a hello & a giveaway!

*i made a correction...this giveaway is open to U.S and Canada. {my apologies}


Hello!

I'm alive and well! I pray that you all are doing well, too!

I could get into the reasons why I have not  posted in many moons, but do you all really want to hear excuses? Nah, I didn't think so.

But, I'm sure you all like a great giveaway, yes?

So, onto the good stuff....

Firstly, let me introduce you to a product I had the privilege of trying out:

the pretty design on the top of the lid

Libre Loose Leaf Tea Glass is pretty darn amazing!! I love tea and I am usually on the go, so this is an ingenious invention, in my humble opinion! What's not to like about portable tea?

The one I chose to try out is the glass 'n poly model, but they have others to choose from on their website.

So, some tidbits of info on the Libre....

-the stainless steel tea filter is pretty fine, making it perfect for herbals and roiboos.

-the twist on lid is BPA free

-the thermal, leak resistant container has a glass interior and poly carbinate exterior (aka: super durable)

-keeps tea warm, but the container stays cool to your touch (aka: no burnt hands)

I have been very happy with the Libre.. so simple to use:

All I have to do is put my tea of choice in filter, add hot water, twist on lid, and turn upside down. Not sure about you, but this mama like things nice and easy...

Check out this video on how to use the Libre:

So...for your chance to win a Libre: 

-be a follower of this little blog (if you are not, please click on the follow button) ;-)

-tell me what tea you would make in the Libre if you win it.

-go to their website and tell something new you learned.

-tweet the giveaway (be sure to include @photohealthnut in the tweet), linking back to this post.

For each one you complete, leave a comment on this post telling me you did.

Contest ends Sunday ( June 5, 2011) at 12:00 a.m CST.

*Also note..only open to U.S. and Canada addresses please. 

Winner will be randomly selected and notified by email (so, PLEASE leave your email address somewhere in your responses so I can contact you if you win). 

That's it! Now, go enter! ;-)

Oh, and just so you know...the kind folks did send me a product to review, but I was under zero obligation to write a favorable review. The thoughts posted here are simply my own. It's a great product, and I wouldn't state it if it wasn't true. Lying is bad!!

Strawesome Glass Straw {Review & Giveaway}

CONTEST CLOSED! ;-)

Hello all!

I'm going to let you know a little secret about me...ready? 

I love straws. I do. Love them. Okay, secret is out. And no.. I never said it would be a juicy secret. ;-)

I love how fancier a beverage becomes when sipped through a straw. Ice tea in a handled mason jar becomes so much more classy when coupled with the right straw, come on...wouldn't you agree? ;-) 

Up until recently I have used only plastic straws. Yes, I said it...plastic. 

I was given the privilege of test "driving" okay...let's say test "sipping" on glass awesomeness from Strawesome! Yep, I have been wanting to wrap my lips around a glass straw for quite some time now, and finally I got to try one and I must say...it is awesome!!!

 Here are a few (well, okay..maybe a few more than a few) things that I discovered:

• they are so pretty (see for yourself) take a look-see.
• handmade in the U.S. by stay-at-home mom (pretty rad in my opinion)
• lifetime guarantee against breakage. If you break it, they will replace it. (Being a mama, this makes me happy. I mean, life happens, things break.)
• available in an vast assortment of colors, lengths, and widths. (who doesn't like choices?)
• the decorative version is ingenious! The decorative pieces on the straw not only help distinguish your straws from others, but it also keeps the glass straw from rolling around on flat surfaces. (pretty, yet functional is where it is at).
• made of borosilicate glass tubing (the strongest commercially available glass) 
• they do custom gift ideas (think:they can match colors to match a wedding party or maybe a baby shower, also...they can do personalized laser engraving with possible logos, names or designs/texts.) (the possibilities are pretty much endless).
• 100 % satisfaction guaranteed.

sorry for the poor picture. lighting wasn't great. ;-(
but, you get the drift...the straw is super cute. ;-)

{The Review}

I really do love this straw...it is pretty with the unique dots and swirls (come on, that's a huge plus). I've never sipped through a pretty straw before. (It's the simple things, you know).

Not only is it pretty to the eyes. but it is so much healthier than using plastic straws...who wants to expose themselves and their family to even more plastic toxins? Not me. I, for one, am trying to greatly reduce the amount of plastic I use...and, this straw helps me to make one more leap towards going plastic free. I say "yay" to that!

I chose to try the bent straw...and I like it since I seem to gravitate towards bent straws for some odd reason. But, I do believe that my next straw won't be bent...my excuse to get another glass straw ;-).

I also love that I can take, even a small part, in helping the environment. I mean, seriously, there is too much waste as it is in the world...I love to be taking a step towards less waste and trash. Sounds like a plan, to me.

I love how there is zero plastic taste (well, being that it is glass, this is a given) but this makes me happy. I like how there is no taste other than what I am sipping through the straws. The taste of iced yerba mate teas, sweetened with some liquid stevia, or a delicious green smoothies are all I taste through the straw (just to name a couple drinks I have put the glass goodness straw to use on...plain and simple. I like that.

It washes clean. They even make little straw cleaners, that I think would be good to have around (they are quite inexpensive to boot).

 I have yet to put it in the dishwasher, but will be trying that soon. I, generally, just hand wash dishes since we only brought a limited amount with us to Gulf Shores. But, I would feel like it would be completely strong enough to withstand the dishwasher as the glass is annealed (slowly cooled to make them stronger and less brittle). I love how it is a practical, for everyday life kind of straw.

So, to sum things up..I really like this straw. No, I take it back..I LOVE this straw! I want more, honestly. I want to order at least three more. One for the Hubster, and one each for the offspring. My kids, especially, have been gawking over my straw. The Hubster is digging it, too...it's just he's so much more reserved about expressing his desires to make certain items his own. (I do believe that he wants this straw, though as I can see it in his eyes) ;-) So, there you have it.. I can't keep this kind of goody to just myself for long..I will have to buy them their own special glass straw soon.

Oh, and I also believe having an extra one kept in my purse would be rad, too..they make little cases for easy carry. I like to drink through straws on the go, too..and now that I have converted over to glass straws... this would be perfect!

{The Giveaway}


Strawesome is being so awesome in offering to send one lucky winner a *surprise* decorative "artist's choice" glass drinking straw. So...here is your chance to win one.

Mandatory entry:
Visit Strawesome and let me know (by leaving me a comment) which style straw you like best and what drink you would put the straw in.

Extra entries:  *please leave a separate comment for each one completed, please make sure I have your email address to contact you if you won)*
-Publicly follow 'Kisses from a Coconut' blog (just click the 'follow' button next to this post)
-Follow me on Twitter.
-Tweet this giveaway. Please include @coconutkelly in your tweet with a link back to this post.
-Blog about this giveaway, if you have a blog. (please include a link back to this post).

*Open to US and Canada residents only please*
*Contest ends Friday, March 18th at 11:59 p.m..(CST)*
*Winner will be randomly selected and notified via email*


So here's to healthy awesome sipping...

Have a wonderful weekend!

~kelly~

Please note that Strawesome did supply me with the glass drinking straw to review, but I was under no obligation to post a favorable review for them. The thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone, I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Wilderness Family Naturals

Hello All! How has life been treating you? I hope wonderfully...

Speaking of wonderful..allow me introduce you to some products I was recently able to sample and review.  Wilderness Family Naturals sent me a package with some goodies in it to try. 

Let's just say it was coconut heaven.

First off we have their Extra Virgin Centrifuged Coconut Oil. 

My Review: This coconut oil is amazing!! A friend had told me a while back just how rich the taste of coconut is in this coconut oil. After trying this one I agree with her 100%. The taste is wonderfully coconutty.

Next up we have their Coconut Spread.

My Review: This spread is mouthwatering delicious! So far, my favorite way to eat this is on toast or with just a spoon. I love how it is raw and certified organic and that it does not contain nasty colors or preservatives.

Then there's the Coco-Loco Spread..

Sorry..this picture is a bit on the crooked side. ;-)

My Review: What is not to love about a tasty combination of coconut and chocolate? This is a delicious spread that kept my spoon coming back for more..okay, it had me coming back for more. ;-) This spread is also raw, certified organic, and free from extras like preservatives.

Last, but certainly not least is the Mango-Tango Spread..

My Review: The Mango-Tango is my kids favorite!!! It is a wonderful, tasty combo of coconuts and mango. Each bite had me feeling like I was on a tropical island....I kid you not. I did have to close my eyes for this feeling to occur,though (I mean it is Winter time, after all). ;-)  My kids referred to it as a "treat". It certainly was.

This spread is also raw and certified organic, and you won't find any artificial colors or preservatives in this, which makes this mama happy.

Wilderness Family Naturals offers some amazingly yummy products..I will be back for more, for sure! 

Well, I better get going....lots to do. Plus, the end of the kid's quiet time is just about over, which means I will read to them and we will cuddle. Oh, how I love story time... (okay, my heart is melting now). 

I will be back on the 1st of February with the announcement of the winner to the CSN Stores.com giveaway winner. You still have time to enter...click HERE to do so. Contest ends the 31st of this month. ;-)

P.P.S Check out Anne's from fANNEtasticfood.com most recent giveaway. One winner will receive a $50 shopping spree to iHerb.com. To enter click HERE.

Have a happy, blessed weekend!

Love, Kelly

FYI: Wilderness Family Naturals provided me with the products above for the purpose of review on the blog. The thoughts and opinions posted within this review are mine and mine alone...I wouldn't have it anyother way!

CSN Stores Giveaway!!

Hello all! I hope you all are doing wonderfully! I am right back on track today playing catch up on the good ole' blog..and as I promised you all many moons ago....A most fantabulous giveaway....

Now, I am sure many of you aware of the awesomeness of  CSN Stores. For those who are not..CSN is comprised of over 200 online stores, selling everything from:  

 children's backpacks

to cookware, 

And so much more!!

CSN Stores and I have partnered up to offer one lucky winner a $35 gift certificate for any of the over 200 online stores at CSN Stores.

Not too long ago I, myself, won a gift card giveaway from Lauren's blog, Ginger is the New Pink. Thanks Lauren and CSN Stores!

This is what I got and I LOVE them!

First off I got the Paderno World Cuisine Spiral Vegetable Slicer:

Perfect for raw pasta!

Raw pasta in the making...

All that's left of the yellow squash! 

I also got the Aroma 5 Quart  Heavy Duty Electric Wok:

Perfect for stir-fry!

I have been loving these kitchen goodies! They are fabulous!

One thing I love about CSN Stores items is that the prices are very user-friendly. Plus, the shipping was super fast!

I will order from them again!

So, on to the details of the $35 gift certificate giveaway!

To enter:

1. Become a follower of this blog. If you already are a follower then just say so in a comment.

2. Go to the CSN Stores site and tell me what you would choose if you won the giveaway!

3. Follow me on Twitter. @coconutkelly

4. Follow CSN Stores on Twitter. @csnstores

5. Tweet about this giveaway. Please be sure to include @coconutkelly and @csnstores in the Tweet so, I can track it. Thanks!

6. If you have a blog, you can blog about this giveaway. Please include a link to this giveaway in the blog post.

*Please leave a separate comment for each item completed.*

*There may be international shipping charges in the case of Canadian addresses (CSN only ships to the US and Canada.)

Winner will be randomly selected on January 31, 2011.

I will contact winner via email and winner will have 48 hours to respond, or sadly another winner will be randomly selected. :-(

This giveaway was made possible by CSN Stores.

Go for it!

Peace & Love, 

Kelly

Coconut Secret: A Review

Hello all! I hope everyone's 2011 has been off to a great start!

We are settling into the swing of things in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It is a lovely place. Lots to do...and well, it's a tad bit warmer than it is in Chattanooga right now and that's just fine with me!! Chattanooga (as many places have been) has seen LOTS of snow, and though I think snow is rad, I don't like it when I can't leave my driveway for too many days. So...the Gulf Coast is proving to be lovely.

I have realized that because I have been without internet for awhile as well as being so busy with life, that I have fallen behind on many of the posts I need to get to. So, I will be playing catch up for some time to come.

One of the areas I have fallen behind and will quickly work on getting caught up is in the area of product reviews. Oh, I love to review products and am kicking myself that I have not been able to get the reviews for the products up quicker. So...on to the review of the day (can't promise a review a day, but it sure would be nice if I had that kind of time lately). ;-)

I gratefully received a package from the fabulous people at Coconut Secret. They sent me three incredible products that I am thrilled I had the opportunity to sample. I will be buying these products in the future when I run out.

First off we have the Raw Coconut Aminos  (left): This was amazing! I used it in stir-fries, on potato wedges, as well as a marinade for tempeh. The flavor is fabulous! I have been a long time user of Bragg's Amino Acids and found that I could easily switch to this instead. Great product!
For more info see HERE.

Next we have the Raw Coconut Crystals  (middle): Yummy! One word says it all! I use this in pancakes and anything else that calls for sugar. It is a much healthier (and much tastier in my opinion) alternative to refined white sugar!
For more info see HERE.

And Finally...we have the Raw Coconut Nectar (right): I used this as I would honey. This is so yummy over oatmeal or overnight oats, as well as in tea! The flavor is very tasty! The possibilities are really endless with this product. I have lots more experimenting to do with this and I am super bummed that it didn't make it in the box to go to Gulf Shores. I will have to make a trip back home sometime to get it, for sure. ;-)
For more info see HERE.

I like how all of these products are raw as well as vegan, and gluten free! Like I said...the box containing a couple of these goodies did not end up in my kitchen here in Gulf Shores, and that makes me sad. I must really do something about that.

Have you tried Coconut Secret products yet? What are your favorites products? Any recipes you'd be willing to share using these products?

Peace & Love,
Kelly

P.S The above products were sent to me free of charge to sample and review for the blog. The opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. I wouldn't have it any other way! 

Product Review: Tropics Best Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Hello all! Wow, it seems like ages since I've blogged. Well, let's just say that I could make up tons of excuses as to why my posts are few and far between these days...but, would you really want to hear "read" it? I'll just say busy busy are my days. When things slow down (which they will) I will post more. So, meanwhile....please be patient with me. ;-)

So, I happily received a jar of virgin coconut oil to test and review from the kind people over at Tropics Best.

Oh, I love coconut oil!

This is some yummy coconut oil! I would recommend this coconut oil to all coconut oil lovers and to coconut lovers, in general. This truly is full of coco-nutty flavor, which scores big in my book!

As someone who loves to try out new coconut oil brands, as I am on the hunt for the "best", I was very pleased and came to the conclusion after using this coconut oil that this jar makes me happy (well, the stuff inside the jar). It did not disappoint! Fresh and yummy!

Well, I better go...I realize this is yet another short post..I beg for your patience. ;-)
Have a lovely evening! Continue to stay tuned for fun things to come on this blog. Really, I'm serious. For starters..I've got a CSN gift card giveaway coming up.You won't want to miss out on that one. Trust me!

*Tropics Best supplied me with a jar of coconut oil to review on my blog. All of the opinions posted within the post were mine and mine alone. I simply share my honest opinions to those who will listen.

Feeling Kind of Nutty...A Nuttzo Review

Hello all!!
If I wasn't already nutty enough, folks...Nuttzo kindly sent me a jar of some amazing nut butter to try (their Peanut Free Omega 3 Multi-Nut Butter to be exact) and review on the blog. So, I am officially nuttier than before trying this. Can you handle it? ;-) It's that good!!

Love. In. A. Jar.

I have used this goodness on toast, straight from the jar on a spoon (one of my personal favorite ways to devour it), and also in oatmeal, and overnight oats. Scrumptious! I love how it has chia seeds in it (I adore chia seeds, just be sure to brush and do the chia-seed-teeth-check after eating ;-) All you avid chia eaters will probably know what I'm talking about. Haha!

Also, I like how it doesn't have peanuts in it. I, personally, do not have a problem with peanuts (some know me as the peanut butter queen, in fact). But, I like that there is a peanut free option available for those who need it and want it.

I can't wait to try the original Nuttzo (which does have peanuts in it). I am sure that one won't disappoint either!

Here is some info you might find interesting!!!

Now through the end of the year (12/31/2010) with a minimum of a $28 order you will receive FREE SHIPPING and Handling.  Coupon code: happyholidays2010

For nuttzo.com orders only, not opensky.

Why You'll Love NuttZo PF (PEANUT FREE)

Remember NuttZo is natural so the oils do separate.  Therefore, when you first open NuttZo, all the healthy oils will be at the bottom of the jar.  Just like with all natural nut butters, after the oils separate the nut butter can be quite hard at the top.  Keep pushing a butter knife down through the nut butter paste into the oils.  The nut butter paste will start to combine back into the oils. Once you’ve knocked all the paste into the oils stir into a creamy butter.  You must stir the oils before you refrigerate. Refrigerate lid side up once it's opened. No need to stir again. Enjoy!

16oz GLASS JAR

Nutrition Facts
Serv. Size: 2 Tbsp (32g)
Serv. per container: 14 
Calories 180
Fat Cal. 140

Total Fat 15g (24% DV), Sat. Fat 2.5g (13% DV) Trans Fat 0g, Cholest. 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 65mg (3% DV),Total Carb, 8g (3% DV), Dietary Fiber 3g (13% DV), Sugar 1g, Protein 6g.  Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 

Ingredients:  Organic Cashews, Organic Almonds, Organic Brazilian Nuts, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Flax Seeds, Organic Hazelnuts, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Sea Salt.

Here are some helpful facts about our power-packed multi-nut butter:

• You’ll taste the earthy, elegant hazelnut pieces and nutty, flavorful, crunchy flax seeds in every bite. Whole brown flax seeds add fiber as well as nutritious Omega 3s as long as the skins have been broken through chewing. The Aztec Superfood-Chia seeds are added for easy absorption of Omega 3s as well as  hydration qualities to assist athletic workouts and races. 
• NuttZo PF is RAW except for the flaxseeds and Hazelnuts which are medium roasted.  Also the NuttZo is ground below 118 degrees.
• No added sugar in NuttZo PF. 
• Provides 75% of your DV of ALA Omega-3's per serving (975 mg). 
• Organic ingredients; kosher certified.
• Stored upside down for easier stirring. After opening, stir it, and then refrigerate and store it “lid-up”; the oils will separate naturally, but who wants a mess!
• NuttZo PF is AKA (Ashley Koff R.D. approved)
• The TASTE is AMAZING; it will keep you coming back for more!
• A 16-ounce jar of NuttZo retails for $19.95 and each jar provides 14 servings. This equates to less than $1.45 per serving of organic nut-nutrition. 

Also, NuttZo is a proud supporter of ProjectLeftBehind.org. 

1% of NuttZo's sales goes to the Project Left Behind Foundation.

So, let me know what you think about this goodness aka "love in a jar". Have you tried it yet? What are your thoughts?

Tip of the Day- Go enter my giveaway (if you haven't already done so) for a chance to win a TofuXpress. Click here to enter! Contest ends Nov. 24th!

Have a wonderful weekend!! Oh, and wish me luck...I am running my first ever 1/2 marathon on Sunday!! I'm so nervous...especially since I haven't started training for it (well, not really). Okay, that's a long story and will have to wait till next post. ;-)

JustNatural Organic Skincare: A Review

Hello Blogosphere!! By the sounds of it..many of you are attending the Food Buzz Festival in San Francisco this weekend. I am not one of them, unfortunately...one of these years I will (fingers crossed). I think it would be great fun to go and finally meet those bloggers who I converse with about healthy foods, fitness, and overall wellness. One of these years I say...one of these years.

Really, though...I think that until I really start blogging more about food and dishing out those fantastic recipes to you- should I even dare attend one of these grand events for food bloggers? I'm thinking probably not YET! I'm working on it. Promise!

To all who are attending...I will live vicariously through your posts and tweets. ;-) Have lots of fun!

So, onto a review. I was recently sent a 4 oz container of Natural Body Shea Butter from JustNatural Organic Care to review on my blog.

You might recall I recently did a review on shea butter. I am in love with shea butter. This was my first time trying a shea butter with a mix of a variety of all natural skin loving ingredients. I am always a big fan of being able to pronounce all of the words in an ingredients list. If I can't read it or decipher what an ingredient is...well, it doesn't touch my skin.

This body butter is a lovely, thick, moisturizer for skin. It doesn't feel greasy, blends into the skin quickly, and has a lovely soft scent of frangipini (plumeria) and lavender essential oils. Very refreshing scent. I love putting this on right before bed as I find the scent very calming and relaxing. I give this a two thumbs up! Oh, before I forget...one other thing I like about this product is that a little bit goes along way, which is good because you wouldn't have to buy it as often (I like that). Who wouldn't,especially in this crazy economy? ;-)

Oh, have you entered my giveaway for TWO soy candles from Soy Candles by Phebes? These are simply some delicious smelling candles which fill up a room with yummy smells. Don't be bashful!  Enter here.

Have a great evening! Have a wonderful weekend!

Candle Duo Giveaway + Review ~Soy Candles by Phebes

Hello all! Well, yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day...beautiful weather, beautiful company. Yep, like I said...beautiful day. 

The Hubster left on a motorcycle trip with a friend of ours so, it was just "Little Sprouts" and me..fun times were had hiking up and down our long driveway (it's tucked back in the woods and is winding and steep so it's fun and great exercise). Also, a trip to the park was enjoyed by all. My sister and her adorable kids met us at the park. My sister's kids, who, are currently taking gymnastics at the elementary school, taught me how to do a back bend. Yes, I never took gymnastics in school...and honestly, I feel I missed out!  Watch out gymnastics world...here I come. Ha!  Sadly no pictures are currently available on my grand back bend. But, I rocked it!! ;-) 

I recently received some soy candles to review from the fabulous company, Soy Candles by Phebes. Oh wow! What an experience! Let me first say that I absolutely adore candles. In fact, Fall seems to scream for candles to be lit and enjoyed. Anyone else agree with me on this? 

So, I was thrilled when Soy Candles by Phebes offered to send me two of their candles and two tarts to sample. Let me first state that these are soy candles and soy is truly the best candle in my opinion! Soy candles simply burn cleaner, are longer lasting, and are soot free. Score!!

Some good-to-know facts about Soy Candles by Phebes...in case you were curious. 

• The candles are made in Atlanta, GA.
• Each candle is hand poured at the time of order.
• Only essential oils and premium plant derived fragrance oils are used.
• Over 90 scents available (some with just down right awesome names, too!) (I'm a sucker for names)
• Packaging is eco-friendly.
• Soy wax is 100 % US grown.
• Candle jars are glass and can be re-used after candle is gone.
• Candles come in one size (8.5 oz) and one color (natural).
• Each candle is only $12.99, which is very reasonable...trust me I've done the research. ;-)
• Handcrafted.
• Made to Order.
• Hypoallergenic.
• Never tested on animals.
• Free from man made chemicals.
• Braided cotton lead free wicks.
• Phthalate Free
• Strong smelling (in a good way).
• Earth Friendly.
• Free Shipping on orders over $25.

So, the two candles I was graciously sent to try were Ginger Bergamot and Red Current. Both of these scents are outstanding! I have tried my fair share of soy candles over the course of my life and can say that I love these best. The smell from the candle fills up a room perfectly. I didn't have to stick my head right above the candle and risk burning the tip of my nose to get a good whiff. The Ginger Bergamot was lovely..perfect ginger aromas filled my kitchen. My nose was happy (and not just because it avoided being burned). ;-)

The Red Current scent rocked! This scent seemed to be even stronger than the Ginger, which I like my candles strong so I was very happy with this scent. 

The two tarts scents I received was Vanilla Pear and Butt Naked. Yes, those are some naked bums pictured on the Butt Naked tart packaging. Creative, heh?  

Vanilla Pear smelled so good I almost wanted to eat it at times. It was lovely!!  The Butt Naked was out-of-this-world fresh and clean smelling. As if I just emerged from the shower. I'd definitely want to have Butt Naked burning after getting home from mountain biking in mud (I love mud fun). Just the smell would make me think clean, fresh thoughts. ;-)

A few scents that I am wanting to try just because they sound so unique:

• Eat it Raw (for the raw vegan me)
• Coco-Loco (for my crazy love of coconuts)
• Hippie Christmas (this one just sounds super interesting!)

***Buy 3 Candles Get 1 free for Kisses from a Coconut Readers!!***

Simply say you found Soy Candles by Soy Candles by Phebes on Kisses from a Coconut blog, as well as what scent you would like in the free text area of your order. 

Now onto my FIRST giveaway! In honor of my birthday being in November and to the generosity of the kind folks over at Soy Candles by Phebes ..I am hosting my first ever giveaway! I'm super excited! One lucky reader of Kisses from a Coconut is going to win 2 soy candles (a $26.00 value). 

Mandatory Entry:

To enter you must first follow my blog and then visit Soy Candles by Phebes website, browse around, then tell me in a comment what scents you would like to win most. (1 entry)

Extra Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter (@coconutkelly). (1 entry)

2. Tweet about the giveaway. Leave a direct link to the tweet in a comment. (Please make sure to include @coconutkelly in tweet) You can do this daily. (1 entry)

3. Publicly follow 'Kisses from a Coconut' with Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)

4. Subscribe to Kisses from a Coconut in a reader. (1 entry)

5. Blog about this giveaway on your blog with a link back to my site. (5 entries)

6. Subscribe via email to Kisses from a Coconut & then confirm that subscription (don't worry..I rarely blog everyday). (2 entries)

7. Add Kisses from a Coconut to your blogroll with a link back to me. (1 entry)

Giveaway ends on Sunday, November 14th.

*Winner will be randomly chosen using a random.org number generator. Must be 18+ years old to enter. Giveaway only open to U.S. entries only. Winners will be contacted via email and posted in this post when confirmed. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm before a new winner is randomly chosen. Please leave your email address in your comment if your Blogger profile is not public (so I can reach you if you win).

Many thanks to Soy Candles by Phebes for sending me some samples to try out and also for offering two candles for a giveaway! I'm sure my readers will be so thankful!

So, seriously...you don't want to miss out on these candles! They rock! I love them and want to buy some ASAP! Fall and candles just go happily together. Kind of like peanut butter and apples...don't you think?

Have fun trick-or-treating, dressing up, satisfying that sweet tooth, spending time with cutely dressed kids, and all that other jazz tonight! ;-) Be safe!!

My Love for Exercise plus a Wheat Grass Juicer Review!

Hello! How's your day going so far? I am off to a busy start today. Yesterday was an absolutely amazing day...the weather was gorgeous! I took advantage of it by getting in a great run and some abdominal work (well, I actually did the ab work inside, but you get my point.) ;-) I am especially loving the plank these days. What a great way to target the areas of the abs!! What a great core exercise!  Don't you just love a good workout? I love going running...it helps clear my mind and is so rejuvenating! Today I am feeling the pain from that ab workout and it is making me smile. It's the simple things in life, you know!

So, right now I have tons I need to be accomplishing! I am going to take a bit of a break to tell you about a package I recently got in the mail. Have I mentioned how I love getting packages in the mail?? Yes, I do love those sweet packages!  Speaking of sweet.. the people over at Lexen sent me one of their HealthyJuicers to review. I was super excited to receive this juicer as I have been wanting to get more into juicing wheat grass and  have been looking to compare wheat grass juicers. The health benefits are plenty of wheat grass!

So, onto the review...here is some pictures from some of the multiple practice sessions I had with it.

First off...wheat grass!

I love the way wheat grass shines in the sun!

The HealthyJuicer-the manual version!

The wheat grass and juicer team!

First taste of the wheat grass juice...yum!

I was very happy with how this juicer juiced the wheat grass. An electric would have obviously done the job much faster, but I was very impressed with how well it did the juicing. I would definitely take this juicer with me traveling as it is super light and easy to clean. Here is a picture where you can see all the pieces..

Now...on to making some apple cider with the juicer....

Since I had an extra box of apples (oh, I love Fall) I thought some apple cider making was in order. 

I made sure to slice the apples thinly as this made the juicer work more efficiently.  

Team: Apple and Juicer

Apples in position...

Apples and juicer doing their thing...

Yum!

Carrots met the juicer, too!

Overall, I was very happy with how the juicer juiced the wheat grass, apples, and celery. It was super easy to clean and to put together. I recommend this product especially for juicing on the go away from home. I would love to eventually buy their electric juicer!

healthyjuicer.com

For my product review disclosure see here.

Product Review: TofuXpress

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all are off to a great start! I've got lots to do...the list is long.

I was thrilled to try out the TofuXpress. I'm sure some of you may already be familiar with this fabulous device, maybe from other blogs. It makes me smile when I get to try out a new product that I believe my readers would enjoy. The TofuXpress was no exception.

The Tofuxpress has proven to be a real time saver in the kitchen, especially when I prepare tofu. (Anything I can do to save time in the kitchen scores big with me). I remember back in the day when I would have to load up the paper towels (I know, not environmentally friendly) and put the tofu in between plates to push out the excess water. Oh, those days are over now that I've discovered this nifty kitchen gadget.

Say hello to my new friend for the kitchen!

So, I had to try out the goodness of this gadget upon receiving. Unfortunately, the pictures are not the best as I was not impressed with the tofu I had to work with. It was an extra firm tofu, but not as firm and easy to work with as Nasoya or a similar brand. So, pics of the finished product do not exist. I've recently received a coupon for Nasoya brand and will be getting more tofu soon (oh, how love coupons)...so, I will post again with better tofu pictures soon. This post will at least give you some visuals of how it all works. ;-)

But until then...on to exploring new kitchen friend..

The TofuXpress waiting to do its magic!

Tofu, gets into position!

Getting things into place!

About ready for tofu take-off!

The excess water is squeezed out and then just drained off. Easy peasy!!

Now, we don't eat copious amounts of tofu at my house, but when we do eat it it is nice to have a tool that will cut the prep time down, as well as make the finished product much better tasting. It truly makes sauteing, frying, or baking that much better. The flavors of the tofu seem to pop quite a bit more, which is a plus!! 

I was very pleased with how the TofuXpress easily squeezed out all of the excess water from the tofu! I highly recommend this product. I am looking forward to getting some more tofu and experimenting some more with my new friend. ;-) Now...if it would only do dishes, too. ;-)

Have you ever tried a TofuXpress? Do you eat tofu? If yes, what is your favorite way to prepare it? Any yummy recipes you'd like to share? 

Have a wonderfully blessed day! Smile lots!

New Wave Enviro Products Stainless Steel Water Bottle Review

Hello Blogosphere! Hope you all are having a fabulously healthy happy day! Life is chugging right along...busily. So busy that remembering to stay hydrated is super important and can easily be forgotten, sadly! What perfect timing when I recently received this stainless steel water bottle from New Wave Enviro Products to test and review.

If you are unfamiliar with this company please check them out at this link:. New Wave Enviro Products. They have lots of options for water bottles..colors, sizes, etc.

First off let me start by saying that I am a lover of staying hydrated. In fact, I almost always have a water bottle with me. My kids are following after my first steps..Which is great!

Importance of hydration: Importance of Hydration
                                         More Info on Staying Hydrated

Re-usable water bottles are the way to go. So much better for you as well as the environment. Less waste is best!!

I have been on the hunt for the "best" water bottle. There are so many on the market, which promise this and that....so, I'm on the hunt to discover my favorites and to share my thoughts with you all.

I have been quite pleased thus far with this water bottle. The color, for one, is very pretty! I love how it comes with a matching colored carabiner! The carabiner is great for when you just want to clip it to your things and go. Being a mother to two this is a great feature for me. Besides being functional..it is also cute, in my opinion.

Drinking from it is also is nice. I like how the cap comes off for easy chugging!

I did accidentally drop it on a sidewalk while trying to quickly feed a parking meter in order to get to an early morning meeting, and it left a couple dents in the water bottle. No biggie, though...I honestly, think it adds some character. So, yes...that has never happened to my bpa-free plastic water bottles, but hey..like I said, life can get "denty" sometimes and I don't mind a few defining marks to give a "history" of my past happenings. I mean...even people fall down and can get a few dents here and there. ;-)
Okay, I may look at things a bit differently than some people. hahaha.

Here is a picture of it after the fall...

A couple dents, but still a fabulous water bottle! Love it!

Overall, I give this water bottle a two thumbs up and would recommend it to all.

So, what's your favorite bpa-free water bottle? Water bottles are kind of like shoes, you really can't have too many of them. ;-) They all serve a purpose for different happenings. Plus, it keeps me from buying those plastic water bottles, which I believe the world could live without those in landfills and littering the earth, correct?

Have a wonderfully, hydrated day!