Cheap Eats in Tuscon + Las Cruces

We spent the first night of our spring break road trip in Tuscon, Arizona. After resting in our hotel room for a bit, we headed out to grab some dinner.

We decided to try BK Tacos so that we could compare their Sonoran Hot Dogs to the ones we had at El Guero Canelo the last time we were in Tuscon.

It is difficult to compare a dish to a memory of another dish, but I feel like I preferred the Sonoran Hot Dog at El Guero Canelo (even though BK Tacos came out on top on The Food Network’s Food Wars show). However, k and I both enjoyed the chicken caramelo (quesadilla) and D liked his carne asada torta. Also, BK definitely wins in the ambience department.

Our next stop was Juice N Fruit Raspados, which was just a few minutes away.

I knew that we wanted to try the raspados, but we debated whether to split two mediums or two larges between the four of us. The raspados are made of layers of fruity syrup with chunks of fruit, shaved ice and optional vanilla ice cream and condensed milk.

Better than a birthday cake!

We ended up ordering a large strawberry raspado and a large mango raspado. Good thing too, since we were fighting over the last bites–ha! I would also highly recommend going for the ice cream and condensed milk for just a little over a dollar extra. Totally worth it! Now we need to find a local place that serves raspados like these.

Free breakfast at the hotel was okay…We continued our drive to Las Cruces, New Mexico. There we stopped at Bosa Donuts.

I had read good things about their brisket burritos and apple fritters (kind of an odd combination, right?). Alas, they were out of apple fritters by lunchtime, but we did order a couple of brisket burritos.

This may not be the most appetizing picture, but I wanted to show you the inside. It was chock-full of tasty brisket. The kids loved it!

To top it all off, we made a stop at Whataburger. We saw this regional chain everywhere during our trip, so D had to try it.

We ordered a green chile hamburger, since we were in New Mexico, after all. It was a tad too salty for my taste, but D liked the chopped green chile. We also shared a chocolate shake (that’s allowed when you’re on vacation!). Tummies full, we continued our drive to White Sands National Monument.

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In Search of the Superbloom in Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve

It has been a while since I have done a vacation post. Well, last week we went on a road trip with stops in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas during spring break. That means I have a lot to share!

We left early in the morning on what was coincidentally n’s 10th birthday! Our first stop was Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve because I had heard you could see some Superbloom action there.

We arrived before 8:00 a.m., and the parking lot was pretty empty. Nothing like the crowds in Lake Elsinore!

There is a small visitor’s center, but we did not go inside. There was a friendly volunteer/docent who directed us on the main path to McCallum Pond. He told us that if we went just past the pond, we would see a lot of flowers (toward Moon Country).

At the beginning of the trail there was a boardwalk. k noted there was a small placard showing that it was an Eagle Scout project–nice!

I have never seen such massive palm trees!

During our hike, we came across this small patch of flowers. I could not believe how they look like a bouquet that was put together by a florist!

McCallum Pond is where the palm trees are, off in the distance.

McCallum Pond

We continued on the path as directed and found the Superbloom!

Happy birthday, n!
Not sure why D is doing the tough guy pose.

I was not planning on hiking as much as we did, but it was good for us since we were about to spend another six or so hours in the car.

On our way back to the 10 freeway, we drove by this amazing field of flowers and I had to ask D to stop so I could take a picture. Superbloom 2019 is for real!

We continued our drive along 10-E. It was much more picturesque than usual thanks to the flowers that were blooming along the highway. We also found ourselves in the midst of the Painted Lady butterfly migration. Several smashed right against our car as we were driving, leaving bright yellow stains on our windshield and wings in our grill–yuck. Soon we would arrive in Tuscon for the first night of our road trip…

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Mozaics Chips Are A Must Try Snack!

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

In my continuing quest to find healthier snacks, I want to share my newest find: Mozaics Chips. I first saw them at the Nourished Festival and then again at Expo West. Mozaics Chips are organic popped veggie chips with green & yellow peas as the #1 ingredient. In fact the entire ingredient list is very simple and wholesome. For example, the Original Sea Salt flavor contains: organic peas, organic potato flour, organic rice flour, organic black beans, organic extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt. A 1 oz. serving (23 chips) contains 110 calories, 3 grams of fat, 4 grams of dietary fiber and 0 grams of sugar. They are also produced in a peanut & tree nut-free facility. **Please remember that it is important to review the product packaging and labels for yourself before consuming.** They also come in Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ, Cheddar, and Salsa flavors–yum!

Healthy Snackin’ On The Road!

We took a bag of Mozaics on our seven day spring break road trip last week and they were a big hit with my family. We all liked the light and crispy texture with just the right amount of olive oil and salt. They were a great alternative to snacking on potato chips.

Use code: delicious20 for 20% off Mozaics Chips at deliciousness.com

I am also excited to have the opportunity to give away three bags of Mozaics Chips to THREE of my readers!

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A Sneaky Snack: Undercover Quinoa Review + Giveaway #undercoverquinoa #undercoverchocolate

Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When I first heard about Undercover Quinoa, a snack that combines quinoa and chocolate, I was intrigued. Quinoa and chocolate is a combination I had never heard of before. However, after trying it, I can say the combination definitely works! The quinoa is light and crispy and the chocolate offers just the right amount of sweetness to make this the perfect treat. Plus, Undercover Quinoa is gluten-free, and made of non-GMO, fair trade and all-natural ingredients.

Pictured here is the Dark Chocolate + Blueberries flavor. I like how the dried blueberries add a little hit of tart to the flavor profile.

The resealable packaging makes Undercover Quinoa an easy snack to share and enjoy on the go. My kids really liked it even though quinoa is an ingredient that they do not regularly eat.

Undercover Quinoa comes in five delicious flavors:

  • Milk Chocolate
  • Dark Chocolate + Blueberries
  • Dark Chocoalte + Sea Salt
  • Dark Chocolate + Seeds
  • Milk Chocolate + Currants

Undercover Quinoa Giveaway

Undercover Quinoa can be purchased online, or at a store near you. I am also pleased to announce that my readers have the chance to win a bag of each of the five flavors in the giveaway below!

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Miso Soup Made Easy: Tsubi Soup Review + Giveaway

Disclosure: I received samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Last weekend I attended the Nourished Festival in Del Mar as one of their official bloggers. I went with my sisters and n, and we had fun sampling different gluten-free and allergen-free foods. One of our favorite finds was Tsubi Soup. These freeze-dried miso soup cubes are made in Japan with the highest natural ingredients. They are also vegan, gluten-free, non-gmo, and contain no MSG!

I have always enjoyed miso soup as an appetizer at Japanese restaurants, but I rarely have it at home. However, considering miso’s health benefits, I am thinking I should include it more in my regular diet. Miso is a complete protein in that it contains all of the essential amino acids. It is also packed with B vitamins and antioxidants, which are great for anti-aging and cell regeneration. Miso is also beneficial for digestive health since it contains probiotics from the fermentation process. It really is a “superfood”!

Miso on the go!

Making Tsubi Soup is so easy: Put a Tsubi Soup cube into a bowl or cup and add 6 oz. of boiling water. Stir and enjoy!

It really is amazing how the ingredients taste so fresh and the vegetables have a good consistency.

Tsubi Soup comes in four delicious flavors:

  • Classic Miso Soup (Eggplant, Ginger and Onions)
  • Miso Soup (Spinach, Crunchy Cabbage & Carrots)
  • White Miso Soup (Aosa Seaweed & Tofu)
  • Spicy Red Miso Soup (Japanese Mushrooms & Green Onions)

Tsubi Soup can be purchased at select retail stores, their online store, or Amazon.

Tsubi Soup has generously offered my readers the chance to win a box of each of their four flavors!

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Bone Suckin’ Good: Review + Giveaway

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

I am always searching for natural food products that make my mom life a little easier. I first heard about Bone Suckin’ Sauce when I received a sample in the most recent New Hope Blogger Box. The name immediately caught my attention. After trying their sauces, I would have to agree that the name is fitting!

The company started with a family recipe. The ingredient list in the original Bone Suckin’ Sauce includes: tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, mustard, horseradish, lemon juice, onions, garlic, peppers, natural hickory smoke, natural spices and salt.

We tried out the Bone Suckin’ Sauce on oven-baked chicken wings on a recent school-night.

I found a recipe on Pinterest where you coat the chicken wings in a mixture of baking powder and salt before baking to make them crispy.

They were a hit! We really liked the sauce’s sweet/smoky/vinegary flavor. I am sure this would also be great for grilling on the barbecue once the weather starts to warm up.

Their product line also includes a variety of wing sauces, as well as seasoning blends.

Bone Suckin’ products can be purchased online or look for them at a store near you.

The kind folks at Bone Suckin’ Sauce have graciously offered my readers the chance to win a selection of their sauces and seasonings. The winner will receive the following awesome package:

  • 1 Bone Suckin’ Sauce 16 oz
  • 1 Bone Suckin’ Sauce, Hot 16 oz  
  • 1 Bone Suckin’ Wing Sauce, Garlic & Honey 12.25 oz
  • 1 Bone Suckin’ Wing Sauce, Honey & Habanero 12.25 oz  
  • 1 Bone Suckin’ Lemon Pepper Seasoning & Rub, 7 oz
  • 1 Bone Suckin’ Sauce, Vegetable Seasoning 5.8 oz
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Nourish Yourself At The San Diego Nourished Festival + Ticket Giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Today I am excited to tell you about the Nourished Festival (formerly known as the Gluten Free & Allergen Friendly Expo) that is coming to San Diego on February 9-10, 2019. This festival began in 2007 and is currently held in eight different cities throughout the United States. The Nourished Festival is the largest gluten-free, allergy and special diet festival in the country!

The Nourished Festival features a variety of Gluten-Free & Nut-Free exhibitors, along with new Paleo, Keto & Plant-Based zones–something for everyone. Even in these new sections, all products at the Festival are gluten-free! 

This will be my first time attending this event and I am excited about checking it out. Although I do not follow a gluten-free diet, both of my kids have nut allergies. Plus, I am always interested in learning about and sampling products that promote a healthier lifestyle. A Festival ticket includes:

  • Entry into the vendor fair with over 100 brands
  • Valuable coupons at the vendor booths
  • Samples from the vendors that are considered to be gluten free
  • Discounted products available for purchase
  • Informative classes related to the gluten free and allergen-friendly lifestyle
  • Free reusable bag to carry your goodies
  • Meet your favorite vendors, authors and bloggers

Tickets can be purchased here.
Get 20% off with code ADVANCE (thru 2/8)

In addition, I have two tickets to give away to my readers (1 ticket per winner)! The ticket voucher is good for one adult or child, single day or weekend.

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Meatless Monday With Alpha Burritos: Review + Giveaway

Disclosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I have definitely been noticing an increase in plant-based convenience foods in the freezer aisle lately. We recently tried Alpha Burritos, which are 100% plant-based burritos that are packed with protein and veggies. Alpha Burritos come in four varieties:

  • Mexicali
  • Fajita Chick’n
  • Philly Sandwich
  • Pizza

Unlike most frozen burritos, Alpha Burritos are free of GMOs, cholesterol, hormones, corn syrup, artificial preservatives, and all animal products.

We enjoyed the Mexicali and Pizza burritos. They were both very flavorful and satisfying. I was surprised by how meaty and cheesy the burritos tasted, considering they do not contain any animal products. Pair one with a salad and you have a quick and healthy dinner! Click here to find where Alpha Burritos are sold near you.

For a chance to win 4 FREE product vouchers for Alpha Burritos, visit my Instagram post!

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Snack Healthier in 2019: CHOMPS Review + Giveaway

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

The new year means many people are resolving to try to eat healthier, right? Personally, I am on the lookout for healthier snacks year-round since D, the kids and I are all big time snackers. When I received some CHOMPS snack sticks in the latest #NewHopeBloggerBox, they caught my attention.

Each stick contains 9-10 g of protein that is grass-fed, grass-finished, free-range and antibiotic free. CHOMPS do not contain any GMOs, added sugar, dairy, soy or other “hidden nasties” (e.g. binders, fillers, MSG, artificial ingredients). In addition, CHOMPS are Keto and Paleo-friendly and Whole 30 approved. For more information, click here.

CHOMPS snack sticks come in six delicious flavors:

  • Original (Beef)
  • Original Turkey
  • Crankin’ Cranberry (Beef)
  • Jalapeno Turkey
  • Hoppin’ Jalapeno (Beef)
  • Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt (Venison)

If you like heat, the Jalapeno Turkey or Hoppin’ Jalapeno flavors are the way to go. However, even the Original has a little kick to it. The Original Beef and Turkey flavors also come in a mini size and they are called “Chomplings”. These would be the perfect size for lunchboxes or smaller appetites.

n enjoying CHOMPS after school at the park!

CHOMPS snack sticks can be purchased online or at a store near you. (I see they are available at Trader Joe’s in my local area.) Enter to win a 12 ct. variety pack of CHOMPS snack sticks (2 of each flavor)!

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January 2019 #NewHopeBloggerBox

I always look forward to receiving packages, but one of my favorite deliveries is the New Hope Blogger Box. This latest box that I received did not disappoint. It was full of new-to-me products that help promote a healthier lifestyle.

Here is a list of the products I received, along with my impressions regarding some of the ones I have tried so far:

  • Tree Below Zero Sparkling Juice Infused with CBD: I have to admit, I am still a little unsure about trying products with CBD. D tried one of these drinks, and liked the taste. If you are interested in CBD, it is worth checking out.
  • Bellucci Organic Olive Oil Squeeze Pack: I use olive oil to make salad dressing all of the time. These squeeze packs are super convenient to make dressing on the go.
  • Origin 846 Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Again, high quality olive oil is a must in our house. I was impressed that they sent such a large bottle!
  • CHOMPS 100% Grass Fed Beef Jerky Sticks: Everyone in our family likes these jerky sticks. (Full review and giveaway coming soon!)
  • Bone Suckin’ Sauce: I used this sauce to make chicken wings and they turned out delicious!
  • Fusion Naturals Vegan Collagen Booster: I let my sister try this one. It is fruit-based, so I would not suggest putting it in your coffee like she accidentally did! I think it would be good in a smoothie, though.
  • Gaia Herbs, Inc. Calm A.S.A.P.: Try it if you need some calm in your life, naturally.
  • Healthy Gourmet Kitchen Moroccan Red Lentil Soup: I have not had the chance to try this yet, but I think I will be making it soon since we have rain in the forecast.
  • HumanN Superbeets Immune: I am not a big beet fan, but I know they offer a lot of health benefits. This would be an easy way to incorporate them in your diet.
  • Laiki Red Rice Crackers: My kids liked these crackers, but I was not too crazy about them. The texture reminded me of Triscuits.
  • Jakemans Throat & Chest Cherry Flavored Lozenges: D tried these when he was starting to feel a sore throat coming on and he said they helped.
  • Caratino Palm Oil & Canola Blend: I like the idea of using this to pop yellow popcorn.
  • MATI Sparkling Organic Energy Drink: Good option if you are looking for a healthier energy boost.
  • METTA Natural Awareness Beverage: I believe this drink is supposed to be one step down from an energy drink, without artificial ingredients.
  • Sambucus Mega Gummies 7x: These really are mega-sized! The kids and I have enjoyed these elderberry supplements. These are gelatin-free and vegan.
  • Panco Foods Mushroom Jerky: I have not tried this yet, but it sounds interesting, especially for vegetarians or vegans.
  • SmartyPits Deodorant: I like the idea of aluminum-free deodorant. This one smells good, too!
  • Solely Fruit Jerky: The ingredient list cannot be any simpler: 1 whole organic banana with pecans!
  • Utzy Naturals U-Mune Immune Support: With all of the illness going around, taking this would be a good idea.
  • Kyo-Green Energy Greens Blend Powdered Drink Mix: This would be easy to add to smoothies.

I am really looking forward to attending this year’s Expo West so I can discover more products like these and share my finds with you!

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