come have a blast with me at #ChipotleCultivate and enter our #giveaway

When my husband, who works for Chipotle, told me that the Chipotle Cultivate Festival was coming to the Phoenix area, I immediately called a couple of my closest gal pals and told them to mark their calendars. To make matters more exciting, a few weeks later I was invited to attend the local media preview event so that I could learn more about and help spread the word about the food, chefs, and artisans who would anchor the festival. What an opportunity!

So what exactly is the Chipotle Cultivate Festival? It's all about food, ideas, and music. Chipotle describes it as "a celebration of food that is responsibly raised, skillfully prepared, and delightfully enjoyed." They ask that we join them on their "journey toward a world of more sustainable, wholesome, and delicious food." And to sweeten the deal? It's completely FREE to attend. The whole idea is to get people thinking and talking about food and food issues and how to create a more sustainable future.

Check out the recap of last year's festival:

Since I focus on family wellness as it relates to animals, the fact that Chipotle serves sustainably raised meats, vegetarian and vegan options, and sources their produce locally whenever possible is very important to me. The knowledge to be gained at the Cultivate Festival is invaluable. Plus, it looks like one hell of a party. 

At the media preview event, I had the opportunity to listen to Scott Robinson, Chipotle's National Events Manager, talk about the Cultivate Festival. This is the festival's fifth year and Phoenix is the seventh city to house the festival. Just like they didn't know how the first Chipotle in Denver, CO, would do, they had no idea how successful the festival would be. We're super lucky that Phoenix is in the lineup this year. 

What can we expect to do at the phoenix cultivate?

ROCK OUT. Check out the killer music lineup at the music stage, composed of local and national acts: Jared & The Mill, Magic Man, MS MR, Bleachers, Twenty One Pilots, and DJ Christoper Golub, the DJ of Chipotle. 

LEARN. We'll be able to explore five exhibits throughout the festival, which will focus on sustainable food practices, including an exhibit explaining how to make Chipotle's guacamole, the reality of processed foods, and an experience showing the conditions of factory-raised pigs compared to those that are responsibly raised. Each exhibit will give you a stamp for attending, and if you check out at least four exhibits, you'll earn a card for a free burrito, bowl, tacos, or salad + IZZE™ at any Chipotle. Sweet! 

PLAY. Cultivate is a family-friendly event. Take the kiddos to the Kids' Zone that has snacks and fun activities. 

CHEF DEMOS. Live and in person? Yes, please. Chipotle says "superior ingredients deserve excellent preparation. Watch as these expert chefs and stars of the culinary world prepare a variety of dishes in our on-site kitchens. They'll demonstrate different cooking techniques as well as share their knowledge and love of working with local farms and suppliers." These superstar chefs include Joshua Herbert, Owner/Executive Chef of Posh, Chris Schlattman, Executive Chef of The Upton, Charleen Badman, Owner/Chef at FNB, Richard Blais, Restaurateur/Chef/Author and winner of Top Chef: All Stars, and Amanda Freitag, Owner/Chef at Empire Diner.

I was excited to have the opportunity to meet local Executive Chef Chris Schlattman of The Upton in Scottsdale, where the preview event was held. We tasted his cuisine, which was divine and beautiful, yet casual and completely approachable. He said that Chipotle and The Upton are alike because they are "fuss free" and use "great, simple ingredients." I would have to agree. 

GRUB. Whether you want to sample food and beverage or indulge in a full meal (or both), there is something for everyone. Since I plan on being there for the duration of the festival, my goal is to do it all. The Artisans' Hall will be a highlight. We'll get to try delicious samplings from an amazing collection of artisanal Arizona food. The Food Tents will be manned by Chipotle's chefs and top team members. The chefs have developed new recipes just for Cultivate. Along with the Chipotle-inspired dishes, select items from ShopHouse, Chipotle's new Southeast Asian concept, will be served. To wash it down, you'll find the Tasting Hall, where you can sample some of the best craft brews in the region or taste some top-quality sustainable wines, or go for a full glass, which are all reasonably priced.

At the preview event, I had the privilege of meeting some of the local artisans who will be set up at the Artisans' Hall and the Tasting Hall during Cultivate, and I had the chance to try their food and beverages. I didn't meet a person or sample I didn't like. Here are the highlights:

CARTEL COFFEE LAB Never in my life have I known such intricacies. I tried the recommended "cold brew, " which Jules described accurately as "fruit-forward." Amazing. Like no cup of Joe I've ever had. All of their coffee is carefully sourced, and they also have local beers on tap. 

SONORAN BREWING COMPANY They partnered with Chipotle to create a traditional Saison called "Cultivate Farmhouse Ale," brewed with local Arizona Honey, Lemons, and Limes. And, yes, it was just as yummy as it sounds. 

SUPER CHUNK Small-batch handcrafted sweets & treats with a modernized, unique twist. They use botanical sugars and essential oils. They sent me home with some crazy fun cookies and taffy pulled right there in house (shame I had to share with the littles) and this insane bag of white cheddar truffle popcorn (which–thank goodness–was a bit strong for the children, and my hubby never knew it was in the house). If I ever encounter it again, all bets are off. Plus, owners Sergio and Country were super fun to talk to. Sergio told me they are known for their black licorice. When I made a face, he said, it's well-known as "black licorice for people who don't like black licorice." I trust him enough to try it.

SWEET REPUBLIC The perfect definition of simplicity, I had the opportunity to taste their salted butter caramel ice cream, which was so perfectly balanced. Their ice cream is handcrafted in small batches, and their shop menu features artisan ice cream, insane-sounding sundaes and simple, yet unique milkshakes. 

TRACY DEMPSEY ORIGINALS Tracy was as much of a delight as her deserts. As I was devouring her creation, my brain checked out, so I asked her more than a handful of times what all I was consuming. She was totally cool about it. Her beautiful and delicious creation was lemon creme with coconut tapioca, roasted pineapple compote, berries, and basil syrup.

what now?

If you haven't gathered, I'm super pumped to enjoy even more at the Chipotle Cultivate Festival. I can't wait to share the time and experience with friends, visit my hubby as he heads-up the ever-popular taco tent, and basically gorge my mind and body on everything. All this, and we can be sure that the consumables are sourced responsibly, which is the one takeaway I want you to know. It is possible to have a carefree blast and be responsible at the same time.

I can't wait. 

Is the Cultivate Festival coming to your 'hood?

PHOENIX                                APRIL 18 AT WESTWORLD SCOTTSDALE

KANSAS CITY                        JULY 18 AT PENN VALLEY PARK

MINNEAPOLIS                       AUGUST 22 AT LORING PARK

So please join me and my pals on April 18 from 11 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at Westworld of Scottsdale. I can't wait to see you there! Which part of the festival are you most pumped for?

Are you pumped for this giveaway? Please enter for your chance to win 10 Chipotle Burrito Bucks, each one of which will get you a burrito, burrito bowl, salad, or order of tacos. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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@somapet offers our readers 20% off during the month of february

N.A.S.H.A. has been taking the all-natural SomaPet supplement for over six months, now, and we are still so impressed with he results. This nine-year-old mixed terrier is pretty close to "senior status," so we want to make sure we're supporting her in every way we can. Just a scoop sprinkled over her dinner each night has made a remarkable difference in her energy level and coat, so I can only imagine all of the invisible benefits going on inside. 

SomaLife describes the supplement:

SomaPet is a specific combination of amino acids formulated to optimize the health of your pet. This specific combination, when taken orally, is designed to support the release of Growth Hormone from the pituitary, which assists in cell repair and regeneration. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and constitute an essential part of an animal's diet. SomaPet's amino acids provide your pet with vital supplementation. This ensures an appropriate balance of amino acids particularly beneficial for animals over three years old exhibiting signs of aging.

The ultimate dietary supplement, SomaPet consists of a synergistic combination of free form L-amino acids designed to assist:

• improved immune function

• improved nervous function

• strengthened collagen and bone

• increased healing

• promoted cellular energy

• minimized exercise damage

How SomaPet works.

What I love best about SomaPet is that is does all of this naturally, so it's free of anything artificial. Check out the nutrition facts:

I encourage you to take advantage of this 20% off sale being offered to our readers. Oh–and the discount is site-wide, so if you'd like to pick up a little something for yourself, you and your pet can enjoy improved health and vitality together! 

Just click the link, below, and enter code believeinsoma upon checkout to receive 20% off your entire order. It's that easy.

Well Minded is an affiliate of SomaLife, which means that if you purchase their amazing product through a link on our site, we receive compensation for helping to spread the word about the product, which helps keep our content free. Well Minded only works with companies we feel honor our commitment to natural wellness.

natural supplement for your pet: @somapet 20% off #couponcode

SomaPet is a 100% natural supplement for pets that we have been giving N.A.S.H.A. since last summer. She's still thriving on it, so I like to spread the word from time-to-time, especially when there is a killer sale on the stuff.

What is so great about SomaPet?

• strengthens collagen and bones

• improves immune system function

• renews vitality

• helps reduce body fat

• healthier skin and coat

• promotes cellular energy

• increases healing

It comes in powder form that you add directly to your pet's food. My favorite part is that it's 100% natural, so you're not giving your pet any additives or chemicals that could counteract the benefits. 

N.A.S.H.A., our nine-year-old mixed terrier is enjoying a healthier, shinier coat and an abundance of energy. My husband said to me just last week, "that SomaPet really works! Like, really! I can't believe how soft her coat is, now." 

I highly recommend you give SomaPet a shot, and now is an excellent time to do so because they are having a killer sale, today through January 31st. Just click the link, below and enter code NYVIGOR at checkout to receive 20% off your SomaPet order. Pawesome!

Come back and let us know how you like it!

small steps to a healthier pet diet: eliminate artificial colors

I believe that making improvements on what we consume, whether for ourselves or our pets, is a never-ending process. That may sound daunting, but, really, thinking that way has been quite freeing to me. I know that there is no level of perfection to reach. I just do the best I can each day and I learn each day. And it's okay if I eat something not-so-great every once in a while. 

I have a friend–Shanon–who is a nutritionist, and that scared me at first. Would she judge everything I put into my mouth? When I got to know her better, I discovered that she is one of the most non-judgemental people I know. She offers great advice that is reasonable. It's not feasible for everyone to cook every meal at home from only fresh, organic and sustainably raised ingredients. Sure, some of us roll that way, but we didn't get there overnight (btw...I try to roll that way but fall short quite often).  

She says "let's talk about where you are now, and then we'll make some small, gradual improvements. When you're ready to take more on, I'll help you." She does this for people who eat at McDonald's fourteen times a week, for vegans who grow and raise all of their own food, and for everyone in between. And her baby steps are for real. That person who eats at McDonald's fourteen times? She'll advise them to switch two or three of those meals to In-n-out, a better choice in terms of quality ingredients. Then they work up from there. 

Shannon inspires me to make better choices within reason. I don't have to kill myself over it or feel deprived–or like I'm depriving my family. I try to apply her "method" to most aspects of my life, including how I feed my pets. Over time, I've made gradual improvements to my pets' diets, and each day I learn something new. It seems the subject of what we ingest for our health is infinite.

We read the labels on the food we purchase for ourselves and our human family members, so if you're not doing it already, it's important to do the same for the food you choose to purchase for your pet. If I take Shannon's baby steps to heart and apply them to the pet realm, the first step in creating a healthier diet for your pet (and one of the easiest ones to take) is to make sure that the food you are feeding your furry family member is free of artificial colors. As a rule of thumb, if you are purchasing a mega-brand and/or grocery store food for your pet, it likely contains artificial colors. Even some boutique brands have something to hide. As you wouldn't judge a book by its cover, you can't judge a pet food by how healthy the package looks. 

So while you go grab that bag of kibble to reference, I'll outline which colors are commonly found in pet food and why we want to avoid them. 

Yellow 5: Also known as tartrazine or E102, this dye requires a warning label in Europe. It is commonly found in processed foods we humans consume as well as pet food. It is thought to cause neurochemical and behavior effects, including hyperactivity, aggression, and insomnia. It is also linked to asthma, allergies, thyroid tumors, lymphomas, ADHD and chromosomal damage.

Red 40: Perhaps the most well-known artificial food dye because of its prevalence and bad reputation, it is tainted with cancer-causing contaminants. You've probably heard a lot about it because it's linked to ADHD and hyperactivity in children.

Blue 2: Often contains cancer-causing contaminants and may contribute to abnormal cell development, especially in the brain. It is most closely linked to brain tumors. May also cause allergic reactions.

Yellow 6: Has been reported to cause allergies and is linked to hyperactivity in children. some studies have shown that it has caused adrenal gland and kidney tumors in animals. It is also linked to skin issues, asthma, and chromosomal damage.

None of this is good.

Do our pets care about the color of their food? That's pretty doubtful. So why in the world are these artificial colors added to our pets' food?

For us.

Yes, for us. If we see green kibble in the shape of a pea, we think "real veggies." And if we see a red kibble in the shape of a steak, there must be real beef in there. The opposite is true. Orange is not cheese, either. Our pets do not choose the food we purchase for them. It's all about us, and it's a mental game. Many companies prey upon the common misconception that "color" means "real" and "fresh," when it means exactly the opposite. 

There are a million (or so) ways we can help our pets through diet, but an easy first step toward a healthier way is to make sure we are eliminating artificial color from their diets. For every food that has artificial colors, there is a better one that doesn't. Instead of shopping at the grocery store or mega pet store for pet food, try a small, locally owned shop. The employees are likely to be more educated and can help you find the right food to meet your pet's needs. 

We rotate our dog, N.A.S.H.A.'s food (another great way to keep your pet healthier). Some we purchase from our local small pet supply store, and some I order online through Petbrosia, a company that customizes and delivers dog and cat food based on the breed, age, gender, and activity level of your pet. We love it, so it might be worth checking out if you're looking to make a switch.

Feeding ourselves can be quite overwhelming, so worrying about the diet we feed our pets is just another stressor, but it doesn't have to be, and we don't need to beat ourselves up over it. Take reasonable steps to improve the situation. Ask yourself, as Shannon would "where are you now?" There's always room for improvement.

This article, written by me, originally appeared on Hybrid Rasta Mama, for whom I create original content. It appears here, with minor changes, with permission.

Food color photo source: naturallysavvy.com

goin' green gift guide for pets

Whenever I shop for my pets, I try to seek out products that are non-toxic, chemical-free, free of artificial ingredients, natural, and eco-friendly. The same holds true for holiday gift-giving. That can be a lot to ask for and sometimes a challenge to find, so I've compiled a list of some of our favorites that fit the bill. If you haven't yet shopped for your pets consider these green gifts:

Dogitalis Natural Dog Shampoo     $17.99

Dogitalis Natural Dog Shampoo is a natural clarifying shampoo that will promote a healthy, shiny coat and sooth your dog's skin naturally. It is formulated with pure essential oils and gentle, natural cleansing agents.   It is suitable for all breeds. The light citrus scent leaves your dog's coat smelling fresh and clean. Eco-friendly, this shampoo is made using only pure, natural ingredients–no paragons, sulfates, dyes, artificial fragrances or chemicals, and is made in the USA.

Digitalis Natural Dog Shampoo comes in a 16 oz recyclable PET bottle.

Back to the Roots Aqua Farm     $59.99

The AquaFarm is a three-gallon fish tank that makes a perfect home for a beta fish. It has a vegetable and herb grow-bed atop the tank that contributes to a closed-loop system. In other words, the waste from the fish provides nutrients for the plants, and the plants clean the water for the fish. No way! All you have to do is feed your fish!

Wheatgrass and basil seeds are included with your AquaFarm, but you can grow other leafy greens and herbs, as well.

SomaPet     $69.95

For over fifteen years, SomaLife has been an all-natural, cutting edge nutraceutical company focusing on three specific fields: age management, athletic performance, and brain health. They have developed proprietary formulations based on years of clinical research and supported by indisputable body science that have proven so effective that they have received international patents.

The SomaPet supplement is a specific combination of amino acids formulated to optimize the health of your pet. The specific combination, when taken orally, is designed to support the release of Growth Hormone from the pituitary, which assists in cell repair and regeneration. SomaPet aids in the following:

• Improved immune function

• Improved nervous function

• Strengthened collagen and bone

• Increased healing

• Cellular energy promotion

• Minimize exercise damage

SomaLife/SomaPet is offering some holiday specials you can take advantage of. From December 19th through the 21st, you can save 30% on your entire order!

Read my full testimony on the Well Minded blog.

USE CODE NASHA15 TO RECEIVE 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER (no expiration)!

Bowsers Eco Placemat for Pets     $25.49-$32.49

Forget those slippery plastic placemats! Bowsers Eco Placemat for Pets is manufactured from recycled rubber tires and microvelvet, which means it's both strong and comfortable, especially for pets who may benefit from eased stress on their feet, back, and joints. It can be used either as a placemat for food dishes or as a comfort mat. It repels dirt, spills, and moisture, making clean-up a snap. We love that the mat comes in eight different patterns, so you can be sure to find something stylish that suits your decor. The Eco Placemat also comes in two sizes, 10" x 20" or 15" x 27."

Bell Rock Growers Pet Greens Garden Grass Self Grow Kit     $4.99

Bell Rock Growers Pet Greens Garden Grass Self Grow Kit is a great way to grow your own wheat grass for your pet. It is ideal for cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles. It is healthy, all-natural, and gluten free and is USDA certified organic. It is a great treat, and provides an alternative to eating possibly toxic houseplants or outdoor grasses. 

All you have to do is add water, so it's super easy, and the grass grows full in just 7-10 days, so your pet won't have to wait long to enjoy!

PetPals Recycled Paper Cat House     $200.99-$220.99

The PetPals Recycled Paper Cat House comes in both one- and two-condo varieties. The sturdy cat tree is made of recycled paper and carpet. It features several sisal scratching posts, one or two condos, a cradle (two in the two-condo version), a hanging teaser toy, and a tunnel (single condo only). The six levels will allow one or multiple cats to relax, enjoy, and be entertained. The cat house is easy to assemble, so Fluffy won't have to wait long to live in the lap of eco-friendly luxury.

PetPals Recycled Paper Cat House with one condo.

PetPals Recycled Paper Cat House with two condos.

Product dimensions: 23" L x 17" W x 24" H (single condo) and 31" L x 23" W x 64" H (double condo).

Eco Tosser Dog Toy–Honest Pet Products     $10.99-$13.99

The Eco Tosser Dog Toy from Honest Pet Products is a do-gooder's dream. Unlike tennis balls, the Eco Tosser is entirely safe and free from harmful chemicals. It is completely non-toxic and made from earth-friendly, sustainable help canvas stuffed with organic will. Play fetch in your backyard, or even the pool, because the Eco Tosser floats! The toy can be machine washed and dry for easy cleaning. It is squeaker-free, ultra durable, and available in two sizes.

 What's even better, the Eco Tosser is made by disabled adults in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This article, written by me, was originally published on Hybrid Rasta Mama, for which I create original content. It has been reprinted with minor changes with permission.