Let's Get Real Blog Hop!

Woot! Woot! Let's get this Friday started. Let's Get Real is all about Healthy Living. That's right! It's all about Real Food, fitness, health and wellness, and home life tips and tricks from Real people. That's you! Grab a cup of coffee (or other preferred beverage ). Relax into a comfy spot and take some time to get to know the great folks that link up here.

Click here and get your party on!

DIY Slimming Body Wraps & 3 other Organic Body Scrub Recipes!

I am sure that you are all well aware of the slimming body wraps that are available on the market. The basis behind them is very simple and I have tried them and can say that they do work BUT spending a hundred bucks or so a month for maintenance - not in my budget!

So, I did what I know how to do...I researched and found a way to get the same results by doing it myself! I now can wrap as much as I want a month for a fraction of the cost of 1 of the popular wraps! Now, please know that I am not knocking the wraps....I clearly tried them and like them.  They provide a great result and are filled with lots of natural goodness but the price just isn't right for me.

Here is how I got the popular "slimming wrap" results at home. The basis behind my at home wraps is easy...the salt in the rub seeps into your body through the skin resulting in your body forcing out unnecessary water. The added bonus in my version is that the caffeine from the tea will help fight cellulite! It is NOT a get slim quick fix...just an extra boost to make your jeans fit a little better. The best part is that you can wrap any area of your body that you would like! Your arms, legs, thighs, and belly! Sorry, I will NOT be posting before and after pictures...you can thank me if you would like! I do not have results to hide...just some stretch marks and a few extra pounds :)

Now..I have included all of the ingredients for you in the recipes. You can add any essential oils you would like.

Version 1:

Here is what you need:

• Ace bandage or some type of fabric that can absorb water and be wrapped around the body. Heck...I am so cheap that I used an old pair of blue jeans and cut straight down the legs to make nice long strips! PERFECT!
• The "recipe" - basically you will need - water, tea bags, salt, and coconut oil (or a moisturizer)
• Saran Wrap - to lock in the  moisture and body heat!
• Some time. You can sleep in this or simply wear it around the house...up to you!

The Recipe: You will see different versions of this online. Some call for clay or any white lotion. I chose coconut oil because of its organic, moisturizing, and natural healing properties. You can certainly select to use a lotion in its place.

• 2 cups of water
• 3 tea bags (I chose green tea)
• 1/4  cup sea salt
• 2 tbsp coconut oil  
• 8 ounces of water

Directions:

1. Bring 2 cups water to boil with most of the salt and tea bags.
2. Drink the 8 ounces of water before wrapping
3. Let water boil for about 2 minutes then allow it to begin cooling
4.  While the water is boiling, combine the remaining salt (about 2 tbsp) with the coconut oil and massage into the area(s) you are treating. 
5. Unroll the ace bandage and soak it in the salt water concoction and allow it to soak up the liquid. 
6. Tightly wrap affected areas with the ace bandage (make sure the water is NOT SCOLDING but is still warm! You want it to be warm to open up your pours!
7. Follow up by wrapping the bandaged areas with saran wrap. This will lock in the moisture and your body heat!!
8. Go about your business! Wrap before bed or while you are hanging out. Unwrap a few hours later and check out your results!

Alternative Version:

Items needed:

• Coconut oil (any white lotion will work)
• 1/4 cup of sea salt
• ace bandage
• saran wrap
• 8 ounces of water (to drink!)

This is a much easier version of the "slimming wrap". Drink a glass of water before wrapping!

1. Simply add the salt and coconut oil together. 
2. Massage into areas needing treatment. 
3. In this version, you will wrap with saran wrap FIRST to lock in your body heat! 
4. Then, wrap the areas with the ace bandage to hold the saran wrap in place. A girdle helps to hold this in place if you have one :)

If you use this version, I recommend doing some housework or light exercise to increase your body temperature and really open up the pores. I suggest this be worn for a few hours or overnight!

Now...I have to be honest, I did get better results with the first version. I found myself going to the restroom every 15 minutes! if I am in a time crunch though, I like version number 2. I DID get results with BOTH! You can also use the Body Scrub recipes found below to wrap with! If you go for the Vanilla Latte or Sweet Mocha recipes, be sure to use salt in place of the sugar!

Let me know if you have tried either version and the results you found. Again...I AM NOT knocking the fancy schmancy ones, I liked them actually but can not afford the maintenance. I hope that these tricks help save you money and that you catch some results!

Do you LOVE to DIY Body Scrubs...Here are a few more recipes you might like!

Here is a Organic Vanilla Latte Cellulite Busting Body Scrub
Try My Organic Sweet Mocha Chocolate Body Scrub
Here is a Green Tea Weightloss Clay Detox and Weight Loss Recipe

Be sure to click one of the social media icons to follow me for more money saving body scrub recipes as well as healthy recipes and fun!

DIY LOW CARB Chocolate Body Paint - Just in Time for Valentine's Day! It's VEGAN Too!

Yes...you read it right! This chocolate sauce is low-carb, vegan, and ORGANIC!  I NEVER thought I could find a sweet chocolate sauce that was all 3!! It only takes a few minutes to make and is a fantastic frosting for cupcakes, sauce for ice cream,dip for fruits...even Chocolate Body Paint!

This is the basic chocolate sauce that I use all of the time but ...since it is Valentine's Day...I thought, why not show you how you can put a cute paint brush with it and make it a cute DIY gift. Sorry mom :(

You can change up this sauce in ANY way you want! It is a very basic recipe but can be jazzed up with spicy peppers, mint, nuts, booze, etc!

Now....since I wanted to make my sauce low carb, I used stevia instead of sugar. 1 tablespoon of this sweet chocolate has only 3 grams of carbs! If you are not familiar with stevia, it is an organic sweetener that is notably better for those controlling their sugar intake! Yes, you can use other sugar substitutes in this recipe but I prefer to avoid chemicals whenever I can. Feel free to use your favorite sugar substitute or regular sugar for that matter.

I would also like to add that this totally can be considered HEALTHY chocolate! If you use the vegan recipe and use coconut oil, you are adding so many health benefits! Coconut oil is known to lower cholesterol,  boost metabolism, fight disease.... it is a never ending list of health benefits. You can read more about coconut oil HERE. Now, don't worry if you don't like the taste of coconut. It really doesn't impart too much coconut flavor....my hubby HATES coconut but LOVES when I use it to cook, bake, and make this chocolate sauce!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sugar (if you are making this LOW CARB by using organic stevia, start with less as it takes less stevia to sweeten)
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (if you are not vegan, use butter)
• 1/4 cup organic cocoa powder

Directions:

1) Put sugar, salt and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil then remove it from the heat
2) Stir in the butter (or coconut oil) and mix until incorporated (you may want to use a whisk)
3) Add remaining ingredients. Stir until glossy.
4) Pour into glass container.

You can TOTALLY make this in the microwave! Just follow the same steps!

To use as chocolate body paint simply warm it ever so slightly to allow the sauce to be spreadable with the paintbrush - be sure to check it first to see that it is not too hot! I think you know what comes next so I won't be sharing those steps or details!

If you enjoyed this easy Vegan recipe...you can check out a few others on my site! I focus on organic cooking that is easy, inexpensive, and that tastes good. After all, if it isn't good....the family isn't going to eat it. It is my challenge to prove that eating healthy does not mean boiled veggies for every meal! I actually aim to prove that healthy food tastes better!

Check out a few recipes while you are here:
Organic Vegan Chicken Salad
Healthy and EASY Organic Black Bean Soup
Healthy Homemade Almond Butter
Soy Free Vegetarian breakfast sausage

Be sure to follow me on Social media to get quick updates!

Click HERE to follow me on Facebook

Click HERE to follow me on Twitter

 

Vicks Mini Filter Free COOL MIST Humidifier: A Review

I was definitely excited to receive the Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier to review and I was even more excited to break the box open! As soon as I opened the box I could see that this wasn't my grannie's humidier from back in the day. The old humidifiers were bulky and ...let's say it...UGLY! The new cool mist humidifier from Vick's is actually pretty slick. It has a cute design making it easier to incorporate into your décor so leaving it out for guests to see is no worry. You will also note that this humidifier has a cute night light making it perfect for your kids' room (it's safe too since there is no risk of a burn!

Since I have told you a little about the design...I should probably tell you WHY this is a great thing to have around the house. To start, this little contraption can actually HELP KEEP THE FLU AWAY! Did you know that keeping the air in your home at a relative humidity level of 40-60%, reduces the survival of flu viruses on surfaces and in the air? If that isn't reason enough, the use of a cool mist machine can not only help you breath better by reducing allergy complications and sinus issues but is also recommended by many doctors when children are heavily congested. Many years ago, I was told to the hospital with a congested child - a lot of money spent on the doctor visit only to have a night in the hospital prescribed. Luckily, I was able to use a home unit to reduce his congestion and got him cleared up quickly.

I also bet that you didn't know that this little beauty can be a part of your BEAUTY routine?  The use of a cool mist machine can help soothe itchy and irritated skin and even keep your lips from drying out while you sleep! Using forced air heating methods brings the humidity in your home down to about 10% BUT your skin wants things closer to 30% to stay healthy. Healthy skin not only feels better but it LOOKS better too - even the appearance of wrinkles are reduced!

This unit is very easy to use and will work all night long on one fill
up. It uses convenient scent pads and has no filter to remove, replace, or clean! BE SURE TO STILL CLEAN YOUR UNIT to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew!

Most of all, this machine packs a HUGE VALUE! They sell for about $39.99 and use very little energy so you don't have to worry about running it all the time. Check it out from Amazon!

 

I was given this unit to review from Vicks and Influenster but the opinions contained within are my own. I highly recommend this unit!

Let's Get Real Blog Hop - They let me CO-HOST!

Woot! Woot! Let's get this Friday started. Let's Get Real is all about Healthy Living. That's right! It's all about Real Food, fitness, health and wellness, and home life tips and tricks from Real people. That's you! Grab a cup of coffee (or other preferred beverage ). Relax into a comfy spot and take some time to get to know the great folks that link up here.

Click Here and Get your REAL FOOD and REAL LIFE party ON!

Super Easy Organic Crepes

When I was younger, I used to love going to breakfast and ordering crepes. Not only did I feel a little "fancy" but they were something that I didn't get at home. Sure, ordering pancakes was good too BUT mom made pancakes all the time at home so I wanted something different. Even as an adult...I LOVE a great crepe. Small shops seem to be popping up everywhere and including toppings like fresh fruit, savory cheeses, and even liquor infused crèmes (YUM, btw) so my love affair has continued into  my adulthood.

I realized jut the other day that I had never introduced my kids to my friend "The Crepe". I guess I always thought that they were tough to make which was why I didn't get them at home a lot as a kid...luckily for me, I found that they are actually just as easy as pancakes to make and were a nice break from the norm.

CLICK HERE TO TREAT YOUR FAMILY, just don't let them know it's this easy!

T.S. Power Nuggets, Review & Giveaway!

Yep, that is chocolate!

I always am looking to try new things but when something says Vegan, Raw, low-glycemic, flour free, gluten free AND dairy & soy free all in the same sentence ...I am a bit skeptical. I have tried pretty much every protein bar that I can get my hands on and sometimes am disappointed when I flip it over to see the amount of sugar, fats, or fake ingredients listed on the label. When I saw TS Power Nuggets on the internet boasting EVERYTHING that I was looking for without what I wasn't....I HAD TO GET MY HANDS ON SOME! One bite and I was in LOVE!

 

So I am teaming up with a few pals to give some AWAY and you definitely want to win! This giveaway is being brought to you by the following team -

 

TruStrength Power Nuggets, Heather from Frugal Fit Family, & Christine from Juggling Real Food and Real Life.

 

These little "nuggets" pack tons of flavor AND protein! What I love is that you can actually see the ingredients in the nuggets which is not only great to see but gives it a GREAT texture - something that is lacking in many of the protein options out there. When I fell in love, it was time to get to the creator Kristen McCormick-Marchese. She is a nutritional consultant, natural foods chef, and fitness trainer...and happens to know a thing or two about creating a protein packed treat with tons of flavor (if you ask me).

 

Here is what she had to say!

TruStrength Power Nuggets make for the perfect snack or meal replacement for busy moms on-the-go, moms looking to lose the extra baby weight, pregnant women, and even kids! "For a busy mom they make for the perfect healthy snack she can pop in her purse and have with that morning coffee, as she drops off the kids at school; or even a quick snack she can keep in the car, as a snack for herself, as she carts the kids around to after school practices. TS Power Nuggets also provide an energizing snack for kids to munch on before they head to practice or tide them over til dinner, while doing their homework. They are dipped in a little bit of raw chocolate so they will feel like they are getting a treat, but something you, as a mom, can feel good about!

Our Power Nuggets also make for a wonderfully nutritious snack or meal replacement for that oh-so-exhausted mom, nursing her new-born. We know having a baby can come with a lot of sleepless nights and tired days; so our nuggets provide a quick easy nutritious grab for a mom that is trying to stay healthy and get her figure back, but doesn't have the energy to cook a meal. TruStrength Power Nuggets are made of only whole food ingredients, and loaded with plant-based protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats that both you and your baby need. Where we add minimal heat to the product, your bodies' will absorb all the healthy vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; therefore, giving you and your kids the energy you need to get through those busy days. 

 

A lot of customers have used the nuggets to lose weight or just lost weight from eating them, not intentionally. Reason being, instead of going for that unhealthy vending machine snack or junk food that might be lurking around the house, they grab a low-calorie, super satisfying nugget, or two, instead, and save themselves a lot of empty calories, sugar, and saturated fats. Everything in our nuggets is good for you and highly utilizable for your body right away. They are low-glycemic, as we just sweeten them with a touch of agave, so they won't spike you, or your kids', insulin levels. They are light enough to not weigh you down, but filling enough to satisfy any craving, or low energy levels you may have in between meals.

 

TruStrength Power Nuggets are vegan, gluten-free, flour-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and very low-glycemic. They are not only a perfect health bar for moms and kids; but also, office workers, athletes, gym warriors, diabetics, people suffering from diseases or neurological/neuromuscular disorders to name a few. "

 

 Doesn't that sound like something you need to try?!

 Grab yours online from http://trustrengthcommunity.com/power-nuggets/ or ask about them at Whole Foods!

 

Okay, Okay, I know,....enough of the details...on to the GIVEAWAY!

 

If you win, Not only are you going to get 4 packs of TruStrength POWER NUGGETS, but you will also get a Vanilla Latte Body Scrub crafted with organic AND vegan, & $10 in Paypal CASH!

 

Hurry Up and Enter to Win NOW!

 

We are giving you TONS of ways to enter so hurry up and get your entries in!

 

 

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5 ways to earn CASH at the grocery!

With the New Year comes resolutions to save money and none of us ever assumes this will come out of our grocery budget! Good news for us all is that we can actually not only SAVE money but we can also MAKE money at the Grocery Store!

As we all know, we can print online coupons...but all of the grocery stores seem to have tightened up their coupon restrictions and now they only double up to $1.00, will only take 6 per manufacturer, and even have a quantity cap on the item - NOT what you see on extreme couponing, right!?

So, I had to do a little digging but found a few ways to get some extra bang for my buck. Now not only can I use the coupons BUT I also get cash deposited into an account just by using some of the apps that I downloaded to my smartphone. Each week, I am able to rack up extra money and it gets deposited directly into my paypal account (or bank account).

Click HERE to find out how I earn extra cash with these 5 apps!

DIY Balsamic Glaze Recipe!

I will be the first person to admit that my love for balsamic glaze goes way beyond love.. I am an addict. There is almost nothing in this world that isn't made better by this dark & sweet glaze: pizza; tomatoes; salads; fruits...yep, the list goes on and on. I always ask for it in restaurants when available but have never purchased it for my home due to one main thing...COST.

See how I save a little money and make my glaze in just a few minutes!  

Save money AND make ORGANIC sodas with the Soda Stream!

I can not tell you how honestly thrilled my son was to open up a Soda Stream soda maker for Christmas. Maybe it wasn't a traditional gift for an 11 year old boy BUT for my son, it was a step towards incorporating sodas into his everyday life - and he was IN!

(IF YOU HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT ONE...Click HERE and get $10 off all Home Soda Makers with Promo Code: BESTFRIEND!)
CLICK HERE To LEARN HOW!