Be Free For Me Blog

Do you remember eating Cracker Jack’s as a kid? The sweet popped corn jumbled with the salty peanuts… and who could forget the prize nestled at the bottom of the box? Cracker Jacks were one of my all-time favorite snacks as a kid.

That is why I was so excited to find Popsalot Popcorn snacks! I like to nickname Popsalot “Cracker Jacks for Big Kids.

The concept of Popsalot is a lot like Cracker Jacks… the sweet glazed popcorn co-mingled with savory nuts. But the difference is in the “big-kid” flavors and tastes of Pop A Lot. Some of the flavors include: Southern Surprise: Air-popped popcorn and slow-roasted pecans nestled in pecan infused caramel; Honolulu Aloha: Air-popped popcorn and slow-roasted macadamia nuts nestled in macadamia infused caramel; or the Brazilian Samba: whole roasted cashews and air-popped popcorn folded in cashew-infused clandestine caramel.

The intricate flavor combos and blends of Popsalot will have you hooked at the first bite, PLUS all of the Popsalot varieties are certified gluten-free… which  beats any prize at a bottom of box!

On my last shopping excursion I picked up extra bags of my beloved Popsalot for this WIN-It-Wednesday prize on BeFreeForMe.com!

A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win a TWO bags of Popsalot Gourmet Snacks. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, September 30 and Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Popsalot Gourmet Popcorn looks the best to you (my favorite? The Southern Surprise… I love the pecans and caramel!) Good luck, look for the prize in everything… and, as always …

Be Free!

P.S. Join me in following Popsalot on Facebook and Twitter!

If you ever thought about canning, but thought it was too hard or complicated you need to hear about the Home Canning Discovery Kit from Jarden Home Brands, the makers of Ball Canning Jars.

Once a couple of years ago, I tried canning. But it was difficult to know where to start, what recipes to try and how to navigate the jars full of veggies and fruits in and out of the boiling water without burning myself, breaking the jars or making a mess.

That is why I am so excited that Jarden Home Brands sent to me their new Home Canning Discovery Kit along with a cookbook packed with tons of fabulous canning recipes (Caribbean Peach Chutney, Zesty Zucchini Relish or Sweet Apple Cider Butter anyone?) .

The folks over at Jarden Home Brands are the experts when it comes to canning and preserving. I love the way they make things so simple and basic. There’s no getting overwhelmed! The have a super website that has everything you need to know about canning fruits and veggies. The website goes over it all…  from getting started with canning, recipes, figuring out how much pectin (a naturally occurring carb found in fruits and veggies that aids in the gelling of your jellies and jams) you’ll need, and more.

The Home Canning Discovery Kit includes three (3) jars for fresh preserving with the lids and bands, a Beginners Guide Book to Canning and Recipe Booklet and the super-duper patent pending canning rack with lifter. The kit makes canning super easy and effortless.

I LOVE the canning rack and lifter. It makes lifting the cans in and out of the boiling water stress-free. Plus, it is small enough to store compactly and neatly… so there is no cumbersome contraption that I have to find cabinet space for. (And if you’re like me… my cabinet space is precious space!)

This past weekend I had an overflow of cucumbers in my garden, so I dug out my family’s super easy Classical Pickle Recipe and made several jars of Dill Pickles (for the recipe, photos and how-to’s make sure to check out my blog post!) This recipe is a great recipe for beginner canners, since it is simple to prep and assemble.

And… lucky for us… Jarden Home Brands is sponsoring this Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com!

A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win The Home Canning Discovery Kit packed with three canning jars, recipes and how-to’s, along with the nifty Canning Rack with lifter, that I love so much! One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, September 16 and Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what you would like to try to can (is it pickles, salsa, relish, jam or jelly?) or what canning recipe on the Jarden Home’s FreshPreserving.com website looks the best to you (Maybe it’s the Apple Jam, Antipasto Relish or Bread & Butter Pickles?)

Good luck, Remember if you think you Can, you CAN! And, as always …

Be Free!

Finding a good gluten-free cookie can be tough. And finding a good gluten-free cookie beyond the “basic” varieties of the traditional chocolate chip and oatmeal, and the like, can be even tougher.

That is why I was so very excited to find Glutenetto Artisanal Italian Cookies. Reminiscent of the traditional Italian cookies that my great-grandmother, Nonna, used to make, these cookies and I were in love at first bite.

These cookies are made by a company named Cookies con Amore. The company was started by two childhood friends that lived in Italy and moved to the states. The love of the cookies their grandmother’s baked led them to the world of entrepreneurship, and eventually starting Cookie con Amore, in California in 2005. The company has grown to more than 20 employees, but all orders are still baked with love and in small batches at the company’s 8,000 square foot bakery in Vista, California.  Their philosophy is, “… great Italian cookies are a result of fresh, quality ingredients, a commitment and passion for excellence, love, and a desire to create a memorable taste experience that will leave you wanting more.”

The gluten-free Italian cookie varieties that Cookie Con Amore make are:  Ameretti, Bisconttini, Cuccidati Fig Cookies, Assorted Linzers and my favorite, the Wedding Cookie. All the gluten-free cookies are Certified Gluten-Free.

I love that Glutenetto Wedding Cookies are perfectly traditional.

These melt in your mouth cookies are made by using fresh ground pecans rather than almonds in the shortbread. Add to that a bit of lemon zest and sprinkle them with confectioners’ sugar – and you have a delicious gluten-free cookie, that makes you want more and more. I buy them all the time… and bought two extra boxes for the two lucky winner’s of this Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com.

A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win a 6-ounce box of Glutenetto Artisanal Italian Wedding Cookies. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, September 2 and Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what Glutenetto Artisanal Italian Cookie variety looks the best to you.  Good luck, enjoy cookies everyday… and, as always …

Be Free!

P.S. Join me in following Cookie Con Amore on Facebook and Twitter!

This week’s Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForme.com is super, super sweet!

Every once in a while I like a little sweetness in my life. One of my favorite types of candy is caramels, but unfortunately many, many brands contain gluten.

That’s why I was so over-the-top excited when I found these little squares of sweetness… Figueroa Brother’s Coconut Caramel Squares.

Packaged in a one-pound bag, these gluten-free caramel squares contain a flavor burst of sweet caramel and creamy coconut milk. The flavor combo is out of this world. It kind of reminds me of an old time favorite, Goetze’s Bulls Eye Caramels, those swirled caramel candies, which I haven’t been able to enjoy since being gluten-free, since they are packed with gluten.

A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win a 1-pound bag of Figueroa Brothers Coconut Square Caramels. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, August 19 and Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us something sweet in your life  (Me? My two dogs… Sadie (Boxer) & Bruschi (Puggle). Good luck, keep things sweet… and, as always …

Be Free!

I’ve been a fan of Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame for a long time. These dry roasted Edamame are a crunchy, tasty and healthy way to add more protein in your diet… all while enjoying a perfect snack.

I’ve tried all three of the varieties, including the Lightly Salted, which are great as a snack or a salad topper; the Goji Blend, dry roasted edamame mixed with Goji berries; and my new favorite, Wasabi, which adds a nice spiciness and kick to snacking.

I love that these all-natural dry roasted edamame contain simple all natural-ingredients. The Spicy Wasabi variety only has three ingredients – soybeans, sea salt and wasabi powder. So there’s no hidden ingredients – only all-natural goodness.

And not only are they packed with protein, they also contain all 8 essential amino acids and add no cholesterol or trans-fats to your diet. Plus all of the Seapoint Farms dry roasted and frozen products are gluten-free.

These super snacks are also versatile, since they make a great addition atop your salad or added to your favorite homemade trail mix. Make sure to check out all the recipe ideas on the Seapoint Farms website.

I was so excited to find my new favorite snack, the Spicy Wasabi Dry Roasted Edamame, in my local store so I picked-up an extra two boxes to feature on this week’s Win-It-Wednesday giveaway!

A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win a 100 Calorie Snack package box of the Wasabi Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, August 4 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us your favorite healthy snack-on-the-run. Good luck, keep snacking healthy… and, as always …

Be Free!

P.S. Want to buy Seapoint Farm Dry Roasted Edamame? Check out this link on Amazon.com

When I was a little girl my Mom would always bake up her soft, buttery and moist pound cake. To this day, I can still imagine the thick buttery slice, topped with fresh ripened berries and a dollop (well, okay… more like a scoop) of homemade whipped cream.

For years after being diagnosed with celiac disease and being on a gluten-free diet I have been dreaming about this little slice of heaven.

And thanks to discovering the XO Baking Company Gluten-Free Pound Cake Mix my dream has once again come true.

All of the XO Baking Mixes are Certified Gluten Free through the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO).  This means that they test every one of their products to ensure that they are safe for those with a gluten intolerance, sensitivity or celiac disease. The mixes also contain no milk or eggs and are Non-GMO.

And as well as Pound Cake the XO Baking Company also offers other delicious gluten-free baked goods including an All-Purpose Flour Blend; Breads, such as Banana Bread, Zucchini Bread and Pumpkin Bread; a new Blondie Mix; Pie Crust Mix and also a Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting.

I was so excited to find the XO Baking Company Pound Cake Mix in my local store, so I bought an extra two boxes to feature on this week’s Win-It-Wednesday giveaway!

A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win a package of XO Baking Mixes moist & delicious Gluten-Free Pound Cake Mix. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what XO Baking Company Mix looks the best to you! Is it the New Blondie Mix, the Banana Bread Mix, the Pound Cake Mix, or even the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Mix? Good luck, keep your dreams coming true… and, as always …

Be Free!

P.S. Want to buy XO Baking Company’s Gluten-Free Pound Cake? Check out this link on Amazon.com: XO Baking Company Gluten-Free Pound Cake Mix

Summer is here and the heat is on! When I was a kid I couldn’t wait for “Pony Boy” to come galloping down my Grandmother’s road so me and my two sisters could get an icy cold and sticky sweet Popsicle.

Nowadays I still crave these summertime treats, but was searching for a “big kid” version of the too sweet version of my childhood favorites. That is when I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own gluten-free frozen treats… with a grown-up twist!

My inspiration to make my own Popsicles came from the Good Housekeeping website which features a bunch of recipes for make-your-own Popsicles… all in big-kid flavors, including Blackberry-Rose Ice Pops, Coconut Carrot Ice Pops, Melon Pops, Raspberry Buttermilk Ice Pops and, of course, the “Adult Only” Happy Hour Ice Pops!

The device that I used to make my own Popsicles was a Tovolo Rocket Pop Mold, which is the Cadillac, top-notch and big-gun variety when it comes to the world of iced pop molds. In fact, I loved my Tovolo Rocket Pop Molds so much I decided to go out get two more for the winners of this Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com!

The Tovolo Rocket Pop Molds let you make homemade freeze pops so easily. They are dishwasher safe, food safe and are BPA free. They are also reusable, which reduces waste. But the best part about the Tovolo molds are the fun that you (and your kids too!) can have making your very own homemade gluten-free Popsicles. Plus, these pop molds are real money savers!  (And did I mention the super-cool rocket shape? What is better than a Popsicle shaped like a rocket?!)

All of these out of this world reasons are why I am so excited to share the Tovolo Rockey Pop Molds to two BeFreeForMe.com members. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us a fun summer activity or memory you have (Me? Cape Cod beach visits!). Good luck, remember to relax, enjoy the summer, chill-out…and, as always …

Be Free!

Want to buy now? Check out these links on Amazon.com:

– Tovolo Rocet Pop Mold, Orange or Blue – Set of 6

If you love snacking, and love foods that are good for your body, you are going to want to check out and enter to win this week’s Win-It-Wednesday prize… The Good Bean Roasted Chickpea Snacks.

I have been a fan of The Good Bean for a while. A few years back I featured The Good Bean Bars in BeFreeForMe’s Friday Favorite series. And since then I’ve tried The Good Bean Roasted Chickpea Snacks and found yet another favorite! This is why I ran out and bought some of these yummy, good-for-you snacks for this Win-It-Wednesday prize. I want to share the love!

The Good Bean Roasted Chickpea Snacks are a great alternative to chips, pretzels, nuts and popcorn. Chickpeas are chockfull of fiber, protein, folate and antioxidants. I really like that these chickpea snacks provide a healthy alternative to other fluffed-up, high-calorie and non-nutritious gluten-free snacks. Anyone can make a gluten-free snack… but to make a “good-for-you” gluten-free snack that tastes good too is just downright awesome! =)

And make sure that you try all of the products The Good Bean Company makes including their Bean Chips which come in some super tasty flavors including Sea Salt, Sweet Chili, Jalapeno Cheddar, Cheesy Nacho and BBQ Bacon; their Fruit & Nut Bars featuring three flavors:  Apricot Coconut, Fruit & Seed Trail Mix and Chocolate Berry; and the Roasted Chickpea Snacks featuring seven tantalizing flavors including Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper, Smoky Chili & Lime, Thai Coconut, Mesquite BBQ and my two favorites, Sweet Cinnamon and the Chocolate.

I love that The Good Bean Roasted Chickpea Snacks have nothing artificial in the ingredients, are non-GMO, nut free, vegan, soy free, kosher, and of course, gluten-free.

All of these reasons are why I am so excited to share my two favorite varieties of the Good Bean Chickpea Snacks: Sweet Cinnamon and Chocolate with two randomly selected lucky BeFreeForMe.com members! One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, June 9 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, June 10 and Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us which one of seven varieties of Good Bean Roasted Chickpea Snacks look the best to you. Good luck, remember to be good to every body… including your own … and, as always …

Be Free!

Want to buy now? Check out these links on Amazon.com:

– The Good Bean Sweet Cinnamon Roasted Chick Pea Snacks

– The Good Bean Variety Pack Chick Pea Snacks

This week’s Win-It-Wednesday is for all of you gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free fans! The Paleo Diet Bar is free of these three culprits – as well as 100% Paleo Diet approved.

For those of you that don’t know, the paleo diet, or the paleolithic diet,, is commonly called the caveman diet since it is based on the foods that our ancestors might have eaten: foods such as berries, nuts and meats; and excludes foods that they likely wouldn’t have had access to: foods like processed grains and dairy.

The paleo diet has become popularized by Loren Cordain in his best-selling 2002 book, The Paleo Diet. Cordain is the world’s leading expert and founder of the Paleolithic movement, and author of the bestselling books The Paleo Answer, The Paleo Diet Cookbook, and The Paleo Diet for Athletes.  Loren Cordain is the go-to guy when it comes to what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to the paleo diet.

And, Loren Cordain has exclusively endorsed The Paleo Diet Bars! Talk about HOT!

The Paleo Diet Bar is not only gluten, dairy, soy and grain free, but it is also non-GMO, preservative free, and contains all-natural quality ingredients. The bars also contain 17 grams of egg protein and 9 essential amino acids. Packed with protein and fiber these bars are both tasty and nutritious.

Also, the sugar content is natural, from the fruit in the product. There is no added sugar or syrup. The bars are made up of just fruit, nuts, seeds, berries, egg white protein with a bit of hemp protein to promote digestibility and also immunity.

The Paleo Diet Bars come in two great flavors: Cranberry Almond or Cinnamon Raisin. And coming soon are two NEW flavors: Cherry Apple Walnut and Blueberry Pear Pecan. To be the first to find out when they new varieties launch make sure you check out The Paleo Diet Bar’s Facebook and Twitter pages for updates!

All of these reasons are why I am so excited that this Win-It-Wednesday is sponsored by The Paleo Diet Bars.

A total of two BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win a prize pack of The Paleo Diet Bars. One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, May 27 and Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us which one of the two Paleo Diet Bars look the best to you. Is it the Cranberry Almond? Or the Cinnamon Raisin? Good luck, remember to eat healthy, but tasty … and, as always …

Be Free!

Want to buy now? Check out these links on Amazon.com:

Cranberry Almond Bars

Cinnamon Raisin Bars

This week’s Win-It-Wednesday on BeFreeForMe.com is all about good lovin’. Yup… that extra special hug, smile, wink or good gesture that we all love to receive, and also give.

You Are Loved Foods definitely loves all of us gluten free, dairy free, grain free and sugar-free folks by creating what is perhaps the most perfect chocolaty treats.

Better yet – You are Loved Foods founder, Jonathon Heine, has formulated the perfect sweetener that will satisfy any chocoholic… even diabetics.  (To find out more about Jonathon and his journey regaining his health and his 100-pound weight loss click on this link.)

And Jonathon’s goal is simple… “Our goal is to be the go-to brand for ultra-low carb, low glycemic, truly pure Paleo lifestyles and to support diabetics in their journey to a healthy lifestyle.”

You Are Loved Foods Paleo friendly, gluten-free, sugar and sugar-free alcohol-free, non-GMO, non-dairy, no starch, no grain, ultra-low carb but protein rich treats include the following:

• Cinnamon Almond Bites (vegan)
• Chocolate Bites (vegan)
• Truffle Chocolate Fudge Balls (vegan)
• Chocolate cupcakes (low carb)
• And their most recent product addition… “Love-O-La” a grain free and nut free granola made from nuts and seeds.

All of them are also made with low-glycemic ingredients, such as cashews, almonds, chia seeds and coconut flour. They also all have about 1 gram of sugar and 4 grams or less of net carbs per serving. They also contain no ‘tols … in other words refined sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol or maltitol.

I also love that the You Are Loved treats contain no added sugars, including agave, maple syrup, honey, fruit juice or cane juice.

But best yet is that these treats TASTE AMAZING! They are creamy, rich, luscious and melt in your mouth delicious! My favorite is the Chocolate Bites… they are just like fudge but have less than half the calories and fat of regular fudge! The chocolate in all the treats is amazing.  (Ummm… can you tell I am seriously  lovin’ these treats?)

All of these sweet reasons are why I am so excited that this Win-It-Wednesday is being sponsored by You Are Loved Foods.

A total of two (yes, 2!) BeFreeForMe.com members will be randomly selected to win a prize pack that is packed with You Are Loved products. This is a prize that you do NOT want to miss! One (1) winner will be randomly selected from the entries received before Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, and one (1) more winner will be randomly selected to win from the entries received between Wednesday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 11:59PM. SO – make sure you enter two times to win!

How can you win?

Easy!

Reply to this blog and tell us what who you love and why? Me… I love my family and my two pooches… since they give ME unconditional love!

Good luck, remember to give and take good lovin’ … and, as always …

Be Free!

P.S. Follow You Are Loved Foods on Facebook and Twitter for more news, new products, and promotions!