When my son was first diagnosed with food allergies, we attempted to completely eliminate gluten from his diet. While it wasn’t necessarily an allergy, he was sensitive and we wanted to eliminate any foods that would cause him discomfort.  As difficult as I thought it would be, there are so many gluten-free foods on the market that it was doable and over time, we learned to adapt.

If you’ve ever tried gluten-free foods, breads in particular, they are often dry and lacking in flavor and texture.  Over the last year, I’ve tried nearly every product Udi’s has to offer and their gluten-free foods are honestly the best I’ve tasted.  One of my favorite products is their Gluten Free Vanilla Granola which is simple, flavorful, and all-natural.

As you can imagine, gluten-free foods can be difficult to find. I happen to live in a city where natural markets abound, which often carry a large variety of gluten-free foods. For those who live in less urban areas, it’s quite significant that Walmart now carries 5 of Udi’s most popular gluten-free foods including soft white bread, soft whole grain bread, plain bagels, chocolate chip cookies, and pizza crusts.

During our recent DIY Pizza Party Night, I served Udi’s Gluten Free Pizza Crusts along with traditional crusts.  The crusts are idea for personal pizzas and they brown and crisp well when baked.  For dessert, we had Udi’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. From the photo below, you can see they were a hit. I actually had to hide one so I could photograph it!

Two products I hadn’t previously tried, their bagels and Lemon Streusel Muffins, are transforming gluten-free breakfasts!  The bagels, which are offered in plain, whole grain, and cinnamon raisin varieties, are a bit less dense than your traditional bagel but soft and toast nicely.  Of all the products Udi’s offers, I find it most difficult to differentiate between their gluten-free muffins and traditional muffins.  My favorite variety is their Double Chocolate Muffin, however, the Lemon Streusel Muffins don’t disappoint.

As difficult I imagine it is for those suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, Udi’s is transforming gluten-free living.  Their foods are delicious and those who opt to eliminate gluten don’t have to feel like they’re compromising on the foods they enjoy.  I am excited to see what new products are in development for the brand. I’d love to see frozen waffles or baking mixes!

To locate a store near you that offers Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, just visit their website.

This is part of a compensated campaign with Udi’s Gluten Free Foods.  Product samples and coupons were provided. All opinions remain solely that of the author.

Whether you’re hosting a formal tailgate party or something much more informal, consider these tips for a greener, more sustainable party.

1.  Opt for online invitations.  Evite, Punchbowl, Paperless Post, Eventbrite, and Pingg all offer free online invitation services.

2.  Opt for reusable plates, cups, and flatware. If you’d rather not have to deal with the clean-up involved, look for compostable plates, cups, and flatware made from recycled materials. I found these Sensibles plates at Walmart.

3.  Opt for a simple, homemade menu prepared with fresh ingredients. Prepared or fast food is not only unhealthy for you, the processing involved is damaging to the environment.

4.  Opt for organics when possible.

5.  Opt for a greener clean-up. Seventh Generation is one of many brands who employ environmental responsibility to keep you and the planet safe.

Are you ready for your next party?  If you follow the above tips, it’s likely that you’ll save money, minimize your carbon footprint, and enjoy a healthier football gathering.

I’ll leave you with my favorite Spinach Artichoke Dip.  I honestly can’t remember where the recipe came from but it’s delicious.  All ingredients can be purchased at Walmart and I recommend opting for low-fat, organic varieties of the dairy ingredients, spinach, and artichokes. Pair the dip with fresh veggies and multigrain pita chips.

Spicy Spinach Artichoke Dip

2-3 Tablespoons of butter (the original recipe calls for 1/2 cup but I cut this way down and used only what was necessary to saute the onions).

1 medium onion, chopped

2 8 ounce packages frozen spinach, thawed, drained, and chopped

1 14 ounce can of artichoke hearts drained and chopped

1 8 ounce container of cream cheese

1 8 ounce container of sour cream

1 cup shredded Jack cheese, divided

1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, divided

2 TBSP hot sauce, if desired (may cut back by 1 TBSP if you prefer a milder version)

*Note* The original recipe is prepared on the stove then baked in the oven.  I opted to make the dip in our slow cooker and the result was incredible! Just be sure to cook the dip on low.

Melt butter in a large saucepan and saute chopped onions until soft (alternatively, you can also do this in the slow cooker)).

Combine sauteed onions, spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, 3/4 cup Jack cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese and hot sauce in the slow cooker.  Unlike traditional slow cooker recipes, you’ll want to stir the dip occasionally and keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown on the edges.

If you prefer, you may pour the mixture into a 1/2 quart casserole dish and top with remaining cheeses. Bake for 10 minutes at 350F or until cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Voila!

Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.  Recipe and Images: Rockin’ Mama.

For the past few years, my husband and I have been mindful of plastics. We’ve almost completely eliminated plastic water bottles (apart from when we’re traveling and finding filtered water is difficult), opting for reusable and glass whenever possible. I carry a supply of reusable bags in my trunk and we’re phasing out the plastic storage containers in our kitchen.

Photo Credit: Glass Is Life

So what are we replacing plastic with? In many cases it’s glass.  Not the thin, drop on the floor and it breaks glass…durable, shatterproof glass…

Glass, whether you’re family is drinking from it, or your food is packaged in it, offers a sustainable, healthy alternative to plastic. Here are six reasons why you may want to choose glass:

1. The properties of glass preserve the integrity and the taste of the product packaged inside of it without the need for additional additives.

2. Glass is a natural, non-toxic material that protects by keeping products free from chemicals.

3.  Glass is 100 percent recyclable, does not break down into harmful chemicals, and has a carbon footprint better than or equal to aluminum or PET plastic.

4.  Glass packaging is appealing and differentiates products and brands across store shelves.

5.  Glass is versatile (can be placed in the microwave, the refrigerator, the shelf, etc.) and extends packaging life by allowing users to serve, store, and display items when the contents have been consumed.

6.  Glass’s transparency allows visualization of products and their ingredients.

Photo Credit: Glass Is Life

Owens-Illinois, “makers of pure, sustainable, brand-building glass packaging” are raising awareness about the benefits of glass. Their site, Glass Is Life, is a fantastic resource for why glass packaging is good for your health and the environment.

If products we enjoy purchasing are packaged in glass and they’re accessible and affordable, we tend to lean towards them over plastic. I like the fact that I don’t have to worry about using glass in the microwave and I can recycle or reuse glass easily. Want to learn more about the sustainability of glass? Check out Glass Is Life!

Win It! Will you be cooking or grilling this Labor Day weekend?  I have a cookout package to giveaway to one of you which will include several products packaged in glass. Simply leave me a comment with something you learned from the site.

Comments will close on September 14th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for review and giveaway supplied by the company.

Photo Credit: hortongrou

While we’re still enjoying warm summer days at the beach, the back to school season is nearing. Even in our own household, things will be different this year as our son enters pre-kindergarten.  This year is all about preparing him (and ourselves) to be timely, disciplined, and attentive. We’re also aiming to infuse and inspire some fun and excitement about learning!

Shopping for the back to school season can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly.  However, with a few time and cost-saving techniques, you and your child can rock the back to school season in eco-style!

1. Take Inventory. If this isn’t your child’s first year attending school, go through last year’s clothes, shoes, and school supplies to see if anything can be used again. I recommend doing this with your child so you can make decisions together.

2. Do Your Homework. While you may be obligated to purchase necessary items dictated by your child’s school, you can “Google” sustainable options to the remainder of your back to school list. In some cases, you may be able to ask a teacher if your child can use soy crayons, biodegradable pens and pencils, recycled paper and notebooks and more.

3. Seek plastic alternatives. Have you noticed just how much plastic surrounds us? From products to packaging, we could stand to consume less. Opt for a hemp backpack and commit to packing a waste-free lunch.

Speaking of waste-free lunches, Annie’s Homegrown, Stonyfield YoKids, Honest Kids and Seventh Generation have partnered to help families choose sustainable lunch options for their children.  Through September 30th, families will receive a free Kids Konserve lunch sack (made from recycled cotton) with the purchase of one of the following products (mail-in form with proof of purchase required):

Any Annie’s Homegrown item
Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt 6-packs or Squeezers
Honest Kids Organic Drinks 8-pack carton or 64-ounce bottle
Seventh Generation Disinfectants (sprays or wipes)

And because we’re talking about a greener back to school season, why not begin instilling healthy eating habits within your children by opting for organic fruits, veggies, dairy, and meats and sustainable snacks free from preservatives, artificial colors/flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats.  Many of the brands that have partnered to help families choose a waste-free lunch offer organic, healthy foods that are good for your children and good for the environment.

What are your best tips for a greener back to school season?

Win It! FOUR of you will win a Kids Konserve lunch sack filled with coupons to buy your favorite sustainable products including Annie’s, Stonyfield YoKids, and Seventh Generation. Simply leave me a comment with your best tip for a greener back to school season. Comments will close on August 31st at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for review and giveaway supplied by the company.

One of my first energy-saving tips is to invest in a programmable thermostat.  You can save money and energy with this affordable, easy-to-install device.  Simply keep or adjust the pre-programmed settings according to your weekday and weekend schedules.  The basic principle of how a programmable thermostat works is that it will reduce heaing and cooling in your home when you don’t need it (i.e. when you are away, at night, etc.).  You can read more about how a programmable thermostat works on the Energy Star website.

You may have heard some buzz about CFL’s or Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs.  According to Energy Star, Americans could save enough energy to light 3 million homes for a year (about $600 million in energy costs, 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emisssions) if every person replaced just one light in their home with a light that’s been Energy Star rated.  CFLs use about 75% less energy than standard bulbs, produce 75% less heat, and last 10 times as long.

My last tip is to invest in a low-flow shower head. With a conventional shower head made before 1992, it only takes 20 seconds to reach the one gallon mark (Energy Savers).  Waterpik’s Eco-Flow Shower Head can reduce water consumption up to 28 percent. With 6 spray settings and a hand held-hose, I don’t even think about the fact that it’s a low-flow shower head (reviewed previously).

If you were following along on Twitter last week, you may have noticed an abundance of activity related to the #FordTrends event “Forward with Ford” hosted on the Ford campus in Dearborn, Michigan.

Sometimes I go to these events not knowing what to expect. Are they going to tell us all about Ford’s business model or will they skip straight to their current cars? Am I one of a couple bloggers in a sea of traditional media (or worse yet in my case, the only male in a sea of Mommy bloggers)? All these questions were put to rest from the moment of arrival (and I won’t spend much time on this, because the real story here is what we learned). Hands down, this was probably one of the best produced media events I’ve attended and I’ve got to applaud their team for really pulling together such an amazing and informative meeting. As you’ll see in this and future posts, the effort and commitment Ford is showing toward a Greener future and embracing our connected lives is making me a believer in their product.

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

We started the conference with keynote speaker and author, Malcolm Gladwell. He spoke of paradigm shifts and how these shifts in our society over the last 50 to 100 years have literally up-ended our trends and perspectives on lifestyle. Our current paradigm shift: Consumers need and expect the brands that they interact with to understand them and meet their needs. They want a partnership with them, no longer just accepting the one way street of the traditional producer to buyer relationship. Take the Green living movement, for example, something that my wife and I have become increasingly passionate about. “We’ve chosen to put the environment over our own self-interested concerns,” Gladwell says. “The real impact on the world comes from the companies” [that produce everything we buy]. They are the ones that are truly empowered to initiate this change. So, as I learned at the conference, Ford gets it and I’m happy to say that they are listening! Look for more posts to come about what we learned on the trip and how Ford really is thinking forward with the consumer in mind, from greener cars to connecting your car to the cloud!

Take a look at this quick clip from Malcolm’s presentation:

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. Ford covered all expenses for the trip. All opinions are my own.

Several years ago, I made the decision to stop purchasing bottled water.  Not only is the plastic harmful to our environment, the water has not been proven to be any safer than tap water (Environmental Working Group).  At home, we use a water pitcher that contains a filter, so that we’re able to drink our tap water safely.  It’s more of a struggle when we’re out and about.  While we have a ton of reusable water bottles, none of them contain a filter…until now!

I was introduced to CamelBak earlier this year at Disney Social Media Moms.  Interestingly enough, I didn’t realize the bottle we had received in our gift bag was a CamelBak bottle because it contained the logo for the conference.  The company has recently introduced their new Groove bottle which makes it possible to drink fresh filtered water on-the-go. The spill-proof bottle contains a filter inside which filters the water while you sip.  It’s brilliant!

While the bottle is plastic, it’s 100% BPA-Free and 100% reusable.  The filter, which is built into the straw, is certified to reduce chlorine, taste, and odor.  One of the questions I do have is whether or not the filter removes microbes, bacteria, and viruses, as other filters do.

The bottle is dishwasher safe, but be sure to remove the filter prior to placing it in the washer or you’ll have to replace the filter.  And speaking of replacing the filter, it should last you 300 refills or 3 months of use.

One of the things I should mention is that getting accustomed to the Bite Valve straw isn’t difficult but requires some rethinking as to how you drink from a bottle.  Once you get the hang of it you can simply, flip and sip!

The Camelbak Groove is available in Tritan plastic or stainless steel and retails for $25/$35. You can find products at REI, Amazon, and select retailers nationwide.

Win It! One of you will win a Camelbak Groove water bottle! Simply leave me a comment with the name of the place you’d fill up with tap water if you had a Groove. Comments will close on June 27th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow CamelBak on Twitter/Facebook

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Review and giveaway items supplied by the company.

My first thought when I began using Mrs. Meyer’s Liquid Handsoap was that it smelled lovely.  After about a week of use, I was content with the fact that my hands weren’t dry (we wash a lot of hands around here).  Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is a line of household cleaners, laundry care, and body care products derived from natural ingredients and essential oils  Despite the fact that you won’t find ammonia, bleach, parabens or phosphates, the products smell fantastic and are very effective at removing dirt.

The products are not only safe for your family, they’re safe for the environment.  All of the liquid products are biodegradable while some of the powder products contain minerals that break down into non-harmful products (rather than biodegrading).  The packaging is recyclable and the company does not participate in animal testing.

I was really pleased with the Liquid Handsoap and am interested in trying some of the other products in the line.  Through the end of June, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is touring the country to educate and inspire communities towards a healthy, green, sustainable lifestyle.  Booths and hand wash stations will be set up in Boston and San Francisco at local garden clubs, green workshops, parks and recreation groups, eco-friendly volunteer events, and more. Samples, coupons, and seed packets will also be available at these events.

For more information, or to locate an event in your area, just visit Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Community Garden Party.

No compensation was received for this post.  Product samples provided.

Before you take a drink of your morning cup of java, you may want to think about the farmers and their families and how they are affected by current industry practices.  These farmers receive wages that are not even sufficient to cover the cost of production, resulting in poverty and debt.  You may consider purchasing organic, fair trade products for health reasons.  But the ethical implications are just as significant.

I have to admit that I wouldn’t have known that Coco’s, the Western-based chain of bakery restaurants, offers organic, sustainable, fair-trade coffee had I not been introduced to it by the company directly.  But Coco’s has been serving up 100% organic, shade-grown coffee since 2009.  And it’s delicious!

The tropical, high-altitude mountain region of Chiapas in Southern Mexico is one of the best places in the world to grow coffee and Coco’s partnered with family farmers to purchase coffee specifically for it’s restaurants.  The Rich and Smooth blend is made from 100% Arabica beans and boasts a deep, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness.

You can purchase Coco’s Organic Whole Bean Coffee at Coco’s restaurants.

Win It! One of you will win a Coffee Kit, courtesy of Coco’s. Simply leave me a comment with something you learned on the site about how their coffee is made. Comments will close on June 10th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Fan Coco’s on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Coffee kit for review and giveaway provided.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Brian E. Congrats!

So what is fair trade? I’ve been asked that question on numerous occasions and how the concept fits in with green living.  The simple answer is that Fair Trade products come from farmers and workers who are justly compensated for their work.  Fair Trade USA is “a non-profit organization that assists farmers in developing countries to build sustainable businesses that positively influence their communities.”  When you choose Fair Trade Certified products, your purchases help lift farmers out of poverty, empower women, and improve the environment. But how?

The Fair Trade Certified market-based model gives farmers the tools to raise themselves out of poverty.

Women hired on Fair Trade farms and plantations are guaranteed access to health care, certain job rights, and freedom from harassment.

Fair Trade Certified ensures that farmers follow internationally monitored environmental standards, while empowering farmers and farm workers with financial incentives and resources for organic conversion, reforestation, water conservation and environmental education.

In honor of World Fair Trade Day, this coming Saturday (May 14th), the organization is encouraging people to join in for the world’s largest Fair Trade Breakfast.  You can be involved by doing one or more of the following:

• Host a Fair Trade Breakfast for your family and friends
• Celebrate a day early with a Fair Trade Breakfast at your office or school on Friday, May 13
• Join the Global Fairtrade Breakfast Facebook group to get updates from around the world
• Partner with a local store or cafe to hold a Fair Trade Breakfast event
• Organize a big Fair Trade Breakfast picnic in a public park

There will also be a Twitter party!  Here are the details:

• What: Twitter party to celebrate Fair Trade Day (Click here to learn about #FairTradeDay)
• When: Friday, May 13, 2011, 9-10AM (PST) / 12-1PM (EST)
• Where: Custom TweetChat! (Use hashtag #FairTradeDay)
• Prizes: Register now for a chance to win one of four gift baskets brimming with Fair Trade breakfast goodies.
• Register: http://tweet4fairtrade.eventbrite.com/

For more information, please visit Fair Trade USA.

Win It! One of you will win a Fair Trade gift basket! Simply leave me a comment with something new you learned about Fair Trade or how you’ll be celebrating World Fair Trade Day. Comments will close on May 24th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Gift basket for review and giveaway provided.