Whole Foods Market for the Holiday Season

source 

The kitchen is about clean,
the guests are almost gone,
and the time of thanksgiving is over.
Bellies full,
hearts warmed,
and the preparing begins for the next season of giving, preparing, and filling...

source whole foods market

Now we search,
to make up for where we overfilled, and now we overflow,
our waistbands.

My fridge is full,
of leftovers and containers.

source whole foods market

Sweet reminders of the deliciousness I *should* only indulge in
rarely.

A cup of coffee,
by the fire,
to finish an evening, of laughter, and memories, and togetherness.

Some popcorn
to round out a family game of Scrabble, and Life.

source whole foods market

And life is getting brighter,
with boughs
of glittering
     shimmering
lights
and bows, and ribbon.
Shopping and not
shopping,
dropping from the shopping,


Time to start planning
Parties and gatherings.
For the HOlidays have begun.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may the upcoming season be delightful, healthy and fun!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit Wholefoodsmarket.com for Holiday party ideas, creative recipes for any leftovers.
and stop by for gifts and gift cards this holiday season.

Kids Headphones for safe listening

Henry in the Surf Dawgz headphones

*the following is a review in which I was compensated by product to provide my opinion and product information. All opinions are my own. 
Headphones are a hot product for teens, tweens and adults. With all the technology and devices available to all ages, kids need something they can wear that can be fun and safe!

Animalz headphones are just that. Retractable, tangle-free cord with volume - limiting technology so you don't have to worry about overexposure to developing, sensitive ears. According to the Journal of Pediatrics, more than 10 percent of children ages 9-19 have noise-induced hearing loss. Prolonged exposure to sound louder than 85 decibels can damage a child's ears, causing permanent hearing impairment. Animalz's volume limiter sets 85 decibels as the max volume for optimal protection.

Fun, fuzzy animal designs make these cozy and as cuddly as a stuffed animal.

My two youngest were super excited to use these, and I will have to order a second pair! Super soft, great sound quality, and the retractable cord and tangle-free cord makes them easy to store away when not in use.

Available in six lovable soft fabric animal designs: Biker Bearz, DJ Panda, Jam Bunneez, Scuba Shark, Skate Monkeez  and Surf Dawgz*. Kids can now enjoy listening to their own music, playing games or watching movies all with their favorite Animalz!

Animalz are available at more than 15 U.S. retailers including Amazon.com®, Best Buy® and Toys“R”Us®.  For a full list visit: http://myretrak.com/ANiMALZ/.

*Panda and shark designs are available at Best Buy starting Nov. 3, 2014, and are exclusive to the retailer until March 2015.

Take a fun Buzzfeed quiz here, to discover which Animalz headphones are your kids' spirit animal!

Holiday hair bows and Personalized Christmas stickers at Groopdealz

Holiday Accessory Blow Out Sale!
This sale features beautiful holiday accessories for babies and little girls. Sale ends on 11/23.



48 Personalized Christmas Stickers - 8 designs!
Create your own personalized Christmas stickers to use on gifts and holiday treats. Sale ends on 11/23. 




Holiday Accessory Blow Out Sale!
48 Personalized Christmas Stickers - 8 designs!
GroopDealz 

Please comment below!

Groopdealz Review

I am now a Groopdealz affiliate and will be bringing you the latest great deals from this awesome deal site. I have always loved the selection of fashion, accessory and home items. It is a boutique to shop from home with non boutique prices.

Since I am a new affiliate, Groopdealz sent me some store credit to do a little review for my readers! So exciting!!! My oldest who is 14, had been asking for a "leather" or "leather-look" jacket. She wanted something that would go with about anything, and make a great style impact, not specifically for warmth.

I picked out a colored faux leather jacket from Lucy and Lyla.  I chose a light tan color with grey hood. We received the item much quicker than expected, and so far we are really impressed with the quality. The "leather" like material is super soft and supple, not plastic-y like some faux leather. The color is a nice clay shade of tan, going well with grey, black or brown. My daughter likes how comfortable, stylish and versatile the jacket is. For $16.99 plus the $5.99 shipping this was a great deal, and an item she'll enjoy for many seasons.  Sizing ran a bit on the smaller size, so check sizing and measurements before ordering. You can see the weekly Spotlight items in the post below, or head on over to Groopdealz here.

Up to 70% off daily boutique deals at GroopDealz.com!
Shop daily deals at GroopDealz


Perfectly Patterned
Featuring pretty patterns, this collection highlights kids apparel, accessories, women's apparel, and more. Sale ends on 11/13.



Silver and Gold
Silver and gold are favorite colors for the holidays. Stock up on home decor, accessories, jewelry, apparel, and more. Sale ends on 11/15. 



Out of the Woods
Inspired by the woods and cute animals, this collection features home decor, accessories, jewelry, and more. Sale ends on 11/16. 

Kids Style Quiz and hot prices for clothing

fabkids by Christina Applegate.
New Members get 2 outfits for $29.95, with free shipping and exchanges.
Check it out here!

*this post may contain affiliate links in which I may receive compensation for clicks or purchases. Thank you!

Cheese, Glorious Cheese, Part 2: Pastry wrapped Brie

There is a whole world of cheeses to be found, and cheese is a great starting point for the perfect appetizer, or as a dessert.  Brie is an excellent dessert cheese and goes well with sweet. Brie is best known as a french cheese and also called the "Queen of Cheeses".  I was excited to try some Brie and make my very own pastry wrapped Brie with Brie from Whole Foods Market.
 I tried the Belletoile Triple Creme Brie, from France. Not in the traditional round "wheel" but a triangle.
I then bought one tube of 365 Everyday Value croissant dough, fresh Organic Gala Apples and a Sour Cherry Jelly all from Whole Foods Market.  You can find the Croissant dough in the refrigerated milk and dairy section, and the Sour Cherry Jelly is in the deli near the cheeses at the Wichita Whole Foods Market.
Cut the cheese into a square.
Unroll the scored dough and press together to form two squares. Use a cutter to cut the corners off one piece and set to the side. (You'll use these later).
Place your cheese on the cut dough square, and then lay the second square of dough on top, folding the edges around the cheese wrapping it up loosely.
Take one beaten egg and brush the entire thing, place the cut dough pieces on top and brush with egg.
Bake in your oven on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Or until golden.
Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Slice and serve with the cherry jelly and apple slices.
Very fall and very scrumptious!! I can't wait to bring one of these to my next holiday get together!
You can find a variation of this recipe here.
and a yummy looking version with Phyllo dough.  Substitute ingredients with Non-GMO and organic products from your local Whole Foods Market to serve your family the healthiest safest treats.

Holiday Craftapalooza and Vintage Market 2014 Wichita

THIS SATURDAY ~ NOVEMBER 8^th, 2014

Wichita's HOLIDAY

CRAFTAPALOOZA & FABULOUS VINTAGE MARKET

10AM TO 4PM

CENTURY II CENTER

WICHITA'S FAVORITE SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA!!!

Grab your friends for a fun filled day of shopping at the HOLIDAY Craftapalooza & Fabulous Vintage Market. NOVEMBER 8th from 10am to 4pm at the Century II Center, Exhibition Hall, North Entrance! Wichita Kansas

The  HOLIDAY Craftapalooza & Fabulous Vintage Market is a one day shopping extravaganza featuring over 90 fabulous booths showcasing an eclectic blend of handmade one of a kind items, sparkly jewels, antique décor, vintage bliss, bling & glam boutiques, home decor and inspiration, repurposed ~ reloved funky junk along with FABULOUS finds for your creative soul!

Handmade, Vintage, Antiques, Bling & Glam, Boutiques & FABULOUS JUNK!!

Admission is $3.00 under 12 free!

SHOP EARLY FOR THE BEST SELECTIONS !!

   

Join us Saturday November 8th, 2014 for a fun & fabulous Craftapalooza Vintage Market day!

See you there!

For additional information contact

www.montagefestivals.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wichita-Craftapalooza-JUNK-Market/288582677868955

BOGO and unique items for your Holiday Shopping

*Disclosure:The following post contains affiliate links. Your participation through clicks or links goes to support my site. Thank you!


The time is now to start your Christmas shopping. I LOVE Groopdealz for the cutest fashion, and trendiest home decor for a bargain AND I don't even have to leave my house! And Shipping is always super low keeping those discount items affordable.  I have already started making my lists. 


BOGO FREE Wizard Posters
These Buy One Get One Free Wizard Posters are perfect for Potter fans. Featuring art that's reminiscent of the story, these professionally-printed posters look great with any decor. Sale ends on 11/9 BOGO FREE Wizard Posters



Mason Jar Wall Vase/Sconce
Decorate your home for the holidays with these handmade Mason Jar Wall Vase/Sconces. You can fill them with candy canes, mistletoe, tea lights and more. Once the season is done, fill them with other decorations for a new look. Also makes great gift containers! Sale ends on 11/9. Mason Jar Wall Vase/Sconce



Wooden 3D Animal Head
These adorable animal sculptures look great with any decor and they're half the price of their ceramic counterparts. Sale ends on 11/9. Wooden 3D Animal Head



Lucy & Lyla Holla Back Event 
Your fall favorites are back. Shop for sweaters, tunics, shirts, leggings and more at this fashionable event. Sale ends on 11/12. Lucy & Lyla “Holla Back” Event



Find something for everyone on your list, at GroopDealz  



Lucy & Lyla “Holla Back” Event
BOGO FREE Wizard Posters
Mason Jar Wall Vase/Sconce
Wooden 3D Animal Head
GroopDealz 

Non-GMO, what is it and what to buy!

If you have a made a trip to the new Whole Foods Market in Wichita, or have been looking for healthy eating options for your family, you may have run across the term Non-GMO.  What!? is Non-GMO? and why is this important to you and your family?

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. *It is the process of intentionally making a desired gene of a plant or organism and using it in another plant. The result is GMO. Sometimes referred to as "Biotechnology", "biotech seeds", "biotech foods", or "genetic engineering". 

Celebrate Non-GMO Awareness Month 

In March 2013, Whole Foods market became the first national grocer to commit to 100% transparency in GMO labeling of products sold in its stores by 2018.  October is national Non-GMO month, and because this can be a confusing topic, it’s great to always learn more!

1. Go organic!

The best way to avoid GMOs is to buy organic. The USDA National Organic Standards prohibit the use of GMOs.

2. Look for the Non-GMO Project Verified seal

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization committed to preserving and building the non-GMO food supply, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices. They believe that everyone deserves an informed choice about whether or not to consume genetically modified organisms.

To be allowed to carry a Non-GMO Project Verified seal on food packaging, companies submit their products to the Non-GMO Project and undergo an extensive ingredient and supply chain review to achieve the certification. The Non-GMO Project Verification logo can only be used when a product is made without the intentional use of GMO ingredients. If a product is Non-GMO Project Verified and organic, it’s considered top notch, like Nature’s Path cereal.  

3. Choose 365 Everyday Value® Products – Ingredients Sourced to Avoid GMOs:

365 Everyday Value® is Whole Foods Market’s store brand. All plant-derived ingredients in this product line are sourced to avoid GMOs. (Note: If a product has meat, eggs or dairy ingredients, they could be from animals that were given GMO feed — unless the product is organic or Non-GMO Project Verified.)

Whole Foods Market is in the process of certifying its store brand with the Non-GMO Project; hundreds of 365 Everyday Value® products have achieved certification to date. You can also visit wholefoodsmarket.com to download a list of Non-GMO Project Verified products in your favorite Whole Foods Market locations here.

6. Give Non-GMO Foods a Try

To learn more and explore products that are Non-GMO Project verified, stop by your local Whole Foods Market for a free taste fair featuring local and national Non-GMO Project verified foods on Saturday, 10/18 from 12 – 3 PM in all Colorado locations.

7. Support Companies Who Support GMO Labeling:

These and other companies are leading the way for transparency in labeling:

·         Amy's Kitchen

·         Annie's Homegrown

·         Appelgate

·         Bhakti Chai

·         Daiya Foods

·         Dr. Bronner’s

·         Justin's

·         Lundberg Family Farms

·         Nature's Path

·         New Belgium Brewery

·         Nutiva

·         Quinn Popcorn

·         Silver Hills Bakery

·         Snack Out Loud

·         Stonyfield Farm

·         Vital Farms

·         Third Street

·         Hope Hummus

·         Earth Balance

·         EVOL

·         Glutino

·         Level

·         Smart Balance

·         Udi’s

·         Frontier Spices

·         Arrowhead Mills

·         DeBoles

·         Earth’s Best Organic

·         Greek Gods Yogurt

·         Imagine Foods

·         Celestial Seasonings

·         Rice Dream

·         Soy Dream

·         Garden of Eatin’

·         Bearitos

·         Terra Chips

·         Yves Veggie Dogs

·         Alba Botanica

·         Avalon Organics

·         Jason

·         Andalou

·         And more!

·         Boulder Brands  (http://www.boulderbrands.com/our-brands/)

·         Frontier Natural Products Co-Op (http://www.frontiercoop.com/brands.php)

·         Hain Celestial Group (http://www.hain-celestial.com/brands.php)