I didnt have any internet connection to post it earlier, my apologies...but here is our winner: Karen...she said:
I like that they give 100% of their profits away...dont know how they do it, but I am happy they are a company that does
Karen @byedon at hotmail dot com
I want to send out a HUGE thank you to all our entrants and I am so happy for Karen!
Thank you to everyone!!
I wanted to kick off this new blog with some amazing giveaways and reviews, but not just ANY giveaways and reviews, but something of benefit to our lives, our homes, our environment....something good for us!
So, with that said, I have been in contact with this wonderful company called Shaman Organic Chocolate. This is a chocolate company with a cause!
My main interests in this company was their statement: We are fair trade , organic and we donate one hundred percent of our profits to the Huichol Indians of Mexico.
Because for me, to make our home as back to basics (organic) as I can, is top priority and knowing this company turns 100% of its profit over for a good cause, doesn't that make you feel less guilty picking up a candy bar?
From Shamans front page, they share the concept to creation of this fabulous chocolate:
From Vision to Creation
Inspired by a visionary dream, Shaman Chocolates was created in 2002 as a way to provide ongoing economic support for the indigenous Huichol Indians of Mexico. Huichol Shaman and Healer Brant Secunda dreamt that people were eating chocolate and it was filling their bodies up with love, and that chocolate would be a way to help support the Huichols’ cultural survival. Chocolate is sacred to the Huichols who have used it for thousands of years in their ceremonies and as offerings to show their love for Mother Earth. Shaman Chocolates gives all of its profits to support three Huichol villages. Every bar you buy helps sustain the Huichols and keeps their ancient shamanic traditions alive.
Cathy is a super sweet (pun on the chocolate) representative of Shaman Organic Chocolate, I am very pleased to have spoken with her. She generously sent me three different candy bars and an 8-piece gift box of assorted chocolates to experience, review and offer one lucky reader the opportunity to win the exact candy sent by them as well!!
Here is what the winner will receive:
These three candy bars:Dark Chocolate with Green Tea & Ginger
Dark Chocolate (60% Cacao) with a mix of rejuvenating green tea and invigorating ginger. Product Details
Extra Dark Chocolate
Extra Dark Chocolate (82% Cacao). Experience the richness of pure chocolate. The perfect match for the purest at heart. Product Details
Milk Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts & Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt
Milk Chocolate (37% Cacao) with Macadamia Nuts & Hawaiian Pink Sea Salt. The island-lover's dream. Product Details
And this incredible 8 piece gift box of assorted chocolates!!
Gift Box
$8.00 Beautiful, flower-shaped solid chocolates in a variety of flavors. Product
These little morsels are AMAZINGLY good! Who would have thought to put ginger and green tea in chocolate - awesome!
Special thanks to my sister who has helped me with this review - she brought me the package as well as helped me eat them! They are worse then any potato chip that says you cant eat just one, because these delicious little morsels, you CANT eat just one!
Let me ask you...have you ever eaten organic chocolate before? Did you like it?
I have had my fair share of disappointments in the past regarding organic chocolate - everything from little flavor, waxy texture, to a vitamin taste - yuck to all three!
Shamans Organic Chocolates are DELICIOUS! The chocolate has the right texture, the right flavor - it was like eating the most decadent chocolates. I know I should feel some guilt for eating so much, but what started out as a game plan to just sample each one, share, pass it around and review...turned into snacking on them all day long!
Now, on to the giveaway...what does the winner have to do to win this exact gift package sent to them by Shamans Organic Chocolates?
1-Go to their site at: http://www.shamanchocolates.com/, write a quick sentence or two about what you learned or liked about their cause-leave your comment in the form below
2-Join their mailing list if you are interested, and leave a comment if you do
3-Sign up for our newsletter and let me know you did-leave me your email address in your comment
This giveaway will start April 14, 2010 and end April 28, 2010 Midnight e.s.t. - NONE of the above is necessary to enter this giveaway - you may simply leave your name/email to be entered.
I am asking you to spread the word too as this is not just any chocolate review and giveaway, but CHOCOLATE WITH A CAUSE!
(This giveaway is listed at: 'All Things Bloggy' http://lifesacharm.net/blog and at: Sweepstakes Advantage http://www.sweepsadvantage.com/)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received these products from Shaman Organic Chocolates product strictly to review and run a free giveaway and at no time do/did I recieve any monetary compensation. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I love that they "provide ongoing economic support for the indigenous Huichol Indians of Mexico." That's so amazing!
ReplyDeletefrugalsciencegal [at] gmail [dot] com
I learned that the this small tribe (Huichol Indians) of approximately 15,000 living in Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains are perhaps the last in the Americas to have retained their pre-Columbian traditions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and giveaway!
jackievillano at gmail dot com
I subscribed via email to your newsletter!
ReplyDeletejackievillano at gmail dot com
I learned that the Huichol and Maya believe cacao to be a gift from the gods! I would love to try the Dark CHocolate with Acai, Lemon and Orange - that sounds very unique!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I learned that they support the Huichol Indians are a small tribe of approximately 15,000 people living in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico. Considered by many to be the last of the North American tribes whose tradition is still intact.
ReplyDeleteBlackbearpie@aol.com
EXTRA DARK CHOCOLATE OR PURE CHOCOLATE
ReplyDeleteThe Huichols have no history of war. They devote all their energies to spiritual ways, training their hearts to open to the healing power of love, celebrating and honoring all of life.
ReplyDeleteChocolate is sacred to the Huichols who have used it for thousands of years in their ceremonies and as offerings to show their love for Mother Earth. Shaman Chocolates gives all of its profits to support three Huichol villages. Every bar you buy helps sustain the Huichols and keeps their ancient shamanic traditions alive. - How very amazingly cool!
ReplyDeletetvollowitz at aol dot com
I like the fact that the Huichols are a peaceful tribe.
ReplyDeleteI like that they give 100% of their profits away...dont know how they do it, but I am happy they are a company that does
ReplyDeleteKaren @
byedon at hotmail dot com
I loved learning that this is a product that gives back to society, donating money to the Huichols is pretty amazing.
ReplyDeletenanoukedesigns (at) yahoo.com
My previous experience with organic chocolate was that it was oddly dry. It kind of reminded me of carob chips. These sound much better. I'm intrigued by the fact that the Huichol Indians are one of the only North American tribes still in tact.
ReplyDeleteI learned that Shaman Organic Chocolates was created to give economic support to the Huichol Indians of Mexico.
ReplyDeleteelainehearn@live.com
clothed much, a modest fashion blog
Shaman Chocolates gives all of its profits to support three Huichol villages. Every bar you buy helps sustain the Huichols and keeps their ancient shamanic traditions alive.
ReplyDeleteI loved the photo of the hands with the cocoa beans.
I followed you with GFC and TWitter. I like your blog!
I have had lots of wonderful chocolate- the best is always organic, fair trade, and shade grown, it just makes a better bean! I am ensaddened that some people ruin this fine ingredient, somehow.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know Cacao beans were the coin of the land, back in the day! But it makes perfect sense-- and I now know how to restructure our economy!:D
carapacenator(at)gmail.com
I love that the entire idea literally came from a dream. That's AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteI like that they "provide ongoing economic support for the indigenous Huichol Indians of Mexico." Chocolate is yummy, but I never knew it was once used as a currency.
ReplyDeletei learned they have chocolate with coconuts and hazelnuts YUM
ReplyDeleteemmy1981 at aol dot com
I was interested to read about the Huichols and their ceremonial relationship with the corn-based agriculture. Very interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
I learned that the Huichol Indians are a small tribe of approximately 15,000 people living in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico.
ReplyDeletejune_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
I appreciate a healthy, chemical free luxury item that doesn't injure the land or people who produce it, that's something pretty rare these days, on all counts. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletesugareaterATgmailDOTcom
I learned that they help the Huichol Indians of Mexico.
ReplyDeletehewella1@gmail.com
With each purchase of Shaman Chocolates you help them to preserve the ceremonial traditions, rich mythology and magnificent visionary art that compliment Huichol culture. That is awesome!
ReplyDeletei learned that the cacao is considered a gift form the gods by the Huichol and Maya! cool!
ReplyDeleteI learned that the Huichol and Maya believe cacao to be a gift from the gods! I would love to try the Dark CHocolate with Acai, Lemon and Orange - that sounds very unique
ReplyDeleteI learned that the Huichol are one of the last remaining North American tribes. How tragic - and what a strong reminder how important these efforts are!
ReplyDeleteBeing a person who has lived and worked with the Huichol for the past 40 years I would be interested in knowing where this company is working and what services they are providing in benefit of the Huichol.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to me that they give away 100% of their profits!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
i love that it relates to the native people of mexico - after visiting the country the tourism only sickened me and makes me want to promote their culture and help in any way i can!
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway!
ecodog @ live dot com
Organic cotton clothing does not contain any toxic chemicals and so they are 100% safe for your body.
ReplyDeleteOrganic Baby Products
I love that they give their profits toward the support of three villages - awesome! (Email contact is available on my Blogger profile.)
ReplyDeleteI learned that Every bar you buy helps sustain the Huichols and keeps their ancient shamanic traditions alive.
ReplyDeletehoneybeez80@yahoo.com
i learned that vorn is life for the Huichol Indians.
ReplyDelete"Every bar you buy helps sustain the Huichols and keeps their ancient shamanic traditions alive." *Thanks* for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletetheluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Joined the Shaman Chocolates mailing list
ReplyDeletetheluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
Subscribed to Be The Heart Of Your Home by email
ReplyDeletetheluckyladybug[at]gmail[dot]com
I learned that they are a peace loving tribe and have never been to war. All profits of the choc. go to Huichol Indians.
ReplyDeleteI joined their mailing list.
ReplyDeletecrochet4hats(at)gmail(dot)com
I signed up for your newsletter
ReplyDeletecrochet4hats[at]gmail[dot]com
I like that the site uses the chocolate as a way to help support the Huichols’ cultural survival. And, the chocolate has been in their culture for thousands of years! Way cool way to give back!
ReplyDeletesksweeps (at) earthlink (dot) net
The Huichol Indians used chocolate as a symbol of love for Mother Nature. The Sman Chocolates were created to help support them financially.
ReplyDeletesturberry @ gmail (dot) com
joined their mailing list
ReplyDeletewith sour_tartz310@yahoo
sturberry @ gmail (dot) com
I learned they like to preserve their heritage & traditions. They give back to their community & are a peaceful tribe.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe by rss google reader to your blog.
ReplyDeleteI signed up for their rss feed by google reader instead of email hope that's ok for an entry. I hate emails now.
ReplyDeletesigned up for your newsletter with sour_tartz310@yahoo.com
ReplyDeletesturberry @ gmail (dot) com
I love that they give all of their profits to support three Huichol villages. That definitely makes the purchase feel even better! Imagine feeling even better about buying chocolate!! :)
ReplyDeletethey provide economic support for the indians in mexico. so so cool
ReplyDeletejulieb82@gmail.com
having a husband from Central America, I realize that economic support to impoverished areas is very important. That is why I like the fact that this companies profits go to support 3 villages, because they could obviously use this money to better their way of life.
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
I learned that the program started in 2002 to help three indigenous Mexican Indians. What a neat idea to use something everyone loves to help others!
ReplyDeleteflufffreebies@hotmail.com
I learned that the Huichols are dependent on corn and agriculture. They plant their crops along steep slopes of mountains.
ReplyDeleteI like that they are trying to help support the Huichols’ cultural survival. I have visted Mexico and find their culture very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely familiar with similar companies, but I didn't know of any in North America! So that's something. It's pretty cool that the company's name reflects the tribe's religious traditions.
ReplyDeleteyngj (at) uchicago (dot) edu.
i also added their mailing list!
ReplyDeleteyngj (at) uchicago (dot) edu.
I learned that this tribe of Huichol Indians of approximately 15,000 living in Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains are perhaps the last in the Americas to have retained their pre-Columbian traditions.
ReplyDeleteLaura_in_TX
123yes456@gmail.com
I like that they give back to the indigenous Indians in Mexico and that they are a fairly new company!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely one of the better causes, since helping people to become self-sustaining while allowing them to maintain their cultural traditions is so much better than trying to make everyone fit into a pre-conceived model for life.
ReplyDeletecgclynsg0 at gmail dot com
Fair trade is a huge deal, I am very passionate about the native workers not being taken advantage of..
ReplyDeleteadrianalombard@hotmail.com
I can't eat chocolate, but I'd like to enter for my boyfriend, who loves it. I am glad that Shaman is pursuing a fair trade, organic business model!
ReplyDeleteurchiken at gmail dot com
I LOVE that every bar you buy helps sustain the Huichols and keeps their ancient shamanic traditions alive... and this was inspired by a true vision.
ReplyDeleteadrianecoros(at)gmail.com
I learned that the indigenous peoples of Mexico believed that the cacoa seed was a gift from Paradise (I have to agree!)
ReplyDeleteI like that ALL of their profits go to support the Huichol villages and try to preserve their culture.
ReplyDeleteI liked that they give all of the profits to support three Huichol villages. Very nice
ReplyDeleteAshley
sympathetic_kitty@yahoo.com
I've had these before and would love a freebie!
ReplyDelete~Melissa
crazywriter@hotmail.com
I learned that the Huichol Indians are a small tribe of approximately 15,000 people living in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico...
ReplyDeletejessicap067@gmail.com
mmm chocolate.
ReplyDeletemmkrtschjan (at) gmail (dot) com
:-)
I like that they give back to the indigenous Indians in Mexico.
ReplyDeletedawafo256@gmail.com
I learned that among the Maya only nobles, priests and warriors were considered worthy of chocolate. But to the Huichol chocolate is for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for my chance to enjoy some, too!
ReplyDeleteI learned that "All profits directly support the indigenous Huichol people."
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all of the hard wok that goes into your blog!
lirpaskoorb@gmail.com
Learned that The Huichol Indians consider chocolate a sacred gift from paradise and have used it in ceremonies since time immemorial, leaving it as offerings to show their love for Mother Earth,"
ReplyDeletesigned up for your newsletter, onedayitwillbealright@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteBrant Secunda is a shaman, healer, and ceremonial leader in the Huichol Indian tradition of Mexico. He completed a 12-year apprenticeship with Don Jose Matsuwa, the renowned Huichol shaman who passed away in 1990 at the age of 110. Thanks.
ReplyDeletepresident(dot)peaches(at)hotmail(dot)com
I learned that the 2 oz. bar of Pure Milk Chocolate contains organic ingredients such as
ReplyDeleteorganic whole milk powder, organic cocoa butter and others.
electricisland(at)gmail.com
I joined their mailing list with this email- electricisland(at)gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSigned up for your newsletter by email.
ReplyDeleteelectricisland(at)gmail.com
Their cause is to help an Indian tribe of Mexico. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.
ReplyDeletedianad8008 AT gmail DOT com
The Huichols have no history of war. They devote all their energies to spiritual ways, training their hearts to open to the healing power of love, celebrating and honoring all of life. They are famous for their strong ceremonial traditions, rich cosmology and incredible visionary artwork.
ReplyDeleteJoined their mailing list
ReplyDeletesigned up for your newsletter
ReplyDeleteI learned "Inspired by a visionary dream, Shaman Chocolates was created in 2002 as a way to provide ongoing economic support for the indigenous Huichol Indians of Mexico. "
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
email in blogger profile.
Shaman Chocolates gives all of its profits to support three Huichol villages.
ReplyDeletecouponboss at gmail dot com
Primarily an agricultural people, the Huichols are dependent on corn, planting their fields along steep slopes of their beloved mountain homeland.
ReplyDeleteI learned that cacao beans were the coin of the land back then!
ReplyDeleteedgenemmers@gmail.com
I think the support of the Huichols people of Mexico is just fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI've just subscribed.
ReplyDeleteI learned that the Huichol Indians are a small tribe of approximately 15,000 people living in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico.
ReplyDeletebrownhairgirl7@hotmail.com
I signed up for the Shaman Chocolates mailing list.
ReplyDeletebrownhairgirl7@hotmail.com
I signed up for your newsletter.
ReplyDeletebrownhairgirl7@hotmail.com
I learned that Shaman Chocolates was created in 2002 as a way to provide ongoing economic support for the indigenous Huichol Indians of Mexico.
ReplyDeletegillhome(at)aol.com
I learned that Shaman Chocolates was created in 2002 as a way to provide ongoing economic support for the indigenous Huichol Indians of Mexico. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love that they are simply supporting a culture and helping them keep traditions sacred to them.
ReplyDeleteclarkmurdock@yahoo.com
I love that they help native peoples. Something that tastes great and does good = awesome!
ReplyDeleteI learned:
ReplyDeleteBy honoring the seasons, and through ritual and exercise, the Huichols stay connected to the Ancient Ones – TateWari (Grandfather Fire), Takutsi Nakawey (Grandmother Growth), Kauyumari (Our brother and guide, the Deer Spirit), and Tatei Yurianaka (Mother Earth), among other.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Shaman Chocolates was created in 2002
ReplyDelete