• food,  Health,  New York,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    HEALTHIER LIVING THROUGH REAL FOOD INGREDIENTS – PALEONOLA

    You are what you eat, I totally agree with this saying. A healthy diet can help you change your whole life, being stronger, being more positive and of course it will turn out to be a happier and longer living. Let’s be honest, finding high quality snacks that actually have a clean label and taste great is hard.

    For over seven years Paleonola has used real food from nature to help you spend less time worrying about what you’re eating and more time crushing the day.

    You’re not average, so why settle for the average?

    Traditional granolas are filled with 90% oats and are made with ingredients like canola oil, cane sugar, soy lecithin and other additives that diminish and, in some cases, even ruin our intention of trying to eat healthy. Add in the fact that there are plenty of protein bars out there masquerading as glorified candy bars and it becomes difficult to find a true real food snack solution. Paleonola believes people deserve more from the foods they choose. Paleonola believes in simple, real foods, made from nature that taste Amazing.

    That tastes amazing!

    Ever feel like you need a chemistry PhD to read some of today’s ingredient labels? You’re not alone. Paleonola feels you and they knew there had to be a better way. Healthier eating doesn’t have to be complicated and that’s why every bag of Paleonola contains real food, handcrafted by the team. What you see is what you get – real food, made from simple ingredients, just like Mother Nature intended.

    The secret to staying on the healthy wagon is getting creative in the kitchen.

    Try out these quick, simple recipes below to elevate your taste buds to the next level. Feel free to improvise as needed or sub in your favorite flavor of Paleonola instead of the one recommended.

    PALEO PUMPKIN PUDDING WITH PALEONOLA TOPPING

    This Paleo Pumpkin Pudding with Paleonola Topping is perfect for welcoming in the Fall months. It’s rich and creamy and makes a perfect treat for yourself or to prepare for guests!

    INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 can pumpkin puree
    • 1 can coconut milk
    • 1/3 cup maple syrup
    • 3 teaspoons of gelatin
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
    • Pumpkin Pie Paleonola, for topping
    • Dairy free whipped topping, for topping, optional

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. In a small bowl, combine half of the coconut milk and gelatin. Allow to bloom while preparing the rest of the recipe.
    2. In a saucepan over medium, combine the remaining coconut milk, pumpkin, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice for 5 minutes.
    3. Add gelatin and coconut mixture and cook until gelatin is completely dissolved.
    4. Pour mixture into a bowl and cover it directly with plastic wrap to prevent film on top.
    5. Refrigerate for 5 hours or overnight and when ready to serve, use hand beaters or a stand mixer to combine until smooth and creamy.
    6. Top with Paleonola or other toppings like dairy free whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

    Paleonola Pumpkin Pie

    Oh my gourd, who doesn’t want to add a little crunchy pumpkin pie spices to their breakfast routine? Paleonola’s pumpkin pie granola (without the grain) can be added to yogurt, acai bowls, pancakes, oatmeal, you name it. Whatever you choose, it makes for a filling healthy breakfast option. But, what makes Paleonolaso awesome in addition to being grain free is that it’s gluten free, soy free, dairy free, no oats, no artificial ingredients granola and is so yummy that you would have no idea how healthy it really is for you.

    Ingredients: Almonds, Pecans, Pepitas*, Honey*, Walnuts, Coconut Oil*, Sunflower Seeds*, Flax Seeds*, Sweetened Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Apple Juice Concentrate, Sunflower Oil), Dried Coconut*, Spices, Vanilla Extract.

    Contains Pecans, Almonds, Walnuts, Coconut.

    MAPLE PANCAKE PALEO COFFEE CAKE

    A recipe that makes you want to get up in the morning! Enjoy this warm, moist coffee cake that is complimented so well with the Maple Pancake Paleonola.

    INGREDIENTS:

    • ¾ cup coconut flour
    • ¾ cup arrowroot flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 4 eggs
    • ¼ cup maple syrup
    • ½ cup full fat coconut milk
    • ¼ cup ghee, melted
    • 1 cup Maple Pancake Paleonola
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1-2 tablespoons ghee or oil of choice for greasing the baking dish

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. Preheat oven to 350.
    2. Combine dry ingredients, minus Paleonola and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
    3. Add wet ingredients, blend well and set aside.
    4. In a small bowl, combine cinnamon and Paleonola.
    5. Grease an 8 x 8 baking dish.
    6. Pour half of the cake mixture into the bottom of the dish and spread evenly.
    7. Add half of the Paleonola mixture on top of that.
    8. Add the second half of the cake mixture on top of the Paleonola and the remaining Paleonola on top.
    9. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and pulled out cleanly.

    Maple Pancake Paleonola

    Like a fresh stack of flapjacks without that hunched over bloated feeling. Paleonola took their signature nut and seed blend and kissed it with deliciously soft raisins and 100% pure maple syrup to bring you a delicious grain free granola. Paleonola is tired of that fake maple taste, so they created this Maple Pancake grain free granola for those who want to eat real food from nature. Maple Pancake is a founders favorite and definite crowd pleaser.

    Ingredients: Almonds, Pecans, Pepitas*, Walnuts, Coconut Oil*, Maple Syrup*, Honey*, Sunflower Seeds*, Flax Seeds*, Raisins*, Dried Coconut*, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon.

    Contains Pecans, Almonds, Walnuts, Coconut.

    APPLE PIE BAKED APPLES

    These delicious Apple Pie Baked Apples are a wonderful whole food and low sugar alternative to everyones favorite fall dessert. With only 3 simple ingredients, this delicious dish is a no brainer!

    INGREDIENTS:

    • 4 large apples
    • 1.5 cups Apple Pie Paleonola
    • 2 tablespoons ghee
    • cinnamon for garnish, optional

    DIRECTIONS:

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Slice the tops off your apples, making sure you slice them parallel to your cutting board. In other words, the tops will be uneven, but you want to make sure your apples sit upright. Keep the tops.
    3. Using a small knife or grapefruit spoon, carefully scoop out the core and 3/4th of the inside of the apple to make room for the granola mixture.
    4. Combine Paleonola and ghee in a mixing bowl and use your hands to combine fully.
    5. Add the apples to a small baking rimmed baking pan and add the Paleonola mixture evenly to all four apples.
    6. Replace the tops of the apples on top of the Paleonola mixture and place in the oven for 45 minutes – hour or until apples are soft and granola is browned.
    7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool and then remove the tops of the apples.
    8. Sprinkle with cinnamon if you’d like. Leave the tops on or off the apples for serving.

    Apple Pie Paleonola

    Apple Pie – minus the crust. It’s just like Grandma used to make… only healthier! Loaded with delicious nuts and seeds, dried apples and topped with just the right level of apple pie spices. Pop it in your bag for a snack when you’re hitting the trails, or eat it as cereal with some delicious coconut milk.

    Ingredients: Almonds, Pecans, Pepitas*, Honey*, Walnuts, Coconut Oil*, Sunflower Seeds*, Flax Seeds*, Dried Apple, Dried Coconut*, Spices, Vanilla Extract.

    Contains Pecans, Almonds, Walnuts, Coconut.

    About Paleonola:

    Founder Dinos and Katelyn said they didn’t know that a desire to change their eating habits would end up becoming something much bigger. What began in 2010 as a snack that helped them live healthier lives turned into the passion project of a lifetime.

    Founded upon the belief that choosing the right foods could have a major impact on your health and well-being, Paleonola was born out of the need for change in both of the lives. Dinos and Katelyn wanted more from themselves and more from the products they consumed. So, when they developed this delicious grain-free granola, they knew it was too good to keep it to themselves. Paleonola team believes that honesty and simplicity are the keys to meeting the challenges of everyday life. That’s why they created a simple snack that they believe will help encourage you to live a healthier life. You’ll be amazed at how the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. Paleonola wants you to know that they promise to deliver the best they have to offer every time.

    Check out Paleonola at https://paleonola.com/, they are also available on Thrive Market & Amazon.

  • Las Vegas

    TROPICANA LAS VEGAS® REOPENS

    Image

     

    READY TO MAKE NEW MEMORIES AT A VEGAS CLASSIC, TROPICANA LAS VEGAS® REOPENS WITH ANTICIPATED GUEST EXCITEMENT, GLITZ AND GLAMOUR
    Iconic Las Vegas Strip resort and casino officially celebrates its
    #welcomeback of guests and team members 
     

    Image Image Image Tropicana Las Vegas Opens 9_17_2020 with Legends in Concert Showgirls.png Tropicana Pool Reopens 9_17_2020.png

    Video and high-res images of the 09/17/2020 grand reopening can be downloaded here.

    LAS VEGAS – Tropicana Las Vegas® commemorated a festive #welcomeback celebration this morning with eager hotel and casino guests, loyal team members and locals as they reopened the iconic property following its March closure in accordance with the state of Nevada to slow the spread of COVID-19. Once known as a Rat Pack hangout, Tropicana Las Vegas® has now marked a second grand opening offering renewed energy and excitement among all who attended today’s events which was commemorated in true fashion with the stunning showgirls of Legends in Concert.

    Guests were ushered in at 10 a.m. and greeted by hotel executives, stage performers and loyal team members to the reopened hotel, casino and the widely acclaimed Tropicana Pool. The pool that started it all is popular among both hotel guests and Las Vegas locals, with drink specials and free admission to locals seven days a week with valid Nevada ID. Those looking to make new memories at a Vegas classic can book reservations online and take advantage of September rates starting as low as $39 per night by visiting www.troplv.com or by calling 888-381-8767.

    “We are very excited to celebrate the reopening of our beloved Tropicana Las Vegas, welcoming back the many loyal customers, hotel guests and remarkably loyal team members we had with us this morning,” said Mike Thoma, Assistant General Manager of Tropicana Las Vegas®.  “While the amenities our customers have come to know and love may be somewhat limited for the time being, the ability to safely welcome back our team members and guests always remains our top priority.  With this in mind, we worked very closely with the Nevada Gaming Control Board, state and local leaders, and public health officials to finalize what became our comprehensive reopening protocols. We have implemented additional health and safety precautions, trained our returning team members thoroughly, and added reminder signage throughout the property to provide our guests with a welcome sense of comfort as they return to our iconic resort.”

    The team at Tropicana Las Vegas® continues to be grateful for the overwhelming support, patience and understanding from its customers through these unprecedented times and are incredibly excited to safely welcome everyone back.

    For more information about social distancing and health and safety precautions in place, visit www.troplv.com/covid-19.

  • Art,  Fashion,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Sigfus Designs: The Jewelry Brand Embracing Inclusivity with American-Sourced Materials..

    It is never too early to shop around for beautiful and unique holiday gifts. Local designs always catch my eyes more than the market brands since myself is an artist, I love artistic products. Today, I would love to introduce a jewelry brand that has very unique and cute designs. It is not only good for the holiday gifts, but also for birthdays, anniversaries or any other reasons. Sigfús Designs creates fun and whimsical pieces that are as uplifting as they are lightweight to wear. In these tough times, this jewelry designer believes no matter how hard life can get, a bold pop of color and a beautiful statement piece can be just what you need to take on the day — no matter who you are.

    Handmade in Tucson, Arizona, this earring-focused collection is a little bit desert, a little bit retro, and a whole lot of rock and roll. More importantly, Sigfús Designs is an all-inclusive brand. Meaning that every ethnicity, size, shape, etc. can truly rock these trendy pieces.

    Sigfús Designs offers the earrings that look ceramic but are actually made out of American-sourced polymer clay. Why use this material? Not only is it lightweight to wear, but it’s very durable with less chance of breaking. 

    Sigfús Designs owner and maker Lauren Valenzuela sees polymer clay like an artist does a blank canvas. She makes each piece of clay into a unique accessory and even mixes her own colors using spices such as Turmeric and alcohol ink. Some earrings also incorporate resin, wood, lucite, wire, and other elements.

    Some of her best-selling earring styles include:

    · Large Wishbone 

    · Stella 

    · Moonchild Dangles

    Sigfús Designs is sold in over 200 shops and boutiques nationwide as well as overseas. For more information, visit https://www.sigfusdesigns.com/.

    My Favorite styles:

    PNEUMA ARCH
    $28

    The earrings are made of polymer clay and brass, they are light on the ear and finished with titanium, nickel-free ear posts. All earrings are designed and made in my Arizona studio. Please mind the handmade nature of all Sigfús jewelry, slight variations may occur compared to the picture.

    LARGE WISHBONE EARRINGS
    $40

    Measurements
    2.75 inches height x .1.5 inches width

    The earrings are made of polymer clay, they are light on the ear and finished with titanium, nickel-free ear posts. All earrings are designed and made in Lauren’s Arizona studio. Please mind the handmade nature of all the jewelry, slight variations may occur compared to the picture.

    About Sigfús Designs:

    Founded by Tucson, Arizona native Lauren Valenzuela in 2018, her brand name Sigfús is a family name that traces back to her Icelandic roots, paying homage to her lineage. Lauren began working with polymer clay and her craft has only expanded. As a believer in diversity and inclusivity she takes her restaurant and foodie background with her into the jewelry making process adding turmeric, black pepper, and dried herbs to her designs. Her business is also community-oriented offering business mentoring and online classes.

  • Baby,  San Diego,  WorldWide

    Picky Eaters Rejoice – Food Cubby is Here!

    Do you have kids that hate when their food touches? Do you have a cupboard full of divided plates to try and make meal time easier?  I have a simple solution for you — Food Cubby . . . a semi-circle of BPA-Free, food grade silicone that suctions to a flat dinner plate.

    Why stock up on a bunch of plastic divider plates that your children outgrow? Food Cubby is an easy solution that can just get tossed into a utensil drawer and works on the plates you already own. Made of BPA-free silicone, it’s long lasting and dishwasher safe.

    • Suctions to a plate to keep runny food from spreading; BPA-free silicone
    • Fits 1/2 cup of food within its walls for portion control
    • Use as an edge to push food onto a fork or spoon without fingers; great for occupational therapy eating needs
    • Eliminates need to buy and store plastic compartment plates to separate food on a plate

    There are multiple uses but the main purposes would be keeping food from touching and helping scoop food for those who need it/learning to eat. It can suction to almost any material. It stops foods and liquids in its track and separates them perfectly. We have two size so that no matter your plate, the FoodCubby is there for you. They also have the NEW triangle plate divider. Food Cubby is excited about the new design which automatically separates your plate into 3 different sections. Food Cubby is growing and progressing as new experiences and opportunities arise. Food Cubby – keeping food in its place.

    Available as one piece with three “compartments” or as two semi-circle pieces, in orange, green, blue and clear. Priced at $14.99, it’s available on their website and Amazon.

  • Baby

    Toddler Bath Buddy Glow Toys from Starlux

    Starlux Games specialize in glow-in-the-dark, active group games. One of their new toy we recently received is the,  Starlux Bath Buddy. It’s a fun, floating glow-in-the-dark toy that both toddlers and their parents will love!

    It is a small plastic floating toy that glows and has a button for on and off function. It is simple and can be used in the bath or swimming pool! We added a ton of bubble and made a glow car wash during bath time and was very entertaining and safe.

    Everyone should be excited about getting clean, and your baby or toddler should be no exception! Make bath time an exciting light up experience with this floating, light up bath toy. Turn on the light for normal use or turn down the lights to enhance the glow effect and convert a bubble bath into a glowing wonderland! Babies and toddlers will love moving this floating light, submerging it partway, filling it with water and pouring it out.

    Use it nightly to make your evening routine easier. Kids can use it as a standalone toy, pretend it’s a boat and put other toys in it, use it to pour water out and more! Safe for small children – toy is one large piece only. No setup required. Simply take it out of the box, turn it on, and get playing. Batteries are included and replaceable.

    You can get this toy on Amazon!

  • My dog Cami

    Pet Costume Ideas with Shed Defender

    I wish I knew about this product when Cami had her knee surgeries 2 years ago. I also wish I knew about Shed Defender body suits when I had a rental car with Jacob and his fur was everywhere.  These funny body suits for dogs are useful and better than a cone. Even though it looks like they are about to do an aerobics class, it is really one of the best items for pet owners that’s available on the market right now. It is very easy to put on, machine washable and incredibly fun.

    One of Niko’s favorite shows on Youtube is Pinkfong and Hogi and I searched high and low for Pinkfong costumes for dress up and Halloween but with no luck. When I came across Shed Defender. I knew it was the obvious answer! So with some felt piece and props, I present to you, Pinkfong Cami and Hogi Niko!

    Image may contain: 1 person

    Do you have any plans for pet Halloween costumes this year?

    Put your precious pup’s hair in its place with the Shed Defender Shedding Dog Bodysuit. This patent-pending onesie is made from a recycled, environmentally-friendly, polyester spandex material that’s durable enough to withstand canine wear-and-tear, while still being lightweight and breathable. Shed Defender is intended to be worn in the house, car and anywhere you don’t want dog hair, dirt, dander or allergens. In addition to trapping the shedding hair inside the suit for fast and easy clean up, it also helps protect sensitive skin from exposure and reduce anxiety by applying gentle full-body pressure to help him feel safe and calm. It can even be used to replace a bulky, uncomfortable e-collar by covering injuries, wounds and other sensitive areas to prevent your pooch from licking or chewing.

    Key Benefits

    • Contains the shedding by trapping loose dog hair within the suit; keeps dog hair, dirt, dander and allergens out of your car and house.
    • Made of premium, eco-friendly polyester spandex RecoTex fabric that’s lightweight, durable and breathable to keep your pup safe, comfortable and cool.
    • Also helps reduce anxiety, protect against cold weather, shield sensitive skin from exposure, and even replace an e-collar by covering wounds and surgical sites.
    • Easy to put on and take off; can even be worn on walks and potty breaks–just partially open the zipper along his belly so he can do his business.
    • Machine washable and dryer friendly; available in four colors and a wide variety of sizes to fit almost every size pooch.