I’m not the only parent to have these concerns, and thankfully there is a company who offers a product that is 100%, organic, low in sugar and still tastes good!  The juice selections at FirstJuice.com contain only 12 grams of sugar per 8 ounce serving, compared to 27 grams of sugar in an equal amount of 100% apple juice.  The flavor offerings are quite unique, but the combinations work very well together and offer additional nutrition by taking advantage of the nutrients found in purple carrots.

My younger son’s favorite flavor is the Peach and Purple Carrot – as soon as he sees it in the store he begs for it immediately!  My older son also loves this flavorful juice, but his favorite is Blueberry and Purple Carrot.  I have tried all four available flavors, and I cannot taste any of the vegetable – the sweet juice is quite delicious!  Many parents have actually petitioned the company to market it to all ages, but it’s currently designated as a toddler juice.  The juices are available in many retail stores, but if you can’t find it in your area you can also order online.  A 2-pack of the 8 ounce bottles (with a sippy-lid) can be purchased for $5.58.  We reuse our sippy bottles and buy the 32 ounce size for $4.99.

My uncle Lyle loves microbrews.  He spends a lot of his vacation time searching out microbreweries that produce uncommonly flavored, but very tasty beer.  During his journeys, he has found coffee-flavored beer, chocolate-flavored beer, and even jalapeno-flavored beer.  He doesn’t have a favorite microbrew, I think he enjoys the challenge more than the conquest.  I’m hoping that I have found some more unique flavors to add to my uncle’s conquest list.  Beergifts.com offers a number of beer gift baskets, beer glasses and beer boxes, including this Microbrew Gift Basket.  The basket includes chips and salsa, gourmet nuts, cheese sticks, party snack mix, and an assortment of 6 domestic microbrews.  This sampler basket sells for $75 plus $14.95 for ground shipping.

Beer cannot be shipped to GA, KY, MD, MA, OK, TN and UT because of state restrictions.  if you choose to order a beer gift, make sure that you ship to an address where someone over 21 is available to sign because the shipper cannot leave alcohol without a signature.

I was so impressed with the stockpile of nutrients (including ECGC, calcium, and vitamins B12, C and E) in each serving, that I ordered a case as soon as I got home!  The 12 pack of 12 ounce cans cost $26.99 (which includes shipping), and arrived at my door in just three days.

Since then I have also ordered the Green Apple Infusion, and I am equally impressed.  The flavor is a bit tart, but it’s a refreshing change from plain water or sugary beverages.

The juice is made from all organic rose petals and apple juice, which may seem like a strange combination but it actually tastes very refreshing.  And of course it smells good too!  This juice is Kosher approved, and can be found in most whole food stores across the country.  If you are having trouble finding it locally, you can also purchase it online – a case of 24, 8 oz bottles is $71.76.

After trying this juice, I have found a delicious beverage that will give me 15 grams of Vitamins B1, B2 and C per serving with only 150 calories and zero fat.  I feel more energized and I’m confident that the flu won’t slow me down this year!