Every month, I highlight products and foods that I am really enjoying. This month, I have four delicious ones to share. Enjoy!
Taylor Farms Sweet Kale Salad
About six weeks ago, I started to see people talking about this salad — online, in stores, everywhere. Finally, one weekend when the kids and I were making our usual Costco run (that’s where everyone seems to be getting it!), I decided to just try it. I was skeptical — especially about the Poppyseed Dressing. But when I mixed up a big bowl of this salad for dinner that night, Will and I fell immediately in love with it. He’s since taken it to school for lunch a few times, and I’ve eaten it for dinner more times than I can count. It’s just that good. Paige wasn’t as enthused though.
Get it: This is sold at Costco.
Nature’s Child Pudd’n Pouches
The last time we headed to New Jersey to visit the Sweetnicks clan, Cate sent home a box of these Pudd’n Pouches. Her kids weren’t enthused by them — but mine? They are over-the-moon for them. Honestly, pudding isn’t something had regularly in our house but these are so easy — and wholesome — that I can’t say no. They’re perfect for stuffing into lunchboxes and they make a good after school snack too.
Get it: These are sold nationwide in stores including Target, Wal-Mart and Meijer. Nature’s Child Vanilla Pudd’n Pouches, Nature’s Child Banana Pudd’n Pouches and Nature’s Child Chocolate Pudd’n Pouches are available on Amazon.com.
Coppola Sauces for Pasta
Did you know that I grew up in New York? Dutchess County, home to historic Hyde Park, Vassar College and The Chance music venue, holds a special place in my heart — as does Coppola’s, a restaurant with locations in Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park. Recently, Shawn came home with a jar of Coppola’s Marinara Sauce. I remember eating this sauce at the restaurant on a few occassions as a child and all it took was one bite to bring back good memories. It’s about $6 in the Dutchess County area, and $8 here in Connecticut. I love the flavor (a balance of spicy-sweet) and slightly chunky texture. Heck, who am I kidding? I could drink this stuff. If you see it, try it.
Get it: Locally in Connecticut, it’s sold at Caraluzzi’s.
FitBit One
For more than a year, I have been reading about the FitBit. It’s a little device which, depending on the model you choose, tracks your steps, number of floors climbed, your calorie output to input ratio and more. All the time, I went back and forth on whether I wanted one. See, years ago I used the BodyBugg that The Biggest Loser contestants used. It was fascinating, but just didn’t seem to help me move the needle on the scale — despite a year’s worth of usage. Plus, the arm band was less than attractive or comfy. But in December, something changed for me — inside — and I needed the boost of self-monitoring to move ahead. The Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker, which is a tiny device that can be clipped onto pants, waists or even bras, seemed like the perfect solution. I started using it at the end of December. Over the last month and a half, I have shed 12 lbs and already feel so much more like myself. I pay close attention to my steps, stairs and calorie ratio — and it’s working. This provides just enough info for me to learn, change and shed. Love it.
Get it: The FitBit One is sold nationwide online at sites like Amazon and in stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods. I purchased mine at Eastern Mountain Sports.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.