Giveaways | Faith, Family and Fun

Archive - giveaways RSS Feed

Boost Your New Year! Try Phix Energy Drinks

January 8, 2012 in giveaways, green living, health, organic with 6 Comments

Have you seen these new Phix Energy drink sticks?

I was super curious to try some of these natural energy drink mix sticks. I am perfectly happy with my big glass of water to drink…but I do also count on my morning coffee and afternoon tea. And, if something important is going down, I need more coffee!

I do use organic milk in the coffee, ok? Ha! Well, I know many people use things like coffee and diet drinks and such for pick me ups during the day. My own teens are asking for things like this as they get older and need more stamina for tests, and sports, for example.

Anyway, so the kids have brought home all kinds of energy type drinks. I often fuss at them about all the unpronounceable ingredients on the labels and beg them to find healthier choices.

When I saw Phix Energy, I wanted to try them. I want natural and organic ingredients. I know the kids want flavors. Phix drinks make us both happy. They offer cool flavors like Citron, Tropic, and Teaberry. And, the little single serving sticks can be used on the go. They even have vitamins and minerals.

Phix says, “Our powders are entirely natural, vegan, and gluten free. All our solutions are good for you and of course they’re completely safe. Just mix with water and drink to your health!”

So, when I got a trial, I immediately tried the organic, gluten free Teaberry. I liked that one. When dissolved in a glass of water, it had a berry taste. It did have a teeny aftertaste to me. When I tried the Tropic the next day, I read the directions better and decided to use more water. For me, Using about 14 oz of water and letting the Tropic sit a minute worked. It was delicious. I like to use my blender bottle, but you do not have to.

My daughter liked the Tropic, too. In fact, my teenagers all liked them, so I put them into their stockings at Christmas! All in all, they are fun and colorful. I see now, you can even use the Phix as a hot drink in winter. I’ll have to try that.

While I did not give up my beloved coffee for Phix, I liked having an afternoon pick me up with these. I did not have a crash later. Honestly, I am most excited about the kids having a choice that is more natural if they want.

“Phix does not just rely on caffeine to boost and maintain energy, it was designed by leading naturopathic physicians and licensed dietitians to utilize the body’s natural healing power,” said Brown, “So we can guarantee you’re Drinking In Health.”

Phix also has a calming drink, called Phix Sleep. I tried that Lemon Camomile. I did not like the camomile flavor. It was okay, but I don’t like camomile. I gave it to my husband to taste and he loved it and drank it all. Basically, if you like herbal tea flavors, you’d probably like this one. The 1/2 cup I drank made me sleepy!

Phix is coming out with more flavors, (like sugar-free grape) so keep an eye out for these! You can also get more information on them, like what exactly is in them, and how to order some on their website: http://www.phix.com/

Phix Energy (Teaberry, Citron & Tropic) – www.phix.com/learn/energy.aspx
Phix Sleep (Lemon Chamomile) – www.phix.com/learn/sleep.aspx

You can visit them online at www.Phix.com follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thePHIXisin and watch videos on YouTube: www.youtube.com/phixphan

AND, you can win some here to try! Enter below using the Rafflecopter!
Continue Reading…

Crunchmaster Gluten Free Crackers Giveaway

December 16, 2011 in family, giveaways, green living with 14 Comments

If you know me personally or have read this blog for awhile, you may know that I absolutely love salty snacks. Homemade warm, soft bread, artisan crackers and cheese, pretzels…those are what I crave, not really sweets. Ahhhh.

When I first heard I should go gluten free, I was shocked. How could I survive? Not only was I used to getting nourishment from things that included wheat, but baked goods were also exactly what I always wanted to eat!

As you can imagine the first week was hard. Rocky.

After about a week, I didn’t crave these things so much, so that made my lifestyle change easier. But, whenever I saw or smelled homemade bread, or had appetizers, I missed my comfort foods so much!

One Saturday, my husband felt so bad for me that he went looking for a snack for me. He came home with some Crunchmaster Crackers. I was in heaven with those and some cheese. (I may have eaten a few too many).

The Multi-Grain Roasted Vegetable ones are my fav!

After that, I kept my eyes out for these again and purchased them a couple of times. I began to feed them to the family as well.

Recently, though, through a wonderful green moms site, (http://www.greenmomsmeet.com/), I got a chance to try out their brand new line of gluten free crackers, the Crunchmaster Multi-Grain Crackers.

This line of crackers comes in Sea Salt, Cheese and Roasted Vegetable. I love these! These taste even better to me than the others. My family also really likes these…in fact, I had to hide two bags up in my closet to keep them from disappearing before the Holidays!

The crackers are really crunchy and as my son said “normal” Haha! While I think these are better than “normal” crackers because they are made so well and crisp and artisan looking, I’ll settle for normal if my kids are eating well!

All my family liked the Cheese best, then the Sea Salt, then the Roasted Vegetable. Although, I really liked the Roasted Vegetable type. This one is spicy and delicious, you really don’t need anything on it to make a tasty snack. The cheese was also yummy. I liked using the Sea Salt for appetizers.

So what’s in them? “a blend of pure, California brown rice, stone-ground corn, oat fiber, and a four seed blend.” They are oven-baked and are really a mix of East-West cooking, with Japanese rice baking techniques fused with American flavors.

Some facts:

Oven-baked, with a unique, crunchy texture
Wheat-free and certified gluten-free
21g or more whole grains per serving
A good source of fiber
All natural
Free of saturated fat
Cholesterol-free
Delicious, with a great multi-grain taste

I brought these to a Holiday party because I got to eat them! Several people who were there and aren’t even gluten free also said they would be buying them as well.

I find these at my Martin’s (Giant) and I WISH my Costco carried them. They currently do not.

You can find these Crunchmaster Multi-Grain & Multi-Seed Crackers at major grocery stores nationwide including Safeway, Publix, Kroger, Shop Rite, Harris Teeter, Ralph’s, Giant, Stop & Shop, Wegman’s, and Meijer, as well as at Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, and select Costco stores (4.5 oz. for $2.50 to $3.99, 20 oz. for $7.48 to $7.59)

I do recommend these. A package of these and a block of cheese is a great bring along to any gathering.

I get to do a giveaway!!

Get this: A WHOLE Case (12 bags) of Crunchmaster White Cheddar Multi-Grain Crackers!!

To enter, see the rafflecopter!

Current Giveaways

December 1, 2011 in giveaways, Toys and Games with 2 Comments

ENDED: Two Christmas Giveaways ending soon!

http://faithfamilyandfun.com/rubiks-cube-the-iconic-puzzle-its-back/

http://faithfamilyandfun.com/natures-path-organics-and-giveaway/

And a good new one!

http://faithfamilyandfun.com/step2-kitchen-for-your-mini-chef/

Rubik’s Cube The Iconic Puzzle …it’s back!

November 20, 2011 in Game Review, giveaways, Holiday Gift Guide, Toys and Games with 19 Comments

The Iconic Rubik's Cube

GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS!

Remember Rubik’s Cube?

I remember these from high school. I enjoyed watching my kids check them out and enjoy playing with them – and being able to do them quickly! Check this out!

This 3×3 puzzles makes players twist, turn and rotate the colored squares to match up the colors on all six sides.

Watch out, though, it’s not easy.

There are billions of potential combinations, but only one solution! Earn your bragging rights by mastering this mind-bending puzzle.

Approximate Retail Price: $7.99 at retailers all over; Recommended Age: 8 and up

Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

Win one for your stockings!!

Click on Continue Reading to enter

Nature’s Path Organics and Giveaway!

November 19, 2011 in giveaways, green living, health, Holiday Recipes, organic with 20 Comments

When I first began buying organic and going gluten-free I felt lost in the grocery store. I wanted to have a personal chef whip me up delicious, healthy breakfasts and dinners.

I was overwhelmed with all the information on what was good for me.

Was natural good? (not really)
Should I go vegetarian? (not totally for me).
Should I buy only organic dairy? (YES).
Should I buy only organic meat? (YES).
Should I buy only organic fruits and vegetables? (we decided yes, but you can also make change more slowly by going by the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list).

Little by little, I began to feel a bit more knowledgeable about what I should buy and prepare for my family. It also took a long time to mess with the food budget to afford organics for a family of seven.

Do I feel it was hard? (Actually, I do. But TOTALLY worthwhile, and I feel it is becoming easier and you can even find more coupons!)

Everytime I find something delicious, organic and sometimes even gluten free, I get excited. When I first found Nature’s Path Cereal at Costco, I was thrilled. Something delicious, organic and not too pricy. Whoo! Seriously. I get excited.

Anyway, I have used many Nature’s Path products in the past few years. I recently asked them for a little treat for my readers for my Holiday Gift Guide, and they were kind enough to send some products and a cookbook to try out.

And for you, they are offering a bundle of Nature’s Path goodies to one U.S. reader for the giveaway!!

Sweet…and healthy!!

In my goodie box, we had several types of their cereal to try out. I was familiar with all of them, but I had never thought to use them in cooking! The little cookbook they included had some genius ways to use the cereals in recipes, like muffins and such. I especially liked a sweet potato one using the Flax Plus® Pumpkin Raisin Crunch so I made that one. It was so good—the kids didn’t love that one as I think they expected hot sweet potato casserole and this was cold(ish) with pecans and pineapple. My husband and I adored it! I will definitely use these more in cooking. Fantastic idea.

Yes, I *almost* forgot to take a picture! This was easy and very good.

So, go check out the website and see what organic cereals and snacks you would enjoy. They have bars, cereals, waffles, all sorts of things. You can find nutrition facts and such there and also read the minifesto.

I may not have a chef, but now I eat like I have one:) An easy way to eat better!

Click Continue Reading to Enter this giveaway! Continue Reading…

Bop-It! XT Fun Choice for Holiday Fun. Giveaway!

November 19, 2011 in giveaways, Holiday Gift Guide, Toys, Toys and Games with 38 Comments

Surprisingly Fun!!

This game is so fun! All of us like it. I like that it has a soft sound level and it can be played with another or solo. The actual toy seems very sturdy and the voice giving the commands is just amusing.

For those who haven’t tried the orginal Bop-It, this game is hysterical. The game gives you commands to Bop it, Twist it, Pull it, Spin it, Flick it and Shake it! And each time you get a command correct, you get another command and the game goes even faster. The music is catchy as well!

This seems so simple and yet it is so fun.

I recommend for ages 6 and up, although the box says 8, Em loves this!

Approximate retail price: $24.99. (Includes 3 “AAA” batteries). See more on Hasbro Games.

Available on Amazon right now for $18! Bop It XT

I get to give one away! Some little (or big) child will love this game!

To enter to win a Bop-It XT, click on Continue Reading! Continue Reading…

Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter Giveaway!

November 13, 2011 in giveaways, Holiday Recipes, organic with 27 Comments

Inside Out Coconut Peanut Butter Cups By Michelle, Diggins, MO (taken from Tropical Traditions Website)

By the time I heard about the peanut butter shortage, I already could not find my organic peanut butter at my usual store. Bummer!

But, every obstacle usually brings some benefit…and learning curve. {grin} So, when I got a chance to try another Tropical Traditions product I chose the Coconut Peanut Butter.

I figured my kids would like it and I might be able to cook some sweet things with it for the Thanksgiving Holiday. And, I like coconut and I was craving organic peanut butter.

The first day we had it, my daughter and I had Coconut Peanut Butter sandwiches (yeah, that wasn’t hard!) I really enjoyed the flavor. It was not as sweet as I expected – not sure why I expected sweet – but it stirs up to a nice texture and it so peanutty with a bit of coconut. I immediately began thinking of ways to cook with it. (This tells you an item is delicious, if I bother to cook with it!)

While I was searching for a recipe, a facebook friend who has lots of great recipes on her blog (aren’t they awesome??) told me to try mixing it with a bit of honey and coconut and dip it into chocolate, making little chocolate balls. You know, like all the Holiday Peanut Butter Balls—but filled with only organic things. Whooo! What a wonderful, easy Holiday Treat! I have dibs on the dark chocolate ones.

Then, I saw the recipe pictured above. NOW, that’s an easy Holiday Treat! Either way, perfect!!

You can purchase Coconut Peanut Butter here (and they are having a sale right now, too!): Organic Coconut Peanut Butter – 16 oz glass jar

And, I get to giveaway one 16oz. Jar of Coconut Peanut Butter!

To enter, please click on Continue Reading, below:

Doodle Roll. Giveaway for your Little Artist!

November 10, 2011 in giveaways, Mama Buzz, Toys and Games with 15 Comments

Stocking Stuffer ALERT*

Well, here’s another one of those “Why didn’t I think of that?” items for kids! Doodle Roll is a simple, portable coloring set for kids to use all over the place. You can easily use at a restaurant, when traveling, or just when your child wants to color.

My kid loves it. She already played with it at home and brought it in the car recently.

I say simple, because it is. This is a little roll of paper and crayons packed into a little holder/dispenser. The paper rolls out, a little at a time, for kids to draw. Seriously, this is one of those things …like kids playing with a box. Sometimes less is more when it comes to helping kids express their creativity!

I actually quit buying coloring books last year when my Artist son mentioned to me that there are some studies out that show children actually draw more lifelike representations of items when they are raised doing freestyle drawings, rather than coloring stuff in. No joke! So, when left on their own, they access the right side of the brain more. Cool. So, I like that Doodle Roll is blank, waiting for my Em’s creations.

I like the sizes available, a small one that is super easy to pop into my purse (4” Doodle Roll) and a larger one just because they can, I guess (6” Doodle Roll). The regular crayons are fine, and they have added double sided crayons in our pack. They did mention they are upgrading the paper dispenser, which I think is good, although I really think the one we got is fine for the cost.

I also like that these are a reasonable cost. At $3.99 for the 4” roll w/4 crayons, and $5.99 for the 6”roll w/8 crayons, this makes a cute stocking stuffer or little gift for a child. This would even make a nice party favor. You could roll the paper out and let kids make banners together or something like that, also.

Hmmm. Just very creative! And others must agree with me, because they have won a bunch of awards, such as Dr. Toy.

I get to give a Doodle Roll set away! Enter by rafflecopter, by clicking on MORE below!