himself (if you can't tell my his smile), but in this case the monster that had his vote was Count Chocula.

Though we had someone championing each of the candidates, in the end, there could be only one winner. My oldest daughter and I both cast our votes for Count Chocola, so he won the election in our house, and got the vote in the contest. I was excited to see that he's currently in the lead.

Now, you can get into the action too!   The election-themed Monster Cereals boxes are available in stores now and you can go online to vote. It’s a relatively open primary. Any resident of the U.S. who is 13 years of age or older can cast their vote for Boo Berry, Count Chocula or Franken Berry at MonstersVote2016.com for an opportunity to win sweet election prizes, including a chance at a $5,000 grand prize or instant prizes like DJ wireless headphones, cases of Monster Cereals or retro Monster t-shirts. Voting ends on October 31, 2016, and the spooktacular winning Monster will be announced on the campaign website November 1, 2016 (sweepstakes officially ends June 1, 2017).

EnviroKidz Earth Day #Giveaway

April 22^nd is Earth Day and Nature’s Path has created 10 fun ways to celebrate with family and friends! 

1.     Learn about endangered species! Start Earth Day off with a bowl of Nature’s Path EnviroKidz organic cereal – each box features fun facts about an endangered species and highlights a few ways you can help protect them. It’s a quick and easy way for kids to learn about the importance of protecting animal habitats – and families can feel good about eating their breakfast because Nature’s Path donates 1% of sales of EnviroKidz products to support endangered species, habitat conservation and environmental education for kids worldwide.

2.     Plant it Forward: Earth Day is a perfect time to work in a garden – whether a community garden or at your home.

3.     Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Kids love getting outdoors and a walk on a trail, in a park or around the neighborhood can connect youngsters to the earth. Make it an adventure with a nature scavenger hunt – give kids a list or pictures to find of trees, flowers and insects.

4.     Pedal Power: Give up driving for a day. Grab some wheels – the ones you pedal – or hoof it around the block, to your local store or playground.

5.     Reuse Art: Create a fun craft table with only reusable items – from packaging, to newspapers to tins and jars – these leftover items can find new and creative uses.

6.     Trash patrol: Armed with reusable bags, kids can do a beach or park clean-up and compete for the most items found (just remember no picking up glass or sharp objects!).

7.     Brainstorm: Kids have great ideas – ask them for ideas on how the family can protect the earth every day – perhaps it is one hour less of electricity or having motor-less Sundays – they may surprise you with their brain power.

8.     Read together: There are so many wonderful books for kids of all ages (such as Dr. Seuss, The Lorax) that have messages about protecting the earth, so grab a blanket, a book and head outside.

9.     Recycle plan: How well does your family recycle? Make a plan to recycle more and set up trash bins for all to participate.

10.   Help save the Koalas! EnviroKidz is giving away a 10 day family trip for four to Australia which includes a chance to cuddle with a koala, visit with koala experts and scientists, plant Eucalyptus trees and more! To enter, look inside your EnviroKidz cereal box for your entry code and visit: http://us.envirokidz.com/contests

By taking just a few minutes to honor Earth Day, your kids will be armed with information and an eagerness to celebrate our planet – ultimately seeding the next generation to value the importance of conservation.

 

My Thoughts

The stores are packed with dozens of cereal choices but its hard to find ones that my kids will eat that aren't filled with artificial ingredients. I didn't really think it was possible to find a natural cereal that didn't taste like card board, but we got a exciting surprise when we tried out Envirokidz. Their cereals have no artificial preservatives and no artificial colors or flavors.  They are made with  whole grains and other all-natural ingredients, and they taste great!

For our review, we got to try out the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Leapin' Lemurs and Envirokidz Chocolate & Koala Crisp.  I told my son this was a healthier brand then the one we usually get. He shrugged, took a mouthful, then looked up at me in shock and said, "Wow, Mom, this actually tastes really good!" If a five-year-old likes it, you know it must taste great. I have to agree that the cereal was awesome. You won't be able to tell the difference between this and the big name brands that are loaded with sugar.  It stayed crispy in the milk and had just the right amount of flavor. Each of my kids wanted a second bowel they liked it so much. And since it made with whole grain and gluten free, I know its good for them.  The cute animals on the boxes make it even more fun.

If you'd like to learn more about Envirokids and all the fantastic products they offer, be sure to visit their website or follow them via social media.

Connect with Envirokidz

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The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive Free coupons for Envirokidz. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on  5/1/16. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Nature's Path for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

Delish classroom snack idea for Easter from Barbara's

This year, skip the generic egg-shaped candy and send your little one off with a container full of yummy cereal bars courtesy of Barbara’s, a company known for making delicious snacks and cereals from simple, wholesome ingredients.

Guaranteed to be a hit, these bars contain Barbara’s Snackimals Cereal in Vanilla Blast, as well as other healthy goodies like cranberries, blueberries, and sunflower seeds.  Check out the recipe here.

Also be sure to check out the 28 Days Sugar Reset Challenge.  Essentially, the Challenge is an interactive and educational month-long campaign offering a 28-day plan with daily tips and nutrition advice that focuses on the importance of a lower sugar diet and how much one should aim for daily based on the new dietary guidelines, as well as how to “reset” the body’s craving for more sugar and how to avoid sugar crashes by reducing daily and balancing glycemic and sugar intake.  

Reducing the amount of sugar we consume on a daily basis can be difficult, especially since added sugars can be lurking in places we least expect –even in foods considered “healthy options.” So to ease the process and guide you through the Challenge to help you reset your body’s cravings for the sweet stuff, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Andrea Donsky will give you her personal step-by-step advice with easy daily tips, simple product swaps, recipe ideas, eating hacks and more. At the end of the challenge, you will not only have reduced your daily intake of sugar, but have key strategies to maintain these healthy habits for a lifetime.

You  can sign up to participate here, and on Barbara’s Facebook Page under the 28-Day Sugar Reset Challenge Tab. 

My Thoughts

The stores are packed with dozens of cereal choices but its hard to find ones that my kids will eat that aren't filled with artificial ingredients. I didn't really think it was possible to find a natural cereal that didn't taste like card board. But we got a exciting surprise when we tried out Snackimals from Barbara's. Their cereals have no artificial preservatives and no artificial colors or flavors.  They are made with 100% whole grain oats and all-natural ingredients. And they taste great!

For our review, we got to try out the Snackimals Vanilla Blast.  I told my son this was a healthier brand then the one we usually get. He shrugged, took a mouthful, then looked up at me in shock and said, "Wow,  Mom.This actually tastes really good!" If a four-year-old likes it, you know it must taste great. I have to agree that the cereal was awesome. You won't be able to tell the difference between this and the big name brands.  It stayed crispy in the milk and had just the right amount of flavor. Each of my kids wanted a second bowl they liked it so much. And since it made with whole grain and has no trans fat I know its good for them.

Another great thing about this company that is worth pointing out is that they really give back. They are actively involved in helping preserve the natural habitats of seabirds, including their mascot the Puffin. Plus they are a green company that uses environmentally friendly post consumer cardboard in their packaging. If you would like to learn more about Snackimals Cereal and all the tasty products they offer, check out the Barbara's website. You can also follow them on twitteror become their fan on face book.  You can find their cereal at Whole Foods. Check them out today and start living healthier!

Snack Hacks: After School Eats, Healthy Treats from Enviro-Kids

After a long day of learning and running around the playground, kids want nothing more than to come home to the perfect after-school snack. We all know how challenging it can be to make those snacks exciting and nutritious. This year, put aside the pretzels and cheese and crackers, and opt for these kid-approved recipes made with organic, gluten-free, non-GMO EnviroKidz cereals. You’ll feel great not just because your kids are excited about healthy snacks but in knowing that Nature’s Path donates 1% of sales to animal conservation.

Peanut Butter and Banana Sushi- Your budding foodie will go bananas for these sweet and fruity “sushi rolls.” Simply spread fresh bananas with peanut butter and roll them in Chocolate Koala Crisp cereal. Chop into roll-shaped bites and enjoy—chopsticks optional!

Leapin’ Lemurs Grape Pops- Made with green grapes, yogurt, honey, and Leapin’ Lemurs cereal, these fun pops are easy to make and even easier to share with the little leapin’ lemurs in your life.

 No Bake Cookie Clusters- For a special treat for your little chocolate-lover, try these chocolate peanut clusters. Chocolate chips and crunchy Choco Chimps cereal coat yummy dried fruit.

My Thoughts

 The stores are packed with dozens of cereal choices but its hard to find ones that my kids will eat that aren't filled with artificial ingredients. I didn't really think it was possible to find a natural cereal that didn't taste like card board. But we got a exciting surprise when we tried out Envirokidz. Their cereals have no artificial preservatives and no artificial colors or flavors.  They are made with  whole grains and other all-natural ingredients, and they taste great!

For our review, we got to try out the Peanut Butter & Chocolate Leapin' Lemurs and Envirokidz Chocolate & Koala Crisp.  I told my son this was a healthier brand then the one we usually get. He shrugged, took a mouthful, then looked up at me in shock and said, "Wow, Mom, this actually tastes really good!" If a five-year-old likes it, you know it must taste great. I have to agree that the cereal was awesome. You won't be able to tell the difference between this and the big name brands that are loaded with sugar.  It stayed crispy in the milk and had just the right amount of flavor. Each of my kids wanted a second bowel they liked it so much. And since it made with whole grain and gluten free, I know its good for them.  The cute animals on the boxes make it even more fun.

If you'd like to learn more about Envirokids and all the fantastic products they offer, be sure to visit their website or follow them via social media.

Connect with Envirokidz

Face book        Twitter         Pinterest         Instagram

Celebrate Nature's Path 30th Anniversary - Giveaway @EnviroKidz

Nature’s Path wants to celebrate its 30^th anniversary with you! They want to thank you for helping spread the word about the organic future for three decades. As a token of their appreciation, rather than receiving birthday gifts, they’re giving gifts to YOU. Thank you for joining their mission in leaving the earth better than we found it!
 

 Fun Facts:

-          Nature’s Path has been family-owned and proudly Canadian for 30 years.

-          With only $7 in their pockets and a $1500 loan, in 1967 Nature’s Path co-founders opened Canada’s very first vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver, BC. Nature’s Path later started out of the back of their restaurant in 1985. 

 Celebrate with CAKE!

Recipe: No-Bake Berry Crumble Icebox Cake

Had enough of intricate instructions and hot ovens? Baking doesn’t get any better than no-bake. Our first-ever cereal, the original Cornflake, takes the place of a graham cracker crust for a lighter (and deliciously gluten free) dessert. The creamy filling finds a perfect balance between zesty and sweet, and another layer of Cornflakes rounds out the dish with a satisfying crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Makes: 12 servings

Ingredients:

3/4 cup almonds

3 cups Nature’s Path Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup melted butter

2 pkg (each 8 oz) brick style plain cream cheese

1/3 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cup sliced strawberries

Directions:

Line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.

Add almonds to food processor; pulse until finely ground. Add cornflakes and pulse until ground. Add brown sugar and melted butter. Pulse to combine. Press 2 cups mixture into bottom of prepared pan. Place in freezer for 10 to 15 minutes or until firm. Reserve remaining half for topping.

Meanwhile, with electric beaters beat cream cheese with yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest and vanilla until smooth. Spread half cream cheese mixture over crust. Sprinkle with strawberries, top with remaining cream cheese mixture and smooth top. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cereal mixture. Press lightly until adhered.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 24 hours or until firm. To serve, scoop or cut into squares.

Calories per serving: 344

Fat 23g

Cholesterol 59mg

Sodium 179mg

Carbohydrates 29g

Fibre 2g

Sugar 20g

Protein 7.5g

Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a Nature’s Path 30^th Anniversary Gift set that includes:

-          Limited edition 30^th anniversary cereal and granola (including Nature’s Paths’ Fruit Juice Sweetened Corn Flakes used in the yummy Berry Crumble Icebox Cake recipe below).

-          Sweetened Corn Flakes

-          1 year free subscription to the new Organic Life magazine

-          3 Nature’s Path free product  vouchers 

 Winner eligibility: Contest is open to Canadian and US residents only. US or Canadian shipping address must be provided.  To enter, simply fill out the giveaway tools  form below.  Giveaway will end  6/29/15. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Nature's Path  for offering this fantastic prize. Prizes may vary from image shown.

Entry-Form