Fast and Easy

Relax in that warm "sudsy" filled bath and feel your stress melt away. Feel comfortable taking a soothing bath at least once a week and especially when you are wired up so tight you feel like you could break or explode. Your kids also deserve this simple stress remover.  Offer them baths before bed, before a big test, after a big game or when they need relief from social pressures.  Add some bergamot or lavender oils for added relaxation benefits. I love baths. Since I was a kid, I have read many books while soaking. (Gone with the Wind took several baths to finish.)  We suggest you turn off the TV and computer, fill up your tub and enjoy a bath break.  Rest.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Have you ever toasted Cinnamon Raisin Bread?  Enter to win a case of organic by Rudi's Organic Bakery so you can serve some to your family.  Use it to make grilled PB&J sandwiches. Please, go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes. Enter more than once to up your odds.

This is soup and crackers season!  There are so many crackers out there containing unhealthy ingredients… the ones altered in food laboratories. And then there are those made with real food.  When you are going to have crackers which are really crunchy fillers usually lower in nutrients, pick the better ones.  The Kid Kritics went bonkers over Bunny Classic Buttery Rich Crackers (organic) by Annie's Homegrown. These are so good.  The operative word is 'buttery."  Since all the ingredients are organic, the source of buttery is a better for you.  And, boy, does this make the tasty difference.  These crackers are sensational plain, with soups, as book ends for nut & seeds butters, hummus, meat and cheese fillers, as the base for toppings such as egg salad, tuna salad and cheese, and as dippers for spreads.  My mouth is watering just thinking about how good these taste.  Put any of these combinations in lunch boxes.  Serve them as snacks.  Why not for breakfast, too?  FYI: the sizes and shapes are perfect for kids. Put these on your grocery list!

… for the health of your family,
ellen
 

Who wants to Win a Case of Organic Cinnamon Raisin Bread by Rudi's Organic Bakery?  If you do, please enter our Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes today: www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.

Here's what food oils to buy and how to use them to get the most for your money.  Buy Extra Virgin Olive Oil and non GMO Canola Oils in dark green or brown glass jars.  The rest , including "Pure Olive Oil" have been processed enough to remove their health benefits and add unwanted ingredients – chemicals. Store in a cool dark place, away from your stove and burners.  These oils should be good for 18 months to 2 years.  Hopefully you use them up before then – your brain needs it!  The best have a bite in the back of your throat.  The bigger the bite, the better it is. If you open a jar and it smells like Play-Doh, it 's bad – take it back or throw it away.  Please, stay away from those sold in plastic containers or cans that are now being lined with BPA. 

Use your non-GMO, organic Canola Oil for everyday cooking.  Save your EVOO for drizzles over vegetables and salad dressings, though it is also good for sauteing as well. 

One more thing:  Those bright store lights degrade oils.  Pull out a bottle/jar from the back of the shelf where it has not been exposed to the light.  (I do this when buying produce as well.)

For more good facts on food oils, please listen to Food Expert and Author (Reading Between the Lines), Kimberly Lord Stewart,  on www.iTunes.com, Podcast, Better Food Choices dates 2/17/12.  She is worth every minute!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

You have until Sunday evening to enter to win a Case of Enchilada Sauce Mix by Simply Organic.  If you want a stash of this quick fix for a delicious healthier family dinner, please go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.  Enter more than once to up your odds.

Two adorable Kid Kritics are making Creamy Turkey Spinach Pinwheels (Kid Kritics Approved). Here they are measuring some Italian Seasoning to be added to their yogurt and cream cheese mixture.  Then they'll add parsley flakes and paprika.  Most important is they learned this recipe will Fuel Their Dreams since it is full of nutrients that feed their brain, muscles, eyes and more.  What are their dreams?  The one on the right wants to be a doctor.  The other an actress.

Help your kids Fuel Their Dreams.  Help them help you!  This recipe is found on www.KidKritics.com in the Lunch group.

... for the health of your family,
ellen

Is this your week to win the Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes?  A whole case of super delicious Enchilada Sauce Mix by Simply Organic may be shipped to your door. To enter, please go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes today!

Everywhere I turn, someone is sick.  Loving your immune system is key to fighting bugs.  Today is Valentine’s Day – Chocolate Day for many.  May I please encourage you to celebrate with immune system defenders, dark chocolate. The higher percentage of cocoa in a chocolate, the higher it lands on the ORAC scale, your antioxidant guide.  Antioxidants fight bad “bugs”, free-radicals, living in your body.  You want an army of them defending your family and you at all times.  60% dark chocolate has about 7 times more than blueberries.  75% dark chocolate has about 11 times that of blueberries.  That’s high.  And, they are lower in sugar on which viruses and bacteria thrive.

Groom your family away from milk chocolate and start offering them 60% dark chocolate.  The Kid Kritics Approved Bissinger’s 60% Dark Chocolate 100 Calorie Bar.  I have given other kids chocolates in the 70 to 80% range and was surprised at their positive reactions.  Consequently, we will be taste testing more healthy chocolates.  Will let you know what works.  In the meantime, please set the example and turn your kids on to chocolate that loves their immune systems!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Would you like me to call you next Monday and say, “You Won a Case of Enchilada Sauce Mix by Simply Organic”? If so, please enter this Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes by going to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.  Enter more than once to up your odds!