Be prepared for your next camping trip or hike!

Do your summer plans include a camping trip or a hike? If so bring some essential tools for fun and emergencies. It never hurts to be prepared. Here is a list of recreation tools that will be helpful for your next outdoor adventure:

• water


• matches or a lighter to start a fire if needed


• a compass (maybe there is an app on your phone but a phone battery or service isn't dependable)


• a deck of cards for raining days


• first aid kit


• rain gear


• sun screen


• pocket knife


• a whistle if you get in trouble and need help or to scare large creatures away


• energy packed snacks: nuts, dried fruit like our fruit snacks, chocolate, cheese


• camera


• flash light/ head lamp


• Ziplock bags to keep things dry


• bandanna - used for multiple purposes

When you are out and about, please keep in mind to Leave No Trace, to leave the area like you found it. It's important to invest in future generations and to pick up after yourself. Also, no matter where you go or for how long you are gone, be aware of hypothermia. If you get wet, especially cotton clothes, change into dry clothes immediately, it will save your life especially if it's cold out or night is going to fall. If you don't know what hypothermia is please 'Google' it before you leave. Lastly, be aware of where you are. Be aware of silent dangers like poison ivy or poison oak, a rock or root that will make you trip, if it's wet slippery surfaces, and of course other animals. Don't underestimate Mother Nature, if you respect her your outdoor adventure will be a bittersweet experience. Have fun!

Don't forget to pack our great tasting all-natural or organic dried fruit strips. Packaged in air-tight packaging, long shelf-life, and they don't melt or freeze. Gluten Free, nut free, and dairy free. Simple ingredients that taste great and provide a natural energy boost. Go to www.shop.snacksmarts.com to purchase. Thank you.

Latitude-licious: farm market season!

It's farm market season and it's time to enjoy the delicious flavors your latitude has to offer. Not only do the local veggies and fruits taste better but they are better for you! So indulge, enjoy, and feel better your body and mind will love you for it!

Don't know how to find out about farm markets? 'Google' keywords: farm markets in (insert your state or city). Or go here: www.farmersmarketonline.com You can also call your city government offices and ask.

If you are traveling this summer and need a healthy on-the-go snack that doesn't need refrigeration and doesn't spoil, go to our online store: www.shop.snacksmarts.com and stock-up on Kettle Valley Dried Fruits Real Fruit Snacks. They are 100% all natural OR organic fruit. Gluten free, nut free, and dairy free. Pure deliciousness and made in the Northwest. Competitive prices and high quality service.

Christy

How to buy produce for your summer tastebuds!

How to buy produce for your summer tastebuds. This can be rather tricky especially if you are in a hurry, so here are some tips to help you shop a little smarter and quicker this summer.

Cantalope a.k.a. Muskmelon: look for light color gold color between the webbing of the rind. Also choose one that is heavy for it's size.

Pinapple: for a whole pinapple (not cut) look for bright green leaves on top.

Watermelon: for a whole watermelon you want it heavy for it's size. Look for a yellow spot on the melon, this is where the melon rested on the ground and it indicates that it was ripe when it was picked.

Corn on the Cob: look for plump kernels and eat the day you purchase.

Green Beans: look for bright color and crispness.

Tomatoes: you want deep color and smooth skin. Beware of stores that try to make their tomotoes look rip.

Zucchini: pick small ones that are firm all over.

Hope that helps! Please visit our online store for organic and all natural fruit snacks (fruit strips). They are 100% all natural, no added sugar, no preservatives, no artificial anything. They are great for travel, the park, the office, the car, or the beach. Soft and delicious! www.shop.snacksmarts.com

The Joy of Spring!

Ahhhh, Spring is here. In Michigan Spring is such a joyous time. We see our neighbors again, everyone comes out of their winter caves, and there are birds chirping in the morning. With Spring there is an urge to clean. And cleaning is a great way to get in some extra exercise. Cleaning is a workout and the bonus part is when you're done cleaning you can see what you did, so gratifying! Just be sure you keep your blood sugar controlled and you have some energy to burn. It's tough to get motivated when you feel light-headed, dizzy, or tired; and a good healthy snack can fix that! Visit our store for some all-natural and organic fruit strips, they are a great pick-me-up when doing chores. Get 3 free Real Fruit Snacks with every order $18+ while supplies last! Go to http://www.shop.snacksmarts.com today.

Reaching Your Goals

Reaching Your Goals: "Reaching your goals can be really easy if you set your goals too low or reaching your goals can be really rewarding if you set your goals high and reach them. What do you want, easy or rewarding?

So how do you reach your big goals?
1- For the past few days the word 'discipline' has been popping up all around me. I think God may be trying to tell me something. If you can't discipline yourself to do a little bit each day to reach that big goal, then it might not happen.
2- Tell someone else your goal, it gives you accountability. Plus they might encourage you too!
3- take baby steps to get there, not just one or two giant steps. If you break your big goal down into little ones it doesn't seem that big anymore and much more achievable.
4- vision yourself having made your goal.

To help with your smarting snacking goal, visit our online store for all natural and organic fruit strips and twists made by Sunopta Fruit Group. They are awesome, otherwise I wouldn't be selling them. http://www.shop.snacksmarts.com/"

Tangent

I want to first apologize for not posting something for over a month. The reason is that I am pregnant with my 2nd and am suffering from extreme morning sickness....hyperemsis is what some Docs call it. Look it up, you wouldn't want to be me. So food does not sound good to me at all! Don't get me wrong, I am very excited for #2 to come, but I would be happy to just sit on an egg for 9 months verses going through what I am going through.

What I will share with you, is what I have learned from this experience so far. When you go through storms in life, and I know you will, remember to feed your soul with wholesome 'food', 'snacks' throughout the day. When you are at the bottom of your pit, and I have been there very recently, remember that your strength is the only thing that will get you out. I know that is not what you wanted to hear. But when you are there, sobbing, not understanding, you will come to realize that whatever anyone says to you...it's not going to snap you out of it. You need to pick yourself up, breathe, and remember that you are not alone.

Now, I am a Christian, and I know that some of you may not be. But what has really truly helped me is soulful 'snacking': praying, asking for help, reading scripture, talking with my family and friends EVERYDAY. I have heard of people praying for me that I don't even know. The love and grace that the Lord has given me has gotten me through this storm. And He will continue to guide me out of this pit. It's not easy to trust an invisible God, but don't give up. His grace WILL shower you with relief and love. And those tears of sorrow WILL turn into tears of thanksgiving and joy.

I hope this didn't rub anyone the wrong way, I just felt that it was important for me to share with you what I have gone through; and I pray that it will help you in your storms to come.

MC
www.SnackSmarts.com
www.shop.snacksmarts.com
The store is still open and fresh product is here! However, no more Real Fruit Bars, the manufacturer discontinued them.

Fight-off the sickness season!

Oh no.....scratchy throat, clogged nose, headache....you know what I'm talking about when you wake up to that. UGH! Sickness, it's a drag but we are going to help you put some smarts into your ammunition for fighting off the sickness this season. Here are 10 tips to get you stronger before it hits.

Tip#1: get plenty of rest, take a nap, and go to bed early.
Tip#2: the moment you feel that you are coming down with something take those 'Cold-Ez' lozenges
Tip#3: eat right. Eat fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains, lean meat and LIMIT the sugar, chips, and fried foods. Those sugary fatty foods just make you tired and weak, there is no nutritional benefit in those....although they are yummy, they are deceiving.
Tip#4: exercise regularly
Tip#5: drink plenty of water, water flushes your body out, so even if you are sick drink A LOT of water and flush out that sickness.
Tip#6: eat red onion, there is something in there that fights the flu directly. Super power veggie!
Tip#7: GARLIC! Yes, a reason to have bad breathe.
Tip#8: eat those veggies and fruits that are high in Vitamin C: oranges, strawberries, broccoli, red peppers
Tip#9: WASH your hands before touching any food or your face.
Tip#10: if you're going to cough or sneeze do it in your arm.

Don't forget to visit our website for more tips on snacking smarter and to purchase delicious all natural and organic fruit strips and fruit twists! Yumm yumm in the tumm tumm.

www.SnackSmarts.com
www.shop.snacksmarts.com