The Nutritionist Reviews

May 31, 2011

Original Juan Review

Original Juan  is a company that sells all different types of hot sauces.  You can buy products that have no heat, are mild, medium, hot, extra hot, and off the chart! There is something for everyone.  They have so many different hot sauces and BBQ sauces.  They all sound so delicious that it made it hard to choose just 4 to review! I was sent the Apple BBQ sauce , traditional cheesecake in a jar, Batch 218 Buffalo blue cheese sauce , and the Batch 112 Jalapeno harissa hot sauce for review on my blog.  I was excited to try them all! I opened the cheesecake in a jar first because I thought that it was so unique.  It tasted just like cheesecake and was delicious spread on some raisin toast.  I also really like the screamin wing sauce.  It is medium heat which is perfect for me.  It is buffalo blue cheese flavored and tastes amazing on grilled chicken. I can't wait to have some salads this summer with this sauce over chicken, beans, or other meats.  I really enjoy these p

Continue Reading »

May 30, 2011

Activz Vitamin D Review and Giveaway

As a nutritionist (and soon to be dietitian), I know the importance of getting enough vitamin D. I was just talking to my dietitian coworker on Monday and she told me that she believes that everyone should have at least 2000 IU a day of vitamin D.  These supplements from Activz contain this when you take 2 a day. These supplements taste fine and do not have any bad aftertaste. When I take them, I know that I am getting my nutrition in.  Also, they are 100% organic. Here is some information about vitamin D and their product: We have a revolutionary product that I would like to have reviewed on your blog. It is a 100% organic, whole food Vitamin D, from mushrooms. We have a patented process, that when white button mushrooms are harvested, U.V. light is applied to them, and the natural creation of vitamin D in the mushroom occurs. This vitamin D is special because it is a vegetable source. Not only do you get vitamin D but you also get the benefits of mushrooms. There is a lot of

Continue Reading »

May 28, 2011

Lovemode Review and Giveaway

Lovemode is a company that sells super cute cheap juniors clothes . They sells tons of dresses, jeans, tops, etc.  Most of the clothing costs less than $30 which is what I love. I love juniors clothing stores and this one is one of my new favorites. I will definitely check this store out in the future when I am looking for summery and fun clothes! For review, I chose this grey ruffled dress  seen above. It can be worn casually or fancy depending on what accessories and shoes that you wear with it.  The dress retails for $26.62 and also comes in black and tan. It fits very well and is quite cute. I would wear it to work with a little cardigan or out on a date with heels. Here is another dress that I really like! ***Right now, if you spend $50 or more, you can get 20% off their on their site. Giveaway The giveaway will be for $25 gift certificate to Lovemode! The giveaway is open until Midnight on Tuesday June 14th . Winner will be chosen on Wednesday June 15th u

Continue Reading »

May 27, 2011

Roman Meal Review

***Is anyone else's Google Friend Connect box not working? Do you know how to fix it? Roman Meal is a company that has been around since 1912 making whole grain products. Here is a little bit about the company: based in Tacoma, Washington, Roman Meal makes whole grain breads and cereals inspired by original whole grain recipes dating back to the company’s 1912 beginning. Family owned and operated from day one, Roman Meal is actively involved in ensuring that its products maintain the highest standards of quality and nutrition. In fact, a strong customer appreciation for this commitment to family health and happiness is what Roman Meal attributes to retaining its business and tradition of quality for almost 100 years. I was sent some of the original cereal with oats, maple hot cereal, cream of rye, and a whole grain bread for review.  My favorite of these products would probably have to be the maple hot cereal.  It contains barley, oats, and rye.  Is is similar to oatme

Continue Reading »

May 26, 2011

Batter Up Cookie Dough Review

My husband is the biggest cookie dough fan.  He can go through a container of it in about 2-3 days. When I found Batter Up Cookie Dough , I knew that this would be a product that he would love to try.  I was sent the mint chip dough, chocolate peanut butter dough, chocolate mocha chip dough, and the oatmeal raisin deluxe. Right when I got this package, I opened up a few of the flavors to try (what? they looked so good!).  My absolute favorite is definitely the oatmeal raisin deluxe.  I did not know what would be in this dough and when I opened it up, I discovered tons of dried fruit all throughout.  There are raisins, apricots, and cranberries.  The dough is very delicious and tastes just like homemade.   Also, my husband really liked it too. He sampled a little bit of each one and really likes the chocolate peanut butter.  These cookie doughs will make for lots of fun desserts for my hubby and I.  I may bring some to work also for my staff. Thanks Batter Up!! *Please no

Continue Reading »

May 25, 2011

Jennifer Ouellette Review

Jennifer Ouellette is a company that sells men's and women's head and hair accessories.  They sell tons of headbands and hats. Lately, I have been a huge headband fan.  This hot weather makes putting a headband on to hold back my hair easy and optimal. Here is some information about the company: Jennifer Ouellette , Inc. delivers millinery and accessories to women who demand more than shallow trends and throw away styles. Interpreted for the urban woman of today, she presents designs of traditional quality with a singular attention to detail. Always fashionable, drawn from science and nature, timely and timeless, superior designs from Jennifer Ouellette . I was sent these headbands: 1. FTSK4- feather pad and satin knot 2. STRF- skinny ruffed satin headband in brown 3. N3VV- 2 velvet bands I love these! My favorite is the feather one.  It is comfortable and fashionable. The three band headband is made of velvet and will be great for chillier weather. Celebrities

Continue Reading »

May 24, 2011

Erin Baker Review and Giveaway

Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods is a company that makes delicious and healthy baked goods. They make breakfast cookies, brownies, and granola. The breakfast cookies come in many fun flavors such as caramel apple, banana walnut, mocha cappuccino, and more.  What I like about the breakfast cookie minis are that they are only 100 calories and quite filling. Also, each one has 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber! My favorite product that I tried was the oatmeal raisin breakfast cookie.  It is only 100 calories and tastes great. Like a regular oatmeal cookie but much chewier (in a good way!).  Here is some information about the cookies: "the Original Breakfast Cookie is something you can feel good about eating. Baked fresh with heart-healthy whole grains and sweetened with fruit puree, our cookies combine the flavors we all love with a heartiness that satisfies for hours. Packed with protein, antioxidants, fiber and complex carbohydrates, it is a healthy and delicious w

Continue Reading »

May 24, 2011

AMI Clubwear Review

  Mirror Shot! AMI Clubwear is a company that sells cute, affordable women's clubwear.  I was sent the three pieces of clothing shown below for my review.  The clothes all seem to be good quality and fit well.  The size small fit perfectly which is my normal size.  Besides clothes, the company also sells really cute shoes and swimsuits. A little about the company: Amiclubwear.com is an incorporated women's clothing shop based out of one of the nations hottest fashion capitals in Southern California. Our purchasers keep their fingers on the fashion pulse, the result is that they know what is hot, what is not and we bring it online to you. I really like the multicolor dress that I was sent.  It fits well and I can even wear it to work. I would also wear it to church or out to lunch. Also, the pinkish purple shirt seen above can be worn with a cardigan and jeans on a dinner day with my hubby. AMI Clubwear sells so many different styles of clothes that there are optio

Continue Reading »

May 23, 2011

Kaponga Review and Giveaway

Kaponga is a company "b ased in Southern California, our young company caters to active lifestyle enthusiasts and to people all over the world who share an appreciation for natural, effective and affordable personal care products. Our fragrances are exclusively custom crafted in Grasse, France. Always popular with busy celebrities on the go, our perfumes are travel-friendly, they won't break or leak in your handbag and a small application lasts all day long." Ever since I was sent the mango solid perfume last year from Kaponga , I have been obsessed with their products.  When I put that solid perfume on, I cannot stop smelling it because it smells SO good. One of the best perfumes I have ever had! This time, I was sent another mango solid perfume (yes!!), the ylang ylang solid perfume, and the spa line mandarin lotion.  They all smell great and the lotion kept my skin moist. Another thing that I love about this company is the products are affordable.  The lotions

Continue Reading »

May 22, 2011

Sensible Portions Review

Last year, I did a review of the Sensible Portions apple straws, potato straws, and all of the other straws.  This time, I was sent some of the pita bites and the miner's gold.  The company aims at providing the highest quality ingredients without sacrificing flavor. The company is also coming out with Bagel Tops too which I can't wait to try! Of the products that I was sent, my favorite is definitely the pita bites.  They tasted very good on their own and even better when dipped in my homemade hummus.  My husband really liked them too.  I am also a big fan of the miner's gold which tastes a lot like white cheddar popcorn.  One of my favorite parts about it is that you get a huge portion for only 130 calories.  I took this for lunch and it made a great afternoon snack.  To be honest, I am not the biggest fan of the apple straws or the potato straws that I was sent.  They have a good flavor but are not very satisfying.  I would definitely buy the pita bites and the

Continue Reading »

May 21, 2011

The No Om Zone Review

Until now, I have never tried yoga, ever. I have read many blogs where people do it all the time and have read about it numerous times in magazines.  I decided to give it a try and asked to review The No Om Zone .  I was sent the book and the DVD.  The author is Kimberly Fowler and her yoga is all about being practical and she makes it easy to do in the comfort of your own home. It is specifically designed for people who are new to yoga (like me!). On Sunday, it was super rainy and Troy was at work so I decided to open up the book and give it a go.  There are simple step by step instructions to help guide you through each pose. I actually had a lot of fun.  Not sure if it was due to the yoga or not but on Monday, my body was sore. After trying this yoga, I am interested in trying some other yogas in the future.

Continue Reading »

May 21, 2011

Tiddle E. Winks Review

Tiddle E. Winks is a company based in Sonoma, California that sells vintage candy and accessories.  They carry old fashioned lunch boxes, collectibles, and house and home items. The items are for sale in store and online. I was sent this awesome Michigan glass and striped green bowl.  Both are adorable! The Michigan glass has a bunch of Michigan cities on it and different pictures from MI.  When I first opened this package, my husband was amazed at the glass at thought it was so cool.  Also, it retails for only $12 and there is one for each state. The striped bowl is cute and petite.  It is perfect for ice cream, frozen grapes, pretzels, etc.  The green color is fun for summer. They retail for $8 each.  I think this company sells very neat and original type items. Check them out! ***Also, through the end of June, the company is offering 10% off your purchase when you use the code: TENPERCENT!

Continue Reading »

May 20, 2011

A Thursday Off Work

I always work Monday through Friday every week...except this week.  I decided to take Thursday off this week because I had to get my puppy neutered, Troy had the day off, and there are some issues going on at work that it's better that I work on Saturday instead. Troy and I left the house at around 7:30 and then dropped Jaxen off at the vet (poor baby!). Then, we went out for a quick Burger King breakfast, shopping at Marshalls and Target, and then drove to our old college campus.  We have not been back to our college since Troy graduated last May.  We walked around the campus for an hour and really enjoyed reminiscing about college.  After all, it is where I met my husband ; )  We found some baby geese  Saw the water fountain that we always used to walk by And snuck took Ava into the WMU rock museum (shhhh you did not see her in there). Troy's degree is in earth science so he was thrilled to show me the pretty rocks Then we went to lunch at our FAVORITE Mexican restaura

Continue Reading »

May 20, 2011

Earn Cash Back with Shop at Home and Ebates

Do you make purchases online such as airplane tickets, clothing, hotel rooms, books, entertainment or anything really? Would you like to get money back for these purchases easily and automatically? If the answer is yes, you should sign up for Ebates and Shop At Home ! How do you use Ebates and ShopAtHome ?   Both sites are very similar and quite simple!  Just go to the Ebates or ShopAtHome website, search for the store that you want to shop at and click on it.  That's it.  Once you've made a purchase the cash back will be in your account in a couple of days!  And you will earn $5 cash back after your first purchase! Why not earn a little cash back when making your purchases? Currently, Macy’s is offering 5% back, Lowes is offering 7% back, and Target is offering 3% back!!! From Shop at Home , I have earned $28 back on purchases that I was making anyway! From Ebates , I have earned $22 by purchasing gifts for others, a comforter set, a

Continue Reading »

May 20, 2011

Green Pan Review

Green Pan is a company that sells eco-friendly cookware, ovenware, and accessories.  I was sent a frypan, oven mitt, hot pad, sponge, and an apron.  They are all very cute and eco-friendly as well. Here is some information about the company: We, at GreenPan ™ are committed to provide you with choices by offering you products that really will make a difference for your carbon footprint. You don’t have to change the way you live. We have changed the way products are made. For review, I was sent the commercial frypan.  It is healthy eco-non stick and is oven safe.  It is made of heavy gauge aluminum which helps with perfect heat distribution.  It gives no toxic fumes and produces 60% less CO2 emission during application of Thermolon.  My opinion? I love it! I have two flatter nonstick pans already and this one is great for holding foods that need a higher side.  I love that it is eco-friendly and healthy.  Also, my food did not stick at all when I made it! The pan is quite he

Continue Reading »

May 19, 2011

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Review

Deborah Lippmann has 4 new fun shades of nail polish for Spring/Summer and I was sent three of them for review.  Here is a little info about each color I was sent: Girls Just Want To Have Fun – A smooth, vintage coral that everyone can wear because it’s bold yet velvety – a sort of carefree, creamy coral. I Know What Boys Like – A creamy periwinkle that credits to both the 80’s and my clients. Several of my clients have asked for interesting blues. This one is a blend of blue and purple with a creamy finish, which gives it a slightly retro look that is so playful and hip. Lara’s Theme - was created with supermodel Lara Stone is Deborah Lippmann’s newest celebrity collaboration. It’s a dare to wear shade of hot-hot orange I love all of these shades! I painted my nails with the I Know What Boys Like shade (the periwinkle) and it looks really nice. The paint has not chipped yet (I've had it on for three days) and is still shiny. This nail polish retails for $16 and

Continue Reading »

May 18, 2011

Yogi Tea Review and Giveaway

  Yogi is a company that sells all different kinds of organic teas and cereals. They sell herbal teas, green teas, and women's teas.  There are many, many varieties and they all sound great! For my review, I chose the green tea kombucha and the chai green tea. One box of each of these retail for $4.99 each. I really like both of these teas.  This morning, I made the chai green which the company says is "delicately spiced and energizing".  It was very good and tasted great with some milk.  It took the place of my morning coffee.  I also liked the green tea kombucha.  The company says that it "aids immune and digestive function".  It tasted minty and was good without any sweetener or anything.  After drinking it, I felt really good too.  Another plus about this tea is that it didn't have that typical vinegar taste like other kombucha drinks but still had the health benefits. Considering that I liked both of these teas so much, I definitely want to try

Continue Reading »

May 18, 2011

Garlic Northern Bean Hummus

 Garlic Northern Bean Hummus Ingredients: 1 cup dried Great Northern beans 3 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 peeled Meyer lemons 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon ranch powder 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Black pepper to taste Steps: 1. Soak beans in water in a pot overnight. 2. The following day, drain the water and add 8 cups of fresh water to the pot. 3. Cook on high for 1 1/2 hours. 4. Drain beans and add to food processor. 5. Add all of the rest of the ingredients and blend 1-3 minutes until smooth. 6. Add additional spices to taste. Enjoy with pita chips!   This recipe turned out great and is very similar to regular hummus.

Continue Reading »

May 17, 2011

Nick Chavez Review

My husband loves to review different hair products and had fun picking out these ones to try from Nick Chavez . We were sent the angel wings paste, amazon hair body building styling clay, and the SoftFlocker. The products retail for about $24-26 which is more than I would typically pay but you can tell that these are quality products. The company sells hair products for all types of hair including straight, curly, short, etc.  They also have products to help create any type of hairstyle. My husband likes to wear his hair kind of spiky and does not like for the product to leave his hair greasy. These products are perfect! They made his hair not greasy but did the job.  He has been using them for about 2 weeks now and has no complaints.  My hubby has a hard time finding hair products that he likes so this is great! Thanks Nick Chavez!

Continue Reading »

May 17, 2011

Francesco Rinaldi Review and Giveaway

Francesco Rinaldi is a company that makes all kinds of delicious pasta sauces. I am a huge pasta fan and love trying new brands.  For review, I was sent the Tomato & Basil pasta sauce and the Spicy Marinara pasta sauce from the To Be Healthy line.  These sauces are fortified with DHA Omega 3 which is very healthy. Also, the ingredient list is short and simple.  Each sauce that I received has only 60-70 calories which is usually what I look for when I purchase a sauce. The other night, I made thin whole wheat spaghetti for dinner with the Spicy Marinara sauce.  Recently, I learned a tip from Food Network Magazine to cook your pasta until it needs one more minute to cook.  Then drain it mostly but leave a little bit of the cooking water.  Add your pasta sauce and cook a few more minutes.  This trick helps so that the sauce really sticks to the pasta and in this case, it really did the trick! I loved the taste of this sauce. It was quite spicy and very flavorful.  I added a tiny

Continue Reading »

May 16, 2011

Healthy Cranberry Peanut Bread

 Healthy Cranberry Peanut Bread This recipe is incredibly fast to prepare and is delicious. Top with a little margarine and you got yourself an amazing breakfast or snack. Ingredients: 1 3/4 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cups oats (I used steel cut but any would work) 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 2 eggs 1 1/4 cup milk (I happened to have 2% on hand but typically, I would use skim) A little less than 1/4 cup NuNaturals baking blend A little less than 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons chia seeds 1 cup frozen cranberries 1/4 cup chopped honey roasted peanuts   Steps: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Combine all ingredients except for the peanuts. 3. Mix well and pour into a greased loaf pan. 4. Top with the chopped peanuts. 5. Bake for 45-55 minutes (mine took 48 minutes). This is my first time making bread homemade and I am so excited that it turned out so well!! It literally took me 5 minutes of prep time and now I have delicious bread for the work week! MAKE

Continue Reading »

May 15, 2011

Mary's Gone Crackers Review and Giveaway

I have been wanting to try these crackers for some time now and was excited when Mary's Gone Crackers agreed to send me some of their products. They are wheat free and gluten free which is great. Many people complain about gluten free products not tasting good and I disagree when it comes to crackers.  I like gluten free crackers better than regular because they are super crispy which is great.  My favorite one of these products is the Mary's Gone sticks and twigs. I love the chipotle tomato flavor and have been eating them all week.  They are very crispy and tasty.  Here is some information about them: Made with our unique blend of whole grains and seeds, these crunchy snacks will make you wonder why you ever ate a pretzel or a chip, when you can have a delicious and nutritious Sticks & Twigs! Like our crackers, we add no oils or fats, so you taste the rich, toasty flavors of the grains and seeds. Contains a whopping 550 mg. of Omega-3s in every serving! I also rea

Continue Reading »

May 15, 2011

Follow Your Heart Review

I have seen other reviews of Follow Your Heart products on healthy living blogs and became interested.  The company sells different vegan products. Although I am not a vegan, I like to try different products like this so that I can help to recommend some good options to my vegan readers. For review, I decided to try the Vegan Gourmet Cheddar Cheese alternative, Mozzarella cheese alternative, balsamic spicy BBQ sauce, and the reduced fat Vegenaise. I was very pleasantly surprised with the vegan cheeses. I have never tried any vegan cheese before and had heard some bad things about them. One of the main things that I heard was that they didn't melt easily.  When I first opened the cheddar cheese alternative, I tried it plain. I was not the biggest fan.  It had an odd texture and was a little too moist.  Then, I put it in the microwave on a piece of toast. Wow! It melted well and tasted great! I was very impressed how much this tasted like real cheese.  I think that this product

Continue Reading »

May 14, 2011

Asian Peanut Coleslaw

Asian Peanut Coleslaw This recipe is fast, tasty, and healthy! Try it! Ingredients: 1 lb of cole slaw mix 1/4 cup rice vinegar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 1/2 tablespoons olive pil Garlic/onion powder to taste Black pepper to taste 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (I used honey roasted) 1. Mix all ingredients together except for the peanuts. 2. Let coleslaw marinate in the fridge for about 1-2 hours. 3. Top with peanuts and enjoy. To make this a complete meal, you could add some grilled chicken on top!

Continue Reading »

May 14, 2011

A Walk on the Farm

Last weekend, Troy and I went to my parent's farm.  We always have a lot of fun there, especially once the weather gets warm.  Sorry this post is very picture heavy but I hope you enjoy it. The land is beautiful! My sister and I Hubby, me, my sister and her new boyfriend before the bonfire Ready to go on our walk in our high boots! My parents The dogs had a ton of fun: 3 dachshunds and 2 Irish setters Love this picture! True farm life. Some of the pine trees. We used to climb these as kids. Then, we found the Secret Pond (titled that because there is another pond out in the open. This one is in the middle of the woods!) Isaac and Trina took a little swim While Ava stayed in the shallow waters Then, since it was so wet out, we found a huge swamp! Leaves under the water Trina led the way! And we started to walk through it when......... Ava got stuck (too deep!) and started to cry So we headed back And then Andrew saved her! It was a very fun walk and we saw many beautif

Continue Reading »