My Juice Plus + Experience

Do you remember that post I wrote back in February of 2022 about how nutrition is really important and how I was working on changing my life for the better? Yeah, I didn’t think so but that is alright.

I was thinking recently about how a year ago I was so very enthused about these NFS Certified products that had more than 40 peer-reviewed studies done on them. And how my family has been taking them ‘regularly’ now for a year. Then I realized that I never really gave an update on how these products have been affecting our family.

First off I feel like it won’t help unless I explain what we have been taking. All the products from Juice Plus + are certified gluten-free, certified GMO-free, and certified Kosher. These products are designed to fill the gap between what people actually eat and what they should eat by providing the nutrients of 30 different fruits and vegetables that are picked at prime ripeness, and then the whole fruit/veg is put through a freezing process called IQF to keep the nutrients before being juiced and dried into a powder. The products are also vegan-friendly – including the omegas – which are derived from plants, seeds, and algae. The capsules are made from tapioca starch, which comes from cassava root.

In the first few weeks of taking the gummies and capsules, we could already see a difference. I’m gonna go a bit TMI here but our guts really appreciated the increase in natural fibers. I have always had inconsistent bowel movements, being constipated for days and then having diarrhea, then the stomach cramps would begin I’d be regular for a while before constipation would start again. But I found that within a couple of weeks of taking half the dosage I no longer had as much irregularity. It wasn’t just me though my kids were pooping on the regular, and there was no fight in getting them to take the gummies as they taste so good.

After my second month of taking the Juice Plus + dried produce capsule supplements, I had people complimenting my skin, saying I had a glow about me. I felt more energized and less inflamed, which is huge as with fibromyalgia I am always feeling run down and in pain.

While the girls and I were taking the capsules and gummies, Kevin was having a daily complete shake mixed into his morning coffee. These shakes actually taste pretty good considering they have no dairy in them, like most shake supplements. For months my husband, who never gives himself enough time to eat in the morning, was actually feeling energy when he came home from work and didn’t feel the need to immediately rush to the fridge while I was making dinner.

We took a couple of months off from continuing the products for a couple of reasons.:

The first was that we weren’t sure if these changes we were having were because of the healthier lifestyle we were living in general (as we were going for more walks, being more active in general, and eating healthier) or if the products were causing the changes. Sure enough, when we stopped taking the Essential Capsules and Complete Shake we could easily tell the difference.

The second reason was because of the cost – the products are purchased in 4-month bundles and it’s about $2 a day for Kevin to have his Complete Shake daily and roughly $4.50 a day for the Essential Capsules and Omegas. Fortunately, the cost of the gummies was free with the purchase of my capsules. There is the option to pay monthly but we’d rather buy them in full than have yet another re-occurring bill to have to remember. For us to have the fruit, veggies, berries, omegas, and shakes it was roughly $800 plus taxes

When I brought the gummies back into the house my children were thrilled. Since September my younger daughter has continued to take her morning gummies without fail, whereas my oldest hasn’t really wanted hers anymore due to the sticky texture. (She could take capsules in replacement but I didn’t purchase any this time around, instead, I got the adult servings to be gummies as well). Zenobia has missed 6 days of school since beginning kindergarten due to illness, whereas Sanura has missed 18 days of school, spent most of the winter break in bed ill, and has complained about feeling unwell more often in general. Sanura’s health is very different than when she was taking them regularly in grade one -she missed less than a week of school due to illness.

Overall I REALLY like these products. And absolutely believe that they are worth every cent we spend on them.

On our next purchase, we plan to bring home the shakes again as everyone in our household loves to drink blended fruit drinks and the Complete shake complements them really well. We have also used the powder in pancakes and brownies in place of some of the sugar/ flour and are excited to see what other ways we can incorporate it into our meals.

March Reading 2023

Little Miss Splendid and the Princess by Rodger Hargreaves

The Go Cart Team by Amy Keystone

Rex Yells by Tamar Reis-Frankfurt

Tiger Tiger by John Boucher

Button Your Lip and other Idioms by Polly Downes

Sakura’s Never Ending Day by Kimberly Weinberger

How Do I Love You Marion Dane Bauer

The Merry Go Round by Beverley Randell

Is It a Baby Animal by Bridget Taylor

Disney’s Goody’s Big Race (author unknown, published by Bantam Books 1986)

Bear For Breakfast by Robert Munsch

Disney’s Mickey Meets the Giant (author unknown, published by Bantam Books 1986)

Happy Happy Big Head by Dustin Cromarty

The Strange Shoe by Beverley Randell

Red Puppy by Annette Smith

Dragon Master Waking of the Rainbow Dragon by Tracey West

Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Peggy Parish

Teamwork by Rober Munsch

Tails, Tails, Tails! by Violet Findley

Masks by Susan Hughes

Amelia Bedelia First Valentine by Peggy Parish

Looking at Art by Jan Anderson

Learn About Playtime by Lesley Scott

Making Money Minting and Printing by Elizabeth MacLeod

Frank Swims by unknown author

Shimmer and Shine Magic Carpet Race! by Delphine Finnegan

Pete the Cat Pete’s Big Lunch by James Dean

Phonics REaders Sam Sheep Can’t Sleep by Phil Roxbee Cox

Dragon Girls Azmina the Gold Glitter Dragon by Maddy Mara

What a Great Idea! by Liane Onish

Time for Play by John Pettitt

Doodleday by Ross Collins

Little Miss Bad by Roger Hargreaves

Tom is Brave by Beverly Randell

Mixed-Up Moods adapted by Suzanne Francis

The Little Engine That Could by Wally Piper

Oh No! A Fox! by Janet Morgan Stoeke

Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra

Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills

Mr. Grumble by Roger Hargreaves

The Kingdom of Nothing by Ronald Wohlman

My Dog Thinks I’m a Genius by Harriet Zieferr

A Medal For Molly by Jan Weeks

Ballet Cat Dance! Dance! Underpants! By Bob Shea

Chicken on Vacation by Adam Lehrhaupt

Artisan Stock Update

One of our artisan suppliers, Kittens Play Pen, has unfortunately gone out of business recently. We had a large selection of tails, ears, and collars that we were supposed to have in stock from them in time for Vernon Con but unfortunately, that will no longer be the case. As we work on getting a return on our funds we would like to know if there are any suggestions, from you that our lovely customers, of where we can find quality Canadian-made tails and ears.

On a happier note, we are thrilled to share that Kittie’s Kostumes is the exclusive location to purchase BC Yeti Anxiety Backpacks made by LoAnn of P.S. Designs. Each backpack is one of a kind. The fabric is hand dyed and sewn at her home studio. These bags are able to be resized for anyone from a child to an adult and are great for a squeeze!

@ladybowering

One of a kind BC Yeti Anxiety Backpacks. Hand dyed and sewn by an Okanagan artist, and currently these bags are exclusive to Kittie’s Kostumes

♬ original sound – Kay Bowering

February Reading 2023

Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr Seuss

Scooby Doo shiny Spooky Knights by Gail Herman

Pam’s Pizza by Liza Charlesworth

A Little Adventure by Jenny Giles

Fun in the Snow by Lynda Henney

Loula and Mister the Monster by Anne Villeneuve

The Little Mermaid A Special Song by unknown author

Valentine Zoo by Jo Rigg

No Clean Clothes by Robert Munsch

Batman the Story of the Dark Knight by Ralph Cosentino

The Princess and the Pea adapted by Lora Kalkman

Pete the Cat Robo Pete by James Dean

The Bear and the Trolls retold by Beverly Randell

The Dog Show by Andrew Jenkins

Peppa’s Valintines Day by Courtney Carbone

The Dolphin on the Wall by Rose Inserra

Let’s Go to a Fair by Cate Foley

National Geographic Kids Sharks by Anne Schreiber

The Take of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter

Mr Greedy Goes Shopping by ___ Hargreaves

Ted by Tamar Reis-Frankfurt

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr

Pinkalicious The Princess of Pink Slumber Party by Victoria Kerr

The Photo Book by Beverly Randell

Gus Was a Friendly Ghost by Jane Thayer

Farm Rescue by Sara Wernham

Holly’s Surprise by Lorraine Addams

Christmas Child by Patty Schaal

One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

All About Dinosaurs by Liza Charlesworth

My Costume by Briar Wilton

Animals in the Sky by Joanne LeBlanc-Haley

Z Goes Home by Jon Agee

Dragon Masters Roar of the Thunder Dragon by Tracey West

Be a Star Wonder Woman by Michael Dahl

Annie the Apple Pie Fairy by Tim Bugbird

Disney Princesses Follow Your Heart by Amy Mebberson, et Al.

Andrew’s Loose Tooth by Robert Munsch

Meg and Ted by Tamar Reis-Frankfurt

The Last Firehawk The Crystal Caverns by Katrina Charman

Dragon Masters Chill of the Ice Dragon by Tracey West

Curious George My First Bike by Margaret and H.A. Rey

Penguin Rescue by Rose Inserra

Ribbon Rescue by Robert Munsch

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani

January Reading 2023

Rupert, Algy and the Cannibals by Albert Bestall

Rupert and the Wonderful Kite by Albert Bestall

Beauty and the Beast retold by Annette Smith

Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins

Cinderella retold by Jenny Giles

See Pip Point by David Milgrim

Shimmer the Unicorn by Kathrine Sally and Daniela Dogliani

Frosty the Snowman by Jack Rollins

Raccoons by Elizabeth Russell-Arnot

Ready Freddy by Cynthia Rothman

Triangle by Barnett Klassen

Darly and the Dragon by Stephanie Gorman

Curious George My First Bike by H.A. Rey

Curious George My First Kite by H.A.Rey

The Tortoise Shell & Other African Stories retold by Geoff Smith

Kim the Bug by Tamar Reis-Frankfort

Jack Sparrow the Sword of Cortes by Rob Kidd

Scooby Doo the Surf Scare by

Eight Days A Story of Haiti by Edwidge Danticat

Scooby Doo The Big Bad Blizzard by Gail Herman

Peppa Pig Super Peppa by Lauren Holowaty

Where’s Your Tooth by Rozanne Lanczak Williams

Big Al by Andrew Clements Yoshi

At the Park by Peter Sheryl

Barbie Yummy Cupcakes by Jennifer Liberts Weinberg

Pip and the Bar by Tamar Reis-Frankfurt and Wendy Tweedle

Smelly Socks by Robert Munsch

Festival of Colours by Kabir Sehgal

Puffin Cliffs by Sara Wenham

Happy Hippo Angry Duck by Sandra Boynton

Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Beverly Randell

Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo

Super Heros No Joke by Quinlan B Lee

Super Heros Get That Cat by Quinlan B Lee

Super Heros Mr Freeze by Quinlan B Lee

Boots by Anne Schreiber and Arbo Doughty

Trolls Poppy’s Party by Frank Berrios

The Water Princess by Susan Verde

Alligator Baby by Robert Munsch

Happy New Year 2023

Happy New Year everyone!

This past year has been much more of a challenge than I thought it would be initially. I am so happy to bring in the new.

There are a few things I want to do today to bring in the new year refreshed. Like painting my nails with the girls, writing this post and setting my intentions for the year. I also wish to replant my Tower Garden, which we have named Phyll (as in chlorophyll).

This month marks one year of having our Tower Garden by Juice Plus+ and it has been such a blessing! I do not have a green thumb despite loving plants I kill them so easily. This tower has made it so we have fresh grown food all year and my kids have been eating more greens as snacks because of it.

All replanted. Keeping the bell peppers from previously though.

I don’t really want my post to become a commercial for the product but seriously, if you are at all interested in one check out the link to my Tower Garden sales page.

Over-all I am excited for this upcoming year. I have already made a general intentions board for this year and over the month plan to make a more detailed one for my costume shop. I want to work on my physical health, have my time with my family be more intentional, be more creative, and I want to spend more time out side.

So you have any goals or plans for the upcoming year?

December Reading 2022

Animorphs The Warning by K. A. Applegate

The Go Karts by Annette Smith

Amelia Bedelia Rocket Scientist by Herman Parish

The Unicorns Are Coming to Town by Clare Fennell

Arthur’s Pet Business by Marc Brown

My Cat by Annie Thomas

Just Like Dora by Alison Inches

In the Rain by Liza Charlesworth

Dragonflies Are Amazing by Marie Powell

Dragon Masters Roar of the Thunder Dragon by Tracey West

Pete the Cat’s Groovey Guide to Love by Kimberly & James Dean

Hats by Sara Shapiro

Owls by Elizabeth Russell-Arnot

MMM Cookies by Robert Munch

Big Nate by Lincoln Peirce

The Lookout by Sundus Butt

Froggy’s Best Christmas by Jonathan London

Pandas in the Mountains by Beverly Randell

Luke’s Go-Kart byJenny Giles

Dashing Through the Snow A Canadian Jingle Bells by Helaine Becker

Pokemon Phonics Run Away by Quinion B. Lee

Do Not Open This Book by Andy Lee

Zelda and Ivy by Laura McGee Kvasnosky

Card Captors Sakura and the New Boy by Kimberly Weinberger

Rosie, the Pirate Parrot by Pamela Rushby

Little Miss Hug by Roger Hargreaves

Mrs. Marlowe’s Mice by Frank Asch

The Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow the Siren Song by Rob Kidd

Card Captors Sakura’s Never-Ending Day by Kimberly Weinberger

Great Hair by Liza Charlesworth

On the Go bt Rozanne Lanczak Williams

Dress Up by Wendy A. Lewis

A Giraffe Can Laugh by Kerri Donnell

Perfect Paper Planes by Heather Hammonds

Nella the Princess Knight Picture Perfect by Derek Harmening

Nella the Princess Knight Pals on Parade by Derek Harmening

Huey, Dewey, and Louie Meet the Witch by Justine Korman

Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow the Pirate Chase by Rob Kidd

Thomas’ Snowsuit by Rober Munsch

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw

November Reading 2022

Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping by Peggy Parish

The Animal Band by Annette Smith

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

Mr Tickle and the Scary Halloween by Rodger Hargreaves

Dragon Masters Power of the Fire Dragon by Tracey West

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves retold by Jenny Giles

Shimmer and Shine Magical Mermaids by Bryan Swenlin & Jennifer Bardekoff

The Wonders of Winter in Children’s Own Words Why I Love Winter

Wangari’s Trees of Peace -A True Story from Africa by Jeanette Winter

Beautiful Butterflies by Liza Charlesworth

Penguins Can Go! by Teddy James

The Rainy Day Picnic by Ruth Lerner Perle

Dragon Masters Song of the Poison Dragon by Tracey West

The I’m Not Scared Book by Todd Parr

Luke’s Go Kart by Jenny Giles

Bat Facts by Lydia Carlin

Counting Bats by Elizabeth Schaffer

An Owl by Scotty Jones

Hello, Whale! by Violet Findley

The Surprise Dinner by Annette Smith

The Ikabog by J.K. Rowling

This Pumpkin by Lilly Perez

I Love Fall by Megan Duhamet

Fall Leaves by James McGee

A Frog Grows Up by James Duhamel

Dragon Masters Flight of the Moon Dragon by Tracey West

The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale

Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish

What is Cold by Lucy Lucere

Owls in the Garden by Andrew Kelly

That Bug! by Harper McCann

Snow White by Melissa A. Torres

Elephant and Piggy Are You Ready to Play Outside? by Mo Willems

See the Snow by Scottie Jones

There is a Bird by James Larkin

The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman

Meet Some Mammals by Liza Charlesworth

It Is Winter by Brad Carmichael

Almost Spring by Deborah Schecter

National Geographic Kids Great Migration Elephants by Laura Marsh

Is Your Mama a Llama by Deborah Guarino

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr & John Archambault

Polar Bears Are Wild! by Megan Duhamel

See the Reptiles by Megan Duhamel

Who Is Hiding in the Snow by Violet Findlay

Fish Live There by Lydia Carlin

Dragon Girls Quinn the Jade Treasure Dragon by Maddy Mara

No Coins Please by Gordon Korman

Mr Zinger’s Hat by Cary Fagan

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

A Wise Wish by Anne Miranda

Let’s Go For a Drive by Mo Willems

Can I PLay Too? by Mo Willems

Bunnicula The Vampire Bunny by James Howe

Pat the Cat by Jennifer Liberta Weinberg

Wake Up Dad by Beverly Randell

Bear’s Diet by Annette Smith

Bathtime by Christine Finochio

Meet Terry Fox by Elizabeth MacLeod

Where is My Hat? by Jill Eggleton

A Kite Race by Christine Finochio

Fishing by Christine Finochio

M Mom by Andy Greer

Ninja by Arree Chung

Dragon Masters Search for the Lightning Dragon by Tracey West

Jounrye of a Humpback Whale by Caryn Jenner

Pam by Tamar Reis-Frankfort

JAck and the Magic Harp by Beverley Rendell

Run for Fun by Steve Metzger

October Reading 2022

The Chronicles of Malachai : The Gift by Daniel L. Sweetnam

The Girl and the Wolf by Katherena Vermette

When I Was Eight by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

Not My Girl by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

Dragon Masters Saving the Sun Dragon by Tracey West

Stolen Words by Melanie Florence

Blue’s Clues My Favourite Letters by Deborah Craig

Shimmer and Shine Movie Night Magic by Mary Tillworth

Malaika’s Costume by Nadia L. Hohn

Pete the Cat : Cavecat Pete by James Dean

Watch Out William by Nette Hilton

Little Miss Curious by Rodger Hargreaves

Dragon Masters Secret of the Water Dragon by Tracey West

Scooby Doo’s Super Case Book II by Suzanne Weyn

Why we have Day and Night retold- by Jan Bourdeau Waboose

The Cat and the Hat by Dr Seuss

The Three Beavers Brown by Liz Stenson and Iris Zammit

Dragon Girls Aisha the Sapphire Treasure Dragon by Maddy Mara

The Berenstain Bears and the Shaggy Little Pony by Jan and Mike Berenstain

Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

The Water Princess by Susan Verde

One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root

Sometimes We Think You Are a Monkey by Joanna Skibsrud and Sarah Blacker

Under the City by Steven Kroll

Canada ABC by Paul Covello

The Long Wait by Carol Nymark

There’s a Hole in the Bucket a retelling of a traditional Carribbean song

Play Ball Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

A Piece of Home by Jeri Watts

Chance To Win

Hello all,

We are one week away from Penti-Con and we have some exciting news for those attending!

First off, we will be having a sale on many of our items at the shop for Penti-Con 2022.

Secondly, there is a chance to win a Canadian Artisan “LED Blush Tail” made by the lovely people at Kitten’s Playpen. This one of a kind, white and pink hand painted tail has two LED strips of light sewn into it, with removable battery packs to turn the lights on or off. It is 55 cm/ 22 in length and has two ways to attach it to your outfit, the first by pin, the second by a ribbon. It includes a bonus removable bow that matches the ribbon tie.

To enter the draw, applicants must spend $40 or more at our costume shop during the Penti-Con event. Multiple entries are available. We will make the draw on Sunday October 23rd, around 2:00pm and will post the video with the winner’s name on both this site and on our Facebook page.