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Food reactions are common and sometimes hard to pinpoint. Allergy testing can be helpful. But what happens if you get a negative allergy test? Does it put you in the clear?

Does a Negative Allergy Test Put You In The Clear?

Food reactions are common and sometimes hard to pinpoint. Allergy testing can be helpful. But what happens if you get a negative allergy test? Does it put you in the clear?

Food reactions are common and sometimes hard to pinpoint. Allergy testing can be helpful. But what happens if you get a negative allergy test? Does it put you in the clear?

Allergy tests are great for pinpointing food reactions. All three of my kids have had multiple rounds of testing done.

Sometimes the test confirms a suspicion I have about a trigger food. Sometimes it helps me figure out a random allergy that I never would have guessed.

Not Always Accurate

But allergy tests are not 100% accurate. An IgE skin prick allergy test only checks for a reaction to the protein in the food. You could have a strong reaction to the sugar in a food (lactose intolerance is a great example) and test negative for an allergy.

An IgE blood test is even less accurate. It checks for antibodies in the blood to a specific food. It can help confirm a diagnosis after a skin prick test is positive. But it is not a very good diagnostic alone.

Food Sensitivities

IgG blood tests are a bit controversial. Some say they are great for detecting food “sensitivities”…actually called latent allergies. Others say this test can give different results every time. You could draw blood three times in the same day and get varying results.

I have done an IgG blood test for myself before. I had mixed feelings about its accuracy. So I’ve never done it for my kids.

All this to say that allergy tests absolutely have their place. And they are quite helpful for diagnosing allergies that range anywhere from mild to severe and life-threatening.

But just because an allergy test is negative does not mean you can throw caution to the wind and eat whatever you want.

My Son

My son has been dealing with various degrees of allergies for many years. It started from birth with some reflux. Then at age two he developed bad eczema on his legs. Thus started our journey with allergy testing and food elimination.

Every time he is tested a slew of foods shows up. We cut them out, work on healing for a while and retest. 

But every time this has happened things have gotten a little more challenging. For example, rice showed up on his first allergy test. We cut it out. Six months later when he was retested the rice allergy was gone. Yet three years later he still can not eat rice without noticeable reactions.

Making Progress

In spite of some foods still causing problems we were making progress narrowing his list of reactive foods. Then in early 2016 after the onset of stomach aches and an inability to eat much he was retested.

To our shock he had a back full of welts. We were given a prescription for an epi-pen. And he was diagnosed with potentially anaphylactic allergies to nuts, dairy and a few other foods.

Wait, what happened over the last year that made his allergies go from mild and healing to life threatening??

Even though we didn’t have an answer to that question we moved forward, removing the necessary foods, always carrying an epi-pen, doing our best to keep him safe.

Food reactions are common and sometimes hard to pinpoint. Allergy testing can be helpful. But what happens if you get a negative allergy test? Does it put you in the clear?

Not Fixxed

He had some reprieve for a bit. We were so happy to see him get an appetite back and really start growing.

But before too long he started having a lot of stomach aches again. Gradually they started to become more frequent. They prevented him from sleeping. They stopped him from eating well.

More Testing

It was back to the drawing board. We started by going to the pediatrician. We did a CBC and metabolic panel. We did urine and stool tests. All normal.

So it was back to the allergist for another round of testing, fearing another laundry list of foods to avoid.

And we got a huge shock!

Every single skin prick was negative. Not even a tiny bit of reaction. So we did the blood test. Again, all negative.

Nuts, dairy, wheat…everything…negative.

Food reactions are common and sometimes hard to pinpoint. Allergy testing can be helpful. But what happens if you get a negative allergy test? Does it put you in the clear?

Although it was good news I was more confused than ever! The allergist (a new one) said his old test was likely inaccurate because foods were tested at the same time as airborne/environmental allergies.

Now what?

Do I just throw out his allergy list and let him eat whatever he wants? Do I trust the tests?

My husband and I both see glaring evidence of food reactions.

Digging Deeper

Well, I did what I do best. I observed, experimented and researched.

The thing is food reactions are a sign of a deeper issue.

Just because an allergy test is negative does NOT mean you can eat a particular food.

This is something I am very passionate about and believe so many parents could benefit from.

Behavior, digestion, skin, emotions…they are all impacted by the food you eat. Even healthy, nourishing food can create a negative reaction.

Case in point – my whole family (you can read more about it in my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?!).

Experimenting

We gradually let my son try a few foods he’d been avoiding. His stomach aches increased in frequency. His mood declined. He started wetting the bed. He developed bad breath.

Then we let him try some goat’s milk. Wow.

The result was horrific meltdowns, almost as if he was a psychiatric patient. Anything and everything caused him to scream, cry, hit himself and berate himself. It’s a parent’s nightmare.

No amount of comforting him and trying to talk through his feelings helped. If his big sister wouldn’t play with him – meltdown. If I told him I was reading a book his little sister picked out before the book he picked out – meltdown. If he wasn’t crazy about some of the food on his plate – meltdown.

This list could go on and on.

After some charcoal and a few days off of dairy he returned to a more stable state.

Sadly it’s not just dairy that does this to him. There are quite a few foods, all with varying degrees of reactions.

I could also go through our entire family listing foods and reactions. Yet we all test negative for food allergies.

So now what?

What do you do if allergy tests are negative but food reactions are present?

You get help from others who have been there. You find doctors and practitioners who are willing to dig deeper and find a cure instead of simply avoiding certain foods.

Healthy Kids

In my book I teach you how to observe your child and not just accept the poor behavior. Find a root cause and fix it. Say goodbye to picky eating and temper tantrums.

Beyond Allergy Testing

If allergy testing isn’t giving you answers, here are some other conditions to consider.

  1. Overall gut dysfunction/leaky gut.
  2. Parasites – they are more common than you think. They tend to really act up around a full moon, so if your child is worse during that time it is something to consider.
  3. Slow metabolism.
  4. Thyroid disorders.
  5. Lack of sleep
  6. Mineral imbalance/nutritional deficiency

And here are some potential treatments.

  1. GAPS diet (Gut And Psychology Syndrome)
  2. Parasite cleanse
  3. Probiotics
  4. Digestive Enzymes
  5. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

 

You can also treat food reactions from a more neurological and physical perspective. This includes:

  1. Functional neurology
  2. Chiropractic care
  3. Craniosacral therapy
  4. Osteopathic manipulation therapy
  5. Energy healing
  6. Muscle response testing

Baby Steps

I don’t have all of the answers for you. We are still in the trenches with my son’s reactions, trying to find the correct path forward. 

I know we will keep digging until we find the problem and the solution. We will restore my son to full health. We will find health for our whole family!

A negative allergy test does not give you free reign on food.

You have to dig a little deeper. It’s more work, but so worth it! In the end you will be able to eat more of the nutritious food your body needs.

Have you or your children been tested for allergies? Was it helpful or confusing?

There is nothing quite like a hot bowl of oatmeal on a crisp fall day. Make it even better by turning it into apple crisp steel cut oatmeal with fresh apples and coconut sugar.

Apple Crisp Steel Cut Oatmeal

There is nothing quite like a hot bowl of oatmeal on a crisp fall day. Make it even better by turning it into apple crisp steel cut oatmeal with fresh apples and coconut sugar.

There is nothing quite like a hot bowl of oatmeal on a crisp fall day. Make it even better by turning it into apple crisp steel cut oatmeal with fresh apples and coconut sugar.

I am working with Bob’s Redmill and Stonyfield for this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment. But all opinions are my own.

I love the start of fall. The leaves are changing colors. There is a crispness to the air. And some of my absolute favorite produce is in season – squash, pumpkin, pears and apples!

There are so many ways to use apples, including canning homemade applesauce and turning them into sweet, cinnamony apple crisp (with homemade vanilla ice cream of course!)

There is nothing quite like a hot bowl of oatmeal on a crisp fall day. Make it even better by turning it into apple crisp steel cut oatmeal with fresh apples and coconut sugar. The perfect healthy breakfast.

Dessert For Breakfast

I don’t always have time to bake apple crisp. But I do always have time to make apple crisp steel cut oatmeal.

Soak the oats in whole milk plain yogurt a day ahead to make them easier to digest. Then add freshly diced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a bit of coconut sugar for a sweet breakfast treat. The coconut sugar adds a great maple flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.

Don’t forget to top your oatmeal with your favorite granola (ours is kettle corn granola!) for that crunchy apple crisp topping.

Steel Cut Versus Rolled

Even if you are not a big oatmeal fan you have to give this a try. I grew up hating oatmeal. I wanted to like it so badly. But I couldn’t handle the texture.

Then I tried steel cut oats. What a world of difference! Once you try them you won’t want to go back to the rolled variety. Steel cut oats keep their texture and don’t get mushy.

There is nothing quite like a hot bowl of oatmeal on a crisp fall day. Make it even better by turning it into apple crisp steel cut oatmeal with fresh apples and coconut sugar.

All around apple crisp steel cut oatmeal is a great breakfast. It does take about fifteen minutes to cook. So if you are pressed for time on weekdays you can save it for a weekend treat. Or just cook a big batch at the start of the week and reheat it on the stove or in the oven for a quick breakfast.

Make It Your Own

My husband loves to eat his oatmeal with fresh, raw milk on top. My daughter likes a dollop of vanilla yogurt on hers. It’s almost as good as apple crisp with ice cream!

Are you in need of a delicious fall breakfast that the kids will love?

Grab some Bob’s Redmill steel cut oats and coconut sugar and Stonyfield plain whole milk yogurt. Then hit up your local orchard for your favorite variety of apple. You’re already half way to an amazing breakfast.

There is nothing quite like a hot bowl of oatmeal on a crisp fall day. Make it even better by turning it into apple crisp steel cut oatmeal with fresh apples and coconut sugar.

Apple Crisp Steel Cut Oatmeal
Yields 4
A hot breakfast of steel cut oats, sweet apples and coconut sugar.
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Ingredients
  1. 1 cup steel cut oats
  2. 1 cup warm water
  3. 1/2 cup whole milk plain yogurt
  4. 1 3/4 cups water
  5. 1/2 cup coconut sguar
  6. 1/2 cup peeled and diced apples
  7. 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
  8. pinch unrefined sea salt
  9. Optional toppings: milk, yogurt, granola, raisins, dried cranberries
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl combine the oats, 1 cup water and yogurt. Let sit 7 - 24 hours at room temperature.
  2. When ready to cook, combine the oat mixture, 1 3/4 cups water, coconut sugar, apples, cinnamon and salt in a medium sauce pan.
  3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook on low, stirring frequently, until the oats and apples are cooked, 15 - 20 minutes.
  4. Serve warm, plain or topped with milk or yogurt and granola.
Notes
  1. You can prepare the oatmeal in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat on the stove or in the oven with extra water added.
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Want to make bath time both fun and safe? Try LatherMitts! Hold your baby tight and wash him with one product.

Make Bath Time Fun And Safe With LatherMitts! {Plus A Giveaway}

Want to make bath time fun and safe? Hold your baby tight with LatherMitts!

Want to make bath time both fun and safe? Try LatherMitts! Hold your baby tight and wash him with one product.

I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product, but I have not been paid to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I remember the first time I gave my oldest a real bath. It was exciting. It was an event.

Of course both mom and dad both had to be there. We got the little tub all set with some warm water. The towel was neatly laid out. A brand new wash cloth was ready and waiting. Clean clothes and diaper? Check.

Then we put her in. Whoa! Wait, you mean she might wiggle around while she’s all wet? Nobody ever told me how slippery a wet baby is!

Don’t worry, she didn’t wiggle out of my hands. No surprise dunks that day.

Of course with time you get better at it. And at some point they are big enough to sit up in the tub and the occasional dunk is pretty funny.

Want to make bath time both fun and safe? Try LatherMitts! Hold your baby tight and wash him with one product.

A Better Way.

But wouldn’t it be nice to be able to keep a safe hold on your child and get them clean without fumbling around with a tiny wash cloth?

A creative mom Sarah Stapp invented LatherMitts to do just that!

LatherMitts fit snugly on mom or dad’s hands so you can hold your little one tight. No slippery hands! What’s even better is that the gloves are the wash cloth! No searching for a cloth in the bubbles.

Want to make bath time both fun and safe? Try LatherMitts! Hold your baby tight and wash him with one product.

LatherMitts make bath time so easy!

They don’t just work for infants, though. I use them with my toddler and even my five year old. It’s so fun.

The only trouble we had is that my son said it tickled when I was washing his belly. I might have done that partly on purpose…

Want to make bath time both fun and safe? Try LatherMitts! Hold your baby tight and wash him with one product.

If you know me, you know I want quality when it comes to taking care of my kids. I especially  have to be careful with a son that has latex allergies. LatherMitts pass my test! Here are some of the features:

Safety: The gentle neoprene grip that lines LatherMitts’ thumb and forefinger ensures that squirmy, slippery kids are secure and safe in your hands. Neoprene, commonly used in wetsuits, is hypoallergenic, non-slip and is naturally resistant to oil, mildew and mold.

Quality: The rest of the glove is made of white organic cotton, perfect for a baby’s sensitive skin.

Dexterity: The glove design of LatherMitts allows you full use of both hands and all ten fingers, making it easy to get into hard-to-reach places like behind ears and under chins.

Want to make bath time both fun and safe? Try LatherMitts! Hold your baby tight and wash him with one product.

Value: LatherMitts can be rewashed and reused again and again the same way you would use a washcloth. Bonus: since LatherMitts require no special care, you can throw them in with your towels.

Options: LatherMitts come in sizes small to extra large, so mom, dad or any caregiver can cover bathtime duties.

Want to make bath time both fun and safe? Try LatherMitts! Hold your baby tight and wash him with one product.

Perfect For Everyone.

LatherMitts make a great gift for someone that is expecting or that just had a baby. They are unique and practical.

And yes, they do work for dads too. My husband even uses them.

My toddler thinks they are great toys as well.

Do you want to try LatherMitts? Sarah is so generously offering a pair to THREE of my readers!!

No more slippery baby! Hold your little one tight and get him clean with LatherMitts.

Want to make bath time both fun and safe? Try LatherMitts! Hold your baby tight and wash him with one product.
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Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

Teach Your Kids About Nutrition To Banish Picky Eating

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don’t just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

I’ve had my kids in the kitchen with me since my oldest was a baby. It has been such a blessing for for all of us!

I love the special time together. I love teaching them life skills. But one thing that has really amazed me is how much of what I teach impacts their willingness to eat nourishing foods.

I can tell my five year old, “Eat your spinach. It’s good for you.” Or I can say, “Try your spinach. It will help you run really fast and help your muscles grow big and strong.”

I bet you can guess which method works better. For what it’s worth, my son is not a fan of spinach. But we’re getting there. And every time he has to try it the information about its health benefits gets reinforced!

A New Resource On Nutrition

Needless to say my kids already know quite a bit about nourishing food. It’s a way of life for us. I talk to them about the importance of eating real food all the time.

So I was very excited when I had the opportunity to read Kathryn Kemp Guylay’s book Give It  A Go, Eat A Rainbow. She and her son wrote and illustrated the book together! How awesome is that?

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

The pages are filled with bright colors, beautiful produce and a wealth of information on the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. It was even educational for me!

Now when I make a smoothie and add squash and spinach, instead of trying to hide that fact I excitedly tell my kids, “We have orange and green in here!” I then add cherries and blueberries and tell them, “We have FOUR different colors in one smoothie. What a nutritional punch to start the day.” They really do get excited.

Kathryn and her son share a cute story about finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Plus there are questions for kids to answer to reinforce what they learn.

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

Kids Are Smart

As a mom of three I have learned a very important lesson. Kids are smart! Much smarter than we give them credit for. There is no need to dumb down nutrition. Give It A Go, Eat A Rainbow gives sound nutritional facts that kids can understand.

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

Teach your kids about nutrition at a young age to help ensure a lifetime of good health. While they are young mom and dad get to make food choices. But as they grow they take over the decision making. Equipping them with knowledge will go a long way.

Do you struggle to get your kids to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables?

I highly recommend reading Give It A Go, Eat A Rainbow with them. You might be surprised with how much they understand and the great choices they make.

Want your kids to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables? Don't just tell them real food is healthy. Instead teach your kids about nutrition!

If you’re still struggling with picky eaters after teaching your kids about nutrition check out my book Why Won’t My Child Eat?!. There could be a deeper issue.

I was compensated for my time to review this book; however I was not paid to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

Creamy Zucchini Egg Muffins

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that includes plenty of protein, healthy fat AND vegetables? Creamy zucchini egg muffins combine nutrient dense eggs with creamy whole milk yogurt and fresh summer veggies to create a simple and delicious start to the day.

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

I am working with Stonyfield, Le Creuset and Kitchen IQ on this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been paid to provide positive feedback.

Is your zucchini starting to pile up in the fridge like mine? I’m always looking for new ways to use it.

I love making chocolate zucchini cupcakes, zucchini crackers, soaked gluten free zucchini bread and especially zucchini cake! Our whole family enjoys it grilled, roasted and sauteed. I try to freeze some as well.

Yet no matter how diligent you are it seems there is still more. I’ve got a fun, kid-friendly recipe that will get your kids to eat zucchini for breakfast!

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

Eat Your Veggies…I Mean Eggs!

In my house the zucchini is not the hard part…it’s the eggs. Three of us can’t even eat eggs. My oldest can (lucky girl!). But she has always struggled eating eggs. She picks at them, holds them in her mouth, complains about the texture.

But I did not hear a single complaint about these creamy zucchini egg muffins. In fact, she told me she really liked them!

There are two secret ingredients.

  1. Whole milk plain yogurt – it really adds a rich creaminess to the eggs.
  2. Cane sugar – I know what you’re thinking. Add sugar to eggs? Don’t worry, it’s only 1/2 tsp. But it really does something to the flavor.

A little back story on the sugar in eggs. When I was little and had the chicken pox I didn’t have much of an appetite. The only thing I would eat was the scrambled eggs my big sister made (multiple times a day for me). There was something different about them. We called them “oops eggs” because she didn’t make them right. But I loved them. We figured out later that she added a touch of sugar to them!

She was probably only about twelve years old. So she did a great job taking care of her little sis!

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

The final component of these eggs is the vegetable. Sauteed zucchini and onion really boost the flavor of the egg muffins. When you put the yogurt, sugar, sauteed veggies and eggs together you create a flavorful, healthy breakfast (or lunch or dinner) any kid will love.

New Kitchen Tools Are Fun!

One thing I loved about making creamy zucchini egg muffins was using my new cutting boards and measuring spoons from Kitchen IQ. The cutting boards come in four colors. Can I just say that as a mom of kids with different allergies that is so cool?! Everyone has a color. No cross contamination. It’s great!

I love the bright colors…and so does my toddler. She frequently grabs the cutting boards off the shelf just to play with them.

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

Even more than the cutting boards I love the measuring spoons. It is so easy to level them. And they nest together for easy storage. Who knew that measuring spoons could make such a great toddler toy too? My one year old loves trying to stack them over and over. She also loves to help me cook and bake with them.

Is your zucchini still going strong?

Give creamy zucchini egg muffins a try. You just might be adding sugar to your eggs more often.

Looking for a kid-friendly breakfast that utilizes summer's bounty of zucchini? These creamy zucchini egg muffins are perfect. Find out the two secret ingredients that make them so good.

Creamy Zucchini Egg Muffins
Yields 6
A high protein, veggie-packed egg muffin perfect for busy mornings.
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Ingredients
  1. 3 pastured eggs
  2. 4 Tbsp. Stonyfield plain whole milk yogurt
  3. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  4. 1/2 tsp. organic cane sugar
  5. optional: any additional herbs and spices
  6. 1 cup diced zucchini
  7. 1/4 cup diced onion
  8. 1 Tbsp. butter, olive oil, tallow or coconut oil
  9. 1/4 tsp. unrefined sea salt
Instructions
  1. Sautee the zucchini and onion in 1 Tbsp. fat of choice (about 10 minutes). Season with salt. Set aside to cool.
  2. Heat the oven to 400*F. Grease a muffin pan.
  3. In a medium size bowl combine the eggs, yogurt, salt, sugar and seasonings. Mix well.
  4. Stir in the cooled vegetables.
  5. Divide the egg mixture into 6 greased muffin cups.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
  1. You can bake these in advance and eat cold, room temperature or warmed.
  2. You can freeze these muffins for up to a year. Thaw and heat to serve.
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Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

Red Plum Raspberry Jelly {No Added Pectin!}

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I’m not very good at making jams and jellies. Even when I use the packs of pectin!

I have switched over to using gelatin to create my strawberry freezer jam, cherry jam, grape jelly and five minute peach jam. They turned out beautifully!

But I recently teamed up with Ball Brand to try one of their recipes. I had the great pleasure of perusing The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving. It’s like a canner’s dream.

The pictures are gorgeous. And the recipes all sound so delicious. I wish I had time to try them all!

But I had to just pick one to try and share with you.

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

Trying My Hand At Jelly Again

With our allergies I don’t use pectin. Since I can’t be certain of the source it’s too risky. I know a lot of pectin is made from apples. And my two youngest are allergic to apples.

So instead of modifying a recipe I went for one that didn’t even need pectin. Red plum raspberry jelly sounded like the perfect combination of fruit flavors. And it is!

Neither fruit over powers the other.

There is no doubt that red plum raspberry jelly tastes good. You can use it for your  morning eggs and toast or mixed into some plain yogurt. We like it on pancakes.

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

The Outcome

The real question, though, is did I manage to make good jelly without using gelatin?

Ummmm, no.

I read the instructions on how to look for the gelling point. I used a thermometer to monitor the temperature (got it to 220 just like it said).

But the timing worked out that it was right around the gelling point when I was trying to get my toddler down for a nap. And of course this was the one day where she was fighting sleep. In fact, instead of taking 3-10 minutes to get her to sleep it took over an hour and a half (including a dirty diaper change)! Maybe it was all those raspberries she ate!

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

So I kept bouncing back and forth between checking the jelly and checking the toddler. And at one point I just said I have to get it done and said a prayer. Well, it wasn’t gelled.

My Big Mistake

And now that I am re-reading the directions I see that it says to stir constantly…oops. Not easy when trying to get a toddler to nap. I think all of the pectin came to the top when I wasn’t stirring…there was a sticky, pink foam. Oops.

Note – keep stirring while it boils!!

All is not lost, though. We now have sweet red plum raspberry syrup! I can’t wait to use it on our pancakes this week (every Friday we have breakfast for dinner…pancakes is on the menu).

I might also try cooking it down a bit or adding a little gelatin when I open a jar. Just to see what happens.

It’s Your Turn

In spite of my inability to make jams and jellies I am sharing this delicious recipe with you today. I bet you’ll have better luck. Maybe you can teach me a thing or two about gel! My motto moving forward is going to be “Follow the directions and keep stirring.”

I hope to try this recipe again and actually cook it the right way. I REALLY want to try red plum raspberry jelly on bread (freshly baked sourdough would heavenly).

How about you? Are you a pro at making jams and jellies? Or are you jelly challenged like me?

I’d love to hear how it goes if you try red plum raspberry jelly.

But there’s more! Keep reading.
Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.

Red Plum Raspberry Jelly
Yields 4
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Ingredients
  1. 2 lbs. firm, ripe red plums, halved
  2. 1 cup water
  3. 4 cups raspberries
  4. 3 cups cane sugar
  5. cheesecloth
Instructions
  1. Pit plums, reserving pits. Chop plums and place in a 6 qt. stainless steel or enameled Dutch oven. Lightly crush the plum with a potato masher.
  2. Stir in the water and reserved pits. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes.
  3. Add raspberries, crushing with a potato masher. Return to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
  4. Line a large, fine wire mesh strainer with 3 layers of dampened cheesecloth. Place the strainer over a large bowl.
  5. Pour the plum mixture into the strainer (do not press down). Cover and let stand 3 hours or until collected juice measures 3 1/2 cups and mixture no longer drips.
  6. Wash and dry Dutch oven.
  7. Pour the juice into the Dutch oven. Stir in the sugar and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil, stirring constantly, to gelling point.
  8. Ladle hot jelly into a hot jar, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
  9. Wipe jar rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band and adjust to fingertip tight.
  10. Place jar in boiling water canner. Repeat until all jars are filled.
  11. Process jars 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Turn off heat, remove lid and let jars stand 5 minutes.
  12. Remove jars from canner and cool.
Notes
  1. Tip - plum pits are super high in pectin, so simmering them with the fruit really helps give this jelly its velvety smooth set.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/

Looking for a delicious jelly that is naturally free of pectin? This is it! Red plum raspberry jelly is the perfect fruit combination for your morning toast, mixed into yogurt or spread on your pancakes.Can It Forward

Don’t forget to “Can It Forward” with Ball Brand. On July 22, 2016 they are hosting a Can-It-Forward day live on Facebook. You’ll see demos (I think I need to tune in for one on jelly). Plus Ball Brand will be donating to a local charity. The more engagement they receive the more they donate!

Here’s how you can participate.

  • Pledge to can-it-forward by signing up via the pledge page and share with friends.
  • Tune in on July 22nd to watch canning demonstrations via Facebook Live from 10:00AM – 3:30PM ET. Each hour, viewers will have the chance to win a giveaway prize!
  • If you engage with any of the Facebook Live recipe videos, a donation will be made to charity.
  • You can ask Jarden Home Brands canning experts any preserving or home canning questions via Twitter with the hashtag #canitforward from 10AM – 5PM ET on July 22nd. Consumers can also share their own #canitforward creations with the brand on Pinterest and Instagram.

More For You

Ball Brand would also like to give one of my lucky readers coupons for canning supplies and a copy of The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving! Enter below for your chance to win.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Does red plum raspberry jelly sound like a delicious combination? What is your favorite jelly flavor?

This summer I'm learning to embrace BOLD...again. Plus a giveaway!

Learning To Embrace BOLD {With A Giveaway!}

Sometimes your true nature gets lost in the shuffle of daily life. After a career, marriage and three kids I’m finally learning to embrace bold again.

This summer I'm learning to embrace BOLD...again. Plus a giveaway!

I am working with Stonyfield and prAna for this post. I have been compensated for my time commitment but have not been paid to post positive reviews. All opinions are my own.

When I was younger everything about the way I dressed was bold.

I wore my big brother’s blue suspender’s with comfy shorts (that my mom made) and my favorite t-shirt (with a roller coaster on it…one of my favorite things!).

My big sister cringed at the outfits I created. It was like tom boy meets athlete meets comfort queen.

In junior high I had a favorite outfit that consisted of bright kelly green jeans and a green and white striped shirt (from the GAP no less! It really was in style).

In high school you’d find me in bright orange tanks with matching wedge flip-flops or red soccer jerseys with matching warm-up pants.

This summer I'm learning to embrace BOLD...again. Plus a giveaway!

You might think I was outgoing and outspoken. But, no. I was not confident in myself at all. I was quiet as a mouse and very insecure. But I knew what I liked. Without realizing it I was dressing for my energy type to a tee.

Once I started working full time and then having kids my style faded. At work I wore basic tan or black dress pants with a button down or sweater most days. At home I switched over to yoga pants, nursing tanks and old t-shirts. About the farthest thing from bold you can find. Lots of black and gray.

Bold but not brash.

A few months ago I heard about Dressing Your Truth and decided to check it out. These days I’m completely lost when it comes to my own style. I have none. And I don’t even know how to shop for myself anymore (my husband usually shops for me). I figured it couldn’t hurt to see what it was about (no I am not an affiliate…I haven’t even taken the course. It was just really cool to watch the videos and be reminded of my true nature).

It actually surprised me to realize I am a Type 4. The reason I was surprised is because Type 4 is BOLD. Me? Bold? Are you kidding?

I’m quiet, reserved, introverted. My clothing makes me fade into the background.

But the more I thought about it the more I realized I really am bold! I just haven’t been letting that boldness come through for many years now.

I am smart and strong-willed.

I am structured and organized.

I am determined and dependable.

But I don’t always let that show.

Time to get it back.

About the same time I was given the opportunity to try some new clothes from prAna. I was going to do my usual boring pants or top in a plain color. But I decided to be bold and go with yellow patterned pants.

This summer I'm learning to embrace BOLD...again. Plus a giveaway!

I have never in my life worn pants like this! To be honest I was a little nervous to wear them for the first time. To my great delight instead of feeling self-conscious I felt confident. A great feeling I haven’t had in a while.

Feeling happy.

Then just a few weeks ago I ordered a new pair of boots. I’ve needed new boots for about three years now. I wear my winter boots almost year round for everything from grocery shopping in deep snow to walking through mud at the milk farm. They finally gave out and started letting water in. I never spend money on myself, so this was a splurge (even though I used birthday money that was intended to update my wardrobe!!)

I decided to get some all-purpose farm/rain/winter boots. Instead of getting black or gray I went with bright green.

Can I tell you how happy they made me feel?! I call them my happy boots. And I wear them even when I have no reason at all to be wearing boots. Just because. I think they make other people happy too. I’ve gotten lots of compliments. I love that instead of fading into the background I’m able to be bold. I love that my boots get me noticed. They are true to my nature…true to my youthful spirit of bold, fun expression through my clothing.

This summer I'm learning to embrace BOLD...again. Plus a giveaway!

What I’m craving.

I’ve been craving some direction in my style for quite some time now. This summer I’m finally getting it! I’m on the hunt for a new wardrobe that shows my boldness.

Want to know what else I crave? Yogurt. I haven’t eaten any in almost two years now. Yogurt is one of my favorite foods. Especially for breakfast on hot summer days.

When my little one with allergies is weaned I look forward to trying all of the Stonyfield Whole Milk Greek Yogurt flavors (my husband and daughter sure love them!). Though to be honest I’m sure I’ll go for vanilla first. I am really craving that!! It’s always been my favorite.

This summer I'm learning to embrace BOLD...again. Plus a giveaway!

I’m loving my new prAna pants. They are so fun. The only down side is that as my daughter gets older and nurses less my weight starts to go back up (a good thing for my health, not so great for my wardrobe). So the pants are tighter than I had hoped (they were the right size when I ordered them, but not by the time I got them). It’s a good thing they are stretchy! An added bonus.

But that is part of the process – accepting myself, accepting my body as it changes and still being true to myself and my bold personality.

I have yet to figure out a bold hair style. I’ve pretty much always had long straight hair. All suggestions are welcome.

In the mean time I’m ready to satisfy my summer craving for bright colors. No more hiding. You don’t have to be outgoing or loud to be bold. I am embracing my quiet boldness.

It’s your turn!

prAna and Stonyfield want to help you embrace your style and satisfy your summer cravings too!

One lucky reader gets a pear of the same Kara jeans I got, in your color of choice.

Are you a Type 4 that wants something bold? Or are you a type that needs a softer, more subtle color? Does your style reflect your personality and true nature? I’d love to hear!

What are you craving this summer? A new wardrobe? Delicious food? Long days at the beach? Working in the garden?

Share your summer cravings and enter for your chance to win below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Missing your favorite banana bread because of allergies? This version is easy to make, holds together well and is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, corn, soy and coconut.

Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

The taste of this banana chocolate chip bread takes me back to my childhood. But my version is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs, corn, soy and coconut. It’s perfect for Allergy Awareness Week!

Missing your favorite banana bread because of allergies? This version is easy to make, holds together well and is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, corn, soy and coconut.

My mom makes the BEST banana bread in the world. It’s amazing.

Growing up we would eat slice after slice. I loved putting cheese on it (yes, American cheese) for the salty sweet combination.

One of my favorite parts was that sometimes my mom would leave one loaf just a touch underdone in the middle for me. I loved the gooey doughy top. It was my special treat.

Bananas for me?

It’s been quite a few years now since I’ve been able to eat my mom’s banana bread. In fact it’s been many years since I’ve even eaten a banana. For the last ten years or more just one bite of banana would send my digestive system into spasms.

So when I had to cut them out of my daughter’s diet it was no big deal for me since I didn’t eat them anyway. A couple months ago we added them back into my daughter’s diet…with no reaction!

I started trying a little taste here and there. And gradually full bites. Then a few bites. Now I can eat a whole banana with no problem. It’s quite a miracle.

Missing your favorite banana bread because of allergies? This version is easy to make, holds together well and is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, corn, soy and coconut.

Allergy Awareness Week

When I was challenged by Enjoy Life Foods to make something with their chocolate chips for Allergy Awareness Week I thought about more homemade chocolates or brownies.

But then I had a pile of really ripe bananas to use up. It dawned on me…I can eat bananas now and haven’t made banana bread yet!

So I came up with my version of banana bread as a tribute to my mom and for those that also have a lot of allergies. This version brings me right back to my kitchen as a child, watching my mom make banana bread and waiting impatiently for it to come out of the oven.

Missing your favorite banana bread because of allergies? This version is easy to make, holds together well and is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, corn, soy and coconut.

This banana chocolate chip bread is quite moist. If you’re like my husband and have issues with texture and moisture you might want to scale back on the water in the recipe. For me it was absolutely perfect.

My little one loved it too! She will rarely eat a bite of any muffin or bread I make. But she scarfed down two pieces! Right after playing in the mud and getting a bath.

Missing your favorite banana bread because of allergies? This version is easy to make, holds together well and is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, corn, soy and coconut.

Are you in the mood for a special treat that is also allergen friendly and low in sugar?

This banana chocolate chip bread is what you need. There are only two tablespoons of honey added. The bananas add a natural sweetness (always use really ripe bananas). Of course the Enjoy Life chocolate chips just put it over the top.

Missing your favorite banana bread because of allergies? This version is easy to make, holds together well and is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, corn, soy and coconut.

Allergen Friendly.

No gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, corn, soy or coconut. But you’ll never notice. And this bread is so easy to make (and eat) you’ll want to bake three or four loaves. Keep some in the freezer for easy breakfasts and snacks.

Want a fun way to celebrate Allergy Awareness Week?

Try some gluten free banana chocolate chip bread. The whole family will love it.

Missing your favorite banana bread because of allergies? This version is easy to make, holds together well and is free of gluten, dairy, nuts, corn, soy and coconut.

Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
An allergen friendly moist banana bread with chocolate chips for a boost of flavor.
Write a review
Print
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup white rice flour
  2. 1/2 tsp. unrefined sea salt
  3. 3/4 tsp. baking soda
  4. 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
  5. 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  6. 2 Tbsp. honey
  7. 1 tsp. grass-fed gelatin
  8. 1/4 cup cold water
  9. 1/4 cup hot water
  10. 2 Tbsp. Enjoy Life chocolate chips (mini or dark)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350*F. Grease a medium size loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl combine the flour, salt and baking soda.
  3. In a small bowl combine the gelatin and 1/4 cup cold water. Set aside.
  4. Add the olive oil, honey, banana and chocolate chips to the flour mixture.
  5. Mix the hot water into the gelatin mix and stir until gelatin is dissolved.
  6. Pour the hot gelatin mix into the flour mixture and stir until combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes, until baked through.
Notes
  1. Reduce the cold water to 2 Tbsp. for a less moist bread.
  2. You can replace half of the white rice flour with brown rice flour or sorghum flour.
Just Take A Bite https://justtakeabite.com/
I am working with Enjoy Life Foods on this post. I was compensated for my time commitment but any opinions are entirely my own. I was not paid to write a positive review.

Spread the word about Allergy Awareness Week! It’s so important that more people understand that allergies can be life threatening.

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review

When it comes to the low-fat craze yogurt has been on board for many years. Fear not! Stonyfield is bringing back some healthy fat to your diet with their whole milk Greek yogurt and grassfed yogurt!

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

I’m very excited to tell you about some great yogurt today! For once, a company is moving in the RIGHT direction when it comes to offering healthy choices.

Stonyfield is now offering whole milk Greek yogurt and 100% (for REAL) grassfed yogurt.

Every time I see the grocery store shelves lined with Greek yogurt I cringe. I just don’t get it. You’ve taken all the healthy fat out. And boast about how much protein it has. All I see is a major imbalance.

If you want your protein to count you need to eat fat with it. Carbs too! (my kettle corn granola is the perfect addition!)

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

But what really got me excited was Stonyfield’s new 100% grassfed yogurt.

Here are some details directly from Stonyfield:

While some products may claim to be made from milk sourced from grassfed cows, that does not necessarily mean that the cows were fed a 100% grassfed diet. Our Organic 100% Grassfed is made with milk from cows, who have eaten all grass, all of the time, even in winter! And we’ve heard they just LOVE the fermented grass they eat in the winter months. To make sure our consumers recognize this difference, we have sought out and gotten independent certification of it – by the PCO. Look for the label on the cup! 

How cool is that?!

We got to try all the different varieties. Since my youngest and I are dairy free I had to trust the opinions of my family.

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

Four Year Old

My son tried the whole milk Greek + honey once before his dairy allergy diagnosis. He loved it! And of course he loved the cool container, especially since we never buy individual yogurts unless we are traveling. No complaints, except he wanted more when it was gone.

Seven Year Old

My daughter tried all of them. Her favorite hands down was the grassfed yogurt. Just the right texture and sweetness.

She didn’t care as much for the Greek because it was quite tart. Which is saying a lot since we normally only add a bit of honey or syrup to plain yogurt and aren’t used to sweet things. So I added a touch extra honey to hers.

Husband

My husband enjoyed all of them. Though he too isn’t that crazy about Greek yogurt. It is very thick and tangier than regular yogurt. He thought the sweetness was good in all of them. But would definitely choose the grassfed for overall taste and texture. Really he’d choose the Oh My Yog! over both of these. Have you tried them yet?

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

Even though I can’t taste the yogurt I still get to weigh in! Here are my thoughts.

Likes

  • I LOVE that the yogurt is full fat (which we need!).
  • I LOVE that the yogurt is organic and some of it is 100% grassfed.
  • I like the variety of flavors.
  • I like the convenience. We can finally buy a full fat individual size yogurt if we need something when we are on the go.

Dislikes

  • The flavored Greek yogurt containers have a strange design, and it was hard to get the filling out of the little cup. Especially the honey that gets hard when cold. I think it would be better to just make it fruit on the bottom and not deal with the flipping and scraping.
  • All of the yogurts besides the Greek + honey have cornstarch. With a rising number of people with corn allergies that really limits options.
  • Natural flavor – it’s in everything, even organic food. But it is almost the same as artificial flavor and has the same impact on my daughter. It makes her crazy and unable to focus. So in spite of the good quality of the yogurt I can’t let her eat it without consequences.

Stonyfield Grassfed Yogurt and Whole Milk Greek Yogurt Review | Just Take A Bite

Overall I am very happy with the latest yogurts from Stonyfield. Quality dairy that hasn’t had the healthy fat removed. I’m all for it. But we’ll be sticking to the plain yogurt and adding our own sweetener and fruit most of the time to avoid the thickener and natural flavor. That’s life with allergies!

Have you tried any of the latest Stonyfield full fat yogurts? What do you think?

I am working with Stonyfield for this review post. I have been compensated for my time commitment to use these products. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Ecocentric Mom Mom And Baby Box Review | Just Take A Bite

Ecocentric Mom January 2016 Mom and Baby Box Review

The Ecocentric Mom January 2016 Mom and Baby box was so much fun! I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Ecocentric Mom Mom And Baby Box Review | Just Take A Bite

I am working with ecocentric mom to blog about this mom + baby box. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

It is hard to navigate the world of natural products. Especially when a baby is involved. That’s why I love getting my ecocentric mom + baby box. In this season of life where I’ve got three young children and just don’t have time to research and shop all day long a box is perfect.

Curious how it works?

Ecocentric mom does the hard work for you – finding great products that are natural and healthy. You get a box full of fun stuff to try at a fraction of the cost. It can be a one time event, or you can get a new box every other month. You’ll learn about and sample products you never even knew existed! It’s so much fun.

This month I received a mom and baby box, my personal favorite. Something for mama and something for baby. I usually share with my big kids too. They like to sample the snacks. Let’s take a look inside!

Ecocentric Mom Mom And Baby Box Review | Just Take A Bite

Acure Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes

Acure’s plant and food based formulas are clinically driven to provide optimal performance at a cellular level. They believe it’s not enough to be natural, it also has to work. These cleansing towelettes gently remove makeup, dirt, sweat and environmental toxins. They’re perfect to use when cleansing your baby.

I happened to have a really LONG week with sick kids, gassy tummies, lots of work and hardly any time to shower…just after I received my box. These towelettes sure did come in handy! Just a quick wipe of the face to remove makeup and oil.

I also like to use them after a workout to freshen up a bit. Always a bonus before I head to school to pick up my kids.

Discount Code: EcoMom20 for 20% off

Calming Fields Pachy Deodorant

Each deodorant is crafted with rich, plant-based oils, butters and powders, along with minerals and plant extracts. It all starts with sourcing the best made-in-nature, organic and vegan ingredients and transforming them into eective and simple products that actually work!

If you are looking for a deodorant with simple, pure ingredients this one is great! It goes on smoothly and smells really good.

Confession:

I haven’t worn deodorant in a year!

Ever since my youngest was diagnosed with a coconut/palm allergy I haven’t found one that is safe. She has a habit of sticking her fingers in my armpit when she nurses. Just about every natural deodorant (including this one) uses coconut oil.

So I tried it one time, but did not give it an extensive test.

Discount Code: Ecomom15 for 15% off

Jenuinely Pure Baby Oil

Jenuinely Pure products are produced locally in the Ames, Iowa area, hand-crafted in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. Jenuinely Pure Baby Oil is a pure and natural product to help keep babies’ sensitive skin healthy. The organic oils soothe and soften the skin and the lavender + chamomile essential oils help nourish the skin and have a pleasant, calming aroma. (Also good for Momma’s skin!)

Another confession:

I used this for myself!

I can’t use much on my little one due to her allergies. Mostly I use this tallow balm or this one. But this baby oil was perfect for some really dry patches of skin I have! It rubs on easily and smells really nice. I could feel it working right away.

Discount Code: ECO for 15% off

Tangie Stain Remover Bar

Tangie’s natural stain remover really works! It’s made with coconut oil, grapeseed oil, soap nuts liquid, oxalic acid, sea salt, citric acid, lemon essential oil and a whole lotta LOVE. Their powerful stain remover bar helps remove grass, juice, grease, blood and more. Made with plant-based & mineral ingredients, their formula is tough on stains, but gentle on the environment and perfect for removing any stains from baby. Simply wet fabric, rub bar on stain, and launder as normal. 

This stain remover only has a few ingredients. It sounds great. I could not use it on our stuff since it is coconut oil based. But I would fully trust it if I could use it. The Tangie bar is so much safer than the stain removers filled with chemicals.

Discount Code: Ecomomship for free shipping and free laundry paste (up to 12 loads) with purchase

Ecocentric Mom Mom And Baby Box Review | Just Take A Bite

Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets

Ecover is a global green cleaning company that believes sparkly dishes shouldn’t have side effects. With a history in Europe and a home in San Francisco, Ecover has been a pioneer in plant-based cleaning products for more than 30 years. From kitchens to bathrooms—and every room in between—Ecover has a powerful, planet-loving solution for your cleaning needs. It’s safe for you and your baby and is stress free and easy to use.

Of all of the natural products out there I find that dishwasher detergent is one of the hardest to find – one that really is safe and does a good job. I was very impressed with these tablets. And I loved the ease! No measuring powders. Just stick the tablet in.

My dishes came out very clean. I would totally use these!

Roasted Broad Beans

Beyond Better Foods launched ENLIGHTENED Ice Cream in 2013 and in 2015 introduced a new line of crunchy and savory snacks – ENLIGHTENED Crisps. Made from roasted broad beans, a true superfood, ENLIGHTENED Crisps are a fantastic anytime snack. Whether you’re craving sweet, salty, or both, they’ve got you covered!

There is usually a fight over who gets to sample the snacks in the EM boxes. This time I let my daughter (age 7) eat most of the roasted broad beans (though my husband and I tried them too). She loved them!

I love that there are only a few simple ingredients.

They are crunchy, salty and very allergen friendly. The little bag would be great for the diaper bag or lunch boxes too. A perfect snack for on the go.

Soignee Botanical Shampoo

Soignee refuses to use harsh chemicals that may offer short-term benefits but compromises the health and integrity of skin and hair for the long term. Their cruelty-free formulas never contain parabens, mineral oil, silicones, sulfates, or polyethylene glycol. This sulfate and silicone-free Botanical Shampoo gently cleanses hair of dirt, oils and impurities without stripping strands of essential moisture.

The first thing I noticed about this shampoo is the smell – amazing! I felt like I was at a salon just washing my hair.

But more than that it did a great job of getting my hair clean. I love that it is free of parabens and sulfates. I try to avoid those as much as possible.

I was bummed when I finished the bottle. I may have to buy a full size!

Discount Code: ECOMOM16 for 20% off

Ecocentric Mom Mom And Baby Box Review | Just Take A Bite

Begin Again Buddy Blocks

Buddy Blocks Backyard Animal is a great first block set that grows with your child! Each 4-piece block forms 6 different puzzles featuring colorful animals. Toddlers will enjoy stacking and puzzle plays as they develop, plus Buddy Blocks are the perfect introduction to puzzles. 

Discount Code: ECOMOM0116 for 20% off

Of course this was the first item out of the box as soon as I opened it. My kids all grabbed for it! But I let the little one try it first.

I love how simple and yet intriguing this puzzle set is. My one year old instantly started stacking the blocks and knocking them down. My older kids wanted to try making all of the animals.

This is perfect for carrying in the diaper bag. I like to have it on hand when we are waiting for older siblings to get out of a class or practice or even when I need a couple minutes with two hands to make dinner.

My son would have loved the farm animal set! The number and letters puzzles look fun too.

Discount Code: ECOMOM0116 for 20% off

Now it’s your turn!

This was a great mom and baby box! It had a little something for everyone. Are you ready to try it out? Head over to EM and order your box! Choose the one that is right for you.

Or they make great gifts, especially for expecting or new moms. What a great surprise to have some pampering products and safe baby products show up in the mail.

Natural, fun and no shopping required. Perfect.

In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. It will not change the cost of any products or services for you.