X-Chef 100% Silicone Basting Brushes, 4-Pack

There are some kitchen tools you can never have enough of. Spatulas. Spoons. Bowls. And basting brushes. When I got offered the opportunity to test out a four pack of 100% food-grade silicone basting brushes from X-Chef, you better believe I said yes with a quickness! And am I ever so glad I did.

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You see, despite the advertisements to the contrary, silicone does hold scents and can transfer them between dishes. And up until recently, I’d been keeping my one smaller silicone brush especially for sweet and neutral dishes, or for egg washes, and a separate one for my savory dishes in a separate drawer so they never got confused. Now, thanks to X-Chef, my brushes can all go in the same drawer because they came in four bright colors to easily tell one from another. The clear lucite handles means I can even label them with a Sharpie if I so desire. The handles are long and sturdy, and the heads can slip right off for easy washing. And being that the silicone brushes are dishwasher safe, I can just toss them right in after use. They’re also temperature safe for foods up to 500°, so basting right out the over or right off the grill is no problem. What I especially liked was that the silicone on these brushes was softer than my other brushes, which means I no longer had to brush very slowly or just dab, because the silicone bristles won’t whip or fling marinades or sauces all over the counter, stovetop or oven door.

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As if all that wasn’t enough, X-Chef guarantees their silicone brushes with a 1-year, “No-Hassle” money back guarantee. It’s not just convenient, it’s essential to have multiples of some tools in your kitchen. A silicone basting brush in and of itself is very essential, but having a few on hand at all times will make a day’s worth of cooking and baking a little less of a mess and hassle. At $8.99 shipped from Amazon, I don’t see any reason for your kitchen to be without them!

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Connect with X-Chef:

I received the above product(s) free of charge from X-Chef.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

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Beyond the Beauty Hair Care, Precision Pro Select Zebra Ceramic Flat Iron

Let’s have a chat about out hair for a bit, shall we? I have very long, veryfine hair, and there’s a lot of it. This means that anything I use usually uses high amounts of product or a process takes longer. I admit that most times I resort to doing a bun or do a half-up do to try to mask my short comings (i.e. lack of dedication) regarding my hair style.

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I was sent the Beyond the Beauty Precision Pro Select Zebra Cermic Flat Iron (Item #BTBPPZ) from the Flat Iron Experts to try out. I have to admit that I have walked by hair flat irons but most times I get a case of the lazies and walk away. I’ve had some very negative experiences with devices, with my most recent one being that the build was poor and not only zapped me, but there was an area of plastic that was not smoothed out enough, so it loved to catch a hair and surprise me by pulling it out.  Bad dreams about that curling iron still haunt me!

Before Flat Iron Use

Before Flat Iron Use

Now, the first feature I love is that the controls on the Beauty Precision Pro-Select Ceramic styler. A temperature selector that uses degrees Fahrenheit. I can fine tune the heat I want and or need that fits with my hair/style. None of this low, medium and “I fry your hair” functions you see with other flat irons. The selector is easy to reach, touch and set….this is even with it on. The handles remained cool throughout my entire use. No discomfort whatsoever. What I liked best, it only took me 10 minutes to learn how to use it (yeah, I sort of skipped on instructions and jumped in) and that was counting styling. The setting for me was in the low 200°’s (Fahrenheit), but this little zebra starts at 176° and gives you every temperature in between to a maximum of 430°. I like that because some styling sprays and hair-dos require different needs and this styler fits every single one of them!

After using the Flat Iron

After using the Flat Iron

Other Features:

I also liked BtB Precision Pro Select’s ergonomics. You do not think much of it until you have to use an item that gives off heat and you have very long or even short hair, it takes being able to handle and reach the right angles to get the final look you want to achieve. I could get close to my head and reach out with the iron to the tips of my hair, with one fell swoop. I saved time not having to go back and forth to get areas I missed, it missed, or could not reach. It’s slim and easy to manage and light in weight. I bake in the kitchen and sometimes my hands are tired and not steady but I had zero complains when it came to functionality. The styler also has a long cord so it comes to you versus you trying to work with it.

Longevity:

The plates are 100% ceramic and I like no skimping in that area because this is what will be touching my locks! The heat not only is well distributed, as you see this by it’s exceptional performance, but it also retains the heat well so you can keep going with the styler. It keeps up with me versus I having to wait for it! I get regular visits from the frizz monster, and as well as his buddy the Static King…..not good when your hair is long. This means it’s obvious to all and I don’t want to crackle when I flip my hair. In comes Far Infrared Red (FIR) technology to save the day from all those monsters and kings trying to ruin it. No frizz, no zapping people (or the poor dog’s nose) and I can now wear the fabrics that I sort of ditched because the friction with them made my hair worse (aka: putting back that hood on my jacket with the shiny lining). The flat iron is well insulated and constructed. I received it on February 12th and wanted to use it several times before drafting out my final review……I have zero bad things I could find and even became fond of the zebra print! It adds character to my very “blah” world of hair styling tools…..even my hair brush is a plain bamboo color!

Quick Note on the Pros: Great controls, easy to manage the styler and heats up quick to any setting you desire. Leaves my hair soft and silky and this was using the styler as-is with zero assistance from sprays, leave-in conditioners, serums, or any magic spells or potions. You get Ceramic Technology (100% regarding the plates), Negative Ion Technology and Far Infrared (FIR) Technology for a economical and low price point.

Quick Note on the Cons: I review many items and I usually find a con or that little thing I should mention/share. I had to reach out like I even stared at the poor zebra and tried to find a flaw. I couldn’t…..well maybe it could come with it’s own zebra home….like a pouch for keeping but do I want or need one? No, but you may and that is really a very itty, bitty, con I had to hunt for to fill my “Con” space. Beyond the Beauty even made a Peacock version if you are anti-zebras.

Price Point:

I am giddy about the $86.99 sale price at Flat Iron Experts that if I could insert a little squeal by the price, I would! Flat Iron Experts charges no shipping if you spend $50.00 or more, so you save there too.  The product also comes with a generous 2-year warranty.

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Accessories Recommended:
I was sent two accessories that I recommend in purchasing, which I will be posting later this week the KQC Thermal Shine Spray Review……but please do not forget to pick-up the Flat Iron Experts Iron Holder. You will thank yourself and so will your home’s surfaces. No sliding, no mishandling of your flat iron and your styler is ready to grab at anytime. The holder even comes with suction cups that truly work, so it’s like having a third hand that we all need when doing our hair (except this one does not sigh like my Husband does) 🙂

  • KQC Thermal Shine Spray $13.99
  • Flat Iron Holder $14.99
  • Visit the Beyond the Beauty Hair Care– http://www.beyondthebeauty.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=192&zenid=alrepb7aiul3lr9fvoho1bevo4

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Flat Iron Experts.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Luster NOW! Premium White Instant Whitening Toothpaste

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Blinded by the Light!*

Okay, maybe that’s overstating things, but wowzers, am I a fan of Luster Premium White’s Luster Now! Instant Whitening Toothpaste! Influenster sent me this little treat as part of their Something Blue “I Do” VoxBox. An Allure Beauty Expert 2011 Breakthrough Award winner, Luster promises whiter teeth in just one brushing, thanks to their proprietary Bluverite technology. Whosajiggawhaaa? Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis? Let me explain:

Bluverite technology was developed by dentists to give the optical effect of whiter teeth instantly. It works by subtly tinting your teeth for instant gratification without the crippling tooth sensitivity sometimes associated with other “instant” whitening products, and with no risk to your enamel or gums. And the effect will last for hours! All that plus fresh breath and cavity protection! Dy-No-Mite!. One word of warning: If you do over-use this product (as Hubby did), there is a chance you’ll start to see a slight blue hue on your gums and in between your teeth. A quick rinse of your mouth should take care of it lickety-split.

Okay, let’s reel it back in, here, girlie. I have to say, I’ve been using whitening products on my teeth for years now, almost since they hit the markets, because I do love me some tea and coffee, and those can wreak havoc on your teeth. But I was pleasantly surprised to see instant results with this product for my date night with hubby. I think you’ll be happy with it too. Sparkling thanks to Influenster for another winner

For more Information, please visit: http://www.lusterpremiumwhite.com/   @LusterPremWhite #LusterWhite

*Hubby thought he was being cute by humming this little ditty by The Boss when he saw me taking Luster for a test drive. And he got it stuck in my head. Dork!

I received the above product free of charge from Influenster.  I am not obligated in providing a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experiences with the product, which may differ from yours.

Smiley: Arm & Hammer Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste with Orajel

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I was fortunate enough to be a part of Smiley’s Arm & Hammer Sensitive toothpaste campaign, and let me tell you, it comes at the very best time or year. Who doesn’t like ice cream, icy fruit smoothies, popsicles (don’t judge me), and all manner of frozen treats that are part and parcel staples of summer? But then there’s that one spot, that one tooth, that makes enjoying them nearly impossible. I’m here to tell you that thanks to Arm & Hammer teaming with Orajel, kiss that sensitive tooth (or teeth) goodbye this summer. Oh, and lets not forget that Arm & Hammer has also included baking soda, gentle whitening and all the anti-cavity goodness to make good oral health anything but an afterthought,

 I tried this product for two weeks. But not before confirming that “owie” spot at my molar that has a filling. You know the one, the one that reminds me I had one too many sour gummy worms that one Halloween. The one that makes me dread my frozen pineapple spears, my blended berries-and-ice smoothies, my dark chocolate-covered frozen nanners. Yup. Still ouchie. But right about the two week mark, I decided it was time. Sure enough, I was able to indulge.  Happily.  Fully.  Now, I just have to worry about brain freeze!
Let’s not forget that this is Arm & Hammer, teaming with Orajel, who has taken the hassle out of putting some baking soda into your toothpaste. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve added a little from time to time to bump up the clean, but this is a much better way to get it in there. Tartar reduction, anti-cavity power, and a pleasant, minty flavor that left your mouth feeling clean, and then there’s the reassurance that you’re protected with Orajel. This is a truly all-in-one product that does it all.  I’m a fan, and I think you will be too.
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What are some of the Benefits:

  • Relief from painful tooth & nerve sensitivity
  • Low abrasion formula
  • Effective stain removal
  • Deep cleaning
  • Breath freshening
  • Fluoride cavity protection

ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Toothpaste by the makers of Orajel™ oral relief pain medication is available in three varieties:

  • ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Whitening
  • ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Freshening
  • ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Multi-Protection

For more information visit: http://www.armandhammer.com/oral-care-sem-sensitivity.aspx

Get your free sample of ARM & HAMMER(TM) #SensitiveToothpaste http://www.smiley360.com/ct_356.php  #freesample

I received this product free of charge from Smiley.  I am not obligated in providing a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours.

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