Cryptic Food Packaging? Nobody's Got Time For That?

Food Labels, Demystified.....Cryptic food packaging?  Nobody's got time for that.  I do my best to eat healthy, but sometimes it is so hard to figure out what the food labels are trying to tell me!  Here, what some of those health-food terms really mean, so you can move on the next isle already. 

Cage-free or free-range - The chickens were raised un caged inside or outdoors.  Sounds good, but neither guarantees that the birds actually went or were fed a diet free of pesticides and antibiotics.  (Pesticides have been linked to cancer, while antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.)  For that, buy poultry and eggs labeled as "USDA Organic,"  I am lucky enough to have friends that raises range-free chickens that are also fed a diet free of pesticides and antibiotics. 

Sprouted - This label is used for grains, legumes and seeds that have been left in a warm, moist setting until they literally start to sprout little tails.  they tend to be easier to digest and are higher in some nutrients such as vitamin C.  You can throw sprouted beans in a salad for extra protein.  Another option is make a fast, fiber packed side for dinner by tossing sprouted whole grains with olive oil, lemon juice, nuts and parsley.  YUM!

No added Nitrates or Nitrites - Most Nitrate and nitrite free processed meats are free of synthetic versions of the chemical preservatives , but not the naturally derived ones that come from celery, salt or powder.  Since high levels of either my be linked to cancer, bacon and deli slices shouldn't be on your menu everyday.  When they are reach for meats with no added nitrates or nitrites. 

Hope this helps clarify just some of the very many confusing food labels you see and feel more confident in making better food choices.  It can be a lot to remember, at least for me. There are many other confusing words and phrases that I try to keep straight.  What I do is wright them all down. That way when I go shopping I can pull out my list and I won't be struggling to remember what is "good" and what is "bad."  Plus it will save time! 

Homemade Dill Pickles - YUM!

I am so excited to share this super easy and fun recipe with all of you!  My sweet Grace loves pickles so when I came across this recipe I know this was perfect for the two of us!  I love anything that saves time, is healthy and is a fun project.....Project!! 

These pickles are crazy easy to make.  My daughter is 11 and this is something she could do with her baking buddies.  They literally take minutes to make plus dill pickles are our favorite so this was just a perfect match. 

The only challenge is you need to find the perfect cucumber.  Thanks to My Frugal Adventures for the cucumber tip and this great recipe!  You want the best cucumbers that don't have that wax-y stuff on the skin.  You also don't want standard English cucumbers.  You want to find the smaller cucumbers. 

I bought 6 cucumbers which were approximately 5 inches long.  I used (2) old pickle jars (pictured above) to soak my pickles in.  You could also use (2) large mason jars. 

Homemade Dill Pickles

Ingredients

• cucumbers
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 2 cloves garlic minced or cloves
• peppercorns (this is to taste but about 20 per jar)
• fresh dill

Instructions

1. Start by cutting the cucumbers to your preference- into chips, spears or keep them whole.
2. Add the water and vinegar to a saucepan over high heat and bring to boil.
3. Add the sea salt.
4. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Add the fresh dill into a large mason jar.
6. Add the pickles in chips or spears or whole and cram as many as you can fit in the jar.
7. Next add the whole garlic or minced garlic to the jar.
8. Add the peppercorns to the jar.
9. Once the vinegar and water has cooled completely- dump it over the cucumbers in the jar.
10. Seal the jar with a very tight lid and shake to mix all the ingredients together.
11. Pop in the fridge for 24-72 hours and Boom! All done

We made these last night and have not had a chance to try one.  Grace did take one for lunch.  I am super excited to hear her reviews when she comes home from school!! 

Make sure all you ingredients are out and you have everything. 

Grace slicing the cucumber.  I think it's a great idea to teach our children to be hands on when cooking and baking. 

Cucumbers all sliced up and ready to become pickles!!  YUM!!

Fifty Shades of Grey - Onward Christian's Soldiers -

My heart is pounding.  My legs are pure jelly.  I'm a quivering mess.  Christian Grey is sitting across from me. 
He's so good looking, it's unnerving.  His hair is tousled.  is gaze is steely, like molten gray fire. 
Oh my.  I swallow my Diet Coke convulsively.  What's happening?  What's he going to do now?
His long-fingered hands reach for the cheese plate.  I gasp and flush scarlet as he piles Manchego and chorizo on crusty bread.  "Mmmm, " he says.
He looks up at me, his eyes full of some unfathomable question.
Holy cow.  Could this be more erotic?
"Is this the whole-grain mustard?" he asked.
My heart pounds faster.  The blood thrums in my ears.  I go into cardiac arrest.

Takes me back to months of reading the best trilogy of books I have ever read.  Many BFF's and couples will be filling the movie theaters to watch the one of the top movies set to release Valentines Day 2015 and I am sure you are as excited as I am.  Fifty Shades of Grey has finally come to the big screen and I cannot wait!!   

After much debate I am honestly excited about the main actors.  As everybody knows.....Christian Grey is being played by Jamie Dornan and Anastasia Steele is being played by Dakota  Johnson.  Did you know Jamie was not the first choice for Christian Grey?  Charlie Hunnam was their first choice.  Many fans love this decisions and Charlie also felt excited for the role.  Unfortunately with Charlie's intense TV schedule it did not workout and he needed to decline the role. 

Their next and final pick was Jamie Dornan.  This made Grey fans not happy and many are still unhappy with the decision.  The hashtag #NotMyChristian started trending on Twitter and is still ongoing.  Some even refuse to see the movie but I bet some will find themselves standing in line just like me.  Even the release of a steamy trailer failed to placate the true diehards.  Many feared the baby-faced, former Calvin Klein underwear model was too adorable to truss anyone up.  My thought is get over it and enjoy the movie.  Not everyone will feel the same way about every man or woman.  Not every man is your leading man so let it go and just enjoy the movie for it's passion and true meaning.  I have a feeling this is one movie you don't want to miss!!

So tell me, after all the months of waiting, discussing and now seeing the different trailers with our Christian and Anastasia are YOU pleased with the picks?  I would honestly say I am.  At first I was not sure about Jamie Dornan as Christian, but I now see him as Christian and cannot wait to see their chemistry together!! 

Six Winter MUST Haves for Your Skin!!

Every winter I say the same thing, " I hate how dry and itchy my skin gets!!"  I have literally tried every product out there.  My skin not only gets dry like I'm sure many of yours does, but it cracks and bleeds too.  Totally gross and so painfull!  It got to the point where I was having to keep Band-Aids in my purse for ME!  Not the kiddos. 

Over the years I have actually gotten a collection of my winter "Must Haves" and want to share it with YOU!  Not only does my skin get very dry, crack and itchy it is also very sensitive to many products.  The products listed below help with not only dry skin, but help keep my skin feeling soft, rejuvenated and they do not cause redness, itchiness or irritation.  Perfect for those with a brutal winter and dry skin!! 

1. AVON Skin So Soft  - A favorite of thousands for many years and for good reason.  Not only can Avon's SSS help with your dry skin it makes an awesome bug repellant!  Check out the 30 plus reasons you need to have Skin So Soft in your home HERE.  I always make sure I have a back up bottle in my home!!
2. AVON Skin So Soft Winter Soft Body Cream - With Hydroseal Complex this body cream is non greasy, goes on smooth and makes my entire body feel soft and smooth.  Love the scent! 
3. SPECTRUM ESSENTIALS Organic Coconut Oil - This is the perfect choice for a natural body care.  It does have a strong coconut scent which I love.  It can be greasy when first applied, but it really helps dry, itchy skin. 
4. O'KEEFF'S Working Hands - Made just for the hands and it DOES work!  What I love is I can apply it and go on with my daily routine.  It is NOT greasy, wet or sticky feeling.  It does not have a strong scent so it is great for men or women.  It is made for dry hands that crack or split. 
5. AVON Naturals Hand and Body Lotion - You cannot go wrong with Avon Naturals Body Lotions.  Many great scents to choose from plus leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and smelling great!  With the great low price they also make great gifts!  I love the convenient travel size perfect to keep in your purse or anywhere. 
6. AVON Lip Balm - A Must Have every winter is lip balm.  My favorite has always been Avon.  Any kind really will do but be sure it has SPF 15.  We need to protect our beautiful lips from those nasty rays.  Avon Care is one of my favorites.   

AVON!! Bold Lips and Brows

Bold Lips and Brows!

Sultry, smoky eyes are great for festive occasions, but they can be hard to re-create on your own.  This holiday season I found it easier to simplify the primping and put the focus on color-intense lips and full brows.  The look is pretty, polished, and (best of all) easy to achieve. 

One of my favorite lipsticks from Avon is Avon's Ultra Color Bold Lipstick.  This amazing lipcolor line contains 50 percent more pigment than is found in traditional lipsticks.  At only $8 each this is a must have!! 

After years of soft, sheer glosses' dominating the beauty market, strong lips are taking the center stage again.  What the new lipsticks don't share with their older counterparts is a technology to dry out lips.  Today's creamy varieties are packed with pigments (making it possible to get full coverage with one swipe) and often boast moisturizing humectants, like hyaluronic acid. 

One of the best and most popular new lipsticks from Avon is Avon Ultra Color Absolute Lipstick.  Formulated with Color Complete Complex featuring six beauty boosters - Vitamin E, Phytol, Vitamin C, 50% moisturizing ingredients in every stick, SPF 15, and Collagen - this creamy lipstick is rich in moisture, conditioners, and antioxidants.

It continues to work even after you have taken it off and help lips look their best. A clinical study shows that lips look healthier after using new Avon Ultra Color Absolute Lipstick. And with new Color Reveal technology, Avon’s breakthrough self-renewing pigments, this multitasking lipstick also delivers vibrant looking color, in 12 stunning shades.  Regularly priced $9 On sale NOW for $5.99!! 

 

To balance bold tones, go for equally bold brows.  "Your were born with the brow that was right for you.  Work with that thick thickness to hone the arch," says Los Angeles celebrity eyebrow specialist Anastasia Soare. 

 

"When your eyebrows look good, people notice," said Maybelline New York's global brow expert, Maribeth Madron.  "when they're wrong-too bushy or overplucked-they pull away focus."  A well shaped brow is the visual equivalent of a face-lift.  Below, are your must have brow-care essentials. 

Arch - Slant-edged tweezers are the easiest to use.  Always keep a pair of tweezers handy to nab errant hairs.  I love my Ergonomic Tweezers from Avon.  Sale - $3.99 (item #790-587)

 

Accentuate - Also a must have!!  The kit's tinted powder and wax "fills gaps and create structure"  Will find kits similar for $32!!  Avon - $4.99!! 

AVON!!! -Three More Days - Save Up To 50%!!!

—THREE MORE DAYS!—

THE LOOK YOUR BEST FOR LESS SALE

SAVE UP TO 50% OFF Shop Now OUR GIFTS TO YOU     

CYBER MONDAY - Free shipping. 30% off. + FREE 6-piece gift!!

 

Avon is continuing to have their FREE SHIPPING deals.  I took advantage of the 30% savings Friday.  I snagged myself a few Christmas gifts, some stocking stuffers and a little something for myself.  It is very rare that Avon offers a percentage off for spending such a small amount.  If you love Avon like I do this is the perfect time to take advantage of it! 

Today for Cyber Monday it gets a little better!  

FREE SHIPPING on ANY order!

30% Off ANY order of $30 or More!

FREE 6-Piece Gift Set With ANY Order of $50 Or More!  

Use Coupon Code CYBER30FS!!  

Valid 12/1/2014 On Direct Deliveries Only!  

WAIT.......With each $50 Order You will receive this FREE 6-Piece Gift Set

Here are some GREAT stocking stuffer ideas:

Shimmering Body Powder 9 scents to choose from) - Reg $5.50 Sale - $1.99

Haiku or Imari Seduction Parfum Spray - Reg $23 Sale $10

Cozy Fury Slippers - Reg $14.99 Sale $6.99

Flowers and Beads Flip Flops - Reg $14.99 Sale $4.99

Please visit my online website to order all these great items plus more!  Thank you!  

A Quick Spritz of Avon Luck For Her To Feel Instantly Energized!

With the holidays quickly approaching many of us already may be losing our steam.  Whether we are stay home moms, college students, or work full time.  We find it hard to find that extra energy especially around the holidays.  I know I struggle to keep up energy during the holidays.  I often find myself looking for anything to give me that boost of energy.

ALL YOU Magazine recommends a quick spritz of #AvonLuck for Her fragrance to feel instantly energized!  How you ask?  Avon's Newest fragrance, Avon Luck For Her is a sparkling fragrance for the woman fortunate in love and life.  This luxurious fragrance instantly seduces with dazzling notes Sparkling Citrus - which research has shown has a stimulating effect.  The aroma of jasmine is also effective in sharpening focus - which in turn speeds up reaction times and improves performances.  

Celebrate your lucky moments from day to night and feel better and more energized with Avon's NEW long lasting fragrance Avon Luck for Her.    

Please watch the video below to learn a little more about MY new favorite fragrance.  

To purchase you very own Avon Luck for Her please visit my website HERE.  Please leave a comment below if you have any questions about this product OR any other products or Avon in general.  

Please be sure you follow me:

Facebook - Send a Friend Request!!
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Pinterest

Come Shop With ME - Avon.com! - Sign up for email alerts and Special Discounts!!  

Get Mile-Long Legs With Avon's Cushion Walk® Knee-High Stretch Boot

Get mile-long legs and the perfect look you have been searching for with Avon's NEW Cushion Walk® Knee-High Stretch Boot.  You will feel both stylish and beautiful while your legs look lean and lengthy thanks to the tapered shape of these amazing boots!!

Classic just-below-the knee boot.  Leatherlike with stretch gore on the back panel.  (size 8 fits 17" calf and stretches for added width).  Flexible rubber sole.  1 1/4" H heel Imported.  Half sizes, order one size up.

If interested please visited my Avon website HERE.

I do have a special valid now through 11/23/14.  All Direct Delivery order $75 and over will receive Free Shipping plus 25% off their order when the use coupon code SITEWIDE!!  Great time to stock up for the holiday.  Please be sure you are shopping with Julie McClure Sutton to receive these special deals.  Thank you!  

AVON Holiday 2014 Gift Guide is HERE!!

The Avon Holiday 2014 Gift Guide is here!  Please watch as Avon Blogger Ambassador and founder of Rouge 18, Amber Katz, shares her favorite gifts from Avon and mark. for the 2014 holiday season. Amber suggests her top presents for the beauty junkie, her favorite stocking stuffers and more.

One of Amber’s favorite gifts to give is the Avon Makeup Studio Palette which contains a total of 40 shades. With eyeshadows, cheek colors, and lip glosses, this kit has everything you need to apply a great look.  Avon sold something similar last year and my customers LOVED it!!  

Fragrance is a great holiday gift. Amber recommends Avon Luck for Her and Avon Luck for Him.  Avon Luck for Her blends citrus and berries while Avon Luck for Him blends cool spices with woody tones.

For women looking for a bold style, the Avon Standout Statement Necklace is the perfect present. A great look for parties, this chunky necklace boasts black, clear, and royal blue stones.

Stocking stuffers are one the best parts of the holidays. Amber recommends Avon Holiday Hand Creams and Avon Holiday Lip Balms.  These are perfect for the dry and cold weather that coincides with the holiday season.  Great gift for any age!!  

The smokey eye look is on trend this year, and the Avon Dare To Go Smokey Eye Set contains everything you need to achieve this fashionable style: eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara.

Nail fanatics like myself will love the Avon Nail Art Design Strips.  These limited edition patterns include snowmen, a silver textured style, tartan plaid, and pure white.  The snowman is my favorite!!  

Amber suggests the Avon Raising the Bar Tote for the fashionista on your list. This stylish bag features goldtone hardware and a removable strap.

For the makeup mavens, Amber recommends the mark. Eye Dream of Glam Palette, which contains 16 marblized shades of eyeshadow that can be applied as a liner or a shadow.

The mark. On the Dot Compact features nine new shades of lip gloss in a portable case, making it great as a present or stocking stuffer.  Buy one for you and a friend!  

For the beauty lover on your list, the mark. Gimme a Look 5-Piece Pro Brush Set is a complete collection of brushes for any look you can imagine. It contains an eyeliner brush, an eyeshadow brush, a concealer brush, and blush and bronzer brush, and a powder brush.

Amber’s final recommendation is the mark. Fix Me Up Multi-Benefit Scented Balm Trio.  This holiday exclusive moisturizes and repairs a variety of beauty problems and comes in three scents.

Please visit my Avon website HERE to shop these fun holiday 2014 gifts from Avon and mark.  

Let me know what some of YOUR favorite gifts are this Christmas season.  

Disney's FROZEN Comes To AVON!!

Make your little ones Christmas even more magical with fun gifts from Disney's FROZEN exclusively from Avon!!  Starting in Campaign 25 which starts Tuesday, November 11 on my Avon website!! https://jsutton7673.avonrepresentative.com/.

For Halloween all I saw was the beautiful princess Elsa and the fun loving Olaf.  Keep the fun and magic going this Christmas with your family  and friends with these great gifts and deals through Avon.

Frozen Glowing Olaf Cuddle Pillow

There is snow much love to give this season! This wacky character from the popular Disney movie Frozen cuddles and snuggles and even glows! 26" tall. Uses 3 AAA batteries (not included). Ages 3 and up. Polyester. Imported.

Item#: 607-239 Price: $29.99

Frozen Singing Elsa Cuddle Pillow

Elsa gleams and glitters while she sings a selection from the popular hit "Let It Go" from the Disney movie Frozen. She is soft and snuggly and ready to be your best friend! 26" tall. Ages 3 and up. Polyester. Imported.

Item#: 607-243 Price: $29.99 Remember....FREE Shipping for all orders over $35 or $5.95 Flat Rate.   https://jsutton7673.avonrepresentative.com/

AVON.....Guaranteed On Time Delivery For Mother's Day!!! Plus FREE Shipping!!

Avon.com is offering FREE Shipping Today Only!!  Hurry....Avon is offering some great deal plus order today and get guaranteed on time delivery by Mother's Day!!

Please got to Julie's Avon website HERE.  Be sure to enter code MDAY14 and remember this awesome deal is valid TODAY (5/1/14) until midnight.

Here are just some of the deals:

With Summer right around the corner Avon SSS Bug Guard is a must to stock up on for all your summer plans.  Avon is offering some of your favorites for up to 50% off!

Thanks!  Happy Shopping!!

Avon.com: FREE Shipping On ANY Order - TODAY Only!!

For TODAY Only AVON is offering FREE Shipping - no minimum - when you enter promo code FSGREEN at checkout!  This is a perfect time to take advantage of since it's often on a minimum order of $30.  There are tons of great deals in the OUTLET section.  Here are a few of what I found....

Hawaiian Shores Moisture Gel $1.99 (reg $8)

Sonia 3-Piece Set $6.99 - Limited Quantities! (reg $24.99)

Classic CK Necklace $4.99 (reg $19.99)

Tiny Tillia Reindeer Robe $9.99 (reg $19.99)

Be sure to stop back by and let me know some of the great deals you found!  Questions?  Please email me at juliesutton.avon@att.net.  Thanks and Merry Christmas!!  

Julie's Avon Webstore SHOP NOW!!

Today ONLY: FREE Shipping On ANY Order!!

Today only, Avon is offering FREE SHIPPING - no minimum - when you use the coupon code TODAYSALE when you checkout!  This is a great deal to take advantage of, especially with school starting soon.  You don't want to miss the awesome back to school savings, special savings, plus the Outlet section. 

Here are a few of my favorites.....

Reusable Sandwich Bags

Set 0f 3 food safe and easy to clean.  Just wipe clean and reuse. 

Item #318-740  $5.99 for all 3

 

Arthritis Achy Foot & Muscle Cream from Foot Works

Intensive cream for temporary relief of minor joint and muscle aches. 

Item #882-629 $1.99 (reg $6)

 

All Moisture Therapy Body Lotion (25.3 fl oz.) $6.99 each

Skin So Soft Body Lotion (25.3 fl. oz) $6.99 each

Skin So Soft Bath Oil (24 fl oz.) $9.99 each

All Advance Techniques Shampoo or Conditioner (25.3 fl. oz) - $5.99 each

Stock up prices!!!

 

NEW Mega Effects Mascara

Panoramic Volume - Lashes look Darker, Denser and More Dramatic for 24 hours! 

Black - 411-360

Brown Black - 411-375

Only $10 each! 

 

Be sure to take advantage of these great deals today to get your FREE Shipping! 

Please be sure to follow me on Facebook and on Twitter! 

 

For any questions please email at juliesutton.avon@att.net. 



 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been TOO long...

It has been months since I had taken the time to sit down and share with you what has been going on.  There is some much needed catching up to do.  How could I almost let the entire summer go by and not write one little post?  My apologies...

My sweet Grace has had a pretty awesome summer.  Our family started my a FABULOUS trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama.  From St. Louis it was just a 11 hour drive.  For us that is a walk in the park.  Our family enjoys a nice drive any day.  I love the family time, scenery and just the moments that you share and gain with each other. 

One of the amazing activities we were blessed to do on our trip was go on a Dolphin Cruise to look for Dolphins.  It was amazing...So much fun!!  I was in awe at how many we saw!   The place we used was called The Wharf Sunset & Dolphin Cruises in Orange Beach, Alabama.  Amazing job!!

Upon the return from our relaxing and much needed trip Grace started volleyball.  This would be the first time.  She will be playing at the local YMCA.  I must admit she is pretty damn awesome.  This momma is SO proud.  Her team name is Red Hots and that is exactly what they are.  Last week they won their first match.  It was awesome!!  Grace served the game point to the third game giving them the victory! 

The library was something that kept a lot of our days busy.  I love to read and so does Grace.  This summer she was so excited to get her own library card.  It's almost equivalent to a driver's license to her.  lol  "Oh Happy Day!" 

I cannot complain this summer.  I have gotten to spend many great moments with my family and friends and would not trade those moments for anything.  I will admit I am a little excited to see the summer come to an end to see what a new school year will bring as well as some cool air.  Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. 

Thanks for reading and I hope you have made the most out of your summer days! 

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!