The Organic Chocolate Spread That Keeps Winning Food Awards

Rigoni di Asiago’s newest product, Nocciolata Dairy Free, has just won FOUR prestigious food awards:

·       Delicious Living magazine’s Best Bite Awards: Best Spread

·       Specialty Food Associations sofi™ Awards: Best New Product, Nut/Seed Butter Category

·       Italian Food Awards USA 2017: Sweets & Confectionary Award

·       Italian Food Awards USA 2017: Special Award for Sustainability


Made with organic ingredients completely free of GMO's, preservatives, colors, additives, or artificial sweeteners, Nocciolata Dairy Free combines hazelnuts, fair trade cocoa and cocoa butter, natural vanilla extract, and raw cane sugar for a chocolate-hazelnut spread with undeniably superior flavor. Nocciolata Dairy Free is certified vegan, organic, and made with environmentally-responsible cold-pressed sunflower oil. It also contains far less sugar than other brands and is free from hydrogenated fats.

My Thoughts: 

One of my all time favorite sweet treats is a hazelnut and cocoa spread. There are many to choose on the market, but the guilt comes in with all the added ingredients. When I heard that Rigoni di Asiago had created an award winning organic and dairy free variety, I had to give it a shot! 

It was easy to see how Nocciolata Dairy Free has won four prestigious awards! One taste and you will be in heaven. This product is filled with a powerful, delicious flavor. You can smell it right when you open the jar. The consistency is smooth, easy to spread, and yet still thick. It goes perfectly on your favorite fruit, toast, crackers, or anything else you love to mix or cook a sweet spread with in the kitchen. I enjoyed lots of strawberries with mine!

Another plus side of Nocciolata Dairy Free is the fact it is made with wholesome, natural ingredients. The only ones you will see in this product are: Cane sugar, hazelnut paste, sunflower oil, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, sunflower lecithin, and vanilla extract. It is GMO free, vegan, and organic. It's also palm oil and gluten free.

For anyone that wants to enjoy their favorite Hazelnut and Cocoa spread in a natural way, without skipping out on taste, this is ideal for you! No matter if you're vegan, vegetarian, gluten or lactose intolerant, or just looking for a healthier alternative, you will want to add this to your shopping list! 

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Review of LIPZU- Created by 12 year old entrepreneur, Daisy.

Budding beauty guru Daisy Creel is proof that you're never too small to think big. She joined her love of animals with an entrepreneurial spirit to develop LIPZU, a line of organic lip balms that gives a portion of its proceeds to the Humane Society. "We got all of our pets - two cats, a dog and a bird - from the Human Society," says Daisy.  "Someone saved and cared for them before they came to live with us, so I want to return the favor."

My Thoughts:

I adore the stories of young entrepreneurs striving to make a difference. When I heard about Daisy Creel and her passion for animals as well as giving back to the Humane Society, I knew I wanted to give LIPZU a try. Each lip balm had an adorable case that displayed an animated animal on the front. I was sent the lip balms: Figaro (cat), Gilbert (penguin), Huckleberry (dog), and Wish (panda). The flavors were Mango, Cherry, Strawberry, and Cucumber. 

I was impressed by how delicious the scents were. The product was silky smooth and easy to apply. I could feel the lip balm soaking in quickly upon application and leaving a softer feeling. My lips felt wonderful afterwards and there was no after taste or a need to keep reapplying many times. I put more on maybe three times a day depending on how my lips were feeling. I noticed an increase in hydration by the next day. My brother also tried these with me and he felt the same way. He gets horribly chapped lips that are prone to cracking, and he loved LIPZU. He didn't feel any burning, pain or stinging like other lip balms have given him. There is a lot of product in each pod, so these will last a long time. The animals on the front did wear off over time, but the product itself worked just as well. It was also great that they were organic! 

Here is the ingrediant list: Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Beeswax (Cire D’abeille), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Natural Flavor, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, and Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit.  

Each lip balm is Gluten-free, Paraben-free, Petrolatum-free, Phthalate-free, 95% organic, 100% natural, and there is no animal testing. 

If you are looking for a wonderful product that supports giving back, I would highly recommend giving LIPZU a try! Each lip balm retails for only $6 each and shipping is always free. I'm wishing Daisy a wonderful time on her future career endeavors, and thank you to LIPZU for allowing me to give these awesome products a try! 

Connect with LIPZU:

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Thrive GoMacro's New Line of Plant-Based Bars #GoMacro. @GoMacro #Giveaway

GoMacro is a family owned vegan company that was started by a mother-daughter team on their organic farm in Southwest Wisconsin. While you may be familiar with their original MacroBars, they have launched a delicious new line of plant-based bars called, Thrive. 

Thrive are made up of a superfood ancient grain blend, are all less than 200 calories, and provide plant-based protein, essential fatty acids, and prebiotic fiber to fuel your body and mind.

Like all GoMacro products, Thrive are USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Gluten-Free certified, 100% Vegan, and soy-free. Thrive is currently available to purchase online and will become available to Whole Foods in October 2016.

***Discount Code***

Use code Thrive30 for 30% off of their purchase for Thrive at GoMacro's online store: http://gomacro.com/shop/product-category/thrive/. 

My Thoughts:

Thrive is a delicious way to enjoy the fuel your body needs on the go. As a working college student, I do not always have the time to make a nutritious meal or snack. That is why I am so grateful to GoMacro for creating a healthy alternative that packs all the goodness needed to keep your body balanced and happy. It is hard to find good, wholesome health food on the market now that is not packed with added sugars or fats. With Thrive, you can enjoy your food in confidence that it is organic, kosher, gluten free and vegan. It is also only 200 calories while still providing the proteins our body needs from plants on a daily basis.

There are a variety of flavors that Thrive provides such as Almond Apricot (pictured above), Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, Blueberry Lavender, Caramel Coconut, Chocolate, Nuts and Sea Salt, as well as Ginger Lemon. Each were soft, chewy, packed with flavor and they had just enough crunch from the seed blend. Some like Caramel Coconut had nuts such as cashews and almonds. Each bar gave me a nice full feeling and a boost of energy after eating them. Knowing that all of the bars were made from real ingredients made it even more enjoyable. As a chocolate lover as well, it is always nice to know I can get my sweet fix without the guilt from the flavors like Chocolate, Nuts and Sea Salt, as well as Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip. Each flavor was a unique and tasty blend that always hit the spot!

If you are someone looking for a healthy treat on the go that is rich in flavor and still just as nutritious, I would highly recommend Thrive by GoMacro!

Connect with GoMacro: 

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The Giveaway:

GoMacro was kind enough to offer one lucky reader their own assorted box of Thrive! Each box will include their variety of delicious flavors. Thank you so much to GoMacro for this wonderful opportunity!

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Product Review: Dr. Fedorenko's True Organic

Created by Naturopath and Clinical Herbalist Julia Fedorenko-Bitton and her mother and partner Dermatologist Dr. Larissa Fedorenko, M.D. and hand crafted in Sag Harbor, New York, Dr. Fedorenko True Organic skin care line includes BUG STICK, a certified organic, chemical-free and DEET-free formula to repel ticks and mosquitoes; SUN STICK, an organic, chemical-free sunscreen; and SKIN STICK, an organic, chemical-free and fragrance-free moisturizer to rescue rough skin on elbows, hands, and knees.

All Dr. Fedorenko True Organic skin care products are 100% natural, with certified organic butters and essential oils, no synthetic fragrances or colors, no chemicals or DEET, paraben and phthalate free, dairy and soy free, and gluten free.

Dr. Fedorenko True Organic products can be found in specialty shops in the Hamptons, New York City and Miami Beach, and online atwww.drfedorenko.com. Full size products are $19 and travel size are $11.

My Thoughts

I like using products to protect my skin and keep it soft, but I hate some of the ingredients that are in them. Often, I choose to go without rather (and stay in the shade) rather than put some of these ingredients on my skin. That's why I like that there are products like this available. 

These products are made from all organic and natural products, and come in small containers that are easy to carry around. They go on smooth and don't leave me feeling like I have something on, which I love. I particularly liked how my face looked after using it, and will definitely use this again in the future. The only iffy thing was, I noticed that the remaining part of the moisturizer stick was signifincantly smaller after about a half-dozon uses (just on my face) compared to the fresh tube of another.  

If you're looking for a safe, effective product to protect yourself while out and about, I definitely recommend it. 

Summer Must-Have for Keeping the Family Safe While Outdoors.

With summer upon us, and Zika virus still top of mind, we need to think about protecting our skin (and our kids) from mosquitos and other insects, especially when taking part in outdoor activities like camping, hiking, BBQ's, pool time and much more.  US Organic offers an anti-bug spray that is safe for the whole family.  They also offer an indoor bug spray that can be used on pillows, blankets, tents and much more. 

U.S. Organic’s Anti Bug Spray is one of the leading bug repellent brands on the market:

•        Certified Organic by USDA                                

•        Kid Safe

•        DEET Free

•        Does not contain synthetic chemicals or alcohol

•        Made in the USA and not tested on animals

•        Offers long-lasting protection from mosquitoes carrying Zika virus, Dengue virus and West Nile virus diseases

•        Refreshing herbal scented fine mist spray that isn’t sticky

•        Comes in 2 sizes, 4 fluid ounces and 2 fluid ounces (approved for airplane travel)

•        Indoor option perfect for pillows, blankets, tents and more.

My Thoughts:

I have been looking for an effective and long lasting bug spray for quite some time. I have gotten bitten up terribly by mosquitoes the last few summers. Already having allergies, my bites would swell up so badly and the itch would be horrible. This summer, I have been dedicated to finding a product that works for me.

I have to say, U.S. Organic's Anti Bug Spray options truly impressed me. The oils are organic, the product is not sticky on skin, and the bottle sprays a fair amount each time. The smell of both the indoor and outdoor forumlas is strong, but it begins to wear off quickly. I liked to spray it outside, rub the product in, and then go about my night. So far, I have hardly been bitten at all when I wear this. The staying power is fantastic too. I spent quite a few hours outdoors this week and have had no troubles. Being someone who loves being outdoors, especially during the warmer months, this is a blessing! Plus, it is safe to use on children and DEET free as well, making it even better! 

The kit that I received came with an indoor, outdoor, and travel sized outdoor formula. I have never seen an indoor formula before which really intrigued me. I like to use that on any sort of indoor furniture that I often take outside. The travel sized portion has been in my purse and works just as well as the full sized choice. All the products are lightweight and easy to use. I would highly recommend it!

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New Product News: Justin’s Snack Pack.

JUSTIN’S SNACK PACK DIPS INTO THE SNACKING

SCENE NATIONWIDE

Confection and Nut Butter Brand Offers Latest, Great Tasting

Product Innovation to Consumers Everywhere

 Boulder, CO. (March 2016) – Justin's, maker of naturally delicious, high-quality nut butters, nut butter snacks, and organic peanut butter cups, announced today that its latest product innovation, the Snack Pack, will debut on shelves nationwide starting next month. Available in three delicious nut butter and pretzel combinations, the Snack Pack provides convenient nutrition for kids and adults alike with 4-6g of protein for just 180-190 calories per pack.

“Crafting the perfect snack pairing is an art, and we knew we wanted to create the finest nut butter and pretzel masterpiece,” said Justin Gold, founder of Justin’s.  “We’re lucky to have such amazing consumers that provided the feedback we needed to produce the best possible Snack Pack experience. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share this one-of-a-kind duo with snack lovers everywhere!”

Made with delicious, quality ingredients, this all-in-one pack is a unique offering to the snack set. One side Justin’s nut butter and one side delicious, wheat pretzels, it contains no hydrogenated oils and nothing artificial. Available in three mouthwatering varieties – Chocolate Hazelnut Butter and Pretzels; Classic Almond Butter and Pretzels; Maple Almond Butter and Pretzels – the Snack Pack is perfect for tossing in your bag or simply enjoying at home, providing a great tasting and convenient, protein-packed snack for all.

An isolated launch of the Snack Packs in 2015 validated the concept and allowed Justin’s to enhance the product to improve the overall snacking experience. Justin’s Snack Packs will hit thousands of grocery store shelves nationwide beginning in Spring 2016. The Snack Pack was custom designed for retailer ease with stand-up, peggable merchandising, and will be available for an SRP of $1.99.

                   

About Justin’s

Justin’s makes naturally delicious, high-quality nut butters, nut butter snacks and organic peanut butter cups that deliver great taste, unique texture and convenient nutrition. Established in 2004 in the home kitchen of health enthusiast Justin Gold, Justin’s supports an on-the-go lifestyle and was the first nut butter brand to market nut butters in single-serve squeeze packs. Justin’s peanut butter cups are USDA-certified organic and are made with Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa. The nut butters are finely crafted with Justin’s one-of-a-kind grinding process to create an exceptional texture and flavor experience. All seven varieties offer a fiber-rich source of protein perfect for snacking anytime of the day. Justin’s Snack Packs are perfect for dipping, scooping and devouring and are available in three delicious nut butter and pretzel combinations.

My Thoughts:

Thanks to Justin's, I was able to try each individual Snack Pack they have listed above. All of them were rich and delicious! If you are an almond, hazelnut and nut butter lover like me, these will be ideal for your snacking needs! In addition to the wonderful flavors and choices, each variety is kosher and vegan as well. They will give you an energy boost and sweet yet healthy treat to make your day even more enjoyable! Upon opening, give each butter a good mix with your pretzels to get the natural oils mixed in. It will create a nice smooth product. I will attach pictures of each below, as well as my thoughts! 

 Justin's Maple Almond Butter: 

Justin's Maple Almond Butter gave a sweet surprise to the classic hearty almond butter flavor. This had very small almonds in it, while the wheat pretzels gave a nice crisp crunch. The pretzels were lightly salted and picked up the almond butter perfectly. If you love maple flavor or are just craving something sweet, this is the perfect snack for you! With only 190 calories and 5 grams of protein, you can't miss this!

Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter:

I'm a little bit of chocolate hazelnut fanatic, so I instantly opened this sweet treat up, as you can see from my pictures. This Snack Pack did not disappoint! The hazelnut butter was rich, creamy, and very flavorful! This is a fantastic choice for anyone who adores chocolate. The pretzels were a wonderful touch. It's like eating chocolate covered pretzels without the guilt! This Justin's Snack Pack is 180 calories, 4 grams of protein, and unlike other chocolate treats, only 6 grams of sugar. Embrace those chocolate cravings! 

Justin's Classic Almond Butter:

You can never go wrong with a classic! Justin's Classic Almond Butter is rich, flavorful and very tasty! Almonds are my personal favorite in the nut family and I enjoyed the addition of the pretzels to savor with it. This Snack pack has 190 calories and 6 grams of protein. After a good mix, it's ready to enjoy! Yum!

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Holiday Gift Guide - Green Goo by Sierra Sage

There are times when you need to give your skin a little TLC on the go, so when I came across this review opportunity from Sierra Sage, I couldn't pass it up. Made with organic herbs and essential oils, this little kit covers several different things. 

First off, there are two different kinds of lip balms: Cool Mint and Citrus Zest. I am really picky about lip balms! I like to feel them, but I don't want it to be overwhelming, and these did the job well. They also lasted nicely, even after eating and drinking.

The second part of this kit contained three different creams: First Aid, Skin Repair, and Dry Skin. As luck would have it, right after receiving these products in the mail, I accidentally burned a small spot on my hand. I didn't really feel it or get bothered by that until a little later. Once I did? Out came the cream! I applied a small amount and loved the cooling sensation it left. Definitely a help that day, and the dry skin one was great for my hands. I feel pretty confident in saying that you can't go wrong with any of these. 

The little kit I got comes in a small plastic case for easy travel. I love that, as I can just toss it right in my backpack and go, knowing that if I need any of those products, they are right there.  

GlaMER lips - All organic lip scrub

Even with the best lipstick in the best shade, your pout will never look good if you don’t take care it. Many of us forget that lips need pampering too. Enter Glamer Lips® with some amazing USDA Organic and all Natural lip scrubs. You’ll find scrub flavors from Brown Sugar Honey, Cinnamon, Lemon, Bubblegum, Champagne, Coconut, and Limited Edition flavors! The line also offers a Natural and USDA Certified Organic line of lip balms to lend lips instant re-hydration! Glamer Lips® was created by Mercedes Porredon, a makeup artist whose clients often expressed the difficulties associated with having dry lips. So she added the best natural and organic ingredients products and created lip scrubs! All GlaMER Lips ® scrubs are PETA Certified Animal Cruelty.

All Organic Lip Scrub (USDA Certified) by GlaMER Lips®

Because Every Pout Deserves The Best Ingredients

This gentle and nourishing lip scrub uses all certified organic ingredients to eliminate dry, flaky skin and leaves lips extra soft and moisturized. Made with key ingredients like Castor Sugar, Pure Jojoba Oil, Unrefined Coconut Oil, Natural Color and Pure Vitamin E (non-synthetic) to provide intense moisture and leaves your lips soft.

GlaMER Lips® Lip Scrub

Gives Lips Some Extra Love

Natural Scrubs available in three flavors: Lemon, Bubble Gum, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar/Honey and Coconut

USDA Scrubs available in three flavors: Lemon, Bubble Gum, Cinnamon, and Coconut

Key Ingredients & Benefits:

· Eliminates dry, flaky skin and leaves lips extra soft and moisturized

· Pure Vitamin E- heals cold sores and is extremely effective in getting rid of dry or chapped lips

· Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil- the fatty acids of coconut create a barrier and lock in moisture so that your lips will remain free of cracks

To Use: Apply a small amount onto your lip area and gently massage in a circular motion for about one minute. Rinse, with tepid water or simply just lick off.

Packaged: Sealed with a glass jar and comes with a wooden spatula. This gentle and nourishing lip scrub uses all certified organic ingredients to eliminate dry, flaky skin and leaves lips extra soft and moisturized.

GlaMER Lips® is available at www.makeupbymer.com

My Thoughts

What a neat little lip scrub. I received the bubble gum flavor and was excited to try it out. It comes in a sealed jar and a little wooden stick to pull the scrub out. I just used my finger, it was easier for me. I massaged it into my lips and licked it off. It was hard to resist not licking it off because it was very tasty. 

After the lip scrub was off my lips, my lips felt a little tender. Not bad, but maybe I rubbed to hard. I applied the lip balm they scent--which is also organic. It's been a week since I did the scrub and they still feel very soft. I can't remember the last time my lips felt this smooth. My guess is I was holding onto a lot of dead skin that this lip scrub removed.

 I also used this on my daughter and she hasn't asked for chapstick in a week either. I will need to look up how often to use this product, because I wouldn't think it would be a daily beauty item, maybe twice a month.

I would recommend this for sure and probably by as a gift for any friend of mine who likes make-up or even doesn't.