The Mommypotamus » Favorite Things/Giveaways

Get Cultured E-Course GIVEAWAY!!! ($199 Value)

Heather — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:43:46 +0000

Do You Want . . .

To boost nutrients in the foods you eat everyday, infuse your body with probiotics, and save money? Well then, I have just the giveaway for you!

As I wrote about earlier this week, Jenny of Nourished Kitchen is launching Get Cultured!, an e-course that takes you waaaay past basic sauerkraut. We’re talking 13 weeks of learning to make homemade soda pop, sour pickles, Bulgarian yogurt, sourdough bread (including gluten free!) and condiments like ketchup, mustard, relish. Oh, and have I mentioned the horseradish that will not only clear your sinuses, but the folks next door? Yeah, that too.

The thing is, you don’t just want to do this because the food is oh-so-divine. There are perfectly legit **responsible** reasons, too, like saving money on expensive probiotic supplements and increasing the nutrient-quality of the foods you’re already investing in.

“Vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains subjected to lactic acid fermentation also see increases in both their macro- and micronutrient profiles. The bioavailability of amino acids, particularly lysine with its antiviral effects and methionine – increases with lactic acid fermentation. [2. Evaluation of lysine and methionine production in some Lactobacilli and yeasts. International Journal of Food Microbiology. Odunfa et al.]For grains, sprouting prior to souring can increase the availability of protein even further. Vegetables that have undergone lactic acid fermentation as in the case of sauerkraut and kimchi, often see an increase in the activity of vitamin C and vitamin A.”

~ Fermented Food: Benefits of Lactic Acid Fermentation

So, are you in? Great! Jenny is giving away one spot in the class to one of you! For a chance to win check out the details below. But first, a little inspiration . . .

Home Cured Olives

Moroccan Preserved Lemons

Fermented Chili Paste

Cultured Butter

And A Few Words From Jenny

How To Enter

It’s simple! Just submit your entries via Rafflecopter below. If the entry says “like me on Facebook” or “sign up for my newsletter” and you already do that counts!

Note: Jenny is offering over $100 off her class right now with the coupon code SAUERKRAUT. This takes the class from $199 to only $97. If you don’t want to pay more later you can sign up here and your money will be refunded if you win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To be eligible for the “newsletter sign up” entry, just enter your email in the box below

You’re free to unsubscribe at any time. Just know that you must be subscribed in order to be eligible to win the monthly prizes. (Please note: If your email is not validated, your entry will not be counted.)

To be eligible for the “email updates” entry, sign up here:

Disclosure: cmp.ly/4 and cmp.ly/5. All photos courtesy of Nourished Kitchen

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Fermented Cod Liver Oil Giveaway Winners!

Heather — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:48:50 +0000

CONGRATS to Leah Spencer, Steph Emerson and Trinity Anderson, who left a comment saying “This is now my #1 birthday wish… which just happens to be the day you’ll notify me of my win! (Wishful thinking, much?) “

Happy birthday Trinity and congrats to you all! Please check the email address you provided with your entry for details on collecting your prize.

Thank you Green Pasture for this awesome giveaway! You rock!!

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GIVEAWAY!!! Fermented Cod Liver Oil ($147 Value)

Heather — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:47:27 +0000

If You’ve Been Around For Awhile . . .

You know that if I were stranded on a desert island fermented cod liver oil would be one of the two supplements I’d bring. Okay, that’s just silly. I’d be talking to a volleyball named Wilson while cleaning and fermenting my own fish livers. But if I were anywhere else on the planet this is the supplement for me. Here’s why:

Omega-3′s have all kinds of benefits: increased intelligence, mental clarity and even a decreased risk of skin cancer. Thing is, more is not necessarily better. Industrially produced fish oils boast impressively high EPA/DHA ratios, but only because they use heat-intensive refining processes which often included deodorizing and bleaching. These methods destroy valuable micronutrients, vitamins A,D & K, CoQ enzymes, quinones and literally thousands of nutrients we haven’t discovered yet.

In my opinion, isolating EPA & DHA from fish is like extracting fat and protein from breastmilk and leaving all those “unimportant” immunofactors, vitamins, minerals, etc. out. That’s why I love fermented cod liver oil. Unlike industrial oils (including every other brand of cod liver oil), Green Pasture’s fermented cod liver doesn’t use harsh processing methods. Instead, they keep nutrients intact through a time-honored process used by the Vikings (and before them, too!)

Cod liver oil was always fermented until 1850, when we learned to render. If heated, we could extract oil in day instead of fermenting which takes 6 months. They didn’t understand oxidation and that they were cheating the system, so as we started to industrialize fish oils, we lost a lot of the nutrition. I suspect the product wasn’t as effective, but we have no samples so it’s just a guess. Likely this heated oil would oxidize very quickly. When you heat the viscera, you break bonds and create free radicals which causes oxidation.

Around the turn of century, cod liver oil started to lose favor. The industry used heat and pressure, and they found that nitrogen would clean up the free radicals. Unfortunately, this tasteless, colorless product was also probably nutrient less. It was all about marketability.

Making fermented cod liver oil is taking it back to its historical roots. Throughout history FCLO was commonly used, and people knew what it did and that it was important without understanding nutrients. I don’t think regular cod liver oil is even the same product that was revered for centuries. (source, emphasis mine)

So, What DOES It Do?

Well, according to the my vintage ad obsession on Pinterest, our ancestors knew that it contributed to a strong back, straight teeth and a robust immune system.

Thanks to the work of Dr. Weston A. Price, we know that they were spot on! (Pssst! If you’re not familiar with the story of how a brilliant and curious dentist started the real food movement, check it the cliff notes here!)

Of course, this is more than just theory to me. Due to an undiagnosed lip tie, my daughter Katie experienced a breast milk version of “bottle rot” on her top four teeth as a toddler. One day the tip of her front right tooth broke off while she was chewing on something in her car seat (no impact, just chewing!), and her incisors were so porous they soaked up stains like a sponge,

Before: Right front tooth is slightly shorter due to a break, decalcified incisors

Fortunately, I got my hands on Cure Tooth Decay and implemented it’s protocol, which heavily emphasizes fermented cod liver oil. Here she is one year later.

You can read what her dentist had to say here, but I think the pictures alone tell quite a story!

What About Purity?

Because Green Pastures does not use industrial refining techniques they make an extraordinary effort to source pure, Arctic cod far away from industrial centers and fish farms. As a result, their products consistently test free of or very low in any contaminations or heavy metals. They meet or exceed the safety standards set out by California’s Proposition 65 as well as Norwegian Medical Standards (NMS) and European Pharmacopia Standards (EPS). More on their purity standards here.

And Taste?

I won’t lie, it’s not awesome. The flavors really do help, though! Cinnamon Tingle is our fave, but my kids do just fine with unsweetened Arctic Mint, too. For great ideas on slurping it down check out this post from Holistic Kid!

Want To Win Some Fermented Cod Liver Oil? (This Giveaway Is Now Closed)

Happy birthday Trinity and congrats to you all! Please check the email address you provided with your entry for details on collecting your prize.

Great! Green Pastures has generously donated three gift certificates valued at $49 each to give away! Here’s how to enter:

1. Click on the link below. It will take you to Green Pasture‘s website. Take a look around and let me know which flavors are most appealing to you (keep in mind that this giveaway is for the liquid version)

(If you can’t see the above link, it’s because you have javascript disabled or are using an ad blocker. To see the link, simply re-enable javascript or deactivate your ad blocker for this page.)
That’s good for one entry. For additional chances to win, do any of the following:

2. Sign up for my email newsletter using the form below. Leave a comment below telling me that you signed up. You will also get an entry if you already subscribe – just leave a comment! (3 extra entries – please leave 3 separate comments!)

3. “Like” Mommypotamus on Facebook (3 extra entries – please leave 3 separate comments!)

4. Connect with me on Pinterest and pin a favorite post. Leave a comment telling me what you pinned. (1 extra entry)

5. Email 5 friends about the giveaway, with a link to this page. Leave a comment below telling me that you did. (1 extra entry)

This giveaway is open to US residents aged 18 and over. There’s no purchase necessary. The contest ends May 14 at 8pm and the winner will be posted here on the 15th. I will also send out an email confirmation to all three winners. No purchase necessary.

Disclosure

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Healthy Whole Grains E-Course Giveaway WINNER!!!

Heather — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:17:33 +0000

I Think I Need An Intervention

This photo has been taunting me for weeks now. Is it class time now? How about now?

If you’re feeling the same way, I have good news and bad news:

Bad news – Classes are going to start a week late due to extended enrollment.

Good news – Ann Marie has extended the launch discount price of $149 (normally $199) through February 24th AND you can also still get $20 off through February 24th by using the coupon code “LASTCHANCE”. Not sure you want to commit to all 12 week? You can also sign up for individual classes now. They will be $16.50 a piece normally, but are marked down to $12.50 for the launch. Or sign up by February 24th with coupon code “SAVE150″ and get them for only $11 each!

Am I Missing Anything??

Oh, right! The winner! Get ready Carla Walsh, you’re about to get unlimited access to over 50 instructional videos, 100+ recipes, plus articles and tips for properly preparing whole grains. Please shoot me an email via my contact form and I’ll get you enrolled. See you in class!Similar Posts:

Healthy Whole Grains E-Course GIVEAWAY!!!

Heather — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:55:41 +0000

Shy Piggies

Do you ever feel like you are missing something vital? Like maybe when your daughter yells “Mama, let’s play shy piggies!!!” and you’re like whaaaaa? And then 40 seconds later you randomly blurt “Pygmies! Shy pigmies!*” [slaps forehead]

Sometimes all it takes for things to click is a little adjustment. Like bread, for example. You’ve probably heard by now that improperly prepared grains can cause digestive irritation and actually leach vital minerals from your body. You’ve probably also heard that soaking, sprouting and souring grains unlocks their nutrient potential. But what does this MEAN? And more importantly, how can we use what this means to make bagels?!?!?

I’m glad you asked! Ann Marie of CHEESESLAVE will be answering those questions and so. much. more. in her Healthy Whole Grains E-Course. It’s a complete online cooking class with over 50 instructional videos, 100+ recipes, plus articles and tips for properly preparing whole grains.

Now if you’re thinking whole grains = heavy as a brick bread, think again. We’re talking no-fuss sourdoughs with warm crusty outsides and soft, chewy insides, cookies, lattice encrusted pies, sprouted flour shortbread cookies, fluffy biscuits and more! And of course these little morsels are completely different than industrial products filled with anti-nutrients such as phytic acid.

Anti-Nutrients? Tell Me More . . .

In their natural state grains contain important minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc plus vitamin E and B-complex vitamins. But they also contain potent anti-nutrients (such as phytates) that bind with the minerals in our bodies and deplete our overall nutrition stores. Does this sound absolutely awful to you? It did me, so I swore of grains for awhile. But as I confessed last week I flip-flopped after doing a serious re-evaluation.

For me, it’s not that grains offer nutrients that can’t be found elsewhere. It’s that I am feeling the need to increase my carb intake (for a great explanation of why carbs are essential check out Why I Ditched Low Carb). Potatoes and starchy veggies such as carrots and winter squash can totally get the job done, but honestly I think I’m ready for a hot slice of sourdough slathered in butter!

But what about those anti-nutrients? By using traditional preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting and souring we are able to neutralize phytates and enzyme inhibitors that block digestion. This also “Break[s] down starches in grains into simple sugars so your body can digest them like a vegetable,” says Ann Marie. In addition, sprouting sparks the production of vitamin C and increases the level of carotene and B-complex vitamins available.

Is This Class Right For Me?

If you have digestive issues, eczema, ADD or certain other issues, a grain-free diet may be helpful in your healing journey. For more on that check out Ann Marie’s other e-course on reversing food allergies.

However, if you’re new to traditional foods or transitioning off GAPS, this class is for you. If you’d love to pull fresh homemade sourdough bread out of the oven but can’t spare more than 5 minutes a day, this class definitely is for you. And if you want to out Betty Mrs. Crocker at your next family shin dig, you guessed it!

Get Started!

The Healthy Whole Grains E-Course is on sale right now for $149, but for a few more days (until Tuesday February 21). Use the $20 off coupon “LASTCHANCE″and you will get $70 off!

And don’t worry, if you win the giveaway your tuition will be refunded. Oh yeah, the giveaway! Oops! Almost out of time for the day and I haven’t mentioned the most important part!

Ann Marie has agreed to give away one membership to her class for FREE to one of you! How’s that for a scrumptious deal?!?

How To Enter To Win

It’s simple! To be eligible to win the monthly giveaway prize just sign up for my newsletter. Just enter your email in the box below and then click the entry option that says “I Subscribed!”. If you are already a newsletter subscriber, leave a comment comment saying “already a newsletter subscriber.”

Note: If you are signed up to receive notifications when a new blog post is published you will still need to sign up here to be entered!

Rafflecopter is tracking entries, so now that you’ve subscribed just submit your entries below! COMMENT ENTRIES cannot be tracked by Rafflecopter so they won’t be counted (except for the one in which you tell us what you are looking forward to in the class. I’ll check those manually) Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Start at time marker 1:50 – sooooo cute!!!Similar Posts:

V-Day Giveaway!!!

Heather — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:54:55 +0000

Ahhh, Valentines Is Here!

You know what I love about today? It’s like a burst of kefir soda pop that sprays us all with a little extra light and sweetness. A thoughtful compliment, a thorough zerberting of all bellies under 10, and an extra glass of [insert your fave drink here] and BAM! Extra warm, gooey, February love. That’s what I think, anyway.

Katie and I are gonna get going with the doilies, glitter and about 35 layers of Elmer’s glue in just a sec, but first we have a humble homemade valentine for you. Well, not all of you because Katie refused to lick that many stamps. But I do have two jars of homemade lotion all-packed up and ready to go.

Want one?

~~Good! Just leave a comment saying . . . well, anything! Winner will be announced tomorrow!~~

And the winners are . . .

Sarah, who wrote “But God demonstrates his own *love* for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 ~Happy Valentine’s Day~

and Marilee, who wrote “Hooray! We love Valentine’s Day around here! I’ve made some lovely homemade treats- homemade grain free ice cream sandwiches, grain free chocolate cake with raspberry sauce, and homemade marshmallows (the recipe from your blog!) – my kids are so excited! We’re also planning lots of fun games and a little dancing today as well!
Happy Valentine’s Day!”

Congratulations, ya’ll! Send me your addy via my contact form and I’ll mail your package asap!

Photo credit

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Giveaway Winner!!! La Bicicletta Tote Bag Made From Recycled Coffee Sacks

Heather — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:40:53 +0000

Congratulations Jessi With The Pink Purse

Now you’ve got a red and tan one, too! I’d say let’s be twinsies but I’m having a hard time prying mine away from this pint-sized fashonista

To claim your new bag just email me your addy!

Didn’t Win?

Don’t worry, I’ve got tons more giveaways in the works. Check back soon!Similar Posts:

Giveaway!!! La Bicicletta Tote Bag Made From Recycled Coffee Sacks

Heather — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:06:32 +0000

What Do a Sock, Broken Key & Little People Have In Common?

I keep them in my purse at all times, of course! They’re very cozy with the berkey sport and expired credits cards Micah must hold anytime he sees a checkout line, but the random bottle toxic waste was a bit of a loner. Good thing he moved on a few months back.

I’ll bet your purse says a lot about you, too. Do you have everything squirreled away into compartments? Or maybe your approach is a little more, uh, bohemian. And what about the OUTSIDE? Does it sing Zee Avi or the legendary Frank Sinatra? Mine does neither.

You See . . .

I like to call my fave handbag “vintage,” but really that just means it came from Goodwill because I used the money to buy 30 pounds of salmon roe instead. Unfortunately, it’s more shabby than chic these days.

Last month the Goodwill fairy lost her magic dust at a monster truck rally so she’s been no help, but Jessica at Delicious Obsessions pointed me to Jess at White Apple Threads, who just happens to make this fabulous hand-sewn market tote made from recycled coffee bags. I’m getting one for myself and for this month’s giveaway I’m getting one for you, too!

How To Enter To Win

Note: If you are signed up to receive notifications when a new blog post is published you will still need to sign up for the monthly newsletter to be entered!

Yep, that’s it! Just enter your email in the box below – there are a few more entry options listed there too if you’re interested!

Note: If you are signed up to receive notifications when a new blog post is published you will still need to sign up for the monthly newsletter to be entered!

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