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!!

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/

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!!

Wordless Wednesday - Hello Fredbird

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!

Happiness Is.....

1.  Having my daughter rush home to tell me about her exciting new.
2.  Climbing into bed exhausted and having my cat, Midnight cuddle up next to me.
3.  Dancing in the kitchen with my husband, Doug.
4.  Finding something on sale and also have a great coupon for it.
5.  Spending time with friends just talking.
6.  Walking outside on a cool sunny day.
7.  Taking a road trip to see someone special. 
8.  The smell of lilacs on a summer day.
9.  Listening to my daughter read and realizing how talented she is.
10.  Have the best friends and family that always make me smile.

What makes you smile?  What is one thing you can count on that will always brighten your day? 

Proverbs 15:13
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

What Does Easter Mean To You?

'Don't be alarmed,' he said. 'You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.'”

Mark 16:6 NIV

For me, Easter means a lot more than chocolate bunnies, Easter eggs and candy.  On Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with our friends and family.  It is a time for fun, laughter, prayer, joyfulness and of course a few eggs to hide, candy to eat and of course the Easter Bunny.  Di you know that Easter is typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year?  I know every year at our Easter service it is hard to leave with a dry eye.  The sermon is so powerful and the room is full of love, prayers and pure awesomeness!

I would like to share a little of my families Easter 2012.

 Everyone trying to find their eggs!!

 Sweet cousins helping each other out.

 The family admiring the beautiful cake.  Isn't awesome?!?

 I sweet little duck decided to join us Easter morning.

My sweet Grace searching for eggs.

It's Finally HERE!! Tiny Tillia Baby Photo Search Contest!

It is finally here!  Moms, dads, grandparents, family members and even friends...Here is your chance to share your adorable one's face with the world and win some bragging rights for years to come!

• First-Place Baby will be featured in a Tiny Tillia Storybook AND win a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond
• 10 Cuties will win Tiny Tillia products valued at $300.
• 25 Sweeties will win Tiny Tillia products valued at $75.

All winning photos will be showcased on tinytillia.com!! 

It's Simple To Enter:

1. Go to tinytillia.com
2. Complete the entry form
3. Upload a photo of your baby, newborn to 24 month

Be sure to enter MY name so that when your baby wins, so do I! 

• Julie McClure Sutton
• St. Charles/Missouri
• juliesutton.avon@att.net  314-495-2699

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the Contest of shopping online at TinyTillia.com.  I appreciate you as a customer and you shopping with me.  Thank you! 

Official Rules:
No purchase necessary to enter or win.  Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and DC, 18 & over.  Contest open to Avon Representatives.  Contest begins 12:00 AM ET 9/15/2011 and ends 11:59 PM ET 10/17/2011.

An Avon Exclusive - Frog Storage Bag

Avon's Frog Storage Bag For Just $19.99 each. Shop Online or contact me directly to place your order.  Cleaning up for you little one will be so much more fun!!!

St. Louis Fans - Buy One Summer Skate and Get One FREE At Great Skate!

Great Skate is having a Summer Skate Special!  Buy one skate at regular price and get one FREE!  Please see picture above for all prices and times for the Special Summer Skate!!  Have Fun Skating!!

Monday - Friday

June 6 - August 12, 2011

1pm - 4pm 

Closed July 4th

Visit the Great Skate website HERE

Is A Dirty Job But Someone Has To Do It!!

We got some really good news this weekend!  My parents house finally sold!  I have been saying many prayers the timing would work out and it looks like we are back on track.  Now, the fun part.  My parents have 30 days to finish "fixing" the new house, pack and be out of their old house.  Sounds like a good time, right?  RIGHT?? 

We have been spending the past week painting and tearing out all the carpet and padding.  I have now learned it is so much easier saying the sentence, "We are going to paint and carpet an entire house." than actually doing it.  It has been a lot of work!  My parents have been out of town this past week and I hope will be surprised to all the work we have done.  I think tomorrow we will be putting them to work! 

 Here are a few pictures of the work we have been doing.  Looking through them I know realized I need to get some better ones.  I will work on that.  : )

 This is upstairs in the hallway.  I tore out this carpet and padding and was pretty proud of my work (and tired)

 Also upstairs and also my handy work.

 Downstairs Doug is painting over the mustard color wit ha new fresh oatmeal color.  Do you like the baseboards?  I did those too.  : )

Grace was an awesome helper.  Here she is pulling out the staples.  Not an easy job, but she rocked at it!!!

To date I think we took 21 bags of trash out of that house full of padding.  We still have the master bedroom to tear out.  I lost count to how many rolls of carpet we brought out of that house.  We cut them into 4ft. or 6ft. pieces.  It was crazy!!  

Free Summer Series Is Back At Wehrenberg 6/1 - 8/4

I absolutely loved it when Wehrenberg does the Family Summer Series!  Last year I had the pleasure of going to several of the movies and I hope the same will be of this year.  It is a great way to get the family and friends together to watch family friendly movies and not spend a fortune.  I would recommend getting there a little early.  The seats fill up fast and many times you find daycares and schools bring their kids/students there. 

The movies are FREE and then they have a special food and drink combo offer for the kids!  This year it is popcorn and soda for $5.  If I remember correctly, adults can get it too.  At least we were able to last year.  Click HERE for a list of movies that are playing and theatres.  There are a lot of really good ones this year!

If you don't live in the St. Louis area, check your local movie theatres.  You might be surprised to find that they could have similar summer packages.  It is a great way to keep you family entertained and see some fun movies! 

Memorial Day - All Work And NO Play!

I hope everyone had a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.  As I  look back I noticed it has been almost one month since I have been on my blog.  Shame on me.  I have been busy with work, family myself and so many other things.  I am really not complaining, I know we are all busy and it's just life.  It is just amazing how sometimes you can get so wrapped up in some things you can forget about other things. 

Our Memorial weekend was busy.  The parents house has been closed on.  They are officially/unofficially our neighbors.  I say that because they now own the house next door, but are not living there yet.  We are still in the "fixing" up stage.  I think every muscle in my body is sore from painting this weekend.  I look at it as getting some well over due exercise.  There is still much more painting to do, but I am actually having fun!  Grace, my daughter even got in on the action.  She took a break from her painting and spent the day with her cousin Saturday playing games and miniature golf. 

We did enjoy some time outdoors in this beautiful warm weather we finally are having.  Monday we decided to grill out and have hot dogs and steaks.  They were absolutely what we needed! 

They are hoping to be moved in by the end of June.  For all my St. Louis area readers.  If you  yourself are looking for a home or know someone I would love for you to look at their listing.  They are still trying to sell their home.  VIEW LISTING

A little bit about the home: 
Subdivision: Scarsdale (St. Charles)

Price: $164,000
MLS ID #: 11018607
3 bedrooms , 2 baths, 1 half-bath
2048 Sq.Ft.
Great neighborhood and quite friendly neighbors.  Easy access to 70 and the page extension. Newer carpet, siding, roof, furnace.ac and much more!  The basement is finished and great place for a game room or family room. 

I will stop bragging about it and let you take a look at it yourself!  Hope everyone has a good week!!

Sometimes It's The Little Things

What makes your truly happy?  For some it could be spending money on lavish gifts, buying gifts they can't afford, entertaining friends every night.  For others it might be a little more simple like spending time with family, or doing a simple craft project or even taking in a ball game or outdoor activity.  What ever it is that makes you happy we can't forget the small things.

We all have them.  Those words, phrases, actions or occurrences that take place in our life that simply make us stop and smile. 

I want to share a couple of my, "Little Things" with you.

 My beautiful African Violet blooming.  Warms my heart every time and brings a smile to my face.  Good memories with these.  Growing up my mother had a table full of African Violets.

This morning I was overwhelmed by having two of my favorites, Rice Krispies AND bananas!  I was so excited my husband left one banana for me! 

Have a Happy Friday filled with all your "Little Things" you deserve!!

Hope Your Easter Was A 10 On The Fun Factor!

Easter this year can be described in many words.  Awesome, crazy, inspiring and cheerful.  It started on Friday with my mom, Grace and I baking a few things for Easter Sunday.  We had a lot of fun!  Growing up my mom always cooked wonderful meals.  Always had dinner on the table and the food she made was good.  I took a lot from her cooking.  Baking, not as much.  I recall my moms cookies being a bit hard and crunchy and the pies were always left up to my grandmother.  I would say I followed in my mother's footsteps as far as baking goes. 

We tried to make the Rice Krispie Easter Surprise Eggs I talked about earlier.  They were actually pretty easy, but I messed up the amounts and put way to many marshmallows in.  So then we added more Rice Krispies and well, it was just not working out.  We did get a few made, but they ended up being super hard.  The important part was the fun factor and I rate it a 10! 

P.S  I will try it again next year, but perhaps watch my measurements closer.  lol

 Grace washing the plastics eggs.  The recipe says to use 12 plastic eggs.  You really only need one egg per person .  So now all our plastic eggs are shiny and clean.  : ) 

Did you happen to notice how dark it was outside?  This was taken at 11am.  We were getting some terrible storms at this point. 

 Grandma and Grace working on some measurements.  lol

 Grace stirring the insane amount of marshmallows.  She does an awesome job as my assistant! 

 Mom and I attempting to form the eggs.  Fun factor was still at a 10 here!

"The Eggs"  Some were eaten and some were so hard they could have been used as weapons. 

Click HERE for the recipe if you want to try this for your Easter or just for fun! 

Our next dessert had much better results.  As I had mentioned, my mom and I are not great at the pies and cookies, but simple deserts and cakes we can do!  We made Banana Split Dessert.  Oh my!  This is just a wonderful, wonderful dessert.  It is just to yummy to mess up.  I think we were having too much fun because I didn't get to many pictures making it.  I guess we were too excited to make it. 

Here is the recipe:

2 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers

1 stick butter (melted)

1/4 cup sugar

1 brick cream cheese soften (leave out all morning for better spading)

1 cup powdered sugar

1 can crushed pineapple (drained completely)

3 bananas sliced

2~ 4 servings instant pudding (banana or vanilla)

1 1/2 tub cool whip

Crush graham crackers.  Mix together with sugar and and melted butter in bowl.  Press into a 9 x 13 pan.  Freeze for 10 - 20 minutes in the freezer. 

Mix cream cheese and powder sugar together until creamy.  Spread over graham cracker layer.  Then drain pineapple and spread the pineapple over evenly.  Next cover with sliced bananas. 

Mix pudding with 2 cups milk until thick.  Next add 1 cup cool whip to pudding and mix well.  Then add on top of banana layer.  Cover and refrigerate until set (10 - 15 minutes).  Top with remaining cool whip before serving.  Drizzle with chocolate and top with cherries are optional. 

This was before I added the chocolate.  I didn't have any cherries to add this time.  YUM!!

Sunday we had a lot of fun!  We witnessed an amazing Easter service.  My father was not feeling well so he was not able to come.  We missed him being there, but know he wanted to join us.  After church we were onto to good food, egg searching and fun times with family!  My daughter Grace always has so much fun with her cousins!  It brings such a smile to my face and heart seeing them laugh, play and talk about anything and everything. 

I hope you and your family had a great Easter!  Happy Easter! 

 This was taken right before they were getting reading to hunt for eggs. 

Such a sweet bunch!!!