Archives for August 2015

Sprouts Is Celebrating The Grand Opening Of Their New Store In Roswell, Georgia With A Giveaway!

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. is a healthy grocery store offering fresh, natural and organic foods at great prices. They offer a complete shopping experience that includes fresh produce, bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, packaged groceries, meat and seafood, baked goods, dairy products, frozen foods, natural body care and household items catering to consumers’ growing interest in health and wellness. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Sprouts employs more than 19,000 team members and operates more than 200 stores in 13 states. For more information, visit www.sprouts.com or @sproutsfm on Twitter.

Sprouts-Passion-Statement

The new Sprouts Farmers Market, at 10800 Alpharetta Highway, C-410 at the Roswell Market Place, officially opened on August 5, 2015, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting. In addition to Georgia, Sprouts Farmers Markets can be found in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. The 212 Sprouts stores pride themselves on their unwavering commitment to providing customers with affordable, healthy foods and friendly, knowledgeable and engaging service every day.

Sprouts-Storefront

At Sprouts, you’ll find mountains of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables, barrels of wholesome grains, nuts and sweets, and full-service deli, meat and seafood counters—complete with handmade burgers and sausages. Roam around their spacious, low-profile aisles and you’ll find fresh baked goods, tasty and convenient, ready-to-eat meals, gourmet cheeses, sensibly-priced vitamins and supplements, and thousands of natural, organic and gluten-free groceries.

To continue the grand opening celebration, Sprouts is giving away a $50 Gift Card so you can shop one of their stores for yourself, and see the quality products they carry first hand. To enter the giveaway, use the Giveaway Tools entry form below. To find out if there is a Sprouts Farmers Market near you, check the store locator. If there is not a store near you, the gift card prize would make a great gift for a friend or relative who does live near one of the Sprouts locations.

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Angel Air Portable Air Purifier Review

Karen · 1 Comment

I received a product from Air Oasis for review. All opinion are my own.

Fabgrandpa and I live in the country on a dirt road. When the weather is dry, like it has been for the last month or so, that dirt road is dusty. Cars passing by the house on the way to where ever they may be going stir up that dust, and it finds its way into the house. Last year, we replaced all the windows and the front door, and installed a storm door. During the installation process the work crew caulked all of the crevices around the windows and doors, but somehow some of that dust still makes its way in.

The dirt road that we live on — The dirt road where we live.

Because Fabgrandpa has COPD, the dust from the road sometimes causes him to have coughing spells. He has a “rescue” inhaler, that helps recover from one of those coughing attacks, but I thought it would be so much better if he didn’t have them to start with. So, when I was asked to review the Air Angel Portable Air Purifier, I was happy to say yes.

The Air Angel Portable Air Purifier is small, about the size of a hardback book, and can be used just about anywhere. Air Oasis has created the Air Angel just for families with children and/or pets to protect rooms from germs, viruses, aeroallergens, and harmful pollutants in the air and on surfaces. We might not be babies, but I have seen an improvement in the air quality in our bedroom from using the Air Angel in there. It comes with a DC cord to plug into a house electrical outlet, and a car type plug for using in the car.

One of the things that impressed me is that Air Oasis sent a kit to test for germs in the air before, and after, we set up the Air Angel in the bedroom. First, I opened one petri dish, added the liquid medium provided, and set the open dish in the middle of our bed for one hour. When the hour was up, I sealed the petri dish with tape, and set it out of the way. I turned the Air Angel on, and left it on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At the end of one week, I set up the test again with the second petri dish. I set the second on in the same spot on the bed, and left it for an hour. At the end of the second week, I looked at the things that grew in both petri dishes. The first onemostly gray and dirty looking. The second one more white than anything else. To me, that is proof that the Air Angel IS removing germs and pollution from our air.

Before Using Air Angel	After Using Air Angel
Before	After

Air Angel is able to both clean and sanitize the air and surfaces in up to 250 square feet by using a proprietary technology developed by NASA requiring zero maintenance for one year. Delivered with a power cord, charger adapter and zipper case, the white mobile unit is designed to be plugged in on shelves and surfaces out of children’s reach to invisibly purify and sanitize the air and surfaces around them. Primary benefits of the Air Angel device include:

Provides clean air for a good night’s sleep
Destroys up to 99 percent (99%) of air allergens
Destroys up to 99 percent (99%) of odors (i.e. diaper pails, smoke)
Destroys up to 99 percent (99%) of germs in the surrounding air and on surfaces

Air Angel has created a unique coupon code exclusive to my readers in celebration of Air Angel winning the PTPA Seal of Approval. For 48 hours, you will have the opportunity to receive $50 discount off of the Air Angel by using kareneidson50 promo code

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Cool Off And Satisfy Your Taste Buds With Vintage Sparkling Water

Karen · 3 Comments

It has been soooo hot and dry here in Georgia for at least a month. It might rain a bit, but as soon as it stops, the atmosphere is just muggy. And hot! That leaves us here in the west Georgia area searching for something cool and delicious to help us cool off. Enter Vintage Sparkling Water. With six flavors from which to choose, these flavored sparkling or flavored seltzer waters are made with natural flavors, and are a naturally gluten free food.They also contain no high fructose corn syrup and are calorie free. This makes them just about perfect for anyone, no matter what your tastes are.

Vintage Sparkling Water on the shelf at Kroger

While I was shopping at Kroger in Cedartown, I was able to find all six flavors of Vintage Sparkling Waters in the soda aisle. It was hard to decide between Pink Grapefruit, Coconut, Lemon, Lime, Original, and Cucumber Melon. I decided on the Coconut Flavor. It was on the bottom shelf, so I had to ask someone to help me pick them up. A pack of 12 cans retails for $3.99. I decided that I was going to make a Basil Strawberry Coconut Cooler so I headed over to the produce section to pick up some strawberries.

As as I got home, after I put the groceries away, I was ready to whip up my cooler. It was hotter than hot out there that day, and I was just wanting to sit down, put my feet up, and sip on a cool, refreshing drink. The recipe is really simple. I just put a cup of hulled strawberries, 2 teaspoons of sugar, a handful of ice cubes, a few basil leaves from my garden, and a cup of Coconut Vintage Sparkling Water into the blender, and started it on the “crush ice” setting. After a few seconds on crush, I switched to “puree”. When it was done, I poured into one of my white wine glasses, garnished with a sprig of basil. Delicious! You can find more recipes for using Vintage Sparkling Water here.

Vintage Sparkling Water with strawberries and basil.

Right now, Vintage Sparkling Water is running a contest. To enter, you submit a recipe using Vintage Sparkling Water or Vintage Seltzer Water. The prize is $500 and a year supply of Vintage Water. To keep up to date with everything Vintage, sign up for their newsletter, where you’ll find product information, recipes, coupons, and more. And, click here to find nutrition information for Vintage Waters. Oh, and if you add a photo to Instagram and tag it with #DrinkVintage, you could be featured on the Vintage website or get a coupon.

Coconut Strawberry Basil Cooler using Vintage Coconut Sparkling Water.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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The Bean® Etymotic Quiet Sound Amplifier Review

Karen · Leave a Comment

I received product from Etymotic for review purposes.

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Can you still hear the same way you did when you were young? I know I can’t. I have a problem focusing on one person talking to me when there is another conversation going on in the same room. I noticed this the other day when my brother came to visit. His son was talking to Fabgrandpa in the living room, and I couldn’t concentrate on what my brother was saying to me. I know he noticed it, and I was embarrassed by it.

I also have a hard time hearing someone who is not sitting next to me, or standing in front of me. If I can’t see their mouth moving, it is hard for me to keep up with what they are saying. Sometimes what they are saying sounds muted. Other times, it just all sounds jumbled up. So, I have to ask repeatedly , What did you say? or What?

I’m not the only person in my family who has a problem with hearing. Both my father and his father had hearing loss, and my uncle on my father’s side. My father was in his early 60’s when he got his hearing aid. I’m not sure about my grandfather and uncle. My youngest daughter also has to wear a hearing device, but her hearing loss came from a stroke after the birth of her last baby.

The good thing is, that now there are other options than the hearing aids our fathers and grandfathers had. These new Quiet Sound Amplifiers work differently than the old models of hearing aids. The Bean Quiet Sound Amplifiers do just that: They amplify sounds so that you can hear them more clearly. So what makes the Bean, a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAPs), different from hearing aids? The following information is from their website:

In terms of what consumers “hear,” how do PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Products) differ from hearing aids?

Both types of device allow consumers to hear sounds louder.

Similarities

Both hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers have the same three basic components: Microphone, amplifier and receiver.

Both amplify sound.

Both deliver sound through a sound tube at the end of the receiver.

Both come in in-ear and behind-the-ear models.

Differences

Hearing aids are intended to correct hearing loss, which is considered a medical condition by FDA.
Hearing aids are regulated by FDA – PSAPs are not.
All state laws require the sale of hearing aids only by licensed professionals.
Hearing aids are adjusted to compensate for impaired hearing in certain frequency regions—most generally in the high frequencies (pitches).
Hearing aids generally are digital and must be programmed with a computer; this often takes several visits to a professional’s office.
Many hearing aids have custom molds, but some are basically ready-fit: i.e., no ear impression is needed; the best (stock) eartip is selected by a professional.
PSAPs are intended to amplify sound, not correct hearing loss. Examples: –Enhanced hearing for hunters –Hearing TV better –Hearing better at a distance –Hearing better in the car –Hearing better in social situations –Hearing better in worship services
PSAPs can be purchased from any source (mail order, Internet, big box store, pharmacy, hearing professional, physician) without recommendation, prescription or state regulation.

If you have a hard time hearing in a crowd, while watching TV, while talking to one person while another conversation is going on in close proximity, or in the car, then you may want to check out the Bean® Quiet Sound Amplifier. The price starts at $299, and you don’t have to have a doctor’s prescription for them. Do this for yourself.

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We Joined A Gym: Silver Sneakers Makes It Free Through Medicare

Karen · Leave a Comment

Last year when we got our insurance cards in the mail from Humana, they also send us each a Silver Sneakers card. This was an unexpected perk for using Humana to provide our medicare advantage plan D coverage. The Silver Sneakers card allows the cardholder to join any gym for free that participates in the program. Fabgrandpa and I have been talking about joining a gym for several months now.

When I went to the endocrinologist last month, I discussed it with him. I told him I wanted to go so I could use the treadmill and the stationery bicycle, at least. He said it was a very good idea, and that it was better for me than trying to walk in the heat of the summer. Then, Fabgrandpa’s doctor at the VA said it was a good thing, too.

Using our Silver Sneakers cards to go to the gym!

We actually went to the gym in town and talked with them last month, and had a short tour of the facility. They have all kinds of machines, weights, and classes for exercise. But, we are mainly interested in getting moving. So, today, we went over there and actually did something for the first time.

I was able to make for 2 minutes on the treadmill, and then for 3 minutes on the bicycle. I also did about 5 repetitions with a weight thing that worked my upper arms. That was enough for the first day. I was moving, and that was what it is all about.

So, I have decided to put a little box in my sidebar, and update it every time we go to the gym. I’ll be so brave as to put my weight, and how long I made it walking, bicycling, and whatever else I do. Y’all can help me by leaving encouraging comments here, and I’ll put a permanent link to this post in the box, too. What do you do to get moving? If you are a senior, and on medicare, do you have Silver Sneakers? If you do, do you use it? Will you start?

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Crazy Cups Coffee Giveaway!

Karen · 30 Comments

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I am an ambassador for Crazy Cups Coffee, where they are a bit obsessed with flavors!

I love my coffee. Can I just say that again? I LOVE my coffee. I can not function in the morning until I have had my coffee. When my husband and I lived in an RV, we had a huge side by side dual coffee maker. One side made espresso, and the other side made brewed coffee. Although I had the smallest kitchen ever, and a tiny amount of counterspace, I did not begrudge giving so much of that space to that coffee maker. That is because, you guessed it, I LOVE my coffee.

In addition to being a coffee lover, I also have type II diabetes. I have to watch sugar and carbohydrates. I have had to give up most sweets like chocolate cake, pies, donuts, and, well, you get the idea. So, when I received my box of Crazy Cups this month, I was just so thrilled. Death By Chocolate. Yes, a sweet tasting, chocolate coffee, that is not bad at all for my blood sugar. I can drink a cup in the morning or the afternoon, and get my sweet, chocolate fix along with my coffee. It just doesn’t get better than that. Well, of course unless it is one of their other coffee flavors! Like Chocolate Chipotle Mole, Italian Chocolate Cheesecake, Salted Caramel, and more!


Chocolate Chipotle Mole	Italian Chocolate Cheesecake	Death By Chocolate	Salted Caramel

Crazy Cups is crazy for flavors! They have so many to choose from! They even wrote a poem about their flavor obsession!

Did you know that Crazy Cups lets you choose and create your own K-Ccups and Single Serve Cups variety pack sampler? Get the flavors you want, and as many of each as you want!

One of my lucky readers is going to win a box of Death By Chocolate Crazy Cups! Enter to win using the Giveaway Tools form below. Good luck!

Entry -Form

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Sparo Labs Invited to First-Ever White House Demo Day

Karen · Leave a Comment

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — Sparo Labs, a digital health startup based in downtown St. Louis, has been
invited to participate in the first ever White House Demo Day hosted by President Obama on Tuesday,
August 4th. Co-Founders Andrew Brimer and Abby Cohen will be traveling to Washington D.C. for the
event and are proud to represent the burgeoning St. Louis startup community.

The first-ever White House Demo Day will celebrate the important role entrepreneurship plays in
America’s economy. Unlike a private-sector Demo Day, where entrepreneurs and startups pitch their
ideas to funders, these select innovators from around the country will “demo” their individual stories.
The event will be webcast live at http://whitehouse.gov/live .

The Demo Day event will showcase why we need to give more entrepreneurs from all walks of life a
chance to turn their ideas into indispensable products and services, and will include new
announcements that support inclusive entrepreneurship.

Sparo Labs will be exhibiting their product— Wing™ —at the Demo Day. Wing helps you control your
asthma or other respiratory condition using a powerful app and pocket-sized sensor that measures
your lungs. Wing ends the fear and uncertainty of asthma by empowering users to better understand,
track, and proactively manage their condition.

Andrew and Abby are active members of the growing St. Louis startup community and share their
experiences with current students working on their own entrepreneurial endeavors. They volunteer
with the Skandalaris Summer Internship Program (a program that helps students find internships at
local startups and incubate their own ideas), Prosper (an organization addressing the entrepreneur
gender gap in the St. Louis region), Spark! Incubator (a startup incubator for high school students in
the Parkway Public School District), and are on the Board of Directors for the Asthma & Allergy
Foundation of America – St. Louis Chapter

About Sparo Labs

Sparo Labs is an award-winning, digital health startup based in downtown St. Louis committed to
breathing life into the asthma industry. Wing™—the first innovation from Sparo Labs—helps you
control your asthma or other respiratory condition using a powerful app and pocket-sized sensor that
measures your lungs. Wing ends the fear and uncertainty of asthma by empowering users to better
understand, track, and proactively manage their condition. Sparo Labs is currently preparing for an
Indiegogo campaign so that people with asthma and other respiratory conditions can get Wing as
soon as possible! Visit http://mywing.io for more information.

Contact Information:
Andrew Brimer / contact@sparolabs.com / 314.440.5052

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Roasted Garlic Meatloaf With Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing From Wal-Mart

Karen · 8 Comments

This post is brought to you by DataRank and Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing. All opinions are mine, and so is the recipe.

Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing new flavors!

We went to Wal-Mart the other day to do some shopping and look for the new Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing flavors. As soon as we got there, we actually found a handicapped parking space right up front, which almost never happens. We had just a few things on our list: fruit, yogurt, eggs, butter, oatmeal, a couple of toiletry items, and of course, the Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing. Their new flavors include Roasted Garlic, Sweet Chili, Avocado, Cucumber, and Cucumber Lite. We opted to get the Roasted Garlic flavor.

When we got home with our groceries, I decided to make a meatloaf for dinner. As I started getting the ingredients ready for the meatloaf, I thought that that new Hidden Valley Ranch Roasted Garlic Salad Dressing would make this meatloaf taste so good. I love meatloaf, and ever since I started using my mother’s recipe it has always turned out really good.As a matter of fact, I won second place in a meatloaf cook-off several years ago using her recipe. I would have won first place, but my husband was one of the judges and he declined to vote for my meatloaf, just to be fair. I have never altered the ingredients before in the thirty or more years that I have been using that particular recipe. But, it calls for sage, and I had a whole lot of fresh basil in my little porch garden that I thought “Hmmm, the Roasted Garlic would taste sooo good with some of that fresh basil.” So, here is my new version of Mama’s Meatloaf.

Hidden Valley Ranch Roasted Garlic and Basil Meatloaf

So, just in case you think you might want to make my new meatloaf, here is the recipe. Be prepared for it to disappear in no time at all!

hidden valley ranch roasted garlic salad dressing used in meatloaf recipe — Roasted Garlic and Basil Meatloaf

Roasted Garlic and Basil Meatloaf

1.5 lbs ground beef

3/4 cup oatmeal (use certified gluten free for a gluten free meatloaf)

1/2 Hidden Valley Ranch Roasted Garlic Salad Dressing

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1 bunch green onions

1 TBS. Worchestershire Sauce

1/2 tst dry mustard

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 stem fresh basil

olive oil spray

Chop the green onions. Pick the basil leaves off of the stems and shred finely with a sharp knife, or use an herb scissor to cut them up. Place all ingredients in a large bowl, and mix together with your hands until all ingredients are incorporated well. Shape into a rectangle. Spray an 8″X 8″ disposable aluminum pan with olive oil spray. Place the meatloaf rectangle in the pan, and shape as needed into a rectangle that is flat on top.

Topping for meatloaf:

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup mustard

1/4 cup brown sugar

Mix all ingredients well, and spread over top of the meatloaf.

Place the meatloaf in a 350° oven, and bake for 90 minutes. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 mintues before slicing and serving.

This meatloaf was so good! We had meatloaf sandwiches the next day, and then a second round of meatloaf for dinner another night.

I served my Roasted Garlic and Basil Meatloaf with corn and spinach.

The Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressings are Gluten Free, so anyone who has to eat a gluten free diet can get the great taste, too! What would you make using one of the new flavors of Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing?

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