Nature’s Eats: Butterscotch and Almond Cheesecake Bars #NaturesEats #Tryazon

 

 

Lets Begin………….

Butterscotch and Almond Cheesecake Bars

• Dry Ingredients:
  1 cup of Oats (Instant/Quick cooked)
  1 cup of White Whole Wheat Flour
  1 cup of Blanched Almond Flour by Nature’s Eats
  1/2 cup of All Purpose Flour
  1/4 tsp of Salt
  1/2 tsp of Baking Soda
  1/2 tsp of Baking Powder

 

• Wet Ingredients:
  7 ounces melted Unsalted Butter (melted)
  1 1/4 cup of Butterscotch Chips
  3/4 cup of Brown Sugar
  1 Large Egg

 

• Filling:
  16 ounces of Cream Cheese (softened)
  1/8 tsp of Almond Extract
  1/2 tsp of Vanilla Extract
  1/4 cup of White Sugar
  1/8 cup of All Purpose Flour
  1 Large Egg

Drizzle (optional): 1/4 cup of Extra Dark Chocolate melted. Takes about 15 seconds and I use the stove top and I add heat, take the pan off to stir, add pan back and then again stir until just melted. It is my way to avoid burning the chocolate.

You begin by using 3 bowls to mix the above ingredients. You start with the first bowl and incorporate all the flours, baking powder and soda, plus the salt. Set aside. The second bowl, you mix the melted butter, butterscotch chips and the brown sugar. You have the option to melt everything together over a stove top or you can easily microwave the ingredients by using 20 second intervals and mixing in between. The chips may not completely melt (1/4 left intact) and that is perfectly fine. Wait for the wet ingredients to cool off a bit before incorporating the egg. Set aside. The third bowl is for the filling. You incorporate the softened cream cheese with the rest of the ingredients and make sure to whisk until smooth.

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• Assembly-

Start the oven and I baked the bars at 350 degrees in convection mode. I sprayed a glass pan with nonstick spray and I used a rectangular dish that measures 11 x 7 inches and you can easily use a larger dish for less thicker bars.

You add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well incorporated. 3/4 of the mixed bar batter goes on the bottom to create an even layer. I use a spatula to smooth it out and press it down a touch. Next comes the filling. You simply spread out the filling to create an even layer. The top layer is the 1/4 amount of the bar batter that remains. I crumble that on top because I do not want to smash or disrupt the middle cream cheese layer. By now the oven usually has reached temperature and in go the bars until baked. This takes between 28 to 35 minutes. Worried the top is over browning? Just add foil on top until the bars are fully baked and I use a toothpick to make sure the bar batter would not stick. You may get a smear of cream cheese but realize you don’t want to over bake the bars. Allow the bars to cool and then you can put them in the fridge. I gave them 4 hours to fully cool and you can even leave them in overnight. Drizzle time!! I cut the bars and find they cut flawlessly when cooled all the way. I tend to cut the bars in different sizes so guests can pick the size they desire. I then melt chocolate and I melted about 1/4 of a cup of Extra Dark Chocolate (Bittersweet). I like the more stronger notes against the sweeter ones the butterscotch tends to give. You can drizzle whatever you want from caramel, white chocolate or semi-sweet. Drizzling on cold cut bars allows the chocolate to harden quick too. I returned the bars to the fridge (uncovered) and within 20 minutes it was set. I then covered the bars in plastic and put them back in the fridge until serving.

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Options: You can add to the filling anything from nuts to dry cranberries, apricots, blueberries to fit any season/occasion. A fruit medley can even be added to give it that full autumn feel. Even though pumpkin everything is hitting the store shelves, we are set for a heat wave in Southern California. This was a pre-Fall treat that is not fully embracing the season because the weather has not gotten the memo! Let’s say I am easing into Autumn and hopefully the weather will too.

Enjoy!

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​I received the above product(s) free of charge from Nature’s Eats and Tryazon. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. I received no other compensation in exchange for my review. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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Pampers: Mark the Date, this Sunday May 29th Pampers Diaper coupons in the Paper & Print from Home coupon #PampersSavings

There are few times where I tend to appreciate coupons more than others, and that is when it comes to saving on essentials. You know, the stuff you just have to have because it’s a need. Saving on these things is what makes being able to afford our “wants” a little easier. Saving on a product you can rely on like Pampers, well that just sweetens the deal!  This Sunday, May 29th, Pampers will be making things easier for parents. You will be able to save on diapers, training pants, and more.  If you don’t get the newspaper delivered….no worries, Pampers will allow you to save from the comfort of your own home with the Print at Home feature!

It’s so simple to save with Pampers:

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Want to stay home?

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Simply visit  at: http://www.coupons.com/brands/pampers-coupons/ and you can clip the Pampers Easy Ups coupon and print the coupon at home.

You will need to open a coupons.com account if you do not have one already and the best part, Pampers will be offering such savings in the future, so keep a look out for more coupons.  You can also double……I mean triple your savings by accessing all three coupons (the two in the paper and the one you can print from home).  Manufacture coupons can be used 1 per item but combine that with sales and store coupons, well the savings just keep on coming.

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This post was made possible by iConnect and Pampers. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine.  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: 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 🙂

 

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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.

 

 

Tryazon: Rhodes Bake-N-Serv™ Cinnamon Rolls #Review #Tryazon #RhodesBread

I have always been a fan of frozen foods, like vegetables and fruit that go out of season but are readily available all year round. Sometimes even perfectly frozen blueberries will cost less that fresh ones and be in better shape, so the freezer aisle to me is not something I completely avoid. Even companies offer organic meals nowadays from the freezer aisle. I have picked up many “artisan style” breads that come frozen from a local bakery because you just pop them in the oven, bake and have fresh baked bread in 20 minute’s time! Simple ingredients I am fan of and being a cook and baker makes you become familiar as to what goes in what you are making/eating. The freezer aisle is only bad if you purchase ready made meals to baked goods that are more chemicals than real ingredients! This is where we get lost and it’s disappointing because convenience comes at a price and sometimes it’s not even that convenient in the first place.

I tried the microwaved cinnamon rolls before from Rhodes and reviewed them here. Not bad for a microwaved baked good. On the same trip I picked up a bag of the bread loaves, and a bag of the cinnamon (individual) rolls. Two items I bake at home from scratch, so I was looking forward in using them on a busy week. This week, was a very busy week!

 

Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls (Bake-N-Serv™) with Cream Cheese Frosting 

Preparation-

I open up the bag and notice that the individual cinnamon rolls are really partnered in twos and threes. I had a hard time at the store feeling the bags and was hoping I picked well enough because I noticed some were more blobs than others. I travel with two coolers (one for frozen goods and one for fresh), so things defrosting in the truck just does not happen. I can buy ice cream and still shop for 2 to 3 hours without it even it defrosting on the top! I try my best to seperate the rolls, but they seem very attached to their companion, so I do my best.

The directions were simple and opted to go by the one that resembled closest to the time it takes to bake them from scratch. My cinnamon rolls take 1 hour for the dough to rise, you make the roll and cut, then another 30 to 40 minutes for them to rise again, plus bake for 20 minutes! Simple and easy. I put the frozen cinnamon rolls from Rhodes in the oven, which was pre-warmed to 170 degrees. The directions stated it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the rolls to proof and double in size. I’m 2 hours in and watching these frozen rolls more than I do those made from scratch and they are oozing larger in size but not rising. My oven is less than a year old and I check the temperature. Holding at 95 degrees and no change when it comes to rising…..just oozing bigger. I take them out and they are technically double in size (flat wise), so I warm the oven to bake the rolls.

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Baking-

In they go and use convection mode and set the oven to 325 degrees. Directions are clear about not over baking and leaving them in for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are light brown in color.

My house smells bread-y but not that yeast dough you associate with cinnamon rolls. I look in the oven and the rolls look like they are swimming in yellow oil, so I go and look at the ingredients. I shouldn’t have! You have a chemical concoction that makes the cinnamon rolls out of tubes look like saints. You have everything from oils, corn syrups, sugars in every way they can be made down to margarine and so forth. I just don’t see the waiting time worth it when I saw what was in these rolls. I remind myself I ate onion flavored puffy ring chips yesterday, so sometimes chemicals taste good 🙂 .  I allow the cinnamon rolls to bake 25 minutes to get a light brown color and notice the dough has pockets that resemble bread, not the ribbon texture you associate with yeast dough, but I’m committed and now it’s too late to bake anything since I have to start dinner.

This is after “incorporating” the bag’s contents more, as they like to separate.

Frosting-

I allow the cinnamon rolls to cool and get a baggy of the frosting. It’s yellow in color and not just a faint hue, it’s yellow. I turn over the bag and I recalled right, it states cream cheese but this is not like any cream cheese frosting I have ever seen. The directions state to incorporate the icing and I do the “smashy thing” but it still looks undesirable. I cut the tip off the bag and I taste it……..it’s so sweet and the texture of cupcake icing, not at all like what you put on a roll. Also, cream cheese is there in words but your taste buds just does not pick it up.

Taste Test-

I serve us each a roll and even my Husband says the icing is just so wrong. I take a bite and this is one oily roll that is dry at the same time and you see and smell cinnamon, but you really don’t taste it. I did not finish my roll. Not worth the calories and my Husband does not either. I use to buy the cinnamon rolls in the refrigerated section when we dated. They were fine but never like the bakery, so I began learning to bake and trying recipe after recipe. My Husband will at times even pick-up a tray from the grocery store’s bakery and they are edible and a nice treat for those days I was too tired or busy to bake. The Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls were not unfortunately, not worth the effort and I just don’t get why they are frozen to just be a disappointment.  I also don’t understand the amount of poor ingredients that I can respect chemicals to produce let’s say a Spicy chip that tastes like a taco or something.  You get your junk food fix and you will crave a bag in 3 to 6 months time again.  These cinnamon rolls did not even satisfy a craving as such!  Sad…….very sad because in this house we do think sweet goods are worth the calories and fat, but rule #1, it needs to taste good!

 

I dislike having to give a negative review but honesty comes first and when the cinnamon rolls in a tube taste better and you can find better (i.e. real butter, ect.) ingredients in brands like Trader Joe’s to even the giggling doughy guy, I just can’t say at least these were easy to bake, so you should get them.  Taste matters and I don’t expect to get nutrition out of cinnamon rolls, but my taste buds need to be happy and cinnamon rolls are the type of food you eat with a smile.  These=no smiles :(.  The Rhodes microwave variety were passable and I would have never imagined since these required more time and came from an oven.

 

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Tryazon and Rhodes.  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.

 

 

Tryazon: Rhodes Cinnamon Rolls, Microwave and ready in 60 Seconds #Review #Tryazon #RhodesBread

Oh, what a title can say in just a few words can illicit a person to salivate instantly. That is exactly what occurred when I received first notice that this event was up for grabs. When I was accepted, it was a mix of drooling and happiness at the same time.

Rhodes is known for their Bake-n-Serve breads. This company is one of the first brands that made me feel comfortable with an oven. Fresh baked breads are always a crowd pleaser but sometime the pleaser is short on time and/or energy. It does not mean I love my family any less and this is why sometimes I need an “emergency stash”. Yes, we have emergency situations when an unplanned event or even the clock got the best of me and I have no after dinner treat. When you are the baker in the family and you have to share you did not bake anything for that day……oh, those eyes you get can just break your heart. My Husband has yet mastered the oven but is an expert at grilling and smoking meats. He also mastered the art of using a microwave and failed in patience class, so 60 seconds of wait time was made for him.

Cinnamon rolls is something I make at home but it takes time, so I probably do not bake them as often as would liked. Also, there are days where someone is in a cinnamon-y mood while another person has a fruit craving. I make fruit based rolls too but I’m not making 2 batches to satisfy every craving, and don’t even get me started on who eats what type of a nut and the other person doesn’t. I need an out! A form of salvation for the sweet little monsters in my life!

Rhodes created the answer and a 60 second promise for a product that is often seen in stores cold, laying in a silver colored tray, and usually dry. Rhodes took everything everyone wants in a cinnamon roll, a warm gooey roll all your own and when you want it. Magic!

Now, I wish my microwave could deliver. I did experience some difficulties in locating the product and Rhodes does have a store locator, down to what product is offered in each store near you. The only obstacle was that the New Microwave rolls were not a product option you could select from the drop-down menu. I finally started hitting stores and located the rolls (one bag) 20 miles away and when I arrived at the Neighborhood Walmart Store, they had more items than what the product locator reflected. I called stores at the end to avoid wasting gas too and I highly suggest in doing so. Just kindly ask for the “freezer” department when calling and that you are looking for the Microwave Rhodes Cinnamon rolls. Not to be confused with the Ready to Bake Anytime cinnamon rolls. The new Rhodes Microwave Cinnamon Rolls come in a bag (not a tray) and the bag is brown-orange in color with a large 60 number on the front of the bag.

Verdict:
I found literally the last bag they had and always check the back of the freezer. I reached until I got a frozen paw but that bag had my name on it. I always see low stock on a product as a good sign. It’s popular and probably well liked, and that tends to make me want to try them. Each bag holds a count of 6 cinnamon rolls, so even though my weekend get-together had more people, we figured we share (it’s a new diet we are trying 😉 ). We had only one roll in the bag that had stuck to another but all the cinnamon were in a nice shape and intact. We played it safe and microwaved one roll at a time and I put toppings out, to even a separate type of frosting (cream cheese) with soft caramel swirls in case someone wanted a different topping versus the icing it came with. You can toast pecans and add that too, to even fruit that is fresh or from a jar. Customization is really easy to do. Everyone tasted the frosting and except for one person, they were the only one that opted to use the icing the rolls came with, so I was happy to have both options available. Once you microwave the product, the roll does increase in size a little bit about 25% larger, however the cinnamon roll is fair in size overall. Feedback was 50/50 when it came to how the product tasted and texture. The roll is soft and gooey, but for some it was a little to gummy while others felt the cinnamon roll begins to dry out (not harden thankfully) a little to quick for them as it cools down. The sweet factor was a little high for some and others felt the cinnamon was not strong enough, but agreed when I mentioned the idea of sprinkling a dash on top of the icing/frosting could fix that. My cream cheese based frosting was very liked and that seem to make up for what I consider to be small short comings for a roll that is ready to enjoy in 1 minute’s time. You may have to eat it a little faster if you worry about the dough drying out but I can share one thing that does have some value, everyone ate their serving!  So even those that did not consider this to be their favorite cinnamon roll did not feel it was not edible, it was just not like others they have had. I myself have had worse from bakeries but for a product with no time constraints and no mess other than the plate you are eating it from, I think Rhodes did as well as you can do with microwave dishes. Nothing will be as good as from the oven but this little cinnamon roll satisfied my sweet tooth!  I fought for my 1 bag of cinnamon rolls, so that meant I had 2 more coupons left when it came to trying Rhodes products and I picked out 2 different ones.  So, stay tuned because I will be reviewing and sharing those with you too.

 

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Tryazon and Rhodes.  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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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.

SlimQuick Pure: Extra Strength Mixed Berries Drink Mix Review #SlimQuickPure

 

Not all caffeine is created equal and that means some sources will cause more tremors, jitters and some even perform better than others. I try to always keep the source of my caffeine as natural as possible and also simple. I just want to boost my metabolism a little and get that much needed energy that gives me enough “umph” to make it through the day.

SlimQuick Pure covers the six reasons a female may be experiencing difficulties when it comes to weight loss:

1. Increasing your Metabolism
2. Reduction of Appetite
3. Energy boost
4. Reduce Excess Water
5. Hormones Support
6. Stress Reduction

The mix is simple and even contains antioxidants and a SlimQuick’s patent mix named BioPure Green Tea™. The company also has support when it comes to diet plans and even a 25 pound weight loss challenge in as little as 13 weeks. With community support and being able to get advice and seek out information, I feel it’s more than just picking up an OTC product and “winging it”. It’s a drink with a program and with people that are sharing the same experiences and goals, such as weight loss and improving overall health.

Ingredients:
Rest assured Slimquick Pure Drink Mix contains natural ingredients like Antioxidants, Calcium, Vitamin D and Exclusive BioPure Green Tea™.

Other Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Citric Acid, Cane Juice Crystals, Malic Acid, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose, Silicon Dioxide, Red 40, and Blue 1.

Retail Price Point: $13.48 vi Amazon, $19.99 at Walgreen’s and Target had the product at $14.19.  The product also reflects a 100% Money-Back Guarantee on the packaging.

Verdict:
Most mixes that are great for you are not always great to the taste buds but this drink was pleasant in flavor. Increasing your water intake not only helps with keeping you full and hydrated, but it’s just a good habit to get into. I felt the berry flavor also made the drinking of water a change from the plain. Now, when it comes to energy, the product does deliver and I felt more motivated to do the things I am suppose to do on an everyday basis, plus not get out of working-out. SlimQuick Pure’s Drink mix is that little helper and you can adjust your intake by your needs. I started off slow and did half a packet to see how I felt. The package states to not exceed more than 4 servings in a day and starts you off with one in the morning and then 1 packet in the afternoon. You increase on day two, in taking 2 packets in AM and 1 in the afternoon. Day 3, you do 2 in the morning and 2 in afternoon and stay at this intake level. I felt for the small amount of weight loss I wanted, I did not need that amount of intake and with the product’s box yielding 26 packets, that can make for one expensive dietary supplement. The one thing that sticks is that it works. It worked for me doing 1 packet in the morning and 1 packet in the evening and I curbed my intake by my activity level. No reason to get an energy boost I was going to do nothing with and that usually in my experience results in jitters. I do like that I can customize SlimQuick Pure’s drink mix and as long as you stay within the guidelines, you may see the results you are looking for like I did. 5 pounds on week 1 and I took less in week two and lost 3 pounds. So, far that means this mix works perfectly for me.

Connect with SlimQuick Pure at:

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• #SlimQuickPure

 

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

 

 

Un Rato Juntas: New Instyler Max Rotating Hot Iron (1 1/4″ barrel) #Review #Guapisimas

I have been watching and drooling over the Instyler hot iron commercials for a while now. Always wondering how it worked, does it work, to will my hair end up needing to be cut out at attempting the first curl. A girl wonders these things 🙂 and even with such in mind, you bet I still wanted to try it because beauty equals bravery in my book when it comes to new products.

Un Rato Juntas and Instyler, was kind enough to not only send me one to try but also one to share. The hardest part was picking what color I should keep. I figure I first try it out and then share my results with my BFF of the month. I have two and I figure I alternate months on BFF status as to what freebies I share with them. We all agreed that friendship matters but so do beauty items and we seriously say things like, “it’s May and my month, so I get it”. Hey, we all have crazy ways to make relationships work and no one wants to break a nail over trying to snatch a freebie….that would be uncivilized! 😛

I decided to let my BFF of the month decide on color and she of course went with the pink, so I tried the black colored iron. The Instyler Max features:

• No waiting time because within 30 seconds, the rapid heat-up system is ready to go.
• It’s a hot iron and a curling iron, all in one tool.  You can obtain soft curls that are loose and bouncy, to tight curls and even straight hair styles. This iron kicks all your other hair styling irons out of your beauty box (or drawer)!
• The barrel has a 2-way heating system that features black tourmaline ceramic plates, so you get shine and style at the same time. The smooth styles you create will remain gorgeous without damaging your hair. No one wants a crispy look!
• The Instyler iron has an auto-shut off safety feature, in case you get a text or walk out the door too soon because you are eager to show off your new style. Shiny and gorgeous hair locks can do that!
• You have several settings to choose from when it comes to your hair’s texture. You can choose from Fine, Medium, to Thick or Coarse hair. With four heat settings that have a maximum heat setting of 425 degrees.

Retail Price Point: $89.99 at Ulta and you can find the nearest store with their retailer locator here.

 

How does it Perform:

The Instyler Max Rotating Iron is a gorgeous piece of hardware but I’m not just leaving it on the counter to just show-off. This baby has to work and treat my hair nice, plus keep whatever style I choose looking fresh and vibrant. Curling takes time and I always look for products that allow the curl to be adjusted when it comes to tightness, but also keeps my hair polished with little to no damage. I figure we are in the day and age that technology should deliver such! I have long hair and recently had it shortened this Summer but it still remains long. I wanted to achieve loose “beach style” bouncy curls, that allow my length of hair to still flow but with a kick. I took the iron out of the package and once I became familiar with the literature included, I was able to start within 5 minutes and the Instyler was ready to go before I was in under a minute! Okay, it knows me and knows I don’t like to wait. I quickly began and my first lock of hair went in and the barrel began to softly rotate as it pulled more hair length in. Okay, I get it! This beauty tool not only straightens but quickly created a soft curl without losing one strand of hair. I felt nothing pull out of my scalp and in less than 5 seconds (I have fine hair but lots of it), I was done. Each hair strand really gets the royalty treatment and I was done in 10 minutes. This is counting me picking at my style to loosen the curls, spraying a finishing/setting spray, and a few holds, spray, tossing of curls here and there, and creating the framing around my face I desired. I was set and done and most importantly……super happy with the results. Like I found myself saying I should have done this before and even lecturing myself why I don’t style my hair like this more often. Yeah, I forgot that I now have the tool to easily do it with and this is why I avoided it. Avoid no more!

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Final Verdict:
I have always stated that all-in-one products most of the times do none at all well enough. Today, I’m sort of having to chew on that last statement. The Instyler Max Rotating Iron performed well and as advertised, but it’s one of those things you have to try yourself to believe. I sure didn’t at first and there is a reason I have scissors in my drawer in case of a mishap. I’m a cut-it-off before it singes my scalp kind of gal. There was nothing to cut off here but my other irons. It’s easier making room for one tool and I knew I had a problem with hair tools when I had to Swiffer the dust periodically off the tools I rarely use. Keeping them in case doom’s day comes, telling myself I better use them because I have to justify the purchase…….whatever reason I could come up with but now my reason is really talking to myself about what style I want and I can’t wait for colder weather to arrive and have hair that looks fabulous and shines!

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Connect with Instyler and pick the color of your iron (hey, I sort of miss the pink one) here:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• #Guapisimas #Instyler

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Un Rato Juntas and Instyler.  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.

Walmart Beauty Box #Review of their Subscription Service #WalmartBeauty #WalmartHaul

To stay honest and fair, I rarely share on my blog items I paid for unless it’s like a super duper deal. These events are a rare occurrence and has to pair up with it being a deal. Pocket books should stay full and this subscription box will not cause a ding either.

Walmart has a beauty box service. I know, it’s news to me and it’s just 5 bucks. I have spent more in the clearance bins at stores and then I don’t even know why I brought half the stuff home to begin with. I seem to plan these great projects in the store and once I pay for my clearance bin deal, I get amnesia (aka- a case of the lazies). Let’s just say my crafting gets me in trouble but the best part, this is all beauty related and the stuff that comes with known names versus that questionable $1 bubble shower gel that smells good but makes my skin itchy! 🙂

• I signed up at: http://learn.walmart.com/beauty/
• Direct link- https://beautybox.walmart.com/?referral=http://learn.walmart.com/beauty . No referral used, just goes straight to the website.
• The small writing (terms and conditions): https://beautybox.walmart.com/terms-and-conditions/

Just $5 every 3 months and this is what the Fall box came with:

• (1) Olay Regenerist MicroSculpting Cream Moisturizer on 0.5 ounces
• (1) Loreal Revitalift Triple Power in 0.5 ounces
• (1) CoverGirl Continous Color lipstick in 425 Vintage Wine
• (1) Secret Clinical Strength in 1.6 ounces
• (1) Juicy Couture Perfume Sample in spray form .05 ounces
• (1) Clear sample packet of Shampoo and Conditioner

 

Yeah, all the above and just $5! No shipping and handling fees, just 5 bucks 😀 Sign-up and give it a try and hopefully the Fall box is still available and even the box itself is nice and thick, perfect for reusing and storing future sample and goodies that hopefully comes before we say goodbye to 2014.

BzzAgent: Nothing like the feel of a real Board Game! Hasbro’s My Monopoly #Review

I know a while back it was thought that board games were dead and we would just play them via whatever game system replaced the actual board. I am guilty of purchasing Monopoly to play but as much as it was easy to just turn off the system and not need to clean up after playing, something was missing. Unsure if it is the setting-up process, not feeling or touching anything……but something about just staring at a TV screen is just so anti what a board game is suppose to be. I later just bought a Monopoly set that was some ultra-edition where all the pieces were gold in color. I think I was trying to make up for something!

When BzzAgent offered to send Hasbro’s new “My Monopoly” game, I glanced at the campaign and when I saw “App Store”, Google play and the words “download”, I was about to pass…..I then saw that “My Monopoly” is a way to personalize your board game experience! Yup, the board is still there as is everything else.

What comes with “My Monopoly”:

• Gameboard
• 4 Tokens
• 30 Blank Tiles
• 4 Sticker Sheets (30 stickers per sheet)
• 28 Deed cards
• 16 Chance cards
• 16 Community Chest cards
• 32 Houses and 12 Hotels
• A set of Dice
• Money Pack and the Game Guide

Making My Monopoly:

You simply just access the app or you can go on-line by visiting http://www.mymonopoly.com. Then simply upload your pictures and customize your playing experience, print and label your game. Then you are ready to play and have some family fun!

Retail Price Point: $19.99 and can be purchased on Amazon, Target, KMart, Walmart, to Toys r’ Us.

Hasbro provides you with the same quality game board, you get to engage and hone your competitive skills, get some math, and let us not forget how it feels to have a stack of Monopoly money and everyone’s properties! The best part is the customization and with the amount of stickers they provide, you can change your mind and update the board. Great family fun and no TV needed 🙂 The board also game with a bonus of a free $10 off code at Shutterfly!

You can visit Hasbro and see the “My Monopoly” game board, plus the other gaming experiences they offer at:

• On-line
• Facebook
• Monopoly on FB
• Twitter
• #MyMonopoly

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Hasbro and BzzAgent. 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.