gluten free – Chocolate 'N Children

May 7, 2020

Tasty, Healthy, Snacks

*I received these products free for purposes of my review*

Pure Crumb

Pure Crumb sent me 4 different kids of bark. Brownie Bark, Crumb Cake Bark, and 2 kids of Cookie Bark.

These products are all gluten free and dairy free, so will work for a lot of different dietary restrictions!

While I liked all 4 flavors, I do have my favorite! But, before I get to that, more about the products in general.

You can purchase 12 individual packages, you know, for if you’re counting calories. But, seriously, just buy the big bags! With the simple ingredients these products have, it won’t hurt to splurge a little on the calories!

For example, check out the ingredient list on the Brownie Bark:

Ingredients: Pure Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips*, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Gluten Free Flour Blend*, Eggs, Almond Flour, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Powder, Cinnamon.

*Pure Semi Sweet Chocolate: sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soya lecithin, vanillin.

*Gluten Free Flour Blend: garbanzo bean flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, whole grain sweet white sorghum flour, fava bean flour

I mean, I actually know what these things are! How awesome is that?

While there are some “bark” pieces, these honestly are a bit more like “crumbs” so Pure Crumb is a great name for them. I enjoyed these straight from the bag, and as a crumb topping on my yogurt – which is seriously amazing and why you should just get the big bags!

Brownie Bark – My favorite! It’s so chocolaty and you may actually want to get the snack bags for this one, because it’s really hard to not just eat the entire bag.

Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark – My favorite one for a yogurt topping. I just love the coconut and chocolate cookie crumbles on yogurt. Delicious, a little crunchy, and not too sweet.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark – Also tasty, but it’s hard to compete with coconut, so… you know, I’ll eat it if the Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bark is gone.

Crumb Cake – Delicious flavor, think cinnamon sugar cookie, but it’s competing against 3 barks with chocolate, so it didn’t stand a chance!

Check out PureCrumb.com for more information and/or to order some for yourself!

Plant Junkie

Check out this line of plant based spreads, dressings, and vinaigrettes. I was intrigued by the variety of flavors available, and just a bit curious. How do you you make a ranch dressing without dairy?

I tried the chai ranch dressing first. And, I’ll be honest. It does not taste like ranch. I’m not saying that it tastes bad. But if you’re expecting traditional ranch dressing, this is not it. I’m actually pretty sure that it’s impossible to make a basic ranch dressing without some sort of dairy product.

Anyways, I would describe the flavor as kind of hummusy (is that a word?), with some coconut and oats making it more mild, and of course chai seeds. I was originally going to sub it for mayonnaise on a sandwich but changed my mind. It’s got a LOT of flavor – way more than mayonnaise. So, I tried it as a veggie dip instead and that was perfect!

The Turmeric and Pepper Ranch dressing was terrific on a salad, just start light because these dressings have a lot of flavor! Which is amazing, because I’m the kind of person who prefers a little dressing with my salad and not the other way around. So, with these, I get lots of flavor without having to drown my lettuce.

And with no eggs, no soy, and no gluten, these are great products for a variety of diets.

I used the Chili Pomegranate Vinaigrette as a steak marinade. It was very flavorful, and quite delicious! I realize these are plant based products, but I do love a good marinaded steak! And since they’re gluten free, and keto friendly that just makes it a lot easier for me to use as a marinade when I have guests!

You can purchase their products on amazon or at plantjunkie.com.

April 14, 2016

Plant Powered “Non-Prescriptions” for Eczema, Psoriasis, and Scalp Issues

KnBnvvVTSDO1qSjCRe4c_psorzema_haircare

Thanks to derma e, I received all of these product for free for purposes of my review.

If you’re living with eczema or psoriasis, you know how painful, frustrating, and even embarrassing it can be. Recurring patches of dry, red, itchy, flaky, irritated skin can make you want to hide.

You may have turned to prescription treatments or over-the-counter products only to be dissatisfied with the results, or the fact that they contain ingredients like steroids, coal tars or pine tars. The good news is that derma e has formulated something incredibly effective, and so safe that the entire family could use it.

derma e Psorzema® Crème is made with a safe and effective blend of herbal extracts and skin vitamins such as Neem, Burdock, Bearberry, Vitamins A and E to help soften and soothe dry, irritated, scaling skin. It’s natural blend of ingredients help reduce redness and encourage healthy looking skin without the use of steroids, coal tar or pine tar.

Family owned and operated for over 30 years, derma e has pioneered the development of vitamin-rich, high-performance antioxidant skincare solutions. The award-winning line features doctor-developed, consumer-tested and clinically-tested face care, body care and treatment products that are free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and petrolatum. Every formula is cruelty-free, gluten-free and 100 percent vegan. Manufacturing and operations are offset 100 percent by wind power. derma e can be found in over 16,500 retail outlets across the U.S. such as Whole Foods Markets, ULTA Beauty, CVS and more!

qtTs0lLNTwySZbfqObzL_8700_insert_Page_2

My kids have sensitive skin. My oldest is sensitive to scents and dyes so we were already using the free and clear laundry products by the time my little guy came along. He’s sensitive too, but since I’ve already cut most scents and dyes out of the kids skincare sensitivity wasn’t my problem with him.

Dry skin was a problem. Not all over, but little patches of dry skin around his knees, elbows, and legs. And dandruff in his hair. At his 1yr checkup my dr suggested that I use cortizone on him for a week to clear up his dry skin. It did a great job of clearing up his skin problem, but I truly hate using something with a steroid in it every month or so on my child’s skin. It just can’t be good for him. I’m supposed to use an anti dandruff shampoo on him as well but I can’t stand the smell of it and it really stings his eyes if the soap gets in his eyes when I’m rinsing his hair – and, there’s no 100% effective method for keeping all soap out of a wiggly toddler’s face when you’re washing his hair. So, I’m constantly on the lookout for safer products for my child.

I was super excited to try out this new Psorzema Creme. Something to help my child’s skin that doesn’t have steroids in it. Plus it’s natural, gentle, dye and scent free, and affordable. At $20 for a 4oz container on their website, it’s worth it to keep my child’s skin moisturized without steroids.

I got to try out the Scalp Relief Shampoo and Conditioner, the Body Wash, and the Psorzema Creme. I’m so pleased with all of these products! The Scalp Relief shampoo and conditioner really did help my child’s dandruff – and without the nasty smell of the anti-dandruff shampoos. The body wash was gentle and non-irritating to his skin. And best of all, the Psorzema Creme is just wonderful. It hydrated and softened his skin and all those little dry spots, that appear every time the seasons change, were gone after just a couple days of using the Creme. I couldn’t be happier.

I was already starting my annual spring hunt for a product that will keep his skin moisturized all summer. Because, once summer arrives and we’re swimming or in the sprinkler most days, it’s next to impossible to catch up if his skin gets too dry. I’ve found what I was looking for! The Psorzema Creme is so perfect for his skin, and it moisturizes so quickly and effectively, I’m going to be able to easily keep his skin moisturized all summer long. And I’ll definitely be purchasing more of this once my free product runs out.

wOW8wcSAm8lTfHOVdXfQ_Psorzema_creme-wash

If you suffer with Eczema or Psoriasis, or just have dry or irritate skin, this is an awesome product that is really working well for my family.

Free sample!
As a special bonus for my readers. derma e is giving away samples of their Psorzema Creme to the first 10 readers who request a sample. You can go to their form here and request your free sample. And after you’ve tried it, I’d love to here in the comments what you think!

I received this product free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.

March 4, 2016April 9, 2016

Pure Goodness Protein Powder – Review

About the Product

New Pure Goodness Proteins are made from a powerful plant-based formula that contains 15 grams of plant based protein per serving and all amino acids essential for human dietary needs.

Pure Goodness products are Non-GMO verified, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, 100% Vegan and Paleo Friendly!

They have two different variations, Hemp Seed Protein and Pumpkin Seed Protein which are available in three different flavors, Unflavoured, Chocolate and Vanilla.

All seeds are gently cold pressed and minimally processed to ensure maximum nutrient preservation and digestibility.

Pure Goodness also believes in taking care of each other. This is why they give back, by donating 1% of sales to help provide nutritious food to communities in need across the US!

Aside from my pink backpack, which is awesome on the go. I also like to bring along my favorite shaker bottle with Pure Goodness Hemp Seed Protein. If I’m not going to be drinking it right away, I just carry it with the powder in it and then add water from a water fountain or water bottle when I’m ready to drink.

I received the Hemp Seed Protein, Chocolate Protein Powder to review. It has 4 ingredients! Hemp seed protein, fair trade cocoa powder, natural chocolate flavor, stevia leaf extract. For more nutritional info, check out the Pure Goodness website.

This Pure Goodness Hemp Seed Protein is awesome for taking with me to so many places! When I’m teaching, it’s great to sip on during the day or drink all at once at snack time. When it’s a busy day and I’m on the go, it’s great for having along for a mid-morning energy boost, or a tide-over until lunch. Days when I’m home and getting caught up on the housework it great for a mid-afternoon snack. And it makes a great post-workout drink. So many times throughout my week that a little extra protein is so helpful – and by little, I mean 15 grams.

I prefer it mixed in milk. The flavor is great (even in just water) but I’ve never been really good with the gritty texture of a protein drink and milk is a bit thicker than water so it masks the grit just a bit. Just heat up a cup of milk, add the powder, mix, and you have a Protein Hot Chocolate! Perfect for an afternoon snack or pick-me-up at home.

If you prefer to mix your protein powder with water, you’ll still like this product. It does mix in quite well. No chunks. It doesn’t settle too badly, but I do still shake my drink up every so often just in case.

What I like best is the taste. Because there’s so few ingredients, I don’t have to taste a bunch of added vitamins and such, it’s just whatever is naturally occurring in hemp seed, cocoa, chocolate flavor, and stevia. Really, with all that cocoa, it’s the best protein powder I’ve ever had in milk. So chocolaty! I can definitely taste the sweetness of the stevia, but I don’t eat a lot of foods with stevia in it so I tend to notice it when it’s there. It’s not a bad taste just a tad sweeter – in my opinion – than cane sugar.

This is a great protein powder, it tastes great, and mixes well.

Check out Pure Goodness on Social Media!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

I received this product free for purposes of my review. All opinions are my own.