FlavFusion: 26 Oz Infuser Water Bottle with Flip Top Sipper Lid #Review #InfuserWaterBottle

With the new year brings new goals and that means dropping old (bad) habits for the sake of improvement. One of the goals I implemented in 2014, was to drink more water. I was not dropping a soda habit but I just forget to drink anything for long periods of time and usually recall right before dinner time. I started by just carrying a water bottle around and realized that it’s nice and heavy in my purse when full. I carried that water bottle everywhere and never even forgot it or lost it……but rarely had any. I think just the idea of drinking plain water over and over again was sort of lost on my taste buds unless they were suffering from thirst.

My solution in 2015………let’s add fruit to the party! An infuser water bottle allows me to change things up with the seasons, my cravings, to just getting me enticed to drink more fluids and of the good kind to boot. FlavFusion makes the perfect Infuser bottle minus the big price tag. The bottle does not have all the bells and whistles but it’s the ideal “starter bottle” I need.  This allows me to know if this will work for me, do I want to add more bottles to the collection, or is this just another bottle for me to lug around.

Retail Price Point: $11.61 via Amazon for a large 26 ounce bottle

When the FlavFusion bottle arrived, I was ready with my favorite fruit, Pomegranates. I had one ready with all the arils already removed so I can get a jump start. I did as instructed and washed the bottle, removed the top, added the fruit to the “infuser tube”, added filtered water and allowed everything to come together. I even semi-crushed some of the fruit to allow better (and quicker) infused results. I tried both an overnight fusion and even a simple one hour of soaking before drinking. I can say I did enjoy playing with the flavors, amount of fruits to different fruit combinations. I even used Coconut water at times as a base and made a tropical blend with a small Pineapple spear and Tangerine slices. My experience was mostly positive and I did drink my way to 6 to 8 glasses of fluid a day. Success and very easy to do!

The Positives-

• Low price point and especially if you are starting out and want a easy travelling around bottle
• The bottle holds a nice amount of fluid, 26 ounces in all
• Removable fruit infuser core, so no battling trying to fit fruit in a fixed center, that may fall and then swim around freely in the bottle
• BPA Free and Lead Free
• Bottle is made of PET Plastic
• Basket (infuser core) is made of Polypropylene
• Made in the USA and if the bottle has issues, the seller replaces defective bottles

A few (small) Cons- The bottle states to hand-wash and I know sometimes we are all use to just adding items to the dishwasher and even the top rack. This would be a no-go here as the heat would probably damage the product.  Knowing that the bottle is made of better materials, I can easily overlook this.  The bottle sometimes drips from the top where you secure it closed and this could cause some drops to leak and that can’t be too nice when carrying or if it happens to tip over. Just make sure to always keep it upright and you should drink happily!

Connect with Flav Fusion:

• On-line
• Amazon
• #InfuserWaterBottle

I received the above product(s) free of charge from FlavFusion. 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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Klout Perk: VitaFrute Cocktails by VeeV #abetterwaytodrink Acai Spirit #Review #Klout

Another great perk from Klout and this one was one I have never heard of, Acai based spirits. The company VeeV has this great line of drinks that they call VitaFrute. The superfruit cocktails come in:

• Margarita
• Lemonade
• Cosmopolitan
• and with Coconut Colada joining the trio soon

The cocktails are organic and made with the finest ingredients. One serving is just 125 calories and these all natural drinks are considered to be made by the World’s first Acai Spirit Company, VeeV.

What is Acai?

I have been drinking Acai based juices and blends for some time now but not with an alcohol base. The Acai berry or fruit is derived from the Acai Palm tree. These dark colored berries are full of juice, which is considered part of the super foods and super fruits we are encouraged to be consuming. The fruit is usually cultivated from the Amazon and located where lots of water is available (i.e. swamps). The fruit is filled with antioxidants and many consume it for the claims attached to them. I do because I enjoy how it tastes and was rally curious about alcohol derived from it.

I purchased the 2 bottles using the coupon from Klout and because they were on sale at my local Von’s, I was able to score them for free! I looked and hunted for the Coconut Colada variety since it would have been my first choice but I could not locate it but I did find the Lemonade and Cosmopolitan varieties.

• Lemonade– The flavor is perfect on a hot Summer day (or night) and I enjoyed the nice counter balance of alcohol and lemon. The combo was perfect and no mixing required. On my second glass, I added a little tart Cherry Juice and it was like a Pink Lemonade that was icy cool and delicious.

• Cosmopolitan– I have not enjoyed one of these in years and it’s almost the forgotten cocktail for me. I know I like them but never get around to ordering. I pour the Cosmo over ice and you can instantly pick-up the citrus and fruity notes. Delivers the same as it smells to your palette and definitely was my favorite of the two.

VitFrute by VeeV contains 15% ALC/VOL (30 proof) and the bottle must be refrigerated once it’s opened. The taste is nice and clean, plus Agave is the only sweetener you will find in this drink. Fillers it has not! I enjoyed it so much that I will be making a Lemon Tart with the Lemonade version!  I shall get my hands on the Coconut Colada one day and when I do, I will post.  I have plans for that one!  The site has great recipe ideas to even a store locator so can enjoy a glass of cold VitaFrute too.

 

Connect with VitaFrute by VeeV on:

• On-line– http://veevlife.com/vitafrute/
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/VEEV
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/VeeV
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/veev
• #abetterwaytodrink
• #kloutperk

 

I received the above product free of charge from VeeV and Klout.  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.

 

 

Teeccino: Organic Herbal Coffee in Chocolate, Dandelion Caramel Nut, Hazelnut, French Roast and Vanilla Nut #Review

Like most people, I enjoy coffees, trying alternatives to old favorites, and even different flavors and mixes. So many brands, styles, fair trade, even proprietary delivery cups…..it’s not so easy just picking out what to buy. I tried several decaffeinated coffees and only one has ever been able to fool me and actually quench my craving for a real cup of coffee.

In comes Teeccino with a whole new look on what you can do with coffee. Teecino calls their large array of coffee products, an “Herbal Coffee alternative” and some come in what I what call tea bags. Most flavors are Organic and don’t shy away when you see their products labeled as Naturally Caffeine Free. I thought this was a play of words and that I would not be happy and much less satisfied to start or end my day with a Teeccino cup, but just opening a packet made me think otherwise. I was 50% a fan before I took a sip or even boiled the water. They had me hooked on just how good the packet smelled. It smelled delicious and I figured I can proceed forward because this experiment can go easily into me just finding the best smelling aromatherapy cup on the market! One way or the other, Teeccino would get used. The company sent me a beautiful assortment of flavors:

• Chocolate in a Dark Roast
• Hazelnut in a Medium Roast
• Dandelion Caramel Nut in a Medium Roast
• Dandelion in a Dark Roast

They also go beyond one-serving tea bags, as you also can get 6 cup servings. I was sent two flavors to try in the larger pack variety:

• Vanilla Nut in a Medium Roast
• French Roast in a Dark Roast

I began by trying a one cup serving in Hazelnut. The aroma is intense and so inviting! Just simply delicious. As the water boiled, I flipped the packet and started reading. Teeccino, states you get the same satisfaction without the caffeine and acidity from coffee. I know what they are talking about because sometimes it can be too early or even too late in a day for me to enjoy a cup and the acidity can be a turn off at those hours. My Hazelnut bag contains Organic Carob, Chicory, Dates, Almonds, Organic Figs and Natural Hazelnut flavor. Very simple and I hear the tea kettle calling me.

I shake the bag and pour the water in. You can instantly smell…..well, coffee. It scent fills the room and it’s colors start filling the cup like any instant coffee would react. Still smells good, so nice to know my flavor is not just all in the packaging 🙂

I allow the cup to …….hmmm, shall we call it steep or brew? Let’s say the “tea-bag” soaks for 5 minutes, as it says in the directions to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. You make sure to dunk the bag several times in the beginning to get the best brew. You can add milk, non-dairy milk, creamers, even any sweetener you wish. I always taste before adding anything no matter what I’m drinking. I sip and this tastes like a nice Hazelnut flavored cup of coffee should taste. It’s not bland and full of burned, nutty notes but smooth. I see exactly what Teeccino means by being non-acidic. The roast was medium like listed and I added nothing to it. Yes, it was that good.  I liked not having the calories associated with sweeteners or creamers. I missed nothing and this is coming from the girl that will take out a french press to make 2 cups of coffee just right and doesn’t care if I am cleaning it at midnight. I have to clean nothing and just wait for water to boil. I’m hooked!

Later that week, I had all the flavors and recommend them all! There was nothing I did not like and some I added just a touch of honey, like with the Dandelion Caramel Nut variety. Teeccino’s blends also provide benefits like antioxidants, fiber to natural sources of Prebiotics. You get heart healthy potassium and a natural energy boost from nutrients and not stimulants.

Get your Herbal Coffee fix at:

• On-line– http://teeccino.com/
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/Teeccino
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/Teeccino
• YouTube– http://www.youtube.com/user/teeccino

I received the above product free of charge from Teeccino.  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.

Swaggable: Runa Teas in Traditional Guayusa tea

My second flavor to try from Runa, was their traditional Guayusa tea. Call this guy the “espresso” of teas because I let it steep for 12 minutes.  I was seeking a tea flavor that remained smooth but still could stand on it’s own. Runa’s tea did just that and I love that little sweetness you pick-up in the aftertaste. Most aftertaste experiences can be negative but I had the soft herb-like flavor and then came a little sweet touch….I like it. I even added honey to my second cup because I steeped it in a mason jar, allowed it to get room temperature, and then enjoyed it cold from the fridge. This tea has such a good base that anything just compliments it. Try mint or even a few leaves from the “chocolate mint” plant to really change it up. A squeeze of lemon makes it a perfect cold glass on a sunny day! I’m a Runa fan indeed!

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

BzzAgent Campaign: Lipton Spiced Cinnamon Chai Tea

Lipton Spiced Cinnamon Chai Tea

Lipton has added a new variety to their pyramid shaped tea bags, featuring black tea with real spices. The ingredients are simple, starting with black tea, cinnamon, ginger root, cloves and black pepper. The product also contains natural flavorings and the food additive, Soy Lecithin. Each serving delivers 30 mg of caffeine and you can enjoy this product warm or even cold. You also get benefits like 75 mg of tea Flavonoids. What are Flavonoids? You may have heard of Catechins, a Flavonoid that is known for it’s disease fighting capabilities and antioxidants. The more you steep a cup of tea, the more Flavonoids you brew into your cup and that is a very good thing.

Things I like:
It’s easy to brew the Lipton pyramid bag and it does have nice spicy notes and the cinnamon flavor is not overwhelming. It’s present but well balanced by the ginger root and cloves. It’s a mellow spice and I did brew my second cup a little stronger by using only 6 ounces of water and a little honey. Perfect! I definitely would classify this as a Fall and Winter blend because it may not be craveable as the weather warms up, but worth a variety to have in hand.

Things I dislike:
A mess of packaging! I never found an open pyramid bag, but the outside of the box was littered with tea leaves and spices. When I took the plastic wrap off, I was smart to do it over the sink. The disaster continued inside the box, so I removed every bag and inspected each of the 18 bags. None had holes or broken seals, so that is great but why the mess? I had to tap the box clean and then tap each bag to remove the litter. It not appetizing and if I would have not purchased a box that reflected such a mess on the outside. There was no damage to the unit, so this is definitely just being sloppy when manufacturing.

I received the above item free of charge from BzzAgent. My only commitment was to provide an honest review about the product. I am not obligated to provide a positive review! My opinion is my own and I share because that is what I enjoy doing, however your opinion may differ from mine.