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Getting Better for Cold & Flu Season with Homeopathic Medicines

20 Feb

Between January and February my kids and I get the sniffles, runny noses, asthma, sore throats, etc and I don’t like running to the emergency unless a cough lasts more than a week or asthma needs extra medication that I don’t have on hand. I feel like over the counter medicine doesn’t work all the time so I try home remedies and lots of fluids and rest. 

I recently attended Boiron’s Winter Well event with Blogger Brianne Manz (Stroller In The City) at Washington Market Pediatrics at 161 Hudson St.  Bloggers were invited to learn and prepare for cold & flu season. 

  
Last year we were all sick and I had to be hospitalized. This year I held out till recently where I caught a cold but it’s nothing compared to last year. I took my flu shot which seemed to help me out a lot because with my kids sick I just knew I would be home for a few weeks but I wasn’t. They were though. My 13 had his flu shot. We tried the nasal instead of the injection because he hates shots. It went well. 

I don’t know how many boxes of tissues I went through between my three kids. Now I have to restock. 

Dr. Lisa Kaufman from (Village Pediatrics) and Dr. Tiffany Knipe from (WMP) chatted with us for the morning about getting flu shots early, myths and facts and what ages should get their flu shots. I’m a germaphobe and carry hand sanitizer everywhere I go and make sure we are constantly washing our hands. It’s hard to watch my kids especially when their in school which is where kids gets sick the most because of the germs and other sick kids but I do make sure they carry sanitizer as well and wash their hands as much as possible. 

  
Boiron is a world leader in homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy is a therapeutic method that uses highly diluted natural substances to relieve symptoms. Boiron provide products that work without causing drowsiness or drug interactions. I am a big fan of providing my family with a healthier, more natural lifestyle so when I heard Boiron was also providing us with information about their products and giving samples I was thankful because this came at the right time while my kids were sick.  

I gave them Boiron’s Children’s Chestal Cold & Cough syrup which temporarily relieves symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing, fitful cough, runny or stuffy nose, nasal and chest congestion and minor sore throat. Available for everyone ages 3 and up. I gave my kids this  and the coughing stopped, runny, stuffy noses disappeared I was very impressed. This is definitely a keeper. 

Other items included in the gift bag were Calendula Cream, Arnicare Gel, Children’s Coldcalm, Oscillococcinum and other goodies. 

To learn more about these homeopathic medicines check out @BoironUSA @OscilloUSA @ArnicareUSA @CamiliaUSA on Twitter and http://www.boironusa.com

I also downloaded the free homeopathic medicine finder app which is very useful at: http://www.boironusa.com/app 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

Give Halo’s for Valentine’s Day The Healthy Alternative 

11 Feb

Celebrate your Valentine’s Day by giving your little angels a healthy snack alternative that’s filled with “pure goodness”!  

 Wonderful Halos mandarins are:

· A sweet, seedless and easy to peel snack that’s a healthy alternative to fatty foods

· About 50 calories delivering 45 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C 

 What better way to celebrate Valentine’s day with nature’s perfect valentine, Wonderful Halos! We’re making Valentine’s day easy this year. Learn how to make a healthy valentine that your kid’s classmates will love in just a handful of steps. Tutorials for how to make Halos Origami Heart and Halos Heart Box are available on their Facebook page and blog. A box of Halos makes enough valentines for an entire class AND you’ll get an A+ for originality this Valentine’s day. Think outside the chocolate box and replace unhealthy snacks and candy for a sweet and healthy Halo that’s sure to win your Valentine’s heart! 
 My kids and I enjoy Halo’s so much we can each eat about 2 a day. They prefer Halo’s than orange juice and I don’t mind. I always make sure to have them for their school lunch and afternoon snack. Sometimes my daughter will pick a Halo over dessert. I’m right there with her. We also take them with us when we’re out for the day and also on road trips. Have you seen the Halo’s commercials? We crack up every time we see them. 

Waking up to a nice juicy Halo is a great burst of energy. Easy to peel and there are no seeds to pick out. What’s better than that? What will you give your little ones for Valentine’s Day? The healthy way is a great way!! 

Check out @halosfun on Twitter and http://www.halosfun.com for videos and more info. Also check out Wonderful Halos on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/halos/videos?ref=page_internal

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I was given product for my honest review. 

Peapod by Stop & Shop and Barilla Introduce Pasta Meal Kits to NYC

10 Nov

One of my favorite pasta brands Barilla and Peapod by Stop and Shop (online grocery shopping and delivery service) introduced Pasta Meal Kits to New York City. Does this mean  I get to save time in the kitchen and more time with my family? The answer is YES! Meal kits would make any busy parent very happy. I mean I would love to make fresh pasta every night if I could but that’s not going to happen. No more grocery shopping, prepping, measuring, and cleaning a bunch of pots and dishes. Don’t get me wrong I cook everyday but sometimes I could do without stepping into a supermarket. There were times where standing on the line took longer than making dinner. 

Barilla pasta meal kits have easy to follow recipe cards and fresh ingredients like butternut squash and mozzarella. The kit requires little prep and all vegetables are pre-washed, measured and cut. It only takes under 30 minutes. 

Variety of meal kits include: 

Baked Rotini by Barilla

Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti by Barilla

Farfalle with Roasted Butternut Squash by Barilla

Tortellini Soup by Barilla

I love the fact that I can order these kits online and have everything waiting for me that will feed my whole family and save me time and money. The kits range in price from $15.99-$23.99 and serves 4-6 people. 

I attended a special luncheon on Thursday, November 5, hosted by Peapod.com and Barilla Pasta. Barilla’s own Chef Lorenzo prepared lunch and shared the inspiration behind the Meal Kits as well as other time saving tips for meal planning and prep.

We tried what was on the menu below and it was very delicious. 

I went online and placed an order of groceries and it was so easy. You pick a time and day you want your delivery. The Barilla meal kit I ordered was Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti. Can’t wait to try. 

   

    
 
Peapod serves 24 U.S. markets and customers can order online or on Peapod’s free mobile app fir deliveries to homes and workplace or pick-up at many convenient locations. 

For more info about Peapod Meal Kits featuring Barilla recipes, ordering and more visit: http://www.Peapod.com and on Twitter @PeapodDelivers

Check out: http://www.barillagroup.com or http://www.barilla.com for more info. 

Disclosure: I was invited to attend this event. I was given a gift card to purchase groceries and the meal kits. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

#NationalOatmealDay With @Quaker Off You Go Campaign/Giveaway

29 Oct

I begin each morning at 4 a.m. so I can prepare a delicious healthy meal for my family. Part of that healthy meal includes Quaker Oats Old-Fashioned Oatmeal which I’ve been eating since I was a toddler. It was only right to introduce Oatmeal to my kids. With so many to choose from it keeps breakfast exciting and we like to create different recipes. From high fiber instant oatmeal cinnamon swirl, maple and brown to instant quaker oatmeal cups apples & cinnamon which is great on the go, and the real medleys oatmeal blueberry hazelnut, summer berry, and peach almond. These all are amazing. Also who doesn’t love oatmeal raisin cookies? We also like to add fresh fruit to our oatmeal. When I say Off You Go to my kids I know they’re bellies are full in a good way. 

Quaker® believes that everyone should begin each morning prepared for everything that lies ahead. That’s why as part of the company’s new “Off You Go” campaign, the Quaker Oats Company is giving away up to one million bowls of oatmeal starting on National Oatmeal Day to help provide people across the country with the best starts to their days.
As part of its new “Off You Go”campaign, Quaker is surprising people around the country with a free bowl of oatmeal – online, on their way to work, or even at their doorstep. On National Oatmeal Day, October 29, follow @Quaker on Twitter or find Quaker on Facebook to give someone – whether it’s a family member, friend or co-worker – a little good to get them going with Quaker oatmeal. Thursday, October 29 only. While Supplies Last. Terms Apply.
· Quaker kicked off the one million bowl giveaway by thanking those who help families get off to a good start.

o Appreciation breakfasts were served to select teachers and day care providers across Chicago and New York to give them a little good for all they do.

o Check out video footage captured at these events on Quaker’s Facebook, YouTube Twitter pages.

· To learn more about Quaker’s “Off You Go” campaign visit http://www.QuakerOffYouGo.com. To give someone you love a bowl of oatmeal on National Oatmeal Day, follow @Quaker on Twitter or find Quaker on Facebook.

· Don’t forget to share your Off You Go moments and love of oatmeal by using #NationalOatmealDay throughout the day!

GIVEAWAY: Quaker was so very kind to offer 10 of my readers a Off You Go Moments Kit. 

Each Quaker® Off You Go Moments Kit will include:

· A heart-shaped Off You Go Oatmeal Bowl to enjoy your favorite whole grain breakfast

· An Instant Photo Camera to capture Off You Go moments and enjoy them in real-time

· A Magnetic Cable Photo Holder to preserve and display your favorite Off You Go moments

· A Reusable Jute Tote as a stylish way to pack all your on-the-go items for the day ahead

· A set of four Quaker recipe cards for morning meal inspiration

· A variety of Quaker products to help get you and your family off to a great start with a bowl of oatmeal

 Each kit is valued at approx. $110!

To enter answer this question in the comments below: 

How does your familiy prepare each morning to take on the day ahead?

Make sure you are following @Quaker on Twitter and Facebook. 

Must be subscribed to my blog fivelittlewords.net and following me on Instagram: @nilimo and Twitter @nilimonicky and like my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fivelittlewords

Giveaway ends November 12, 2015 at 11:59 pm and winners will be announced November 13, 2015 on my blog and social media. Quaker will mail out the winners prize within 2-3 weeks after I submit winners info. 

Check out http://www.quakeroats.com for product info. 

Disclosure: I am a proud Quaker Q Crew amabassador and was given product for my review. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

  
   
    
   
  
 

Part 1 Of My Trip To Memphis,Tennessee For St Jude Blogger Tour

26 Oct

Back in September myself along with other bloggers were invited to Memphis, Tennessee to tour St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It was Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and I was grateful to get to experience this in person.

I haven’t been on a plane since probably 2002 or 2003. Something like that. I wasn’t going to let that stop me from meeting the staff, kids and families of St. Jude. I wasn’t going for a vacation. I was going for a behind the scenes look, answers to questions I’ve always wanted to know. I’m sure everyone like me wants to know how St. Jude could never ask for a penny from the families for anything. They never receive a bill which is beyond amazing. 

   
    
 September 15-17 was going to be intense and worth it. We took a tour of the facilities and met with nutritionists, scientists, chefs,child life specialist, teachers, kids, families, staff members, tour guides that grew up into healthy adults after being cured and are now working for St. Jude.

Walking into St. Jude felt like you were on a private island. It was not like any hospital you see in the city. No kids are waiting to be seen in the lobby, no kids crying, wall murals are amazing and the artist made the kids on the wall favor the kids at St. Jude. Very bright, colorful and happy, and everyone is so friendly. Kids are transported throughout the halls in red wagons which were so cute. 

Even though this was a hospital that treats kids with cancer it was like a happy place. They really take care of the children even down to the meals they eat. There’s even a campus organic garden on the property for fresh vegetables. 

The St. Jude Farmer’s Market offers employees, patients and their families the chance to purchase fresh produce and farm-raised meat from local farmers. The market is held on-site every other Friday from May through the end of October. 

The first day we arrived we had lunch in the St. Jude cafeteria. Named Kay Kafe by Sterling Jewelers, who donated $16 million for its renovation, the cafeteria seats 500 and serves up to 1,000 patients, families, faculty and staff during a busy lunch hour. Display cooking includes a grill, deli, pizza oven, and a wok area, among other options. Kay Kafe offers a variety of choices in a friendly, relaxed setting. There are so many food choices, and everything tasted great.

  
 
  
  
   
The Kay Kafe has a child-friendly design that include lower counters so that patients can interact face-to-face with staff. I also noticed lower sinks in bathroom and lower counters at receptionists desks when patients check in. 

Next was a tour of the hospital with our tour guide Tayde who was once a patient and now working for St. Jude. She was great and told us her story and how St. Jude saved her life. We saw the lab, classrooms (yes patients attend school). I loved the cute classrooms. We were told what a typical school day is like. There is also graduations and proms for some of the grades. 

   
    

  
    
    

  
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
I don’t remember crying too much the first day but the next two days I turned into a fountain. 

We went to dinner later that night which again was amazing. I turned in early because I knew the next day was going to be a full day. 

   
    
    
    
 This is Part 1 of my post. I will continue to write more on my trip so stay tuned. 

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post but was invited to Memphis Tennessee on a blogger tour to visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Opinions are mine 100% as always. 

First Time Walking Across Brooklyn Bridge Using Runkeeper App 

24 Oct

Momtrends and Runkeeper (health & fitness app) teamed up together to invite a few bloggers to run/walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. I’ve always wanted to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge but never got around to doing it so I said this would be a great time to scratch this off my bucket list and get fit at the same time with a bunch of colleagues. I also wanted to use the new & improved Runkeeper app and track my status. 

We met Thursday morning in Brooklyn in our baby blue Runkeeper t-shirts and with my iced coffee in hand some of us ran and some walked across the bridge. I also periscoped some of my journey. You know if you’re walking with someone and talking and taking pics it doesn’t seem as far as you think. I just walked from one borough to another and back again. How cool was that? 

I have my Runkeeper app hooked up to my Spotify so I could hear music but I was acting like a tourist in my own city that I didn’t even have time to listen to my music. The Runkeeper app tracks your workout in real time and let other runners become your running buddy and we could see each other’s progress and also check your running history. It’s a cool app. It also has GPS. 

After our run/walk we headed to Almar restaurant in Brooklyn (Dumbo) for lunch. It was great. We were given a gift bag with goodies and I felt good. I think I will walk the bridge again. This time I will do it with my kids. 

Thanks for a great morning on a beautiful 70 degree day. Now go download the Runkeeper app in the App Store and get out there and run!!! 

Disclosure: This is a compensated post however opinions are mine 100% as always. 

   
    
    
    
    
    
   

 

 
  
    
 

Giveaway: Quaker Wants To Fuel You Up For Back To School #QuakerBTS

16 Aug

 “Quaker is teaming up with Fuel Up to Play 60, the nation’s largest in-school wellness program, and Emmitt Smith to encourage and inspire families to balance eating sensibly and getting active as they fuel up for back-to-school.”

 1. Quaker is partnering with Emmitt Smith to help families understand the importance of eating sensibly and getting active to maintain a healthy lifestyle. From his days gearing up for football season, to getting his own kids prepped for the school year, Emmitt Smith knows firsthand that a healthy lifestyle helps families fuel greatness for the season ahead.

2. Quaker has been committed to fueling families for the past 138 years by offering nourishing products made with whole grain oats, educating families on the importance of leading an active lifestyle and seeking partners that offer physical activity solutions. Partners like Fuel Up to Play 60 and Emmitt Smith help continue that mission.

3. To learn more about Quaker products or news, visit http://www.quakeroats.com. To learn more about the nation’s largest in-school wellness program, visit FuelUpToPlay60.com. Follow @Quaker on Twitter.

 

Giveaway Details:

Quaker Fuel Up to Play 60 Family Fun Kit is helping you and your family fuel up for the new school year. We hope you’ll be inspired to share your own tips for including active play/sensible eating into their family’s back-to-school routines.

 Each Quaker® Fuel Up to Play 60 Family Fun Kit will include:

· Personally autographed headshot of NFL Legend, Emmitt Smith

· Custom storage water bottle for convenient, on-the-go use

· Dry erase, magnetic weekly planner to stay on top of your family’s activities

· On-the-go oatmeal mug for busy weekday mornings

· Jump rope for the whole family to combine fun and physical activity

· A foam Fuel Up to Play 60 football for active play

· A cute, durable storage bin to put it all in!

· A variety of Quaker products to fuel your morning, including Quaker Chewy Granola Bars and Instant Oatmeal Protein Cups

To enter this giveaway:

Must be subscribed to my blog Fivelittlewords.net

Follow me on Instagram @nilimo

Follow me on Twitter @nilimonicky 

Follow @Quaker on Twitter

Leave a comment telling me how you are including active play and sensible eating in your family’s back to school routine. Also comment with your social media handles and tell me you’ve completed everything mentioned. Giveaway starts today August 16, 2015 and ends August 30th. Winner announced August 31st on Twitter. 

Disclosure: Five little Words is an Ambassador for Quaker. I was not compensated for for this post. Quaker is responsible for shipment of prize. 

  
 

 

Fiji Water & Momtrends Had Me #FijiFit  

9 Aug

Momtrends invited bloggers to a morning of fitness with Fiji Water at Peloton Cycle on West 23rd in NYC, August 6, 2015. We were going to cycle for thirty-minutes and learn of a top secret announcement from Fiji Water. 

I never took a indoor cycling class in my life. I’ve always avoided those type of classes because it’s non-stop up and down and working your legs. Yeah, I’ve been on bicycles and bikes in the gym but I get to control those. This was more like crank that level up to 40 and up and down. You talk about sweating. I’m still sweating just thinking about it while writing this post. Lol. Sometimes you need someone to kick your butt and tell you “come on you can do it!”. Especially when your doctor says exercise everyday. I wouldn’t mind taking more classes. I enjoyed with with my friends very much and my Fiji Water kept me hydrated throughout the class. Cody Rigsby our instructor was great and the class is streamed live. I also shot a Periscope of the workout before the lights turned out. 

Fiji Water has always been me and my family’s favorite water. I am telling you the honest truth. I’ve always liked the bottles. It stands out in the store and it tastes great! So, you know when I here’s there was a secret announcement I had to know what it was. 

Fiji Water has changed the look of its bottle with a narrow bodied shape by offering a 700ml bottle. How cool is that? It fits easily in strollers, car and equipment fitness cup holders. Slim looking bottle but still tastes great. I love the new shape. My kids immediately each grabbed a bottle and also noticed the difference and said they liked it and wanted more. Fiji Water it doesn’t matter what shape you come out with my family and I will always be your biggest fans. 

Nicole Feliciano of Momtrends said to “pencil exercise in your schedule/calendar at least two to three times a week”. Grab a friend and have fun! 

It was an awesome morning followed by a healthy delicious brunch. Love the gym bag that was given filled with Fiji Water and healthy snacks. Fiji Water is sending everyone that attended a 2 month supply of water and one of my readers will also win a 2 month supply so stay tuned on how to enter. Thank you Momtrends for a great #FijiFit morning. I needed that. 

Visit: @FijiWater on Twitter and http://www.fijiwater.com for more info. 

Nicole Feliciano @Momtrends on Twitter 

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post. Opinions are mine 100% as always. Swag was given.  Most photos courtesy of Momtrends. 

    
    
   

NEW DANNON LIGHT & FIT TIRAMISU GREEK NONFAT YOGURT #IHeartTiramisu #ad #IC

19 Jul

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dannon. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All views and opinions are my own, and do not necessarily represent those of Dannon.”
One of my weaknesses is desserts. I crave sweets everyday and knowing that it’s not doing anything to keep me healthy or in shape I decided to slow it down. I’ve always been a fan of Greek yogurt but who wants to just eat Greek yogurt as a snack? Well there are those that do but I need some flavor in my life. I’ve added fresh fruit and granola but was still craving for my sweets. Was there anyone out there listening to me who would give me the desserts I craved but in my Greek yogurt? Well, apparently there was and with 12 grams of protein, 80 calories and 0% fat per 5.3 oz. Ding, ding, ding. My prayers were answered. 

Dannon came out with one of my favorite desserts in a Greek yogurt called Dannon Light & Fit Greek Tiramisu non-fat yogurt. This is a limited edition flavor. When I heard about this I knew I had to get me some and try it out. Now we all know anything that’s good for you doesn’t always taste good but that wasn’t the case with Dannon. I immediately was craving more after tasting the first one. I still got that Tiramisu flavor without the extra calories. Does that mean I’m hooked? Well let’s just put it like this, my refrigerator is stocked and when I run out I will make a bee line to the supermarket to restock. I’m really trying my hardest to eat light and healthy while staying fit and this is a good start. My doctor even said to cut out sweets so I will show her what I have found and I’m sure she will approve. Dannon Greek yogurt cups are so easy to throw in your purse for on the go and take to the gym for a snack after working out or just grabbing one in the fridge instead of that ice cream. My sister and my son even tried it and like it as well. I guess that means I have to double or triple up in the supermarket. I usually catch great sales in my neighborhood. 

You either have love for Greek yogurt or you don’t. I want you to give it a try and let me know what you think. I can still add fresh fruit or granola to this one as well and even add honey. 

Here are a few of Dannon’s websites and social media pages to check out in your spare time: 

Dannon Website: http://www.dannon.com

Dannon Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dannon

Dannon Twitter Page: @Dannon

Dannon Pinterest Page: https://www.pinterest.com/dannonyogurt/

Dannon Light & Fit Website: http://www.lightandfit.com

Dannon Light & Fit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightandfit

Dannon Light & Fit YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/user/lightandfit

Dannon Instagram Page: https://instagram.com/dannon/

   
 

@WeightWatchers & @Match PARTNER UP FOR A #HealthyMatchUp ARE YOU READY?

20 Jan

Weight Watchers has partnered with Match.com to help NYC find their healthiest match in a #HealthyMatchUp speed chatting event and I was about to find out what it was all about.

As I was headed to Tender at The Sanctuary Hotel on West 47th, NYC I kept wondering who was going to be there, why is this a speed- chatting event and what are these men looking for? Yep, I thought there was going to be a room full of men sitting at tables looking for that girl who was a before and after and their perfect match. I was nervous, but when I walked in it was a room full of women. Whew, what a relief!! Well wait a minute, I don’t date women sooooo, anyway came to find out their were coaches. Okay, now I can relax.

To continue reading this post log on here:
http://www.ladyandtheblog.com/2015/01/17/weightwatchers-match-partner-up-for-a-healthymatchup-are-you-ready/

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