Food

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

/ realmofvibes / 23 Comments

I love gluten and dairy free products that I can grab and go! I also love everything about pistachios and find freeing them from their shell super relaxing. I was happy to find a new product, Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites which include pistachios with blueberry infused cranberries with coconut and maple brown rice syrup. 

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

Each resealable bag of Chewy Bites comes with 6 individually wrapped bite size chews.

Here are the facts:

  • 100% all natural
  • Dairy free
  • Gluten free
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan
  • No cholesterol
  • 0 trans fat
  • Made in the USA
  • MSRP Pricing: 2-pack – $1.99 USD, 6-pack – $5.99 USD, 16-pack $12.50 USD
  • Available in major grocery stores and will be available on Amazon.com

My Thoughts

Holy stickiness! After you unwrap the chewy bite from the package, you feel the maple brown rice syrup on your hands. And, unfortunately, you better have a wet napkin or hand sanitizer available or you will be left with sticky fingers. Note to self: hold the chew by the wrapper to protect my hands and clothing! 

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

The chew is delicious. I love the crunch of the pistachio with the sweetness of the blueberries, cranberries, coconut and maple brown rice syrup. It’s chewy, gooey, and in a few small bites, they are gone! Bummer. I want more! 

As for health conscious, I am glad the Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites are dairy and gluten free. A serving size is 2 chews, which is 200 calories. For me, that is a pretty heavy snack so I would stick with one chew. I like how the chews contain potassium, protein, fiber, and iron. I sometimes don’t get enough minerals, and this is a great way to get a healthy amount of nuts and fruit into my diet.

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

As for each chew being individually wrapped, I hope that Setton Farms will consider putting the chews into a biodegradable wrapper to cut back on waste. I also think that the bag is rather large for six small chews; perhaps they could add more chews or cut back on some of the packaging.

The Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites work wonderfully when I am on the go – or if I come home from work feeling ravenous and need something to hold me over until dinner.

ENTER THE SETTON FARMS GIVEAWAY

Fine print: Enter to win 2 packages of Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites. The contest will run from August 28, 2017, at 12 AM until September 11, 2017, at 12 AM. Only continental US residents 18 years or older will be eligible. If you are chosen as the winner, you have 24 hours to provide your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Failure to do so will result in another winner being chosen. 

Good work, Setton Farms!

Be sure to visit Setton Farms on Facebook,  Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube!

Namaste.

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Full disclosure: Setton Farms sent me 2 bags of Pistachio Chewy Bites complimentary for review purposes. All opinions within are my own. If you would like your product, business, or service featured on Realm of Vibes, visit my Contact page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com

Get Your Elements – Real Food for Real People

/ realmofvibes / 52 Comments

After completing the Whole 30 late last year, I discovered I had food intolerances to dairy and gluten. As most of you know from my previous posts, I partake in a mostly dairy and gluten free diet. Unfortunately, I find meal preparation to be one of the most difficult things about eating clean, so I appreciate any quick fix foods that are compliant with my intolerances and make me feel as fabulous as I really am. I am also training for a half marathon, so eating healthy is very important to me during my training.

Enter Elements, a company selling real food, in a bag.

WHAT? Real food? In a bag?

I have to admit, I was super skeptical getting a bag of freeze dried food in the mail. Little did I know that freeze drying only removes the water and leaves the vitamins, micronutrients, enzymes, and taste of the actual food behind.

Get Your Elements

Get Your Elements

Elements bags also have a 2-year shelf life and don’t require a microwave or stove top. All you have to do is tear the bag and add 1 cup of very hot water. Seal the zipper and shake well. Wait 12 minutes, open the bag, stir, and enjoy!

Need a bowl? Tear the bag at the lower hash-line.

So, what’s in the bag of Elements?

  • Fresh herbs
  • Sensational Spices
  • Delicious Taste
  • Self-Respect

 

Get Your Elements Review

Freeze dried deliciousness

 

What’s not in the bag?

  • Preservatives
  • Artificial Colors & Flavors
  • Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Processed Sugars
  • Shame
  • Guilt

 

What I Sampled

  • Broccoli Cinnamon Pork
    • Thoughts: Delicious. I love the combo – pulled pork is tender, the broccoli and squash are cooked perfectly, and you definitely taste the cinnamon. This was the easiest pulled pork and vegetable recipe I have ever made, and certainly tasted the best! 
  • Tuscan Chicken Pomodoro
    • Thoughts: Take me to Tuscany! I love the balsamic vinegar flavor throughout. There was a little excess water after 12 minutes, but it didn’t impact the dish. The chicken was soft and tender, and the tomatoes and onions were covered in the delicious herbs and spices. This was super yummy; my Nonna would be proud!

Other Elements

  • Maple Mustard Pork
  • Sesame Garlic Chicken
  • Chipotle Turkey Scramble

Thoughts

Elements are super simple to make and absolutely delicious! I love eating clean, and in 12 minutes I have a hot, delicious meal that fuels my body for or after a long run. I never would have imagined freeze dried food would taste so good!

Elements are great for anyone on the go who wants to eat well – perfect for busy moms, athletes, people who work long hours…or if I am on a long hike!

Elements has the perfect amount of calories, protein, carbs, and fats! Each bag is anywhere from 270-310 calories, just the right amount for a meal!

Get Your Elements Review

Kickstarter

Elements is on Kickstarter! One bag of Elements retails for $11.99 USD. During the Kickstarter campaign, you can get your Elements at a cheaper price, depending on how many you would like to purchase. Make your pledge today!

Elements Giveaway

Rules: Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the continental USA. Winner must provide name, address, e-mail, and phone number within 24 hours of the close of the giveaway or another winner will be selected. You will receive a sampler pack of Elements ($60 value) at the end of their Kickstarter Campaign. Giveaway begins on 8/14/17 at 12:00 AM and ends 8/28/17 at 12:00 AM.

Enter the Elements Giveaway!

Make sure you visit Elements on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Namaste.

Disclosure: Two bags of Elements were sent complimentary for review purposes. All opinions within are my own. If you are interested in having your products featured on Realm of Vibes, fill out the form on the Contact page. 

 

 

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Hello Fresh Food Subscription Review

/ realmofvibes / 1 Comment

I am a woman who is easily tempted by a coupon code. I am also that woman who orders her groceries online because setting foot in a supermarket, although a necessary evil, is not my cup of tea. Most of the time, I don’t feel like being creative with dinner, so after I was able to secure a coupon code for Hello Fresh, three dinners for two people came to $40. What a steal!

Food subscriptions are a new rage. Hello Fresh is a food delivery service that ships dinners right to your door. You can choose from the Classic (meat and fish), Vegetarian, or Family plan for either 2 or 4 persons.

Our Classic Carnivore menu consisted of:

  • Juicy Lucy Burgers
    • 840 calories
    • 10-minute prep
    • 40-minute total time
  • Zesty Crusted Catfish
    • 650 calories
    • 5-minute prep
    • 30-minute total time
  • Gremolata Strip Steak
    • 880 calories
    • 10-minute prep
    • 40-minute total time

These are the 3 meals we chose out of 8 offered options.

Hello Fresh is packaged in a cooler box, so I didn’t have to worry about rushing home from work to find spoiled food. Everything is neatly packaged in recyclable cardboard. I like how Hello Fresh keeps all of the different meals organized.

The first meal I made was the Jucy Lucy Burgers. I was happy I had the additional ingredients on hand (olive oil and sugar). The burger was cooked perfectly and Jason kept raving about the dressing on the arugula salad. However, I did have quite a few pots, pans, and bowls to clean up, which makes for a fun after dinner chore.

The second night we had the Zesty Crusted Catfish, which was deceivingly filling. I love roasted broccoli and jasmine rice (staples in my home). I rarely have catfish which was a nice treat. The panko breading was crunchy and flavorful with the included fish seasoning.

The third meal was the Gremolata Strip Steak. I love strip steak! Cauliflower mashed potatoes is also a great way to include vegetables into my diet. The pesto on top of the steak really added flavor. I would absolutely make this again!

 

The Good:

  • I didn’t have to think about dinner. It was nice to grab a box and get to work.
  • Each dinner was tasty and flavorful. Jason and I really enjoyed the variety.
  • The variety offered is plentiful. I love adding different meals to my nightly menu.
  • You won’t spend more than 40-minutes preparing a meal.
  • Good portions.
  • Easy to follow, step by step directions with pictures.
  • Cost effective with a coupon.

The Bad:

  • I used more pots, pans, bowls, and utensils than usual.
  • The calories are a little high. (I try to stick around 500 for dinner).
  • No leftovers. (I usually have leftovers for lunch the next day).
    • I could order the 4 person option to solve this problem.
  • Expensive without a coupon code

Verdict

I would absolutely use Hello Fresh again, especially on crazy busy weeks where I don’t have enough time to order groceries online or get to a supermarket. I would also use them if I am in a “dinner rut” and want some new ideas.

Hello Fresh, you certainly made dinner much easier!

Sign up HERE to get $40 off your first box!

Namaste.

PS. This is not a sponsored post. I wanted to share my experience with Hello Fresh with you. All opinions within all of my posts (whether sponsored or not) are my own. If you would like to have your product/brand/service on Realm of Vibes, please visit the Contact page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com. Realm of Vibes is also looking for guest bloggers in the lifestyle niche. 

 

for busy people who love to eat

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Flavored Kale Chips

/ realmofvibes / 23 Comments

I love kale. I always purchase kale for my salads and smoothies, so I decided it would be more cost effective to grow kale in my garden this year. I also found that it was very difficult to find a bag of kale chips without artificial flavors and preservatives. Kale chips could also be quite expensive, so I started making flavored kale chips at home. It took a few some experimenting to come up with the perfect recipe.

Shopping List

  • Fresh kale, cleaned and cut into bite-size pieces.
  • Flavored olive oil (I used cilantro & roasted garlic.)
  • Flavored salt (I used garlic.)
  • Side note: Get creative. Add crushed red pepper, minced ginger, black salt, etc.

Olive Oil and Garlic Salt

Directions

  • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Spread one layer of kale onto a baking sheet.
  • Drizzle olive oil over kale. Make sure each leaf has olive oil on it.
  • Sprinkle with salt.
  • Cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Watch kale closely. If you overcook, it will taste bitter and burnt. If you don’t cook it long enough, it will not be crunchy and will be slick with olive oil.

Kale on Baking Sheet

The final result…

Kale Chips

Crunchy, yummy, healthy kale chips with a nice flavor of cilantro, onion, and garlic.

Do you like kale? Have you ever made kale chips? 

Share your kale recipe in the comments!

Flavored Kale Chips

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Chomps: A Jerky Stick to Sink your Teeth Into

/ realmofvibes / 24 Comments

I am training for my first half marathon. I am also mostly dairy and wheat free, due to intolerances that make my skin break out into a nasty red rash. To prevent a lovely red glow, I stick to a mostly Paleo/Whole 30 diet, which makes me feel great – inside and out.

As an occupational therapist, I work in nursing homes and home care. Sometimes my lunches are in my car, or I am stuffing my face in the hallway before I enter my patient’s room. I work long hours, so eating something that is healthy and fills my belly is non-negotiable when I look for an on-the-go snack/meal.

Chomps

Take Chomps out to the ball game! Peanuts are good, Chomps are better!

Enter Chomps.

Chomps is founded by Pete Maldonado, who knew he struck gold with his homemade jerky snacks.

Chomps

Chomps Sticks

Millennials like me are awfully picky nowadays. We want grass-fed, non-GMO, sustainable food. We actually care about what we put into our bodies. We follow diets like Whole 30, Paleo, and do things like Intermittent Fasting. We like variety, too. Chomps hits the nail on the head…here’s why:

Chomps jerky sticks are:

  • 100% Grass-Fed, Non-GMO Beef
  • 100% Grass-Fed, Non-GMO Venison
  • 100% Free Range Chicken
  • No added sugars
  • No MSG or nitrates
  • No fillers or binders (celery juice is used, instead!)
  • No added preservatives
  • No antibiotics
  • Gluten-Free
  • Whole 30 and Paleo approved

Chomps is sustainable, which couldn’t make me happier. Each Chomps stick has at least 9 grams of protein and is 100 calories (Crankin’ Cran is 110 calories), which makes this a perfect snack for in between meals. A box of 5 Chomps sticks costs $11.25 USD. They can be ordered online through the Chomps website or you could search their store locator.

Chomps

Yours truly with the flavored Chomps

Enjoy Chomps in FIVE different flavors:

  • Beef, Original Flavor
    • Feedback: I love the natural beef taste mixed with the spices. I especially taste the garlic and coriander. I feel good that the beef is 100% grass fed and that there are no synthetic materials. Chomps shows me the beef!
    • Ingredients: 100% grass fed beef, water, salt, encapsulated citric acid, celery juice, black pepper, red pepper, garlic powder, coriander, stuffed in a collagen casing
  • Beef, Hoppin’ Jalapeno
    • Feedback: I am the jalapeno lady. I have a jalapeno plant in my garden. I am constantly adding jalapeno to cocktails and garnishing meals. The jalapeno compliments the beef; it isn’t too spicy, either. My husband LOVES this one!
  • Beef, Crankin’ Cran
    • Feedback: I love cranberries. I often purchase real cranberry juice and add it to my smoothies. I also make one hell of a Paleo meatloaf with cranberries. I love the Crankin’ Cran Chomps stick. It’s like Hoppin’ Jalapenos arch nemesis. This is the sweeter, softer stick. Excellent for a midmorning snack!
  • Chicken Flavor
    • I did not sample this flavor.
  • Venison, Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt
    • Feedback: I love venison because it isn’t gamey and is super lean. Chomps perfects being able to taste the meat, and adding delicious spices to enhance the flavor.
Chomps Sticks

My mom, Anna, loving her Chomps sticks

Final Thoughts

Invest in your health. Sink your teeth into Chomps. You won’t be disappointed.

Namaste.

Chomps

My husband leaving for work with a backpack full of Chomps

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Disclosure: Chomps sent me their product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions within are my own.

Are you a small business owner? I am looking to feature your products/brand on Realm of Vibes. I am also looking for bloggers looking to guest post in the lifestyle realm. Please visit the Contact page and fill out the form or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com for more details.