Food Harmonics in Ojai California

May 24, 2017 by 2 Comments

A Dream stop for Foodies!

Food Harmonics is so good they merit a trip to Ojai, not just a stop in if you are already in town. Located in Ojai California, a fun little city overlooking the beautiful mountains of Los Padres National Forest between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, Food Harmonics is an absolute must.
Don’t be fooled by the quick order appearance when you first walk in, this place is quality food made fresh and worth sitting down to savor. There is great seating in the back or on the outdoor patio where you can look out and enjoy nature.

Don’t be intimidated by the menu board either. Take your time, ask questions, and know that everything we tasted blew us away. Homemade bread, soups, unexpected drinks both hot and cold are a mix of the familiar and items that might be foreign to you.

The entire menu is organic and gluten free. There are also amazing Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, and Paleo options. I know, very California Foodie but don’t roll your eyes until you have their Raw Vegan Pizza on your tongue and then it will be completely pleasure induced. Yes the Raw Vegan Pizza is my top pick!

Raw Vegan Pizza – Not the first thing you think to order, but it should be! Not exactly the gooey cheesiness we usually associate with the term, but I would eat this any and every day that it is offered. The crust has a surprising crisp texture, thick and hearty. The toppings are so fresh they make you feel good from the first bite. Pesto, cashew cheese, mushrooms, fresh tomato, and pickled onion give the pizza a unique taste. It couldn’t be better proof that healthy and tasty can go hand in hand especial when added to the long list of dehydrated goodness that make up the crust! Honestly one of the best things I have ever eaten.

Smashed Avocado Toast – The highlight of this item is the bread. Avocados are always delicious and with the optional egg and pesto you have a SoCal favorite. At Food Harmonics they raise it to the next level with their homemade bread. Thick and full of grains it takes a simple snack and makes it a meal.

 

Salad Bowls – Complete with Bison Burger and you have one killer salad meal. Greens, tomato, avocado, beets, cabbage, sauerkraut, pickled onion topped with pesto dressing and cashew cheese will have you feeling good and full before you know it. The plate is also pretty in pink since the sauerkraut was made using red cabbage. cashew cheese was a new experience for me, but I have since looked up recipes to start using it at home.

Hot Turmeric Matcha Latte – It took me a minute I confess. The drink has an interesting greenish color that takes a moment. The taste also has a distinct flavor that the more I drank the more I wanted. We were informed that patrons come in just to get their fix of the drink which is healthier than coffee and has the benefits of turmeric which is good for inflammation, healthier skin, and is a super strong antioxidant. There are a lot of interesting options, but add this one to your “To Try” list.

Water Kefir – Fermented in house this probiotic drink is a bit intense. Think kombucha but without the caffeine since this is water based. This is a great source of healthy bacteria and yeast.

Food Harmonics is a must for every eater, the fact that it is Organic and so healthy becomes secondary to the taste and quality of their meals. Spend the day, enjoy Ojai, then finish off your day on a harmonious note here.

Find out more about Food Harmonics on Facebook and Instagram

 

Filed Under: food, review, Uncategorized

Ford CMax Hybrid- Save on Gas, Save Money #DriveOnEnergi #ILoveEVS

May 23, 2017 by Leave a Comment

The new Ford C Max makes you a master of the road.  With tight steering and many safety features like the SOS post crash alert system and seven standard airbags, its easy to take for granted that the CMax is a hybrid. As cars go, you are actually doing a good thing by driving it every day- better then driving a regular car, anyway.  The CMax is one of the 10 most fuel efficient cars under $25,000 in 2016. (There are rain sensing wipers available as well, one of the many upgrades available. Fun things to think about.)

hybrid cars

The SmartGauge with EcoGuide helps drive and use your vehicle as fuel efficiently as possible.  To begin with, the car sips fuel.  The CMax also sports regenerative braking and brake coach.  This not only helps it to stop when you want it to, but also to do so in the most efficient way possible.  It saves fuel by conserving momentum while also charging up the batteries a bit as well.

There are a lot of settings and readings which you might not be used to having in other vehicles, but once you learn how to read them all and understand what they are saying to you, you will learn quite a bit about your vehicle and driving style.  To this point, you will actually drive differently to try to beat your previous score if you are the competitive type.  It sounds very game-like but its actually fun in an odd way.  This is also a good way to pass time while doing a long haul road trip.  What we like best about the CMax is that its a nice car with a smooth ride, and its fuel efficiency is difficult to beat. I also like that it is better for the environment- and yes, it drives like a “regular car”, and is still “built Ford tough”, LOL.

It’s super easy to charge as well, and there are apps you can use to keep track of where charging stations are along your route and in your area.

The Ford CMax is available now at a dealer near you, so be sure to check one out today.  Your wallet (and the environment) will thank you.

(And it does just as well as the “luxury” vehicles and SUVs when it comes to wintry roads and unpaved situations- no problems at all.)  You can follow along on twitter with our handle @HaveSippy using the hashtags #DriveOnEnergi #ILoveEVS to see what else we are up to. Travel on.

Filed Under: environment, review Tagged With: ,

GelPro Anti-Fatigue Mat Review and Giveaway

May 5, 2017 by 103 Comments


Let’s face it, standing in the kitchen is not the most comfortable spot in the house, or at least not without some help. Anti-fatigue mats make doing dishes, cooking, and chores painless and GelPro mats make it stylish. Made in America and with hundreds of options GelPro comfort mats marry form and function to enhance the design of any room you add them to. Before discovering the company which is based out of Texas and does all of their manufacturing in America, I thought comfort mats were boring one color, gray or brown, floor covering. GelPro opened my eyes to all the possibilities with their custom designs and innovative options.

The gel filled mat is engineered with a non-slip bottom and the custom durable designed top. I loved the mat. It is heavy which kept it from moving around, and
the added cushion was a benefit with my bad knee and back. Even when I was cooking and cleaning up after a big party the GelPro mat did its job and kept me comfy. Normally after that much time on my feet the soles can be sore and my knee aching, but not while I was on the mat. If you like to go barefoot like I do this is a must.

The most common place in the home may be the kitchen but laundry rooms, garage, and even ideal for standing desks and work stations there are different size options and commercial options. Mats have a 5 year warranty too.


The GelPro site is unbelievably helpful. Many sites just show color options in little images against a white backdrop. Their site shows you each mat as a full image and examples of what the mat looks like against different floor types! The trick I used in matching the perfect GelPro mat to my kitchen? Opened an image of the mats I was most interested in on my phone and sized it to fit the screen then walked around the kitchen to compare my top choices in the space.

What better gift for the house, whether it is for Mother’s Day, the Holidays, or as a house warming gift! Keep in mind orders take 7-10 days, before shipping, on the designer patterns, but the results can do a lot to update your space so worth the wait. You may want to consider a gift card or sitting down together to shop if you want to give a mat as a present. With all the options and color choices available there are hundreds of possibilities! Find out more at GelPro.com

You can find out more about GelPro and all of their products by visiting their site – Gelpro.com

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GIVEAWAY

GelPro is giving away one of their 20×36 GelPro Elite comfort mats to a luck winner! If you would like to enter use the RC form below.  Good luck!  Ends May 26th, 2017.

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Filed Under: giveaway, review

Toys Your Kids Will Love

May 3, 2017 by 3 Comments

As we begin the countdown to summer recess, you might begin to wonder what the kids will do to while away the hours at home. When you aren’t exploring the great outdoors, here are some fun ideas for you.

Long road trip or flight ahead? If you are traveling with young kids, you might want to consider bringing along a tablet. We just tested out the HOT WHEELS™ 7” TABLET POWERED BY NABI. This tablet comes with several Hot Wheels screens, including one titled “Hot Wheels Labs” that lets children watch videos about the science of and forces propelling the resistance, friction, and gravity of the toys- in short, how they really work. Consider it branded science, LOL. So many kids are addicted to these little cars, I think it’s a fun way of learning something. In this theme, there is also a “Trackwars & Hacks” area with over 25 apps and games. The custom orange bumper keeps the tablet kid resistant to the bumps and falls it will likely take, and racing sound effects will thrill little gear-heads. Not interested in Hot Wheels? Barbie and American Girl versions are also available. You can get these for about $79 at Best Buy, Toys R Us, Kmart, Costco, or the nabi Shop.

Are the kids excited for the upcoming sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy? I know we are, and some of these toys are really fun. One of our current favorites is the new Dancing Groot Figure. If you recall, toward the end of the first volume, Groot sacrificed himself to save his friends, and Rocket replanted a small piece of Groot in the hopes that he would grow anew. And grow he did! Into a fun little dancing Baby Groot that made us all giggle through the credits. In this vein comes the new Dancing Groot toy. This 11.5″ electronic figure lights up and dances to clips of music from the Guardians of the Galaxy movie. You can also play your own music for Groot to dance to, as it can detect external sounds. Requires 3 AA batteries, included. Available for $34.99 at most major retailers and at HasbroToyShop.com.

Can’t get enough space adventure? Maybe it’s sequels (and prequals?) you are crazy for. You and your children can act out your favorite scenes from Rouge One with the new Rouge One: A Star Wars Story Jedha Revolt 4 Pack. You can also create your own adventures or have the figures mix and mingle with other action figures you might have- the possibilities for little (or not so little) fans, of course, are endless. This pack comes with Jyn Erso, Saw Gerrera, Imerial Hovertank Pilot, and Edrio Two Tubes, as well as 5 additional accessories. Available for $24.99 at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com. Other figures available.

If your child is ready to come back to Earth, and has a more realistic playmate in mind, consider taking a look at Furreal Kami, My Poopin’ Kitty. Yes, you totally read that right. That’s the real name. The past few years, toys that poop have been a thing, and Kami is one of the latest. Why do kids think poop is funny? Ask their dads, they still do, too.  Furreal Kami is more then just her poop, however. She has many fun and funny moments, and behaves like a realistic kitty as well. You can feed her treats and even take her for a walk- much unlike most cats, but I guess they wanted to incorporate dog-like awesomeness as well. She also sits, and when you pull back on the leash, that is usually when she leaves her deposits. She even comes with her own clean up bag. Really. No litterpan? It’s a cat-dog hybrid, for sure. Available for $24.99 at most major retailers and on HasbroToyShop.com, requires 2 AAA batteries, not included.

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: , ,

Mean Green 101 For All Your Cleaning Needs

May 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Ok, so we all have favorite for specific tasks.  I do too. But, sometimes, change is good. Why not change it up with a new (and proven) brand which can be used it more places then you thought? Less expensive then many brands, as well, and you won’t believe how well it works. I was so surprised I called my husband in to look.

Take a look at the Mean Green De-greaser.  This is the jumping off point into the Mean Green family of cleaning products.  This line includes items for cleaning bathroom, kitchen, garage, recreational outdoor areas, laundry room, and patio.  In the kitchen, it can clean everything from the cooking hood, to the cabinets, and floors, and beyond.  The bathroom is another big cleaning zone, from tiles to mirrors to grout, the shower and toilet- everything in here can be cleaned with Mean Green. As anyone who follows me on Twitter or Facebook knows, I have a “sore spot” with the bathroom- my son and husband are disgusting. Truly. I cannot tell you how many times a week I clean the bathroom- sometimes how many times a DAY I clean the same “certain areas”. Yes, I make them do it too, but it sure hasn’t stopped them from their gross behaviors.  Honestly, I don’t even know how urine GETS in some of these spots…..men, man. But I really, really loved the job the Mean Green products did on my bathroom. It smells better, gets the gross out of even the tile grout- I’m just really, really happy with it.

The patio could get a good clean down every so often, especially at the beginning of the season (like now, for Memorial Day gatherings!)  to reinvigorate that tired deck or concrete.  Grease on recreational fun is a big issue too when either on ATV’s, RV’s, or boats, Mean Green is a welcome addition to the supplies bag.  In the laundry room, pre treater and laundry detergent are available, which will make your laundering experience just a bit easier and clothes last a bit longer as well.  No matter your need, Mean Green is there for you. Mean Green Super Strength cleaner and degreaser is a powerful, multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser that gets grease out and eliminates grime from most surfaces. From fabric to concrete, Mean Green has been a trusted brand for more than 20 years.The Extra Strength is our go to cleaner for just about any mess where speed is needed as is strength.  To punch out food stains on carpet, dog mess on kitchen floor, more dog mess on kitchen floor, and finally a bit more dog mess on the kitchen floor.  But at least its not the carpet…..usually.

Check them out when you can, I really think you will like it.

Filed Under: home, review Tagged With: , ,

Must have Breastfeeding Products from Fair Haven Health

April 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

Breastfeeding can be tough at times, but very rewarding. With these great products from from the Milkies line from Fair Haven Health, providing Breastmilk should be no problem what so ever.

About Milkies (Fairhaven Health):

The mission at Fairhaven Health is to develop products designed to safely and naturally promote fertility, pregnancy wellness, and breastfeeding success. And for years now they’ve been achieving that important goal. From preconception through pregnancy and nursing, Fairhaven Health is there – every step of the way – to provide clinically-proven products to help you along your journey to parenthood. As a trusted leader in the field of reproductive health, their products are cooperatively developed and formulated by a diverse panel of medical experts – including doctors, ObGyns, nutritionists, and naturopaths. Noted fertility expert Amos Grunebaum, MD, plays a pivotal role in formulating their FertilAid, FertileCM, FertiliTea, and Pregnancy  Plus product lines.

About Nursing Blend Breastfeeding Supplement:

Nursing Blend is an all-natural dietary supplement that contains a blend of herbs that have been used for centuries by nursing mothers when a boost in breast milk supply is needed, including fenugreek and fennel seed. And, by providing a unique combination of whole fenugreek seed powder along with a concentrated fenugreek seed extract, Nursing Blend offers an equivalent dose of 2 grams of fenugreek in each daily dose. Nursing Blend also includes herbs that provide calming effects for mom and baby, including chamomile and anise.

The Nursing Blend is the only dietary supplement that combines herbal support for breast milk production with the vitamin and mineral support that nursing moms need to produce quality breast milk. Nursing Blend was scientifically-designed by doctors and nutritionists to specifically meet the nutritional needs of nursing mothers and their babies and to aid in milk production. In addition, Nursing Blend is endorsed by leading lactation specialist and MD, Dr. Kathleen Marinelli.

My Thoughts:

WOW, I absolutely love this amazing vitamin. I made it to the 7 month mark before I started noticing I wasn’t pumping near as much as I was pumping originally. I only had about 3 more months to go with pumping before I was off for the summer and wouldn’t need to pump anymore. I was very impressed with how it helped me maintain my supply as well as gave me the subtle boost that I was needing. I also liked that the vitamins truly made me feel better than the vitamins that I was taking before. I would highly recommend these amazing vitamins to anyone that is looking for a good boost and to maintain the supply that they already have.

About Fenugreek Dietary Supplement:

Fenugreek is an annual herb native to the Mediterranean region of the world. Fenugreek is used throughout the world as a culinary spice and has been used by women for centuries as a “galactagogue” – a natural product to increase production of breast milk. Fenugreek contains diosgenin, a plant-based estrogen, which has been shown to increase milk flow in lactating women to help support breast milk production.

Unlike other available Fenugreek supplements which can require taking up to 8 capsules per day, Fairhaven Health’s Fenugreek contains a unique blend of organic Fenugreek Seed Poweder, along with a concentrated Fenugreek Seed Powder, delivering a dose equivalent to 2000mg of standard fenugreek seed powder in just 2 vegetarian capsules each day.

My Thoughts: 

Since I have been taking the vitamin that already has the Fenugreek in it, I don’t take these on a daily basis, just on days that I notice that I have dipped a bit for various reasons. I am really impressed with this vitamin compared to other Fenugreek that I have taken in the past. This is a great vitamin to use and I know that it will benefit others just as it has benefited myself.

About Nursing Time Tea:

Nursing Time Tea is the all-natural herbal tonic designed to help nursing mothers increase their milk flow and soothe digestive unease of both mother and baby. Nursing can be problemeatic for many women, particularly in the beginning, and the herbal ingredients in Nursing Time Tea have been used for centuries to promote healthy lactation and bring quick relief to both mothers and colicky or “gassy” newborns.

Nursing Time Tea brings together a select array of safe and proven ingredients to aid nursing in three key ways: enhancing the quantity and quality of available milk; alleviating digestive complaints, including gas, indigestion and colic; and providing a rich spectrum of nutritive vitamins and minerals central to robust and healthy nursing.

My Thoughts:

I have really enjoyed this Tea a great deal. Through the cold months and when I was trying to get back to what I was producing I found it incredibly effective at it’s job. It tastes great, and I get to use my favorite tea mug since it is a loose tea.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing one of these amazing products or checking out all the other amazing products from Milkies (Fairhaven Health), head on over to their website and find the perfect product for your stage of production!

Filed Under: baby, review Tagged With: , , ,

Great Kid Products from Educational Insights

April 25, 2017 by 2 Comments

Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.

I’m sure that you all know and remember by now that my girls absolutely love doing craft projects and playing with things hands on. My girls were definitely big fans of these great products from Educational Insights.

About Educational Insights: 

Educational Insights are play enthusiasts. They aim to create experiences filled with sheer joy and uncontrollable laughter. They are champions of curiosity and those “eureka” moments of discovery. In addition to inspiring creativity, imagination, good sportsmanship, and out-of-the-box learning, their inventive line of kid-powered toys and engaging games are packed full of fun, designed to delight, and are certain to satisfy kids’ natural curiosity.

Their Playful Promise – We want to exceed your expectations. We work hard to ensure that our products are of the highest quality, and that kids feel happy, confident, and inspired after playing with them. If the product you’ve purchased is not giving your child and exceptional experience, then you can simply return it and you will get your money back. That’s it! No short return windows, no endless rationale needed – just ship the product back within a year of purchase and you’ll get your refund. 

About IllumiCraft Light-Up! Jewelry Organizer – 

Are your jewels in a jumble? Not for long with the light-up jewelry organizer! Kids cna engineer a circuit to light up their hanging organizer, and can personalize it with stickers and paint. Holds up to 20 pairs of earrings and 10 necklaces or bracelets.

They are learning!

  • Introduces basic circuitry and engineering
  • Develops problem – solving skills
  • Encourages a love of science and experimentation
  • Promotes artistic expression and creativity.

My Thoughts– I was a big fan of this awesome product. My oldest girls are 5 and 7, and the absolutely loved putting this awesome product together. They had fun picking out their own personalized design and really loved that they were truthfully the creators of their Jewelry Organizer.

About Playfoam Go! – 

Get ready for the squishable, squashable fun ….on the go! The Playfoam Go! portable carrying case includes 8 cool Playfoam colors, each kept neat and tidy in its own compartment. There’s even a ninth bonus compartment for mixing Playfoam colors!

They’re Learning – 

  • Encourages creative play
  • Helps develop fine motor skills
  • Provides tactile and sensory stimulation

My Thoughts – My girls LOVE this foam. I love that it is truthfully a no mess activity. There are weeks that I feel like we spend all of our time in the car traveling from activity to activity. I love that I can put the Playfoam in the car, and they can have an enjoyable playtime even if we aren’t at home.

Purchase:

If you are interested in purchasing these great products from Educational Insights, or just looking around at all the other amazing products that they have to offer, head on over to their website.

Filed Under: kids, review, toys Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Win Easter PEEPS Gift Set

April 13, 2017 by 51 Comments

Disclosure- “The PEEPS & COMPANY® products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by PEEPS & COMPANY®.”

Easter is such a fun time- spring is starting to bloom, or some years, it’s in full bloom already. The weather is finally getting nicer, you can put your winter coats and snow boots away (huzzah! my favorite part, for sure). Easter is a special day on the religious calendar, and the reason to celebrate the holiday. We also celebrate with fun treats and baskets to celebrate spring, which has come to be associated with the holiday as well.

I have several relatives that love PEEPS, my son being one of them. PEEPS are one of his favorite treats, for Easter and honestly every holiday that they are made for. He just loves them. Mommy makes sure his Easter basket is always full of PEEPS in every shade and variety she can find.

 

Not only does he enjoy PEEPS, but jelly beans, lollipops, and of course stuffed animals. There are so many choices from PEEPS & COMPANY that it makes filling a basket easy, and takes no time at all. Here are some of the items that are offered-

PEEPS® For The Kids!
Introducing NEW Packaging! PEEPS® Sugar Free Chicks PEEPS® Sugar Free Chicks are back with a yummy vanilla crème flavor and new eye-catching graphics. These Chicks are perfect for the sugar- conscientious consumer.   60 calories per Chick, fat-free and gluten-free. Available in a 3 count package

NEW PEEPS® Fruit Punch Flavored Marshmallow Chicks  A delicious rush of classic fruit punch flavor is sure to tickle your taste buds!  26 calories per Chick, fat-free and gluten-free. Available in a 10 count package

PEEPS® Party Cake Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Ten delicious vanilla cake flavored marshmallow chicks sprinkled with fun rainbow confetti. 28 calories per Chick, fat-free and gluten-free. Available in a 10 count package.

PEEPS® Blue Raspberry Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Ten blue chicks that bring sweet and tart flavors together like never before create a ‘berry’ delicious taste experience. 28 calories per Chick, fat-free and gluten-free. Available in a 10 count package.

PEEPS® Sour Watermelon Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Sweet and sour flavors collide to create a burst of watermelon in these ten green chicks with a blush pink center.  28 calories per Chick, fat-free and gluten-free. Available in a 10 count package.

PEEPS® Marshmallow Chicks The 5, 10 and 15 count packages of the iconic PEEPS® Chicks are available in classic Easter colors including pink, orange, lavender, green, blue, yellow and white! (Note, some colors only available in certain pack sizes) 28 calories per Chick, fat-free and gluten-free

PEEPS® Marshmallow Bunnies The classic PEEPS® bunnies come in yellow, pink, lavender, green blue and white. (Note: Some colors only available in certain pack sizes) 28 calories per Bunny, fat-free and gluten-free.

 

You can also get more for less by using this coupon code that offers you 25% off your total purchase: eastertreats

You can follow them on social media as well-

PEEPS & COMPANY® Website: http://bit.ly/1aNsv6W

· PEEPS & COMPANY® Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1N7YaaR

· PEEPS & COMPANY® Instagram: http://bit.ly/1EwkYy8

· PEEPS & COMPANY® Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1IFl9SN

· PEEPS & COMPANY® Twitter: http://bit.ly/1KpqLYD

Have a happy, PEEPS filled Easter, everyone! Feel free to use this RC below to enter to win a random assortment of treats from PEEPS. Good luck- this giveaway ends May 2, 2017. Good luck!

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Filed Under: giveaway, holidays, review Tagged With: