Gotta Bandage TxTpressions Review And Giveaway! #gottabandage #giveaway

                                  

Dear Readers:

  *We received a prize pack of Txtpressions via Gotta Bandage for the purpose of this review. The opinions within are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

 It has been hectic and busy this holiday season here at Chez Lee, but we have been taking photos, making  memories and having a blast with family and friends.  Boxes have started arriving with presents and cool stuff to review and giveaway as well.  

  Ana was excited when we received a box full of Txtpressions bandages to review.  Ana loves bandages. We have had many styles, colors and designs come through our house the past few years, and she loves to put them on her fingers, toes and just about anywhere booboo or not. We keep them upstairs, downstairs, in the car, the diaper bag, backpack etc.  Also, she loves text talk (as do most girls I know) and especially loved the bandages that bring out her inner five-teen. 

Ana loves the bright colors and cute expressions on these bandages and we will be keeping them in the car for on the go cuts , scrapes or bruises. The small travel pack size is perfect for our back of the car seat organizer.

We received in our pack:

• (2) TxTpressions Combo boxes 
• (1) Mini bandages tin 
• (1) Flip 'n' Fan (cute foldable & collapsible handheld frisbee fan)

Here is all of the info from the company and do not forget to enter to win a pack of goodies for yourself:

"Txtpress Yourself!

With this genius combo of both text abbreviations & emoticons, put your words & feelings on a bandage & zip it. This combo gives you the best of both worlds & will never ever have to speak again… ever. Until you run out of bandages & have to run out to get a new box. Which BTW, we completely support & totally encourage. LOL ;)

Cover up cuts and scrapes. wear it on your arm, folder, or bike. Make a statement and live out loud with Txtpressions Bandages. Be fun, be bold, set trends, and express yourself with Txtpressions."

a

Important Links:

• Official Site:  Gotta Bandage
• Twitter: @Gottabandage
• Instagram – Follow @gottabandage
• Facebook Page @gottabandage 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

   

Each household is only eligible to win TxTpressions Bandage Pack via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Airheads and Michaels get colorful and crafty! #Smiley360 #AirheadsCrafts

Hello Dear Readers:

  I am a member of the Smiley360 Blogger Group and a part of smiley360.com  which  provided me with an amazing array of candy from Airheads and a Michael's giftcard to buy supplies. I received this product for free from Smiley360 in exchange for my honest review. You can join Smiley360 here!

Ana and I received a lovely box of goodies from Smiley 360 containing:

• 15 mixed variety of Airheads
• 2 bags of Airheads bites
• 1 bag of Airheads Xtremes
• 2 crafting tools
• 4 lollipop sticks
• $25 gift card to Michaels craft store

  We love spending some quality time traipsing through Michaels and picking out crafts to make together for fun or presents, so Ana was super excited to pick out some decorative items to help make our Airheads crafts super special.  First we chose edible pens and flowers. Then we chose some cute heart cutouts. Ana loved walking up and down the aisles looking for extras that could decorate the cloud bracelet she chose to make as well as the other fun creatives like the snowman with scarf. It was so super cute.  We had a blast. Great quality time with a fun kindergartener. And the baby watched. 

 We had some time to sit down this week and create. At first we used the website here for ideas:  Airheads Craft Ideas  and then Ana stated molding things on her own. 

She made a bird's nest, a flower pot and other cute bendy things that were colorful and fun. Along the way, she used the leftovers as a snack ("a few pieces fell into my mouth Mama", she said). She had to try all of the different flavors, and especially loved the mystery flavor. I still do not know what it was, though she said it tasted like vanilla. I will have to trust her on that one. 

Working with Airheads was fun, easy and delicious and Ana had a great time being creative and silly. I loved that it kept her entertained and did not make a huge mess. I.e NO glitter.   

Check out the photos below for inspiration. There are so many fun and colorful crafts!!

Important Links:

• Learn more about Airheads: http://bit.ly/1FrUIFi
• Follow Airheads on Pinterest for great crafting ideas :   http://bit.ly/1NRnHoV
• Like Airheads on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1YzZas4
• Follow Airheads on Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Lu6XlR

Review: Nutrexin Alum-free ph Alkaline Deodorant #Nutrexin #momsmeet

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.


Hello Dear Readers:

   I am back with a great review from an awesome product new  to me:  Nutrexin Alum-Free ph Alkaline Deodorant. I received a sample of this product via my membership at Mom's Meet where I am an active blogger and Mom Group participant.

  I received two bottles and will be giving one away to one of my fellow 12 Week Challengers at the Gold's Gym Challenge that I signed up for.  First the important product info and then how this holds up for me under extensive workouts:

   The Nutrexin product line was born from Nature’s First Apothecary, Switzerland’s leading provider of natural medicines. Their team of health care professionals has over 90 years of experience working with homeopathic remedies, herbal formulas and body care products. Nutrexin has been a best-selling brand in Europe for close to 10 years and is being newly released in the US marketplace this year. Their unique formulas have been developed in the belief that everybody has the natural power and ability to be healthy and stay healthy.

• Nutrexin Alum-Free Roll-On Deodorant offers reliable 24-hour protection with a balanced alkaline effect.

 • Nutrexin Alum-Free deodorant does not contain aluminum, fragrances, preservatives, and artificial colors.

 • Safe for all skin types, Alum-Free deodorant dries quickly and does not leave a white residue. 

• Alum-Free Deodorant uses Sage, Witch Hazel, and other plant extracts to provide beneficial anti-microbial effects and protection against the emergence of bacteria. 

• Nutrexin Alum-Free Roll-On Deodorant (1.7 oz.) retails for $9.99.

How it held up for me:

  I work out everyday. I do everything from Boxing, to Boot Camp, Pilates and Running and I really put this great deodorant to the test. It stood up. I love the herbal scent (I smell the witch hazel for sure) and the rollon applicator. So easy, and such a natural non chemically scent.  I did not get any marks on my workout clothes and after each hour of sweating and working, I checked and I still smelled great. I feel good using a more natural product that doesnt contain aluminum. It is better for my skin, and for touching and feeding my son. I do not like to wear anything with chemicals or strong scents when I am around him. That is why the Nutrexin line of products are great for me and for my kids. 


Photos of me and Ana and the product soon!


Right now you can save 20% off using the code MOMS1015 when you order and get free shipping!! Just click here and put the code in when you are checking out. 


Important Links:

• Official Nutrexin USA site
• facebook.com/Nutrexin-USA 
• twitter.com/NutrexinUSA

Returning to Blogging....

Hello faithful readers:

 If you are still here, thank you!  I know I have been away for months and with good reason, I am busy with baby Max and Ana, my kindergartener. But now that we have a fairly easy to follow routine down pat, I am returning to my blog. And , I need to edit it a bit, but for now it stays Eveything For Ana and I have blog posts coming up.  I have been chosen for two hosted parties, have loads of photos of the baby...and cannot wait to tell you all about my journey to lose the baby weight and the 12 Week Gold's Gym Challenge that I joined. Plus, it is Autumn in the Hudson Valley and that means, time for Apple Picking, Pumpkin painting and picking and loads of fun outdoor activities. I have hundreds of photos to edit..but cannot wait to share so much with you. So tell me , anything new out your way? My goal is to post here daily, even if it is just a little personal post and to update and upkeep my facebook page..  Plus share instagram photos more readily.   So without further adieu, I am BACK!!

  Thanks for sticking around...see you more often,


    Zoe (and family)

Review: Nogii Gluten Free High Protein Bars #glutenfree #paleo #momsmeet #nogiitablesetters

Hello Fine Readers:

  *I received  this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet Program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

Miss me? I have missed you. Having a newborn at home is exhausting and taking a month off just to bond with him and his sister has been amazing. But, now I am back to blogging and so happy to tell you about this amazing line of protein bars. I received the entire product line of Nogii Protein Bars , a Nogii teeshirt and a copy of the Elisabeth Hasselback book:" The G-Free Diet".  

First off, let me tell you: I have tasted and tried out a lot of protein bars over the past few years, and these Nogii bars are some of the best tasting protein bars I have ever had. They are sweet, crunchy and delicious and really hit the spot after a jog, day out at the beach and swimming or on the go on a busy day. I pack them in my lunch bag, diaper bag, or beach bag for an afternoon treat, or post workout recovery bar. They are delish. We pack them for walks over the Walkway over the Hudson where Duncan goes for a few mile run, I walk with the baby carriage and Ana rides her big wheel. They are so yummy after working out and getting some fresh air and exercise. I love the cookies and creme, it tastes sweet and naughty, like a dessert treat. 

Me, Post Partum week 5, ready for a run and a delish Nogii bar! #nomakeup

I received an amazing selection which included: 

Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Cookies and Creme (one of my faves)

Nuts About Berries Paleo Bar

Chocolate Caramel Bliss

Vanilla Bean Whey and Quinoa Protein

amongst others

They were all tasty and hit the spot. Ana loved them as well as Duncan. They were a hit with the entire family. In fact Ana kept asking for them in her lunchbox. I love adding the vanilla protein powder to my smoothies and energy drinks for a midday pick me up. 

Want to know more about these yummy products? Here are the deets:

  Elisabeth Hasselbeck created the Nogii Line of Certified Gluten-Free bars, protein powders and paleo bars. They are made from high quality and sustainably sourced premium ingredients, and they have the ideal balance of protein, fat and carbs. Also, they do not contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, or hydrogenated oils. They are a delicious and nutritious and contain a high amount of protein. For example : the Nogii High Protein Peanut Butter and Chocolate Bar is delicious, certified gluten free, and non-GMO with 20 grams of high quality protein. They retail for $2.50-$2.99 for one bar. 

Also very delicious and cool? This:

Right now there is a very cool giveaway contest  to win a trip to New York City to meet Elisabeth Hasselbeck and have lunch with her. 

To enter visit the facebook page at :

Facebook.com/nogiinogluten look for the link  to the contest and complete the entry form before July 31rst, 2015.

Important Links:

• Official Nogii Website
• Nogii on Facebook
• Nogii on Twitter
• Nogii on Instagram

Tori Amos Rerelease Little Earthquakes and Under the Pink double album Review and Giveaway!!

  Anyone who knows me knows what a huge Tori Amos fan I am. Ever since Litle Earthquakes was released in 1992, I have attended concerts, dyed my hair redder and memorized each song that Tori has written. At one point, I would definitely have been described as an uber fan!

   In college (I went to music school for musical theatre), I even performed a Tori Amos set for Parent's Weekend with a wonderful pianist.  I love her first two albums the best, so I jumped at the chance to review the rerelease Little Earthquakes and Under the Pink remastered!  They are amazing. Crisp, clear sound and the same amazing lyrics and beautiful piano driven songs you can expect from Tori.  

Once I received copies for myself, they went straight into the car (one of the only places I still have a cd player!) and I played them for Ana. I explained that Tori is one of my favorite singer/songwriters and she was quiet and thoughtful as she listened. I think she likes her too! A lot of Tori's lyrics are a bit sophisticated for a 4 year old's ear, but I think as she grows up I will be able to pass on my love of Tori to my sweet girl! 


  Rhino Records releases these remastered versions of the albums TODAY and you can hear them here on youtube in full stream:


Little Earthquakes: http://youtu.be/2CdWEHjaL30 

and 

Under The Pink: http://youtu.be/IfKuZwE-PHQ 


And you can win your own copy of one of the albums (2 winners!!!) by entering in the Rafflecopter below!!!!

Info on the re-releases from Rhino Records:

"On  April 14, Rhino Records is releasing remastered versions of Tori Amos' first two albums: Little Earthquakes (1992) and Under The Pink (1994).  Each will be available to purchase as 2xCD sets with bonus discs including B-side, rarities and live tracks, and also on vinyl (for the first time ever in the U.S.)

Little Earthquakes & Under The Pink (2-CD Deluxe Editions & 180-gram vinyl)

One of the most successful and influential artists of her generation, Tori Amos is as much a force to be reckoned with today as when she released her first solo album Little Earthquakes over 2 decades ago. Eschewing the trends of the time, the prodigious chanteuse touched millions deeply with her arresting melodies, riveting stage presence and personal & honest lyrics. Amos is releasing 2-CD deluxe editions of her debut and sophomore solo albums, Little Earthquakes and Under The Pink, each newly re-mastered and paired with an entire disc of rare b-sides and bonus tracks.

 In the original assembly of Little Earthquakes, difficult choices had to be made to ensure the album’s balance and flow. Fortunately, songs that didn’t make the record itself were able to see the light of day as a copious stream of single b-sides released in the US and UK for both Little Earthquakes and Under The Pink. Often these tracks were intertwined with album cuts, for example “Pretty Good Year” becomes an extension of “Ode To The Banana King (Part One)” which itself was b-side to “Silent All These Years”. They also showcased Amos’ innate ability to reinvent popular songs, perhaps the most notable being Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” a masterpiece study in understatement.

Now, these rarities and live versions will be available worldwide on April 14 from Rhino. The remastered versions of both original albums will also be released on 180-gram vinyl on the same date, marking the first time both albums will be available on vinyl in the US.

Originally released in 1992 and 1994 respectively, the songs of Little Earthquakes and Under The Pink continue to live and thrive to this day. As Amos tells it, “Little Earthquakes was an acknowledgement of things that I hadn’t looked at in 15 years, in some cases… After you acknowledge something, you tell everybody, and other people say, ‘I know what that’s like, too.’ There’s this energy charge you get, and liberation from doing that.” She continues to find that the audience response to “Silent All These Years” remains deep and immediate nearly a quarter century later, counting it as her most requested song and one that walks with her every day. It will continue to do so as long as she is playing music."

 Here is what is on the double cds:

Little Earthquakes (1992) Disc 1: Original Album

1. “Crucify” 
2. “Girl”
3. “Silent All These Years” 
4. “Precious Things” 
5. “Winter”
6. “Happy Phantom”
7. “China”
8. “Leather”
9. “Mother”
10. “Tear In Your Hand”
11. “Me And A Gun”
12. “Little Earthquakes”

Bonus Disc 2

1. “Upside Down” (from Silent All These Years single) 
2. “Thoughts” (from Silent All These Years single) 
3. “Ode to The Banana King (Part One)” (from Silent All These Years single) 
4. “Song for Eric” (from Silent All These Years single) 
5. “The Pool” (from Winter single) 
6. “Take To The Sky” (from Winter single) 
7. “Sweet Dreams” (from Winter single) 
8. “Mary” (from Crucify single) 
9. “Sugar” (from China single) 
10. “Flying Dutchman” (from China single) 
11. “Humpty Dumpty” (from China single) 
12. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (from Winter single) 
13. “Little Earthquakes” (Live in Cambridge – Apr 5, 1992) (from Crucify single) 
14. “Crucify” (Live in Cambridge – Apr 5, 1992) (from Crucify single) 
15. “Precious Things” (Live in Cambridge – Apr 5, 1992) (from Crucify single)
16. “Mother” (Live in Cambridge – Apr 5, 1992) (from Crucify single) 
17. “Happy Phantom” (Live) (from Silent All These Years single) 
18. “Here In My Head” (from Crucify single)

and

Under The Pink (1994) Disc 1: Original Album
1. “Pretty Good Year”
2. “God” 
3. “Bells For Her” 
4. “Past The Mission” 
5. “Baker Baker” 
6. “The Wrong Band” 
7. “The Waitress”
8. “Cornflake Girl”
9. “Icicle” 
10. “Cloud On My Tongue” 
11. “Space Dog” 
12. “Yes, Anastasia”

Bonus Disc 2
1. “Sister Janet” [from Cornflake Girl single] 
2. “Honey” [from Cornflake Girl single] 
3. “Daisy Dead Petals” [from Cornflake Girl single] 
4. “Over It” [from Cornflake Girl single] 
5. “Black Swan” [from Pretty Good Year single] 
6. “Home On the Range” (with Cherokee Addition) [from Pretty Good Year single] 
7. “All The Girls Hate Her” [from Cornflake Girl single] 
8. “God” (The CJ Bollard Remix) [from God 12”] 
9. “Here in My Head” [live] [from Past the Mission single] 
10. “Upside Down” [live] [from Past the Mission single] 
11. “Past the Mission” [live] [from Past the Mission single] 
12. “Icicle” [live] [from Past the Mission single] 
13. “Flying Dutchman” [live] [from Past the Mission single] 
14. “Winter” [live] [from Past the Mission single] 
15. “The Waitress” [live] [from Past the Mission single]

Links:

www.toriamos.com

www.facebook.com/toriamos

www.twitter.com/toriamos

www.instagram.com/toriamos

To Order:

Little Earthquakes on Amazon

Under the Pink on Amazon

Enter to win a copy of either rerelease here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A wonderful spring-y visit to the Osh Kosh B'gosh Store with Ana #ImagineSpring #IC #sponsored

My beautiful Ana in her new Osh Kosh rhinestone sweater, striped tee, blue sparkly shoes and matching headband.

Dear Readers:

  **“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central     for OshKosh B’Gosh. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”  

Finally, finally after a really long, cold winter, flowers are starting to bud in our yard, the sun is shining down, birds are tweeting and Ana is ready to play. First, she needed to get some new clothes for spring and school. So we took a much needed road trip to the amazing Osh Kosh store at Woodbury Commons and could not believe the plentiful amount of deals and specials in the store. Everywhere we looked, Ana oohed and ahhed over sparkly cardigans, cute printed bathing suits with matching flip flops, bright summer dresses and matching accessories. I love bright colors for spring but we veered towards all the cute navy and nautical section first. Ana chose a beautiful rhinestone cardigan with a striped tee and matching headband with sparkly shoes.She wandered around the whole store from cute outfit to cute item, choosing what she liked and trying them on in the dressing room. She was so happy and having fun and the salesgirls were helpful and delightful to work with. 

         These pieces were such great foundation pieces for her spring wardrobe and into the school year for kindergarten. We went up one size, so the clothes will last! As Ana roamed the store we ended up piling more than a few sweatshirts, tees, skirts, dresses, accessories and bathing items. Osh Kosh has it all!! And everything matched or complemented each other. Fabulous! 

        A big pile to try on...so what did she choose?? Not only were her choices perfect for Easter parties, spring break fun and back to school outfits, they were complemented by the cute accessories that she chose! Check out these shoes:

        So stylish and chic for a 4 year old , no??? She has impeccable taste, ahem :) And because she is so tiny, she can wear anything and everything and look wonderful! She has the best skin, hair and cute face for Osh Kosh. She could be a model for them! Osh Kosh is so much more than denim. They have beautiful, stylish clothes for all sizes of kids and babies. My fave sophisticated choice of hers:

I seriously want this in my size. I wish we could share. This made the yes pile for spring parties and fun!! 

Also  check out her new bikini and matching flipflops:

         It will be hot enough for lake time, beach days and pool parties soon, and my stylish pre-schooler will be all ready for summer fun too!!

       And the love sweatshirt made the yes pile for cool spring nights!

        Right now Osh Kosh has the best prices. They have incredible sales and coupons, promotions and fun in their stores. Check out the link below to print out your own coupon for 25% off your purchase of $30 or more.  And I went back to the store to buy more and a lot of items were 50% off. Win/win and go NOW!!!

Coupon Link:  http://sforce.co/1EvQnPJ  

Some of our fave pieces on the site:

We love the jean jacket and white espadrilles and will be going back for more and her summer wardrobe. Thanks Osh Kosh!!

Important Links:

OshKosh Website: http://bit.ly/1Gb6r9Z 

OshKosh Store Locator: http://bit.ly/1K7YpSj  

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/oshkoshbgosh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OshKoshBgosh

Hashtag: #ImagineSpring

29 weeks and counting.... and my Birth Plan for Baby Boy Lee due late May/early June.

Hello Dear Readers:

  After a terrible terrible winter with complications for a no good pregnancy, I am finally stable and feeling strong and better. My contractions have been controlled by daily Progesterone, and it seems to be stable and no longer thinning. I am hoping to keep this baby inside until at least Week 36 and am preparing myself for a birth that is not ideal, not at my birthing center with my OB/Midwife team and not as I desire.  In the meantime, I have an updated birthing plan for my perfect birth (based on how quick Ana came into this world, I have cut out the nonsense).

28 and a half weeks and my bumpie is growing!!

My Wishes for Childbirth - Zoe Elyse Lee

Due Date: 06/10/2015 
OB: Dr Nathan and Midwife (Julie?)
Scheduled to deliver at Neugarten Birth Center



Dear staff of the Neugarten Family Birth Center:

  I would like to adhere to this list as closely as possible. Thanks for your kindness, patience, and understanding.

Labor

* I would like to be free to walk around during labor.
* I wish to be able to move around and change position at will throughout labor.
* I would like to be able to have fluids by mouth throughout the first stage of labor.
* I will be bringing my own music to play during labor.
* I would like the environment to be kept as quiet as possible.
* I would like the lights in the room to be kept low during my labor.
* I would prefer to keep the number of vaginal exams to a minimum.
* I do not want an IV unless I become dehydrated.
*  I would like to labor in the bathtub/water birth room if available.


Monitoring

* I do not wish to have continuous fetal monitoring unless it is required by the condition of Baby Boy Lee.
* I do not want an internal monitor unless Baby has shown some sign of distress.

Labor Augmentation/Induction

* I do not wish to have the amniotic membrane ruptured artificially unless signs of fetal distress require internal monitoring.
* If labor is not progressing, I would like to have the amniotic membrane ruptured before other methods are used to augment labor.

Anesthesia/Pain Medication

*  I would like to have a natural birth.
* :If I am in extreme pain, I will use the code word: Hamburger to indicate that i am serious about wanting drugs. (but I know, from my first experience, that I do not want any drug intervention)

Cesarean

* Unless absolutely necessary, I would like to avoid a Cesarean.
* If my primary care provider determines that a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to obtain a second opinion from another physician if time allows.
* If a Cesarean delivery is indicated, I would like to be fully informed and to participate in the decision-making process.
* If Ceasrean is necessary for my baby and he is not in distress, Baby Boy should be given to My husband Duncan immediately after birth.

Episiotomy

* I would prefer to have an episiotomy  so I do not tear and require hours of stitching as I did my first birth!!!!
* I would appreciate guidance in when to push and when to stop pushing so the perineum can stretch.


Delivery

* I would like to be allowed to choose the position in which I give birth, including squatting.
* I would appreciate having the room lights turned low for the actual delivery.
* I would appreciate having the room as quiet as possible when Baby boy is born.
* I would like to have Baby Boy placed on my stomach/chest immediately after delivery.


Immediately After Delivery

* I would like to have My husband, Duncan cut the cord.
* I would prefer that the umbilical cord stop pulsating before it is cut. This may take up to 3-5 minutes. Please do not cut it before then.
* I would like to hold Baby Boy while I deliver the placenta and any tissue repairs are made.
* I plan to keep Baby Boy near me following birth and would appreciate if the evaluation of him can be done with him on my abdomen, with both of us covered by a warm blanket, unless there is an unusual situation.
* I would prefer to hold Baby Boy rather than have (him/her) placed under heat lamps.
* I do not want a routine injection of Pitocin after the delivery to aid in expelling the placenta.

Postpartum

* Unless required for health reasons, I do not wish to be separated from my baby.
* I would like to have Baby Boy Lee"room in" and be with me at all times. Until I beg you to take him while I sleep.

Breastfeeding

* I plan to breastfeed Baby Boy and would like to begin nursing very shortly after birth.
* Unless medically necessary, I do not wish to have any bottles given to baby (including glucose water or plain water).

Photo/Video
 I would like Duncan to videotape the birth. (if he remains calm and remembers, lol)

* I would prefer that no students, interns, residents or non-essential personnel be present during my labor or the birth.


And lastly, we would prefer baby boy Lee be circumsized in a timely manner. 

Thanks so much, 
                  Zoe Lee   3/30/2015


Let's all hope for an easy and painless birth, like my first! I cannot wait, I am so excited to meet my son :0


Stay well, Zoe 

Recipe: Wheatbelly Cauliflower Curry Coconut Soup and #Gefu Healthy-n-Lean 2015 Get Together! #tryazon

Hello Dear Readers:

 I have the most delicious recipe for winter coming  your way, as well as an introduction to some pretty amazing kitchen and cooking products from Gefu.  I was recently chosen to host a Gefu Healthy n Lean Get Together and was sent an array of products from Gefu to demonstrate and use during the get together.  Included in my kit were:

A Spirelli Spiralizer
Julienne Slicer
Julienne Peeler and 
Lemon Juicer.

Also included was a copy of the New York Times Bestseller" "Wheat Belly 30 Minute or Less Cookbook".   

My original party date was snowed out :( So I had to reschedule for the following weekend, Superbowl weekend. And, since Ana had a birthday party on Sat, had to host on Sunday night when most people already had plans :( Luckily a few could make it. I decided to make a delicious warm and filling soup , served with a fresh salad and fixings...and demonstrate how to make zucchinni noodles with a spicy sauce. Everything was super easy to make and delicious.  

My guests had fun perusing the products and catalog before the soup and salad were served and the demo began! 

Here are some shots of the delicious soup ingredients and the recipe from Wheat Belly cookbook:

and the finished product served nicely! :

I added a bit more coconut milk and a bit less chicken stock to make it thicker. It is delicious, slightly sweeet and would taste great served over rice or an Indian grain. 

Ingredients:

•  2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
•  1 large onion, halved and sliced
•  1 large head cauliflower, chopped
•  2 tbs curry powder
•  1 tsp ground cumin
•  1/4 tsp sea salt
•  4 cups chicken stock, divided
•  1 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk (I used coconut milk)

Directions:

 In a large saucepan over medium high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and chopped cauliflower and cook for 10 minutes or until browned. Then, stir in the curry powder, cumin,and salt. Cook for one minute. Add 2 cups of stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, covered for 8 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender.  Ladle or pour the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Return to saucepan with cream or coconut milk and the remaining 2 cups of stock. Stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes. 

Delish. Especially served with fresh veggies and veggie noodles or something less spicy.  I made the soup before the guests arrived. But, after eating it was time for the homemade zucchinni noodles demo:

I always gather all of the ingredients before making a dish. Whether or not I have made it before (and this is a keeper).

So easy to use, the noodles come out as long as you want them. So pretty!  You can peel the zucchinni first if you want to, too. 

A plate of sesame noodles (yum)

What a great device!! I cannot wait to try out all of the other products too, and make healthy and delicious food found in the WheatBelly cookbook and beyond!!  Let me know if you have a great wheatbelly recipe that you have tried. And def, make this filling soup. Tasty!!

Important Links:

• Gefu Products
• Tryazon
• Wheat Belly

Stay healthy!!