Ez Squeezees Refillable Pouch Review

About EZ Squeezees

Developed in the open air farmers markets of Baltimore, EZ Squeezees is dedicated to helping you conveniently serve nourishing food time and again. The creators search to feed their own toddler well-balanced meals led them to one conclusion: their desire for convenient and nutritious meals was being capitalized on by the manufacturers of processed foods. They found themselves compromising on nutrition and paying an extortionate amount for the convenience of pre-packaged purees.
 


On a daily basis they have experienced the frustrations of feeding a toddler at meal time. They know what it’s like to waste money on jars and pouches of pre-made foods that may or may not be the flavor of the day. They knew we had a good idea in EZ Squeezees after easily feeding their daughter healthy, nutritious purees made from affordable foods.
 


 Conversations at local coffee shops, farmers markets and restaurants, combined with their formal market research, fueled their passion to bring this product to life. Although the intent was to simply feed their own child homemade meals, they quickly realized the potential for this reusable pouch. They began filling it with mashed potatoes while out to dinner and simply buying large jars of applesauce or yogurt with which to fill the pouch. Its ease of use was matched only by the money saved on their monthly grocery bills.
 


My Thoughts 

I love EZ Squeezees. They have saved my family and me so much money since getting them. I really like how the side unzips to let you fill the pouch. It makes it easier to use than the pouches that you fill from the top or bottom. The opposite side also has a large gusset that expands, allowing you to fill the pouch extremely full (6.5 oz full!). I found that this pouch was super easy to clean, which makes me love EZ Squeezee even more. They are dishwasher safe, though I don't own one. No worries though, as EZ Squeezee pouches are easy to clean by hand as well. I really like how they give you a space on the back to write what is in the pouch. This makes it easy to make a bunch of snack squeezes in advance and freeze them, take them on picnics, etc. You can even write a different name on each pouch to not get them mixed up. I am not sure why, but EZ Squeezees carries both the small and large caps. I have never seen that in a product, as it is always one or the other. I actually really dislike the larger caps. They are hard for me to unscrew. The smaller ones seem to twist off super easily. I was sent the large caps, but found that the small caps from other products fit the EZ Squeezee (although, I may just have to purchase some small EZ caps.. I have a problem with the caps being yellow and the pouches being white.) I found several must-try recipes on their webpage, and cannot wait to try them. I really want to try their recipe for Strawberry-Beet Squeezees.

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Giveaway coming soon!

Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.  

 

PAM is not my friend, and she shouldn't be yours either!

I know that cooking can be a grueling task, and as cooks we try to take shortcuts whenever possible. One of the main ones being the use of commercial cooking sprays. I understand that taking the time to drizzle oil onto a surface and spread it evenly takes precious time, but I assure you that out of all the shortcuts one can take when cooking this should NOT be one of them.

Do you know exactly what is in that expensive little can of air besides cooking oil? Let's step back and take a good look at it: what does the can remind you of?

...Hairspray!

Okay okay. So the ingredients aren't the same, but they do involve some sort of chemical propellant to release the spray from the can. It is even listed on the can of cooking spray:

Even the "all natural" PAM contains propellant. (and corn..GMO much?)

What is propellant exactly?

*Propellants are vaporized into pressurized gas. They are used to make carbonated drinks, whipped cream and cooking-oil spray. The function of a propellant is to incorporate pressurized gas into the product. A propellant is a substance that produces gas under pressure. Liquid propellants, such as nitrous oxide, are used in food. Propellants in asthma sprays are known to be one of the causes of coughing and bronchospasms. Propellants are known to have carcinogenic properties. Excess consumption and usage is unhealthy.

EWW! I don't know about you, but I don't want pressurized gasses in my food. Upon further research, I discovered that the main use of propellants is for rocket and other similar fuels. Not something I want on my pancakes.

Yeah, yeah. The MSDA says it is safe! But Monsanto and the FDA say that GMO's are okay as well as rBST growth hormones, etc. I say, trust your instinct. Honestly, if it isn't USDA organic certified, I don't trust it. 

If you need some more reasons to chuck that can into the trash and never look back, I will give you my top 3:

1. Cooking sprays contain unhealthy additives.
Who intentionally adds nasty ingredients like soy lecithin, mono/diglycerides, dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethyl silicone, or artificial flavors to their food? Well.. If you are using PAM or something similar, that is EXACTLY what you are doing, especially when opting for artificially flavored varieties, like butter. 

2. Cooking sprays typically contain genetically modified organisms AKA- GMO's and non sustainable ingredients.
The vast majority of the ingredients contained in cooking spray are derived from genetically modified seeds, which have been altered so that growers can use more pesticides :( Genetically Modified foods tend to contain much higher levels of pesticides than conventional crops, therefore increasing the risks of these already dangerous chemicals.

3. Cooking sprays are bad for the environment.
Cooking sprays are unfriendly to the environment for several reasons. First, all of them contain unspecified propellants (I hate that certain ingredients don't have to be fully disclosed), usually nitrous oxide. Nitrous Oxide is a greenhouse gas, doesn't break down easily, and may impact our environment for decades. Secondly is the sheer amount of waste from using such products. I find it to be unnecessary. These cans are not as easy to recycle, and often deter users from doing so after finishing the product. Also, recycling is not a solid solution as it in itself creates a ton of pollution and uses a lot of energy.

"But what can I do about it.." you ask? Simple! Do what our ancestors did and take the time to wipe the vessel down by hand. This way, you can use whichever oil you prefer. If you are steadfast of using a spray, search online for a refillable one!

As a general rule for myself, I don't buy anything ConAgra. Even if it is organic, I don't feel as if they deserve my money. Not until they clean up their act!



*Source- InrFood.com

Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 8oz package cream cheese, softened 
• 4 oz Sharp White Cheddar, shredded
• Apx. 10 Baby Portobello Mushrooms (cleaned and stems removed)
• 1/2 Red Onion, chopped
• 5 cloves Garlic, chopped
• Handful of Baby Spinach chopped (optional)
• Seasoning to taste (I used my own mixture of Italian seasoning)

How to:

1. Preheat oven to 375
2. In a small saucepan, heat up 2 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add onions, garlic, and seasoning. Cook until soft. (I prefer the onions to be a bit golden brown, and crisp.) Place on a rag or paper towel, lightly press to soak up excess oils. 
3. While onion/garlic mixture is caramelizing, mix the shredded cheese and cream cheese together in a small bowl. Set aside.
4. Add onion mixture to the cheese mixture. Season to taste.
5. Add chopped spinach if you desire.
6. Scoop mixture into mushrooms and cover with shredded cheese. Place mushrooms on a cookie sheet. (I like to line mine with foil because cheese is known to stick.)
7. Place cookie sheet in oven, middle rack, for about 20 minutes.
   
   

Mini Carrot Spice Muffins and Cookies Recipe for DOGS!

These recipes are my own! I love baking, but hate worrying about eating too much. I started baking treats for my dogs so that I can keep doing what I love without snacking (too much anyway!) I do taste each treat to see what they taste like. Since I use all organic, human-grade ingredients I am not worried one bit! They are actually quite tasty, just a little too bland for my taste. 

I am known for my sweet tooth!..

In the spirit of fall (even though I live in southern Texas and it is literally still in the 90's) I thought I would strap on my apron and get to testing some fall inspired recipes guaranteed to keep the dogs begging for more! 

If you end up making these treats yourself, let me know how your dogs like them! 

And feel free to send me your pics at samnac88@gmail.com to be featured on my blog! 

Namaste Gluten Free Foods Review and Giveaway

Namaste Foods is a small (but growing!) manufacturer of fine foods that contain no wheat, gluten, corn, soy, potato, dairy, casein, peanuts or tree nuts. In business since 2000, they continue to strive to be the best at what they do so that you can enjoy all the foods you’ve known and loved all your life. 

Namaste Foods' approach has always been very "grassroots" in nature. When they first started, they didn’t have the money to hire advertising firms, public relations people and expensive brokers like everyone else does so they just started reaching out to people through various support groups such as Celiac Support groups, Autism support groups, food allergy support groups and the like. Namaste Foods sent samples for their members to try and Voila! – people loved their products and started requesting them at their local store. And a company was born . . .

I was sent a nice variety of Namaste Foods products. I myself am not gluten free (as far as I know!), but I enjoy eating gluten free foods anyway. They sent me their Brownie Mix, Pizza Crust Mix, and Taco Pasta Dinner.

If you love chocolate, these brownies are for you! They are ooey, gooey fudgey and oh so delicious. Absolutely guaranteed to please even the pickiest of "wheat-eaters."AKA me! Super simple! Just add eggs, water and oil.

The Pizza Crust Mix has a wonderful gourmet flavor because of their blend of nine herbs and spices. It is delicious with tomato or pesto sauce and all of your favorite toppings. (It tastes so good that it doesn't even need sauce!) Or just bake and top with parmesan cheese for delicious bread sticks. This Pizza Crust is free of yeast and sugar, too!

This Pizza Crust makes the most delicious coating for pan-fried chicken or fish! Just dredge in some Pizza Crust mix and pan fry until done. A sprinkle of salt right out of the pan and voila! Superb!

So easy! Just add oil and water.

 The Taco Pasta Dinner will make your taste buds jump for joy! The addition of a few simple ingredients from your pantry is sure to make this a family favorite. Or just add olive oil and seasoning packet for a fast and easy side dish! 

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Open to US residents 18 years of age and older. The giveaway will end on 1/20/14.The winner will be chosen randomly, and will be contacted by email. They will have 48 hours to contact me back to claim their prize. Living the Paisley Life is not responsible for lost prizes or prizes that are not received.

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.   

Mooney Farms Bella Sun Luci Review and Giveaway!

About Mooney Farms

Mooney Farms began in 1987 as a family owned kiwi farming operation. Products were sold at the farmer’s markets in Northern California by the family members. With the addition of sun dried tomatoes, their first sale to Price Club South San Francisco changed everything. The family’s Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs sold out in a record 4 hours! Sun dried tomatoes had become mainstream and the Mooney Family had the winning recipe!

In 1994, Mooney Farms moved to a larger facility located in Chico, California to meet the growing demand for their products. Recently remodeled and expanded, the 100,000 square foot facility reflects their family’s rich history of the Mediterranean with 200 year old olive trees planted among the rows of lavender and rosemary.

My Thoughts 

I really enjoy using Mooney Farms products. Bella Sun Luci, one of their brands, makes several delicious tomato products. My favorites being the different jars of sun-dried tomatoes. Bella Sun Luci makes the perfect products to use in recipes, creating an easy yet flavorful and inspired meal. I love using their Bruschetta to make appetizers as well as use as a dip.The Bella Sun Luci Tomato Pesto is a real treat. It is so deeply flavorful, leaving me wanting to use it on everything from pasta to pizza, to mashed potatoes and biscuits. The pine nuts are a perfect addition, creating a soft nutty flavor in addition to the bright burst of tomato flavor. Bella Sun Luci also offers several styles of packaged Sun Dried Tomatoes. My favorite are the Julienne cut Sun Dried Tomatoes with Peppers. They are the perfect addition to salads and homemade pizza. I have even used them to spruce up a normal, old frozen pizza to give it some extra flavor. 

 On the Bella Sun Luci site, you can find several tasty looking recipes. There are way too many that I want to try!

Bella's Bruschetta Recipe

Sun Dried Tomato Hummus

by Bella Sun Luci

 

Ingredients

• 2-15 oz. cans chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1-8.5 ounce jar Bella Sun Luci Halves or Julienne Cut Sun Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil & Herbs
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ lemon juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 12 to 15 grinds black pepper
• ¼ cup water
• 6 fresh basil leaves
• Chopped olives, for garnish

Instructions

• In a blender combine first eight ingredients.
• Blend on low speed until smooth.
• If the mixture is too dry, add a few more tablespoons of olive oil to help blend.
• Spoon the hummus into a serving dish.
• Garnish with sliced olives and fresh basil leaves.
• Serve with pieces of pita bread or toasted baguette slices. 

One lucky winner will receive a Mooney Farms Gift Set!

Open to US residents 18 years of age and older. The giveaway will end on 2/18/14.The winner will be chosen randomly, and will be contacted by email. They will have 48 hours to contact me back to claim their prize. Living the Paisley Life is not responsible for lost prizes or prizes that are not received.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.  

Toockies 100% Organic Cotton Review and Giveaway

 

About Toockies 

"Today we are making a difference for women and their families in Nababpur, India using a system very similar to the embroidery system my mother belonged to. The Toockie® project opens an unimaginable door of opportunity for our knitters. In Nababpur, 210 women desperate for a dignified way to earn a living, are mobilized and trained to knit Toockies®. A community center is setup for these women as a central location for them to come train, knit, pick-up yarn, and drop off finished toockies®. Most knitters work from home, allowing them to work flexible hours."

The Toockie® project makes a difference by empowering these women to take charge of their own destiny.

Read the whole Toockies story.

My Thoughts

I have really enjoyed using Toockies Wash Cloths for Her, from their bath products line.
They are made from 100% Organic Cotton, making them super soft. These wash cloths are also hand knit, which makes me like them even more. I have used them many times in the shower, and I love everything about them so far. They are soft, yet they exfoliate the skin. I can use them dry or wet, making them rather convenient. I have also used these wash cloths to remove makeup. The cloths are easy to clean, so I can easily reuse them. No more wasted cotton balls or tissues.

Connect with Tookies

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Toockies is offering one lucky reader a set of their 100% Organic Cotton Loving Heart Pot Holders. The Loving Heart Pot Holder is hand knit out of certified 100% organic cotton. It was designed with a thick double layer of knit to provide extra protection for hot and cold contact, and extra grip protection due to the ribbing. 

Open Worldwide to entrants 18 years of age and older. The giveaway will end on 2/15/14.The winner will be chosen randomly, and will be contacted by email. They will have 48 hours to contact me back to claim their prize. Living the Paisley Life is not responsible for lost prizes or prizes that are not received.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255. 

Karma Kiss Owlet Salt & Pepper Shaker Set Review

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Budded and bloomed by the creators of Streamline Inc. in 1991, amongst the awe-inspiring, creative habitat of New York City. Karma Kiss went on to feature a boutique of ‘time pieces’ designed by a troupe of Streamline artists that worked aside designer & proprietor Sophia Senderovich.

 

From their earliest days of Bubble Watches™ & Blowfish Alarm Clocks, Karma Kiss has been providing gifts of best quality, unique style & genuine thoughtfulness with their savvy customers in mind. Today Karma Kiss is proud to share that their products have been featured in memorable Hollywood films (Down To You, Little Miss Sunshine, Twilight) and popular publications such as Real Simple, Rachael Ray, Family Fun, O Magazine, New York Times & many more!

Karma Kiss offers a creative array of lifestyle accessories which are both fun and functional and that attract the young and the young at heart. Some of their most popular pieces include Playful WonderBalls™, Fun Sound Alarm Clocks, Delicious Lip Gloss designs, Clever Desk Diversions, Whimsical Money Banks & the beyond awesome ReMake Its!™ Kits which have a keen sense of green in mind.

Karma Kiss committed to offering a continuum of well-designed gifts and accessories that are updated regularly. There’s a little something for everybody! Give a gift with Karma Kiss today and receive a guaranteed big smile of gratitude in return!

I am not going to lie. I was immediately drawn into browsing the Karma Kiss website upon seeing their adorable owl logo. I am a huge owl fan, and I was curious to see if they had anything "owl". Sure enough, they did! I spent about an hour browsing their site, seeing all kinds of cute items. Definitely a gift there for everyone! When I saw the fat, little Owlet Salt and Pepper shaker set from the Karma Kiss Home & Garden selection, I had to have it!

And so it was. I was sent this lovely set to cherish and enjoy for many years to come. I love how the owls are round, making them easy to hold in my hand. They sit really well, having great balance. What I really found adorable was that one owl shaker has its little eyes closed while the other one does not. See if you can spot it in the photos! I am still debating on if I want to use them for salt and pepper, or if I want them to hang out with the rest of my owl collection (where they are keeping roost until my decision is made!) 

These little Karma Kiss Owlet Salt & Pepper Shakers come in a cute box. I am a bit odd, and tend to keep boxes that I like, especially if the close (which this one does!) The box alone makes this a great gift to give on almost any occasion, not to mention how great of a gift the Owlet shakers themselves would be. These fancy shakers are made out of porcelain, making them attractive to the eyes and more durable.

 Can you tell how much I love these Karma Kiss Salt and Pepper Shakers by the sheer amount of photos I "just had to" take? They are WAY too adorable!

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Disclosure: I received the above item in return for an honest, sincere review. I was not expected to leave a positive review, and would never post something I didn't feel fully confident in. No monetary compensation was provided. The above opinion is the sole opinion of me and my family, and may differ from your own. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.