Great Ball of...Nuts

Holy Nutballs, Batman! I tried all of the different flavors of these puppies, and I have to say, they're nuts! No pun intended...Seriously, though. If you want a quick snack with good protein and great flavor, try these out.

Got a nut lover? Betty Lou's Nut Butter Balls are an excellent all-natural high protein snack for your child's lunchbox! Certified gluten-free, these fiber-rich, wholesome and delicious treats come in 5 varieties: Peanut Butter, Coconut Macadamia, Almond Butter, Cashew Pecan, and Spirulina Ginseng. Contain no trans-fats, corn, soy, or genetically modified ingredients––just wholesome ingredients for healthy snacking, made right here in the USA!(www.bettylousinc.com)

Tastes Like Chicken

I've come to the conclusion that love is like chicken.

Really.

Think about it. I mean, what food do people spend the most time researching on the Internet? That would be chicken. What kind should you buy, how should you store it, how do you cook it, how do you make it more interesting? How do you rescue an over-cooked, dried out chicken?

The subject of love is just as much a conundrum in people's minds. What should you look for? How do you know when you've found "it?" How do you keep it? How do you make things more interesting?

How do you rescue a love that seems lost?

So, then, what's the answer?

As far as the chicken goes, I could spew a thousand ways to make it more interesting, what kind I would buy, how I would save my dried out birdie.

Love, though, is still something that mystifies me. There are people in my life I love so much I can't express it properly, but I still hurt them in a million ways. Not purposefully, but still. Relationships are such a dangerous thing. A messy thing.

Like raw chicken and salmonella.

I've been married for just over two months, and I still feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. I've found someone to love, someone who loves me back...someone who wanted a future with me. But I still feel every day as though I'm getting it wrong, that one day that love will be lost, and I'll be left alone. Frankly, the thought scares the you-know-what out of me.

So what makes me so insecure? Perhaps it's the knowledge that love is a mysterious thing. That it really isn't deserved or earned. That it's as volatile as a faulty oven. But the faultiness can be overcome, the mistakes can be perfected and used as lessons, the romance can be brought back. You just have to be willing to work at it. To pull out every ingredient and piece of advice and tool and use them.

Everybody likes to know what's new and cool to try out––whether you need something for yourself, for your family, or for a gift...Check out some of these neat things I found to eat, use as baby shower gifts, and tote around for myself....

Kinnikinnick Foods, North America’s leading manufacturer of gluten free baked goods and snacks, now offers white and multigrain breads and buns with a new soft bread formulation. They offer more bread per package, better nutritional values, a lower price point ($4.59-$.4.99), and vibrant new packaging. While many gluten free breads are dense and less than palatable, Kinnikinnick’s new soft bread is baked fresh and quick frozen, so it’s soft and moist once thawed––no toaster required! The result of nearly a year of research and development, Kinnikinnick’s new soft bread formulations were developed to offer consumers the most appealing combination of taste and texture currently available in the gluten free bread category. In addition to being gluten free, Kinnikinnick’s new soft bread is also dairy free; nut free; and certified OU Kosher, making it ideal for those with special dietary needs. The breads are made with no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors; are fortified with five essential nutrients; contain at least five grams of fiber per serving; have no cholesterol and lower calories, making them some of the most nutritionally-sound gluten free breads on the market today. For more info, visit www.kinnikinnick.com. These are great, with a taste and texture like most traditional breads! I especially love the Multigrain...

This summer, replace your children’s sugary drinks with Sparkling ICE. Sparkling Ice is a zero calorie naturally flavored water beverage that combines mountain spring water, natural fruit juice, vitamins and antioxidants to create a tasty, lightly carbonated refreshment. Calorie Free, Gluten Free, and Caffeine Free. Sparkling ICE is perfect for anyone on the go, health conscious college students, young professionals, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. These are so tasty, definitely a great replacement for sodas!

Bébé au Lait Nursing Covers combine style and function to keep mom comfortably covered and chic while breast-feeding in public. The unique neckline, made with exclusive and patented RigiflexTM technology, promotes ventilation and provides a direct view of baby during breast-feeding, while the generous size of the cover allows mom to be discreet. Machine washable and 100 percent cotton, these nursing covers double as a sunshade for baby while in a stroller. For more information, visit www.bebeaulait.com Really stylish––you’ll be the envy of your Mommy and Me group! 

Brooklyn, NY based eco-chic children’s accessories and gift company Hank & JoJo introduced their very first onesie collections, made in the USA of organic cotton, called “Hipster” and “Urban First Words.” (www.hankandjojo.com) "Hipster" onesies sport hip urban symbols and fashion statements, including a mustache; black framed glasses; a striped tie; and a trendy necklace. "Urban First Words" takes traditional first word images and gives them an urban edge, including the word “SHOE,” paired with a high-top sneaker; “TRAIN,” with the image of a NYC subway car; and “BRIDGE,” with an image of the Brooklyn Bridge. ($28.00, available in 3-6m, 6-12m, 12-18m) These are beyond cute––definitely conversation starters! 

For most people, glass bottles are the preferred choice of a drink container for better taste, cleanliness and fewer health risks...But the challenge with glass has always been its durability and the risk of shattering. Until now. PURE Glass Bottle is a new portable reusable glass drinking bottle that allows people to enjoy that pure taste of their favorite beverage in glass without worrying about spills or injury resulting from broken glass. SafeShell technology is used to apply a clear protective coating to the outside of the glass bottle. If the glass does break, the coating encapsulates all the glass and liquid preventing messes and injuries from the breakage. The exterior of the bottle remains smooth to the touch so it can be disposed of or recycled safely and easily. The bottles are 100% recyclable and BPA free. The coating is also slip resistant, making it easier to handle than other re-usable glass bottles. Shatter-resistant and much tougher to break than standard glass. The wide mouth design of the PURE Glass Bottle makes it easy to add ice, protein powder, water flavoring or any beverage. Available in 17.5 oz Traveler and 25 oz Explorer, with a selection of convenient tops and handles ($19.95, www.PUREGlassBottle.com) Great bottles, super-easy cleaning! 

Say good-bye to boring diaper bags and hit the next play date in style with Optari's brightly colored and customizable Sol Tote! Not only are they affordable, durable, waterproof, and easy to clean; but the totes can be customized with your choice of Fobbz or Mini Fobbz––colorful charms that feature a rivet that plugs into the holes on all Optari products. Make your bag stand out with over 70 shapes, silk flowers, initials, and more. Available in two sizes and have a multitude of uses: diaper bag, gym bag, beach or pool tote, lunch tote...there are dozens of uses! Feature large handles for carrying the bag with ease and a roomy interior. Available in 6 bold colors, including Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Orange, Purple and Black ($20, www.optari.com) Fun and funky––a great way to bring out the playful side of things! 

Bridezilla Attacks?

My wedding day was two months ago. Which means I’ve been a missus for a two whole months. Two. Months. I’m still marveling at how bizarre the whole concept is. Me, married. Am I really old enough for that? 

I think we all have a problem allowing ourselves to feel inept, like we don’t really have what it takes to make our goals happen. Even as much and as long as I’d wanted to get married, I had an extremely difficult time letting go of the fact that I was afraid. Afraid that this particular guy was going to be no different than any other guy I’d known in the past––even though he’d gotten down on one knee and given me a diamond. Afraid that something would happen, and he’d suddenly change his mind. That we’d get to the wedding day, and something would go terribly wrong. That I would simply be unable to be a good wife. I was afraid to allow myself to get too excited because I was afraid that it would mean that I was focusing too heavily on something that was fleeting, temporary. Shallow. I didn’t want to be one of those women who made it ALL about the wedding without giving much thought to the realities that follow the exchange of the vows. I was so worried about that that I failed to recognize the potential for celebration, the whole reason for a wedding. I stole my own joy for almost the entire period between my engagement to the actual day. I failed to allow everyone else their excitement and their joy. In essence, I acted as a lone wolf, reverted to my single ways, and let no one in. I squeezed my eyes shut and was so determined not to be a woman addle-brained with sparkly wedding syndrome that I almost cringed anytime anyone broached the subject. After all, what if I failed? What if I allowed myself to be too happy? Surely then things would fall apart. 

Fear played the bridezilla in my wedding. But no man is an island, as the saying goes; and my attitude effected my family and friends’ ability to share in the event. After all, what were they supposed to do when I was so obviously disallowing myself the excitement normally felt by a bride?

I wish now that I had done things differently. That I had given in earlier and allowed the people in my life to share their pleasure with me. That I would have shared more with them, rather than bottling everything up and being so determined not to fail in one way that I failed in another. I was––despite the fact that I was on the path to eternal partnership––single-minded. A mistake I hope that I hope to avoid going forward. Fortunately, the actual day was wonderful. Fun and uplifting in ways that I hadn’t allowed myself to imagine. Take a lesson: In your relationships, no matter what kind they are, don’t be single-minded. Allow people in to your life. Allow them to share in your joys and your sorrows. Share in theirs. You never know what you might be denying yourself and others. 

Don’t allow fear of failure to be the bridezilla who ruins the main event. 

Things I'm loving right now....

Looking for some great new products to try out? Check these babies out!

Most people don’t realize that even consuming a salad can be counterproductive to their efforts to get healthier if it contains hidden calories. Today’s average restaurant-style salad contains well over 500 calories, and most of those can be credited to the salad dressing. At Bolthouse Farms, the company is always coming up with fresh and innovative ways to give consumers what they want: healthier options to tickle their taste buds and fit into their lifestyle. To help consumers manage their healthy eating, the company offers light vinaigrettes and yogurt-based salad dressings (which can be doubled up as delicious dips!). The dressings are 45 calories of less per serving, which means they contain at least 55% fewer calories and 75% less fat than the leading mayonnaise-based brand. For more info, visit www.bolthouse.com These salad are so fresh and flavorful that even the pickiest eaters in your house will love them!

Parents of children with allergies can now enjoy the safety and security of knowing their young ones are better protected in places like camp, school, daycare, parties, sleep-overs, and during summer travel. AllerMates products are based on 14 fun, original characters that represent the most common allergies: peanut, nut, gluten/wheat, milk, egg, shellfish, penicillin, insect sting, latex, pollen, fish, soy, sesame, and cat. AllerMates products are hypo-allergenic, nickel and latex free, and have passed rigorous safety standards and testing. The wristbands are adjustable and fit most children. The AllerMates website (www.allermates.com) offers both parents and children easy to read and understand tips, facts, and general information about allergies, as well as lots of fun games and activities based on the line of AllerMates characters. Meet the AllerMates Gang there and get the back story on each character as well as fun tips. For more info, visit www.allermates.com These cute, kid-friendly products are such a great, fun way to keep your kids safe..they’ll actually like wearing them! 

Convincing kids to eat the nutritious foods they need can feel like a constant battle, but now there are even more ways to ensure they get a full serving of fruit. Try the new flavors of Buddy Fruits Pure Fruit Bites, now in banana and black currant! The all-natural snack line also includes apple, orange, raspberry, and pomegranate and acai. Many kids and adults already enjoy Buddy Fruits’ convenient and fun to eat, Pure Fruit Bites. Each package of Pure Fruit Bites is made from 100 percent fruit and contains the equivalent of a full serving of fruit. They’re also gluten-free, making healthy eating an easy option while on the go. Visit www.buddyfruits.com These yummy snacks are a great way to get your kids to eat healthy...watch out, though, you might get addicted for yourself! Great for back-packs, lunchbags, and purses––making them great for summer travel!

Too much time at the beach or pool can take a toll on kids’ hair, leaving it tangled, knotty, and unmanageable. The new Sun & Swim collection from Fairy Tales Hair Care is designed just for kids to help keep hair smooth and tangle-free for a carefree summer. All formulas are 100% gluten-, nut-, and dairy-free; they protect hair against the effects of too much sun, chlorine, or saltwater, which can deplete hair’s moisture to leave it dry and prone to tangles and knots; they protect against “swimmer’s hair,” preventing blonde tresses from turning green; and they gently remove residue from sand and saltwater and other elements so hair is smooth and manageable. Try out their new Lifeguard Clarifying Shampoo, Lemon Aid Conditioner, and Coco Cabana Sun Spray. Visit www.fairytaleshaircare.com Great, gentle products!

Spring is in the air, which means that moms will be off to the park, picnics, and playdates! Check out Plum’s latest products, which include hearty purees with ancient grains and creamy combos with nutritionally packed Greek Yogurt. And it’s all in a pouch! With over a dozen new products hitting shelves, Plum has even more organic meals and snacks to satisfy baby’s first bite all the way through independent snacking. Fruit & Veggie Whole Grain Blends are the first-ever Stage 2 baby food pouch to contain recipes with a variety of ancient grains. All four varieties contain a delightful combo of organic fruit or fruit/veggies mixed with a hearty, whole grain for a boost of nutrition. Three recipes include a gluten-free ancient grain like quinoa, millet, or amaranth, with flavors including Zucchini, Banana, and Amaranth; Apple, Raisin, and Quinoa; Sweet Potato, Mango, and Millet; and Plum Berry and Barley. Greek Yogurt Blends contain Greek yogurt for a creamy combo and an extra boost of protein. A gentle dairy, Greek yogurt is easy for sensitive bellies to digest and a delightful compliment to a variety of fruits and veggies. Check out Cherry, Sweet Corn , and Greek Yogurt; Raspberry, Spinach, and Greek Yogurt; and Green Bean, Pear, and Greek Yogurt. Toddlers will love Teensy Fruits––soft, real fruit snacks that offer a full serving of fruit in every pack. A unique fun format, Teensy Fruits are available in three tot-friendly flavors like Peach, Apple, and Berry. Visit www.plumorganics.com These are such convenient, yummy, healthy ways to keep babies and toddlers fed on the go! You’ll go nuts over them!

Look what I found!

To those of you who know me, hello again.

To those of you running across this blog by accident, I hope this happy accident becomes a habit.

So let's all become a little better acquainted. I've been writing for awhile now, not in a blog, but in different magazines and newspapers that have taken the risk and published my work. I love words, and I love the worlds that they open. People respond to words, sometimes immediately, and sometimes it takes a little longer to sink in and make an impression. But words are powerful, even the smallest ones. 

But I digress. I'm starting this blog now, today, as a way to reach out to you, to become part of your world and welcome you into mine. To tell you about things I find, things I love, things I live. To become your friend. We all have struggles and adventures and desires, and sometimes it's just nice to know that we're not alone in those things. 

Here's to you, finding what you're looking for

liesel