Pinole Chips by Bob’s Natural

With the indulgent holiday season over, millions of us are now on the lookout for healthier foods that help us stay in – or get back in – shape without sacrificing the flavors we love for the summer. Fortunately, a new line of pinole chips from Bob’s Natural is an ideal option for anyone looking for a protein and flavor-rich snack at home, at work, during a workout, or on the go. Introducing Pinole Chips by Bob’s NaturalSnack Fuel in the form of a Healthier, Tastier, and Protein-Packed Tortilla Chip. Protein is dominating the snack sector and health-conscious consumers are choosing snacks with high protein levels and more nutritionally balanced ingredients. However, according to Bakery & Snacks, taste is what ultimately determines the repeated purchase of these products. Unfortunately, it’s hard to find products that don’t sacrifice flavor for health. Bob’s Natural has introduced its all-new Pinole Chips to fill this void in the snacking category.

Featuring the super-power of Pinole (an organic corn treated with lime), chia seeds, and dates, these delicious chips are packed with 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, making them the ultimate Snack Fuel. While most protein-infused products include whey (which contains dairy), Pinole Chips are dairy-free yet still deliver a high source of fiber. Available in traditional, chili lime, and BBQ flavors, they’re delectable on their own or paired with dips, salsas, and spreads. The Founder of Bob’s Natural, Bob Gruder set out to develop the perfect snack, which could be enjoyed every day. His Pinole Chips are based on a recipe from the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, which documents the lives of the Tarahumara Indians who ate pinole as a staple. Just two ounces of pinole provides 7 grams of fiber, 40 grams of complex carbohydrates, and 100 milligrams of the antioxidant anthocyanins. To craft the perfect tortilla chip, both in taste and nutritional density, Gruder blended pinole with brown rice protein, chia seeds, Masa Harina, and dates. The result is a tortilla chip with a hint of natural sweetness and packed with nutrients like B and K vitamins, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. Pinole is an ancient grain mixture and superfood used by Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians as sustenance for long-distance running. The pinole is a slow-burning fuel source, and it is treated with lime (the mineral, not the citrus fruit), which aids with digestion. “The Tarahumara tribe have incredible health, mental drive, and stamina. It is not uncommon for them to run 50-100 miles each day,” says Gruder. “I believe part of the secret to their success is nutrition. My goal is to expand the options for healthy snacks that also taste great. Our Pinole Chips offer a dense source of incredible nutrients that are an easily digestible food that won’t leave you with a sugar crash.” From athletes seeking the best quality carbs for pre-workout calories to moms in need of a healthy snack to slip into their kids’ lunchboxes, to on-the-go students and commuters who want a tasty snack with added nutritional value, Bob’s Natural Pinole Chips are Snack Fuel for any occasion. Bob’s Natural’s Traditional Pinole Chip adds a slight sweetness to the traditional tortilla chip, while Chili Lime and BBQ Pinole Chips satisfy those craving a kick with a zesty mix of spice and sweetness. Bob’s Natural chips are gluten-free and non-GMO verified. Dedicated to improving the health of others and paying respect to the culture that inspired its chips, Bob’s Natural dedicates a portion of its profits to the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital. 

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

100 Things to Do in Minnesota Before You Die

Author Julie Jo Larson brings us 100 Things to Do in Minnesota Before You Die and 100 Things to Do in the Minnesota Northwoods Before You Die. In the land where Paul Bunyan statues are big and Bigfoot tales are even bigger, the Jolly Green Giant overlooks the North Star State of Minnesota.

100 Things to Do in Minnesota Before You Die helps you navigate from Grand Portage on our northern border to Winona in the south while enticing you to try new outdoor activities, eat unusual foods, and sip flavorful beverages. Visit the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, order popcorn from a 120-year-old popcorn wagon, and walk across the Mississippi headwaters at Itasca State Park. Explore the state by skis or by zip-line. Visit an underground state park or look to the sky to watch the Northern Lights. This is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, untouched wilderness, awesome music, exceptional restaurants, and the Mall of America. Minnesota truly has something for everyone to enjoy. There is no shortage of activities in this book to keep readers of all ages busy 365 days a year. Whether you use this book as a bucket list, guidebook, or cure for cabin fever, local author Julie Jo Larson has got you covered. Grab a friend or two, a copy of this book, and experience four seasons of great adventures where the journey is as meaningful as the destination. 

 Julie Jo Larson is a writer, storycatcher, public speaker, and licensed social worker. She spends most weekends exploring Minnesota and writing MsStorian Adventures. When not advising college students, she can be found on the trail with a walking stick in hand and worn mukluks on her feet. Julie Jo lives in rural Brainerd with her husband, family pets, and a flock of chickens.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

CanvasChamp

I am in love with CanvasChamp an easy-to-use platform for personalized décor and gifting. With fast shipping times, affordable prices, and a wide variety of unique products, they are perfect for all your gifting needs! Check out all my goodies, and they were so easy to create! And a ton of fun!

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Eco-Friendly Packaging by Blue Lake

Ying Liu is a mom on a mission to solve the plastic problem through innovation. Going from a teacher to an Apple executive and then an ecopreneur, her epiphany struck at a landfill, where the sight of endless waste juxtaposed against the ocean horizon hit too close to home. As a mother, she couldn’t stand the idea of her children not being able to enjoy the ocean when they were her age. This led her to start Blue Lake Packaging, a company dedicated to developing affordable sustainable, fiber-based alternatives to everyday products. Blue Lake’s product offerings include the newly released fiber-based tape and dispenser. In 2024, the company aims to expand its market reach as well as its product offerings. In particular, Liu sees promise in the plastic-free cushioning material space.

Blue Lake has everyday items that everyone uses, like this ECOLIFE tape dispenser. 

More than a masking tape: This plant-based tape, complete with a plastic-free tape dispenser, works like magic for masking, labeling, sealing, journaling, etc.

Ideal for a Variety of Settings: school, office, library, homes, or part of a community that values the environment.

Toxic-Free: This masking tape comes without any toxic glue or ink. The dispenser and packaging are free of plastic film or coating, ensuring a clean and green choice.

 The award-winning dispenser design makes refilling and reusing a breeze, providing a convenient and sustainable solution.

Ample Supply: It comes with this tape dispenser four rolls of paper tape. Each roll offers up to 550 uses with a 3/4-inch cut each time.

By prioritizing processes that reduce waste and carbon footprint, Blue Lake ECOLIFE caters to environmentally aware consumers seeking practical, comparably priced alternatives for their daily needs. With ECOLIFE, customers don't have to choose between sustainability, quality, or user experience.

~Hayley

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I have used direct text from the website of the company/product I am promoting to facilitate in my review.

Happy Earth Day 2024

My Life Is A Rodeo - For Really Real

A little over a month ago - life got crazy (again) for us. This is what has been going on - what I posted on Facebook.

Long post alert. About 6pm last night I got a call from Jason's phone from a lady who said she found this man in the parking lot and she called 911. She was panicking and freaking out, and I realized she was talking about Jason. He was conscious but slurring his words so she took the phone from him to talk to me. When the paramedics arrived they told me they had to go and to meet them at the hospital. We have been having trouble with the truck, something about the shifter. And Jason was at work, leaving for home, when he had to get under the truck and fix something. Whatever happened, the truck moved and trapped him under it and was in drive. Spun him around and then rolled over him. It's like some sort of freak accident. He has a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), broken ribs, broken pelvis, broken hip joints, fractured occipital bone on face, broken vertebrae, both scapula (shoulder blades) broken, and a broken neck. Plus a lacerated bicep which required 16 stitches and a few stitches on a gash on his leg. We will find out more as the weekend goes on and he continues to see the Trauma team, the neurosurgeon and the occupational team. It sounds like a lot of recovery for him. Will keep you all posted.

Two weeks ago posted:

Thought I'd share an update on Jason since people have been asking. He is doing remarkably well. He is back to work. He uses a cane but can pretty much walk on his own. His pain is mostly under control. He has had so many x-rays and MRIs that he should be radioactive. His shoulder and collar bone break separated, all the other ones were clean hairline breaks. So that is sort of tough to get range of motion etc., but he is doing well with that too. We want to thank everyone for the cards, flowers, meals, etc. Everyone has been so generous. It was pretty scary for me but Jay keeps saying "this is not my first rodeo" and unfortunately it's not. Ha! Having now seen more than one of my loved ones being pulled from the back of an ambulance, I can tell you, please tell the ones you care about how you feel, because you never know what can happen in the blink of an eye.

National Pediatric Transplant Week #KidsTransplantWeek

National Pediatric Transplant Week takes place the last full week of National Donate Life Month in April. It focuses on the powerful message of ending the pediatric transplant waiting list. Throughout Pediatric Transplant Week, clinical partners share patient stories (candidates and recipients); donor families whose children have saved and healed lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation are honored; and recipient families share their thanks and milestone celebrations.