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Friday, February 21, 2014

"Shine On" Blogger Award!

 
I was recently nominated for the “Shine On” blogger award by Angela Watkins, creative author of I am the MakeupWhisperer and I Take Photos! I’ve seen these types of awards floating around the digital world here and there but never in a million years thought I would be nominated; especially since I am such a newbie to the blogging community.
 
Before I dive into the “Shine On” award rules, I want to sincerely thank Angela for considering me as one of her 15 nominees. I’ve always enjoyed writing and expressing my opinion, but never really dedicated any time to this craft since grade school. One of my many “when I grow up” dreams was to become an author. Not necessarily a literary author, but a journalist who would write about food, entertainment, and exciting up-and-coming events; nothing too serious, mostly fluff.

However, money was my top priority and I chose to seek a degree in business. In fact, I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in General Management, this last December. I recently made several life changing decisions that diverted me off my previous path and am working on building a new and improved me. Surprisingly, I am not at all intimidated, but rather excited and eager to discover what lies ahead.

I am beyond blessed for discovering a new friend, Michelle, author of Beautiful Goodies, and her invitation to join the Beauty and Fashion Blog Community on Facebook. I was welcomed into the group with open arms and feel like I am part of something amazing. As I am starting a new chapter in life, it is a wonderful feeling to be able to have a group of like-minded individuals who are able to show such compassion and friendship toward complete strangers.
 
 

Okay, enough rambling…

 
The “Shine On” award rules are as follows:
  1. Display the award logo in your blog post: Check!
  2. Show appreciation by acknowledging the blogger who nominated you and link back to them in your post: Check!
  3. Share 7 random, interesting facts about yourself: Listed below.
  4. Nominate 15 bloggers you admire and happily pass on this award, making sure to link their blog into your post: Listed below.
  5. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know: Check!

My 7 Random Facts Are:
 
  • I have two different colored eyes. My right eye is ¾ blue and ¼ grey, and my left eye is ½ brown, ¼ blue, and ¼ grey.
 
 
 
  • I am obsessed with taking looooooong bubble baths. I recently relocated back home to my dear mother’s house and she has an AMAZINGLY deep soaking tub. Let’s just say that she’s happy to have me home, but her water bill has significantly increased since I returned. I love anything for baths: bubbles, bath oil, fizzies, beads, salts, etc. The more the merrier!
 
  • Last summer I adopted a Chihuahua / Pomeranian dog from our local Humane Society. Her name is Roxie and she is my pride and joy. I don’t have any human children, but she’s my baby girl. I spoil her rotten and she brightens my day. I do not think that I would have been able to make certain decisions about my life without her in my corner.
 
 
 
 
 
  • If I could, I would live in pajamas.
 
  • This may be TMI, but I’m obsessed with panties. NO, not in a weird fetish sort of way, but as in, I can never have enough! I love getting different designs, patterns, etc. The more fun, the better. And when I go on trips, I over pack; as in a 3 day vacation = 10+ panties. I NEVER want to be caught without them, so I’d rather be safe than sorry!
 
  • I had jaw surgery in high school, to help prevent future dental problems, and ever since then my entire right side of my face has been numb. I can feel pressure being applied to my face, but that’s about it; it makes chewing gum on that side of my mouth an interesting escapade!
 
  • I absolutely, positively hate crying; regardless if they are happy or sad tears. Therefore, I avoid all things overly emotional: anything Nicholas Sparks, animal cruelty commercials, touching stories, etc.
 

The 15 Bloggers That I Nominate for the “Shine On” Award Are:
 
Michelle at Beautiful Goodies
Rachel at Harlot Beauty
Kristy at Nail of a Tale
Caitlyn at Beauty Budget
Jennifer at JenLikesPolish
Kimberly at The Rantings of a Drama Queen’s Mum
Kristina at The Feminine Files
Amy at Ilewsoba
Amy at The Perks of Being Amy
Michelle at Pretty in the East
Andriana at Beauty by Andriana
Jeni at Gracious Luck
Anna at The Anna Belle Blog
Karen at Unpack the Box!
Kimberly at Socially Awkward Fashionista

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Valentine's Day Tag




Hello my lovelies! I recently spotted this fantabulous Valentine’s Day Tag post on The Perks of Being Amy: The Day-to-Day Ramblings of an Aspiring Journalist. She has an amazing blog and I encourage all of my readers to check her out!
 

I’ve been under the weather the last two weeks and have 100% neglected my online life; trĂ© tragic! So, in the spirit Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d jump on the V-Day Train theme and answer the following fun-filled questions. If you’re itching for something to do, TAG you’re it! Comment down below your blog URL as I’d love to read my fellow lovelies responses to these heart-filled questions.
 

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

 
What is your favorite Valentine's Day treat?
I don’t have a specific Valentine’s Day treat that I adore above all others, but you can never go wrong with anything chocolate related!


Sweethearts of chocolate covered strawberries?
YUCK! I absolutely hate Sweethearts candy. They’re a cute novelty gift and I may have a few here and there, but they remind me of antacid tablets. Therefore, I would most definitely have to go with chocolate covered strawberries!


What was your favorite Valentine's Day memory?
Hmmm…. My favorite Valentine’s Day memory would have to be when I was in elementary school. Every Valentine’s Day was celebrated by making a kick-bum mailbox at home, bringing it to school, and then walking around the room delivering Valentine’s to each student.

Every student would receive a list of names of their classmates. We were to make a Valentine’s Day Card / gift for each student and then deliver them (via their cute mailboxes) on Valentine’s Day. There was always goodies and music. It was such a fun tradition and made everyone feel loved. I think I had the most fun making the mailboxes.


What movie would you rather watch on Valentine's Day: "Pretty Woman" or "You've Got Mail"?
I’ve seen both movies and they’re equally good, but I’d have to go with “Pretty Woman”. It has more drama! :)


What celeb would you not mind having as your Valentine?
Oh, la, la! So many options….  Bradley Cooper, Daniel DiTomasso, Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, I don’t think I could pick just one! I think the winner would have to be…. *drumroll* Daniel DiTomasso (with the facial hair)!



What would you do on your perfect Valentine's Day date?
I’m a sucker for fancy dinners. If I was going out, I’d want to hit the Melting Pot (amazing experience, delicious food, but pricey). If staying in, I’d either want my love to cook the entire meal for me (as a surprise) or for us to cook together; finishing the night off with a fun chocolate-y dessert! And of course, movies + massive cuddling.

 
Red or pink lips on Valentine's Day?
I haven’t been able to find a rockin’ red that suits me, so I’m going to have to say an in-between color. Definitely more red, but with a hint of pink.


What is your ideal Valentine's Day date outfit?
My ideal outfit would be a solid colored skirt (probably black) with a sparkly / show-stopper blouse; probably pink or red. Decked out in bling: rings, necklace, earrings, bracelet, etc. Killer shoes and a small clutch to match my top (all three items the same color) and fully painted fingernails and toenails to match! :)  


Homemade or store-bought gifts?
Hands down, homemade gifts! Gifts that come from the heart and require time / effort mean 100x more to almost any girl than a store bought gift.


Would you wear your hair up or hair down for a date night?
I always wear my hair up in a messy bun, but if I was going somewhere special or doing something to celebrate something special, I would wear it mostly down but gathered up in loose curls to pull the hair out of my face.

 

Saturday, February 1, 2014

My Skin Care Routine Blog Hop


 
DAY-TIME ROUTINE
 
Step #1: Cleanse that purdy face!

 
Features & Benefits
  • Deep cleans pores and eliminates makeup build-up
  • Natural oil extracts help condition skin
  • Fragrance-free formula

I am absolutely addicted to all things Philosophy; especially my holy grail of facial cleansers… *drum roll* Purity Made Simple. This stuff must be made with the tear drops of unicorns! It is the most moisturizing and effective cleanser that I have ever used.

It gently removes ALL makeup and cleanses your face; all-in-one! If you’re running short on time, you do not even have to moisturize as this cleanser leaves your skin feeling supple and smooth. I purchased mine through QVC and have it on auto-delivery. I have the mondiferously large bottle with a pump. The pump works great as a measuring tool; one pump gets the job done!  

 
Step #2: Facial Time!
 
 
Features & Benefits
  • Fast-acting results
  • Mineral-packed purifying paste
  • Leaves a beautifully clean feel

This is such an amazing product! The Great Mystery is gentle enough to use daily (but I use it every other day) and it leaves your skin feeling as though you just visited the spa. The best part…. It only takes one-minute to reap the benefits of this awesome product! It contains sea salt, which provides a nice light exfoliation and when this accidentally gets into your mouth when showering (oops!) you can actually taste the sea salt! I also have this product on auto-delivery from QVC.

 
Step #3A: Moisturize, baby! On the “high-end”…
 
 
Features & Benefits
  • Helps diffuse energizing oxygen for glowing skin
  • Blend of antioxidants helps protect skin against environmental attack
  • Provides oil-free, lightweight hydration

I absolutely LOVE moisturizing and enjoy trying all different products designed to make your face silky smooth. However, being a smexy fluffy-lady tends to produce unwanted perspiration on my face when I’m rushing around working or getting ready to leave the house. Therefore, I always use a gel-like moisturizer on these occasions; just like Take a Deep Breath.

This moisturizer is amazing! It is super lightweight and oil-free, but still provides you with a great deal of moisture. The name is perfect… it literally feels as though your face is taking a breath of fresh air when you apply this moisturizer.

 
Step #3B: Moisturize, baby! On the discount end…
 
 
Features & Benefits
  • Oil-free
  • Water-based to rehydrate your skin
  • Blend of cucumber and green mango extract

I thought that I would use Take a Deep Breath until the day that I died, but I was lucky enough to receive a sample of Clean & Clear: Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer in one of my monthly Beauty Box 5 boxes and instantly fell in love! Not only do I receive the SAME exact results from this gem as I did with Take a Deep Breath, but it’s 1/5 of the price! Can you say hallelujah discounts?!

This a.m. moisturizer is super lightweight, refreshing, gives you a nice little wake-up in the morning, and is not greasy. It allows my face to breathe and leaves me feeling silky smooth all day long.

 NIGHT-TIME ROUTINE

 
Repeat step #1cleanse that purdy face!

The Purity Made Simple is so gentle that you could literally wash your face 3 times in one day (morning, afternoon, and evening) and it will NOT dry you out; trust me, I’ve done this!

 
Step #2: Moisturize, baby!

 
Features & Benefits
  • Created for the medical market
  • Unique SoufflĂ© texture
  • Healthy-looking glow

Being a Philosophy girl, I wanted to try Hope in a Jar for the loooooongest time, but it is crazy expensive! $117 for an 8 oz. jar! I waited until QVC had it on special and was able to purchase the jar for $108 and on easy-pay (LOVE easy-pay). Now, I’m locked in forever and have it on auto-delivery, but… I continually push back my future shipment date because the 8 oz. jar is like an everlasting gobstopper!

You only need a smidgen of this moisturizer for your entire face and neck. It too is ultra-lightweight, but provides a much more intense moisture than a gel moisturizer. It’s so fluffy and luxurious; it’s like applying a soufflĂ© to your face! It’s my go-to cream at night and for the days when I’m feeling extra dry.

 
Questions for My Lovely Ladies
  1. Are there any other Philosophy girls out there?
  2. What products do you swear by for your purdy face?
 
Want to check out other lovely ladies and their skin care routine? Check out these amazing blogs listed below for this month's "BLOG HOP" theme: My Skin Care Routine!

Michelle at Pretty in the East 
Brittany at The Beauty Deputy
Kristina at The Feminine Files
Jeni at Gracious Luck
Heather at Coconut & Cotton
Jenn at Little Bit of Girl Geekery
Etta of Etta's Threads
Kristy from Nailofatale
Vivienne of Jolie Pagaille
Tess at Plastic Bows
Brittany at Lipstick & Yarn
Nancy at Jumping Mouse 9
Michelle at Beautiful Goodies
Angela at The Makeup / Photography Whisperer
Bernice at Dark Beauty Makeup
Christine at Simply Stine (Beauty / Fashion / Lifestyle)
Sam at College Beauty Buff

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Fun & Fabulous Face Masks: Review of Montagne Jeunesse

The triple “F” of skincare! Fun, fabulous, and for the face! I recently had the pleasure of trying two Montagne Jeunesse face masks; technically, one “cream” type of mask and one, literal, face mask… Halloween-like! Before I dive into the review of each individual mask, I want to review the company itself. I’ve personally seen these masks at department stores and thought they were cheap, foreign, and probably worthless. I know, don’t judge a book by its cover, but unfortunately, that is what I perceived at first glance; especially, since I could not even pronounce the name of the product!

I received my first Montagne Jeunesse face mask (Glacial Clay Spa) via Beauty Box 5; a monthly beauty box subscription service in which I paid $12 per month to receive a handful of surprise beauty-related products.

I was actually lucky enough to score the second mask (Strawberry SoufflĂ©) FREE by being a member of PINCHme. PINCHme is fun site that promotes brands by offering their members free samples every other Tuesday. All you have to do to receive the samples is: sign up and be hawk-like on sample day… literally, be at your computer precisely at 9am PST to claim any available samples. Shipping and handling is free and all they ask that you to do is review the product after you try it out; great deal!

Side Note: Although I refer to the masks as “samples”, they were actually full size, one-time use masks.

Before writing this review, I decided to investigate the Montagne Jeunesse company more; staring with their unusual name. I had a feeling it was “Frenchy,” so I turned to Google Translate; the French translation is: youth mountain. When digging deeper into this company, the name actually made sense! I won’t bore you with all of the details, but if you’re extremely interested, click here.

Essentially, the company was established in the mid-80’s by a vegetarian. They make wholesome, eco-friendly, veggie friendly, and animal cruelty free cosmetic products. I was actually blown away by their story and all that they’ve done for the environment. My only criticism is to possibly review their packaging; perhaps, make it appear more up-scale and appeal to a larger non-foreign educated (like myself) market. I also wish that their masks (the cream versions) came in larger bottles instead of the one-time use packages… but maybe that’s not eco-friendly?

Okay, enough banter… onto the review!

Glacial Clay Spa

Give your skin the ride of its life and feel the natural rush of cooling Glacial Clay cleanse your pores to the core. Anti-oxidant rich Red Grape and Arctic Cloudberry juices from the glacial heights of Scandinavia work their magic to help maintain skins natural barrier. – Taken directly from their website.

This “mask,” was literally that! Prior to opening the package, I was expecting a cream-like substance to rub onto my face; that was not the case! It was a cloth-like mask that you were to apply to a wet / cleansed face…. Such a weird experience! I know that most face masks make women look frightening, but can you imagine this beautimous face coming up to your door at night?!

 
So scary!

After getting over the shock of my appearance, the mask was actually quite relaxing. It provided a nice cooling sensation and was perfect to use while in the tub. After waiting the required 10-15 minutes for the mask to work its magic, it actually began to semi-harden onto my face (but only slightly). Once the time was up, I gently removed the mask, rinsed my face, and patted dry. These were the results!


 
I was SHOCKED at how effective the mask was. My face felt remarkably smooth, my pores were visibly smaller, and I felt extremely clean. I didn’t particularly enjoy the application process, but the results were phenomenal and I would most definitely repurchase this mask in the future. It would not be a regular cosmetic purchase as it is only a one-time use product, and I don’t particularly care for one-time use only products, but for a nice relaxing night-in, or a ladies night, this is a definite must have! The retail price of this mask is $2.49.


Strawberry Soufflé

Cleanse your skin with [the] Strawberry SoufflĂ© face masque as part of your regime for a purified, toned smooth complexion. Loaded with natural goodness which leaves skin hydrated and refreshed allow your skin to breathe with soothing Aloe Vera and calming Vanilla. Experience the sensation of sheer Strawberry delight and enjoy deep cleansed, healthier skin.  – Taken directly from their website.


This mask was exactly what I thought it was going to be, a creamy-like substance that you apply to your neck and face. I ensured that my face was cleansed prior to using the mask; as the instructions stated. If used sparingly, you may be able to get two uses out of one packet, but I lathered this puppy on my entire neck and face area.

As soon as I opened the package, I could smell the delicious scent of strawberries and cream. The scent was so intense (but a good intense) that my man-friend could smell it from the hallway. It smelled as if I scooped strawberry ice cream all over my face. Needless to say, the aroma during my mask session was impeccably delicious!


After the 10-15 minute magic session, I rinsed my face and patted dry. I felt hydrated, toned, and extremely smooth. Check out the results!

 
If you want a luxurious pampering session that is sure to leave your face feeling fresh and your mind relaxed from the overwhelmingly fresh scent of strawberries, then you must try this mask! It retails for $1.99, so it’s actually not that pricey, but again, I’m not a fan of one-time use products. I wish that they sold this in a jar or tube so I could get multiple uses out of my purchase, but I will be buying this again in the future.

Last, but not least, I was able to find a pretty schweet bundle deal on MontagneJeunesse face products! For only $15, you can score 10 of their most popular “fruity facial products”. 

Have you tried any Montagne Jeunesse products? What did you think? Am I the only one who thinks their packaging could be improved upon?
 

Monday, January 27, 2014

Love With Food: October 2013 Tasting Box


This is LONG overdue, but here is the follow-up review of my October 2013 Tasting Box from Love with Food. If you’d like to take a peek at my unboxing video, sure to stir up a few laughs, then watch the video below.

 

dang: toasted coconut chips

 

 
OMGosh! This was absolutely delicious!!! I could not stop snacking on these crunchy, sweet, with a pinch of salt, treats. I’m glad the bag only had two servings and that I was able to share this delicious concoction with my coworkers; because I would have devoured whatever size bag was sat in front of me. However, with that said, it is also very decadent and rich tasting, so I only recommend having 1-2 servings (otherwise, your tummy might regret it). To me, it wasn’t overpowering with coconut, but it did leave a nice coconut-y taste in my mouth. It was very buttery and sumptuous and I enjoyed the crunchy, yet smooth chip-like texture.

The bag promotes that it is: “all natural, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, no cholesterol, and a good source of fiber”. Normally when something indicates that it is that healthy, I’m expecting very little to no flavor and/or a very unusual taste; however, that was NOT the case with this snack. If you’re looking for a unique and “Hawaiian-like” treat that’s most likely better for you than candy or chips, then give this a try!

WARNING: They are addicting and slightly high in calories (115 calories for ½ of the depicted bag). If you purchase this product you will probably fall in love with them (as I did) but portion out your serving BEFORE munching! :)

 

happy squeeze: Fruit & Veggie Twist (Blueberry, Apple, and Purple Carrot)

 
First of all, I LOVE the packaging! I am a complete sucker for cute / unique packages; not to mention, being able to squeeze your fruits and veggies on the go is quite clever. When I first saw this pouch, I figured that the product would be like a puree (almost an applesauce-like texture), but after feeling the pouch, it seemed much more fluid and I assumed it would be more like a juice. After actually opening the product and giving it a squeeze, my first assumption was right; it was a very liquid-y puree (thinner than applesauce, but not quite a juice).  

The taste was actually quite delicious. I could definitely taste the blueberry and apple flavors and I felt a little more energetic after consuming the pouch (maybe it was in my imagination?). I prefer to eat my fruits / veggies whole or in a homemade smoothie, but for kids or those who are anti-fruits and veggies, this is a great solution! Easy, super portable, and it doesn’t have to be refrigerated until opened (but you WILL finish this in one sitting/serving, so a refrigerator is probably not needed).

I could easily see this as something you would pack in a kid’s lunch, bring camping, bike riding, hiking, etc. It’s quite low on calories (only 60 in the depicted pouch), but high on carbs and sugars (13g of carbs and 10g of sugar); but maybe that’s comparable to real fruit? The pouch promotes that it is: “always organic, doctor recommended, optimally formulated (whatever that means), minimal processing, and easy BPA FREE portable package”.

 

GLEE Gum (Triple Berry)

 
Another adorable package! I’m not sure if their gum normally comes in such teeny-weeny boxes, but these sample-sized boxes sure are cute! The flavor was quite enjoyable, but unfortunately it did not last very long and I needed several pieces to fulfill my chewing needs. I was honestly expecting a funky texture and for the gumminess to seize up, but that was not the case. It was a tasty treat and the elasticity of the gum lasted on and on and on; which is what I prefer.

The brand boasts that it is: “made with Chicle for rainforest conversation, natural, GMO-free, aspartame-free, uses brown rice and cane sugar as a coating, and (here’s my favorite part) the gum is sweetened with cane sugar traded in compliance with Fairtrade Standards”. Insert happy face here!

Although this was a fun gum to try and for all those health-nut / nature-lovers out there, this would be an awesome addition into a gift basket, I most likely will not be repurchasing this product. I actually prefer sugar-free gum (yes, aspartame filled!) as it is ZERO calories (usually) and my teeth prefer that as well.

 

Torie & Howard Organic Hard Candy

 
Let me first say… I am NOT a hard candy fan, I’m more of a chocolate / gummy lover. But holy heck! These were “da bomb!” I was soooo interested in these little candies that I went to Torie & Howards website to find out a little bit more information on these delectable delights.

I was gifted with the “D’anjou Pear & Cinnamon” flavor; and these sucky-candy are packed full of “the sweet flavor of ripe d’anjou pears with the luxuriousness of Ceylon cinnamon”… Yummy! These are not your typical sucky-candies. These put your average hard candies to shame and come in amazing “adult-like” / gourmet flavors.  The company states that their candies contain: “organic sugar, organic rice syrup, non-GMO citric acid, and natural flavors. It does NOT have: artificial dyes, nuts, GMOs, corn syrup, gluten, wheat, casein, soy, or dairy” (Phew! Long list….).

I would not buy these as an everyday treat (as I am not normally a fan of hard candy) but these would be fun during the fall / winter (cold season) and as an addition to gift baskets or stocking stuffers! In case you’re not a fan of pear or cinnamon, they have three other tantalizing flavors: (1) pomegranate & nectarine, (2) blood orange & honey, (3) pink grapefruit & tupelo honey. These all sound amazing and I may end up purchasing some for future holidays.

 

PIXO Pearls Original with Gingras XO Apple Cider Vinegar from Vinaigerie Gingras

 
Okay, I had NO IDEA what the heck these little balls were, but I am always willing to try something once. Before I popped open this puppy, I turned to the All-Mighty Google! According to the company’s website: “PIXO Pearls Original are pearls of Gingras XO Apple Cider Vinegar (a fancy-shmancy apple cider vinegar) encapsulated in an alginate (seaweed) film”… interesting. Apparently, they are made using molecular gastronomy… as soon as I read that, I became instantly excited. I LOVE cooking and am addicted to almost every Food Network TV show. Most of the new up-and-coming chefs, who are into making food modern, dabble in molecular gastronomy and I’ve always wondered if that type of food tasted different. NOW I GET TO TRY SOME!!!

Each “pearl” is supposed to explode with an abundance of flavor. Because of their cuteness, the pearls also allow you to make gourmet-looking food at home. The website suggests: “sprinkling them on a salad, using them the spruce up a canapĂ© (not sure what this is) or even to add a bite to a cocktail. I decided to check out their recommended EASY recipes. (I ain’t got no time to fuss around with these balls).

The fastest recipe I found, that still looked tasty, was “Pixo, Crackers, and Cheese;” easy enough!

Ingredients
  • 1 pack of your favorite crackers
  • Your favorite cheese
  • 1 sachet of Pixo Pearls – original

Directions

Cover your cracker in cheese, add 3-5 pearls to each cracker. BOOM! You’re done!

These were absolutely DIVINE! I am a huge fan of cheese and crackers, the more gourmet / funky tasting the cheese, the better! I could completely see myself hosting a nice meat / cheese night with my ladies and adding these fancy balls onto each cracker/cheese combo. I didn’t try adding them into anything else, but I plan on buying additional balls in the future. Oh the ball-sibilities!

If you’re into trying something fun, new, and exciting, give these pearls a try! You can check them out here! (They also have Raspberry Pearls!)



Chocolate Pizzelle Crisps
 
 
My first bite of these was not pleasant. These crisps were very bitter and lacked any flavor whatsoever…. At first. After I ate a few, I started to taste a hint of chocolate / sweetness. The crispness of the pizzelle was on-point and all of the crisps were a nice full-size. I could easily see this as being a great topping to frozen yogurt or ice cream or even a quick treat by themselves. However, they’re not for me. I prefer my sweet snack to be a little more sweet. I would buy this as an addition to a health-nut’s gift basket, as the crisp did taste good, but I wouldn’t personally purchase this for myself in the future.



New World Caveman Cookies
 
I’m sorry… but this “cookie” was disgusting! Kudos for it being all natural and healthy, but it had the weirdest flavor and left my mouth full of a nasty after-taste. The texture was exceptionally moist, so points for that, but I was not at all impressed. I will NOT be buying this in the future or putting anything “caveman-like” in my mouth again.
 
 
Kind Snacks Mini Bar

I failed miserably with this item… I didn’t take a picture, but you can check out what the bar looks like by viewing the October Tasting Box picture, courtesy of the Love With Food website below:

 
This bar didn’t rock my world. It tasted like any other healthy granola / snack bar on the market. Don’t get me wrong, it did taste good, but it did not wow me. I had no problem eating the bar, but I do not foresee myself repurchasing this again in the future.

Have you tried any of the products reviewed in this post? Do you currently subscribe to or want to subscribe to Love With Food? I'm dying to know!

 

 

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Fan-tabulous Fiber One Protein Cereal! Let the Munching Begin!


 
Some of you who also follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and/or Facebook know that I’m a BzzAgent. What does this mean? I am able to test out new products on the market for free (or by receiving a discount) and in return I provide honest feedback and naturally discuss the products with my family and friends.

Recently I was lucky enough to be selected to join the Fiber One Protein Cereal campaign and via General Mills and the BzzAgent organization, I was able to receive two FREE boxes of the NEW Fiber One Protein Cereal; Cranberry Almond and Maple Brown Sugar.

As I just received my BzzKit last night, I have only had the pleasure of tasting the Maple Brown Sugar flavor (thus far). I normally prefer “sugary” cereals and therefore, I was skeptical about the taste and texture. But I forged ahead, took my first spoonful, and I did not look back! My man-friend and I each ate... more like DEVOURED one bowl each. LOL!

The Maple Brown Sugar is absolutely scrumptious! It is full of granola, pecans and has a delicious taste of maple brown sugar running throughout the entire cereal (hence the name). It was extremely crunchy, but not to the point of that gravel cereal (Grape Nuts), and the taste was amazing! I literally could not believe that what I was eating contained 10g of protein (including the milk) and 20% of my daily fiber!

I cannot WAIT to try the Cranberry Almond flavor, but I want to finish the Maple Brown Sugar box first; which shouldn’t take very long. My man-friend LOVES oatmeal (he could literally eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and he plans on taking some of the cereal and adding it to his oatmeal for a little bit of texture. I’ll be sure to let ya’ll know what he thinks, but I think this cereal would be good on just about anything! Trail mix add-in, ice cream topper… oh, the possibilities are endless!
 
Please comment down below if you've ever tried this cereal and/or any other Fiber One products. The first person to leave a comment will score a sweet $1.00 off ONE box of Fiber One Protein cereal; courtesy of General Mills.
 
Just be sure to message me your mailing address! Feel free to contact me on one of my other social media sites or directly via email (a.eyler06@gmail.com).
 
PS: If you didn't make it in time to score the coupon, follow me on my other social media sites (listed in the "About Me" section on my blog) as I will be giving out more in the upcoming weeks.
 
Thank you, lovelies!