Gluten Free Fruit Recipes! Win A Nesco Electric Dehydrator & Jerky Maker.

The Nesco/All American Dehydrator is probably one of the easiest appliances I have ever used. If you are a health food guru, or just a beginner, it's all the same. Any one can use this machine.

All I did was open the box, removed the dehydrator, and cleaned the four separate trays off. Next came the fun part, I started to prepare my fruits.

If you have younger kids, or even school aged kids, this dehydrator would make the perfect back to school snacks. Even on the run, and out the door for breakfast. Jerky for protein, and Fruits like apples that's full of fiber would be healthy & filling. Along with blueberries, and strawberries that are full of vitamins they can easily eat with no mess would be ideal too. Any fruit you like, you can dry!

It is also a Jerky Maker, and came with packs of seasoning for that as well. I plan on making chicken, and turkey beef sticks. Maybe even some turkey ones after Thanksgiving with leftovers. Be prepared to see more posts of me creating awesome things with this machine.

I'm using it to make dried snacks for my 19 month old, He refuses to eat "wet" foods, so I get his vitamins in by dried fruits. When dried properly fruits can have a great source of Vitamin A & C, along with the daily fiber for a healthy body.

This is my first time using a dehydrator, so I am just a beginner. I prepared Strawberries, Blueberries, & Fiji Apples. After washing them off. The Strawberries, and Apples(I soaked in water with Cinnamon) were sliced thin. They are not to overlap while on the dehydrator trays. The blueberries I just placed on whole, where ever, I did try to make it look pretty.

I also puree'd blueberries in the blender to make my own blueberry fruit leather. I buy fruit leather all the time, and have never made my own. This is more so for me, than the kids! You don't even have to use sugar in it, the fruit has it's own natural sugar. If the fruits you use are tart, consider using Honey. I love BeeFree Honey (apple honey.) This kit came with a make your own fruit roll up plastic tray with a special no spill over lip.

Over all it takes about 10-12 hours for the fruits I chose.

What is also great about this machine is that the top tells you what temperature to use to dry certain things. There is also a recipe book with easy to follow ideas, like, Orange Julius, Strawberry Cream Cheese, and Pina Colada Fruit Roll Ups.

This was a fun review, If you know how to slice fruit, YOU CAN make your own dried fruit. If you know how to push "puree" on your blender. YOU CAN make your own fruit leather. Don't be afraid to try something new.

My Blueberry Fruit Leather!!!! Turned out great!!!! I used just blueberry puree I made, added a drop of BeeFree Honey (Apple Honey) for extra sweetness. It would've been good without the honey too, but I love things sweet.

My Strawberry Chips!!!!! They dried faster than the rest, but I love them crunchy, so I left them in longer.

My Cinnamon Apple Chips!!!!! The aroma that came off of these while they dehydrated was just beautiful. I like my Apple Chips with the skin on. These are so delicious.

These are the Goodies I dehydrated over night, and woke up too.

The whole blueberries take a little longer, so I've puree'd some strawberries to make strawberry fruit leather with since I have extra trays available again.

I really love the fruit leather. I'm going to make my own Pumpkin Pie leather, Apple pie leather.. Peach cobbler leather.. I seriously, am addicted to the fruit leather.


Interesting Stats about the machine;

The machine itself is 500 watts, top mounted 2,100-rpm fan. That means it dries faster with more power, and you get results in hours, not days.

The patented Converga-Flow action provides even heat distribution, no need to rotate trays. No worries about flavors mixing.

Adjustable thermostat (95F-155F) used for Precision drying for the best quality for perfect fruit, vegetables, herbs, and jerky.
Opaque Vita-Save exterior for exclusive light-blocking in preserving vitamins, and minerals.

Expandable, even tho it comes with 4 trays, This model can operate with 12 trays, and automatically adjusts the pressure itself.


Here's your chance to Win A Dehydrator!!
Giveaway Begins 12:01 AM 7/30/2012 &  Ends 12:01AM  8/30/12,
WINNER IS CHOSEN BY RANDOM ON RAFFLECOPTER, WILL EMAIL WINNER WITHIN 24HOURS, WINNER HAS 7DAYS TO REPLY, OR NEW WINNER IS CHOSEN.

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I want to thank Nesco/All American Harvest for such a wonderful, easy to use machine. And, also a bigger thanks for Sponsoring this Review, & Giveaway. Thank you Nesco!!!! I am in love with my dehydrator.

**Receiving the Dehydrator for free from Nesco did not sway my opinion on dried fruit. I have always loved dried fruit, and been curious on how to make my own. Honestly, If It wasn't good, I would have said so. I've had nothing but a positive experience using this machine. Links posted are up to the reader to click in reference to more information on the machine.**..More About My Blog Disclosure.

How-To-Paint Letter Wall Art by GreenVics

This is just an idea on how to decorate Letters for a babies wall on a budget.  If it's for your little one, or to give as a gift. Here is how I painted mine. 

Go find whatever letters you need.  Sometimes they are on clearance.  Don't forget to check your Sunday papers for those 40% off craft store coupons that you can use on an item.  Ask people you know if you can have theirs too.  

Royal Talens AMSTERDAM Standard Series Acrylic 2.5 oz.

5/0 Princeton Round

Also, don't go crazy with buying every color of paint you see.  All you need are a nice set of Standard Series Paints.  Something with Red, Yellow, Blue, Black & White paint. With those colors, You can make so many different shades.  You'll also need good brushes, don't be afraid to buy single brushes, the smaller, the better.  Especially for those small detailed lines.

The brush to the right is one of my favorite brushes.  It's a 5/0 round Princeton Preferred.  Love your art brushes, and take care of them!! Always clean them off after use.  A good brush will last a long time.

Just stick to the basics.  What is great about these Acrylic tubes are you will have so much left over for other projects that come along.  The brushes are a great investment as well.  The white brushes with the gold ends are by Trenton.

Trenton All-purpose synthetic brushes 1/4" Angle, #0 Round, #5 round, #6 Shader

You don't have to be an artist to create something.  Just have fun with it.  GO for it.  Worse case scenario, if you don't like it? Start over.   But, don't be hard on yourself.  

Here's how I created mine.  Use a pencil to sketch what it is you want to draw (my favorite art pencils are by Faber-Castell.) Pencil first, with light lines in case you do want to erase something.   

After you've sketched out your design , it's time to paint.  You don't need to use a special paint palette.  Grab a dollar store plate.  

It's all about relaxing, and filling in the color.  Take your time,  This really does relax me.

After awhile it will start to come together.  For fun I made stripes on the sides of the letters that matched colors I had used for the characters.  

The very last thing I do is add the black outline.  To do this just use the small brush, ,and when you are applying paint to it, roll the brush into the black side to side.  Test it to see how thin your line will be.

Really hope this motivates you into painting something special, and one of a kind for your little ones.  I've seen Dr. Seuss art, but I wanted a Dr. Seuss themed  letter wall art.  Maybe your theme is flowers, fairies, monsters, or other well known characters that it would be cheaper to paint your own.

Now, go create something! Don't have that mentality you aren't good at it.  First think of an idea that you want to try, or atleast a few colors you really want to add.  Start from there.  All art is, are lines, dots, colors, that create the overall picture.  It isn't going to look like what you want at first.  Tweak it, and make it yours.

Glee Gum Do It Yourself Candy Kit Giveaway!

These kits are fun, and educational! You can see my reviews for the Do It Yourself Chocolate Kit, and the  Do It Yourself Sea Weed Gummies Kit.  I haven't tried the Do It Yourself Chewing Gum Kit yet, but I bet it's as equally great if not better than the other two. I do enjoy Glee Gum.  My favorite flavors they make are the Cinnamon, and Spearmint Not only are the kits made with natural ingredients, they also tell a history about the ingredients used.

One lucky follower will have the chance to win a kit of their choice.  These are great for upcoming holidays, birthdays, home schooling(there are Educators Guides), and just because you feel like a treat days.

This is the Chocolate Kit I used to make some delicious dark chocolate cups with blueberries, and walnuts. You can add whatever extras you enjoy, or just leave them chocolate. I bet even natural peanutbutter, with oatmeal, and coconut would be a sweet treat. Really the possibilities are endless.

The Sea Weed Gummies kit was really fun to use. You can take any item you deem cool enough to impress into the starch to get your mold for the Gummies. I used an old star teether of the babies. I also just poured the extra onto a plate to let set up, and used scissors to cut out shapes, and his name.

Giveaway is open to the U.S. Only.  Begins 2/20/13 12:01AM Est, Ends 3/05/13 12:01 Est. Winner is chosen at random Via RaffleCopter. If winner does not respond back within 72 hours another winner will be chosen at random via RaffleCopter. Prize Est Retail Value: $13.95. Prize is mailed directly from the sponsor. Life According To GreenVics is not responsible for prize fulfillment. If you agree to these terms you may enter! Thanks, and good luck.

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Harvey Prince Eau de CREME Spray Review & 5 Winner Giveaway!

With Valentines approaching I just want to smell Sweet for my Sweety!  Age does not matter when it comes to this sweet playful Eau de CREME natural fragrance by Harvey Prince.  My favorite thing about Harvey Prince is the uniqueness of the scents, and the fact they are an eco-friendly company that was tired of those over powering chemical base expensive brands.  

I have Fling, Flirt, and now Creme! All which trigger the senses, but I am in love with the Eau de Creme Spray.  I was sent two bottles of the 8.8ml sprays, and I've already used one! I used it every day for the past month. The best way to explain it is, it's a sweet, chocolate-creme scent.  It's not overpowering, or a fake "sweet" smell.  It's genuine in it's sweetness. It makes me happy when I am wearing it.

Notes: Citrus, Passion Fruit, Rum Raisin, Vanilla, Patchouli, and.. CHOCOLATE! I find it wonderful to have the sweet scent of summer  in this arctic blast weather here in Ohio.  I will not let the grey skies, and bitter cold bring my spirits down! For me, all it takes is a smell to trigger my senses to a better time.

Promo Code: Sweetness  , will get you 15% off Eau de Creme on HarveyPrince.com (excludes samples.)

Another thing I find great about Harvey Prince is the way the oils react to my skin.  Today for instance, I sprayed the perfume on my wrists this morning after I showered, and it's been 5 hours and I can still smell the sweetness.  My husband is always telling me how he just wants to eat me up when I am wearing this.


FIVE! Lucky followers will win a 8.8ml Spray of Eau de CREME too. These retail for $26.00 each.  They also fit perfectly in the car, purse, keep one at the gym!  I know some of you have already won Fling, and Flirt from previous reviews! Good luck, and enjoy!

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Giveaway begins 1/22/13 12:01AM, Ends 2/04/13 12:01AM.  Winners have 48 hours to reply to email, if no reply is made, prize if forfeited and another winner will be chosen at random.  Open to U.S, and Canada only.  Prizes retail for $26.00/each.  One winner per house hold (any one in the house hold can enter, no limit.) No purchase necessary to enter! Life According To GreenVics is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

I received Eau de CREME for free to review.  Opinion are my own! I was not told what to write, or say! I really do love this perfume.

All Natural Rodo's Balm Review

All Natural Rodo's Balm Review by Life According To GreenVics,

Lip balm to me should always be natural!  Why in the world would any one put harsh chemicals on themselves? Let alone lips!  I recently reviewed Rodo's Balm., and I have nothing but positive things to say about this new brand.  It's also extremely affordable at just $3.50.  The balm goes on smooth, it did help protect my lips from this arctic blast wind here in Columbus, Ohio. Tonight it is 9 degrees.. with a windchill of -10.. I am plastering lip balm on! 

Vanilla Coffee - This balm was my absolute favorite (Maybe I am just biased because I have a huge love for coffee.)  There is a sweet taste that blends in with the coffee flavor.  This is one of those flavors that it becomes quite addictive reapplying the balm based on enjoying the smell/flavor itself.  The soft lips were just a bonus.

Bubble Gum - It's just one of those retro flavors that does trigger memories of being young, and retrogressing back to a time that I was growing up.  It smells/tastes just like Bazooka Joe gum to me.  My 2 year old kept giving me kisses when I wore this flavor.

Tropical Coconut - With this arctic blast weather, and windchill feeling as if it's -10 this week I enjoyed this flavor.  Tho, at my age, it makes me want pina coladas, haha.  

Natural Unscented Matte - The Natural Matte was my husbands favorite balm.  He isn't into flavored chapstick, but he will wear the unscented balm before going out into this weather as lip protectant.

All of these balms are natural, and cold pressed. The ingredients are easily read, and identified (almond oil, beeswax, etc.) I can't wait for what's next for Patrick Rodo.  The genius behind these natural balms  just graduated High School (yes, that makes him 18), and his passion shines through in the quality of these balms.  I'm hoping for Body Butters, or Oils next!  I received these balms for free, I was not told what to write, or say, opinions are my own!

Go say Hi to Rodo's Balm on Facebook! I just saw a promo on the facebook where a local store had the balms 50% off recently.  Maybe Rodo's balm will do that again some time soon. 

SendThemCookies.com Review

by Life According To GreenVics

SendThemCookies.com 

European Butter Cookie Sampler Crate.  

Gourmet Quality thats beyond Good enough for you, and your family! My family loved the treats. I loved them so much, I am going to send my Dad that's in a different state some for the Holidays. I know what he loves, and these would make him smile so much, he'll think I spent a fortune!

2.5 lbs of Handmade Sweets for $39.95

Imagine having a WOODEN CRATE OF COOKIES delivered to your front door? The excitement, the watering of your mouth knowing there are so many different sweets to tame your sweet tooth beast. Knowing they are speciality Gourmet Homemade cookies from Paul Evans Gifts for reasonable prices.

Already Gift Wrapped, and In A Reusable Wooden Crate

This is the tray I was sent from SendThemCookies.com to review.  I was blown away at how many delicious gourmet cookies were in the wooden crate.  There were layers of goodness!

The 2.5 LB European Butter Cookie Sampler Crate comes with:

• Minature Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Minature Almond Shortbread Cookies
• Pistachio-Ginger Bars
• Toasted Coconut Bars
• Chocolate-Walnut Biscotti
• Raspberry Linzer Heart Cookies
• Rich Fudge Brownies
• Minature Pecan Tartlettes

It's a bonus to receive a reusable stained wood gift crate,  mine came with a custom hand written gift card too.  It was just as sweet as the cookies.

Layers Of Sweets, and Mouth Watering Treats

Can you believe 2.5 LBS of Home made Gourmet cookies are just $39.95?  Plus shipping, but that is still so crazy cheap.  The taste is NOT cheap, the taste really is Gourmet Hand Made delicious, melts in your mouth, perfection.

I've sent my parents cookie gifts that I over paid for from other companies, that they may have got a dozen cookies from, and that's it.  I wish I would've known about SendThemCookies.com before.  

These are 100% better than grocery store bought cookies.

These cookie gift baskets would be a great treat to send family members for the holidays.  Say money is tight, and you can't afford to buy a gift for each one.  Gift baskets with varities in them like SendThemCookies.com has something for everyone.  Really, these are great for any occasion.  

Believe me when I say, these remind me of my Mamas cookies.  My momma can bake.  They were Delicious, fresh, and I have never had a cookie gift basket this big.

Visit Paul Evans Gifts for SendThemCookies.com, or on FaceBook, Give SendThemCookies some facebook love!! You can really tell these are made with love.

SendThemCookies.com

Shipped anywhere!!

I was not told what to write by Paul Evans Gifts SendThemCookies.  I did receive these treats for free in exchange for my honest opinion.  I mean everything I've said about them.  I totally have a killer sweet tooth.   

Don Sabrosa "BEST SALSA ON THIS PLANET" Review & Giveaway

Sweet With Heat,  Don Sabrosa Salsa

Don Sabrosa Review & Giveaway, One lucky follower will win 2 Ready To Serve Don Sabrosa Salsa of their personal favorite Flavor/Heat.  Read the full review, and enter below!

As a self proclaimed Foodie I love all different kinds of Salsas, and sauces.  Tho, Don Sabrosa is the first I've ever tried that had the texture, sweetness, and heat which I crave in my salsas.  I have a killer sweet tooth, so anything sweet with heat I have to eat.  What also amazed me was I could eat a whole ready to serve tray for just 80 calories.  It was such a sweet treat to bite into whole blueberries.  It's very obvious once you taste this salsa that there is passion, and an abundance of positive vibes that just want better ingredients served to us in our food.

Don Sabrosas slogan is, THE BEST SALSA ON THIS PLANET! I really have to agree.  This was some of the best Natural Gourmet Salsa I have ever tried.  It's full of flavor, natural ingredients, and there is no weird aftertaste like others I've bought.

Don Sabrosa Sweet Mild Ready To Eat Salsa

This salsa I ate on everything.  From Bean Flax Seed Chips, To Tosadas, Fajitas, and ontop of Turkey Burgers.  It's great over rice too.

s:The salsa comes in glass jars, or, you can get the ready to serve microwavable trays. The flavor, and heat ranges from what your personal choice is for Salsa.

Flavors Are: Sweet, Black Bean & Corn, & Garlic.

Heat Ranges: Mild, Medium & Hot.

This Salsa can be purchased online, or you can check Don Sabrosa out on Facebook, and see what Store they will be in!  There's always a promotional event happening somewhere.  If your Local Grocery store doesn't carry Don Sabrosa! Go to your customer service desk, and ask them to stock it!  

Enter The Giveaway!!

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U.S. Only.  Must follow all rules to enter. Follow DonSabrosa On Twitter, Facebook, & Pinterest.

https://twitter.com/Donsabrosa
http://pinterest.com/donsabrosa/
https://www.facebook.com/DonSabrosa

Winner will be chosen at random Via Raffle Copter.  Winner has 7 days to reply or new winner will be chosen.  Please use a valid Email Address.  I received these salsas for free to review.  A Giveaway did not sway my opinion. Giveaway begins 10/3/12, Ends 10/24/2012.

.Return To Life According To GreenVics: Food Reviews.

TwigFootWear.com Review & Giveaway

Twig Footwear For Kids Review & Giveaway by Life According To GreenVics,

Twigfootwear.com is a company that is family owned, and prides itself on healthy feet.  The shoes my Vic Silas is wearing are called Dallas. They are extremely light weight, and flexible.  Made from the best natural materials. Bonus, they have velcro straps!  The quality of the shoe, and fit are to help little ones walk properly, learn gait, and prevent tripping.  

My son  does not like to wear shoes.  He's a country boy at heart living in the city of Columbus.  These Twig Kids Shoes are seriously some of the  best shoes I've put on him. He didn't even notice they were on. Not only did he not freak out, but he also was able to tippy toe in the shoes when excited.  He did not try to kick the shoes off like he is known for either.  Today he was on grass, cement, hay, and gravel while wearing the shoes.  He's only a year old, and he was beyond adorable in them.  The color of the Dallas shoes in brown with the orange are perfect for any season but for me, it screams fall. We love fall here. They come in Grey as well.  Since Twig Footwear feels natural. As if no shoes were being worn. It was a must to venture out into nature to pick a pumpkin!

Healthy Feet Make A Happy Baby!

Of course no one wants to wear uncomfortable shoes.  Why let your child wear shoes that hurt their feet? These shoes come with an extra insert.  If your kid has wide feet just take out the padded insert that's already in the shoe, and add the extra thinner pair that comes with the shoes in the box.  Really? What shoes do that? Twig Footwear Kids shoes does that.

When opening the shoes we were also giving a pair of socks.  They are called Spox by Twig,  "A pair with a spare." Now it should take a little longer to lose all three! Let's hope! The socks are soft, stretchable, and didn't cut the circulation of his super cute chubby baby legs.  

Spox by Twig.. are 3 socks in a pack! In case you lose one!

These shoes deserve their 5 out of 5 GreenVics rating.  Not only did the little one forget they were on, he also could still climb, tippytoe, and be himself.  Twig makes all kinds of different styles.  Both girl shoes and boy shoes.  The little girls are adorable.  They made me want to have a baby girl now just to buy shoes.

To find out what Twig offers, you can find Twig On Facebook & Online at TwigFootwear.com

One lucky follower can enter to win a $60.00 TwigFootwear.com Gift Certificate to their website to pick whatever Twig Footwear Kids Shoes needed/wanted, Something cute for Christmas?!  Twig makes boots too!! 

In his new "Dallas" Twig Footwear Kids Shoes.

Enter The Giveaway Below

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Giveaway Rules:  U.S. Only.  No purchase necessary.  If you can't use raffle copter for some reason just like TwigFootWear, and Life According To GreenVics on facebook, come back to this post to leave a comment answering what shoes you'd buy on TwigFootWear.com, if you won and your email.  I will add you in.  For everyone else, the giveaway begins 9/23/12, & Ends, 10/15/12.  Winner is chosen at random.  Winner has 7 buisness days to reply to email, if no confirmation is made, another winner will be chosen.  So please use a valid E-mail address.  Prize: $60.00 TwigFootWear.com Gift Certificate.  Sponsor, Twigfootwear is responsible for prize fulfillment. 

2012 PR Friendly Holiday Gift Guide

I have worked with some fantastic companies this past year, and for that I am extremely thankful. My fan base is growing, and just as passionate as I am about products.  What I am looking to do for the approaching Holiday Season is to feature Two companies for each type of product on my Gift Guide.  

Sponsors Wanted 

Can be either/or, negotiable:

• Review
• Review w/Giveaway
• Banner for November-December

What my page offers as of 9/10/2012

• 10k Monthly Visitors
• 2,500 Facebook Fans
• 1,000 Twitter Followers
• Various Blogger Groups
• Detailed Original Photos
• Video Reviews
• Every product thoroughly tested
• Featured on My Social Media Sites

The Gift Guide Reviews/Giveaways will start on November 1st, and end November 28th, and be featured on the front of my website, www.greenvics.com til the New Years, and archived for my blogs life.  So, hopefully, forever!  

I am looking forward to hearing, and working with you,  I am a PR Friendly blog, full of passion, and I am always on the look out for products that make life easier, and fun.

Contact me: angel@greenvics.com

Check me out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & Youtube

More info on my website, 

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