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Thursday, June 26, 2014

Vitamin Shoppe Next Step Fit N' Full Shakes - Easy Way to Shake Off a Few Pounds!

One of the coolest things about the Influenster Go VoxBox - and the staple of an energetic lifestyle - is the Vitamin Shoppe Next Step Fit N' Full Protein Shakes.


I received the Fresh Berries, Swiss Chocolate, and French Vanilla flavor to try. They all shook up easily in the provided shaker bottle, and had a very smooth and creamy texture. They did take a bit of shaking, but who doesn't need a little extra cardio?

First, the Fresh Berries flavor.

 
This was my favorite of the three flavors. The berry taste was very true to a fresh strawberry, and it really worked well to counteract the usual yeasty protein shake taste. Very nice.

Next, Swiss Chocolate


This flavor, I got a little creative with. I mixed in unsweetened vanilla almond milk instead of water, and added a shot of espresso. Voila, my coffeehouse treat. The chocolate flavor is excellent, but I did notice a bit of bitterness at the finish that I didn't have with the Berry flavor.

Finally, French Vanilla.


To be honest, this was my least favorite. I would have preferred a stronger vanilla flavor, as I could really taste the protein powder in it. It's was pretty bitter, and had a slightly harsh scent. A bit of vanilla almond milk fixed it up nicely, though, so my recommendation is to mix it with a milk product instead of water if you have a vanilla yen.

All three did a great job as a meal replacement. I drank them on a totally empty stomach, and it filled me up right away. The full feeling stays for about three hours, but if you have a healthy snack before it totally wears off, it can be stretched for a couple more hours. It was a complete meal replacement...I wasn't hungry at all. And at around 140 calories and 5 grams of fat (dry mix), that's a great kickstart for any diet. 

The single serving packs make it uber portable and easy to keep stashed for when you're running late, which is handy for staying on track. I may just have to stock up and see if I can get back into my size six clothes again.

I was given this product by Influenster for testing and review purposes. My opinions are my own.














Müller Yogurt...Tasty and Innovative! #MullerQuaker

I love yogurt in any form, but what really makes my experience memorable is extra bells and whistles as well as great taste. Müller Yogurt has both.

I got to pick a flavor free thanks to Influenster, and difficult though it was, I settled on the Greek Corner with Caramelized Almonds.



It is SO good. The almonds are the perfect combination of sweet nuttiness, and the yogurt itself is top-notch: Creamy, smooth, just sweet enough, not sour. It's a perfect healthy breakfast. Check it out:


I love how the nuts are on the same level as the yogurt, giving you the option to dip if you're not the dumping type. I totally dumped mine, though.


In the end, I had too many temptations, and returned for another flavor that had caught my eye: another Corner, Dark Chocolate and Raspberry.



I mentioned dumping, right? The packaging is designed to let you do that without spatters from lids or other messes. Check it.


You just fold over the corner, and it pours right into the yogurt part. Neat and sweet.



But how was it? Well, if the Caramelized Almonds Corner is a good breakfast, this here is the dessert. So creamy and sweet, with tiny flecks of chocolate giving texture and flavor, and the tangy raspberry topping blends perfectly.

Conclusion? I think Müller Yogurt is a standout, and I must go try more flavors as soon as possible. You should, too. You won't regret it.

I was given this product by Influenster for testing and review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Putting My Best PROFOOT Forward! #GoPROFOOT

My Go VoxBox from Influenster contained many treasures, but the PROFOOT items made my feet SO very happy.


First up, the Triad Orthotic. I'll spare you the sight of my manky old sneakers, but I can say for real, these insoles seriously work. The first thing I noticed was the impact was lessened noticeably. My knees weren't aching, and the pain in my heels that was pretty much chronic was gone.

The next thing I noticed was that I seemed to walk straighter. I had apparently been favoring my heels, walking to keep the weight off them, without even knowing it. Not anymore.

In general, these effects made it easier to keep walking and left me with minimal aftereffects, especially less pain. It was surprising to me, because they weren't a full insole. But whatever they did, it works.

I also got the Pedi-Rock. Do not be fooled by the name...it's actually quite soft. In texture, not in lack of functionality. It works fabulously. Warning...while I spared you the manky sneakers, I will show you my manky feet.

Beware: my feet after a workout. Nasty, crusty heels, etc.


So I grabbed the Pedi-Rock and gave my feet a few good swipes. On big difference I noticed right away: because the Pedi-Rock is softer, I didn't get that dry , put my teeth on edge, icky feeling I get from most items of this type. It works great for exfoliating, though.


Still a bit dry, but the heel and toe calluses are gone. This is just a couple of minutes, remember. A little lotion and I'll be ready for flip-flops. Easy peasy. You can also use this item wet, by the way.

With these two products, I have seriously happy feet, and fewer reasons to skip my workout. PROFOOT has a new fan.

I received these products from Influenster for testing and review purposes. My opinions and scary-looking feet are my own.



Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons: Let's Get Real.

I received Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons as part of my awesome Go VoxBox from Influenster. Now, straight up, I do not normally like tampons. These, I like.



Don't worry, I'm not getting out the blue liquid or dipping it into a glass of water to see what happens like one of those foam things that grow. But you should check this out. This is actual size, with a lip balm for size comparison.


Looks pretty small, right? Wait'll you see it undressed.


I know, right? It's kinda cute, and that's a great color. But it's not just a pretty face. Not to get graphic, but tampons generally can't keep up with my, er, volume. They also tend to be uncomfortable for me. This worked great on the former, and wasn't at all the latter. Even when running upstairs or doing my trampoline workout, it stayed in place, held back the "tide", and didn't annoy me while doing it.

Oh, and it even smells nice. Can't hurt to have a little help in that area, right?

I'm keeping these handy for next month...whatever that brings.

I received this product from Influenster for testing and review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Energy to Spare: The #GoVoxBox!

Once again, Influenster is awesome. They hooked me up with the fabulousness that is the GoVoxBox!



I got me some Vitamin Shoppe Next Step Fit N Full Protein Shakes, and a shaker so cute my kids tried to steal it.





 A SERIOUS hookup from ProFoot, the Profoot Triad Orthodic AND Profoot Pedi Rock!


Aqua Spa Relax Body Creme with Lavender and Chamomile...such a great scent!


 Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons, Regular:


And a snack that is both tasty and pretty, Blue Diamond Blueberry Flavored Almonds!



 I also got a coupon for a free Muller Yogurt! I got a Greek Corner with Caramelized Almonds.



This is the ultimate collection to inspire me to bust out the Ipod and trash all of the excuses. I'm so in!

I received these items from Influenster for testing and review purposes. My opinions are my own.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Litter Genie: THE Weapon Against Kitty Stink!

Because Crowdtap was awesome to me, I finally got my hands on an item I've been eyeing for some time.


No, not the kitty! That's my baby Cloak. The Litter Genie is the star in this case. I've seen it in the stores, and wondering if it could work as well as it said.

It seriously does.

Pretty simple operation. Flip the lid, toss in the kitty yuck, pull the handle, and everything gets locked away. No muss, no fuss, no nasty pee and poop smell making people question your housekeeping abilities.

I can testify that it works, because I have two neutered boy cats. They pee CONSTANTLY. The Litter Genie kept up, saving me a run to the garage to toss each day's leavings. Any time saved is a boon to me, for sure.

My other baby Dagger approves this message.


I received a free product from Crowdtap for testing and review purposes. My opinions are my own.


Sunday, June 15, 2014

Giveaway: Night of Pampering with Turkey Hill Ice Cream! #TRKAmbassador (CLOSED)

If you already entered my giveaway for free Turkey Hill ice cream, you'll recall I mentioned another one coming on the 15th. If you haven't entered, scroll down and do it! It's free ice cream, what's better than that?

Actually, there is something better than free ice cream. Free ice cream with SWAG.



A gift pack perfect for a nice night of natural-product pampering while you binge-watch Netflix. Swag includes an exclusive Turkey Hill Ambassador Team tee suitable for combining with PJ pants (size XL), a Turkey Hill reusable shopping bag, LipSyl Intense Protection Lip Balm, SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Facial Wash and Scrub, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Facial Mask, Revlon by Marchesa nail files and Soapbox Lavender with African Shea Butter and Sea Salt soap.

Just for fun, I also included a Rimmel London SHOW OFF lip lacquer in Big Bang. And because no personal party is complete without ice cream, the winner will also receive THREE FREE COUPONS for a half-gallon of All Natural Recipe Turkey Hill Ice Cream.

So GO GO GO!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Not Just Baby Food: Beech-Nut Natural Foods!

Beech-Nut baby foods have been a part of my life for a long time, and the latest line is "Just" awesome!

 Courtesy of beechnut.com

I was honored with the chance to present this wonderful product to my Mom group, thanks to Green Moms Meet.



And yes, when presented with creative combos of fruits, I had to play.

I got out my handy ice-pop maker, and voila...perfect for that cranky teething baby! I used Just Pear and Black Cherry and Just Pineapple, Pear and Avocado. Yes, a sweet, fruity puree with avocado. It's really good, too.



I brought out vanilla ice cream, and Just Apple and Aronia Berry went into the blender with it.



It was yum. Seriously.



I also broke out the Just Honeycrisp Apple over the ice cream, with a dusting of cinnamon. It was VERY well received.



I loved all of the flavors, though the Pineapple, Pear and Avocado took some getting used to. That was considered the least favorite by the group as far as taste, but many said that since it contained the avocado, they would be interested in buying it anyway. The texture was  roundly praised for being smooth, but not too thin. We had all fruit flavors to try, but the consensus was that since they were so good, they'd want to try the whole line. And the jars are adorable!


I had a sneaky little one grab her own jar. As you can see, she's a happy girl.


The boxes that the jars came in were very cute, and kids need to be entertained, so I set up a craft area where the kids could decorate the boxes.


There was much fun had by all.





My assessment: This is as good as what I make in my own kitchen, with the convenience of store-bought baby food. It's a wonderful product, and it translates past babyhood into other age groups, even adulthood. I can't wait to try the other flavors.


I received free products to share with my group for testing and review purposes. My opinions are my own.


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

WOW Butter Review and Giveaway, Hosted by Little Helpers in Life Blog!



I have known quite a few people that have nut allergies. I have actually accidentally made someone peanut butter cookies when I was in school that had a nut allergy. Thank goodness he asked before he took his first bite, because that can be fatal. So, when I was able to try Wowbutter I was so excited. 


I know how much a kid can love having that classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but can't if they are allergic. With Wowbutter, they no longer have to worry about it. And you as a parent or caregiver of some sort no longer have to worry about getting confused on which kiddo gets what. You see, Wowbutter tastes almost identical to regular peanut butter. Which is so unusual. It is great. So people with allergies, kids especially can enjoy everything that anyone else can. And don't need to feel any different. 
 

I used Wowbutter to make peanut butter cookies, to see if my husband could tell the difference. He is a peanut butter lover, and is very particular. He didn't even know the difference, until I told him. Which is great in my opinion. 

I have used this as well for my son to have peanut butter and jelly.. He can be a little picky when it comes to certain foods, but he ate it right up. This is something I can see keeping in my house as a staple. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is hosted and maintained by the original poster.  

Friday, June 6, 2014

Fan-Bassador Back Again - With Free Ice Cream! #TRKAmbassador (CLOSED)


 Photo courtesy of turkeyhill.com

Yes, I am a Turkey Hill Fan-bassador. My mission: to explore new ice cream flavors, and seek out new fans and get you all addicted. It's a real strain telling you all how tremendously fabulous Turkey Hill Dairy All Natural Recipe Ice Cream is, but I am brave and strong, and up to the task.

Okay, maybe it's not that difficult. I might actually really enjoy it. A lot. Don't judge me.

What is All Natural Recipe, you ask?

Just like it sounds. It's all natural ice cream, from the geniuses of Turkey Hill. Yes, all natural ingredients. And before you give me the side-eye, it tastes AWESOME. Especially the Salted Caramel. Not to be biased or anything, but it is the BOMB.

Flavors:
 How could it get better, you ask? What would you say if I told you I was giving it away...FOR FREE?

Easy, there.  Yes, I'm serious. Five lucky winners will get not one, not two, but THREE coupons for free Turkey Hill Ice Cream. And because I hate to see a party end, if you come back on June 15th, I'll have an even cooler surprise in store. Hint: It has to do with one of the major reasons ladies eat ice cream.

But for now...Hit it.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received free product from Turkey Hill Dairy for testing and review purposes. My opinions are my own.