Sun-Bird Seasoning Products

My daughters learned to enjoy Asian food while they were away at college.  It’s economical as well as tasty.  Many Asian restaurants are located around college towns, and offer a variety of foods for dining in or take-out.

However, trying to replicate an authentic-tasting Asian meal at home is no longer difficult to do.

With Sun-Bird seasoning products, America’s #1 Asian seasoning brand, you can give food a true, authentic Asian flavor easily and affordably.  College students and families on tight budgets and tight schedules can now stretch their food dollars!

There are an infinite number of combinations you can make with your favorite foods. Choose your favorites from lamb, beef, chicken, shrimp, fish, and pork. For your vegetable choices, be sure to use veggies.  Some of the more common choices include tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, zucchini, water chestnuts, as well as snow peas.

Sun-Bird has a variety products for stir fry, fried rice, chow mein, honey sesame chicken, pad thai, thai curry – and many more, enabling you to put something a little more exciting on your table. You can find Sun-Bird’s Sauce Mixes, Soup Mixes and Classic 3-step Meal Kits in your grocer’s Asian section to try out.

photo credit: mia3mom

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Many of my readers know that I’m from New England, and have a special “connection” with the State of Vermont.

My charming son-in-law is originally from Vermont, and his family still lives up there.  When he married my daughter, their wedding was held over a Columbus Day weekend in Stowe.

Although I’ve never been (yet) to tour the Ben & Jerry’s factory, I hope to on one of my next visits.

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream stores are an institution here in New England, and I’ve visited several – Connecticut has one in Ledyard; I’ve been to ones in Montpelier, Vermont; Newport, Rhode Island; Ogunquit, Maine; and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  I’ve sampled so many flavors – they’re all my favorite, but I especially like their waffle cones!

Of course, when I’m not able to get to a shop, I’m able to enjoy my favorite flavors right from my grocery store freezer case!

I’d like to share with you some important information regarding Ben & Jerry’s commitment to Free Trade.  Last month, October was Free Trade Month.

On A Fair Trade Mission

At Ben & Jerry’s, we make it our top priority to make the best ice cream, lead with our values, and do as much good for the world as possible. So, in 2003, we began working towards a partnership with Transfair USA, a non-profit organization in the U.S. that certifies products as Fair Trade. In late 2004, we were finally able to dig our spoon into the Fair Trade realm, and began sourcing our coffee beans from the Huatusco co-op in Oaxaca, Mexico. But hold on to your pints- there’s more! In early 2007, Ben & Jerry’s began using Fair Trade certified vanilla beans as well for its regular vanilla ice cream and Fair Trade certified cocoa for its regular chocolate ice cream. Today, Ben & Jerry’s sources from several Fair Trade co-ops around the world.

What is “Fair Trade,” exactly?

One of the most well-known components of Fair Trade is that farmers are paid a livable wage. Paying a fair price for Fair Trade Certified goods empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and acquiring the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.  But did you know that there are other aspects as well?

They include:

Environmental sustainability: Farmers are not allowed to use harmful agrochemicals and GMOs. Preservation of the ecosystem surrounding these farms is very important: sustainable irrigation and crop rotation methods must be used, waste must properly be handled, and planting in virgin forests is prohibited. Also, conservation areas must be identified and left uncultivated.
Community development: Farmers invest their premiums in social and business developments, such as scholarship programs.
Safe working conditions: There is freedom of association between workers, and absolutely no child labor is allowed.

Direct purchasing: Those using FT products purchase directly from the suppliers, eliminating the middlemen usually involved in trade. This, in turn, empowers farmers to develop the ability to compete in an international market.
Democratically-handled revenue: Farmers and their workers work together in deciding how to invest their revenues.

Ndali Vanilla – an Example to Follow

In 1999, Lulu Sturdy left her home country of Britain to take over her uncle’s 1,000 acre tropical farm in the Ndali volcanic fields of Uganda. Though this move was a big change for Lulu, the results were well worth it. For the past ten years, Lulu has worked with approximately 1,000 native farmers and taught them how to grow vanilla of an exceptional quality and the skills needed to run the business.

By investing the premiums that the farmers are paid for their vanilla back into community developments, the local areas have improved dramatically.

When Lulu came to visit Ben & Jerry’s headquarters in South Burlington, Vermont, we learned just how important Fair Trade is to the local community of Ndali and have been working hard to get the word out about Fair Trade and tell the inspirational story of Ndali Vanilla.

Ben & Jerry’s is proud to support Ndali Vanilla, the farmers, and Lulu. Her inspirational story is incredibly powerful and the people of Uganda prosper through her program. Ben & Jerry’s has sourced from Ndali Vanilla since 2007 and encourages other companies and consumers to buy Fair Trade as well. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream wouldn’t be the same without it! You can raise two scoops to that!

Lulu Sturdy loves sharing her story and has made herself available (all the way from Africa) for interviews. You can also go to http://www.ndali.net/ for more information on the yummy vanilla that goes into our ice cream & how you too can get your hands on some!
_________________________________________

More to Come…

Ben & Jerry’s currently has four Fair Trade certified ice cream flavors available in pints. They are: Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee Heath Bar Crunch, and (the newest addition) Chocolate Macadamia. Additionally, Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz and regular ‘ol Coffee are also Fair Trade certified, and are exclusively sold in scoop shops.

Just recently, Ben & Jerry’s held the “Do the World a Flavor” contest. The contest asked fans to create the next Fair Trade flavor, and allowed ice cream lovers in 15 countries where Ben & Jerry’s is sold to submit their own ideas online. Toni Gunnison was chosen as the lucky US finalist, along with 15 other finalists selected from each participating country. All of the finalists will travel to the Dominican Republic to visit a Fair Trade cocoa co-op and see what Fair Trade is all about. There, the grand prize winner will be announced and his/her flavor will appear in scoop shops in 2010. Stay tuned!

Still Interested?

There’s more to this than meets the eye! Fair Trade is helping so many underdeveloped communities, like the one surrounding Ndali Vanilla. Check out http://www.transfairusa.org/ to learn more about Fair Trade (and just how much it really does for the environment) or go to www.benjerry.com and read all about our Fair Trade adventures and our other values-led ingredients.

To learn more about Ben & Jerry’s other social mission campaigns and activism, you can also check out our SEAR reports (Social and Environmental Assessment Report.)  Happy ice cream!

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Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Ben & Jerry’s “Cherry Garcia” T-Shirt (Size Medium) and coupons good for One Free Pint of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt or Sorbet.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

This contest will run until November  21, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EST

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Ben & Jerry’s and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

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Home and Family

The Holidays will soon be here before you know, and I like to get a jump start on having things all in order and done ahead of time.

I like to have my Christmas cards ready to send out by the first week of December, to avoid the holiday postal rush.

I recently had the opportunity to review some delightful cards from Vista Print.  Being from New England, I like to stick with the traditional Christmas themes.  I order my blog business cards from Vista Print and have always been happy with the service.

Vista Print offers Designer, photo, postcards and 5×7 cards where you can create your greeting cards in minutes and receive them in as little as 3 days.  Whether you’re sending out corporate business cards or personal cards, there’s an abundant choice for everyone!

We’ve taken so many photos this year of the grandkids that I created a flip “Grandma’s Photo Book” where I can share photos of my grandkids with my friends! You can choose from over 80 designs, upload your photos and customize with captions. Includes 20 pages with the option to add more.

Vista Print also offers personalized Wall Calendars too!  Someone you know would certainly enjoy one this holiday season!

For More Information Visit: Vista Print

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of 20 personalized Holiday Gift Cards from Vista Print.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

This contest will run until November 22, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EST

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Vista Print and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Related posts:

1. Easy Way to Work From Home ~ Start a Recipe Blog With Your Own Recipes
2. Virtual Food Drive ~ Girls Night Out on Twitter Gives Back
3. Wendy’s High School Heisman Program and Wendy’s Gift Card Giveaway

Hand and Body Care

The older we get, the more our skin starts to show its age. However, there are ways to combat this. If you’re willing to take a few healthy lifestyle steps now, you’ll look a lot better when you get older. Let’s take a look at some of the things we can do to prevent our skin from sagging and looking unhealthy as we get older.

We need to keep in mind that aging is a normal process, and that skin will sag to some degree as we get older. This is because it loses elasticity over time, and gravity begins to take its toll. The areas around the eyes and mouth begin to develop deeper lines, and over time the entire face can begin to sag. More blemishes are also a common experience for many people as they get older. This can cause many people to resort to cosmetic surgery, creams, as well as trying other types of methods to try to get rid of the appearance of age. Some of these methods work and some don’t, but it’s better to prevent the problem in the first place.

Look for natural moisturizing methods when you can. Something as simple as vitamin E oil or coconut oil can be just as effective as expensive moisturizing products. Avoid excessive use of cosmetics which contain all kinds of ingredients that can eventually cause problems with your skin. To stay looking fresh and natural, it’s a good idea to spend as much time that way as you can. That doesn’t mean you have to go without makeup entirely, of course. Just take the time to learn about cosmetic ingredients on your own, and know what you’re putting on your skin.

I recently had the opportunity to try All Natural Organic Anti-Aging Green Tea Aloe Lotion, as well as Women’s Aromatherapy Hormone Balance Synergy Body Spray by Southern Magnolia Minerals.

The All Natural Organic Anti-Aging Green Tea Aloe Lotion is available in a 4 fl oz in a treatment pump.  I use it right after the shower as well as throughout the day in order to retain moisture.  It has a very light, pleasant Green Tea fragrance.  I especially like that it also contains Aloe.

It’s nice to give yourself some at-home spa treatment on occasion!  After all, even as a Baby Boomer, it seems I’m still on-call it seems to helping my family out, even though they’re launched!

At night, I like to apply the New Women’s Aromatherapy Hormone Balance Synergy Body Spray.  It comes in a 10 ml spray bottle with overcap.  The scents of Jasmine, Rose, and Neroli are just a few of the essential oils in this balancing spray that trigger the brain to help activate positive changes to emotional well being and transform the female cycle and moods of any AND every age group of women.

Southern Magnolia Mineral Makeup products contains NO oils, perfumes, dyes, talc, bismuth so they are gentle and non-irritating even for sensitive skin. Its like no other makeup on earth! You can spend more money, but you can’t get better makeup than Southern Magnolia Minerals.

By paying attention to these factors and your overall health,  you’ll be sure that you’ll look your best, even as you get older. No matter who you are or what your age may be, by keeping yourself in good health and away from environmental factors that accelerate aging, you’ll be taking steps that will help you look better.

Why resort to gimmicks, when simple healthy living and a few quality skin care products are all you really need to look younger, longer?

This holiday season, put products from Southern Magnolia Minerals on your Wish List for yourself, or someone you care about!

For More Information Visit: Southern Magnolia Minerals

Thanks to Southern Magnolia Minerals, Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a makeup bag filled with  surprises that include makeup, skincare, accessories, brushes – Retail Value $150!

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Southern Magnolia Minerals and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until November 19, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EDT

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

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I’d like to let you know about a new resource available at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC is introducing Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids About Being Online. This booklet is chock-full of practical tips to help parents help their kids navigate the online world – whether they’re dealing with social networking and cyberbullying or sexting and file-sharing.

You may also order free copies to share with family and friends – or with a school, scout troop, or soccer team at FTC Publications.

For More Information Visit: OnGuard Online

Net Cetera is also available in Spanish

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Innovative Food Play

When ‘Lil Moomette comes over, she loves to spend time with “Auntie.” My youngest daughter thinks she’s the young sister she never had.  They’re always doing something fun, and lately Auntie has been introducing my granddaughter to baking.  Together they made some magnificent Halloween cookies!

I recently received the the Girl Gourmet™ Cake Bakery from JAKKS Pacific.

The Girl Gourmet™ Cake Bakery from JAKKS Pacific is going to be on many hot lists for this holiday season, meaning they are sure to be popular and sell out of stores fast.

Girl Gourmet™ Cake Bakery from JAKKS Pacific cooks can whip up delicious mini 2-tiered fondant cakes that can be customized and decorated. No ovens are involved!

Girl Gourmet™ Cake Bakery from JAKKS Pacific is designed to be both educational and fun for girls to enjoy. It also encourages girls to try new things and be creative.  The entire set comes with everything your little baker will need to create delicious cupcakes in little time. With the Girl Gourmet™ Cake Bakery, you get:

• Motorized gel decorator

• Decorating gel

• Decorating utensils

• 2 delicious cake mixes

• 5 fondants

• Bowl, spoon, cutters, non-stick pad, candy, tool caddy

• Instructions

• Refill Packs available for purchase

The ingredients are gluten and wheat-free, trans-fat free, and are produced in a nut-free facility in the U.S.  Many children who suffer from Celiac and nut allergies are now able to safely participate in the art of baking.

This set is perfect for the aspiring baker and will help children learn to bake, develop self confidence, problem solving skills, along with giving them the opportunity to create delicious deserts.

So you’ll be able to get to enjoy it too, just tell them that you have to ‘test’ everything that they make!

Recommended Ages: 8+

For More Information Visit: JAKKS

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of Girl Gourmet Cake Bakery set.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule: (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit JAKKS Pacific and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until November 18, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Follow Me on Twitter
@Moomettes

Related posts:

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Moomette’s Magnificents has reviewed the newest and hottest toys, fashions, cosmetics and family items for 2009.

Here you’ll be able to check out the reviews and visit the latest Giveaways for this Holiday Shopping Season!

Click on the window panes to find out more!

Stop by frequently as the list is always being updated!

Toys, Books, CDs, DVDs

Beauty and Health

		row 2, column 3

Fashion

	row 2, column 2	row 2, column 3

Homegoods and Decor

	row 2, column 2	row 2, column 3

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My daughter recently celebrated her wedding anniversary.  They got married in Stowe, Vermont over a Columbus Day Weekend, and the reception was held at the Stowehof Inn.  The view from our balcony of Mt. Mansfield and the fall foliage was breathtaking, as was the day!

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Most of my regular readers are well aware that Fall is probably my favorite season of the year.

Recently I’ve taken an interest in photography, and am trying to focus on some themes.  When I was in Bermuda, I enjoyed taking photos of the iron gates in St. Georges.

Several weeks ago, I shared historic Connecticut barns, and last week  I shared Scarecrows on Main.   I enjoy participating in Wordless Wednesday, and since I’ve become a prolific photo-taker, I can’t always put all of them up!

So, enjoy the home decorating simplicity of Yankee front doors New England!  Grandmom always said that less is more!

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Fun With TV Interaction

My grandson Slugger recently turned one.  It’s a joy to have a grandson since I’m the proud mom of two daughters and one granddaughter.

Slugger approaches life with full force, and head-on.  I like to call him my “monster truck” as he seems to bulldoze his way around learning things.

Of course, any learning requires active participation.

I recently had the opportunity to review the Laugh & Learn™ Smart Bounce & Spin Pony from Fisher Price.

This friendly pony bounces, spins, and rewards baby with lots of music and sounds, even without the TV. And when you set up the wireless TV connection, baby’s actions make big things happen on screen!

There’s plenty of interactive game play, animation, music, sounds, friendly characters, as well as tons of sing-along songs.

The Laugh & Learn™ Smart Bounce & Spin Pony offers three grow-with-me levels of interactive learning that your child will enjoy in your own home using the television.

• 12M+ Level 1: Action/Reaction

Teaches cause, effect, familiar objects, animals, sounds, first words

• 18M+ Level 2: Learn and Play

Teaches letters, numbers, objects, animals, opposites, colors, shapes, peek-a-boo play

• 24M+ Level 3: Active Learning

Teaches game play, word recognition, counting, actions, weather, following directions

To view a demonstration of this delightful toy for your toddler, Click HERE.

This Christmas, teach your child that learning is important. Give your child or grandchildren the Laugh & Learn™ Smart Bounce & Spin Pony from Fisher-Price and watch your child learn and grow right in front of your eyes!
Requires 3 AAA and 3 C batteries.

Ages: 12-36 months

Product: N0446

Maximum Weight: 44 lbs. (20 kg)

For More Information Visit: Fisher Price

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