Smiley 360: NEW Emergen-Zzzz™ Vitamin Drink Mix Nighttime Sleep Aidᶧ #Review #EmergenZzzz

 

I have been taking Emergen-C for many years and my family and I have always been happy with how well the product performs. Emergen-C keeps things fresh by always adding new flavors and new benefits.

Nothing has changed from the Energen-C product but the company has introduced a new one, their Emergen-Zzzz Vitamin Drink Mix that has the added benefit of a nighttime sleep aid. The product helps you fall asleep, plus is a supplement. I’ve gone from Emergen-C giving me benefits in the daytime to now also the nighttime as well.

I was eager to try the new product but since it arrived mid-afternoon, I had to wait until nighttime!

I tried the product and it’s the same idea as the original when it comes to preparing. You simply open the packet, mix with water and then enjoy. Each packet is only about 25 calories, so midnight caloric intake won’t be an issue. The new Emergen-Zzzz vitamin drink with sleep aid comes in two flavors to choose from:

• Berry PM

Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Sodium, Potassium and Melatonin

Other Ingredients: Fructose, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin. Contains <2% of: Acacia, Fruit & Vegetable Juice Concentrates (Cherry, Raspberry, Beet) (color and flavor), Malic Acid, Natural Flavors, Silicon Dioxide, Sucrose, Tartaric Acid, Tocopherols (to preserve freshness).

 

• Peach PM

Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese, Sodium, Potassium and Melatonin.

Other Ingredients: Fructose, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Peach Juice Concentrate (color and flavor). Contains <2% of: Acacia, Beta-Carotene (color), Corn Syrup Solids, Malic Acid, Natural Flavors, Silicon Dioxide, Stevia Leaf Extract, Sucrose, Tartaric Acid, Tocopherols (to preserve freshness).

 

Retail Price Point: $9.99 for a 24-count box and I have attached a coupon below to sweeten the deal.  You can also get a free sample here.

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Verdict:

The flavors are both a hit but the one thing I disliked, is that the peach has corn syrup solids.  Not something I expected or desire to intake and especially in a sleep-aid.  I do however enjoy the flavor and like with all other Emergen-C products, if the Emergen-Zzzz is too strong, you just add more water for a lighter tasting drink.  The product did help in getting me to sleep, which resulted in my own experience waking up more rested and relaxed.  I sort of forgot what it was to rest and this sleep aid did help me in that department.  I also was awake and experienced zero drowsiness when I had to start my day.  No one wants to drag in the mornings!  It worked for me and it’s mild, so I can see taking this on occasion to get to sleep.

Connect with Emergen-Zzzz at:

• On-line
• Coupon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• #EmergenZzzz

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Emergen-C/Emergen-Zzzz and Smiley 360 .  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.

 

Siggi’s: Icelandic Style Skyr Strained Non-Fat Yogurt Tubes in Blueberry #Review

 

I’ve been fortunate enough to get to try a whole host of yogurts, Greek style, European style, Australian style…the list goes on and on. Some have been great. Some, not so much. A few are now in my regular rotation. Siggi’s falls into that last category. You might not have heard of Siggi’s, but you really should make a point of finding yourself some.

Siggi’s is truly a different kind of yogurt. In fact, it called Icelandic Skyr, a protein-dense low sugar form of yogurt. Truthfully, they

My local Target carries the Siggi’s Yogurt Tubes in Blueberry & Strawberry

had me at “low sugar”. In the U.S.A., almost everything you can buy in the markets is salty or sweet. Overly so at that. Don’t believe me? Take a look at almost everything in the middle of the market. Sometimes I think the FDA has revamped the 4 major food groups as salt, sugar, corn and soy. So when Siggi’s skyr says it’s not too sweet, I jumped in with both feet. It’s got all the probiotics and active cultures of the best Greek-style yogurts, but the yogurt here is the star, not some syrup on the bottom or some packets of stuff in a sidecar either.

Here’s another bone to pick: the tubed yogurt marketed mostly to kids is loaded with sugar. It’s practically syrup itself . Yuck.

But not Siggi’s. The yogurt you get in the cups is almost identical to the yogurt in the tube! Nice. And while it’s not as thick as the cups, I’d assume to promote viscosity and ease of eating, it’s not some runny mess either. Finally, something you and the kids can share, and not have them hopped up on a sugar rush later! I’m in love with a tubed yogurt? I am, and I have no shame admitting it. It’s so good hubby made a tube or two a part of his morning breakfast routine.

I have tried only the blueberry tubes from Siggi’s so far, but I’m a big enough fan that I have plans to immediately go and get the other flavor as well.  You can also freeze them and have a healthy frozen yogurt treat!

This is a product unlike any on the market today in the U.S., and if you’re like me a day you’re fed up with all the sugar in everything, get some Siggi’s today. You’ll wonder how you ever ate yogurt any other way before.

 

Connect with Siggi’s:

 

• Online
• On Facebook
• On Pinterest
• On Twitter

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Siggi’s.  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.

Siggi’s: filmjölk Swedish-style drinkable yogurt Blueberry Quick Bread #Recipe

 

This is a bread that uses very little sugar and delivers a wonderful texture derived from the combination of flours and the moisture from Siggi’s Filmjolk yogurt. At 0% fat with Siggi’s drinkable yogurt and the little amount of sweetener used, this is a great bread you can enjoy with less guilt!  I am able to enjoy it as a breakfast bread or even a dessert bread. Goes great with seasonal fruit and you can adjust this recipe easily by using any of Siggi’s yogurts. Very versatile and best of all…..very tasty!

Let’s get started……

Ingredients:

1 cup of Whole White Wheat Flour
1 1/2 cups of All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup of Almond Flour/Meal
1 teaspoon of Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon of Baking Soda
1 1/2 cups of Siggi’s Blueberry Filmjolk or any flavor you desire

You have your choice when it comes to sweeteners in this recipe and the goal is just to use 1/2 cup to get there and I used:

1/4 cup of Dark Molasses
1/4 cup of Maple Syrup & Orange Blossom Honey

1/4 Unsweetened Dried Blueberries and make sure to plump them before adding by using hot water and waiting 20 minutes for them to re-hydrate. You can get creative and warm a fruit drink (i.e. blueberry juice) to hydrate them and I have used the microwave method where I add the blueberries to a bowl, add water and then microwave to warm.

1/2 cup of fresh Blueberries

Optional- Sprinkling the top with Turbinado Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

1/4 cup of Unsweetened Dried Blueberries

Soak in warm water to add moisture and “plump up” the fruit

Start by re-hydrating your dried fruit and I went with blueberries but you can use whatever fruit or combination of fruits you desire.

Grab a bowl and mix your flour with a whisk.

Add 1 teaspoon of Salt and teaspoon of Baking Soda

Whisk to combine

Then add the Salt and Baking Soda, and whisk again.

Siggi’s Blueberry but you can use any flavor you desire

You need 1 1/2 cups of the Yogurt drink

Measure out your Siggi’s Filmjolk and set aside.

You need 1/2 cup of sweeteners (liquid form) that can be derived from several sources.

I went with a combination of 1/4 cup of Dark Molasses and then added the rest from Maple Syrup and Honey to reach the 1/2 cup quantity

Make 1/2 cup of any sweetener mix you desire.

Rinse out the water from your blueberries

Then add the fruit to your dry mix and incorporate

Add the re-hydrated fruit to your dry mix and fold until well mixed.

Add the Siggi’s Yogurt

Also the 1/2 cup of sweeteners to your mix

Then take the wet ingredients (Siggi’s Filmjolk and the liquid sweeteners) and add them to your dry ingredients.

 

Fold all ingredients making sure everything is well incorporated and mixed.  You want to make sure there is no dry mix lurking and everything is mixed nicely and wet.

Grab a loaf pan, spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Add the mixed batter to your pan and spread evenly.

Take the 1/2 cup of fresh berries and start studding the top of the bread.

I went with rows

Not perfect

Just making sure everyone gets at least 3 with every slice

Then, you can sprinkle with sugar to create a nice flaky crust (crisp top) and also sweeten the fresh fruit.  I went with Turbinado sugar because I love the texture and how it makes a loaf just glisten!

The sugar and especially Turbinado really makes a great crust.

The larger crystals also create a crunch and helps sweeten the fruit just a touch

Bake the bread at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes.  My Blueberry loaf took 47 minutes and I did not need to cover the pan with foil at anytime but if yours starts to over brown, so ahead and cover loosely (tent) with foil.

 

Give it 15 to 20 minutes to set before flipping the loaf out

I use a toothpick or cake tester to loosen any caught edges before flipping

The loaf is cooled for 20 minutes and I use a cake tester to loosen any stuck edges before flipping and allowing it to fully cool.

I start slicing always after 1 hour or more of cooling to allow everything to rest and not lose any moisture.

 

I served mine with more fresh Blueberries and a nice smothering of whipped topping.  The whipped topping was a cinch to make, just softened cream cheese, a little powdered sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream.  You just then let the mixer do the work until it’s nice and fluffy.  You want an airy topping, not very stiff peaks……just a cloud for the berries to float on when served.  Enjoy!

I highly suggest using Siggi’s Filmjolk yogurt and you can get your Siggi’s fix at:

• Online- http://siggisdairy.com/v2/products/detail/filmjolk/blueberry/19/#sthash.ZEyLtwuH.dpbs
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/siggisdairy
• Pinterest– http://pinterest.com/siggisdairy
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/siggisdairy

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Siggi’s.  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.

 

 

Siggi’s Icelandic-style Yogurt: Blueberry filmjölk Swedish-style drinkable yogurt #Review

In my continuous effort to try every yogurt out there, I found Siggi. What is a Siggi’s yogurt? Well, I first was drawn in by their very clean and low-key look. Then I saw their motto of, ” simple ingredients and not a lot of sugar”, on the packaging. That is how I eat, cook, well practically live. Yes, I bake and often but I don’t enjoy very sugary or very salty foods. I like to taste the flavors nature provides in their simplicity. As I always do, I went over to Sprout’s market and got lost in the yogurt aisle. I even blocked some people while I reached as far as I could to get the blueberry bottle of Siggi’s Filmjolk. I was fortunate to have the company send me coupons because I wanted to feature them on my site after my husband and I shared just one cup of Siggi’s Blueberry yogurt. Yes, one cup is all it took for me to get on the “Siggi’s……oh, dear goodness I love you”, wagon! It’s not greek and it’s a texture and recipe that’s all it’s own. It’s rich but not super milky in taste, just creamy and whatever the flavor on the package shows, that is all you get with a touch of sweetness. That is all! Simple, good and now we always with a high tone say, “Seeeee-ggy”, when we reach for it. I do wonder what people think of us! 🙂

I did not get a coupon for the Filmjolk but you know when you have tried something from a company and it surpassed all your expectations? Well, Siggi’s did this so I just took the plunge and grabbed the last bottle of Filmjolk Sprout’s had in stock.  I get home and I can’t wait for breakfast and sort of regret I had dinner already because a “dinfast” or “Breakinner” would have been perfect but off I go to get my beauty sleep.

The next morning, I wake-up tired and you know it went away once I knew my curiosity of what Siggi’s drinkable yogurt version was going to be like. Being that blueberries are at a reasonable price, plus I had just shopped for fruit, and I had granola in hand…….well, it was the breakfast of champions I created. Siggi makes a yogurt that leaves a zero film in your mouth or throat, but remains creamy in texture when eaten. I love it and not only did I fall in love when I took the “sniff” test, I knew right there and then to pour it over my banana, peach, blueberries, and granola breakfast……more what my husband calls my morning “scatter”.  The yogurt is not bitter or sour, just think of being left with a clean palette and whatever fruit you picked as the after-taste.  Refreshing and also fills you.

Ingredients as listed from the site:

• Blueberries
• Cane Sugar
• Fruit Pectin
• Live Active Cultures
• Pasteurized Skim Milk

That is all!

Great health benefits too like:

Live Cultures

Bifidobacterium sp., L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. lactis subsp. cremoris, L. lactis subsp. lactis, L. lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis, L. rhamnosus, Leuconostoc subsp. cremoris, S. thermophilus

Probiotic Cultures Per Serving

L. casei + B. lactis 1billion

Just 120 calories for a very generous and healthy serving of 8 ounces.  You can drink, eat, use it as you would kefir to even baking with it and that is exactly what I did and of course it has a blueberry theme too.  I will be posting my Siggi’s Blueberry Bread recipe soon so stay tuned but while you wait, have a Siggi anything and I mean it……you will forget the Greeks and become an Icelandic yogurt fan too!

Sneak Peak of recipe coming

Siggi’s Blueberry Bread

Connect with Siggi’s:

• Online- http://siggisdairy.com/v2/products/detail/filmjolk/blueberry/19/#sthash.ZEyLtwuH.dpbs
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/siggisdairy
• Pinterest– http://pinterest.com/siggisdairy
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/siggisdairy

My local Target carries the Siggi’s Yogurt Tubes in Blueberry & Strawberry

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Siggi’s.  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.

 

 

 

Green Mountain Creamery: Yo Yummy Yogurt Pouches #Review and Cake #Recipe

It should be no secret by now I’m a fan of yogurt. Big time. Going with my yogurt obsession, I recently received a wonderful parcel from Green Mountain Creamery. It was boxes filled with their Yo Yummy pouches, a product geared primarily towards kids. That does not mean an adult can’t indulge. We don’t have kids, and I have tried to like yogurt that comes in squeeze containers but most brands are watery, almost slimy in texture and then loaded with sugar. The last thing you taste is the fruit and I can see why some kids prefer these types of products in a frozen state. You at least can try to get past the texture problem but then again are left with a cube of frozen sugar and colors. Not Yo Yummy!

Yo Yummy, is finally a yogurt “pouch” product that can be squeezed out and still resembles what is suppose to be: delicious, creamy yogurt. Not filled with sugars and dyes, just flavorful yogurt.

Yo Yummy actually has 10% less sugar than the national leading brands and many benefits that separate this brand from others:

• Gluten-Free
• Added Vitamin A and Vitamin D
• No Artificial Colors/dyes
• No Artificial Flavors
• No Preservatives
• Good Source of Calcium
• Kosher
• Milk derived from Non-RBST treated cows
• Made in Vermont, U.S.A.
• and packed in a BPA free pouch

It’s R-E-A-L yogurt for everyone!

I looked into Green Mountain Creamery when I saw their yogurt cups at Sprout’s Market. The flavors were tempting and after I had just one cup of their Maple flavor….I was hooked!

Yo Yummy comes in 4 flavors for you to fall in love with and all are only 90 calories:

Mixed Berry– A blend of actual real berries and not just a touch of it. You taste the full berry explosion of raspberry, blueberry, and Ssrawberry. The ingredients list these as purees and you really get that when you eat Yo Yummy. It’s a texture of yogurt where you still see the fruit, so each bite (or squeeze in this case) can taste different. We enjoyed this one greatly and I liked that I was left satisfied with just one pouch!

Strawberry Banana– My Husband is not a banana eater (I know, how sad) but I squeezed this flavor until I ran out of pouches! I enjoyed it every morning over granola and when I found strawberries on sale, added banana slices to my granola…..oh my! I was in a Straw-nana heaven with this yogurt. This Yo Yummy blend is just like the others where they use real fruit purees and you taste it until you are squeezing every last drop out. I got good with my technique by day 3, in not letting one squeeze go to waste 🙂

Strawberry– All I can say it tastes like you took fresh strawberries and just pureed them. That is the other thing, the freshness in their flavors have no match to what is on the market today. Yo Yummy uses premium products and fruit at their peak of freshness and taste because it transfers so well to your taste buds. Just like if you bit into a strawberry and yogurt parfait! Yes, you must make this one into a parfait. My Husband and I voted this flavor #1 and I admit I did not dive heavily into it because I wanted to leave it for him to enjoy. He enjoyed a pouch every morning until it was gone.

Cotton Candy– I was skeptical because I like (not love) cotton candy but never had the flavor in yogurt form. Being that Green Mountain Creamery is wholesome and fills their yogurt cups and pouches with real fruit…..I wondered if there was a cotton candy bush I had no idea existed. I did not question the cotton candy’s bush existence after I had one taste of this pouch. Think of a sweet cream and almost a touch of strawberry when eating this flavor. There is a hint of sweetness but it does not overwhelm your palette so I decided to take this flavor a notch up by making a cake!  Yo Yummy will also be coming out soon with grape and sour cherry flavors. I can’t wait!

Yup, let’s have fun and with this Spring weather, a happy cake can be made with the cotton candy flavor or any of the Yo Yummy pouches. Just 25-30 minutes in the oven and each pouch fills one ramekin. Only three ingredients needed, so let’s get started-

Yo Yummy Cotton Candy Speckled Cake (think confetti)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Get one small (individual size) ramekin (greased- you can use cooking spray or even Coconut Oil)

Ingredients:

• 1 Yo Yummy Cotton Candy pouch
• 1/8 of a cup of all-purpose flour (you can use Rice Flour if you wish)
• 1 teaspoon of confetti sprinkles
• 1 strawberry (if desired) and a dash of powder sugar for decor purposes 🙂

Take the Yo Yummy pouch and empty it into a bowl

Add the flour and if you wish a fluffier cake, add a dash of baking soda (1/4 teaspoon)

Mix

Once incorporated, add the confetti sprinkles and mix quickly and then fill the greased ramekin.

Put ramekin in oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check cake if done with toothpick and it will be dense like a pudding cake but a toothpick should come out clean when checking.

Allow cake to cool (if you have patience) and you can personalize these as you wish. You can eat it as is or add a scoop of ice cream. I found fresh strawberries on sale an added one on top with a dusting of powder sugar. It’s a happy cake and each person can make their own to suit their taste buds. Try it with the other Yo Yummy flavors and even your own mix-ins. Enjoy!

Visit Green Mountain Creamery and Yo Yummy at:

• Green Mountain Creamery- http://greenmountaincreamery.com/
• Yo Yummy- http://yoyummykids.com/
• On FaceBook- https://www.facebook.com/GreenMountainCreamery
• On Twitter- https://twitter.com/grnmtncreamery
• Via Pinterest- http://www.pinterest.com/gmcyoyummy/

Also, save with these generous coupons:

• Easy to print savings- http://yoyummykids.com/coupons-and-offers

 

I received the above product free of charge from Green Mountain Creamery.  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.

Chobani Greek Yogurt Bite in Raspberry with Dark Chocolate

Greek yogurt is all the rage these days, so let’s look at a twist (or two) on the theme. First, these little Bite is a generous 3.5 ounces and only 100 calories.  If the flavor does not get your attention enough, this little Bite bites back with providing you 8 grams of protein that has ZERO percent FATS…..yeah, that also got my attention.

The Raspberry and Dark Chocolate has these morsels that resemble shavings and are not a waxy and bitter chocolate chip, like some other brands hide in blended products thinking you won’t notice.  The dark chocolate Chobani uses is of great quality and has a wonderful flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit.  It finishes smoothly and you get a generous serving within the cup.  Think of chocolate-dipped strawberries no more, there is a new fruit in town and Raspberry has the spot light!!!

The product is full of goodness too and not just pretending to be good.  Chobani uses all natural flavors, sweeteners, and even dairy derived from cows that have not been treated with rBST.  No preservatives, so the product tastes more like nature intended it to be and that is just perfect.  You also get 3 types of Probiotics and live and active cultures.  Too cool.

Let’s Analyze the Cup- 

I peeled open the top and was hit with zero sour notes like some yogurts hit you with but you smell sweet raspberries that is intense.  No fake syrup scent just how a small pint of FRESH raspberries would smell when washed.  The aroma is very pleasing.  I rocked the cup to get an idea of consistency and it is semi-loose as this is not a strained Greek yogurt but not even close to call it drinkable.  Think more of “light”.  I slightly mixed with the spoon and you quickly are welcomed by these chocolate shavings that are just riding the raspberry yogurt waterfall (whee!).  This is why I had to say I slightly mixed because I could not contain myself and took a taste test.  The chocolate can only be described as “honest chocolate” flavor.  It’s good and as real as dark chocolate gets.  The raspberry flavor is amazingly FRESH.  I know I said this but many manufactures skimp on raspberries like if they were the most expensive fruit but Chobani meant it when they put it on the label.  Also, you don’t get filled with seeds from the berry.  You get a seed here and there to remind you it’s the real thing but Chobani did not skimp on us.  Would I purchase it again?  Um……YES!

What Makes the Cup-

Ingredients-  Nonfat Yogurt (cultured Pasteurized Nonfat Milk, Live and Active cultures: S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, and L. Casei), Evaporated Cane Juice, Raspberries, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Pectin, Fruit and Vegetable Juice (for color), Locust Bean Gum and Natural Flavor.

Coupons and More-

Save your wallet from getting bit (coupons): http://chobani.com/coupons/

Visit this Chobani Bite at: http://chobani.com/products/bite-raspberry-with-chocolate-chips/

Say “Hello” to Chobani on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chobani

Say “Hi” in Greek, “Yassou (YAH-su) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chobani

See Chobani show it’s Cups on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/chobani/

Follow Chobani via Google+: https://plus.google.com/105549919806722403002/posts

Hashtag anyone: #tastereal

The yogurt cup even Blogs: http://chobani.com/community/blog/

I received the above product free of charge from Chobani.  I have no obligation in providing a favorable/positive review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and brand, which may differ from yours.

The Chobani tour of Greek Yogurt Bite & Flips will begin shortly………

Below is the last preview of what I received and I will be posting reviews, plus a cookie recipe soon……………