Sol Sunflower Beverage Review

I am so excited to share Sunrich Natural's NEW non-dairy beverage. SōL, a non-dairy, gluten free, soy free and tree nut free sunflower beverage, is a great alternative to milk. It is made from allergy-friendly sunflower seeds, an almighty super food full of antioxidants and phytochemicals that help neutralize cancer-causing free radicals and slow down signs of aging. Who knew?

Okay, so aside from the fact that SōL is loaded with Vitamin E, Phosphorus, Folic Acid, Calcium and Vitamin D, just to name a few, I'm particularly excited about the food allergy awareness the company has to offer.

“The journal Pediatrics recently confirmed what many American parents and teachers have suspected – that food allergies are increasingly prevalent among children in this country,” said Tina Nelson, vice president of Sales & Marketing, Consumer Products, SunOpta Grains & Foods Group.  “With 8% of U.S. children suffering from food allergies, and 40% of those kids having a history of severe reactions, parents and schools are looking for a greater selection of foods and beverages that are free from allergens such as tree nuts, which can trigger fatal or near fatal reactions.  SoL™ is made with wholesome sunflower kernels.  It’s a delicious, allergy-friendly beverage that everyone – not just those who can’t drink dairy, almond, or coconut milk – can enjoy.” 

They seem very dedicated in helping those with food allergies find healthy dietary alternatives.

So as far as my review goes, I gotta be honest in that I am not a big fan of soy or almond milk. I love regular full on dairy milk and fortunately we have no dairy allergies or intolerance's that prevent us from drinking milk, so I don't have much to go on comparison wise. However, my husband does try to avoid regular milk and dairy as a personal dietary preference.

The problem is that too much soy is said to elevate estrogen levels which, lets face it, kinda puts up a red flag for any man, including my husband. Other then possibly interfering with a mans ego, a rise in estrogen is a risk factor for breast cancer as well. (Yes, men can get breast cancer too, in case you where wondering.)

Another side effect of too much soy is hypothyroidism. So basically, as much as my husband would like to stay away from dairy, he is left with limited options given the risk factors of too much soy and  my son tree nut allergy obviously eliminates almond milk. This is why I was so excited to find SōL sunflower beverage. The health benefits are obvious and after a taste test it was clear, this was the way to go.

SōL is very close to almond milk as far as consistency, according to my husband (I have never had almond milk). In fact he preferred the thickness of SōL over both soy and almond milk. We tried the original, which I thought was pretty sweet, but they also make a Vanilla and an unsweetened which I think would work best for cooking.

Recipes using SōL can be found at http://www.sunrich.com/health.html. I have been using the original in smoothies and it's great. I think I'm gonna try the vanilla next. With a little added sweetness, I think it would make a great replacement to those artificial coffee creamers.

SōL comes in shelf stable, 32oz containers and is sold at fine health food stores and natural food retailers nationwide or at Amazon.com. I found some over the weekend at our Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market. It retailers for $2.69. To learn more about SōL, visit www.sunrich.com.

Play-Doh Play-Dates website review

If your kids are anything like mine, then they love playing with Play-Doh! If your anything like me, you haven't the slightest idea what to make with their Play-Doh when they ask you to play with them. Problem solved! Hasbro and Play-Doh have developed a new exciting website to get those creative juices flowing. The Play-Doh Play-Dates activity website is full of engaging ideas for you, your kids and of course a few containers of Play-Doh. Best of all it's FREE!

I decided to set up a Play-Doh Play-Date with my kids this afternoon. We chose a few fresh ideas, a craft and of course a snack, all from the website. There are several themes to choose from including Beach Party, Back to School and Spring Picnic. Of course, my kids didn't want to stick to just one theme so we bounced around from theme to theme. Just another great aspect of the site, there are no rules!

While my oldest was at school, I chose a simple snack from the site that my 3 year old could prepare. He made Banana OJ Pops from the Beach Party theme. He was very excited to serve these to his brother when he got home from school who decided they tasted like banana fudgesicles. Yum!

While scrolling through the Craft sections, the maze and connect the dots in the Back to School theme Activity Book caught A's eye immediately and I had to print them.

We scrolled through all the different Fresh Ideas and found several things to create with our Play-Doh. Now, Usually I am a freak about mixing the colors so my Play-Doh creations are very limited, but this was so fun! My oldest loved picking out new things to create while my 3 year old lost interest pretty quick. Let's just say, following direction isn't one of his strongest suits.

I will admit it does take some skill. We stuck with the beginner ideas and even I, as if I'm some kind of Play-Doh expert, had a hard time. There are step-by-step photo instructions, however I think some written instruction may be helpful for those of us who are, let's say, creatively challenged.

Check out some of our work:

The "star" of the afternoon. A loved his starfish!

Never thought I would say this, but I am actually looking forward to getting out the Play-Doh again. This months Pizza Shop theme looks like a blast! Create your own Play-Doh pizza with all the toppings. Then create an in home pizza shop with printable menu's, pizza peel and even a pizza box perfect for serving English Muffin Pizza Snacks.

Play-Doh has made a new fan out of me!


*Disclosure: This post is part of a SocialMoms product evaluation, for which I’ve been selected. I’ve been compensated for my time with 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of SocialMoms or Play-Doh.

Allergies: Disease in Disguise - Review

(click on image to purchase)

Allergies: Disease in Disguise How to heal your allergic condition permanently and naturally by Carolee Bateson-Koch is, what I thought to be, a fascinating book. This was a very informative and easy to read book that gives great insight into the cause, symptoms and possible cures for not only allergies, but some very common and unexplained chronic health problems including, headache, arthritis, anemia, asthma, colitis, acne, and diabetes to name a few. According to the author, the problem lies within the gastrointestinal tract. When I read that, I knew there had to be some truth to this book given that my son's allergist has also touched on the importance of repairing and maintaining the lining of "the gut" as he put it.

The author, Carolee Bateson-Koch DC ND has had 25 years experience in successfully treating allergic disease. In her book she provides a clear understanding for what allergy is and why it is becoming so common. It also provides insight  into the five key concepts about allergy and it's relation to environment, diet, digestion, body chemistry and even addiction. The steps for obtaining better overall health and well-being are simply laid out in seven steps. I highly recommend this book to anyone suffering from not only allergic symptoms, but any one with a desire to live a healthier life.

I have to admit that when I first received the book from Books Alive publishing for review, I was a little skeptical. After all the subtitle reads "How to heal your allergic condition permanently and naturally." Who wouldn't be skeptical? However, once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. It all seems to make perfect sense. Though, still not totally convinced I have to ask the question, could a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and probiotics, as advised by my son's allergist, have lead to his possible outgrowing of his nut allergy or to the fact that my youngest son hasn't developed any allergies? I have to quote a sentence in the book  "We must always keep in mind that the greatest enemy of any science, or any discovery truth, is a closed mind"

*This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others.

Other related posts:

Food Allergies: Health and Healing Book Review

Food Allergies - Could this really be the end?

Do You Know What's Causing Your Childs Food Allergies?

Allergy Safety Products by Onespot Allergy - Review

Food Allergies: Health and Healing Book Review

click on image to purchase

Food Allergies: Health and Healing 

By: Jo Stepaniak, MSEd
Vesanto Melina, MS, RD
Dina Aronson, MS, RD
Reviewed by Frank and Mary Hoffman

Review: I just finished reading Food Allergies: Health and Healing, a Natural Health Guide sent to me from Books Alive publishing for review. I found the book very informative and practical for those new to food allergies. With only 64 pages it is a quick afternoon or evening read covering the basics of food allergies including symptoms, causes, and diagnosing. I did find that the use of the terms "food allergy", "food intolerance" and "food sensitivity" used throughout the book to be a bit confusing for those new to food allergies although these terms where defined in the beginning of the book.

There is a section in the book that discusses a Do-It-Yourself Elimination Diet and Food Challenge that I felt to be misleading in that this self diagnosing approach should only be done if food intolerance is suspected or you are under strict orders from your physician. The severity of food allergy was, in my opinion, slightly downplayed.

I did like that the guide touched on the risk of cross-contamination and misleading labels. Dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, corn and wheat allergies where highlighted, while fish and shellfish, seeds, latex and other food culprits where briefly discussed.

Food Allergies: Health and Healing also provides a sampling of food allergy safe recipes based on a plant-centered diet. I found that the Berry Delicious "Ice Cream", Choco-Currant Cranberry Squares, and the Black Bean Tostadas, which are more of a black bean taco, to be about the only kid friendly recipes out of the eight included in the book.

Overall I would recommend the Food Allergies: Health and Healing natural health guide to anyone who may be new to food allergies and looking for a quick overview until other in depth material and education can be provided. Given the length, only 64 pages, this would make a great read for relatives or friends who may not be directly affected by food allergies but require the education. It will provide the basic understanding of the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy, the range of symptoms associated with food allergy and how to recognize them as well as some hidden sources of food allergens and how to avoid them while preparing food, traveling, and eating out. 

*This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others.

Other related posts:

Allergy Safety Products by Onespot Allergy - Review 

Shabtai Gourmet Gluten Free Review

Shabtai Gourmet Gluten Free Review

Last week I received a package from Shabtai Gourmet, a gluten free bakery, containing several of their baked goods to review. Unfortunately these products all contained tree nuts. However, all of Shabtai's products are peanut free, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, corn free, and certified kosher. Their Florentine Lace Cookies and Bon Bons are egg free and kosher as well, both of which I had the opportunity to try. All of their products ingredients and nutrition information are available on their website at www.shabtai-gourmet.com

 

Because my son is allergic to nuts my husband and I waited till the kids went to bed before we dug in. Let me tell you, my husband was not the least bit disappointed that he didn't have to share with the kids, as desserts are his weakness!

The first night we tried the Florentine Lace Cookies, which ended up being my favorite out of all the goodies we tried. I love almond roca and this is the closest thing Ive had to it since we became a nut free home when my son was diagnosed with his allergy over two years ago. Gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, soy free, corn free, and awesome! Oh, and my husband enjoyed them too, but then he enjoys anything with the word cookie in it so he's a bit biased. Haha!

The following night we tried the Bon Bons. When I hear Bon Bon I think chocolate covered ice cream, but these where different. I would describe them as a thin chocolate cake like cookie, topped with creme and covered in chocolate. My husband, with his sweet tooth, liked them, but I on the other hand thought they where too sweet. They reminded me of these chocolate covered marshmallow cookies I used to get as a special treat when I was younger. And let me just warn you, the packaging is less then ideal on these ones and they are very messy!

Finally my husband and I tried the Swiss Chocolate Roll, a chocolate sponge cake rolled up with creme and covered in dark chocolate. This is also gluten free, dairy free, peanut free, soy free, corn free, and certified kosher. Again this was a little on the sweet side for me, but though a little dry my husband liked this as well. I think he hit the nail on the head when he said, "they taste like a Ding Dong".

I also received their Raspberry Roll, a sponge cake rolled up with raspberry jam and covered in coconut. This looked so good, but I unfortunately can't stand coconut so my husband, who works part time with a catering company, brought this in for the owner and another chef to try. Apparently I missed out on this one, they all agreed that the raspberry roll was awesome!

Visit Shabtai Gourmet Gluten Free for a complete list of products and retailers or to place an order online with $5.95 flat rate shipping on orders across the US!

Allergy Saftey Products by Onespot Allergy - Review

Onespot Allergy was founded in 2009 by Elizabeth Goldenberg, the mother of a severely food allergic son. With an in depth understanding of food allergies, she has set out to improve the quality and safety of all those effected by food allergies. A full line of allergy safety products has been assembled for Onespot Allergy.

My son was diagnosed with a severe food allergy to tree-nuts at age two. He is now four and has so far avoided any major reactions. It takes strict vigilance when dealing with young children and food allergies. The risk of cross contamination is everywhere. For this reason I am always on the look out for helpful products that may help keep my son safe from the hidden dangers of food allergies.

Though we rarely have anything with nuts in our home, my husband has been known to hide a jar of his beloved peanut butter in a top cupboard for late night snacks after the kids have gone to bed. There are also those few occasions where we go out to dinner and one of us will indulge in a menu item containing nuts. Nuts have become a special sort of treat for us since they've been banned from our home.

While browsing through products on Onespot Allergy I noticed the individual stainless steel Toothbrush Holders. I am ashamed to say that it had never occurred to me that cross contamination could very easily take place just by placing our toothbrushes together in a single holder. Washing our hands thoroughly and brushing our teeth immediately after consuming anything with nuts has always been the rule. Here I thought we where doing our part to protect our son yet the risk of allergens being exchanged from brush to brush was right there.

After expressing my "lack" of knowledge to Elizabeth, she was kind enough to send me some of her Toothbrush Holders as well as her Allergy Labels and Towel Clips to review.

The Toothbrush Holders are a stainless steel tube that fits all toothbrush sizes, even my little guys toddler brush. I like the stainless steel because it matches our faucets which helped them to blend in with the decor. A suction cup is screwed onto the back in order for the holder to adhere to either a mirror or tile. I placed ours on the bottom corners of the bathroom mirror. Its been a week now and they have all held very well. The only one I had a problem with was my husbands. If you have a bulkier sized toothbrush I would suggest wetting the back of the suction cup slightly before sticking, after that it should hold securely. My two boys are not the gentlest of creatures at ages two and four, yet so far have refrained from pulling or knocking them off the mirror.

Speaking of the boys, they love them. They tend to enjoy things they don't have to share. I love them because not only are they a great way of preventing the exchange of allergens but they prevent the spread of germs as well. We used the Onespot Allergy Food Allergy Labels to clearly mark their toothbrush holders. The labels come with a pack of 6 sheets, 25 labels per sheet. There are five colors to choose from, black, red, green, blue, and orange. Each of the boys got to choose a color label to place on their holder. This mind you is a very empowering thing for toddlers and preschoolers.

The Food Allergy Labels are non-toxic and meet FDA standards. Since the boys have already chosen their color of chose for their toothbrush holders we are now able to use those same colored labels for identifying other personal items that cause either the exchange of allergens or germs such as their reusable water bottles and snack bowls. I keep the red labels in the pantry to place on any items that may contain nuts. When Grammy comes to stay with the kids she will now be alerted to any foods in the pantry that are not safe for my son. Because they peel off without leaving any residue I figure by carrying a set of labels in my purse I am able to stick them to the inevitable serving bowls containing nuts at bbq's and pot lucks. Anything that helps to bring some added peace of mind helps. With the numerous uses for these labels you are sure to find a labeling system that fits your allergy needs.

Finally, I was given the opportunity to try out the Towel Clips by Onespot Allergy. These
1¼ inch circular tags, 16 clips, 4 of each color are designed for identifying which towel belongs to whom. If you have food allergies it is also important to use your own towel to avoid accidental exposure to allergens left behind. I did not use these on our towels at home rather I tried them on the napkins while out to dinner. I easily slid a plastic clip onto both of the kids cloth napkins, each sticking with the same colors chosen for labeling their toothbrush holders, in turn creating a "color system". This worked wonderful. The large colored clips made it very easy for the boys, even at their age, to identify their own napkins and to keep them separate.

I also found the towel clips to work well for identifying the kids cups while at home. They fit perfect on the rim of their plastic tumblers. While I could have used the allergy labels on their cups as well since they are dishwasher safe, the kids seemed to like the towel clips. Not only did this allow them to identify and pick out their previously chosen colors on their own but the larger size of the towel clip made it easier for them to identify which cup belonged to them without having to search for the label. With the use of the towel clips my nephew was also able to choose a separate color to identify his cup whereas with the labels this may not have been possible without removing a previously placed label and adding a new one.

I have attached Elizabth's video on these products and would love your feedback. If you use any of these products yourself or for your family let us know about it.


To learn more about Onespot Allergy and their products, visit their website at www.onespotallergy.com.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others. Thank you Elizabeth Goldenberg of Onespot Allergy for  supplying the products for this review.