Barefoot by the Sea

2020...AM I RIGHT?

2020-11-10T16:25:00.004-05:00

It's been a minute! I was in disbelief when I saw how long it has been since I've posted. Not sure why it has taken me so long to get back here. That's the beauty of blogging...it's here when we need it! I am going to try a little harder to get back here from time to time, even if it's just to share some bits and pieces of daily life, a funny quote, a pretty picture. With the days growing shorter, I am hoping to have a little more time to share, to create, to enjoy. I can honestly say I am not quite sure where the heck this past year has gone but I think I'm back? Hello to everybody, I've missed you...and by "you" even if it means a couple of readers - you know who you are! Leave me a comment and say hi!

Cheers to better days ahead, it has been a doozy!

-Jess

Keep Your Vehicle Safe All Summer Long! #sponsored #ad

2019-05-14T20:12:00.004-04:00

This post is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

With Summer approaching, there are a lot of travel plans in the works. I can't wait! If you have kids, you know how important it is to have a reliable vehicle. Keeping your car maintained is essential to keeping you and your family safe.

Before we hit the road, we try get our vehicles ready for the summer months. There's nothing worse than having to spend your vacation time at the mechanics! Here are a few easy tips to ensure safety when getting ready to travel this Summer and beyond!

Maintain Your Tires: Tires should be inspected regularly. Look for any signs of damage or wear and fix them as soon as possible. Also be sure to check tire pressure and fill air as needed. Driving on incorrect tire pressure can affect your car’s ability to brake on time, drive in wet conditions and even cause a tire blow-out. A simple maintenance plan will ensure safety.

Maintain Your Car’s Fluid Levels: Checking your car’s fluid levels daily can alert you of any potential car problems. For instance, driving your car without enough engine, transmission, coolant, brake, or power steering fluid can cause your vehicle not to work like it is supposed to. It is recommended you check your fluid levels often.

Maintain Your Child’s Car Seats For Proper Installation: Check your child's carseat to make sure it's safe. If you’re not sure whether or not your child’s car seat would pass the car safety check, check the internet or visit your local fire station. Many have free clinics to help adjust a child's car seat. National retailers such as Evenflo also provide resources for help with car seat maintenance.

These tips will ensure the safety of you and your family!

The Posie Book Feature and Giveaway (Closed)

2019-05-03T19:15:00.000-04:00

*Please note, I did receive a copy of The Posy Book in exchange for this post. All opinions, as always are my own*

With Mother's Day fast approaching, I was excited to be asked to review a copy of The Posy Book! Teresa Sabankaya started her flower business in the late 90's by cultivating her custom and unique bouquets in California. Her floral art has been displayed throughout museums and flower shows. The Posy is her favorite design in floral, a modern spin on a nosegay, these ‘little garden bouquets that tells a story’ have a permanent place in her heart. The Posy Book was inspired by Teresa’s desire to share such a beautiful and simple way to tell your story with flowers.

Teresa Sabankaya in her garden in Bonny Doon, California

This book is gorgeous! From front to back, it is full of glossy, beautiful shots of posies throughout. It includes the History of the language of flowers, posy recipes, detailed instructions to make beautiful posies and the new language of flowers dictionary. Such a wonderful resource for anyone who loves flowers or someone who is interested in what every type of flower and greenery means. Did you know if you gift a Bouquet of Basil it means you are offended? Who knew! A White Lily represents purity, an ivy leaf represents friendship and the lily of the valley represents sweetness. The list goes on and on!
The Posy Book makes a lovely Mother's Day gift or for anytime. It's sure to please the flower lover in your life! How perfect to gift this book along with a posy of your making?

On page 100 of The Posie Book, there is a posy specifically designed for Moms! There is an engagement posy, a welcome baby posy, a congratulations posy and more. Teresa uniquely communicates special messages to the gift recipient.

Want to win a copy of your own? Leave a comment below and tell me what your favorite flower is! I'll pick the winner on Mother's Day! In the meantime, head over here to learn more about Teresa Sabankaya's story or order your own copy to gift or for yourself!
************GIVEAWAY CLOSED! CONGRATULATIONS CARLA!*********

The Fun Pass Makes A Great (Easter) Gift!

2019-04-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hi Friends! It's been a minute. I'm still here and we are slowly climbing out of the Northeast cold to welcome Spring. Can you believe Easter is right around the corner? It's late this year but I'm hopeful we will get some warmer weather for those egg hunts! This year, I'm including the NH Fun Pass in baskets! If you're in New England or plan to visit, this is a great book of coupons from Breathe New Hampshire!

Breathe New Hampshire is a non profit organization that focuses on lung health including tobacco use, COPD, asthma, air quality and lung cancer. They run educational programs and support scientific research to prevent, eliminate and treat lung disease. Breathe New Hampshire's biggest fundraiser is their Fun Pass! By purchasing The Fun Pass, you are supporting this non profit and the mission to improve lung health!

What is it?
This pass has over 100+ coupons for discounts at your favorite New England attractions in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont! Some of the destinations include Coco Key Water Park, York's Wild Animal Kingdom, Storyland, The Butterfly Museum, The Southwick Zoo, Yorks Wild Animal Kingdom, Billings Farm and Museum, Boston Duck Tours, Canobie Lake Park, various Children's Museums throughout New England, Ski Mountains, Zoos and so many more! There are passes to Museums, Amusement Parks, Scenic Tours too!

For an alphabetical list of attractions, click here! Here are a few examples!

· Story Land ($35 coupon) *this one coupon alone pays for the book!

· LEGOLAND® Discovery Center ($23 coupon)

· Edaville Family Theme Park ($37 coupon)

· York’s Wild Kingdom ($18.50 coupon)

Important: When using your Fun Pass coupons, take the entire book with you. In order to receive the discount, the coupons must be attached in the Fun Pass book when presented to the attractions.

For just $35 you will receive a coupon book with incredible discounts! You really can save at 100 fantastic New England attractions!

Save the Date! This year, on June 1st and 2nd, Join Breathe New Hampshire for the first ever awareness event at Story Land aimed at helping families better control asthma. The park will be modified to accommodate guests with asthma for this event!

Visit here to purchase The Fun Pass!

Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Ice Cream and Open Nature® Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Feature #recipe #shaws #ad

2018-07-31T17:25:00.001-04:00

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons Companies . The opinions and text are all mine.

Open Nature® Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert from my local Shaws have become our new "go to" dairy free ice cream this summer! Many of you know that we try to eat dairy free most of the time, especially my oldest daughter. Of course this time of year, we're looking for ice cream alternatives. I was pretty thrilled to find out that Shaws introduced their NEW line of products: Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Ice Cream and Open Nature® Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert. Yes! It's so nice to have options. A lighter delicious ice cream without a chalky or chemical aftertaste. A dairy free option that's tasty and satisfying!

We tried two different flavors from Shaws:
Open Nature® Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Peanut Butter Cookie, so good! Made with either cashew or almond milk, Open Nature® Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert is a great non-dairy alternative to traditional ice cream! This was a hit! Delicious and definitely satisfying.
Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Cookies and Cream Ice Cream. You aren't missing out! The Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Ice Cream was indulgent with less fat and calories and between 240 and 370 calories PER PINT, I definitely didn't feel deprived! These dessert options are definitely perfect on a cone or even straight from the pint! They're THAT good! With lower calories and fat and a higher protein content, this is a dessert you can feel great about!

Even though you're free to indulge with The Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Ice Cream, I thought it would be great to make some ice cream sandwiches with them.
Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches:

Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Simply scoop a teaspoon of Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Cookies and Cream Ice Cream in between chocolate cookies
Freeze and Enjoy!

I buy my Open Nature products at Shaws and you can also find them exclusively at all of the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw's, Star Market, and Carrs/Safeway. Visit Shaws to find a store near you and discover more recipe ideas.
Both desserts were creamy in texture and smooth. We are huge fans! Shaws has a big line of different flavored Open Nature® Scandal-Less Light Ice Cream and Open Nature® Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert selections to choose from! We want to try Open Nature Scandal-less Sea Salt Caramel and Open Nature CashewMilk Coffee Caramel Fudge next! There's a flavor for everyone! Which are you most excited to try?

Please note, Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

Storyland 2018 Feature and $9 Off Coupon #sponsored #ad #nh #summerfun

2018-07-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

**Please note, I did receive tickets to Storyland in exchange for this feature but all opinions are 100% my own, as always**

It just wouldn't be Summer around here without an annual trip to the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire and yes, STORYLAND! You might think we would be getting too old or bored of this park after so many years but the opposite has happened! I don't think my kids will ever grow tired of it. Storyland brings us a sense of nostalgia and so many memories from the past. It's also a TON of fun with new attractions for everybody. That's what we love about this park so much, there's always something new to enjoy, experience and discover. We don't grow tired of it and there's always new things to see and do, plenty of fun around every corner!

Storyland is New Hampshire's #1 Kid's Amusement Park and open daily from 9:30am - 6pm! This year, Storyland's brought THREE new shows certain to wow everyone! Including Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific Day! Join Danial and Katerina Kittycat for a fun filled show of make believe and fun. After every show, the gang sticks around for hugs and pictures. The excitement on the kid's faces? Priceless! Bring those cameras and enjoy this fantastic new show!

Also new? It's Magic, a fun filled magic show with a new magician yearly. This year, come enjoy the amazing illusions and fun! My kids always love this one, filled with audience participation and eye opening magic tricks. We saw an Iphone disappear last week - don't worry, it re-appeared at the end of the show!

Storyland also has their daily Farm Follies, Camp Fairy Tale and Cinderella's Royal Celebration at the end of the day, every day. We've found the shows are a great way to break up the day! With five shows, there's something for everyone!

Now let's talk about rides! So many fun ones for kids of all ages! I've talked about the Roar-O-Saurus in the past. The only wooden roller coaster of it's kind in Northern New England! There are also tons of fun Dino facts all around to enjoy if roller coasters aren't your thing!

The Crazy Barn raises off the ground and spins! So fun! And on a side note, that Farm Stand right to the left of it? They sell ORGANIC grilled cheese sandwiches and delicious freshly squeezed lemonade! So many healthy options along with the typical delicious park fare including the Slush Factory, Dunkin Donuts, Friends Around the World Food Fair and the NEW Los Bravos Burgers! There's something for everyone! Check out all their food options here!

We also love Dr. Geyser's Remarkable Raft Ride! The perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day! This ride is super fun and a family favorite! Oh and yes, you WILL get wet!

Kids can take a ride on the Antique Cars and even get their own Storyland Driver's Licence at Town Hall!

Storyland still has their Storybook Animals area that incorporates live animals including a rabbit, goats, chickens, pigs and sheep. It's a great educational opportunity for the kids. The Little Dreamers Play area is and interactive play area for the littlest Storyland visitors, complete with a shady area for kids to wind-down when needed.

Characters are seen throughout the Storyland: Rory, Duke, Humpty Dumpty and more! We saw Tinkerbell and Cinderella during our visit! There's always someone to see and a photo to be taken!

On the way out, be sure to check out the Games and Gift Shops! Did I mention Yum-Yum Junction offers samples of their delicious fudge?

Storyland is a fun destination when planning your next vacation! Be sure to Like Storyland on Facebook here! You can also follow them on Twitter here! Be sure to enter their photo contest to win a 4 pack of tickets to the park here!

Also, click here to get a coupon for up to $9 off gate admission to the park!

See you next year Storyland! Check out all the fun here! Plan your trip to this beautiful park today!

Storyland NH Coupon #coupon #kids #nh #summerfun

2018-07-16T18:21:00.000-04:00

Hi Guys! Anybody out there still looking for Summer fun? I wanted to pass along a coupon for up to $8 off your next visit to Storyland! If you haven't been, it's a great time to visit! Fun for kids of ALL ages! This year, they have a brand new show, Daniel Tiger's Grr-ific! You can check out last year's Storyland feature for more info! We've been going here for years and it's always so much fun!

To access the coupon, click HERE!

Shop NEW Signature Reserve™ Super Premium Ice Cream at local Shaws store #SignatureReserve

2018-07-11T10:36:00.005-04:00

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons Companies . The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Albertsons Companies. The opinions and text are all mine.

Apple Banana Cake topped with Caramel Apple Chai Ice Cream is the perfect dessert for the ice cream and cake lovers in your life. Delicious apple cinnamon goodness topped with delicious is sure to make everyone happy!

I'm not a huge sweet eater but when I'm craving one, it's always ice cream. It is pretty much the best dessert ever, especially this time of year. As a kid, I can remember my father going to our local farm store where they made homemade apple spice cake and topped it with homemade ice cream. This comes close.

When Shaws invited me to try out their new exclusive Signature Reserve ™ Ice Cream it didn't take much convincing! This Signature Reserve™ Super Premium Ice Cream is perfectly balanced with unique flavors from around the world using globally-sourced ingredients. We're a tad particular about ice cream around here, it has to be "worth it". No chalky flavors or icy consistency! I was excited to try some of the unique flavors that are part of the Signature Reserve line. Flavors like Brazilian Guava Cheesecake, Bourbon Maple Blondie and Belgian Chocolate Almond!

There are so many delicious flavors but our favorite was the Colombian Cold Brew Caramel Ice Cream. It is SO good. This ice cream is perfect when you just want to grab a spoon and eat it straight out of the container! It's rich, indulgent and great in a cone too!

Another flavor we really liked was Signature Reserve's Madagascar Vanilla Bean. We recently went strawberry picking and this is the perfect, rich, creamy vanilla ice cream to compliment fresh berries. The entire line of premium ice cream and tastes delicious!

I decided to use the Caramel Apple Chai ice cream to top my Apple Banana Cake. It did not disappoint!

Ingredients

4 cups peeled, cored and grated apples
2 mashed bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
1 & 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Combine all the wet ingredients in large bowl and mix well
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and mix well
Add dry to wet ingredients and mix thoroughly
Pour into an ungreased 9"x13" pan
Bake for 1 hour
Let cool and slice
Top with Caramel Apple Chai ice cream and garnish with an apple slice

I buy my Signature Reserve products at my local Shaws and you can also find them exclusively at all of the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw's, Star Market, and Carrs/Safeway. Visit Shaws.com to find a store near you and discover more recipe ideas.

Please note, comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

Cloud Bread (Easy Recipes)

2018-04-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

I've been MIA again. No excuses, it's just been a busy (and admittedly dreary) Spring. I wanted to pop back over her to share a recipe I had wanted to test out for a while now, Cloud Bread. It was pretty good!

Ingredients:

3 eggs
2 Tbsp Coconut Cream
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder
Optional Toppings - Sea Salt, Pepper, Rosemary, Anything goes!

Directions -

Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees and arrange a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. You'll Need two Bowls.
Using a full-fat can of coconut milk that has been refrigerated overnight, spoon out the top coconut cream and add to the smaller bowl.
Separate eggs into the two bowls, adding the yolk to the bowl with the cream and be careful to not let the yolk get into the whites in the larger bowl.
Using a hand mixer, beat the yolk and cream together first until nice and creamy, make sure there are no clumps of coconut left.
Add the baking powder into the whites and start beating on medium with the hand mixer for a few minutes, moving around and you’ll see it get firmer. Keep going for a few minutes, you want to get it as thick as you can with stiff peaks. The thicker the better. Just don’t over-do it. Once you can stop and dip the whisks in leaving peaks behind, you’re ready.
Quickly and carefully add the yolk-coconut mixture into the whites, folding with a spatula, careful not to deflate too much. Keep going until everything is well combined but still fluffy.
Now you can grab your spoon and start dropping your batter down on the baking sheet. Keep going as quickly and carefully as you can, or it will start to melt. They should look pillow-y.
Steadily add your baking sheet to the middle rack in the oven and bake for approx. 20-25 minutes. You should be able to scoop them up with your spatula and see a fluffy top and a flat bottom. Store in the fridge for about a week or freezer.

This is a great option if you're looking for some low carb, lower calorie "bread". Usually, the recipes include cream cheese but I opted for the vegan recipe. The outcome? Pretty good bread and surprisingly easier than I would have thought.

This recipe makes approx. 10 slices depending on the size you cut.

Hope you guys have a great Wednesday!

Canvas Pop Feature

2018-03-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

*Please note, I received a product to facilitate this review, all opinions are my own*

How do you welcome Spring?

We've lived in our home for over ten years years now, in fact we will celebrate our 11th home anniversary here on April 15th! Over the past couple of years I've noticed a few things have been looking pretty...dated. Some things are more expensive to replace than others - the kitchen table, the couches, the appliances. I do think there are little updates you can make throughout a house to freshen it up a bit, customize and personalize it. A minor cosmetic surgery if you will, not the full face lift! Recently, I was contacted by CanvasPop to see if I'd be interested in checking out their products, they've recently introduced a couple of new products including their American Made Pillow. It's a great way to showcase your loved ones and give your home an updated, personalized touch. If you haven't heard of them, I would highly recommend them. They made it so simple! I simply uploaded the picture I wanted and they took care of the rest! Within two weeks I had the most beautiful American Made pillow to adorn couch with. A little update that makes a big difference! High-quality, wonderful service and I felt like I was working one-on-one with a custom designer.

Whether you're looking for a gift or a home decor piece that's customized for YOU, this is a great way to bring your favorite pillows to life

I received my product last week, it was carefully packaged and several layers of bubble wrap, and with care. I was thrilled with the quality of this product! We captured a special, chilly early Winter day with my girls, and now I can gaze at their faces in my living room! They're getting older, and arent around as much but I'm glad I have this memento that will stand the test of time!
See the CanvasPop process here!

Be sure to visit Canvas Pop to see their new products as well as high quality canvases and capture the special moments in your life!

March Daily Goodie Box Review!

2018-03-19T18:24:00.000-04:00

*Please note, I did receive a Daily Goodie Box to review but all opinions, as always are my own!**
The Daily Goodie Box: It’s More Than Just Free Samples!

It's that time of month again - the March Daily Goodie Box! The Daily Goodie Box is 100% free so not at all like other subscription boxes out there. Simply become a member and fill out a personal profile on their site (also free). If you meet the requirements for a Goodie Box you'll be eligible for a box shipped to your doorstep! The eligibility is based on various factors like demographics, interest in current products, etc but it's worth trying to get one because the boxes are GOOD! Every month, they feature samples of a variety of food, drink, and personal care items. You'll be asked to review your items in online profile. The more reviews you do, the better your chances of getting chosen for future boxes!

Let's see what was included in this month's box:

Herb Guru Brand Herbal Tea: This fruity recovery tea is great post workout! This fruity flavor has a bit of cinnamon and honey. This can be enjoyed iced, hot or straight from the can. My hubby enjoyed it after a marathon shoveling event!
Viter Energy Strong Caffeine Mints: These little mints pack a powerful punch. Great on the go, traveling and when you need an jolt of caffeine. The spearmint flavor was strong but not overpowering.

Prince of Peace - Ginger Chews with Mandarin Orange: This was my favorite product last month and this month's mandarin flavor was great too! Spicy and sweet, this is a great afternoon pick me up!

Kay's Naturals Healthy High Protein BBQ Snack Mix is tasty and crunchy. Gluten free and packed with protein this is a snack you can feel good about.
Effervescent Electrolyte Tablets: Each tube contains 10 servings (20 tablets) to quickly re-hydrate. 75% less sugar than other electrolyte drinks. I think these will be great after running a race, they're suitable for all ages.
Beauty is Renewal Face Cream Pod: I got these last month too. Vitamin C, Probiotic Microflora and fruit stem cell complex help uplift tone and texture for a lighter and brighter complexion. I've given it a try and it's been great for my winter damaged skin!
On the Spot! Instant Stain Remover Pen: This has worked wonders! I was pretty impressed with the stain fighting power. The little pen makes it easier to get right where the stain hits!

Prince & Spring Organic Coconut Oil: My favorite this month! Cold Pressed, individual packets of coconut oil! GENIUS

It was a great month of goodies! Get your own Daily Goodie Box just by signing up here or visiting their Facebook page. Shipping is free and no credit card is needed.

18 inches and counting...

2018-03-08T15:42:00.000-05:00

I had planned to get back to blogging, that was an honest plan. My youngest ended up with the flu and was pretty sick for a bit of time and then school vacation was upon us. The week was good and although we didn't do too much, we had a lot of family time, a couple local trips and caught up on some things that have fallen by the sidelines for a bit. We had a couple days in the mid 60s and it was fantastic. We got out for walks, the snowbanks melted away and it felt like Spring was on its way. And then March came...

As I write this, I'm home with my two kiddos (again) who are on their 6th snowday. The last day of school, yet again bumped to June 22nd. It's still snowing, we just hit 18 inches of snow. The worst part? Word on the street is that we're due for another Nor'Easter next week.

So on that note, I hope you're cozy, warm and safe if you're in this madness. If you're someplace sunny, then I'm just jealous! Please send some warmth our way!

Here's to sunny and warm days ahead!
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What I'm Loving

2018-02-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

It's the little things around here, especially when it's the dead of winter. This past weekend was tough: rainy, foggy, dreary, gray. This is the time of year when I really miss the sun. The forecast for this week looks more promising but for now, I'm taking pleasure in the little things. Here's what I'm loving lately...

Fresh Salads! It's true that I do try to eat seasonally but lately, I've been craving greens again. Perhaps it's because I'm loving Trader Joes' Almond Butter Tumeric Salad dressing. It is so stinkin' good! Thank you Our Life In a Click for showing me the way!

I also love this dressing which is also relatively new at TJ's! This Green Goddess Dressing has avocado, green onion and lemon juice. Good stuff! Word on the street is that there's another new dressing but I haven't seen it at ours yet. By the way, you can find these in the refrigerated section with the fresh greens.

I'm also really excited to try this! We love pesto from time to time but this one is VEGAN! Horray! This is located over with the hummus and salsa.

Finally...date nights but not ordinary date nights, this time it's with my kids! If you have siblings, you know it's tough to find one on one time together. This past weekend, we headed out to a nicer than usual restaurant for dinner. The food was delicious and we had a wonderful evening. It isn't often that we can catch up and really talk these days since everyone is running in opposite directions. It was a great time! This Saturday, I'm hoping to take my other daughter! Look at how good this noodle bowl looks!

Just a quick catch up but worthy of sharing! It really is the little things lately! What have you been loving lately?

Daily Goodie Box Review

2018-02-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

*Please note, I did receive a Daily Goodie Box to review but all opinions, as always are my own!**
The Daily Goodie Box: It’s More Than Just Free Samples!

It's that time of month again - the Daily Goodie Box! The Daily Goodie Box is 100% free so not at all like other subscription boxes out there. Simply become a member and fill out a personal profile on their site (also free). If you meet the requirements for a Goodie Box you'll be eligible for a box shipped to your doorstep! The eligibility is based on various factors like demographics, interest in current products, etc but it's worth trying to get one because the boxes are GOOD! Every month, they feature samples of a variety of food, drink, and personal care items. You'll be asked to review your items in online profile. The more reviews you do, the better your chances of getting chosen for future boxes!

Let's see what was included in this month's box:

Digestive Immune Support: This supplement offers support for digestive issues. The ingredients have been used for thousands of years to support and soothe digestive functions. The four herbs are alma, coriander,vasaka and parpataka. They are pure, all natural and ethically grown herbs. Non-GMO, vegan, gluten free and kosher!
biPro Protein Water: With 20 grams of protein and 100 mg of caffeine, it's the equivalent caffeine to a cup of coffee. It's caffeinated with guarana extract and contains all nine essential amino acids for an efficient, complete protein source.
Choice Organics - Mushroom Wellness Teas: So good! Mushroom Teas for Organic Immunity Support! This is tasty! From their website: mushrooms have long been used across cultures as traditional medicine to promote health and vitality.

Andalou Face Cream Renewal Pods: These little pods offer fruit stem cell complex, vitamin C, and probiotic microflora uplift tone and texture for a lighter, tighter, brighter looking appearance and a luminous complexion.
Goodwipes: Down There Wipes: Individually wrapped and perfect for on the go! This gentle Formula is pH Balanced, Alcohol-free, Paraben-free and Hypoallergenic for Your Most Sensitive Areas
Napz: This all natural sleep solution contains Chamomile, Passion Flower, Lemon balm and Hibiscus. The combination of these herbs calm your mind and body to induce sleep.

Good Natured Veg-ables Snack: Good Natured Selects not only makes snacking more delicious but better! Fun-shaped Veg-ables! These are light and snack-able and include several nutrients extracted from wholesome vegetables like spinach, carrots, and tomatoes. Crispy and tasty, perfect for on the go and lunchboxes!
Mango Ginger Chews: Our Prince of Peace Ginger Chews are a delightful balance of sweet and spicy ginger taste with a pleasant chewy texture. Each Ginger Chew is individually wrapped for your convenience. Unwrap, chew and enjoy!

Be sure to head over to the Daily Goodie Box to check out all the items and sign up for yours!

Try Open Nature® Air Chilled Chicken at Shaws! Taste the difference! #sponsored #ad

2018-02-05T11:21:00.002-05:00

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Shaws I’ve partnered with Shaws as a blogger to promote Shaws and all the wonderful products found in their stores! All opinions are my own.

Open Nature® recently added a NEW product to their line! Open Nature® Air Chilled Chicken, available exclusively in the New England area at Shaws stores!

Football season may be behind us and I'm sure many of made delicious party fare yesterday for the big game. Did any of you notice Open Nature® Air Chilled Chicken in the stores recently? Shaws shoppers are familiar with the quality of the Open Nature brand but what exactly is air chilled chicken? I wasn’t sure so I was excited when Shaws asked me to try Open Nature Air Chilled Chicken with my family and share my thoughts. It did not disappoint!

First, the basics. Air chilling is a process that’s been popular in Europe for decades. When raw chicken is processed, it's typically cooled in tubs of cold water. This causes chicken to absorb some water, which affects the flavor. In contrast, air chilled chicken is individually processed by suspending it in air and chilling it for several hours through multiple, purified air-cooled chambers. The natural juices of the meat are not diluted and air chilled chicken tastes better, cooks more quickly and results in no excess water to prevent the skin from getting crispy on the grill or in the oven.

Since yesterday was the Superbowl, I figured it would be a great time to give this Open Nature Air Chilled Chicken a try. I made my usual chicken tacos to see if I'd earn rave reviews or if the family would notice a difference.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
Sprinkle each chicken breast with taco seasoning
Top with 1 cup of your favorite salsa (I used salsa verde) and 1 cup of petite diced tomatoes

Directions:Cover and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 6-8 hours), or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker and toss with the remaining salsa and juices until well-mixed. Serve and enjoy!

Everyone in the house enjoyed these! The Open Nature Air Chilled Chicken breasts are flavorful, juicy and more flavorful than the usual chicken! It's an affordable and high-quality product to serve your family. This chicken contains no antibiotics, no added hormones, are cage free, vegetarian fed and air chilled.

Want to give it a try? Open Nature Air Chilled Chicken is newly available exclusively in Shaws stores. Have you seen it at yours?

Learn even more about Shaws Open Nature Air Chilled Chicken at this link.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Shaws. The opinions and text are all mine. Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

Ever So Slowly...

2018-02-01T16:25:00.002-05:00

Here we are February 1st! It's been a while since I've blogged. I've thought about it and kept putting it off until I felt more enthusiastic. To be honest, January was one LONG month, I felt uninspired, introverted and downright lazy. I can't say I'm sad to see the first month of the year pass us by. I am however, excited to get back into this space. I've missed the community, the writing process and just sharing tips and recipes. It's nice to have a creative place and blogging has been a part of my life for the past ten years. I'm ready to dip my feet back in again!

So, with that...I hope to be back here sooner rather than later!

Gutsey Bars Feature and Giveaway! #Holiday Gift Guide

2017-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

We have less than a week to go and I'm finishing up the 2017 Holiday Gift Guide with Gutsey Bars! Since we're all running on empty as we head to our holiday parties, finish up shopping and wrap like crazy people, it's important to take care of YOU. Let me share these health conscious, delicious bars!

These bars are SO YUMMY!

1. The Boston: Wicked Strong Bah: This bar has 20g of protein & 20g of fiber. It's super filling and so tasty. Made with Grass Fed Whey, which as you know is more important than just organic itself. Who can resist double chocolate brownie! I loved it!

2. The Maine: The Way Bahs Should Be: This one is yummy too! Featuring low sodium, higher fat content (coconut - good fat), and is low in carbs. This seriously tastes JUST LIKE cookie dough! Yum!

3. The New Hampshire: Eat Clean, Live Free: This bar has great nutritional value. Quinoa Cookie with chia and cherry. I do love the dried cherry and the filling bar. Definitely worth a try for everyone! These bars are SO popular, they're sold out but you can preorder for January 2018!

A little more about Gutsey!

Gutsey bars were created for those who desire a better alternative from the traditional snack bars that are filled with sugar, bulked up with grains, gluten and other mystery ingredients. Whether you're a local commuter or modern day digital nomad traveling by plane, train or automobile, eating healthy while on-the-go is without a doubt a difficult task - everywhere you turn there are less than nutritious snack options.
Gutsey bars contain only good fats and organic ingredients. No GMO's, no grains, no gluten and no added sugars. The bar recipes are sinfully delicious, nutrient-dense and downright crave-able.
All this goodness is packed into state-themed packaging that draws us back to our roots and reminds us that WE CAN get there from here - we just have to make the right choices along the way!

These make a great stocking stuffer and perfect gift for the New Year. Soon, we will be focused more on health and wellness and full of resolutions. Why not pick up some of these delicious bars to kick off the New Year right! Gutsey is offerring FREE SHIPPING through 12-31-17!

Be sure to follow Gutsey on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and check out their products. These bars are NOT just for New Englanders!

I'm happy to let you know that Gutsey is offering up a Sampler Pack of their bars to one lucky Barefoot by the Sea winner! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below and enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Please note, I was not paid for this content. I did receive each bar to review and post my honest opinions and as always, they are 100% my own!

American Girl Feature and Giveaway #ad #HolidayGiftGuide

2017-12-11T01:00:00.000-05:00

My girls have loved American Girl dolls and accessories for years. This brand consistently tops girl's Christmas lists on a yearly basis. So many dolls are targeted for ages 5 and under. American Girl offers a variety of dolls and accessories for children of all ages, their business is devoted to little and bigger girls, ages 3 to 12. American Girl encourages girls to dream, grow, aspire and create. They offer a wide variety of insightful and engaging books that are full of educational and historical information as well!

They offer a variety of dolls including their newest dolls including Nanea and their new Truly Me dolls. Of course they still have their historical characters from 1764 through 1974, WellieWishers, Bitty Babies, twins, Gabriela, their Girl of the Year for 2017. They're made with quality and care. You can shop by browsing their website to select the perfect friend. In addition to the dolls, their pets and accessories; American Girl offers a variety of books that include crafts, stories and advice for growing girls. We also subscribe to the American Girl Magazine, which my girls LOVE and look forward to receiving. The magazine includes recipes, advice, crafts and inspirational quotes and fiction to help a girl navigate through life. It's tough out there!

We LOVE their animals, perfect for gifting! They offer a variety, including The French Bulldog, new this year!

The Western Horse is sure to bring a smile!

The Carrot Plush features FREE SHIPPING right now!

Julie's Pet Bunny Features a new look!

It's a great time to grab an American Girl doll or a friend! You can see the entire line of animals here!

Shop now by visiting American Girl here or like their Facebook page here to learn about promotions, new products and store openings.

American Girl is offering FREE SHIPPING* on orders over $50—
Good through Dec. 14. Enter FS12914 at checkout!!! HURRY! You're almost out of time!

Be sure to enter for the Barefoot By The Sea Holiday Gift Pack! It will include a couple American Girl doll goodies including the Grace paperback book and the Bitty Baby silver inspirational star!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hope you have a wonderful Monday! We had our very first snowstorm of the season and are digging out a bit! Hope you're warm and cozy today!

The Dirty Vegan Cookbook Feature and Giveaway! CLOSED

2017-12-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - WINNER BELOW!
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This cookbook would make a great holiday gift for anyone! When I was in high school, we would visit our local co-op and order local and organic food. That's where I first learned about the vegan lifestyle. For far too long, we viewed that lifestyle one of a limiting diet, with a lot of restrictions. The Dirty Vegan Cookbook by Catherine Gill offers alternatives to recipe favorites, all while incorporating the vegan lifestyle

The Dirty Vegan features over 100 recipes that are tasty, creative and VEGAN! Recipes include Vegan Ravioli Dippers, Avocado and “Bacon” Chees, Cheddar Bread Ring, S’mores Pancake, “Steak” Tips and Sweet Potatoes, Italian Wedding Soup and Vegan Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms. The photographs are visually appealing and helpful, the recipes are easy to follow and can easily be made with ingredients from your local grocery store.

We tried the Garlic and Caper Roasted Cauliflower which was absolutely delicious and creative. I'm anxious to try more recipes!

Buy It! You can grab your own copy for The Dirty Vegan here. It retails for around $12. Follow Catherine Gill on Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to be "In The Know".

I'm excited to let you know that I'm giving away one copy of The Dirty Vegan for a Barefoot by the Sea reader! Simply comment below and enter for your chance to win! Winner chosen on 12-15, US Only, 18+

**Please note, I did receive a copy of The Dirty Vegan for the purpose of this review but all opinions, as always are my own**

Glee Gum Feature and Giveaway! #HolidayGiftGuide

2017-12-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

Looking for a creative, fun gift for the little one in your life? The folks over at Glee Gum have you covered! They offer some creative and fun do-it-yourself gifts including their Make Your Own Gummies Kit. We tried it out this weekend and it was a lot of fun!

Here's the verdict on their Make Your Own Gummies Kit.

The kit includes everything you need to make your own gummies and it's actually pretty easy to make.

Inside each Make Your Own Gummies Kit, you’ll find sour mix, colored and flavored Fair Trade sugar, powdered seaweed, dried seaweed, simple instructions, a story about carrageenan, and molding starch to make all kinds of shapes.
Each kit makes about 15 delicious, sour gummy candies. The kit can be made on the stove or with a microwave.
They don't look like gourmet candies but they were pretty tasty, which is not always the case for these types of kits. I let the kids do this on their own but I'm sure you could get a little more detailed and make gummie worms or more shaped gummies. You can get as creative as you want. This was our first try making these!

As always, we love the retro style packaging

Guess What? Glee Gum is offering up the MakeYour Own Chewing Gum Kit for one lucky reader! It will be part of the Gift Pack I ship with goodies from the Holiday Gift Guide! Be sure to check out all the goodies Glee offers when gifting this holiday season!

Buy It! Visit Glee Gum to purchase and click here to locate stores near you that carry Glee Gum
Win It! Enter via the Rafflecopter Form Below!

This giveaway will end on Friday, December 15th! Winners will be drawn via Rafflecopter.! Open to US residents, 18 years +

*Please note, I did receive the Gummies Kit to test and conduct this review but all opinions, as always are my own and I didn't receive any other compensation*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Breathe New Hampshire Feature and THE FUN PASS GIVEAWAY

2017-11-29T09:32:00.002-05:00

*Please note, I did receive a coupon book to review and information in order to faciliate this giveaway but all opinions, as always are my own*
If you've read Barefoot by the Sea for a while, you probably have heard about Breathe New Hampshire! It's a wonderful, non-profit organization that focuses on matters that effect our breathing. They spend their time helping to keep New Hampshire's children and teenagers tobacco free. They also focus on programs for childcare providers to understand how to take care of asthmatic children, free COPD screening and much much more. To read about this great organization visit their website here.

One of the ways that Breathe New Hampshire raises money is through their Fun Pass Program. This pass has over $2,000 in discounts at your favorite New England children's attractions in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont! Some of the destinations include Storyland, The Butterfly Museum, The Southwick Zoo, Yorks Wild Animal Kingdom, Billings Farm and Museum, various Children's Museums throughout New England, Ski Mountains, Zoos and so many more! There are passes to Museums, Amusement Parks, Scenic Tours and so much more!

The Fun Pass has coupons for lift tickets to a variety of ski mountains That is a great deal for anyone staying local and planning to ski! The coupons are worth $35-$65 each. Here are a few of the coupons available in the book but to see the full list of the attractions, click here.

· Story Land ($35 coupon) *this one coupon alone pays for the book!

· LEGOLAND® Discovery Center ($23 coupon)

· Edaville Family Theme Park ($37 coupon)

· York’s Wild Kingdom ($18.50 coupon)

· Several SkiMountains (Loon, Gunstock & Waterville Valley)

Important: When using your Fun Pass coupons, take the entire book with you. In order to receive the discount, the coupons must be attached in the Fun Pass book when presented to the attractions.

For just $35 you will receive a coupon book with incredible discounts! You really can save over $2,000 in discounts at over 100 fantastic New England attractions!

I was so fortunate to be provided a Fun Pass of my own to review and one other one to giveaway to one lucky reader! Simply comment below and enter for your chance to win!

Giveaway ends on Dec 15th. Even if you don't live in New England you could win it for a friend or send them over to enter!

Big Picture Farm Feature #2017HolidayGiftGuide

2017-11-27T01:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It's been a strange Fall here in New England, with really mild temperatures. I've heard from a lot of folks that Thanksgiving snuck up on them - me included! That being said, I'm sure a lot of you are ready to get a start on your holiday shopping! I've got some great companies and products to feature here this week. You won't be disappointed! First up: Big Picture Farm!

Started in 2010 by Louisa Conrad and Lucas Farrell, Big Picture Farm is a Vermont hillside goat dairy and farmstead confectionery and creamery. They sell award-winning goat milk caramels and farmstead cheeses that are crafted with fresh, raw, creamy goat’s milk from our herd of 40 healthy and happy, free-ranging companions. I absolutely LOVE that they adore their animals, focusing on their health and happiness which is so rare! Today they have 40 goats that rotate through the rich pastures and leafy woodlands that characterize this Pyreneesian subregion of Vermont. As a result, the goats’ diet shifts naturally with the seasons – from abundant bouquets of spring wildflowers (wild chocolate mint, clover, honeysuckle), to lush late-summer legumes and berries, to crispy fall foliage (oak leaves, apples, ferns), to winter supplements of white pine, hemlock saplings, and premium (locally-sourced) hay. This results into the exceptionally floral and creamy milk used as the principal ingredient and primary flavoring agent in all our award-winning farmstead goat milk caramels and small batch cheeses.

These caramels are OUT OF THIS WORLD! Delicious, creamy, flavorful and rich. These would make a perfect gift for someone who enjoys a quality, gourmet treat and supporting local farms. Be sure to check out their HOLIDAY SPECIALS here and tell me they don't look beyond delicious!

Their Goat Santa Box is adorable, delicious and affordable. A great gift for a teacher or coworker!

This gift satchel includes 25 caramels of your choice! You can choose from flavors like Chai, Maple Cream, Sea Salt and Vanilla, Chocolate Mint and more. View the options here.

The Farm Box Gift Set features their 4 original flavors - yummy!

Be sure to check out the details on their delicious cheese, chocolates and beautiful linens too! Something for everyone! Follow Big Picture Farm on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to follow the farm's work, specials and news!

Thank you Big Picture Farm for kicking off things and letting me share the love of your delicious caramels and beautiful Vermont Farm! MEET THEIR GOATS HERE!!!

Remember, shop local and shop small this holiday season! This is one purchase you can feel great about!

*Please note, Big Picture Farm did send me caramels to review in order to facilitate this feature but all opinions, as always are my own! These are DELICIOUS!*

2017 Holiday Gift Guide is coming!

2017-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm excited to share that once again, I'll be hosting the Holiday Gift Guide over here! I'm sharing some great gift ideas and giveaways! This year it's come fast but but we are ready! Get excited! Here are a few of the companies you can look for this year!

Big Picture Farm - Delicious treats and CARAMELS to die for!
The Dirty Vegan - Your favorite recipes gone VEGAN!
The NH FunPass - 2018 Coupon book
The Foot Nanny - Amazing products for your feet! One of Oprah's 2018 Favorite Things!
Glee Gum - Offering treats and kits to gift this holiday season!

It kicks off next week!

Crockpot Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash (Easy Recipe)

2017-11-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

With temperatures ready to dip into the low 30s this week here on the East Coast, I was looking for a hearty, warm and delicious meal to serve after a long day at school and work. I've never made Chili with Butternut Squash before but this recipe did not disappoint! Easy, economical and hearty, this is a delicious recipe to try on a cold Fall or Winter night!

Crockpot Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash

One medium butternut squash, peeled seeded and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
One can of Black Beans, drained
One can of diced tomatoes
1/2 package of Trader Joes Fire Roasted Onions and Peppers
2 tablespoons Chili Powder
Crushed Red Pepper, to taste

In crockpot, combine black beans, tomatoes, onions, peppers and squash. Add chili powder and toss to combine. Heat on low for 4 hours and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper as desired. Serve with sour cream, cheese and cilantro as desired.

Glee Gum Pops Feature and a Coupon!

2017-10-25T09:59:00.002-04:00

*I did receive a pack of Glee Gum pops to review for this post however, all opinions are 100% my own!"

Have you guys figured out what you're handing out for Halloween this year? Anybody who's read my blog know that Glee Gum has been a staple here at Barefoot by the Sea over the past several years. We really love the retro style packaging and the fact that it's made of all natural ingredients with NO preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners! Glee Gum has a unique gum base made with chicle to help conserve rainforest (learn more about that process here) and is gluten, dairy, soy and nut free. Naturally, I was thrilled to hear about Glee Gum's newest addition to their line: GUM POPS!

These are perfect for Halloween! The very first all natural gum pops! They come in yummy flavors like Sweet Strawberry, Crisp Green Apple and Juicy Orange. These pops are vegan, gluten free and allergy friendly. You can buy them in bulk or in their Halloween packs. These are lollipops you can feel good about giving your trick or treaters! We gad a chance to try all three flavors and they were all great. Riley liked the Juicy Orange the best and Sydney loved the Sweet Strawberry. They both liked the Crisp Green Apple too!

Not sure what to get? Check out their whole line of gum here! This is where you'll find Glee Gum's newest flavors - did I mention that their mini packs make great stocking stuffers? It's never too early to think about that!

I'm happy to let you know that Glee Gum is offering a 15 off code for Barefoot by the Sea's readers! Save 15% on EVERYTHING GLEE GUM!
Coupon code: BAREFOOT
Please note, this offer is only valid on web-store orders placed at GleeGum.com. Enter coupon code in the lower left of your shopping cart & hit "apply coupon." One time only; one coupon code per order. Offer ends 12/31/17 at 11:59 pm ET