tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80495884401588110942024-03-12T19:49:45.841-07:00Food. Feelings. HealthI am on a journey to better health. I talk about it here.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-67665973333787430772016-04-19T15:47:00.000-07:002016-04-19T15:47:54.711-07:00Mail Order Meals-Hungryroot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLdCvePgGV7sjiVdc7Uvs5ksTedj-q9n94UG4Ofy6YOqDVGdX13HW5GmDkUE7KkAwjQmcMuvOIyuEGdMVrYSezAhMvEHQy0fa04yJAwfOldDO1G7u5CgnZzT8VtYu7KKW3JzkG9imUpM/s1600/images.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLdCvePgGV7sjiVdc7Uvs5ksTedj-q9n94UG4Ofy6YOqDVGdX13HW5GmDkUE7KkAwjQmcMuvOIyuEGdMVrYSezAhMvEHQy0fa04yJAwfOldDO1G7u5CgnZzT8VtYu7KKW3JzkG9imUpM/s320/images.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;">On our journey to find the best meal subscription box service for two my husband and I recently discovered Hungryroot. The first box cost us $32 and it came with 4 meals, 3 desserts, and two breakfasts. I have since cooked all of the meals sent and will review my experience with Hungryroot, below.</span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">Coconut Chia Seed Carrot Cake Pudding</span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvr8B0-QZ6uTOX7zcw3VUvc7WrLBn8MRhyACtfpYFbL5LNm1aoaZbr5PeE77G4sCEkUIGPBFTReBoMLEwJGoSbwJzxCLkhmneaRIdgN0Y2khgPUjv-fIeEk-SrpwVNYIZaNrs1roX0w8/s1600/chiapudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvr8B0-QZ6uTOX7zcw3VUvc7WrLBn8MRhyACtfpYFbL5LNm1aoaZbr5PeE77G4sCEkUIGPBFTReBoMLEwJGoSbwJzxCLkhmneaRIdgN0Y2khgPUjv-fIeEk-SrpwVNYIZaNrs1roX0w8/s320/chiapudding.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From their web</td></tr>
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This was gross. The flavor was okay but the texture was terrible. And I love chia breakfast oatmeal but not this. Just no.<div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Black Bean Brownies</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dbePjQ3YXY1rpsN61Mct2Qe2aVw08hJyIM8g8OYSa8JvGa8l0bjbhF644Zrwb7LNdq1HB2yjnIJRT4QUH2oUhxd0E0FFM_7RF2nxzLej2YldI7_zFn0zh2fdeJWqFFEf6H3_D7yRoW8/s1600/brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dbePjQ3YXY1rpsN61Mct2Qe2aVw08hJyIM8g8OYSa8JvGa8l0bjbhF644Zrwb7LNdq1HB2yjnIJRT4QUH2oUhxd0E0FFM_7RF2nxzLej2YldI7_zFn0zh2fdeJWqFFEf6H3_D7yRoW8/s320/brownies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From their website</td></tr>
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<div>
These are chewy and amazing. Taste just like the real thing. My husband and I love them! We've already bought more! If you like harder brownies though these might not be for you!</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Almond Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH5Z5UF8vwx8btfgX2nNEWEA7A2NUXEjtEB4kcL1VU6Kh-pEvjsmLwGbR8LFzwyDewIOveMG5bbYPtSFZx-5lVDfJk5qEdSdA2mhwmyjM32kkEPuIEIg3sovX1-XV_L2ZBSBfSX-T-eg/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH5Z5UF8vwx8btfgX2nNEWEA7A2NUXEjtEB4kcL1VU6Kh-pEvjsmLwGbR8LFzwyDewIOveMG5bbYPtSFZx-5lVDfJk5qEdSdA2mhwmyjM32kkEPuIEIg3sovX1-XV_L2ZBSBfSX-T-eg/s320/cookies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just the dough, from the website</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
These are alright. A little too much like hardened dough. You can taste the chickpea and that isn't great. Will not buy again.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Potato Chicken Cashew Alfredo</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r2VyjuX7ySvZTibih6_jFZGbwjM_lOzbRWpBPNJ8RZaZOqEwPcqOr31yb97fzalECr12fp1Syx0SwH62qHf52cK9pqkm0G7o6l_0O2tgocI2uwDEShZlDH8gtvyWW064M6kPcfNUXmM/s1600/sweet+potato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r2VyjuX7ySvZTibih6_jFZGbwjM_lOzbRWpBPNJ8RZaZOqEwPcqOr31yb97fzalECr12fp1Syx0SwH62qHf52cK9pqkm0G7o6l_0O2tgocI2uwDEShZlDH8gtvyWW064M6kPcfNUXmM/s320/sweet+potato.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From their website</td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
For our first box we paid an extra $2 to add chicken. It is NOT worth it. Just buy a chicken breast and cook some yourself. This dish ROCKS! We have bought it again. My husband loves it too! What is great about all of their meals is that they can be cooked in 7 minutes or less AND they are all gluten-free and 500 calories or less. I would HIGHLY recommend Hungryroot to anyone else. Another thing I like about Hungryroot is the abundance of coupon codes, the regularly low prices, and the fact that you don't have to tie yourself down to a subscription.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tangy Carrot Sriracha</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglp-r6j2mzVx-HOqaOdXUHe7MEFAsJN5vnZVWeUuHT5gEHNVeUKP_wH-he3C77eRXlnj3eJMYWzaYA9C0ZMTUivnVfESMc4c7K3WU8MXcfHFnL0ydXgZIzH9kRuOQ4w9SEjrh84FyY_XA/s1600/carrotnoodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglp-r6j2mzVx-HOqaOdXUHe7MEFAsJN5vnZVWeUuHT5gEHNVeUKP_wH-he3C77eRXlnj3eJMYWzaYA9C0ZMTUivnVfESMc4c7K3WU8MXcfHFnL0ydXgZIzH9kRuOQ4w9SEjrh84FyY_XA/s320/carrotnoodle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From their website</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This is my FAVORITE! Totally delicious and filling. With a small amount of protein though you do get hungry soon after. Pickled onions add a lot to this dish. We've bought it again and will continue to buy it!</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Celery Root Noodles with Basil Gremolata</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzUWvLOYZ0oPCx2AXRWqebglehDMW7RLmL04rwNK5Kgn_Am0NplOtZ88hRbMT2BCciOQpvKqNzbGAjA8tJKsDxO9YOU5w7IWfnobLW1aA4Zr0siCs4SYAWYte0MrbF6TeqbQTteWFVhw/s1600/celeryabomination.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzUWvLOYZ0oPCx2AXRWqebglehDMW7RLmL04rwNK5Kgn_Am0NplOtZ88hRbMT2BCciOQpvKqNzbGAjA8tJKsDxO9YOU5w7IWfnobLW1aA4Zr0siCs4SYAWYte0MrbF6TeqbQTteWFVhw/s320/celeryabomination.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From their website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This dish tasted just like a giant bowl of celery. It even contaminated the chicken bites. Gross. Just no.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Potato Cacao Mousse</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7wXpHdOztgPo0f0xbfvXhHF1qK4UqerS1eCY4dSNKLk2Z1FHBhid_fHTeAfGGNamQ8KvvR4v49JF6IJ9IOgkt8cF-5Kb7FOEMjCQGjYRM6Nty7o-h0QYV2J-iURlrJyt0XA7Ybt6l8s/s1600/chocmosse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7wXpHdOztgPo0f0xbfvXhHF1qK4UqerS1eCY4dSNKLk2Z1FHBhid_fHTeAfGGNamQ8KvvR4v49JF6IJ9IOgkt8cF-5Kb7FOEMjCQGjYRM6Nty7o-h0QYV2J-iURlrJyt0XA7Ybt6l8s/s320/chocmosse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From their website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This stuff is AMAZEBALLS. Holy crap. Tastes AMAZING and it dairy-free! Would SO buy again. Only 111 calories per serving as well! </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Carrot Cake Bites</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZlhsm2qx0_LBBjrxgZKiDHOgwY-ejJfHS-huW7dhDP1omjAFLLoXpIvnRTzkaqak_wV6WSR2JEQ7UPtTn81QtqZ8FA4154TdgWKPQE0rp8zPowNtsgxYzrl7SU_tGuNI1SLgsSMRdjI/s1600/cakebites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZlhsm2qx0_LBBjrxgZKiDHOgwY-ejJfHS-huW7dhDP1omjAFLLoXpIvnRTzkaqak_wV6WSR2JEQ7UPtTn81QtqZ8FA4154TdgWKPQE0rp8zPowNtsgxYzrl7SU_tGuNI1SLgsSMRdjI/s320/cakebites.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From their website</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
AMAZING! My husband even likes them and he doesn't like carrot cake. Also dairy-free and DELICIOUS. Will most definitely purchase again.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Beet Noodles with Savory Thai Sesame and Chicken</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQu0sfpn1kA_YfoeGkJ3AoUjEHx5-A5bFPjV4KgERgaMsug4-L_RsKfkpl3Q0SkALY5bRbO4Tg7VVXdD1BDfW9lMhW34jn4ZqQyXZxEdl2xNbA_dkeJGfbSSPj_zAdvwdB-8uxmZhgwb8/s1600/HUNGRYROOT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQu0sfpn1kA_YfoeGkJ3AoUjEHx5-A5bFPjV4KgERgaMsug4-L_RsKfkpl3Q0SkALY5bRbO4Tg7VVXdD1BDfW9lMhW34jn4ZqQyXZxEdl2xNbA_dkeJGfbSSPj_zAdvwdB-8uxmZhgwb8/s320/HUNGRYROOT.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our kitchen</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This dish was pretty good but 2/3 of the way through the dish, I got tired of eating beets. The flavor becomes tiresome after a while. Will probably not purchase again.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cauliflower Couscous</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFK2SAPoCg2AosMKpReBMUIyoZgJLwz9250z9XgJ2BT2Iffo6PQXoi6G2U-pVhIEWJ3mLRK9-zkoGPNO8urcqfDXijBS1qCMan6qlUpB5F7asYIQrHCJLHMQxLvPG_FlPWx2FVLjzoWQ/s1600/COUSCOUSCAULIFLOWER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFK2SAPoCg2AosMKpReBMUIyoZgJLwz9250z9XgJ2BT2Iffo6PQXoi6G2U-pVhIEWJ3mLRK9-zkoGPNO8urcqfDXijBS1qCMan6qlUpB5F7asYIQrHCJLHMQxLvPG_FlPWx2FVLjzoWQ/s320/COUSCOUSCAULIFLOWER.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our kitchen</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This dish was okay at best. A lot of food for only 121 calories but I don't like cauliflower enough to like this dish. Will not get again.</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Hungryroot is unique with their gluten free, dairy-free, vegetable-based, low prices, non-subscription, creative, and quick meals. I also like that the meals are for one person, not two, so I can eat something different from my husband. Everything is fresh without having a ton of preservatives. You can use coupon codes of every order! I LOVE HUNGRYROOT. I do hope that their menu cycles/grows, however, because I do feel it may become boring after a while.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hungryroot Rating:</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
New and innovative flavors/recipes: 10/10</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Healthy, low-calorie, & delicious: 10/10</div>
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Accessible to everyone, including my husband: 10/10</div>
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Lowest prices out their compared to all similar boxes $7/portion: 10/10</div>
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Delicious desserts: 10/10</div>
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Overall Rating: 50/50</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">WOULD RECOMMEND TO EVERYONE.</span></h2>
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***Google coupon codes before you order, they are always available but forever changing!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-88691932118569413312016-04-19T15:16:00.003-07:002016-04-19T15:55:04.892-07:00Mail Order Meals-PeachDish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEyorscKbJAmQ96Uj4Gov6MjXYTPjaABxBm3yYIhKB5UfMRKlgkrKlUyRbhnajs1VVkYf4FsuAdV-X769D4EdTifKbD0dA1MnW16-cYIzqbPAuAiOMR2GKkABxEmK1sfr_CVuRE-HOGg/s1600/xPeachDish-Color_Logo_NO-Tagline_450px_Inline.png.pagespeed.ic.kXRv5ymv3B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEyorscKbJAmQ96Uj4Gov6MjXYTPjaABxBm3yYIhKB5UfMRKlgkrKlUyRbhnajs1VVkYf4FsuAdV-X769D4EdTifKbD0dA1MnW16-cYIzqbPAuAiOMR2GKkABxEmK1sfr_CVuRE-HOGg/s320/xPeachDish-Color_Logo_NO-Tagline_450px_Inline.png.pagespeed.ic.kXRv5ymv3B.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">On our journey to find the best meal subscription box service for two my husband and I recently discovered Peach Dish. The first box cost us $48 and it came with 2 meals of 2 servings each. I have since cooked all of the meals sent and will review my experience with Peach Dish, below.</span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tangy Pork Burger with Roasted Root Vegetables</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe15IFvqsX7X5hLa05xy58CAJZ6SCrJYI9LiW6_6GkYtkPA8B1dTqBmYxSmEYQZpKCFAv4vTyXmJwu7cCU6-7hOtNaZgJxzDB4dkJj8hooy1Kp3zGAazFQH-MrAi5l58M-KdtXIJL02k/s1600/e310769827fc42f84b668e232e221afde11d169f_pork_burger_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe15IFvqsX7X5hLa05xy58CAJZ6SCrJYI9LiW6_6GkYtkPA8B1dTqBmYxSmEYQZpKCFAv4vTyXmJwu7cCU6-7hOtNaZgJxzDB4dkJj8hooy1Kp3zGAazFQH-MrAi5l58M-KdtXIJL02k/s400/e310769827fc42f84b668e232e221afde11d169f_pork_burger_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Their Website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This dish was excellent! The root vegetables were rutabaga, carrots, and white turnips. The slaw was made of those same veggies and placed onto the burger. Absolutely delicious! Keeping recipe to try again. My only complaint was portion size. The entire meal for two consisted of 3/4 a ground pork, 1 rutabaga, 2 carrots, and 1 turnip for TWO MEALS. It was not two meals, but it was very good!</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Virginia Smothered Chicken with Grits and Celery Salad</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt85a4bYdDCHt510JTBatB_3uyBZqE3jT9-PH70Dx2MjZpDtuRUTGBYKZ-Tnubn4e0P3jgiLRGEZCghs_g4Nw8Tr5M2XrtMP6LBX_CnaanDCn_pqdb4aE9x6Lfq2hy3eRu_IExK7lY4A/s1600/PEACHDISHCHICKENGRITS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt85a4bYdDCHt510JTBatB_3uyBZqE3jT9-PH70Dx2MjZpDtuRUTGBYKZ-Tnubn4e0P3jgiLRGEZCghs_g4Nw8Tr5M2XrtMP6LBX_CnaanDCn_pqdb4aE9x6Lfq2hy3eRu_IExK7lY4A/s320/PEACHDISHCHICKENGRITS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
This dish was good and had a much larger portion, however, we had to add cheese to the relatively tasteless grits. Celery salad was not for my husband and honestly, I only thought it okay. The chicken was good but not epic. There wasn't enough thickness to the gravy so chicken came out smothered in onions more than gravy which wasn't too great. I will not make this again but it was nice to try something different (celery salad being different for us!)<br />
<br />
Peach Dish locally sources all of their stuff which is cool. They also send dessert with every box. We got two clementines and two yummy cookies. That was a nice touch, but not worth the cost.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">PeachDish Rating:</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Price is outrageous at $48 for only two meals: 0/10</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Portions not large enough for one of the meals: 5/10</div>
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Different recipes but not healthy and not always good: 6/10</div>
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Not nearly as 'Southern' as advertised: 7/10</div>
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Very high quality products: 10/10</div>
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Overall rating: 28/50</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. OVERPRICED.</span></h3>
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***Coupon codes are useless because shipping costs cancel out any discounts and there is a minimum for free shipping. No way to try this one for a great price.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-16376468372968161842016-04-19T15:00:00.001-07:002016-04-19T15:00:47.370-07:00Mail Order Meals-Purple Carrot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhQZ1-ZveCBylhphPrY15AUbCGtn3nZz7Dal00H6vpuSie6dbIzYBk1Lk0nj6n-bdh9k6Act9oxC8q5NHIr3Dcz_uaVUsIGCGzeaxTje7u2WBpHbn6lKTwHA8so401_mEqmiaapMmc8E/s1600/hero-1-text-339d776feee7b3d184ef20679712b4b8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhQZ1-ZveCBylhphPrY15AUbCGtn3nZz7Dal00H6vpuSie6dbIzYBk1Lk0nj6n-bdh9k6Act9oxC8q5NHIr3Dcz_uaVUsIGCGzeaxTje7u2WBpHbn6lKTwHA8so401_mEqmiaapMmc8E/s400/hero-1-text-339d776feee7b3d184ef20679712b4b8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">On our journey to find the best meal subscription box service for two my husband and I recently discovered Purple Carrot. Since we used an introductory offer, the first box cost us $48 and it came with 3 meals of 2 servings each. I have since cooked all of the meals sent and will review my experience with Purple Carrot, below.</span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">'Fried Pearls:' roasted pearl couscous with shitake mushrooms, tofu, scallions, celery, carrots, pine nuts, & chili paste.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEipePwcW65xEWTqJnAVy3NTBe1dOrfQBGIZH_I7ARLKjK9m6bUKUb7tQ6nZcpwuQ91pNeReTQP9U-A8tm5-YIGef-O2h3Z2e33uPtqv3qYCTutNiPdnVVqP1poZL0aDg0ZZvTGTeHQH4/s1600/12924603_10101497658762036_7286427353217300323_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEipePwcW65xEWTqJnAVy3NTBe1dOrfQBGIZH_I7ARLKjK9m6bUKUb7tQ6nZcpwuQ91pNeReTQP9U-A8tm5-YIGef-O2h3Z2e33uPtqv3qYCTutNiPdnVVqP1poZL0aDg0ZZvTGTeHQH4/s320/12924603_10101497658762036_7286427353217300323_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our kitchen table.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">This dish was extremely good. A great start for purple carrot. All of their recipes are vegan which also rocks. However, I had to make a special version with half the ingredients missing for my husband and cook chicken to add to it. Were it me alone, I could eat this more often, but being as it isn't, long-term this can't be a plausible option. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Spanish Tortilla with Garlicky Escarole</span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq1rQVY-EJhUFEt4NmP9Cz0Ms2SNL-JpQGgfkC6wOI4kVOM0aNx1lMVL9qBVYzUv3oodv3ZTN-kOZUvlf9NWI3jQWyLdk92PIFKkntXUEewya6wTuoznDUyqM20jUzMhXtbH_yS-89AM/s1600/large_Vegan-Spanish-Potato-Pepper-Olive-Tortilla-with-Garlicky-Escarole_hero1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDq1rQVY-EJhUFEt4NmP9Cz0Ms2SNL-JpQGgfkC6wOI4kVOM0aNx1lMVL9qBVYzUv3oodv3ZTN-kOZUvlf9NWI3jQWyLdk92PIFKkntXUEewya6wTuoznDUyqM20jUzMhXtbH_yS-89AM/s400/large_Vegan-Spanish-Potato-Pepper-Olive-Tortilla-with-Garlicky-Escarole_hero1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From their website</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">This dish was terrible. The 'tortilla' was SUPER bland and escarole is gross. We even tried to make it into a Caesar salad instead of wilted lettuce and it just was awful. Could not finish it. Terrible!</span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Carrot-Tomato-Basil Linguine</span></span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFOkV-2D9EUqIXE4VQ3tSBoCBMWHrb9KZsLF8eVBJmFNjB2Eie_-mPrIIy4RMWtgC_99mdUQjHgLLhCjxD2yUq1OUHxO553XGNN19K1JOUcFuvMvzY5M6pKBMSEid_jRGv0wZc_jWPbM/s1600/12987225_10101502262531046_9127951149536400208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFOkV-2D9EUqIXE4VQ3tSBoCBMWHrb9KZsLF8eVBJmFNjB2Eie_-mPrIIy4RMWtgC_99mdUQjHgLLhCjxD2yUq1OUHxO553XGNN19K1JOUcFuvMvzY5M6pKBMSEid_jRGv0wZc_jWPbM/s320/12987225_10101502262531046_9127951149536400208_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our kitchen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">This dish was okay at best. Very pretty, healthy, but pretty bland. It was actually better the next day with the addition of a fried egg and chili paste. Purple Carrot really needs to utilize herbs and spice more effectively to grab me as a customer. I like my food to HAVE FLAVOR and for the most part, Purple Carrot dishes have not had enough.</span></span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Purple Carrot Rating:</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">All Plant-Based: 10/10</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Reasonably Priced at $68 a week but not the cheapest: 8/10</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">Menu largely inaccessible to my husband: 2/10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Lacked flavor: 1/10</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Make me appreciate shitake mushrooms: 10/10</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">Overall rating: 31/50</span></span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">WOULD RECOMMEND TO INDIVIDUALS TRYING TO EAT HEALTHY OR ON A PLANT-BASED DIET</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">***Code EARTH25 gets you 25% off your first order!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-25196429913030305162016-04-05T08:47:00.002-07:002016-04-05T08:49:54.384-07:00Mail Order Meals-Plated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9iXFxDVkhw6jblO78ZdkWc4pyqs7Ugrw7Dmtu7HW1R5kJ7DtylR9xajJPFd2MQ_cDi328hLTw7L9jnSKF3i4jV5mmvbQkNr8fqqcVchQgLC8bGMrSU-EcBg1WDlukIrbAfK3pPJ6ctM/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9iXFxDVkhw6jblO78ZdkWc4pyqs7Ugrw7Dmtu7HW1R5kJ7DtylR9xajJPFd2MQ_cDi328hLTw7L9jnSKF3i4jV5mmvbQkNr8fqqcVchQgLC8bGMrSU-EcBg1WDlukIrbAfK3pPJ6ctM/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">On our journey to find the best meal subscription box service for two my husband and I recently discovered, Plated. Since we used an introductory offer, the first box cost us $48 and it came with 3 meals of 2 servings each. I have since cooked all of the meals sent and will review my experience with Plated, below.</span></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 18px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Roasted Chickpea Bowl with Brown Rice, Broccolini, Cauliflower, Butternut Squash, and Tahini sauce</span></b></span></h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNavPPD9fCtpvAJhgn-io0y2wZWOIu7XJ2gecj0W1CJhkKf05BbBk7fJpqK6-hdx0LVSssKQAPISyYaaUU5QydAAqXDY7A4Bk52A-8E8UQb7_7qxxz00HnQ_Sg-jzKZITyeDfhHlBK-uo/s1600/chickpeas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNavPPD9fCtpvAJhgn-io0y2wZWOIu7XJ2gecj0W1CJhkKf05BbBk7fJpqK6-hdx0LVSssKQAPISyYaaUU5QydAAqXDY7A4Bk52A-8E8UQb7_7qxxz00HnQ_Sg-jzKZITyeDfhHlBK-uo/s400/chickpeas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our photo, keep in mind this was a very large mixing bowl.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
This dish was basically cooked for me, specifically, to eat for lunches throughout the week as my husband did not like anything in this bowl. Holy crap it was easily 4 servings and was absolutely delicious! The roasted vegetables were perfect and while this dish was a bit time consuming, it was a perfect meal! Broccolini is amazing and everyone should try it. Also, roasted cauliflower is food for the Gods.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Steak Fajitas with Roasted Tomato Onion Salsa</b></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrBwOW_nQc2Ub212QgRIjuTIRQwJaqJyEukkXArUM2gdJCBN_kMWJ57zVxzant3RyObwi0SeeC5_w4MBopzULhLizw88mXUwTf3TFWttuHzg457h75_App_6OjXFQUbRkkG1HHwO3jwo/s1600/steakfajitas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrBwOW_nQc2Ub212QgRIjuTIRQwJaqJyEukkXArUM2gdJCBN_kMWJ57zVxzant3RyObwi0SeeC5_w4MBopzULhLizw88mXUwTf3TFWttuHzg457h75_App_6OjXFQUbRkkG1HHwO3jwo/s400/steakfajitas1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to photograph ours, here's their picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This dish was pretty good albeit kind of generic. Nothing about it was spectacular or unique and my husband didn't eat any of the toppings so he ended up with steak and cheese fajitas. The amount of steak provided was not enough, we doubled it using a unwanted recipe's steak from a Home Chef box and it was enough. The ingredients were high quality (for the most part) and I liked the topping just fine I would have liked a more original recipe though. I would have also appreciated a higher quality steak. None of these boxes ever send anything but sirloin which is not the best. At least not how they instruct you to cook it.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Skillet Roasted Chicken with Caramelized Fennel & Onions with Roasted Potatoes</span></h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F-wOtoh4wrvHFq8eCfZ7w0x0S_M6Bz03TL0ZGyAavI6EjaBsfmHPhXLC45fio7P4FIMcxKI46_-F-124bBExFmaKZ-7nj5yqdZYVh3oXIHGWVeW64EkyTTEbkuZ67Xwn7PKQKLfcJ3E/s1600/Plated-Box-March-2016-4-720x540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F-wOtoh4wrvHFq8eCfZ7w0x0S_M6Bz03TL0ZGyAavI6EjaBsfmHPhXLC45fio7P4FIMcxKI46_-F-124bBExFmaKZ-7nj5yqdZYVh3oXIHGWVeW64EkyTTEbkuZ67Xwn7PKQKLfcJ3E/s400/Plated-Box-March-2016-4-720x540.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We forgot to photograph ours. This was taken from: http://hellosubscription.com/2016/03/march-2016-plated-subscription-box-review-coupon-2/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This dish was amazing! I was thrilled to work with fennel and all of it was delicious! Even my husband ate most of the caramelized fennel and onions. Potatoes were perfect. This dish was exactly what I want in a dish. Something new, yet approachable and delicious!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Plated Rating:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creative yet delicious and approachable recipes: 10/10</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Price higher than Blue Apron at $72 with no added benefits:1/10</div>
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Got me to appreciate cauliflower for the first time: 10/10</div>
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High quality overall but still uses sirloin steak: 7/10</div>
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Portions are generous and calories low: 10/10</div>
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Total Score (out of 50): 38/50</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WOULD RECOMMEND TO COUPLES WITH HIGHER INCOME THAN US!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>***Use this code: </b></span><span style="background-color: #ecf5f7; color: #333333; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">b9cef6 </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">to get your first box for $48.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-9989829222710573532016-03-25T10:58:00.000-07:002016-03-26T09:33:04.822-07:00Mail Order Meals-Blue Apron<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuxfhAwR67sDjjeX2UJnkWdl2uX5e9PU-WYEEoZ35KMEn2U9v9mVBPWm3zs5mZo1XxfwhKdiVOr0GVKz7eNRjHal9e36Ox3QYhyphenhyphenF5IEEflhun0Y29tTfjcEMYEHbVd27WwcrmM1pjhI0/s1600/blue-apron-logo%25402x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuxfhAwR67sDjjeX2UJnkWdl2uX5e9PU-WYEEoZ35KMEn2U9v9mVBPWm3zs5mZo1XxfwhKdiVOr0GVKz7eNRjHal9e36Ox3QYhyphenhyphenF5IEEflhun0Y29tTfjcEMYEHbVd27WwcrmM1pjhI0/s1600/blue-apron-logo%25402x.png" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">On our journey to find the best meal subscription box service for two my husband and I recently discovered, Blue Apron. Since we used an introductory offer, the first box cost us $0 because a friend sent it to use and it came with 3 meals of 2 servings each. We also ordered and received a second box. I have since cooked all of the meals sent and will review my experience with Blue Apron, below.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hominy & Poblano Pepper Pozole with Avocado and Crispy Tortilla Strips</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yhIsTIEjmZS-7NBeGhSvz9anlrvOCeRHxoN6hvuFLn3ujTnuIoUGXuYH0yeUVjZjf1H7GZuk9w18T_LbGbN4KgHrgJc2BpSRhWGl7oHJKa-t0RCFI-7qGi4yU0QE32zxacMlsx06vCA/s1600/pozole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yhIsTIEjmZS-7NBeGhSvz9anlrvOCeRHxoN6hvuFLn3ujTnuIoUGXuYH0yeUVjZjf1H7GZuk9w18T_LbGbN4KgHrgJc2BpSRhWGl7oHJKa-t0RCFI-7qGi4yU0QE32zxacMlsx06vCA/s320/pozole.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was yummy but it lacked a complex flavor profile</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">This was the very first meal I cooked from our free Blue Apron box. I was skeptical when I opened the box that it would be worth $60 a week in the future. It was not something my husband would want to try and it made about 4 servings. I really liked it but I'll admit it lacked something. I wish it was spicier but I liked the fact that learned was pozole was and that I liked hominy. I would happily make this again. Very filling, low calorie, good portion size for the calories. I was impressed by this meal and immediately hooked on Blue Apron.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Steaks au Poivre with Crispy Fingerling Potatoes & Sauteed Kale</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3P70aj5ftWzJQQgwryHQ84rLYycAfb1rHEEfqJGJFAre14V7mY7TRfSXerQB2Nl0kLmXJs__FnHfvvpVJFtlqBteiuuzoaUd3KgnCbup6GPSqQxhdu4WloLz1tiwDWgjWFrTSvre_fjw/s1600/2P_011916_3_SteakAuPoivre_20-_201515_splash_feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3P70aj5ftWzJQQgwryHQ84rLYycAfb1rHEEfqJGJFAre14V7mY7TRfSXerQB2Nl0kLmXJs__FnHfvvpVJFtlqBteiuuzoaUd3KgnCbup6GPSqQxhdu4WloLz1tiwDWgjWFrTSvre_fjw/s320/2P_011916_3_SteakAuPoivre_20-_201515_splash_feature.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is their photo, I forgot to photograph ours.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">This meal was amazing. It was perfect. I made kale in such a way that I got my husband to eat it and it was a filling, low calorie, healthy, meal. I would gladly order and eat this again. I'll admit peeling each potato was time consuming but the outcome was delicious! After I made this I was a customer for life.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alsatian Spiced Chicken with Smashed Potatoes & Glazed Red Cabbage</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TBrvW97dOPrd7VKzUScYOuS-P95M2IG_vcn_1fVAp1UQlkmyRpwUJNNFr9-70Zf9eJo-0oUuejf2oVIRem_4Fj_WpcY3BRgwINSFncI1PAPhumpm9fMCaY8nD9Egb9msw8TCKLnZEkk/s1600/2P_012016_4_AlsationSpicedChicken_20-_201631_splash_feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TBrvW97dOPrd7VKzUScYOuS-P95M2IG_vcn_1fVAp1UQlkmyRpwUJNNFr9-70Zf9eJo-0oUuejf2oVIRem_4Fj_WpcY3BRgwINSFncI1PAPhumpm9fMCaY8nD9Egb9msw8TCKLnZEkk/s320/2P_012016_4_AlsationSpicedChicken_20-_201631_splash_feature.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is their photo, I forgot to photograph ours.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">This meal was amazing. I got my husband to eat cabbage with this one! Unique and filling I was thrilled to eat this one. This box was an awesome introduction to Blue Apron. Since we got another box from them, I'm reviewing it too-so this one will be a bit longer read.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chicken Cacciatore with Fettuccine Pasta and Mushrooms</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0usM6X2uNnDqlN7AxchignuTbifboXuTgeJmJYOBbb6niL0-JtyOShr6lMOC8Ou9j-nJZMmrvHR6qbTxRRT1Ys5fU4uJ4Wkqmj0Bq7RgKusyE7m8T-q9xoh3kWXJt6OciuCRS7N-BH8/s1600/2P_020216_6_ChickenCacciatore_20-_202650_Card_EDIT_splash_feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0usM6X2uNnDqlN7AxchignuTbifboXuTgeJmJYOBbb6niL0-JtyOShr6lMOC8Ou9j-nJZMmrvHR6qbTxRRT1Ys5fU4uJ4Wkqmj0Bq7RgKusyE7m8T-q9xoh3kWXJt6OciuCRS7N-BH8/s320/2P_020216_6_ChickenCacciatore_20-_202650_Card_EDIT_splash_feature.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is their photo, I forgot to photograph ours.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">I'll admit with such a great start, this dish was a huge disappointment. It was basically just pasta, tomato sauce, chicken, and mushrooms. Nothing about it was unique, it wasn't that flavorful and it certainly wasn't low calorie. Had my second box been my first, I would not have kept going with Blue Apron. This box shows they are not perfect, but that is okay. It was still good enough, quick, and eatable. I'm hopeful we will never have to order this one again though.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mushroom and Poblano Pepper Quesadillas with Monteray Jack Cheese and Avocado-Radish Salsa</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTFfFhsXJDQUiTRsz_A9-oRzHJfL9ODNxMKCS_QbJx_Wh1aTjaOnk6UnOZnbQ9vf8ISxB8nuq0YcD5tasnpmssPe1M7SpfIN-2Ls57ynVWYEw5S2EkXHOIYOSAl6Np0k6XkGEB5hFfUU/s1600/2P_020216_3_R_030216_4_MushroomKaleQuesadilla-5726_Right_splash_feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTFfFhsXJDQUiTRsz_A9-oRzHJfL9ODNxMKCS_QbJx_Wh1aTjaOnk6UnOZnbQ9vf8ISxB8nuq0YcD5tasnpmssPe1M7SpfIN-2Ls57ynVWYEw5S2EkXHOIYOSAl6Np0k6XkGEB5hFfUU/s320/2P_020216_3_R_030216_4_MushroomKaleQuesadilla-5726_Right_splash_feature.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is their photo, I forgot to photograph ours.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">This dish was delicious, but not husband friendly. My biggest issue with it was the fact that it was almost 800 calories and in no way is one 3.5 inch quesadilla an entire meal. Portion control is one thing but this was not two servings of anything and it was certainly NOT low calorie. Again, if the second box had been my first, I probably wouldn't have signed up!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cuban Sandwiches with Sweet Plantain and Kale Salad</b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYWCd1rUrDuNvd9A9pxRkWVd8OfyZLwjUKbkV-7UjjqexUUvoTNuBd48dlX2lmfTqgKaP1YY87anMizlbzZglbsjYDqBWIwJPU_ihwdji2EHL_C5ddqhZjFHGrkNknpOpOJn9VTih_Fc/s1600/R_030216_2_CubanSandwiches---5659_Right_splash_feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYWCd1rUrDuNvd9A9pxRkWVd8OfyZLwjUKbkV-7UjjqexUUvoTNuBd48dlX2lmfTqgKaP1YY87anMizlbzZglbsjYDqBWIwJPU_ihwdji2EHL_C5ddqhZjFHGrkNknpOpOJn9VTih_Fc/s320/R_030216_2_CubanSandwiches---5659_Right_splash_feature.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is their photo, I forgot to photograph ours.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">This dish would have been perfect if this bread was not terrible. The inside of the sandwich and the concept were excellent but they sent some of the worst bread I've ever tried to eat. It was so chewy and hard the entire sandwich was unenjoyable. The plantain and kale salad was epic and I got my husband to eat it too! I would not order this again just because of the bread but otherwise this meal was pretty good.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">*****UPDATE: After complaining about the bread to customer service, they gave me $20 off my next order! Very good customer service!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Blue Apron Rating:</b></span></span><br />
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+ New, good, and unique recipes that are accessible to my husband (for the most part) 10/10</div>
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+ Low price at $60/wk 10/10</div>
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- Not always perfect choices, but more good than bad 6/10</div>
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- Portions are generous but not too big, usually 8/10</div>
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+ Good for calorie restrictive diets 10/10</div>
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Total Score (out of 50): 44/50</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WOULD RECOMMEND TO MOST COUPLES</b></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-4534466948351134762016-03-25T10:14:00.000-07:002016-03-25T13:50:34.991-07:00Mail Order Meals-Green Chef<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"></span><strike style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></strike><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWBYwrzy3IgY9zdbZ8c4d4Z8oOuNsZRZ4gEKIzEhm6R6cEDE2LtJxGTrLoRPZ0JphB0jRPqsKjL0vJZc-64W1tUo6A737qPNBJTAcZQdtMPhWLkEUyFPJCg98AsXyJbLMbNpqya6vCZU/s1600/FREENCHEFLOGO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWBYwrzy3IgY9zdbZ8c4d4Z8oOuNsZRZ4gEKIzEhm6R6cEDE2LtJxGTrLoRPZ0JphB0jRPqsKjL0vJZc-64W1tUo6A737qPNBJTAcZQdtMPhWLkEUyFPJCg98AsXyJbLMbNpqya6vCZU/s320/FREENCHEFLOGO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">On our journey to find the best meal subscription box service for two my husband and I recently discovered, Green Chef. Since we used an introductory offer, the first box cost us $29 and it came with 3 meals of 2 servings each. I have since cooked all of the meals sent and will review my experience with Green Chef, below.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ginger Tamari Steak, Veggie and Black Rice Ramen Salad, & Peanut Sauce</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpap3SkMQuOmS5Dtto2vTaSJoLFZ8s1zW00RYOVIdkfYhSnv3M6Muar4UwhaZetO3JOl3z3X-4422Ntsp4nYitSlh8q7k9j4eF4Xgrvd58YSvBFTEjFX0bB2WAuJCKBf-pxYF4PBsD5M/s1600/gingertamaristeak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpap3SkMQuOmS5Dtto2vTaSJoLFZ8s1zW00RYOVIdkfYhSnv3M6Muar4UwhaZetO3JOl3z3X-4422Ntsp4nYitSlh8q7k9j4eF4Xgrvd58YSvBFTEjFX0bB2WAuJCKBf-pxYF4PBsD5M/s320/gingertamaristeak.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to photograph ours but this is a pretty accurate photo.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">This meal was cooked for my best friend, Jeremy. He thought it was really good! I thought it looked delicious as well. I thought the dish was a unique, healthy, filling dinner. One GREAT thing about Green Chef is that all of their meals are 100% USDA Organic. This is the only box around that is. Also, their options are healthy. The fact that everything had peanut sauce on it, though, would've been a deal-breaker for my husband. Also, they have a lot of pre-chopped vegetables which diminishes quality for the sake of convenience. Additionally. the pre-made sauces make their recipes basically useless for future use. If you don't know what is in their marinades, etc. replicating them is impossible.</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Honey-Balsamic Chicken, Lentils & Mushrooms, with Peperonata Salad</b></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to photograph ours but the is a pretty accurate photo</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">This meal was delicious. I prefer dark meat chicken and I really think this marinade the chicken was in added very little to the chicken's flavor but my husband loved the chicken. I ate the lentils and portabella mushrooms but my husband doesn't like either so he had roasted corn in their place. The salad was good. I'll admit nothing was epic about this dish or overly original but it was very good. Again, pre-made marinades don't allow you to replicate the meal without being a subscriber. Green Chef also has Paleo and Gluten Free options available which I really like.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><b>Quinoa Spinach Fritters with Chickpea Tomato Salad & Herb Yogurt Sauce</b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dish was epic</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">This was my favorite boxed meal I've tried. I really like vegetarian dishes because they can be done so well. This dish was perfect. My husband was not keen on the idea of chickpea and tomato salad so I made this for lunch and will eat the other serving another day. This was filling, healthy, unique. I can probably replicate the yogurt sauce pretty easily with chives, plain greek yogurt, and a lemon. I have kept this recipe and will cook this again. Unbelievably good.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Green Chef Rating:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">+/- Completely Organic but not always high quality ingredients: 8/10</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">+/- Recipes that I love but that aren't accessible to my husband: 5/10</span></div>
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+ <span style="line-height: 18.2px;">Delicious and nutritious, and portion controlled: 10/10</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">+ Has the most customized options for multiple dietary preferences: 10/10</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">+ Cost prohibitive at $89/wk: 1/10</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">Total Score (out of 50): 34/50</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WOULD RECOMMEND FOR COUPLES WITH MORE SIMILAR PREFERENCES THAN US & COUPLES WITH MORE MONEY THAN US.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.2px;">***Use this link to try Green Chef for $29. https://api.dealspotr.com/v3/promotions/-ds-29-green-chef-organic-meal-delivery-4-free-meals-vs/go</span></div>
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<u></u>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-35468380901581400732016-03-25T06:13:00.000-07:002016-03-25T16:12:05.127-07:00Mail Order Meals-Home Chef<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYXzBij1c5OJtOOist9NYNbGJpm6n4fSJLlHbApBJcbKP6-IpQSW_Ax6EjPjNR5s2ygIg1YxxPIt3-ViXW59bLXgsWYnK_LGhdIPSAuEW8q_k39euaqk-He2OCKKtxnAcNKp2PTnt-5E/s1600/homecheflogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYXzBij1c5OJtOOist9NYNbGJpm6n4fSJLlHbApBJcbKP6-IpQSW_Ax6EjPjNR5s2ygIg1YxxPIt3-ViXW59bLXgsWYnK_LGhdIPSAuEW8q_k39euaqk-He2OCKKtxnAcNKp2PTnt-5E/s320/homecheflogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; text-align: center;">On our journey to find the best meal subscription box service for two my husband and I recently discovered, Home Chef. Since we used an introductory offer, the first box cost us $39 and it came with 4 meals of 2 servings each. I have since cooked some of the meals sent and will review my experience with Home Chef, below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bangers and Mash</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGdGf1KVZabyEuxBRUONim_He19as2cK1vTDZ50lnSoor59UldpENwfZaqwOBq-hJ6jBdT2KEzszZCYKnnaQBA61K_yRThBMR0yDVexVkIpnOOzLTbIGsmDCt9SQhf-igUOmflgUA48I/s1600/banersand+mash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGdGf1KVZabyEuxBRUONim_He19as2cK1vTDZ50lnSoor59UldpENwfZaqwOBq-hJ6jBdT2KEzszZCYKnnaQBA61K_yRThBMR0yDVexVkIpnOOzLTbIGsmDCt9SQhf-igUOmflgUA48I/s320/banersand+mash.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our dinner table.</td></tr>
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This dish was delicious! This was Home Chef's answer to St. Patrick's Day theme meal and it was perfect. The Cheddar Mash potatoes were yummy. I would have changed nothing about this dish. My only complaint is that our goal, from this project, it to find the box that will help us eat healthier, try new things, and prevent us from eating out more than once a week. This dish was in no way healthy or new and exciting. I have always loved Bangers and Mash. Portions were generous and flavor was perfect. The demi glaze used to make the gravy was not enough to make a gravy as thick as I would've preferred but otherwise this was an excellent meal.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsg0eAEWYgIQRM0TOv8sqL7zBa27poKT2f1bRmt0dvjaWif1AOPKQ4onOV7ot0cTNsWhS9r4pMvesI4N0iLEN-dt-Ja3RRmr34ruX-ZeDpOFpQT5HgTxh4k1UPWaA_qJ8x-5zDz65gfM/s1600/korenaporkmedallions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsg0eAEWYgIQRM0TOv8sqL7zBa27poKT2f1bRmt0dvjaWif1AOPKQ4onOV7ot0cTNsWhS9r4pMvesI4N0iLEN-dt-Ja3RRmr34ruX-ZeDpOFpQT5HgTxh4k1UPWaA_qJ8x-5zDz65gfM/s320/korenaporkmedallions.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our dinner table.</td></tr>
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This dish was delicious! What I like about this dish is it was something new for us to try. Portions sizes were still generous without being way too much food and the calorie count was low. This encouraged my husband to eat a different type of slaw with his pork :) This meal was also very easy to make. We will keep this recipe to use again!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Seared Italian Sirloin Steak with Parmesan Polenta</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVONoeogSiPvjE1HPjBDFIYb989SK0zad6RHdqhQZfb2XRiLqp7rT-3-8sKG9Lrys_rXkAMbumdus6v5XMFUKgpSRgrxMMOdiDDyelDf9S_H77YtdTyGLxyvvrzOcKlxskv4VjHkeW4AQ/s1600/steakpolenta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVONoeogSiPvjE1HPjBDFIYb989SK0zad6RHdqhQZfb2XRiLqp7rT-3-8sKG9Lrys_rXkAMbumdus6v5XMFUKgpSRgrxMMOdiDDyelDf9S_H77YtdTyGLxyvvrzOcKlxskv4VjHkeW4AQ/s320/steakpolenta.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From our dinner table.</td></tr>
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This was a good dish. Polenta was perfect but steak was a sirloin so it was a cheap cut. My husband was happier with this meal than I was. The glaze was not nearly substantial enough to have any leftover sauce to top the steak with, so, the directions were misleading. The portion was not overwhelmingly large but it was filling. This was certainly not healthy. Home Chef has a lot of 'home cooked' sort of meals which may appeal to the average person very much but not as much to me, someone trying to eat healthier.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Breast with Cauliflower Mash and Garlic Kale</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyRxSvcSN-hGzahWc-glZh39TcZpme4L1jkNHTDDDj_oE-eGmmo0-UvznrI2sf-d4siKGfyeBa2wugdogxaYgb5hmjlydcPoHgDVNucg0dRWGl1vyEQ71NB7UPib2lDrMgv_q9DmCnrA/s1600/thumb_homechef_Pesto_and_Sundried_Tomato_Stuffed_Chicken_Reshoot__1_of_2_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyRxSvcSN-hGzahWc-glZh39TcZpme4L1jkNHTDDDj_oE-eGmmo0-UvznrI2sf-d4siKGfyeBa2wugdogxaYgb5hmjlydcPoHgDVNucg0dRWGl1vyEQ71NB7UPib2lDrMgv_q9DmCnrA/s320/thumb_homechef_Pesto_and_Sundried_Tomato_Stuffed_Chicken_Reshoot__1_of_2_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their website photo. We have yet to cook this meal.</td></tr>
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It will be a few more days until we get to eat this meal but I wanted to say that this was one of the meals included in the box.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Home Chef Rating:</b></span></div>
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+/- The lowest ingredient quality by far but still good food 4/10</div>
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+/- Delicious recipes but unoriginal 6/10</div>
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+ Cheapest box ($59/wk) with most flexibility for menu swapping and custom tastes 10/10</div>
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+ Potentially the most accessible to the average person 10/10</div>
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- High-calorie portions that don't help with portion control 1/10</div>
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Total Score (out of 50): 31/50</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WOULD RECOMMEND BUT NOT MY FAVORITE</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-29197261108810989972016-03-25T05:45:00.000-07:002016-03-25T06:18:22.853-07:00Mail Order Meals-Hello Fresh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YbbBXilYtX0EPqa4WLiGBVJDqLN2I6oZU1aE8z52M82HwiHJlHazMgMjl3SDoNUkKD5HVb_6KofL1qj3U323MhCzfy25_Q0tt-63UCmASGyt6vXkCiAvt7SPxN3zu0hBEo6vEW6U6Gs/s1600/hellofresh-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YbbBXilYtX0EPqa4WLiGBVJDqLN2I6oZU1aE8z52M82HwiHJlHazMgMjl3SDoNUkKD5HVb_6KofL1qj3U323MhCzfy25_Q0tt-63UCmASGyt6vXkCiAvt7SPxN3zu0hBEo6vEW6U6Gs/s200/hellofresh-logo.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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On our journey to find the best meal subscription box service for two my husband and I recently discovered, Hello Fresh. Since we used an introductory offer, the first box cost us $29 and it came with 3 meals of 2 servings each. I have since cooked all of the meals sent and will review my experience with Hello Fresh, below.</div>
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Salmon Papillote with Couscous and Asparagus</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IyWQSuRi7D1HT1tc4ujMetCPZmEuQ7ACZ_2oR1PL8TqaIjD8xLmySh0fszQ0XDoYaPtubk6MM5MG01QoH1Rfdo55femykw3JXYSnf6lrU59EkviLP8k6pJNB0EztCxQWUXNDpO9DBd4/s1600/salmonecrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IyWQSuRi7D1HT1tc4ujMetCPZmEuQ7ACZ_2oR1PL8TqaIjD8xLmySh0fszQ0XDoYaPtubk6MM5MG01QoH1Rfdo55femykw3JXYSnf6lrU59EkviLP8k6pJNB0EztCxQWUXNDpO9DBd4/s320/salmonecrap.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Hello Fresh's website. We didn't take the time to photograph this abomination.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This dish was terrible. Neither of us are fans of fish and since we weren't able to choose more specific dietary preferences we were sent a salmon meal. I paid for it, I wanted to eat it. It was really awful. The couscous was 50% onions by the time I was done making the dish. The asparagus was delicious but I could buy and roast my own asparagus for $1.99. You may ask, why didn't you just remove what you didn't like? Well, I am a firm believer that meals are designed to be cooked with all listed ingredients and I don't hate onions so I followed the recipe. The older I get the less likely I am to switch out ingredients I don't like because I find that well done dishes tend to have excellent flavor profiles regardless of the ingredients I may not be too fond of.</span></span></div>
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Lemony Pan Seared Chicken with Pesto Potato Salad and Peas</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWXdA1U4AdwGaBBZ2cYvsq7hBHdRan8apgLKrSnTSK0DkmUEjyFBDos-nTPS2fybJcyUthJp2V_HmNkjZCWdKtYJ6OWdu_40K_Z12qxkK2_yJ3fzILMaD7zoBrWt8fAYOK_jSGOsx3_c/s1600/pestrochicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWXdA1U4AdwGaBBZ2cYvsq7hBHdRan8apgLKrSnTSK0DkmUEjyFBDos-nTPS2fybJcyUthJp2V_HmNkjZCWdKtYJ6OWdu_40K_Z12qxkK2_yJ3fzILMaD7zoBrWt8fAYOK_jSGOsx3_c/s320/pestrochicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from my kitchen table.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This dish was the best dish in the box by far. It was delicious. I'll admit it seemed to be a thrown-together assortment of food but it was very good. It was filling, yummy, low calorie, and healthy. My husband isn't a fan of peas but he still ate and enjoyed this dish. I would eat this again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lasagna Kale Penne Bake</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxzff7GcxltIqA1uVoR4j9V17ttky5HBIO2Ftjt_mFeXsZ-uymD5k2_x1iEgJCOA8X2Ko6qNQbZ91hIpXt28SxEQLBTkgR-LHfgORe6W-ApyxZJdotViKkiFBCdQYCa7p9Kl-1slYmiI/s1600/lasgaale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxzff7GcxltIqA1uVoR4j9V17ttky5HBIO2Ftjt_mFeXsZ-uymD5k2_x1iEgJCOA8X2Ko6qNQbZ91hIpXt28SxEQLBTkgR-LHfgORe6W-ApyxZJdotViKkiFBCdQYCa7p9Kl-1slYmiI/s320/lasgaale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the dish actually looks like. Their web photo was not an accurate depiction.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This dish was okay. Of all the dishes it was the largest, quantity-wise. Holy crap this was easily 4 servings, not two! What is really a shame is that since it turned out to be about 50% kale, reheating it was not very tasty. The recipe, again, called for way too much onion but this time I removed 75% in order to give the meal hope of being tasty. It was extremely lacking on the meat (around 1/2 a pound of ground meat total), it lacked enough tomato sauce, and the kale was overwhelming. I, personally, highly prefer lacinato (dinosaur) kale to curly kale and this used a TON of curly kale. Truly, we expected it to taste terrible when we sat down, but, to our surprise it was overwhelmingly average and edible. We would never make this or eat this again. I really think, again, that these dishes seems thrown together. It's almost like Hello Fresh was trying to clear out their warehouse of a bunch of random crap. The reason for their menu items this week was 'to add green for St. Patrick's day' but it really kind of sucked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello Fresh Rating:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">+ </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Generous portions: 10/10</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">- </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Overpriced at $70 a week: 1/10</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">- Insane amounts of packaging: 1/10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">+ Product Quality (High quality but not organic): 8/10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">- Recipes overall: 3/10</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Total Score (out of 50): 23/50</span></span></div>
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WOULD NOT RECOMMEND</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">***Here is a coupon code you can use to get your first box for $29: <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: center;">FNYRQ8ZH</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-59670216264964961772015-03-01T15:24:00.002-08:002015-03-01T16:29:26.372-08:00Essential Oils Review: doTERRA, Mountain Rose Herbs, Young Living, Aura Cacia, & NOWI promised to write a blog about essential oils once I had gotten all of them in and tried them out. The first thing I want to say is this: I have found no evidence that ANY of these products are 'bad' or that any of these companies are either. This is simply a review comparing MY experiences with these brands of essential oils.<br />
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doTERRA: Excellent Quality, Extremely Overpriced</h2>
<b>Founded:</b> 2008<br />
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<b>Products:</b> One of the first essential oil products I was exposed to was a doTERRA product. I fell in love. I went shopping immediately and realized that there was no way I would ever be able to afford to use doTERRA. I have bought and regularly use their PastTense rollerball for headaches (which I struggle with constantly) and Deep Blue Rub for neck pain/migraines. I have also purchased their lemon, rosemary, and lime single essential oils. All of these products are of high quality and are very effective. They are excellent and I would recommend them to anyone. The downfall here is that they are also extremely expensive with just a 4 oz. bottle of Deep Blue Rub costing approximately $35 (after shipping) and the 10 mL PastTense rollerball costing $25. Granted, these products will last you a few months, but that is still a hefty price tag on 4.33 oz. of product.<br />
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<b>Cost:</b> So, I did some research. doTERRA claims to have hefty price tags because they are 'Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade' (CPTG). You will notice, everywhere the acronym is written on their label and on their site, there is a registered trademark symbol. That is because they registered their own standard and name just so they could deceive consumers into thinking their product had some magical standard. <b>The United States has no standard for essential oils.</b> It isn't like saying 'USDA organic.' I researched what CPTG <i>actually</i> means and literally it just means that doTERRA uses basic scientific instruments such as GC/MS to verify purity of their oils. Every single reputable essential oil company also does this. So CPTG is utterly meaningless. The real reason they have high prices appears to be because they have to pay for all of their excellent marketing and they have managed to create this excellent reputation. Their products are excellent, truly, but they really aren't any 'better' than Young Living or Mountain Rose Herbs all of which sell 'therapeutic grade' essential oils. <a href="http://wingedseed.com/blog/2009/11/19/one-more-time-there-are-no-fda-certified-pure-therapeutic-grade-essential-oils-part-i/" target="_blank">(source)</a><br />
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<b>Organic:</b> No. They claim that due to international sourcing, they cannot feasibly have the USDA organic certification. They claim their CPTG certification is 'a step above' organic. <a href="http://doterrablog.com/are-doterra-essential-oils-organic/" target="_blank">(source)</a><br />
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<b>Parties: </b>Yes. Since doTERRA relies heavily on sales representatives, you can attend doTERRA parties and learn how to mix your own essential oils. These are great opportunities to learn and I would recommend that every attend a doTERRA party at least once to get into essential oils.<br />
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<b>Sustainability: </b>Not really. doTERRA is not as sustainable as other companies. They don't go out of their way to source organically, use recyclable packaging materials, or use recyclable/sustainable packaging for their products.<br />
<h2>
Mountain Rose Herbs: Excellent Quality, Excellent Pricing</h2>
<b>Founded:</b> 1987<br />
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<b>Products:</b> After researching essential oils I found on multiple websites that I should try Mountain Rose Herbs. They have been around longer than any other company that sells such items and their prices were excellent. I though surely they were too good to be true. Well, they aren't. Mountain Rose Herbs delivers the same excellent product that doTERRA and Young Living do, minus the price tag. They have excellent customer service, and they sell all the supplies you would ever need to mix your own at an affordable rate. They also sell other natural products like loose teas and fresh herbs. The only downfall with Mountain Rose Herbs is that you have to make your own blends as they only sell a few. So, if you want a PastTense-like product, or Deep Blue Rub-like lotion, you'll have to buy the oils and make it yourself which is not as convenient. Your other option will be buying blends from my Etsy store as soon as it launches. I will discuss this in another blog at a later date.<br />
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<b>Cost:</b> Absolutely phenomenal! By far the best prices of therapeutic grade essential oils and a very large selection of single oils to purchase.<br />
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<b>Organic:</b> Yes. Mountain Rose Herbs are one of the few companies dedicated to the (actually) USDA Organic certification. <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/about/certified-organic" target="_blank">(source)</a><br />
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<b>Parties: </b>No. Unless you want me to host one once my Etsy shop is launched, in which case I will gladly do so, but Mountain Rose herbs does not have sales representatives everywhere to sell you their goods like doTERRA and Young Living do which is unfortunate because they only sell single oils, so you really have to know how to use essential oils to benefit from their excellent prices. Again, I recommend going to a doTERRA or Young Living party to learn and then buying what you need from Mountain Rose Herbs.<br />
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<b>Sustainability: </b>Very! Mountain Rose Herbs is genuinely dedicated to sustainability and they use a lot less plastic, recyclable packaging, and much, much more. <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/principles/sustainability/organics" target="_blank">(source)</a><br />
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Young Living: Excellent Quality, Extremely Overpriced</h2>
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<b>Founded: </b>1993</div>
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<b>Products: </b>I cannot tell you much about their products except I have purchased a few single oils, lavender and peppermint, and they do seem to be the same great product that doTERRA and Mountain Rose Herbs produces. A benefit of Young Living is that they offer many blends but there are almost too many for you to figure out which one you even need to use. Their website could be better designed so that novice users could more easily distinguish between what 'abundance' blend does versus 'acceptance.' <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/essential-oils/blends" target="_blank">(blends)</a> doTERRA has the blends much more clearly distinguishable labeling them easier to understand names such as 'breathe' and 'PastTense' and having fewer options of the blends that are popular and most often needed. Young Living would be great for an expert essential oil person.</div>
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<b>Cost: </b>Absolutely outrageous. Costs even more than doTERRA. Won't be buying anything from them in the future for this very reason. They offer nothing that I can benefit from that I cannot get cheaper from doTERRA. They also have sales representatives, etc., just like doTERRA. The abundance of similarities is probably due to the fact that doTERRA basically is a copy of Young Living that sells fewer products that are more popular. Many folks that work for doTERRA formerly worked for Young Living and there have been law suits thrown around for this reason. <a href="http://essentialsurvival.org/young-living-vs-doterra-essential-oils/" target="_blank">(lawsuits)</a></div>
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<b>Organic: </b>No. For the same reasons as doTERRA. <a href="http://www.superoily.com/are-young-living-essential-oils-organic/" target="_blank">(source)</a></div>
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<b>Parties: </b>Yes. Due to their long lasting reputation however, they rely less heavily on parties and sales representative than doTERRA does. There parties are also great opportunities to learn and I would recommend that every attend one at least once to get into essential oils.</div>
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<b>Sustainability: </b>Better than doTERRA but nowhere near as good as Mountain Rose Herbs. Their focus is on their farming techniques so at least there is some effort, but overall they could be more sustainable. Then again, we all could be. Learn about their farms <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/company/about/younglivingfarms" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Aura Cacia: Low Quality, Low Pricing, Easily Available</h2>
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<b>Founded: </b>1982</div>
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<b>Products: </b>I have purchased a few single oils, such as wintergreen, from this brand at my local gluten-free grocery store (Harmony Farms). This brand of essential oils are commonly found at local cooperative markets, whole foods, etc. They are not of the greatest quality. They purchase oils in bulk and repackage them. They don't claim to be therapeutic grade because they don't have the strictest quality standards in the world. I would use these for cleaning purposes in a heartbeat or in homemade fabric softener sheets, but not for aroma therapy or for topical applications. A benefit is that they are easily available locally in natural stores so you can go to stores and smell them yourself which is nice. Still, I'd use them for cleaning purposes only and they aren't any cheaper than Mountain Rose Herbs so I am not sure what the benefit to buying them would be. I can tell you that they are not as strong as the other oils I have purchased.</div>
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<b>Cost: </b>Low. Analogous to Mountain Rose Herbs.</div>
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<b>Organic: </b>They do carry some organic oils and they cost twice as much. You are better off going with Mountain Rose Herbs if the organic certification is important to you because you will be getting a much higher quality essential oil that way.</div>
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<b>Parties: </b>No. And when you ask local stores questions (in my experience) they don't say or know the right things. Again, go to a doTERRA or Young Living party to learn.</div>
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<b>Sustainability: </b>Good. They are making an effort to be sustainable. Read about it <a href="https://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/about/sustainability.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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NOW: Low Quality, Low Pricing, Easily Available</h2>
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<b>Founded: </b>1948</div>
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<b>Products: </b>They claim to be as excellent in all the same ways that doTERRA, Young Living, and Mountain Rose Herbs are. I cannot vouch for this, however. I have used their single oils including peppermint and lavender and found that they are not as effective. I would place NOW essential oils into the 'only use for cleaning' category and other essential oil aficionados seem to agree with me <a href="http://www.thehippyhomemaker.com/which-essential-oil-companies-should-you-buy-from-my-surprising-findings-on-my-quest-to-find-the-best/" target="_blank">(source)</a>. Just like Aura Cacia, these are easily available at local natural stores and cooperative market giving them a convenience advantage.</div>
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<b>Cost: </b>Low. Analogous to Mountain Rose Herbs.</div>
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<b>Organic: </b>They do carry some organic oils and they cost twice as much. You are better off going with Mountain Rose Herbs if the organic certification is important to you because you will be getting a much higher quality essential oil that way.<br />
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<b>Parties: </b>No. And when you ask local stores questions (in my experience) they don't say or know the right things. Again, go to a doTERRA or Young Living party to learn.<br />
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<b>Sustainability: </b>Good. They are making an effort to be sustainable. Read about it <a href="http://www.nowfoods.com/AboutUs/Environmental-Efforts/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Final Thoughts</h2>
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Go to a doTERRA or Young Living party (or mine once I launch my Etsy store) to learn about how to use essential oils. Then buy Mountain Rose Herbs products and mix your own, or buy my blends once I launch my Etsy store as I will be offering affordable, sustainable, non-toxic essential oil blends and household cleaners and detergents and/or kits to make your own very easily. Stay tuned for updates about specific blends I will be offering for sale and feel free to buy your own supplies or use my recipes!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-3531167374278488102015-01-03T18:17:00.000-08:002015-01-03T18:17:12.225-08:00Monthly Makeup Box Subscriptions Ipsy vs. BirchboxSo. I have been subscribing to one of two make up boxes for a while now. First I tried Ipsy for a few months. I then tried Birchbox. I am going to discuss both of them for anyone curious or interested in signing up themselves.<br />
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First, let me say that I signed up for a makeup subscription to prevent me from shopping for makeup all the time. I hardly ever wear it because I am pretty without makeup and I'm usually running late in the morning. When I have a makeup box coming in the mail, I don't care to go blow $50+ dollars at LUSH, or have an awesome Arbonne party where I purchase more makeup than I can afford and then it lasts me for YEARS because I rarely ever wear it. These subscriptions are only $10/month. That is much cheaper than binge-buying makeup. Wondering which would be right for you yet? I'm getting there.<br />
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<h2>
Ipsy: <a href="http://www.ipsy.com/new">http://www.ipsy.com/new</a></h2>
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<i>Ipsy sends you a small makeup bag that is usually cute each month. It costs $10/month plus taxes and shipping, so for me that was $10.58/month. You take a quiz so they know what to send you but in my experience it made no difference.</i><br />
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Bag Contents: </h3>
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<ul>
<li>Mostly make up. Mascara, nail polish, lip products, eye shadows, etc. Occasionally I would recieve hair spray or face wash but generally make up products from brands such as tarte, figs & rouge, and others I had not heard of.</li>
</ul>
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Product Compatibility: Not Compatible</h3>
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<li>I was allergic to most of the eye products (except tarte, which I love).</li>
<li>A lot of the products were for tan or darker skin tones than mine. I received a highlighter once that literally did not show up on my skin because we were both the same shade of white. This happened even though I filled out my profile saying I was pale.</li>
<li>I would receive stuff that I literally would NEVER use, such as hair spray, lip gloss. I always reviewed each item and updated my profile but the bags never seemed to get 'better.' I generally didn't need/use at least 2-3 of the 5 items in each bag.</li>
<li>Eventually, you don't need anymore dang small makeup bags and you end up just taking them to Goodwill.</li>
</ul>
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Product Quality: Good Overall</h3>
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<li>Overall the products aren't bad. I have extremely sensitive skin. If you can wear most makeup, chances are you can wear this makeup with no problem.</li>
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Point System: Very Good</h3>
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<li>When you review items, you get points. They rack up pretty quickly and you can buy free stuff. It is a very good point system.</li>
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Subscription: Cancelled</h3>
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<ul>
<li>I barely wear makeup, like I said. I like cosmetics to lessen the redness of my face, wash off the oil on my face, moisturize my face and body, etc. I also like shampoo and conditioner samples. Ipsy is a makeup bag for the most part, NOT a skin product bag which is what I generally use. I got a facial cleanser one time that absolutely rocked, otherwise, I never received any other similar items. I have a ton of makeup now, so I don't need Ipsy. If you wear and want a lot of makeup and don't have sensitive skin: SUBSCRIBE TO IPSY.</li>
</ul>
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Birchbox: <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/">https://www.birchbox.com/</a></h2>
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<i>Birchbox sends you a small cosmetics box each month that is wrapped beautifully. It costs $10/month exactly. You take a quiz so they know what to send you and they generally get your box absolutely right for your needs.</i></div>
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Bag Contents:</h3>
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<li>They send body lotion, hair products, shampoo, conditioner, facial moisturizers, etc. Most are sample size (just like Ipsy) BUT usually you get one full sized product each month. Also, the brands they send are generally extremely high quality. They also send out perfume samples which I never knew Ipsy to do at all. Occasionally they will send you a mascara or a nail polish.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
Product Compatibility: Very Compatible</h3>
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<ul>
<li>As I previously stated, I use body lotion, facial moisturizers, etc. I have dry, sensitive, red, skin so anything that will help those things, I am willing to try! I have been absolutely THRILLED with my Birchboxes and the boxes are very nice, you can save them to put wrapped gifts in. If you have sensitive skin, and you want to try out a bunch of stuff to see what works without spending a fortune, this is they way to go!</li>
</ul>
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Product Quality: Extremely Good</h3>
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<li>Birchbox overall has much higher quality products than Ipsy does. Hands down. They only send the good stuff.</li>
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Point System: Total Garbage</h3>
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<li>Birchbox charges for their full sized products if you want to buy one after you tried and liked a sample. Their point system is a joke. It is hard to accumulate points and they are worth next to nothing. Want more points? Go with Ipsy.</li>
</ul>
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Subscription: Still Active</h3>
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<ul>
<li>Birchbox does exactly what I need it to do. It sends me the things I need so that I don't go to LUSH and spend more money than I have or order more Arbonne online. I will probably keep it for quite a while.Good products, good assortment, good price. Love it.</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-79729920938760614622013-11-07T14:21:00.000-08:002013-11-07T14:25:18.301-08:00Go Fund Me Questions?Okay so many people have been asking questions about this fundraiser. I will answer them here.<br />
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First, I wanted to say thanks! It has slowed recently but overall has gone better than expected! We really appreciate it.<br />
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I also want to clarify, that is NOT just a website for which you donate money. WE ARE SELLING OUR STUFF. And, in selling our stuff WE ARE MOVING WITH A SMALLER TRUCK TO SAVE MONEY. Of course, you CAN just donate money but most people have contributed to RECEIVE something in return, which is great (which is called buying, not donating). That is what we WANT you to do. Due to the nature of this arrangement, however, NOTHING is pure 'profit' if you will. We have to pay for shipping of every item & when stuff gets lost or is heavy, sometimes we have paid more to send things than was even donated. In fact, to get $1500 of 'donations' we spent about $500 in shipping, etc. So, before you ask 'how come your goal is $5500?' PLEASE consider that. <br />
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Also, gofundme.com takes 5% off the top & they charge for each transaction. Whatever we get has that taken out as well. So while it may seem like a we have gotten a lot of money for 'free' IT HASN'T BEEN FREE and it has<i> come at a price to us</i> as well.<br />
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In addition to these considerations, I have to travel back & forth to North Carolina for job interviews, which costs $500 per trip. Please realize that this hurts our income as well.<br />
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So, before you judge us or complain, please just read this and THINK ABOUT what you are asking, implying, or saying about us. <br />
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Thanks!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-31751445963408113882013-10-13T17:09:00.001-07:002013-10-13T20:17:49.263-07:00The High Cost of Asking for HelpSo now I have a few more things to say.<br />
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For one, I really appreciate all of my supportive friends who have donated & those who at least haven't judged me like I am a terrible person simply for selling my stuff online. God forbid I do that. God forbid I ask for help.<br />
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And to everyone who has 'advice' to give me, let me say a few things.<br />
1.) I cannot get a part-time job without losing ALL of the pathetic funding I have.<br />
2.) Even if I could get a part-time job for a few weeks it wouldn't cover my move<br />
3.) If we sold everything we owned, we would have to replace it and that costs MORE than what we are selling it for; also, we have items that are irreplaceable.<br />
4.) Everything that I own IS for sale already.<br />
5.) No, I don't have any money because I only make $12,000 a year. Together Brad & I make $32,000 a year. That covers our bills BARELY.....<br />
6.) It costs around $5000 to move 1000 miles away. And that is doing it yourself, which we are. If you haven't moved cross-country, shut your mouth. It isn't easy & it isn't cheap.<br />
7.) Deposits exist: Electricity, pet, security, general deposits, administrative, etc. You have to have disposable CASH to pay most of those.<br />
8.) And this only happened in August. I was under the impression I wasn't moving for another 2-3 years until my funding got cut. So before you judge me for not 'planning' consider the fact that I GOT SCREWED only a couple of months ago and have been doing EVERYTHING I CAN to 'plan' & 'pay' for these circumstances.<br />
9.) I have worked my ass off & helped others my entire life. I shouldn't be judged when asking for the same in return.<br />
10.) Consider all of these facts before you want to say shit to me. Please & Thanks!<br />
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And I also want to say that I have already lost (at least) 5 facebook friends since starting this campaign. People have bitched, complained, advised, & judged me. I have considered all the options. I am working odd jobs, buying nothing, selling everything, & doing everything I can. Got any helpful ideas? I would love to hear them, want to judge me for asking for help, PLEASE DELETE ME AND NEVER TALK TO ME AGAIN.<br />
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I am not FORCING anyone to help me, I am only asking, and the fact that I feel the need to write a blog defending myself just goes to show that way too many people are complete dicks.<br />
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For those of you who have helped me and/or not judged me? Thank you. You, kind sirs, are my REAL friends.<br />
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Last thing-Don't want to donate? THEN DON'T. It is that simple.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-23538339673084031612013-10-06T20:11:00.001-07:002013-10-19T19:08:08.657-07:00Why is she doing a fundraiser to move?<br />
So, a lot of people have asked or maybe wondered, why is Jo doing this? Why does she have a fundraiser to help her move? We all need money, we all have problems, who knows, but HERE IS THE DEAL.<br />
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I have, oh, about 1000 reasons why I have to move back home. Among those reasons comes the fact that my salary that was a pathetic $16,000 a year, has now become a pathetic $12,000 a year, largely due to the cost of REQUIRED insurance thanks to the Affordable Healthcare Act. In addition to that, as part of my pathetic fellowship I am not allowed to simply 'get a part-time job' to make more money. So, what have I done? I have worked for my advisor, moving hay bales, I have done manual labor for my landlord. We have cut our grocery budget by 50%. Everything I own, AND I MEAN EVERYTHING is for sale and posted on Craigslist. We seldom go out to eat. I have tried everything. I know of no other LEGAL ways to make money.<br />
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I also have something else I wish to discuss. For one, people have trouble discussing money in our culture. We don't talk about it. Think of your very best friend in the world, chances are you don't know how much they make. It is taboo to ask or to discuss. For these reasons, I am considering this an extremely honest campaign. I am aware that my fundraiser could make people feel uncomfortable, and for that I apologize. No one has any obligation to GIVE me anything. In fact, if you donate at all, chances are you will receive something in return.<br />
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My entire life I have been nice to everyone. The reason I am nice to everyone is that is feels GOOD. When people as for my help, I always say yes. I help everyone move (and God knows many of you have helped me move), I tip excessively to everyone, I donate time, energy, & thought to everyone I care about and some of those I don't. I do these things because I WANT to feel like I am a good person. I don't care about getting rich or having nice things. I just want to be happy and you know what? I think it is only fair that I have the right to ask other people for help too. How many times have you needed help but failed to ask because of fear that people would think less of you? Why is this the human condition? Why must we fear asking for help from those who(m) we have helped so many times before and then why would anyone look down on us for doing that?<br />
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So, yes, it is weird to have a cyber-yard-sale fundraiser thing. But it is also weird to pretend like people shouldn't help each other. As humans we form communities because it is beneficial to our species. I am nice because it makes me feel good about who I am. I have been too nice for so long. Maybe now I am calling in a favor because I am truly in need. Could things be worse, absolutely! I'm not saying everything is crap, what I am saying is that I (we) really could use some help.<br />
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If you bothered reading this, you don't have to donate. You don't have to do anything. I just really wanted to say all of these things. If everyone of my facebook friends donated just $5 I would have over 3,700 bucks. Thus far exactly 33 of my friends and family have (out of 671 fb friends). Does that mean that everyone else is a jerk? Absolutely not. Maybe you don't have $5, or you think I should grow up, or that it isn't your problem, and that is fine too. I just wanted to get these thoughts off of my chest. When I am fiscally more stable, and even when I'm not, I do what I should to help others. For that reason, I have no problem asking for the same in return. And that's the simple truth.<br />
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http://www.gofundme.com/Leaving-LafayetteAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-53672823434467397562013-07-16T20:44:00.000-07:002013-07-16T20:44:25.488-07:00Probiotic SupplementsThis could be in TMI category but I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This has been an issue for me as long as I can remember. I recently have learned an awful lot about probiotics. I am going to share my journey with you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5063a_dpp-_AAt-_tMqCOgGToJajDw_RNDg6oybh20eFF9LotmcUO59hmcL1qWVb6nPcOh1DkEf2IFF4mNn7-BaDpFrl_0uvhnlWcL7zqG33htRGjW8ibjzck8Z36ZqySOwf5DeP7oI/s1600/agsag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5063a_dpp-_AAt-_tMqCOgGToJajDw_RNDg6oybh20eFF9LotmcUO59hmcL1qWVb6nPcOh1DkEf2IFF4mNn7-BaDpFrl_0uvhnlWcL7zqG33htRGjW8ibjzck8Z36ZqySOwf5DeP7oI/s400/agsag.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This is the first probiotic I ever tried. It is CRAZY expensive. It costs approximately $40 a month. My roommate really benefited from using this. I, did not. It is made up of dormant cultures, not live ones, and approximately 1 billion Bifantis bacteria consisting of 4 strains. I have been told that Bifdo bacteria are important BUT so are Lactobacillus. This only contains 1 of those two.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGQQ-e1tmsKN4m-6CvLA85hswvx6wQgFHcLxDO-hR3zWaoM8wLDdHV8L34_trc8ubkYrX-JUc4I7LLarUUZralpckgqoV_E40ERY7Uy-Cuy4gA2hlRV1Pj65LcAUUy3bTnMr1O6PhSfM/s1600/agrghah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGQQ-e1tmsKN4m-6CvLA85hswvx6wQgFHcLxDO-hR3zWaoM8wLDdHV8L34_trc8ubkYrX-JUc4I7LLarUUZralpckgqoV_E40ERY7Uy-Cuy4gA2hlRV1Pj65LcAUUy3bTnMr1O6PhSfM/s400/agrghah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Do you like Align but hate the price? This is the SAME EXACT THING except it costs $28 for 82 pills and you can get it at Sam's. It is a good place to get probiotics if you like Align.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_vWKRFr2Q_dPZHpIaTJfLM1ZHgR07fO__FdaLhrvILHCboBxb22LGpEBgIQd9ccUz2J4OSnE8bT4yqSUggQwE9DVot-6fPlXLedkzKDmDoZADYHMQl3OKgJeXrlSxUb_oKjn62UDnQA/s1600/lkjhkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_vWKRFr2Q_dPZHpIaTJfLM1ZHgR07fO__FdaLhrvILHCboBxb22LGpEBgIQd9ccUz2J4OSnE8bT4yqSUggQwE9DVot-6fPlXLedkzKDmDoZADYHMQl3OKgJeXrlSxUb_oKjn62UDnQA/s400/lkjhkg.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
My roommate uses this probiotic. It costs $17 a month. You can see that it has 14 billion, not 1 billion bacteria. It is made with LIVE cultures and it includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus which causes a decrease in obesity of lab rats by 8% in just 6 weeks. This also includes both Lactobacillus and Bifido strains. My roommate really likes it-I haven't tried it as I am quite the doubting Thomas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6xnZc9lk-t3IcE03BejgZSsZH3pI32I06NonolPQ6FLLP43Ipmxo73rRNQRfcDh_cYbVTcpN099G01BB-EbCwAdJBR4wyidNLzR5hBuNj_TUFxJkeQeesK4wOi46d0gwoYaKKKoSdD4/s1600/dfgafshah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6xnZc9lk-t3IcE03BejgZSsZH3pI32I06NonolPQ6FLLP43Ipmxo73rRNQRfcDh_cYbVTcpN099G01BB-EbCwAdJBR4wyidNLzR5hBuNj_TUFxJkeQeesK4wOi46d0gwoYaKKKoSdD4/s400/dfgafshah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is what I am currently taking. It costs $55 for two months. It has 50 billion live bacteria and 10 different bacteria strains. It includes both Lactobacillus and Bifido strains. It is awesome. It has helped my issues but not dissolved them. I recommend this to anyone. Healthy gut flora can help your mood, weight, energy, EVERYTHING. If you don't take probiotics, you should!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3HusG8NpHNFgxNYGFWJSbUS0RxRipPuA6BIV6kHqnV9UCrowUpBRJ0O8nVgvSrCc6NwuaP6VBwpoZNcmtzWX9IdIjPNRk6PnOeLha-02EG3zCbQZjsFcTC7R7W442sEis2K-bon726w/s1600/afgafhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3HusG8NpHNFgxNYGFWJSbUS0RxRipPuA6BIV6kHqnV9UCrowUpBRJ0O8nVgvSrCc6NwuaP6VBwpoZNcmtzWX9IdIjPNRk6PnOeLha-02EG3zCbQZjsFcTC7R7W442sEis2K-bon726w/s400/afgafhh.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
I have this in the refrigerator to use after my 50 billion are gone. I will let you know if they are any better. I am a fan of the Ultimate Flora brand thus far.<br />
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Last, but not least, EAT YOGURT! There are also probiotics in yogurt. I eat yogurt 3 days a week at least. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-38771053819849657222013-07-16T20:22:00.000-07:002013-07-16T20:22:26.780-07:00BlendersOkay, so sometimes I don't want juice. Sometimes I want a smoothie made up of crushed fruit. Sometimes I want to make my roommate or my fiance a yummy blended coffee-based beverage. I got spoiled with the Vitamix blenders that Cuppy's Coffee used when I was a barista there. Here are my thoughts on blenders.......
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhXA_V5PsWxW-gJK4N7uKL3QvxIf2400qdZ-2SUglwsTPuDSlJ-Tudyx9SvG8WuDXVJjruaLvbfzBo9epThDDSYqpWqbnqYaBtPcuSj0I3VtWJZyNj-XSk6J6YcKc9UvyKYxdP9v_1LE/s1600/blender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhXA_V5PsWxW-gJK4N7uKL3QvxIf2400qdZ-2SUglwsTPuDSlJ-Tudyx9SvG8WuDXVJjruaLvbfzBo9epThDDSYqpWqbnqYaBtPcuSj0I3VtWJZyNj-XSk6J6YcKc9UvyKYxdP9v_1LE/s400/blender.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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This is the very first blender I ever owned. It is a red, Hamilton Beach blender. My mother got it for me and I was very grateful. It costs around $20 to buy one yourself. This is your typical, inexpensive blender that is good for chopping up food, and other easy to chop items. If you want a yummy beverage with ice in it however, it will make you rage. Or, it makes me rage because I hate my drink to have chunks of ice in them. So, I donated this blender to my lab at ULL. It is great for making amphipod food.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9P0zLoHG_AFr0mCdcuHM6TROEBl1jCGPIXa7PDNL0C_4eyhjBVWPMM74bzGlUg6uJXIgH1sQ_2WTtdfqwC9Xgw6fBdLNRCuPEAxWrexFVKtTxwpjmaSaYf4IcfVkj2PYBpJrTkHcbhY/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9P0zLoHG_AFr0mCdcuHM6TROEBl1jCGPIXa7PDNL0C_4eyhjBVWPMM74bzGlUg6uJXIgH1sQ_2WTtdfqwC9Xgw6fBdLNRCuPEAxWrexFVKtTxwpjmaSaYf4IcfVkj2PYBpJrTkHcbhY/s400/index.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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This is the holy grail of all blenders. Do you blend every day? Do you blend multiple times a day? Do you frequently have company over and blend for multiple guests? Do you also have at least $350 to spend on one kitchen appliance? Then by all means purchase this Vitamix blender. It will last forever, it has a great warranty. It works magnificently. I make $16,000 a year as a student. I cannot afford this blender. I dream of those days when I have a big girl job. Then, maybe then, I can have this blender.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DFQYefFzxCSCANMAMGslhThm_SigF6VQ0Gs33fTz9HN1hXk0aYyf_VYqYnvkq4rg_9HVb_JpZMAs6tDXJcNmlf_qYxw94Cjq-jj9JwOkvNNy2_ncMH7fWWa0Cyug0l6dquotKyVsdAk/s1600/esfgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DFQYefFzxCSCANMAMGslhThm_SigF6VQ0Gs33fTz9HN1hXk0aYyf_VYqYnvkq4rg_9HVb_JpZMAs6tDXJcNmlf_qYxw94Cjq-jj9JwOkvNNy2_ncMH7fWWa0Cyug0l6dquotKyVsdAk/s400/esfgh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a Breville blender. It runs around $150 dollars. I went to E's Kitchen (which is an AWESOME, local, kitchen gadget store) and the owner (who is also super nice and awesome) decided to let us try this out. He blended some orange juice and some ice. It did an okay job but there were still tiny chunks of ice in it. I was willing to compromise because they weren't terrible although I still wasn't sold completely. This is a pretty good blender. It is not fantastic-it is pretty good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPM4jIpUJo5zSE-ED0SoU_e5RtHuXVlj2m1dQJqjBQPkaWwC4zMaHuLqSmnI89tXCCgzPRP1k7O3fOJ-FACDD3yWhsMf5aQcwjTI1Y36QJDqX-s_PIIMmUjYB89K_Up6GcbP8ZdHCaRw/s1600/Ninja-Professional-Blender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPM4jIpUJo5zSE-ED0SoU_e5RtHuXVlj2m1dQJqjBQPkaWwC4zMaHuLqSmnI89tXCCgzPRP1k7O3fOJ-FACDD3yWhsMf5aQcwjTI1Y36QJDqX-s_PIIMmUjYB89K_Up6GcbP8ZdHCaRw/s400/Ninja-Professional-Blender.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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This is the Ninja professional. Between coupons/sales, etc. you can get this blender at Kohl's for approximately $130. I read the reviews comparing the Ninja and the Vitamix. They discussed the fact that the Ninja doesn't have as good of a warranty. They discussed how the Ninja is made in China, plastic parts, blah blah blah. This awesome blender also has single serve cups which are really cool. Anyway, I don't use this blender 1000 times a day nor do I need a blender for that so this is the blender I have. It is absolutely AMAZING. There are no ice chunks. It is freaking awesome! Now, it may not last as long as the Vitamix would and it doesn't have a lifetime warranty but it ALSO ISN'T $400. Want a blender for occasional use to make yummy smoothies-go with this one. It rocks.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-44611643520946591352013-05-26T19:19:00.000-07:002013-05-26T19:22:20.119-07:00JuicingSo, I have recently started juicing. Almost every morning I wake up, and make juice for my household. It is pretty delicious. I am writing a few things I have learned here:<br />
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1. <b>Ripe fruits make the most juice.</b> When you have fruit that is not quite ripe it doesn't make the same amount of juice as a soft, fruit does. So, while bananas may taste better when they aren't over ripe, they juice better when they are over ripe.<br />
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2. <b>Don't put nuts into your $350 juicer. </b>Seems obvious right? Well I tried this just to see. The motor shut off. It was scary but no damage accrued (thank god!).<br />
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3. <b>Get a masticating juicer! </b>I know masticating juicers cost much more than centrifugal juicers but they make 45% more juice. If you have juice everyday, or even 3 times a week, it will be worth the added expenditure up front. Also, Omega and Hurom are made in THE SAME FACTORY but Omega is much cheaper and it comes with a 10 year warranty. I have an Omega, I LOVE it.<br />
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4. <b>Dandelion Greens. </b>Okay, so I started using these daily because they are good for you, detoxify your liver, etc. They are not as kind as kale is. If you use them, make sure you use a strong fruit flavor with them, like oranges (or any citrus), berries (I like strawberries), etc. Otherwise, your juice will be very bitter :( And it will make you sad.<br />
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5. <b>Kale. </b>You cannot use too much kale in juice. I swear it! I use SO MUCH kale everyday and it doesn't make my juice taste like kale. It is GREAT. Also, use organic kale only! Non-organic kale has VERY HIGH pesticide residues. Just sayin.' <br />
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6. <b>Celery. </b>If you get am Omega juicer, PLEASE use celery in MODERATION. Otherwise it will overpower your juice and you will be so disappointed. I only use 1/2 of a stalk and can STILL barely stand it.<br />
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7. <b>Recipes.</b> You don't need them. Seriously, I have only ever once made a juice that wasn't amazing and it was DUE TO USING A RECIPE. I used too much celery (see #6). Recipes are dumb because everyone's juicer is different and thus the juice will taste different. Veggies & fruit generally mix well. Even adding garlic and things that you may think are gross are not noticed if you add fruit too. I use carrots in my juice often and you can't even taste them. Throw recipes out the window and experiment!<br />
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8. <b>Bosc pears. </b>I have tried many kinds of apples, pears, oranges, etc. For the most part Bosc pears are the BEST way to go. They make your juice the most pear-like. I love pears. They go well with strawberries too, I drink this often.<br />
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9. <b>Granny Smith Apples. </b>These are the only apples that actually have a distinct flavor. Otherwise, just purchase the cheapest, organic, apples you can find. Granny Smith Apples make for delicious juice but other good apples like Honeycrisp don't juice any differently from the not as good Red delicious. Keep this in mind as Honeycrisp apples cost much more per pound.<br />
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10. <b>Spinach. </b>Spinach is good in juice but it does make your juice a bit chunky. I am okay with that but just a warning, if you don't like chewing down your morning juice, don't use spinach.<br />
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11. <b>Citrus Fruits. </b>The only thing that isn't so great about masticating juicers is that they don't juice citrus as well as centrifugal juicers do. We still juice with oranges, but, you can tell that not all of the juice comes out. Sad, but true.<br />
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12. <b>Compost! </b>With all of your leftover fruit debris, you should compost! We don't have a yard or we would. Don't waste valuable compost if you have a means to use it!<br />
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13. <b>Tomatoes. </b>If you want tomato juice use a lot of tomatoes. Their flavor is easily washed out if you add too many other veggies/fruit.<br />
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14. <b>Don't overdo it! </b>Juicing is very good for you but, it is high in natural sugars (and therefore calories) so if you are like me, and trying to be healthier (and lose weight) don't drink a lot of juice everyday. I stick to approximately 12 oz. and that alone is around 200 calories. If you are active, need the calories, etc. by all means drink up, BUT, if you are trying to lose a bit of fat-don't drink too much juice!<br />
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15. <b>Prevent Hunger. </b>One thing I notice is that on days I don't juice I am hungrier all day. This is because I didn't get my daily nutrient filler in the morning. Juicing decreases my hunger. It could decrease yours too!<br />
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16. <b>Ginger.</b> I don't usually add this to my juice but I do add it to my roommates' juice frequently. A little ginger goes A LONG WAY. Just a warning.<br />
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17. <b>Cost. </b>Now that we never buy store made juice, we buy a ton of fruits and veggies. But, with 3 people juicing in our house we never spend over $25 a week in fresh fruit/veggies and we all get juice everyday now. It doesn't cost all that much. For example: 12 oz. of kale, pear, strawberry, & dandelion green juice only has 1 pear, 5 strawberries, 5 kale leaves, & 8 dandelion green leaves. The costs really isn't a big deal.<br />
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18. <b>Looks can be deceiving. </b>The juice I drink is a very dark green color. People usually think it looks pretty gross. Often juice does look pretty gross. But, it is still FUCKING DELICIOUS. So, keep that in mind when juicing!<br />
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19. <b>Try not to store juice. </b>When you make juice for a few days in a row, it oxidizes and the amount of nutrients in it decreases. So, while planning in advance may save you some time, it isn't as good for you!<b> </b> Juice, then drink up!<br />
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20. <b>Rejuice! </b>Citrus & berries can often be rejuiced. Take the pulp out of the container and run it through again. You will be surprised!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-84290452618404488502013-05-25T19:59:00.002-07:002013-05-25T19:59:33.620-07:00Non-Dairy Milk SubstitutesSo, I have always had issues drinking milk, even when I was a child. Now, I don't like the taste of sugar or milk. But, anyway, the point is I have been drinking soy milk, almond milk, & coconut milk for over a decade now. I am going to write my reviews here.<br />
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Milks to avoid:<br />
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This may be So Delicious Brand but let me tell you-it is <i>so disgusting.</i> I never would have tried this milk were it not out of desperation because in Lafayette, LA, stores cannot seem ORDER MORE of items that run out EVERY WEEK. (I am definitely a bit bitter about this having been a retail worker for 10+ years). If you always run out-ORDER MORE-it is so SIMPLE. But, anyway, this 'coconut milk beverage' literally tastes JUST LIKE WATER and it made my usually pleasant superfood grass in the morning terrible. I stomached it for 3 days and then poured it out. It is just terrible.<br />
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Soy milk is never good. I mean, before almond milk I had convinced myself that soy milk was good. But it isn't. It just isn't that good. Original flavors always taste like cardboard and vanilla is just merely acceptable.<br />
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This may be a but paranoid sounding but any 'milk' product that doesn't require refrigeration just freaks me out. I like things with expiration dates. I fear that without those expiration dates come exponentially increasing numbers of preservatives. This is totally unsubstantiated but it is only my opinion so I am allowed to blog about it. Haha.<br />
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Milks that are okay:<br />
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Okay, in desperation I tried this too. I actually tried the unsweetened one. I have also had the dark chocolate one. The dark chocolate one is divine (but 120 calories/8 oz.) but the original is only alright. It has a flavor and it is drinkable, but not the best. If you cannot find the best (which I will reveal in the end) then getting this is an option-just not the best option.<br />
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Have you ever tried this? It is definitely delicious, however, it is not particular good for you. It is very high calorie (130 calories/8 oz.) and high sugar. It is mainly sugar, water, and soy milk. It may be good if you need the calories or the protein but you are really better off having real juice and better milk.<br /><br />
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Rice milk is okay. It doesn't thrill or disgust me. Almond milk will always be my baby. Rice milk is also a bit higher calorie for less flavor.<br />
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Flax milk sounds absolutely disgusting. I never would have ever purchased it ever based on the name. I got to sample it the other day at the grocery store and I was impressed in that it didn't taste like complete garbage, however, it isn't amazing.<br />
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The best milk EVER:<br />
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This milk is so rare it had to scroll Google to get a good picture of it. Target sells out of it EVERY FUCKING WEEK. Drug Emporium sells out of it EVERY FUCKING WEEK. Rouses' Market refuses to carry it and Albertson's has the world's worst selection of everything always so it BREAKS MY TINY HEART when I can't have this amazing milk. To me, this is the holy grail of non-dairy milk. This exact one. The lower calorie vanilla version is okay. I have never tried the sweetened versions. But this is DELICIOUS. It makes my green superfood taste ah-mazing. I had to go to 3 grocery stores this week just to find it, there were only 4 left and I BOUGHT THEM ALL. Because it is THAT GOOD. Now, if you usually like that gross lactose-like milk flavor milk has, you may not like this because it just tastes like delicious almonds and coconuts, but I think it is the bees knees. So, if you want good milk that is lactose-free-this is the way to go.<br /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-76930528110937359132013-05-16T12:44:00.000-07:002013-05-16T12:44:04.245-07:00Feeling Fat :(<a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/"><img border="0" src="http://badges.myfitnesspal.com/badges/show/641/1466/6411466.weight-togo-lg.gif" /></a><br />
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<small>MyFitnessPal - <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">Free Weight Loss</a> Tools</small></div>
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<small> This is the issue at hand. Everyone says it is so great I have lost 32 pounds. Set little goals and reach them. Be happy and proud for what you have done. Blah blah blah. I have 118 pounds to lose STILL. That is STILL an entire person of weight. It makes me feel completely disgusting. How do I kick this feeling? 120 days worth of dieting and 32 pounds later I feel just as bad if not worse about myself as did in the first place.</small></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-14246991786566357372013-05-15T13:47:00.002-07:002013-05-15T13:47:30.143-07:00Competing with myselfI find myself competing with myself. Like, I want to see how long I can go without eating and while being hungry. I see if I can eat less calories than the day before. I still eat healthy food-which is a step in the right direction-but for two days I have avoided my chia seed and yogurt regimen on the sole basis of not wanting to eat anymore calories despite the fact that I was able to eat them. My restrictions are placed on me. I chose to count calories. No one tells me that I eat too much. I just feel like I must eat too much because I am fat. Fat people eat too much, right? <i>Wrong.</i> It is a stereotype I try so hard to get people to ignore yet when it comes to myself I believe it whole-hardheartedly. Just like fat people are lazy. <i>I exercise every day.</i> Still-I feel lazy. I must be lazy, as I am fat. <b>NO. Johanna, you aren't lazy. Johanna, you don't eat too much. Stop this.</b><br />
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<i>But I cannot tell what hunger is. </i>I am not avoiding eating more while being actively hungry, which is good. My doctor told me to eat if I am hungry. But the issue is, I don't know when I am hungry. I eat the meals that I preordained to be consumed that morning when I planned my daily food. I don't understand the feeling of hunger anymore. I eat when I think I should. Sometimes when I think I am hungry I am really just tired or thirsty, right? <i>I really don't know.</i><br />
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I then start wondering why I am this way. Normal people aren't this way are they? Why am I so preoccupied by this? Well, I can think of a few reasons why from a parental standpoint but I am an adult and am therefore responsible for my own thoughts, feelings, & mindset. I should be mature enough to figure this out, stop being weird, and move on from this. What is the deal?<br />
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Alas, I must continue the journey. Healthy mind, body, & soul.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-68596445616328678472013-05-14T17:40:00.000-07:002013-05-14T17:40:35.173-07:00Natural DeodorantI am trying to avoid using regular deodorant. Aluminum has been linked the Alzheimer's Disease & Breast Cancer. Especially for women who don't have underarm hair to protect them and the close proximity of aluminum antiperspirants to breast tissue. Here has been my experience thus far:<br />
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Tom's Apricot - Smells good but is DEODORANT not and antiperspirant. It does not prevent you from sweating. I used it two days in a row. Both times I had horrible heat rash and it took 3 days to recover from. I would NOT recommend using this product, it was completely ineffective.<br />
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Nature's Gate Herbal Blend - Lavender & Aloe - Smells good and is also deodorant, not antiperspirant. It does not cause heat rash or prevent odor and is less ineffective but still not ideal.<br />
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Crystal - This is a solid, hard, stick that you must put on right out of the shower when your pits are still wet OR add water to the stick before use. I used this today. It works! Now, it does contain Ammonium Aluminum, which is not harmful (supposedly). I will continue using this as it seems pretty good although I am still interested in trying to make my own.<br />
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Conclusions: Try crystal or homemade. Avoid Tom's. Nature's Gate is okay.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049588440158811094.post-21266327017808300002013-05-14T16:49:00.000-07:002013-05-14T16:49:01.137-07:00What isn't in my food logs.If you know me at all you know that I used to have an eating disorder. I still struggle with it. Daily. I had a bad day today and I tend to avoid food when depressed. I ate enough today. Even if it was forced.<br />
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But,<i> I bought a scale yesterday. </i>I bought a scale that I am absolutely terrified of. I bought a scale that I have already started obsessing over and it hasn't even been 24 hours yet. I remember when I was 16 and I was dieting for the first time. My starting weight was 192 pounds. In 3 months I weighed less than 125. Weight just fell off. I felt fat and disgusting. <i>That is the problem.</i><br />
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Right now I am trying to reshape thought. I am trying to convince myself that perfection isn't the goal, health is. I am trying to deal with the fact that no matter what I will never be perfect. I have to accept that NOW. I have to like myself now. Otherwise, when I do weigh my 'goal' weight it won't be enough. And then it will never be enough. Just like it wasn't ever enough when I was 16. How do I start thinking that I am pretty? I have always been so honest with myself. How do I lie to myself? And if it isn't a lie, how do I inherently convince myself that this 'lie' is indeed a 'truth?'<br />
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I weighed myself today. I lost two pounds since yesterday. That is pretty good. I am terrified every time I step on that scale. I step on it over and over to make sure it is telling the truth. I stepped on it twice today. Both times it read 244.0. On September 28th, 2012 I weighed 275 pounds. Most people would be happy about this but I live in fear that one day I will step on this scale and the number will go up. I don't care if it is that time of the month, or if I have water weight, or any of that. I want that number to decrease. It needs to decrease every time I step on it until I weigh 140 pounds. That is 104 pounds away. I step on the scale to make sure that number isn't increasing. I step on that scale to make sure I am going down. <i></i><br />
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I have to figure this out. I really want to be healthy but I have an obsessive personality. I am consulting a doctor and I am being healthy but my mind isn't healthy. I am working on it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08095467417347368851noreply@blogger.com0