Kauffman Fruit Farm & Market

Top of the morning to ya!
(taken from this song)


Anyways - since today is such a good morning I figured I would make it even better and write a product review (because really, who doesn't love a good product review to start out a Monday?!)

So today I'll be talking (errr typing) your ear (errr eyes?) off about Kauffman Market.
It really is like a big farmers market. But open 24/7 because, well, it's online! You can order a ton of fresh, locally grown, delicious products from a variety of producers. Genius. Genius I tell you. Genius.

They seriously have everything. From fresh apples to apple cider, baking mixes to beans, trail mix to beef jerky!

They have both organic and non-organic items, sweet treats and healthy options, really the sky is the limit with this company! And nearly all is minimally processed which can make you feel great about life.

So the quality? Let's talk about the quality.
It's awesome. Moving on..
:)
Ok ok, just kidding-it really is amazing quality! I was given a cappuccino trial mix & iced java smoothie mix
Boy. Oh. Boy.

They made me smile rrrrrrreal BIG! :) Neither is extremely nutritious, so be weary of that - but for a treat every now and again it is perfectly fine!

So if you'd like to support a great market and give your tastebuds a treat as well - go with Kauffman!

*I was given no compensation, only the samples. All opinions are my own (as usual!)

Get on the Train!

Anybody remember this song...



Ever wonder where the heck it came from!?
Well - in case you're curious like me....
I've Been Working on the Railroad is noted to have been published in the University of Princeton Songbook in 1894. Another side note- this song is an extremely popular nursery rhyme in Japan. How's that for some useless info you may just need on day in a game of Trivial Pursuit.
Ya. You're welcome...

Ok so where did this rampage actually come from?
Well I'm getting ready to do a product review from a drink company I'm just stoked to tell you all about!
And it just so happens that the name of this company is "Big Train" <- See the correlation?

Big Train is a drink manufacturer that has been going at it for the past ten years.
And when I say 'going at it' I mean they have been ROCKIN' the world with some really tasty and healthy drink mixes. Now they even sell healthy baked good mixes as well.

So what are some of the products?
Well - there is pretty much something for everyone...
Protein mixes, smoothie mixes, coffee, tea, lemonade, etc. etc, etc.
It's awesome.
I was given a few coffee drinks to try - it is their new line, called: "Fit Frappe"
Fit + Frappe = :) Kristen!

ummm. Yum.

It was so smooth and creamy, I never in my wildest dreams would have thought it was made from just water and dry mix!

And it is sooo healthy!

Check it. 

Yeah. Be excited. 

I'm banking on the fact that all their other products are just as delicious since I haven't tried one of their "Fit Frappes" I haven't love love loved!

Thanks Big Train for allowing me to review your product! *The samples were all that was given to me; I received no compensation and as always - all opinions are completely my own. (Because that's just how I roll)

Bakery on Main - Part Oatmeal

Product Review time people!

I'm so excited to share with you what I have been eating loving these past few days...

oatmeal !

Yes, I have previously fallen in love with oatmeal, but this is different.

Why you ask?

Well, it's instant oatmeal-which I usually do not appreciate. But this... this I can handle :)

Bakery on Main is the company I am reviewing for and let me tell you about their set-up...

They started as a small bakery in Connecticut and through a series of events, became the great company we know today. They are passionate about creating gluten free foods that taste just as good (in my opinion -better!) than most gluten-containing counterparts. 

They still make in small batches, which comes through in the amazing, homemade flavors.

So now onto the oatmeal! 

YUM.

We could really just leave it at that. It really sums it up-but for the sake of being informative I'll continue :)

Their oatmeal is so thick... usually instant is thin and watery, I actually had to add 1 cup of water (the package says 2/3 cup) 

(the strawberry shortcake, alongside a big ole glass of strawberry milk! ...overkill on strawberry? NEVER!)

I also feel as though you are getting way more bang for your buck with their oatmeal as well. Most instant oatmeal's do not satisfy my hungry stomach... But this definitely did-without weighing me down! 

(I topped the carrot cake flavor with pecans, but it would have still been delicious without!)

The flavors are also incredible! 

They have four flavors out now:

Traditional

Apple Pie

Strawberry Shortcake

and Maple Multigrain

....all amazing people. All amazing!

YUM Blueberry!

...some bananas added for my enjoyment!

I was also lucky enough to get to sample their two newest flavors as well that aren't on the shelves yet-

Blueberry Scone

and Carrot Cake

OH. MY. 

Serious deliciousness up in there. 

The blueberry scone honestly tasted like dessert. And so did the carrot cake! There were even little bits of blueberry and carrot in their respected bowl! 

We all know how much I LOVE that addition of texture and flavor!

We should probably touch on the nutrition facts...
On average-one packet contains around 200 calories, 35g carbs (5g fiber!) and 6g protein.
What do I say to that? Nice.
They also have 10% of your iron needs. Double Nice.
And to top things off-like I mentioned earlier they are gluten-free if you have Celiac disease and require that!

...They also have chia seeds in them! WOOOO for Chia!!! (...so that's why it is so much thicker than Quaker...makes sense now)

...if you want to know the honest truth... right now I'm downing the Apple Pie flavor... so if my grammer is a little off or spelling is less than par, it is because I am far more focused on the deliciousness entering my mouth right now!

Thank you Bakery on Main for such a delicious product that is filling my tummy right now!

~Look for the next Bakery on Main product review coming soon!

*All opinions were completely my own, I was given no compensation for this review.

= Equal Exchange =

Let's talk about Equal Exchange ok? Ok!

I was grateful to work with Equal Exchange and sample a couple of their products and let you lovely people know my thoughts.

I was sent Equal Exchange unsweetened cocoa as well as a Panama Dark Chocolate Bar

Since I am by no means a chocolate connoisseur, my wonderful grandmother helped me review the chocolate bar!

2 thumbs up!

But the cocoa... now that I can work with! I used it in this recipe for healthy "Reese's Muffins"

And boy oh boy were they good! Tasted much closer to cake than a muffin... but it was stil healthy - so I'm not complaining!

So what is the Equal Exchange?

Let me educate you!

Equal Exchange is a fair trade retailer. Their mission is to build "Long-term trade partnerships taht are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world." 

I know, I know.. that's a lot of stuff! But to break it down- they sell great products that benefit the consumer, producer and seller! 

It all started with the question "What if food could be traded in a way that is honest and far, a way that empowers both farmers and consumers?" 

Well I'm a farm girl - I like that! Even if you aren't connected to the producer... everyone can agree that a company that benefits each part of the 'trade' process associated with food is a good thing!

To sum up, let's look at a few of their most popular products to give you a feel for what they sell -

They have coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, snack bars, nuts, oils, syrups and LOADS of coffee equipment! 

Go check it all out yourself here

*Thank you Equal Exchange for the great products and business model! All opinions were solely my own, Equal Exchange only provided me with the samples-no compensation. 

Mrs. Barr's delicious treats!

You would be hard-pressed to find a more exciting thing in my life than this showing up when I go get my mail...

PRODUCT REVIEW!

#pumped.

So what was in el' cardboard box o' fun?! (in the excitement of St. Patty's day I thought I'd try some Irish accents... working? Didn't think so...)

Anyways- it was Mrs. Barr's Natural Foods!

What is this you ask? 

Well - they are a company that sells granola (eek!), granola bars, and trail mix.

They try to buy local whenever possible, and support companies of this great country. They also are highly supportive of children and donate 10% of their profits to children's organizations! How awesome is that!?

So the real question.. does it taste good?!

YES!

Look! This granola was called 'Gone Nuts' and it had A TON of nuts in it-not even crushed up little pieces! Woot!

It also was nice and crunchy with big clusters! 

YAY for clusters!!!

I am a HUGE fan!

2 days... 2 bags of granola GONE

And now I'm about to dive into another... so I'm going to keep this short!

Mrs. Barr's Natural foods makes GREAT granola - I can't say about the health of it since the nutritional info was not on the package or online :/ 

But it was full of nuts, oats, and dried fruits - so I know it is at least in the right direction on the health-o-meter

*All opinions are my own, I was only given samples and no compensation. 

Grandy Oats

What time is it?! Product Review time!

And today's winner is.... 

Grandy Oats

...oh don't act surprised, it was in the title people :P

Anyways- Grandy Oats was created in 1979 by two friends, and then passed onto another set of friends - Nat and Aaron that now run the company we have today.

They are a certified organic company that sells many 'oat products' as in-

granola

trail mix

roasted nuts

hot cereal

I was grateful to receive some samples of the granola (seen above) 

They were pretty good, I have to be honest with you - this isn't my absolute favorite granola. But it is very good! Don't get me wrong, I just didn't think the texture was crunchy enough for my likings. 

The Honey Apple Crisp was my favorite about of the bunch!

But now onto the Hot Cereal... 

WOAH!

Loved it. 

All you do is add 6-7 ounces of hot water and put the lid back on and let it sit for a couple minutes. 

I was very skeptical about it thickening, but it did! And it was divine! 

I loved how the only real sweetener was the natural sweetness from the dried fruits (there was a little sweetener on the dried fruits, but very minimal) 

Is this any indication of how much I liked it?!

All their products are made with real, wholesome ingredients and therefore have some great nutritional stats! 

If you're looking for a new granola company to try out - definitely give Grandy Oats a try - especially if you don't like the more crispy/crunchy granola and prefer a more chewy texture. 

Also-the little cups of granola are perfect for 'on the go' breakfast - how easy would it be to throw a couple in your suitcase next time you'll be traveling a few days? 

*All opinions are solely my own, I was not compensated in any way - the only thing I received from Grandy Oats was the samples.

Willamette Valley Granola Chips

Willamette Valley... ever been there? Me neither - but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy their granola chips!

I was lucky enough to receive some of their granola chips in the mail a few days ago to sample... what did I think?
Well...

Here is a close up of my HUGE plate of them... probably half the bag-not kidding. They are seriously good, and addictive. 

Here's a little bit more info-

The company is out of Oregon, they make delicious granola chips. The End.

Ok, Just Kidding!

That's what they look like, and what's in 'em

pre'neat huh?

They come in Butter Pecan (tastes JUST LIKE caramel corn), Vanilla Bean (my personal fav.), Honey Nut, and Wild Berry

They are crispy, crunchy, sweet, bite-sized treats, that are actually good for you, so they can be enjoyed more regularly that normal treats 

My roommate's boyfriend (who is a self-proclaimed, hater of all healthy food) said they were awesome! If that doesn't say something for their taste, I don't know what does!

They are a good source of fiber 

low in fat

made with whole grains

have a substantial amount of protein in a serving size

and are just plain awesome.

If you haven't tried these before - do it.

I really enjoy sprinkling these are frozen yogurt, or in a peanut butter and banana sandwich (sounds weird, but is delish!)

If you've tried these before, what's your favorite? How do you enjoy them?

*All opinions are solely my own, I received nothing but the samples from Willamette Valley Granola.

Attune Foods - Cereal LOVE

Cereal.

Quick, easy to prepare, delicious, satisfying.

What's left to say? It's the perfect meal.... but is there evil lurking? 

Let's take a look-see!

Hmm... 50+% of its weight is sugar? Cool.

NOT!

Alright alright, so point made-not all cereal is the 'perfect' fuel for your body.

But not all cereal is made to sabotage your attempts at living a healthy life.

Enter, Attune Foods

That's their theory, and I like it!

So they were kind enough to allow me to sample some of their products and let you wonderful readers know my thoughts

I was sent

Uncle Sam Original

Sinner's Raisin Bran

And

Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice Cereal (Gluten Free)

Raisin Bran = SUCCESS! 

Why? Well, aside from being tasty, just the right amount of sweetness from the raisins, it also has AMAZING nutritional stats..

Check it-

Yeah Buddy! See that? The sugar? No? 

OH WAIT! That's because there isn't any!

I get soooo annoyed when cereal companies think it is necessary to add sugar... like for reals?! Come on, it is a cereal with raisins- a naturally sweet food-why are you adding more sugar?!

Whatev. I'm over it... (not really)

But anyways - 

This is what the Raisin Bran looks like...

Not huge flakes like you may be expecting-smaller, but still delicious, don't get me wrong!

I added some blueberries on top and devoured that bowl!

So it's no secret I love their Raisin Bran, but what about the others?

Well, the Erewhon Crispy Rice got thrown into my Peanut Butter Granola recipe - and boy oh boy was it a success! Try it for yourself, you won't be sorry!

And the Uncle Sam Original? GREAT!

It had a neutral flavor that allows for you to add whatever kinds of mix-in's you want and have your bowl of cereal perfectly match your taste!

(I enjoy slices of bananas and using strawberry milk, crazy maybe-delicious yes.)

So that's that! 

I'm loving me some Attune Food cereal!

They make delicious products, with minimal-but wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about putting in your body.

No preservatives, no artificial anything, no harm, all yum!

Attune - Simple Ingredients. Simply Made.

(Kristen's addition - Simply DELICIOUS!)

*All opinions are my own, I was not compensated to do this review in any way.

Two Moms in the Raw

I love my mom, my friends' moms, my mom and dad's mom (aka grandma!), moms just ROCK!
I honestly don't know how moms do all they do (and dads too!), they have so many job titles... cook, psychiatrist, maid, chauffeur, you get the point!
So what do they do in their free time?
Oh just make amazing raw food.

Yeah, that's right - another product review (two in one week, how lucky am I!?)

Two Moms in the Raw is a company that all started with Shari (the founder).
She started making raw food to help her MS, and her yummy treats became a quick favorite among family and friends. So Shari (being the giving person she obviously is) decided to start selling her delectables and it took of like a rolling stone!

They make products with simple and organic ingredients - no gluten, no preservatives, non-GMO - truly good inside and out. All her products are Kosher and Vegan as well as being free of wheat, refined sugars, soy and dairy. They handmake all their products which include:
Granola Bars
Nut Bars
Sea Crackers
Truffles
Cereals

I'll fill you in on my personal experience with these products.
I had the opportunity to sample...

The almond butter and cocao truffles

These little bite-size beauties are made of almond butter, cacao, salt and agave.... that's it! They are sweet, crunchy (the half-chopped nuts in the center) and chewy! Definitely satisfy any sweet tooth - but with the added bonus of some protein (4g), fiber (2g), calcium and iron, along with healthy omega 6 fats, antioxidants, vitamin C and iron. All for 140 calories for one truffle.

The tomato basil sea crackers - the savory crackers are a perfect match with a sweet Honeycrisp apple (which, btw-if anyone is wondering, is in my opinion the best apple variety-just a side note :)

Out of this world flavor! The texture was a little odd to me at first, but not in a bad way! Just different from your traditional cracker... full of flax seeds, garlic and kombu - you know they're oh-so good for your body! Two Moms in the Raw recommend crumbling them on salad which I think is an AMAZING idea! And the ingredient list: flaxseeds, sundried tomatos, kombu and herbs. awesome.

I also received their blueberry granola bars - which I haven't tried just yet... (I was too consumed with the sweet truffles and savory crackers!) 

But... if I can assume (which I can, because - well... this is my blog :P ) I know they will be just as amazing (both taste wise and nutritionally as the previous snacks have been!

Their granola is full of antioxidants and vitamins, but then again-when you make all your products out of good, whole foods-how could the end result not be chalk-full of nutrition?!

Oh, and each bar also has 4g of fiber, 6g of protein, 4% calcium and 10% iron... awesome-opossum if I say so myself!

"Good for you, Good for the planet, and kids (AND KRISTEN!) love it"

That's Two Moms in the Raw's motto and I couldn't agree more! I definitely will have to try the rest of the flavors of everything! Especially the nut bars and cereal - thanks for allowing me to review your products Two Moms!

*All opinions were my own, Two Moms in the Raw gave me only the samples and no other compensation.

Impact Foods

Alright, so usually I wait until I've tried all the samples a company has given me before I write up a review. But this CANNOT WAIT! I have got to tell you guys about this company-it is quickly become one of my favs and for GOOD reason!

We know that I have a little problem with granola, love-hate relationship really. I love how it tastes, but sometimes hate its nutrition. More like a candy bar in the sugar and fat realms if you're smelling what I'm steppin' in! Which irks me to say the least.

I also hate how much I love some of the 'big name' companies granola... like Special K, or Quaker - I just feel like they are so disconnected with the consumer, and I don't like that!

So what is all this ranting for? Well... I've found a granola company that cares. Cares about you, about me, about nutrition, about taste, about using whole foods, but most importantly - about hungry children around the world.

Enter: Impact Foods

Yes, these are the founders - and they created this amazing company that not only feeds hungry-granola-loving gals like me, but also helps fight the war against hunger worldwide, especially for children.

They're promis is simple. Buy one bag of granola-feed one child. 

Amazing, no? I can see how God is working through them, their creativity, talent and drive to make a difference in this world! I am so impressed!

I got my box of samples and literally screamed with joy!

They have 3 flavors:

Maple Oat, Vanilla Almond and Blueberry Honey

AHHHH!

Dug right on in!

This isn't the type of granola that is full of chunks, it has a smooth, even consistency but with add-ins like seeds and nuts, coconut and freeze dried berries! 

I first tried the Maple Oat and immediately fell in love!

So delicious in a big bowl with milk... I may or may not have had more than one serving...

:/

Oops! :)

But, then again, I'm not sorry At. All. It was delicious! 

And the nutritional facts are pretty good overall. 

1/3 cup has between 130 - 150 calories, 2g fiber and about 3g protein. 

It was sweet, hearty, and had a texture that I don't even know how to describe! It was crunchy but literally fell apart in my mouth, so good. 

Impact Foods - thank you for being such good people. Honestly, it is great to find a company that I can feel good about supporting, both in my heart and my mouth! 

Luke 3:11, And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

I pray God continues to work through you and through all of us, to fulfill His plans. 

Now go get some Impact Granola people!!!

Sunday Happenings...

So, I've never really done the whole, just blog about what is going on in life right now thing - but what the heck - today's the day to start it! 

(Sorry for anyone who was expecting a recipe or review... being away at college doesn't provide many opportunities to whip up new creations :/ Please forgive me!)

So here goes!

First off, I got new running shoes! WOOT! They don't glow in the dark like my last ones :( But they're so bright it almost counts. 

Ya like?

Secondly, I finally figured out how to solve my "no time to eat because I have class over the noon hour and the dining hall is 2 miles (give or take) away!" dilema. Our cafeteria will pack me a lunch! Nifty right? I feel like I'm in Kindergarten again going on a field trip... only no letters from my mom :(

Oh well, can't have it all!

A turkey, roast beef, spinach, tomato and hummus sandwich on marble rye - not to shabby! And with the piece of fruit, water bottle and cold veggies, it was delicious, nutritious and quick & easy!

Soooo what's a girl to do when you have way too many samples left over that you have already reviewed and they will soon go bad, but you just can not eat that much? 

Put them on your ironing board in the middle of your dorm's hallway! 

DUH!

They were gone in like 2 hours... no joke. People LOVED it! And best of all, the companies got even more publicity! 

Hey, they sent me free samples, I feel like I should do as much as possible to help them out!

Well, that's all for today! I hope you all had fabulous weekends and a great week!

....I have my first physiology test coming up... :/ 

St. Thomas Aquinas (patron saint of learning) please pray for me!

Barefoot Yoga Co.

With a name like Barefoot you may think this review revolved around shoes perhaps? Maybe foot cream? Nope! Wrong
Barefoot Yoga Company is a 'source of yoga supplies, yoga clothing and mats'

I was lucky enough to receive a yoga mat from Barefoot Co. to try and review.

Let's look over what I thought...
The yoga mat I got was a Mysore Practice Rug. It is an extremely large (in relation to other yoga mats and rugs I've seen) cotton rug.
My thoughts:
-it wasn't like any other yoga mat-and for good reason, it was a yoga rug. Yes-there is a difference! In my opinion, yoga rugs are thinner and larger.
-I didn't like the thinner aspect, since I'm kind of a pansy...
-it was really nice to have a bigger rug so my entire body fit on it and I didn't have to move around!

Barefoot Yoga makes a TON of amazing stuff, and they have such creative design! Unique, for sure.

Kelly LeFebvre - the creator has a definite passion and knowledge of yoga!

They have everything for your yoga needs! From mats, to rugs, to clothes, books, eye pillows and accessories! Seriously... everything!

This is the one I have! Cute, right?! Love the colors! :)

They are quality quality products! I have had my yoga mat for a while now and it still looks and feels like new!

If you are a yoga-fanatic, this company is one you should definitely check out!

*The only thing I received from Barefoot Yoga Co, was the yoga rug, all opinions are my own.

Quest Bar - Review time!

So yes I have another product review for all you loyal readers out there!

Quest Bars! Heard of 'em? I hadn't until I was given the opportunity to review their stuff!

Quest bars are:

Nutrition Bars - carbs - gluten + protein + fiber - sugar (of any kind) - soy protein = YUM!

They call themselves the bar that is known for what it isn't. How cool and creative is that? I was soooo impressed that they tasted as good as they did without ANY sugar. That means no sugar, no sugar alcohols, no artificial sweetener. Nothing. 

They have sooo much fiber - like 17g a bar! And around 20ish grams of protein. That's pretty amazing if you ask little ole me!

Doesn't seem as if all my snacking revolves around studying chem? Probably stress induced snacking :S

Oh look! No chem book! :) The peanut butter supreme is probably my favorite. Or the PB&J. Hard call.

They are delicious. At first I was a little taken aback by the texture. Just not what I was expecting. They are definitely not a granola bar. They are very chewy and at first, a little gritty. But that was only with the first one - all the other types I've tried have added things in them (i.e. nuts) so the texture if fabulous. 

Overall - a super delicious bar with great nutritional value, especially if you are one of the many people in this world that are much stronger than I am and follow a low-carb diet. :/ Man-I get upset just thinking about a day without bread, granola, oatmeal!

Oh-I almost forgot! Quest also sells "Cravings"

They are real food that tastes like candy. Full of protein (20 grams) and only 4g of carbs.

What are they exactly? Peanut butter cups! Yes-that's right! :) 

Yum-de-dum-dum-dum!

In other news...

I had a take-out salad from Hy-vee the other day! How cool is that?! I didn't even know you could do that! Just fill up your take-out bowl with whatever-the-heck-you-want off the salad bar, weigh it, and away you go. Oh, I forgot pay. Before you go and after you weigh it :)

Also-

I tried hash browns on the waffle iron the other day (yes I stole it from Pinterest!)

Perfect!

Just make sure your waffle iron is UBBER hot, spray it with non-stick spray, through some thawed hash browns (if they were first frozen of course :P ) and shut the lid...

about 5 minutes later you have these little beauties!

And think-they were made in a jif, with little to no oil!

Thank you yet again Pinterest.

Happy Friday to all! 

Peace. Love. and Peanut Butter.