<![CDATA[The Take Back Tour - Take Back Blog]]>Tue, 22 May 2012 08:56:59 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Help I am Sheaddicted: Target deal this week]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 19:52:16 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/05/help-i-am-sheaddicted-target-deal-this-week.htmlYes I am sheaddicted ( shea + addicted) to real shea butter products. Shea Moisture brand hair and body products are still only ~$10 per item. Target has a special : buy 2 Shea Moisture products get a FREE $5 Target gift card. I just love that not only are these affordable, Fair Trade Certified products without petroleum or preservatives with questionable safety, but they also smell sooooooo good. I especially love the coconut and hibiscus scented products. They now have a line of naturally scented body scrub products.
Act fast as this sale ends Saturday May 12 2012.
PS You can also find Shea Moisture hair products at Walgreens.
Enjoy and share.
Renee
www.thetakebacktour.com  ]]><![CDATA[Help Stamp Out Junk Food this weekend]]>Thu, 10 May 2012 19:42:40 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/05/help-stamp-out-junk-food-this-weekend.html Hello Friends,
 Please remember Postal Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is this Saturday. As you know, I do not support providing low quality processed food as a donation to feed the hungry. You can be full and malnourished if you consume processed artificial foods as the main source of nutrients. So here are some suggestions for items you can donate that do not have artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives or hydrogenated fats but do have whole grains and real ingredients even your young children can read and understand. More importantly, all these brands are kid approved and taste good.  I also include the price range and locations where you can find some of these tasty, healthy brands of real foods in the stores where you shop listed from where the price is the lowest to highest.

 Also check out the website for donation drop off  locations http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/

Enjoy and share goodness. NFF! No Fake Foods in your donation. Give the gift of health.

Help Stamp Out Junk Food Donation list

1. 8oz. 100% fruit juice boxes , 4 pack $1.00-2.50 Dollar Tree, Kroger, Food Lion, Harris Teeter
2. Kashi TLC cereal bars  8/pk $2.75-$4.00 Walmart, Target, Food Lion, CVS, Lowe's Foods, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Whole Foods
3. Kashi  TLC trail mix bars 8/pk   $2.75-$4.00 Walmart, Target, Food Lion, CVS,Lowe's Foods, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Whole Foods
4. Quaker Simple Harvest or Nature's Valley granola bars 8/pk $2.75-4 Walmart, Target, Food Lion, CVS, Lowe's Foods, Harris Teeter, Kroger
5.  Almond Breeze  almond or almond/coconut blend milk , Silk soy or coconut milk  or store brand soy or almond milk  [room temperature stable until opened] $2.00-2.50 Walmart, Kroger, Harris Teeter , Target
6. Annie's Homegrown organic   Bernie O's, cheese ravioli canned pasta meals   $1.80-4.00   Walmart, Target, Food Lion, Lowe's Foods
7. Canned fruit in 100% fruit juice 4/pk $1.5-4.00 Big Lots, Walmart, Target, Food Lion, Lowe's Foods, Harris Teeter [BEWARE no sugar added claims as they may have artificial sweeteners]
8. Better Oats oatmeal 5 pack $1-1.25 Food Lion, Target, Kroger
9. Mom’s Best Naturals cereals $2.00-2.50   Kroger, Wal-mart, Harris Teeter

10. Peanut butter without hydrogenated fats. Great brands include Skippy Natural ($2-2.5), some store brands, or Peanut Butter & Co. Peanut Butter 1 oz pouches $0.66 each Wal-Mart Super Center ( in peanut butter aisle)
11. Unsweetened applesauce: store brand or GoGo Squeez appleapple, Applesauce on the Go, 3.2-Ounce Pouches 4 pack $2.30-3.99 Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger,  Harris Teeter
12. Nature’s Path Envirokidz [gluten-free] Gorilla Munch, Peanut Butter Panda Puffs, etc cereals $2-4 Wal-mart, Whole Foods [ use $1.50 off 2 coupon  in the Whole Foods flyer or online at http://wholefoodsmarket.com/coupons/  and get it for only $1.65 each!] , Harris Teeter
13. Tortilla chips, baked and mild salsa . Many store brands available for $1-2 each. Chi-chi’s has 4 pack salsa singles for $3 frequently on sale at Kroger
14. Pasta: Dreamfields, Ronzoni, Heartland,  Muellers 100% whole grain, & gluten free De Boles are all good whole grain pastas that taste normal. $1.50-2.50
15. Spaghetti sauce in glass jar. $2-4
16. Bag of small apples. $3-5. Small apples stored in a cool dark place are stable longer than some other fruits. I prefer Gala, Pink Lady or Braeburn apples as I think they keep the longest.
17. Dried fruit: raisins, dried cranberries, pineapple, mangoes, apricots $1-2 Food Lion, Aldi, Kroger, Wal-mart Super center
18. Canola or olive oil. Walmart sells an 8oz bottle for only $2

19. Unbleached flour, 5lb $2-3 all grocery stores, Walmart, Target  1lb size $1 Dollar Tree
20. Tuna packed in water, pouches $1 All grocery stores, Walmart, Target

21. Rice: brown rice ( Uncle Ben’s or store brand), brown rice in ready pouches, long grain rices such as basmati or jasmine $1-5 all grocery stores

22. Cooking oils: extra virgin olive, coconut, Grapeseed, sunflower, canola $1-4 Dollar General (sunflower), Walmart, Target, grocery stores

]]><![CDATA[Beautiful coupons & deals]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:21:09 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/04/beautiful-coupons-deals.htmlA few days ago I read an article online at the Huffington post called Redefining Beauty
See link here http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-krug/define-beauty_b_1450395.html?icid=maing-grid7|main5|dl15|sec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D155751
The author describes how a health issue changes her appearance and the impact this change in physical appearance has on her life. Three short sentences in the article really touched me in our approach to the idea of being beautiful.
 “The feeling of beauty has nothing to do with perfection. It is about self-respect. It is about caring for oneself.”

 I know I will never win (or even enter) a beauty contest. I also know that self-respect and caring for myself includes 1) the things I allow inside my body ( food, drink, music, conversation, reading material) 2) the things I allow on my body ( quality appropriate clothing, cosmetics) and 3) the manner in which I display my body to the world (smile or frown, speak up for truth).  When I think of all the years I wasted in frustration about the cosmetics I used on my body and how it negatively impacted not only my health and my feelings of non-beauty but also my wallet. Who knew the cure for my adult acne was as simple and inexpensive as honey and olive oil. Who knew the cure for my underarm skin breakout issues was as simple as milk of magnesia!

The beauty of truth is that the cosmetics we use should be simple to use, safe to use, not expensive and work well. Artificially colored cosmetics & lotions, lip products with artificial sweeteners, fake fragrance that causes lung problems, skin problems and disruption of hormones are not beautiful. Say NO to treating your natural beauty with anything but the best quality inside and out.

See below for some coupons and deals for how to find ingredients for simple, AFFORDABLE natural cosmetics. Check out the brochures section for Natural Beauty Secrets of the Bible workshop brochures for recipes using these ingredients.

1. Visit http://www.pompeian.com/ to print some great coupons for olive or Grapeseed oil (natural gentle facial cleansers, makeup removers, skin moisturizers, dandruff treatment (vinegar) and many more uses.)
$1 off any Grapeseed oil
$1 off olive oil
$0.50 off vinegar

2. $1.50 off any 2 Burt’s Bee’s lip shimmers. This is the best natural commercial lip moisturizer.
http://www.burtsbees.com/

3. FREE printable substitution chart and $1 off coupon available at
http://filippoberio.com/yourhealth/substitution#tabs
Learn a great printable chart to help you convert from butter to olive oil in your favorite baking and cooking recipes.

4. Go to coupons.com to print some natural beauty friendly coupons. Walgreens is selling Nature’s Bounty and Sundown Naturals products buy 1 get 1 50% off this week. Rite Aid has Nature’s Bounty products buy 1 get 1 free this week.

$1 off any Sundown Naturals vitamins or supplements: get the tea tree oil
$1 off any Nature’s Bounty vitamins or supplements: get the tea tree oil
$1 off Silk Fruit & Protein beverage [lose weight with heart healthy soy and real fruit]
$0.55 off any So Delicious dairy free product

Claim the beauty waiting to burst forth within. Stand tall. Treat yourself to the best simple natural products that won’t break the bank or cause you harm. SHARE truth with others and let the beauty of truthfulness shine through for all to see.

-Renee
www.thetakebacktour.com

]]><![CDATA[Coupons, Recipes, & a Photo Freebie]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:40:27 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/04/coupons-recipes-a-photo-freebie.html  Hello Friends,
Here are some great coupons, recipe ideas and a great photo freebie. Don’t forget to share these goodies. Happy Earth Month! Don’t forget to share this information with at least 1 person.
-Renee www.thetakebacktour.com  

1. $2 off Rice Select rice. Non-GMO AMERICAN grown rice products. This is a FaceBook coupon. Print now to use later before this great coupon is gone. https://www.facebook.com/RiceSelect/app_196663013756461 
Another fun and tasty way to stretch your meals is to make burritos using brown rice, black beans (rinsed), diced tomatoes (drained), Mexican blend cheese in a soft flour tortilla. I added a 2 inch slice of Worthington vegetarian chicken roll (pulled apart by hand and sautéed with olive oil, cumin, chilli powder and garlic) to the bean, rice and tomato burrito for a tasty entrée. This made over 30 fajita size burritos that were a hit at church potluck and at home. Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free meal.  

2. $0.75 off any Earthbound Farm organic product. Not only do they sell packaged greens, but their carrots and carrots & ranch 3-pk make a great lunchbox vegetable addition. http://www.ebfarm.com/join  
3. Print some great coupons at www.mambosprouts.com             such as:            
            -$1 off Lundburg Family Farms Risotto            
            -$! Off any McCanns Irish Oatmeal product                
            -$1 off any Country Choice Organic product [I love their                 vanilla wafers made with real vanilla]            
            -$0.65 off any Florida Crystals product [natural sugar                 $3.50-5) and agave nectar($3-4)]  

4. Here is a recipe I received in my email today. I can’t wait to try it. Kashi® Spring Vegetable Pilaf with Roasted Tofu & Mushrooms recipe. http://www.kashi.com/recipes/275?utm_source=email&utm_medium=AprileNewsletter&utm_term=Coupon=20120419&utm_campaign=Recipe 

5. Get 25 FREE prints when you sign up for a new photo account at Wal-mart. Visit walmart.com to sign up and get your coupon code for 25 free prints today.]]><![CDATA[USDA & Chicken]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:55:42 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/04/usda-chicken.htmlHello Friends & Chicken lovers!
I know you are out there. I just read a report that the USDA plans to stop inspecting chicken, lay off the USDA inspectors and let the companies safety inspect themselves! Talk about letting the fox watch the hen house!  See link for the full ABC news report below.USDA to Let Industry Self-Inspect Chicken - Yahoo! News http://news.yahoo.com/usda-let-industry-self-inspect-chicken-191142649--abc-news-topstories.html Chicken is the top-selling meat in the United States.  The average American eats 84 pounds a year, more chicken than beef or pork.  Sorry red meat, ch... More 
In my quest to lead a more plant based diet by experimenting and adding more family friendly yummy vegetarian recipes to our regular family meal repertoire, I admit I still occasionally enjoy a bit of chicken with my whole grain rice or pasta and vegetables. While I had reduced my consumption by buying (more expensive) chicken from local farmers, this article just makes quitting so much easier. Just like the original picture of the "pink slime" cured me of my desire for any chicken or turkey hotdogs a few years ago, this bit of disturbing information about letting companies police the safety of their own product, makes the transition so vegetarianism so much easier. I see more vegetarian “chicken” in my future. If you know of some good recipes using non GMO soy chicken style products ( Lightlife, Yves, etc.) or have a recipe for a homemade meatless "chicken" without the use of tree nuts ( my son has a severe allergy), please share. I need to do much more experimentation so I don't have to rely on the bank robber to watch my food bank.
-Renee www.thetakebacktour.com 
]]><![CDATA[FREE printable nutrition resources]]>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:47:13 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/04/free-printable-nutrition-resources.htmlHello Friends,
Check out this great resource I just found today. FREE Coloring book from farm to table featuring my all time favorite vegetable- potatoes! This FREE coloring book is available in English and in Spanish.
http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education-printables/512-chef-solus-healthy-potato-coloring-story-book

Also check out the other great FREE nutrition printable and tools to help kids understand how to eat well such as a FREE printable Chef Solus Food Group Bingo at http://www.nourishinteractive.com

Renee
www.thetakebacktour.com
]]><![CDATA[Food Security & FREE Seeds]]>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:23:50 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/04/food-security-free-seeds.htmlHappy Spring!
 When I think of spring I think of rebirth and fresh foods. I look forward to the availability of fresh food from local farmers and feel blessed to have access to these foods. But I realize that not everyone has the access that I share and sometimes take for granted. The USDA Economic Resource Service defines levels of food security and food insecurity for a household. “Food security for a household means access by all members at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food security includes at a minimum: The ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods.”

I was really intrigued with the definition of food insecurity WITHOUT hunger “Reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake”

Well that to me describes the diet of most of us. Low quality junk food is all around and at cheap price and ready NOW. But true food quality requires time and effort that many of us think we do not have. Well my goal is to have high food security with adequate high quality food this year by supplementing my shopping at local roadside farmer stands with my own small container garden. I miss going to my tiny garden and collecting fresh strawberries or turnip greens (my favorite vegetable next to potatoes) and sharing the joy of growing our food with my kids. I feel good when I make the flavor of my food taste super yummy with fresh herbs instead of MSG or too much sodium

Check out these resources to revive the art of gardening with these resources for FREE seeds. Encourage others at your workplace, church or other community group to revive food security with quality fruits, vegetables and herbs this year. If I with my “black thumb” can grow it, anyone can. Don’t for get to share this information with others!

1. 2 free packets of seeds (either 2 vegetable or 1 vegetable and 1 flower packet) to seniors over 50 years old
http://seniorsell.com/2012/02/1906.html

2. If you are not over 50, please consider purchasing heirloom seeds. Heirloom seeds are a great way to protect the diversity of our food supply. If you ( like me) have a “black thumb” instead of a “green thumb” and need some planting tips and tips on how to plant to save your seeds for the future, check out www.seedsavers.org   and visit the resources section.

3. Free heirloom seed exchange.
http://www.heirloomseedswap.com/

4. Grant to receive free seeds for your group at Operation Green Plant. Get 100 seeds with only a $14.95 shipping fee and a way to advertise the good community works you can do with reviving the art of gardening. See application online to receive free seeds
http://america-the-beautiful.org/free_seeds/index.php

The Take Back Tour is the Health Ministry of the Philadelphia SDA Church in Burlington, NC. Email: takebacktour@yahoo.com

 "Many times when we are sick,we pray to God for healing.
Sometimes, the miracle of healing is the miracle of our obedience." - Renee Lea-Currie, Ph.D., www.thetakebacktour.com
In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired. -Author Unknown]]><![CDATA[3-Color Fruit Pops]]>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:25:30 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/04/3-color-fruit-pops.html
 Hello Friends,
I hope you enjoyed your Easter holiday this past weekend. Well, the kids and I began their Spring Break by making homemade popsicles. We made delicious fun healthy popsicles from fresh or frozen fruit. We also made some vegan pudding pops by adding almond milk to powder cook & serve pudding mix and freezing in a small cup. These were all a hit with the kids, youth and adults. I found all the ingredients except the grapes and almond milk at Dollar Tree. Try some today for a yummy guilt free treat.  Keep it real using real fruit for the great color instead of artificial colors.

3-Color Fruit Pops
1 12 oz bag frozen mangoes or peaches
1 12 oz. bag frozen strawberries
1/2 cup black seedless grapes
plain almond or coconut milk

Agave nectar
3 oz plastic cups
Popsicle sticks
water
blender
strainer

1. Add frozen strawberries, 1/3 cup almond milk and 1/4 cup water to a blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness with agave nectar if needed ( 1-3 tablespoons)
2. Fill the 3 oz cups 1/3 full.
3. Cover top of cup with plastic wrap, aluminum foil or Press-N-Seal wrap.
4. Poke a hole in the top with a popsicle stick. Freeze until frozen about 40-45 minutes.
5. Add frozen mangoes or peaches, 1/4 cup almond milk and 1/4 cup water to a blender. Blend until smooth. Use a strainer to remove any large chunks that remain.
6. Remove cover and pour on top of frozen strawberry mixture. Adjust the popsicle stick as needed to make sure it is straight.
7. Add to freezer until frozen (about 1 hour)
8. Add fresh black seedless grapes and 1/3 cup water to a blender. Blend until smooth.
9. Strain to remove any remaining skin or pulp. Press a spoon to release all the fresh juice.
10. Remove cover from cup and pour over frozen mangoes or peaches. Do not fill to the top.
11. Adjust the popsicle stick as needed to make sure it is straight. Cover again and freeze until frozen.
12. To enjoy, rinse the OUTSIDE of the cup for 3-5 seconds with cold water. Pull out the popsicle stick and enjoy a fruity fun healthy popsicle.
NOTE: This is a great way to use fruit that begins to get a bit too mushy but still. Puree, strain and freeze to make yummy popsicles whenever you like. Experiment with different fruits you may have kicking around. Depending on how much you loose to straining some of the fruits, this should make at least 20 popsicles.

"Many times when we are sick, we pray to God for healing.
Sometimes, the miracle of healing is the miracle of our obedience."
- Renee Lea-Currie, Ph.D., www.thetakebacktour.com


]]><![CDATA[FREE Easter printable]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 20:48:19 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/03/free-easter-printable.html

FREE Easter printable from DaySpring: God's Grace Covers Me - Free Easter Printable

http://www.dayspring.com/god_s_grace_covers_me_free_easter_printable/?ref=EMAIL20120321Devo

Improve someone's health today with this inspirational FREE printable. You can also send a THANK YOU to a colleague or church friend for doing a good job, to the person you see on your way to work who always gives you a smile each day, to a parent for loving and raising you, to a child for being so awesome or to a spouse for always taking out the trash or ironing clothes. You can say a kind word to a stranger, for example one whose clothing or hair really stands out in a good way. I remember telling a cashier how nice her hair looked. She was so delighted to hear that GOOD news as she was feeling self conscience about having a bad hair day. I like to think I helped improve her health that day as she smiled (smiling can reduce stress, lowers blood pressure and heal a sad heart). We all could use a kind or encouraging word to improve our health. Remember HEALTH is defined  by the World Health Organization (WHO), as a "State of complete physical, mental, and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
So improve someone's health by SHARING a kind word, a smile and a free message about God's love today. SHARING is love in action.

]]><![CDATA[FREE Moe's food]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:11:18 -0800http://www.thetakebacktour.com/1/post/2012/03/free-moes-food.html_Finally! A freebie for healthy food!

Join Moe’s E-world to receive a free cup of queso for joining and a burrito on your birthday. I must admit after using Moe’s Southwest Grill for a catered lunch at work, I am in love with Moe’s!!! They have fresh ingredients, great tasting low sodium food and a variety of protein choices for meat-lovers and vegetarians/vegans alike. They even have organic seasoned tofu as a protein choice. Try them today for lunch, dinner or your next catered event. I am excited as a Moe’s Southwest Grill just opened in Mebane, NC less than 3 miles from my house! The staff are all super friendly with fresh delicious food. What a fun way to get your veggies!

http://moes.fbmta.com/members/UpdateProfile.aspx?Action=Subscribe&InputSource=W

 -Renee
www.thetakebacktour.com ]]>