Smiley360: ARM & HAMMER™ Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster #Review

When it comes to doing my wash, I change products and have added more to my routine that I practically have “booster” products for everything from scents, to whitening and brighteners. Doing laundry is no longer just soap and softener in the house and while some may feel it’s over complicating a simple task, I see it as enhancers to make the task of doing laundry, come out right on the first try. I have used everything from borax, baking soda, and vinegar to try to get more out of my HE washer. I love the front loaders and that they save water, but saving water is nullified when I have to rewash items I am not happy and satisfied with how they cleaned. I also don’t like the idea of doing a task twice!  It sets my schedule back and makes me a little (just a little) moody.

In comes Arm & Hammer with their Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster, that helps give your clean a power boost! I was sent by Smiley360 a gift card to redeem for the product at Walmart, which is located right next to the Borax box. I picked up the box and used the product as directed. My first job was to see how well it worked, was using it on towels. I have white face towels and some I swear get stains from the hamper because I have zero recollection of what they got stained with in the first place. I noticed even lip glosses stained the towels and they would not come clean. If I bleach the cloth too long, the material will fray and come apart, so I do get rid of the stain but the towel along with it!

Retail Price Point: $3.97 at Walmart, but you can find the product on Amazon for $10.99 for two 55 ounce boxes.

Ingredients: Contains Sodium Carbonate

Instructions (as listed on the Box): For regular wash: 1. Add 1/2 cup of Super Washing Soda along with either liquid or powder laundry detergent at the beginning of the wash cycle. 2. Add clothes and let washer fill completely. For tough stains: Fill container with warm water. Add 2 tablespoons of Super Washing Soda per gallon of water or 1/2 cup in the washer. Pre-soak for at least 30 minutes before washing. For best results pre-soak overnight and then add 1/2 cup of Super Washing Soda along with detergent in wash cycle. Traps and drains: To help keep traps and drains open, dissolve 1/2 cup per gallon of warm water. Run hot water down drain, add Super Washing Soda solution, then flush with hot water. Do not use for blocked drains.  You can also get more cleaning tips here

Verdict:
My towel test with the ARM & HAMMER™ Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster was a success and the yellow-ish hue some had faded and most stains (80%) were released in the first wash. That is better than the 50/50 ratio I had going. I do not have issues with odor, unless a kitchen towel kicked it in the hamper too long but the wash when you use the booster is left smelling nice and clean. No perfumes, fragrances, dyes, and coloring to worry about with Arm & Hammer because the product contains none of that. Some fragrances not only irritate my allergies and asthma, but at times I have had hives/rashes if something contains strong scents, so this was a welcoming change for me. I give up nothing but the dirt on the clothes I wash and the price point makes it very affordable. I also use the booster to clean drains and it helps cut on the grease from foods to oils, waxes, and just anything you use that leaves a residue in your drain. The drain will flow better and also no odd smells to worry about. The ARM & HAMMER™ Super Washing Soda Detergent Booster also left my sink a nice shiny white and got rid of the soap scum build up that tends to collect around the drain! I am hoping more retailers in my area carry the booster because my Walmart is not close, so I’m looking at you Target 🙂

 

Connect with Arm & Hammer at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• YouTube

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Arm & Hammer and Smiley360.  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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Purina One SmartBlend® True Instinct Grain-Free Formula Dry Dog Food, Turkey and Venison #Review #ONEdifference

 

When it comes to dog food, my dog is usually great about consuming the dry kind but will sometimes wait us out in case I add any extra protein to enhance her meal. I try to always add a little extra chicken and have switched her foods to grain free formulas that seem to be more easily digested. She eats less and remains a healthy weight at the age of 13. Like humans, she gets bored eating the same flavors day after day and I notice she loses interest, so we developed “mix-ins”, pretty much something from fish (she loves Tilapia) to meats and even sometimes a spoonful of sweet potatoes. Keeps the dog interested in her food and I feel less guilty for serving her “dry cereal”, which is what we call her dog food.

In comes Purina One, with a new grain-free formula added to their line called SmartBlend, which they added the title “True Instinct” to the blend. What is True Instinct? It’s what I call adding marshmallows to the dry cereal and these bits are what the dogs go crazy over. The jerky style bits have a different texture and not only enhance the meal, but deliver more real meat to the grain-free base. You also have other positive differences like using Turkey as the first meat ingredient, versus chicken like other blends of this kind. A Glucosamine supplement has been added to the food and I look for this, especially with a dog that some have referred to as a Senior or the golden word one Vet Tech called her, Geriatric. Don’t tell our dog this because she is as active as she has always been from spending days getting in out of the pool, jumping, wrestling, to out running anyone who tries to race her (always has to be first through the door). Purina One’s Smartblend also has added Omega-6 Fatty Acids to keep our pet’s fur shiny and healthy, along with an Antioxidant Blend, which includes Vitamin A and Vitamin E. It’s finally a dog food that you feel good about feeding your pet.

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Verdict:
So, why did I call the bits of jerky-style meats marshmallows before? It’s not for health reasons, but my dog turns out to be the dog that eats all the “marshmallows” out of the dog food first, leaving her “cereal” to eat last. That is how much she loves the new SmartBlend True Instinct formula from Purina One. The minute we pour the food, she starts nosing the food and you can hear her hunt for the chewy bits until she claims every last one of them. We purchased the Turkey and Venison blend and I even checked labels in the store. There is actual Venison and our dog loves this meat. From Duck to odd varieties like Swordfish, this dog is always eager for the wilder kind of meats. Our dog had surgery a little over a month ago and I thought I would have to worry about getting her to want to eat her normal dog food, but once I started mixing the Smartblend grain-free formula, that worry vaporized as did the food. She ate, gained back the 8 pounds she lost prior to having the surgery and it’s muscle mass she was able to regain. I was worried prior to surgery, as she lost muscle mass around the legs and neck area, to even going down a notch size on her collar. She was able to get that all back, plus we noticed she is full of energy to the point we are having a hard time keeping up with her. Our dog has us on a schedule now that she eats her dinner and then wants play, play, and more play. We actually get tired of playing tug-a-war with her and I now can’t even tug the plush away and run off like a bandit. I have to actually cheat and say, “let go or drop”, and then run with the plush but she always catches me! What you feed your pets really makes the difference and like reading labels for the food we eat ourselves, pick-up a bag of SmartBlend from Purina One and compare the True Instinct grain-free to the other brands. Fillers is not something this feed is full of and we saw the difference it made in our pet when she needed a good blend that not only she enjoyed eating, but aided in her recovery. Grab a bag and take the 28-Day Challenge today!

Connect and find the Purina One’s Smartblend True Instinct Grain-Free Formula that suits your pet at:

• On-line
• Turkey & Venison SmartBlend True Instinct link
• Coupon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram @PurinaONEdog
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• #ONEdifference #FreeSample #Sponsored

 

Turkey and Venison Dog Food

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Purina One.  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.

Smiley360: Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream, Eye cream, and Night Serum #Review

I have been a Philosophy brand fan for some time now. I have sensitive skin sometimes when it comes to fragrances but for some reason the scents used in their body products play nice with me. I had seen the New Multi-Rejuvenating line but had never tried it, so when Smiley360 offered, you bet I said yes!

So, you look at the line and see SPF and think this is just another sunscreen laced product with some moisturizers. Hey, I thought the same until the products arrived and again, let’s not judge a jar by it’s cover. The Philosophy Ultimate Miracle Worker is an entire new way to see sun defense. Philosophy, has been able to capture protection from UVA, UVB, Infrared and visible light. It’s like a ninja in a bottle that protects you from one of the number causes of aging, sun exposure! It’s better than wearing the actual ninja outfit outdoors because that may just draw more attention than we would desire. Philosophy, then went another step further by adding bi-retinol and active plant cells, plus you will notice ingredients like coffee arabica (caffeine) for skin tightening and pongamia pinnata seed extract, another anti-inflammatory agent. You will not only be addressing the issues caused by aging and with continuous use, you will see better results (i.e. improvment), but the tighteners start working the moment you apply them.  Think of the tighteners as a booster for the moment while the rest of your skin starts catching up and looking it’s best. Okay, so Philosophy has again changed the anti-aging game plan and I like this new plan of attack because you bet I am attacking my wrinkles with everything I got and it was time to change the way I battle!

My Philosophy arsenal kit included:

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating “Day” Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 30
• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Eye Cream with Broad Spectrum SPF 15
• Ultimate Miracle Worker Nighttime Multi-Rejuvenating Serum-in-Cream

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream Broad Spectrum of SPF 30 retails for $28.00 on-line for a 0.5 ounce jar. You can get a a 2.0 ounce jar for $75.00

Ingredients (as listed on the website): avobenzone (2.7%), octinoxate (6.99%), octocrylene (2%) Inactive ingredients- water, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oleosomes, glycerin, cyclopentasiloxane, butylene glycol, methyl gluceth-20, gluconolactone, polyacrylamide, hydrogenated lecithin, cyclohexasiloxane, cetyl alcohol, bifida ferment lysate, phenoxyethanol, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, c13-14 isoparaffin, polysorbate 80, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide, laureth-7, glycine soja (soybean) oil, fragrance, iris pallida root extract, ruby powder, disodium edta, gluconic acid, alcohol, mica, lecithin, adenosine, cellulose gum, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, bht, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, calcium gluconate, tocopherol, behentrimonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, ascorbyl palmitate, beta-glucan, potassium phosphate, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, benzoic acid, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, citric acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid, titanium dioxide (ci 77891).

Verdict:

I am not adverse to using creams because I can control the barrier I want to create. This means lighter application for a thinner film and because this Day cream applies smoothly, application was a cinch. My skin absorbed the product and for an SPF 30 rating, the product feels lighter than my SPF 30 sunscreen alone. I used the product for 2 weeks but noticed a moisturizing difference by day 3. First, when I washed my face it remained moisturized and extra smooth. I exfoliate every 3 days and by day 3, when I need to again, my skin’s texture has changed a little. That glide I get when I apply foundations is not as smooth but with the Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Cream, my skin felt as soft as day 1 after exfoliation. That I really liked. I stopped any retinol use from my daily regimen and depended solely on Philosophy to keep it up. It did! Now, we have been getting 100 degrees weather in Southern California and that means it is really testing out every beauty product out there. With weather this hot, cosmetics stay on or melt……there is no in-between here. I can say because my primer contained SPF and I stopped using it, this Multi-tasker again played “foundation primer” almost like it was meant to be one. No creasing or sliding off and my make-up remained in place, plus my pores were only being suffocated by the weather, not the product. Okay, I get why you call this a Miracle Worker and for once the name fits how the product performs. My fine lines did not get deeper and because my skin remained smoother longer, it tended to give me a nice healthy even look to the surface of my skin, which means I look better and that thing I aiming for…..a little not my age!

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 retails for $70.00 on-line for a 0.5 ounce jar.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): avobenzone (2.7%), homosalate (2%), octinoxate (5%), octocrylene (2.16%) Inactive ingredients- water, glycerin, dicaprylyl carbonate, isononyl isononanoate, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, tribehenin peg-20 esters, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl isostearate, trisiloxane, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, cetyl stearate, stearic acid, bifida ferment lysate, potassium cetyl phosphate, phenoxyethanol, dimethicone crosspolymer, caffeine, chlorphenesin, propylene glycol, carbomer, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, glycine soja (soybean) oil, sodium hydroxide, squalane, hippophae rhamnoides oil, iris pallida root extract, ruby powder, disodium edta, alcohol, algae extract, mica, lecithin, ascorbyl glucoside, adenosine, cellulose gum, ginkgo biloba leaf extract, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60, calcium sodium phosphosilicate, bht, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, tocopherol, aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extract, glucose, lactic acid, behentrimonium chloride, glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) root extract, sodium benzoate, ascorbyl palmitate, potassium phosphate, potassium sorbate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, citric acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, xanthan gum, ascorbic acid, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) rhizome/root extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, caprylyl glycol, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid, titanium dioxide (ci 77891).

I looked at all my eye creams, so that means this beauty hoarder….I mean fan started checking all her eye creams and not one had SPF in it. How odd when the skin there is so delicate and I already add SPF to that area but you would think most would have had some. Nope! Things you notice when a company starts doing what others don’t.

Verdict:

I saw the price point and thought this better work. It started working and I fell in love with this eye cream, that I tried convincing myself it’s not that great. Yes, I tried lying to myself because it worked so well. I then added all the eye creams I have that have disappointed both my checking account and my face, and 3 bottles in…….I had already exceeded the retail price. I have to honest and I dislike the price point but this eye cream delivered in every way anything from a jar will ever be able to. I suffer from severe seasonal allergies and that means as long as mother nature has seasons, I shall sneeze, have watery eyes, puffy eyes, look sad when I am not and so forth. This eye cream changed that! I look healthy and alive. Like I sleep like I should and most importantly, happy. The first thing I noticed in the 2 weeks of trying this product was the firmness. My skin’s texture is now smooth under the eye and firm. Not a sag from allergies and zero puff. I also noticed I would get a little tint of yellow when the skin around my eyes was being kept constantly wet by my eyes watering, but this eye cream created a moisture barrier that kept my skin protected, plus improved it. I was aiming for just simple protection and being able achieve that and looking better. Well, I will have a pout when I check out to purchase the eye cream but I just can’t see skipping on it.

• Ultimate Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating Nighttime Serum-in-Cream retails for $80.00 for a 2.0 ounce jar.

Ingredients (as listed on the website): aqua/water/eau, sodium citrate, isononyl isononanoate, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, alcohol denat., steareth-21, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, polyglyceryl-2 diisostearate, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, cetearyl alcohol, phenoxyethanol, bifida ferment lysate, glyceryl stearate, peg-100 stearate, steareth-2, citric acid, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, iris pallida root extract, acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, xanthan gum, glycine soja (soybean) oil, alcohol, t-butyl alcohol, lecithin, parfum/fragrance, adenosine, cellulose gum, retinol, peg-8, polysorbate 20, bht, chitosan, ethylhexylglycerin, glycolic acid, sorbitan oleate, tocopherol, behentrimonium chloride, limonene, ascorbyl palmitate, potassium phosphate, camellia sinensis leaf extract, coffea arabica (coffee) seed extract, pongamia pinnata seed extract, sodium benzoate, isopropyl alcohol, acetic acid, angelica archangelica root extract, citrus aurantium amara (bitter orange) peel extract, maltodextrin, magnesium aluminum silicate, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, caprylyl glycol, sclerotium gum, bha, sorbic acid.
The Pearls – aqua/water/eau, glycerin, prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil, propanediol, pentylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, alumina, iris pallida root extract, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, silica, xanthan gum, algin, synthetic fluorphlogopite, bht, sodium hydroxide, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, tocopherol, beta-sitosterol, squalene, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxide (ci 77491).

First, it felt like I was making a magic potion when I opened this jar. You pour the pink colored pearls that contain the serum and incorporate it with the cream. Wait 5 minutes until it “bakes” (no oven needed), mix again and your beauty potion is complete. The pearls do not remain visible in the cream and dissolve to become one mighty anti-aging concoction.

Verdict:

I am always up for a concoction and this is why I still make my own face masks at home, so this was a welcoming site when I got to play mad scientist for 5 minutes. The jar is large and the serum-in-cream once mixed applies well. My skin felt breathable and I experienced zero problems when it came to clogged pores, blemishes or break-outs. Any small and light scars I have from a recent acne breakout are gone! Yes, that is how quick the turnover process worked for me. I first noticed lightening in week one and I attribute this to the combo work from the kit. The night cream remains on and moisturizes so well, that the next day I would wake up and a thin layer of skin on my marks would peel to reveal a less marked new layer. The darkness went away and I can only see shadows now of the break-out I got last month. My skin on my face is good at healing but it has never pressed on the gas pedal this hard to hurry up the process. I also have a nice glow after I wash my face in the morning to apply make-up. It remains on the days I don’t apply cosmetics, and corrected my T-zone from getting too oily. The pores around my nose are less visible and only depending on Philosophy to control my fine lines, well they came through and again turned back the clock a bit to make them look less visible.

Final Verdict- Very few kits work in conjunction like this one does. I depended on 3 products solely for 2 weeks and only changed because I am reviewing another brand but will be returning back to Philosophy when I am not testing other manufactures. I don’t say this much because let’s be frank, not everything works as promised. Philosophy exceeded my expectations and I was already positive about the brand! My must buys are the eye and night cream but you have better pick-up an SPF for the day time!

***Coupon Alert***
Use Promo Code: Welcome15 to receive a philosophy welcome gift (includes 1oz purity made simple facial cleanser, 1oz amazing grace shower gel, and 0.4oz hope in a jar moisturizer) with any $25 purchase

Connect with Philosophy and try their New Miracle Worker Multi-Rejuvenating line at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Pinterest

• #UltimateMiracleWorker #Smiley360 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Philosophy and Smiley360.  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.

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.

 

Smiley 360: TAZO® Iced Tea Concentrates #Review #TazoTea

I have featured Tazo Teas on here several times and every time a new product is released, it never disappoints. It’s one of those products I will always venture and give them a try without waiting for feedback because I have become able to trust the Tazo Tea brand.

Tazo’s newest release is the Iced Tea concentrates that come in tea bag form and also in their liquid state (large carton). The Iced Teas come in several varieties to choose from:

• Iced Peachy Green
• Iced Sangria Black
• Iced Passion
• Iced Blushberry Black
• Iced Citrus Bliss
• Iced True Black
• Iced Lemongrass Green

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• The Iced Peachy Green has a nice green tea flavor, which is more towards the mellow side with the fruity notes being the focus. You have a touch of spearmint and a zing from the ginger with almost a sweet Georgia peach finish. I loved it from the first sniff because just how the blend smells will pull you in. I have tried this tea both in cold and warm because a girl sometimes can’t wait. I also love the relaxing feeling the ginger provides and the accent ingredients like the spearmint are just there to compliment and not overpower the peachy green tea party!

 

• Iced Passion is my all time favorite. I love hibiscus based teas and this little red ruby beauty not only delivers in vibrant color but also in taste. This tea I found more powerful, which is a good thing because a little goes a long way. You have a tropical fruit flair going on, so think of pineapple and oranges. Perfect for summer weather and because it’s an herbal blend, I can even enjoy a perfect cup in the hot late summer nights. You also get a nice flowery scent from the rose hips that just make the perfect bouquet with the Hibiscus!

 

• The Iced Sangria Black tea sings to my Spanish heart. Finally, a Sangria tea that has those real flavors I associate with the drink. You have the citrus flavors that go so well with the black tea’s base. Just a touch of spice from the cinnamon and again a little sweetness from an apple this time. Sweet and simple is how I describe this blend and also perfect!

 

• The Iced Blushberry Black tea is my second favorite. It’s a berry blast and you have a dark raspberry that compliments the black tea notes nicely. It’s almost like a dry wine in how it feels when you drink this blend. You then have huckleberry and strawberry. This is not your usual boring berry blend, this one has life and is so refreshing. You smell the sweetness of the fruit when it begins to brew and when cooled, you get a nice snap from the berry mix. I love it because like I mentioned it’s not the typical berries being used, and I love black teas! This one also has hibiscus but not as powerful in flavor as it is the Iced Passion blend.

 

Retail Price Point: $2.99 for the box and this item comes with 6 filter bags, where each bag provides a pitcher worth of tea. You can also opt for the concentrate and skip the brewing. I also found the Keurig Tazo cups for $11.99 and that box yields 16 k-cups. Keep note like the Sangria Black version only comes in the concentrate carton and not made in the boxed tea bags one.  I also attached a coupon link to sweeten the already great deal.

Verdict:
The Tazo teas are too good for the price point (shhhhh, don’t tell Tazo). I saw $2.99 and thought what the heck am I getting here and I just have started to hoard these teas. I drink them both hot and cold. I have a one cup brewing system and I just measure out between 1/2 a teaspoon or more if desired and it makes the perfect cup. There are days I want a lighter tea and I can dilute the amount I brew and I am set. Being able to drink these teas how I wish makes it work for me. I get bored drinking the same blends but these are so unique and a flavor all their own, that I must start and end my day the Tazo way. For the price your pocket book will be happy and your taste buds will not be disappointed. If you don’t find your flavor, blame me because I love these teas so much that the fear of them not being made (like in forever) sets in. I think once I have 50 boxes of the flavors I love, I will then leave you some 🙂

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Connect with Tazo and find your tea at:

• On-line
• Coupon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• #TazoTea  #NewWayToTea

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Tazo Teas and Smiley360.  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.

Smiley360: Gorilla Glue Shipping and Storage (Packaging) Tape #Review #GorillaTape

I recall when Gorilla Glue first came out on the market, it changed how I made one thing stick to another! Nothing was like it and trust me when you tried to un-do what you stuck together, nothing bonded as stronger.

When Gorilla tape came out with a series of tapes to fit your needs, I was game! If the glue impressed me and I continued to purchase adhesives from their brand, there was no reason for me not to try their tapes. Then came the claim of needing just 1 strip. Okay, I can stuff a box like no one can……does that mean one strip of tape can hold well enough for an hour, a day, or if I touch the box does it pop open? I had questions, so when I was offered the mission to try out the tape, I was thrilled.

 

Retail Price Point: About $9 to $13 depending on where you purchase and I found the rolls on Amazon, Home Depot to Lowe’s, where Lowe’s had a nice $8.97 price tag.

Verdict:
Testing a tape is easy, it either works or it does not. There is no middle ground and that made my reviewing so much easier. I have been shipping products out and also cleaning out rooms. I’m simplifying my life I say, but I’m really cleaning out drawers that are filled with stuff I do not need. You know those drawers that you treat like the bottom shelf at the grocery store. You know where you rarely ever grab anything from and I have drawers that I can’t recall the last time I opened them and much less what exactly is in them. I had 3 boxes and two were super stuffed but the lips of the edges still touched and in my book, that means the box can close. Yes, I had to use force to make one close but that is besides the point. I start the tape and this stuff is thicker and it’s sticky part has serious power. Like I think it exfoliated my finger tips because I left some really good impressions of my finger prints where the tape started. I do the “just one strip” test and the box holds. I hear no cracklings of the box slowly opening and I then walk away. Hey, I’m not staying around for when this box spills it’s guts! I forget about it and two days later when I’m moving the boxes into the garage, one box opened and of course it was the lighter of the three. The one with 2 strips of normal packaging tape going one way and two more going the other on each outside edge, is also holding. Mr. Gorilla tape is holding with one strip that just seals the edges that met. No sign of weakness and I can move the box normally and not like it’s made out of porcelain, so it won’t pop. I say the Gorilla came through and did not lie!

Find your the Gorilla Power that fits your needs at:

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Gorilla Glue Tape and Smiley360.  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.

 

Smiley360: Nutrition Now™ MultiVites; Women’s Gummy Vitamins #Review

I am always looking to improve my health and nutrition needs. Being able to pop a gummy and then go about my day not only is easy, but sort of hard to forget. So many supplements in the market are made to fit the needs of both males and females, even though their needs differ greatly. Men require more caloric intake than a female would, so we already eat differently! Why take the same vitamins? I prefer always having to choose something that is tailored to me and will help when it comes to my hair’s appearance and nails…..something most guys don’t have at the forefront of their mind 🙂

Nutrition Now MultiVites not only come in gummy form and I’m not oppose to taking a pill, but why not take something that I can enjoy too. Their dietary supplement provides a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, that may help improve your hair, nails and skin’s health. You also get energy and metabolism support. What’s not to love? You add supporting bone health and great berry flavor combinations, that it makes having an excuse to not take your vitamins on a daily basis non-existent.

Retail Price Point: $7.39 via Amazon was the best price point I could locate, however the vitamins are carried at Vitamin Shoppe and other retailers like Walgreens too.

Ingredients: Glucose Syrup , Sucrose , Gelatin , Natural Flavors , ColorsPurple Carrot Juice Concentrate, Blueberry & Carrot Concentrate , Citric Acid , Lactic Acid , Fractionated Coconut Oil , Beeswax

Verdict:
I took the gummy vitamins by Nutrition Now on a daily basis for 25 days. The indications are for two gummy bites a day and one bottle comes with 70 gummy vitamins, so you get a little over a month’s worth. Nutrition Now made sure to give you a little cushion when it comes to those extra few days in case you forget when you need to buy more and I always appreciate that versus other companies that like to play the game of only giving you 28 days worth of product. Each gummy is only 15 calories and I can’t think of a better way in getting 30 calories a day packed with all your nutritional needs. I never had an upset stomach or an awful aftertaste. It was sort of too good to be true and I liked that if I had a sweet tooth that day, the gummy aided in nipping it…..so it was sort of like a treat. I did not notice significant changes because I do try to eat as clean as possible and at the same time get more than the amount of required vegetables and fruit in a day, but I did not break a nail! I always chip a nail at least once a month with all my crafts and baking, however I did not and you know it was not because I was careful. I think Nutrition Now is the better tasting when it comes to the gummy world of vitamins and for once it’s called berry flavor and actually contains blueberry. The product is gluten free and also free of dyes/artificial coloring because they use real ingredients like purple carrot juice as coloring. Easy to take and actually enjoy, so I would at least give Nutrition Now gummy vitamins a consideration because they are full of the “good stuff” and have none of the “bad stuff” that I usually have to look up to even know what is.

Connect with Nutrition Now:

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Nutrition Now and Smiley360.  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.

Smiley360: Accuflora ProBiotic Supplement Review #Accuflora

I have tried several brands of ProBiotics and PreBiotics that I can count. I know they aid with digestive health and even though I do not suffer from regular problems, there are days that I don’t eat how I would want to and wanted something natural to correct what I was missing. I eat Greek yogurt on a daily basis in the morning and sometimes even add a little Coconut or Almond milk to my fruit, nut, seeds and granola bowl. Then comes the days where I am rushing and grab a bagel……not the best choice even if I tell myself Almond Butter is better than butter.

Accuflora, is that filler I need when I don’t behave or noticed my Husband left literally one small spoonful of yogurt, so he would not be the one that had the last bite! Love that 🙂 Accuflora, has five types of active cultures that you find in yogurt but convinently in one pill-

Active Probiotic Blend:

• Lactobacillus Acidophilus
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
• Bifidobacterium Bifidum
• Lactobacillus Salivarius
• Streptococcus Thermophilus

 

Each pill has a lasting or what I call “working” effect of 12 hours and you can take up to 2 pills a day, which means one bottle lasts 30 days. Pretty simple!

Retail Price Point: $6.99 via Amazon was the cheapest price I could locate. Then came Target at the non-sale price of $9.49, which with the coupon link below of $1.00 off makes it $8.49 and don’t forget to make your savings stretch by using the RedCard for 5% more off.

Ingredients:
Probiotic Blend: Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Lactobacillus Salivarius, Streptococcus Thermophilus. Other Ingredients- Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Pectin, Guar Gum, Silica Dioxide, Stearic Acid and Turmeric.

Results:
I have had problems with these supplements in over-working my system and this is why I take them more as a reboot versus a daily dose. I eat well and have a balanced diet, plus I make sure to make my protein and calories count. A clean diet means that you only need to clean so much via supplements (in my case), so this is perfect for my bagel or only had time for an energy bar days. I get zero cramping and bloating like I would with other Probiotics and this is where I learned that if you eat yogurt with the aforementioned ingredients, supplementing can have adverse effects (too much of a good thing). Accuflora, also was perfect for taking after doing a round of antibiotics where they tend to kill everything, even the good bacteria. I found many instances where this filled that void and I don’t have to commit to taking it everyday and can control the intake by 12 hour intervals, as the dosage is nicely divided. I like pills that work with how I eat and diet, so Accuflora is that Probiotic pill I have been looking for.

Connect with Accuflora and see what it can do for you at:

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• Target
• Coupon Link 
• #Accuflora

 

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

Smiley360: Boursin® Cheese #Review #BoursinCheese

Who doesn’t love cheese? I think everyone at least likes one type. In my house when we go grocery shopping, we need to narrow down what we have from the cheese aisle! We bake with cream cheeses, enjoy spreads on crackers, to just munching on them as they are. Goat cheeses to raw milk cheeses, we have tried and/or been gifted most. I was so thrilled when Smiley had the Boursin Cheese campaign because it was a perfect fit.

Boursin Cheese has been making cheeses and spreads since 1957. Francois Boursin, created the first variety (fromage frais/fresh cheese), which was a cheese base that guests then customized by adding their own seasonings and herbs. You can imagine the varieties and blends created and why Boursin still continues to delight us with their cheeses. Boursin has now made things easier by pre-blending their herbs, spices, and seasonings for easier enjoyment.

You have Boursin Cheeses and Boursin Gourmet Spreads made with a French-style cream cheeses to choose from:

Boursin Cheeses-

• Original
• Pepper
• Red Chili Pepper
• Garlic and Fine Herbs
• Shallot and Chive
• Boursin Light
• Cranberry & Spice (Seasonal flavor)
• and many from fruit blends to savory ones too!

 

Boursin Gourmet Spreadable-

• Garlic & Fine Herbs
• Light Garlic & Fine Herbs
• Red Chili Pepper
• Spinach & Artichoke
• Sundried Tomato & Basil
• Creamy Asiago & Roasted Red Pepper
• Vermont White Cheddar & Sage
• and many more with seasonal flavors too!

 

There is something for everyone and one is sure to make your cheese platter pop. What I like best is that you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy Boursin cheeses, as we many times pick-up one or two versions to just enjoy before meals.  Boursin cheeses are also made with simple ingredients and look for yourself at their ingredients list, you will be pleasantly surprised.  Their new Creamy Asiago and Roasted Red Pepper spread captures that red bell pepper sweetness and spice, which goes so well with the nuttier notes from the Asiago cheese.  The french style cream cheese base has a nice tang that just makes everything meld together perfectly. I will hunt to find this new version alone!

Find your favorite(s) with Boursin because you don’t need a holiday to celebrate when it comes to enjoying Cheese:

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• Coupon Link  ($1.50 off and keep scrolling down)
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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Simley(360) and Boursin Cheeses.  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.

 

Smiley360: 5 Hour Energy Drink in Pink Lemonade #5HourGoesPink #Review

I got an offer from Smiley360 recently. It was for a 5-Hour Energy shot. Um…yes please! Are you kidding me? This time of year? I’m dragging my tired little butt around trying to put things together for the holidays, for the home, for hubby, for the dog. Oh yeah, and if I have a spare second or two, a moment for myself. I quick pick me up, and pink lemonade flavored to boot? My only complaint at the time was I only got two.

Now, I’ve tried 5-Hour Energy before. Let’s just say I wasn’t their biggest cheerleader. The flavor was…not great. Very bitter, hard to swallow. In fact, I couldn’t. Neither could hubby.We haven’t been back to it since. I had high hopes for the new push and new flavor. And while it was better, it was also still bitter, but not to the point of being unable to finish it. So it’s flavor grade is a solid “B”.

As for the most important feature, the energy boost. With 200 mg of caffeine, as well as nearly 1700 mgs of other proprietary energy ingredients, and 540 mgs of B vitamins, you’d think it could send someone up the walls and hanging off the ceiling. However, that wasn’t the case for me. Maybe my tolerances are higher, maybe I just was expecting to have some jitters or shakes. Neither was the case, and if anything I was disappointed in not having that “superman” feeling where I flit around the house getting everything accomplished like The Flash. Oh well.

5-Hour Energy also partnered with Living Beyond Breast Cancer to donate 5 cents from every bottle sold to LBBC, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people with trusted breast cancer information and community support. Just look for the bottle with the pink ribbon to help out, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $200,000. Not too shabby.

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Smiley360 and 5-Hour Energy.  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.