Winning Moves Holiday Family Games GA-3-US Ends 11/24 @las930 @WinningMovesUSA

Welcome to the Winning Moves Holiday Family Games Giveaway!

3 Winners Winning Moves Holiday Family Games $143.10 RV each winner

This giveaway is part of our Holiday Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

HOST IS MICHIGAN SAVING AND MORE

My co-hosts for this giveaway are Deliciously Savvy, Gifts for all seasons, Home Jobs by Mom, The Stuff of Success, SaraLee’s Steals and Deals, Versatileer

Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

A Rain of Thought, Deliciously Savvy, Eclectic Evelyn, Giveaway Gator, Golden Goose Giveaways, Home Jobs by Mom, Jessica Inspired by Faith, MarksvilleandMe, Michigan Saving and More, My Freebies Deals & Steals, My Silly Little Gang, Simply Sherryl, Sweet Southern Savings, Tales From A Southern Mom, The Stuff of Success, This Frugal Family, Versatileer

This is some giveaway that 3 lucky winners will win--each will get all of the games listed below. There is a review of each of the games so be sure to read them. This should really give you a start to your holiday gifts! Don't forget-any ones you don't want-give to the charity of your choice-they are always looking for donations that they can give to kids who might never receive anything! Be sure to scroll down and enter this one!!

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This giveaway's Sponsor is:

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ YOU TUBE ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM

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Winning Moves Holiday Family Games

3 Winners

No Stress Chess

See review HERE.

Trashed

See review HERE.

Scrabble Slam

See review HERE.

Trouble

Twister

THE MERMAID'S JEWELS: STRING TOGETHER A TREASURE FROM THE SEA™

Pass The Pigs

See review HERE.

Pass The Pigs Big Pigs

See review HERE.

Pass The Pigs Pig Party

See review HERE.

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THE GIVEAWAY

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 11/24/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

If you are a blogger interested in our gift guides sign up here or more information is HERE.

Get blogger opps just like this by signing up to receive blogger emails HERE.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

 

Entry-Form

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook or Google.

Here Comes Christmas-How a Type 2 Diabetic (ME) Is Coping with the Holidays

They are so cute. How can you not buy one or two or three?

Many of you reading this article have been diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes or know someone with Diabetes. Having type 2 Diabetes means your body has developed a resistance to insulin and, thus, your blood sugar is higher than it should be. Most likely, you’ll take daily doses of metformin to increase your insulin sensitivity, exercise to lower your blood sugar and, in some cases, inject the insulin you need.

Having struggled with Diabetes for a while, I’ve grown used to the tiresome blood sugar tests and to the routine of taking medication. I’ve also tried my very best to stay on a rigorous, sugar-free diet, which I’ve achieved with various degrees of success according to my mood, my cravings and, I’ll admit it, to my own sweet tooth.

Christmas cookies, why can’t you be harmless?

But if someone allowed me to choose a final Diabetes-free week - without worries about carb-counting, blood sugar highs and lows - it would be Christmas. There is nothing as hard as resisting the mash potatoes on the table, the yummy-looking sugar cookies your neighbor kindly offered, the nice box of chocolates people are sharing at the office, the pumpkin pie on your best
friend’s Instagram or Google Plus, the sweet potato pie on your favorite Facebook page, the pecan pie your mom
excels at. Food’s everywhere! And I am the original Cookie Monster as O have mentioned many times--one for each hand please!!

And it seems that the more you avoid it, the harder it gets: how can you be so rude as not to taste everything that’s being offered to you? How can you resist your sugar cravings all the time? How can a little, tiny Christmas treat do you so much harm? Some people eat a whole box of them and don’t have to worry! I know I’m not alone. A lot of you must feel the same. So what can we do to make Christmas time easier?

Pie.

Oscar Wilde once said that the only way to get rid of temptation is to yield it - and that’s why I’ve given up resisting everything. I’ve found that if I don’t allow myself even one little treat, the frustration alone will make me crave them even more. In previous years I let my cravings grow so much that when I finally gave in, I ate too much. Worse - I often ate things that looked good, but weren’t as tasty as I thought they would be.

This year, I’ve decided to give in and eat a small chocolate piece each day after dinner. And when I say little, I mean it - European portions. Since I still have to clean up the kitchen afterwards and take care of the house, I use the chocolate calories almost immediately and I do not get sugar highs. On Christmas day, I’ve decided to allow myself only one dessert - my favorite pie, PUMPKIN which will satisfy me more than anything else. And you, how are you coping with the holidays this year?

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Doctors, Hospitals, and other Current Mishaps in the Life of Miki's Hope

As a lot of you are aware I have been among the missing several times since December 2015--I seem to just disappear--even to myself! 3 Hospitalizations and an extended ER visit-and this from someone who up until this time was more or less pretty healthy! It seems that no matter what I pick up--it ends up affecting my lungs adversely. This last bout was as a direct result of a really bad sinus infection which I think I might have caught while food shopping of all things--it seems everyone in that store had or has it also. I literally slept 2 hours-woke up-coughed-then back to sleep for another 2 hours--after 3 days of this I finally somehow made it to my doctor who sent me directly to the ER for a chest x-ray-(my insurance does not pay for the lab he normally used)-Admitted once again. It was a nightmare--I kept feeling worse instead of better and no amount of Prednisone or breathing through that mask seemed to help--that dry dry cough persisted. Of course the Prednisone caused my Blood Sugar to SPIKE. When I realized how high it really was I looked to my food tray-----I started throwing out any really high carb foods and reducing the calories (they have a machine that thinks I was supposed to eat 1800 calories day and no matter what I ordered extra stuff kept appearing-which I would then head straight to the garbage and dump it! Have you ever had to apologize for not over eating? Meanwhile I have lost some more weight--but it is more a factor of the high sugar--for some strange reason if my sugar gets too high--I lose weight (not that I am complaining)--I will write other posts about this last hospital stay at a future date. I would like to say here that if you are diabetic please turn over everything you buy and check those carbs--even those pre made salads--you will be amazed-be very careful.

Now for my current dilemma--I am not sure if my blood monitor kit is working correctly--I know the numbers are getting lower and yes, I am still on Prednisone-but something is not right. I am currently taking 2 different pills to help keep those numbers within reason. Those numbers are fluctuating in a manner that does not make sense. I do have an appointment to see my primary care doctor today--Hopefully they will take the number so I have some kind of a baseline to go by-I think I will take my monitor to do a side by side test. AND the test strips keep giving me an error message-----once I have proof I will head to the pharmacy I use and politely request a replacement unit!!

Understand that I am used to keeping these numbers in check by diet alone normally--which is really the way it should be done. And yes, sorry everyone, but those delicious looking cakes, cupcakes and delicious meals drive me crazy just looking at the pictures on facebook--knowing I can't go near them.

Well--until next time when I can tell you more and possibly even have an answer about the blood monitor kit-------

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

So You’ve Just Found Out You Have Diabetes. What Next?

As most of you know I have Type 2 Diabetes and have an entire section devoted to it on my blog. Just because I have managed to get those numbers down does not mean that they can not go back up again--at any time!! As such I am always looking for more information on Diabetes which more and more people seem to be getting. I received an email asking me to please mention a new website that deals with supplements and articles (which seem to be well researched) so I went in to take a look. It is crammed full of all kinds of articles and one of them that caught my eye immediately was the one on Diabetes and I knew I had to share with all of you! I asked Gillian Anderson BR Editor of the site to write up a short post-here it is

Diabetes is rapidly becoming one of the most common non-transmissible chronic conditions of the 21st century. From my knowledge, it presently affects over 346 million people in the entire world, myself included, so you’re far from being alone. What’s the worst possible scenario? Left untreated, diabetes can be the main cause of vision loss, amputations and renal insufficiency. True, this is enough to give you the creeps, but there are many steps that can be taken to prevent that, so no need to panic.I know from personal experience how overwhelming being diagnosed with diabetes can be, but rest assured that weight loss, regular physical activity and a sensible diet plan can actually help you lead a normal, healthy and peaceful life. If you’ve just found out you have diabetes and you’re searching high and low for anything that can shed some light on your diagnosis and what you should do about it, this article might be a good place to start (http://brainreference.com/diabetes/).


The name of the website is Brainreference.com and they also have a Facebook page

As always I would like to remind everyone that it is your doctor who you should seek information from about anything you try. Everyone is different and sometimes there are reasons why you should not take certain supplements! (drug interactions)

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

NuNaturals Review and Giveaway-WW- (Diabetic Friendly!!)-Ends 10/24

This contest is officially over. The winning number as picked at Random.org is #29

Lynn said... 29

I would really like to try the orange drops!
Lynn B.
October 18, 2013 at 7:10 AM

Congratulations Lynn! I will be sending you an email in a few minutes which you have to reply to within 48 hours. You will need to send me your full name and mailing address so that I can forward it to the sponsor who will be sending you all this sweet goodness directly!

Thank you everyone for visiting and entering this contest and I hope to see you all back real soon--lots of giveaways still in progress and lots more to come!

As you all know ever since I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes I have been on a constant search for foods that won’t cause my sugar levels to spike. What you might not know is I still have a SWEET TOOTH which drives me crazy-I simply crave sweets especially since I really should not be eating them anymore. I walk through the stores at this time of year and all that Halloween candy is drawing me over and bringing tears to my eyes because I can not buy it-----Well if you do not have diabetes, and you have a sweet tooth like mine- then you really should watch your sugar intake so you don’t end up with it. And if you are trying to lose weight---sugar is unfortunately the enemy!

When I heard the NuNaturals was looking for bloggers to try out their products and they were diabetic friendly I jumped on it. I received 9 2oz bottles of their NuStevia liquids in various flavors, a 100 pack box of the NuStevia Individiual serving size, 2 oz of Lo Han Liquid and 1 lb of the presweet Tagatose powder.

“ NuNaturals Stevia products are the sweet delicious way to reduce sugar and carbohydrates in your diet! These superior dietary supplements are the best tasting Stevia products available. The products are 100% Natural, DO NOT contain Aspartame, Saccharin, Sucralose, High Fructose Corn Syrup or any artificial ingredients/colors. The NuStevia products are FOS free which eliminates potential digestive problems AND they are Gluten Free, and contain no Soy, Yeast, Wheat, Milk, synthetics—they are not genetically modified. These all natural products are from sustainable agriculture assisting in making a healthy Earth”

The first thing I did was use one of the individual packs in my coffee—YUM—this is the best Stevia I have ever tasted-and I only needed one pack. Then I tried the Nustevia Vanilla (alcohol free) in my second cup of the day. These liquids come in a bottle with a dropper which makes it easy-I put in three ½ dropperfuls—loved the taste but think I might actually only need 2 dropperfuls. I have also tried The Nustevia Cherry Vanilla liquid. I added it (3 - ½ dropperfuls) to a 16 oz glass of plain seltzer—HEAVEN.

Well, so far what they say about the Stevia products in the promotional papers they sent me was TRUE. they also sent a slew of recipes! I kept looking at the tagatose and wondered how I could try it out—and what it was exactly—I hit the recipes. Now I am not a baker and truthfully have never totally followed a recipe in my life. But I figured I could make a variation of the sugar free apple pie.

I had 6 mini pie tins, some apples that were given to me by a friend who picked them off a tree. I purchased a can of Pam-butter flavor and biscuit dough that can be rolled out whichever way you want (one of those in the refrigerator section). I did not roll out the dough—I simply cut it into slices—pushed the slice into the Pam sprayed tin so the bottom and some of the sides was covered. Diced up an apple—put some into each on top of the dough (some had more some less). Now here is where I actually semi followed the recipe—making the sauce. I figured that since I was not making a 9” pie I would halve the recipe—In a saucepan I melted ¼ stick of butter (no salt) then added-approx 1 ½ tablespoons of flour and 2 ½ tablespoons of the Tagatose powder—whisked it all together and spooned some over each of the apple filled mini tins. I still had some dough left so I cut it into six strops and put a strip over the center of each of the times. I put them into an approx 392 degree oven and let bake for I think ½ hour—I actually smelled when it was finished. What I ended up making was apple filled biscuits and they were delicious-I could not tell that this was sugar free!! Sorry, no pictures--one of these days--You can find all recipes here.

So what is this Tagatose—I asked and this is what they said

“This ALL-NATURAL products is derived from fruit, vegetables, and dairy products but no allergens from the dairy.”

The Lo Han liquid (derived from Monk Fruit) is the only one I have yet to try—but I will be soon!

You really have to visit their website-there is so much information and lots of recipes (you can find a list of all their products here) AND

You can receive DISCOUNTS on all orders placed on their website : www.nunaturals.com . Just use the DISCOUNT CODE ; BLG1213 and you will receive a15% DISCOUNT on your ENTIRE ORDER. This discount remains EFFECTIVE UNTIL December 31, 2013 .

Online ordering customers may also receive FREE SHIPPING to the CONTINENTAL U. S. on all orders exceeding $ 35.00 after discounts.


So you can try some of these really great products NuNaturals is going to send FOUR lucky winners at Miki’s Hope one bottle of each of the Lemon / Vanilla Stevia / Cherry Vanilla Stevia Liquids, PLUS a 50 packet box of their NuStevia White Stevia Powder. (They CAN NOT SHIP TO P O BOXES)

Mandatory: Go to the NuNatural website and tell me which product you most would like
to try or something you learned. Please also type in your name and email
address so I can contact you if you are one of the 4 winners.

Extra: Like NuNaturals on Facebook
Follow NuNaturals on Twitter
Like me on GFC (to the right)
Follow me on Bloglovin’ (to the right)
Like this post
Tweet this post (once daily)

I received NuNaturals products to try out in order to review this product. All opinions expressed are definitely my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Diabetes – What Are Some Good Snacks

As any diabetic will tell you blood sugar is really hard to keep even semi stable—it goes up and down and the balancing act can really drive you crazy! I personally don’t really need too much to fill me up anymore which means I have to eat many times in a day—not much but something. I searched the internet to see what snacks would be safe for a diabetic to try when they need something—here are a few that I found. Some I knew about-some surprised me!

Cheese- I kind of knew about this before but here are 2 brands that also have low
Calories but if you have to watch your sodium intake—the sodium is high!
I love Munster Cheese and a slice or two usually does not affect my blood
sugar.
Mini BabyBell Light (hard cheese)
Laughing Cow Light (soft cheese)

Jell-O Mousse Pudding- I did not know about this one and you know I am going to give
this one a try (low calories/low sodium)

Fruits- Your best bet are berries!
Strawberries
Blueberries
Blackberries

Misc- Here are a bunch of other items you can snack on!
Yogurt Sticks
Veggie Chips or Straws
Dark Chocolate Squares (I prefer White or Milk-oh well)
Dr. Praeger’s little sweet potato pieces (I gotta try these!)
Whole Wheat Mini Pita Bread
Low Carb Tortillas
Yellow Corn Tortillas
Mini Filo Dough Shells
Mini Taco Shells
Oat Fit Oatmeal
Popcorn (air popped)

You can mix and match just watch the calorie content and the total carb content if you do
And always remember to take your blood sugar after trying something new; not everyone’s body will react the same way. Protein sources (Tuna, Roast Beef, Hamburger, Turkey, etc) can always be put (in moderation of course) into one of the bread sources listed above if you are trying to make a meal.

Always read the labels before you buy and when you combine to make sure you are not overdoing it!

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Diabetes – What NOT to Eat

I have been pretty good at sticking to a diabetic diet—of course being human I slip once in a while. I went out with my Mom on Saturday for our weekly shopping excursion and of course she got hungry (nothing new there) and decided that we should eat at a Chinese Buffet place that she had actually liked once. Okay—I had my doubts—but who is going to argue with Mom? And I hadn’t been to a Chinese Buffet in a very long time-----This particular buffet has a lot of American type dishes as well as Chinese which is why my Mom liked it.

So, I pile up my plate with Muscles, Shrimp (both cooked and raw), Crab, stuffed clams, Mushrooms, Green beans, a spring roll, an egg roll and boneless spare ribs—well not piled it up really—but I did go back for seconds! Then I hit the desserts—Jello, Chocolate pudding, 1 macaroon and 1 almond cookie. Oh—I ordered iced tea as a beverage. My Mom was much better then I was—chicken (a couple of types) some lo mein, green beans and some other veggie-for dessert she had a plate full of fruit.

The trouble began with the iced tea. I proceeded to put in 1 sweet n low—and took a long drink—tasted a bit sweet but then I like sweet. My Mom took one sip and started complaining—turns out it was SWEET TEA—she had it switched to diet Coke—I kept drinking the tea. Meanwhile it became apparent to me that almost everything was in some kind of sauce-other then the cold shrimp. Now sauces (which I normally do not like anyway) generally are high in sugar. I also have a bad gallbladder which is why I normally stay away from fried foods (spring roll, egg roll). By the time I got up to leave that restaurant-I was not feeling too well. I was experiencing hot then cold shivers, my stomach was killing me, I could barely stand up and I certainly was not going to tell my Mom! Turns out she was not feeling all that well either. But since Mom still had things we had to accomplish off I drove. My last stop was a CVS to pick up some seltzer for her. I really thought I was going to pass out while waiting to pay—the pain was excruciating and I was dizzy!!

Well, I got her home then got myself home. Needless to say I had nothing to eat last night. I knew my sugar was high as a kite and suspected my gallbladder was also giving me trouble. I probably should have taken a metformin but didn’t. I could barely lie down and it was impossible to sit at my computer—I chewed up 7 Tums (more sugar) and 2 Gas-x (more sugar)—I finally got to sleep. It took until just a little while ago (almost 15 hours) for my sugar to go down and for my gallbladder to relax and for me to feel semi human.

Moral of this tale—if you are going to eat out—be VERY careful what you put on your plate-stay away from sauces unless you make them-and ASK about the iced tea—you want it UNSWEETENED!!

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Do You Prefer Salty or Sweet Snacks?

I like both—depending on how I am feeling. I let my body tell me!

There are times when my blood sugar count is low, low, low---I seem to crave sweets at that time and the real thing-the diabetic sweets just won’t do at that point. I NEED to get the sugar blood count UP!! I do try to grab something that won’t shoot my blood sugar up HIGH, HIGH, HIGH. I am slowly finding items that will stop the craving and don’t wreak total havoc. When I crave ice cream—I manage to limit myself to a couple of teaspoons full.

Then there are those times I want something salty. This is usually when I am becoming dehydrated which happens to me all too frequently. My body is telling me to eat something salty to help retain water. And I listen—after that bout of total dehydration I experienced which I still say was the reason I ended up Type 2 Diabetic—never again thank you very much!! My body also craves salty snacks when my blood pressure is too low----unfortunately salty snacks like potato chips can affect my blood sugar-lots of carbs in most of those.

It is definitely not easy being a diabetic (even if, like me, you got it totally under control by diet alone!). It is a balancing act which you perform daily if not more. Do I sometimes goof up—of course!! But I try to get myself right back on track. I have already found several food & snack items which are diabetic friendly and have blogged about them. On the left hand side of my blog is a category called Diabetic Saga which is where you will find them, and where I will continue to blog about items as I find them!

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Diabetes – DaVinci Gourmet Syrups

I originally heard about DaVinci Gourmet from a friend on the internet. I was saying how hard it is to find syrups that a diabetic can use. She suggested I check out DaVinci Gourmet—she loved their regular syrups and thought she had seen that they had sugar free as well. So off I went and was thrilled at what I saw!! All of their sugar free syrups are made with Splenda as are their Zero Calorie Syrups. I wrote to them and explained that I was diabetic and would love to sample their product. They responded favorably and said that I would receive it via mail soon. Well, imagine my delight and surprise when I opened the door on Thursday and there it was. That was quick!!

Picture from DaVinci Site

DaVinci Gourmet has been in business in Seattle Washington since 1989. They have maintained their commitment to integrity, teamwork and the highest quality ingredients over the years, while creating unparalleled flavored syrups, gourmet sauces and chocolate confections. They also donate a portion of all their sales to Coffee Kids (more about that later-you know how I love when companies donate to a great cause!) On their site there is even a section for recipes!!

Now, this is going to sound strange but I was VERY happy that all 5 bottles were plastic. Yes I will re use or recycle them but then there is my “swipe it on the floor cat” who took an immediate liking to the box it came in. I forgot to take the peanuts out right away and suddenly heard a piteous crying—her highness had put a plastic bag in the box-unfortunately the bag would not fill itself—after I did the not very large box was suddenly filled with cat!! I immediately opened the Zero Calorie Raspberry and added approx 4 tablespoons to a large Dunkin Donuts cup (32 ozs?)-stirred and drank it up—it tasted delicious!! I truly have been getting tired of stirring those powders until they dissolve—and I can drink 3 or 4 of those cups of water a day in the summer!

A couple of hours later I decided to add the Zero Calorie Chocolate to my coffee-I only added one tablespoon worth (the bottle says to use 2 teaspoons) instead of the usual sweetener I use. I also taste tested it off the spoon—YUMMY and I think I am going to have to go out and buy some seltzer, add Almond Milk and then this chocolate syrup—CHOCOLATE EGGCREAM here I come (with little to no carbs or sugar!).

This morning I decided to try the Sugar Free Hazelnut in my coffee. Used 3 tablespoons this time and once I had it made-after picking the cap off the floor—then the bottle (luckily already recapped! And you wondered why I was so happy that these are plastic bottles)—You can smell and taste the hazelnut-love it!!

This is what I was sent:

12.7 fl oz of DaVinci Gourmet Sugar Free Hazelnut Syrup
12.7 fl oz of DaVinci Gourmet Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup
12.7 fl oz of DaVinci Gourmet Zero Calorie Raspberry Syrup
12.7 fl oz of DaVinci Gourmet Zero Calorie Chocolate Syrup
12.7 fl oz of DaVinci Gourmet Zero Calorie Caramel Syrup

Each of the labels has a little chart to give you an example of how many teaspoons they recommend for each beverage listed-of course I did not see this but then I have a very big sweet tooth!!

The Nutrition facts on each of the 5 bottles was exactly the same:

Calories 0
Total Fat 0
Sodium 10 mg
Total Carbs 0
Sugars 0
Protein 0

Their list of flavors is never ending!! I know I am going to be purchasing some of the fruit flavored syrups for my water drinking for sure. The macadamia nut is calling my name for coffee as well!! You really have to check DaVinci Gourmet out whether you are a diabetic or not (remember they do have sugar varieties as well as all natural ones!)

Now a word about the charity they give to in their own words

Working with the Community

Coffee Kids was started to address the plight of the small-scale coffee farmer. Unlike many non-profit organizations, Coffee Kids does not seek to tell those in need how to improve their lives. With the exception of during times of natural disaster recovery, Coffee Kids does not provide direct aid in the form of goods or traditional donations. Instead, Coffee Kids works with the members of coffee growing communities and assists them in seeing their local vision transformed into reality. To learn more about Coffee Kids, visit their website at www.coffeekids.org

Have an Impact and Enjoy Your Coffee!

DaVinci Gourmet® is proud to donate a portion of all sales to this unique and impactful organization. As part of our sponsorship, in addition to financial contributions, DaVinci Gourmet is also dedicated to raising awareness of Coffee Kids to specialty coffee retailers and consumers. The organization is prominently featured on our bottle labels. In addition, a host of resources are available to retailers to promote Coffee Kids in their shops. For information on obtaining Coffee Kids brochures, Every Flavor Shot Counts posters, table tents, Java Jackets and more, please contact your local distributor or call 800-640-6779. Find out more about how you can help.

I was sent 5 12.7 oz bottles of these syrups for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Eating Healthy-and Avoiding Diabetes!

Vegetables were a staple item on the menu when I was growing up. The foods my Mom prepared were generally well balanced and she tried to watch me like a hawk! As a very young child I was allergic to everything it seemed. I was allergic to chocolate and wheat. Back then it was not easy finding –but my Mom found spinach spaghetti. Of course once I was old enough and had outgrown most of my food allergies I spent many happy hours buying and eating candy, iced cream, cookies and other delicious foods which did not appear very often in our home! I continued on this way for much of my life-of course I went on about 1 million different diets all of which worked for 20 pounds—then the weight would come back plus some. Then came that fateful day when my car’s air conditioner decided to break down while I was sitting in traffic for 3 hours in a 101 degree day, I experienced extreme heat stroke—I lost 30 pounds within a month—and finally went to the doctor. Diabetes 2 was suddenly a reality in my life—with very high blood sugar numbers. Now understand—I am VERY stubborn—in this case it worked in my favor! I was able to get my blood sugar way down in one month and as of today—well-the doctor is almost saying I do not have diabetes anymore—and I have lost an additional 30 lbs!! So how did I do it—By changing my diet and EATING HEALTHY.

So what is eating healthy? I literally cut out anything with sugar or anything white for 2 entire months-I subsisted on Cherrios, salads and Wasa Bread, hamburger (90% fat free) and water. I also began to find foods that were safe for diabetics to eat. I watched those carbs like a hawk. Now that I am under control I still watch carbs and try to eat small portions WHEN I am hungry, drink lots of liquids (coffee, water w/sugar free flavorings), and since I am truly a carnivore-lots of protein in the form of beef . I will occasionally eat fish but I am not a big fan-except shellfish. Artificial crabmeat is a good substitute and actually tastes pretty good. I am still being careful how much fruit and what kind I eat since fruit is filled with sugar.

Lesson learned the hard way—do eat 4 small meals a day—do watch those carbs—do watch the amount of sugar and salt in foods—attempt to eat something in each of the major food groups each day (not necessarily all in the same meal). Drink Water and lots of it! If you cheat a little—do not beat yourself up—just get back on the bandwagon the next day!!

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Diabetes – An Update

It is now about 7 months since I was diagnosed with diabetes. Contrary to what my doctor thought I am as of Monday considered pre-diabetic! By changing my diet I was able to get my sugar under control –I do still take one metformin (diabetic med) a day. I will always have to watch it and will never again be able to eat the way I used to. I have lost over 50 lbs and am still losing-albeit slowly. My cholesterol went down from about 200 to 160 (am I ever glad that I signed a form stating I would not sue the doctor because it was my decision not to take cholesterol meds!). My blood pressure is really low-according to doctor it is the blood pressure of a very young gymnast. (I am 62-and I do no exercise what so ever-I think it is because I quit that 3 day a week bookkeeping job). Of course, being a doctor, he has to find something wrong---so now he is telling me I have too many red blood cells—he is blaming my smoking-and wants me to go to a pulmonary specialist-I vetoed that idea-my insurance won’t cover it and I am still not working! I am more worried about my arm—he thinks it is my rotocuff-but again until my deductible is met I can’t afford xrays or MRI’s!! Ibuprofen will have to work for now!! Of course I have lost all muscle tone and eventually will have to work on that—but not until this arm is better!!

Now I have to work on getting a couple of new bookkeeping clients. To that end I ventured out yesterday to get a new printer. I am planning on writing a letter and sending it to the accountants in my immediate area and see if they need help or if they know of anyone who needs help. Of course I will have to get some clothes that fit me as well. My blood pressure sky rocketed------------If I ever walk into Best Buy again I will make an appointment to see a psychiatrist!! I did end up ordering a printer to be delivered (remember that I have a bad shoulder and can’t carry anything at the moment)—but what I went through. First I went early and they really weren’t too busy—20 minutes to finally find someone to help me with a couple of questions—then I had to go to customer service because I needed it delivered. Another long wait even though the line was very short. I hand over my Best Buy credit card only to find out that it expired BECAUSE I hadn’t used it in a year? Am I going to reapply? Not on my life!! I gave them my debit card—they said the printer should be delivered between the 12th and the 17th---The manager was standing there so I said in a very soft, non confrontational voice—“I knew I should have gone to Staples-and from now on that is where I am going”—you should have seen his face------------------------------and I am serious----------NO MORE BEST BUY------it is not worth the aggravation!!

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Diabetes – The Gourmet Cupboard

There are a lot of independent representatives selling food products on the internet. I even sell one of them-but as a diabetic
I can not go near their products anymore. Before I was diagnosed I ordered from all of them at one time or another and the stuff is REALLY good—however— There are only a few places that I can buy from these days from the independent reps and most of those companies have maybe one or two products suited to diabetics-that company is called The Gourmet Cupboard. They have lots of sugarless and low sugar items for sale. There is even a separate category you can click so you do not get tempted by all the other luscious food mixes they have. Of course if you click on any of the items you will be able to check out the nutritional values! The mixes are really easy to prepare and you do not have to add a whole bunch of extra ingredients to most of them (a big plus in my book).

My favorites, SO FAR, are:

The Diabetic Friendly Carrot Souffle (I have bought and made this 3 times so far)
Paw Paw’s Sugar Free Chocolate Pie/Cheesecake (I made the cheesecake)
Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
Sugar Free Key Lime Pie

I have not exactly been following the directions (so what else is new) but the above are beyond delicious and I did not even use a pie crust for the pies! The Diabetic Friendly Sweet Green Beans was a bit too sweet for my taste but then again-if I bothered to really follow directions!! Eventually I will be ordering the Mexican Meatloaf and re ordering all the above especially the Carrot Souffle. I will also be buying the Avocado Soup and the Squash Casserole. Two of their coffees that I looked at and which I am dying to try have very low carbs, sugar-the Caramel Cream Coffee and the Macadamia Nut Coffee.

My favorite independent rep for The Gourmet Cupboard is Donna Roucoulet. She will be more then happy to help you with suggestions or anything other questions you may have.

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Diabetes–Walden Farms 0 Cal, 0 Carbs, Fat Free, Gluten Free, Sugar Free Products

Walden Farm products are good for everyone-not only diabetics! I originally bumped into their salad dressing when shopping. The tag that states 0 Calories, 0 Carbs, 0 Sugar, Gluten Free, Fat Free caught my attention. I bought a bottle of the Raspberry Vinaigrette. It was a bit too sweet for my taste but I did like it. Next time I bought the Creamy Blue Cheese---now this one I loved!! I also bought one of the Ranch dressings, also liked it. They have 22 varieties of salad dressings—there has got to be one that you will love. When I decided to do a series of posts on foods for diabetics I went to their website. Imagine my surprise when I saw they sell a whole lot more then just salad dressing which is all they sell in the supermarket where I shop! So, I did some shopping on-line. I received all the items and they were certainly packed well—all these products come in glass jars (which can be recycled or re used!!).

Here is what I ordered:

Chocolate Dip (is a bit bitter for my taste but then I like WHITE chocolate)
Marshmallow Dip (LOVED it)
Ketchup (have not tried yet)
Amazin’ Mayo Salad & Sandwich Spread (have not tried yet)
Whipped Peanut Spread (a bit oily for my taste-but no oil in there)
Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce (have not tried yet)
Chocolate Syrup Single Serve Packets (again a bit bitter for me)
Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing (I LOVE IT)
Apricot Fruit Spread (have not tried yet)
French Onion Dip (not enough onion flavor for my taste)

Sorry-no pictures-I still have not figured out how to get pictures from my cell phone to my desk top!!

I am planning on attempting to use the Mayo on chicken breasts to see if it works the same as regular mayo (put mayo on chicken breast then bread then bake). The pasta sauce I will try with a side dish of pasta. I will be mixing the ketchup and mayo together then adding horse radish for a fish dip. A PB&J using the peanut butter spread and Apricot Spread. I didn’t find any of the no sugar ice cream at my supermarket but I did find one made with Almond Milk. Not too crazy about it (the ice cream made from Almond Milk) but the Chocolate Syrup and Marshmallow Fluff made it taste much better!!

You can find the ingredients of any of their products (most start with purified water, have something called vegetable fiber and all use Splenda) and the nutritional chart for each on their website. Copy/Paste this link http://www.waldenfarms.com/nutrition_facts and then click on the product(s) you would like to know about. Almost every one of these products has sodium-so if you are watching that-please check!!

There is lots of information on their website including recipes. http://www.waldenfarms.com/index.html

I purchased these products-I did receive a discount on the purchase. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement.

Diabetes – Ice Cream

Thankfully I am not much of an ice cream eater. I never even looked in the supermarket for a diabetic semi friendly brand! But there are times where I would like just a little. Was I ever surprised to find out that YES-there are plenty of Brands who now put out not only reduced sugar ice cream but also sugar free ice cream. Of course when I told one of my friends whose husband is diabetic-she rattled them right off!! But just in case you are like me and did not really even think that you would ever taste that tasty concoction again---------Just remember—a small scoop (approx ½ cup) and if you happen to be like me where milk (full, skim or anything inbetween) raises your blood sugar—do not indulge too often and certainly not until your blood sugar is under control! I even found a chocolate syrup and a caramel syrup that is sugar free (and a marshmallow fluff)-but that is for another post! I found a site who listed all the different brands and whether they were low carb, sugar free etc. I suggest you go check this list out. Unfortunately the ones that are listed for diabetics are mostly foreign brands which can not be found in the United States that I am aware of (yes I googled every one of those!) Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/sugar-free-ice-cream-brands.html There is even a recipe for making your own sugar free ice cream in Buzzle’s post which I might try-it sounds pretty easy to me and you do not need an ice cream maker!

The brands I know you can probably find in your local supermarket but are generally not totally sugar free are:

Skinny Cow
Edy’s
Turkey Hill
Blue Bunny
Hersey’s
Baskin Robbins
Breyers

Just remember to read the labels carefully!! ALWAYS watch those carb counts and in this case-sugar count as well! It would not hurt to keep an eye on the calorie count and the PORTION size as well!!!

I was NOT paid for this post. It is for informational purposes only and compiled by me. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Diabetes-Meal Replacements

Although I try not to use them, at times it just makes sense to drink down a meal replacement, especially when you are on the go. As a diabetic you are supposed to eat 4 small meals a day. Even before I was diagnosed I would use meal replacement drinks on occasion! They really can stop you from eating at those fast food restaurants when you are running around like a mad person trying to get a million or so things done.

A little background here about me and meal replacements----I was always over weight, then in my senior year of high school I broke my ankle—I decided to lose weight-hey it was pretty hard to drag myself around on crutches with all that extra poundage!! Back then, as far as I remember there was only Metracal. My Mom was all for me losing weight so she went out and bought a bunch of it—of course she also made sure there were plenty of fresh veggie sticks and that I had at least one real meal a day! Long story short-I was able to wear a bikini by my senior graduation! Of course I gained it all back again and then some by the end of the next year, by then I had stopped this particular diet! Over the ensuing years, more brands came out and I occasionally would attempt to substitute a meal with one or the other of them, usually Slim Fast.

Fast forward about 20 years—Glucerna, a meal replacement drink for diabetics came out. (click here for nutrition breakdown) At this particular point my doctor had told me I was pre diabetic so I figured I’d try it. Actually it tastes pretty darn good, of course I always bought either the chocolate or coffee tasting ones!

Fast forward to today—Now, I am a Type 2 diabetic (under control). I also have tried most of the meal replacements that are sold by independent reps on the internet. Most of them, well honestly, I do not like the taste. There is one which does taste good and is okay, for me at least, as long as I do not try to mix it with milk! Almond Milk works very well with this particular brand thank heavens. I even like the taste of this brand if it is mixed with water (and it is not chocolate or coffee flavored). They do have little packages of flavors you can add if you really want a different taste. So which one is this?

Vi Salis (Body by Vi) and is sold by many on the internet-If you do not know anyone who sells this click here-I know this person will take care of you. http://jsam.bodybyvi.com/
Livestrong.com has the nutritional breakdown-click here to view.

While I do not recommend using meal replacements as a diabetic or otherwise-they can help out in a pinch-and yes I will still occasionally be using either Glucerna or Vi Salus as that extra little meal when time is not on my side!

I was not paid for this post-nor did I receive any products! All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

Where Do You Buy Pre-Made Diabetic Friendly Foods?

Ok-I have gotten my Type 2 Diabetes under control, mostly. I have lost lots of weight and am still losing. You know what my biggest problem is—I’m single—it is very hard to cook for a single person—much less keep to a specific diet. I personally dislike leftovers and get tired of eating the same thing day in and day out. Most recipes are for 4 or more people-everyone talks about “family” recipes. It is not always possible to make these recipes for 1 person and likely not cost effective, at least not for a 1 person household!

When I go to a regular supermarket, I automatically put on my reading glasses. Hey, that nutritional information on any of the side panels is in print that is VERY small. As a diabetic I have to know the carbohydrate count (you can minus out the fiber count from the carbohydrate count) and the sugar count. I personally also watch the sodium—everyone should but for me it is the taste-I do not like an excessive taste of salt! Due to the fact that I also control my gallbladder with diet I have to be especially careful of the fat content-Olive Oil will have me in dire pain for hours!! And my cholesterol is mildly high. I can not take the medicine for that as it affected me adversely-so I have to watch out for that as well. There is no way I will ever be a vegetarian –humans were meant to be omnivores (both meat and veggie eaters)-and I like both!

I remember my Doctor pushing salad and yogurt—well at this point I am tired of salad and anything with milk spikes my blood sugar! I have switched to Almond Milk. Cherrios (plain) was his breakfast cereal of choice and I do still eat it-but am beginning to NOT eat breakfast again because I am tired of it and really do not want to cook in the morning. Eggs, I have to be careful-cholesterol. I am finding myself buying foods that are not so good for me!!

Supermarkets have SOME foods that are diabetic friendly-not very many. Health food stores-lets just say that “healthy” food is NOT for diabetics (read the labels)! Can you find individual sized portions of diabetic friendly foods on the internet? There are diet plans where pre-prepared meals are sent directly to your home. Some of these plans are diabetic friendly, but expensive and again I am afraid that I would get bored really quickly.

I am about to go on an internet quest to find out if there are any on-line stores which sell food (not snacks, cookies, etc) that is really diabetic friendly. Once I find a couple and try them out I will write another post and let everyone know!

All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.