#FrostyVoxBox Review Part 2: The Edibles

Here is my Influenster Frosty Vox Box Review of the "edible" contents

Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Tea

Product Information:

• Decaffinated
• Holiday season flavor ( so may not be around for long!)
• All natural, no artificial flavors or colors
• Gluten Free and Kosher

My Reveiw:

I normally don't like minty things but this is a mild flavor and it is refreshing, caffeine-free pick me up! I couldn't see myself drinking this year round, but as a substitute for an afternoon decaf around the holidays-ABSOLUTELY!

Red Vines Fruit Vines Bites (Strawberry)

Product Information:

• Bite sized, low fat
• No preservatives
• Strawberry and Cherry flavors

My review:

I don't like licorice and to me this was a bit too close to a Twizzler type  candy.  That being said, my husband and daughter thought they were tasty, so I guess it just depends on your candy preferences! I like that there is no preservatives, but not sure if this would be a staple in our house since the dentist has chewy candies on the 'naughty list' and I like my cavity free teeth!

#FrostyVoxBox Review: Part 1- the wearables

Here is my review of the 'wearable' portions of the Influenster Frosty Vox Box

ECO SMART Sleek + Shine Finisher Hair Brush

Product Information:

• Synthetic Boars Hair (so humane friendly)
• Unique bristle pattern allows bristles to distribute hairs natural oils
• According to website it allows hair to dry up to 20% faster, meaning less heat damage to hair
• Retails $10.99

My Review:

I need to preface with my hair type. I have long, thick, semi-wavy hair (you know the kind that looks to waveless to just airdry but too wavy to be straight....basically unpleasant looking without some form of tampering!!).  This brush did ok, but our house is dry (it's winter) and so it made my hair very static prone.  I also cannot attest to the drying because my hair takes a long time and I have never measured but I didn't have any particular issues using it to dry my hair.  I do like that it is synthetic bristles so humane friendly and I suppose time will tell how healthy it enables my hair to be with the distribution of natural oils!  I can't say I have ever used a brush that just wowed me, but yes as a general hairbrush I would recommend it. I personally prefer paddle shaped brushes and may splurge for the ecotools paddle version as I think they are better with long thick hair than oval brushes. 

BOOTS No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum

Product Information:

• Serum is powered by Matrixyl 3000 Plus (tm) as well as Boots patented antioxidant blend
• After 2 weeks skin appears younger & by 4 weeks deep lines & wrinkles are visibly reduced

My Review:

I was only given a sample 'sachet' and so I wasn't able to squeeze out more than a few days of use so in all honesty I cannot thoroughly review this and would feel bad attempting too, but I will say that after using almost a week it is a very promising product!  It is a lovely cream that applies easily, no harsh smells, no discomfort or stinging. I wish I could tell you more and I am trying to decide if I am willing/wanting to pay the retail price to further try it (MSRP of 29.99)

UPDATED: After watching several video results from the Boots website, I am going to head out and buy it!

NYC Expert Last Lip Stick in Sugar Plum

Product Information:

• Claims to last for up to 6 hours

My Review:

I am a Burts Bees Original Chapstick kind of gal, but I was actually shocked when I tried this, it wasn't overly saturated color (I am a plain Jane) and it gave my winter skin (you know the nearly dead pale color?!?!) a pleasant coloring with just a swipe of lip color.  I won't wear lip stick everyday, just not that kind of gal, but for church, date nights, etc... Sugar Plum color is a nice, nearly neutral color.  Sadly mine did not last 6 hours, but when you are eating and drinking I didn't expect as much. I am fairly certain they are basing that claim on just wear without 'activity'.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal Eyeliner

Product Information:

• Waterproof, smudge proof, heat proof, sweat proof, humidity proof, & scandal proof?!?!?
• Dermatologist & ophthalmologist tested, safe for sensitive eyes
• Long lasting color in 10 shades

My review:

Way to dark for me.  I will probably self purchase another color though. The black was just a bit much for me.  As far as application, it goes on smooth and rich in color. I did find it to be smudge proof once it has set for a bit. It did fade and run a SMALL amount in the shower but it did come off easily in with the Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.  If I really wanted to keep up my appearance on a rainy day, at the gym, or otherwise, this would be a great product. Again, I am a mom and wife so I usually forgo makeup beyond blush and eyeshadow on most days but for church, dates, etc... I would probably use this product (just not in jet black!)

Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover

Product Information:

• Gently removes all make up, including long lasting & waterproof make ups
• No oily residue
• Suitable for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers
• Dermatologist & Ophthalmologist tested

My Review:

It does what it says, it removes make up but I did have to use a few cotton pads, it seems once some makeup residue is on the cotton it doesn't want to remove anymore but rather smear it, but that aside it did work without stingy or burning and didn't leave a super oily residue, but I did feel like there was something still there so I did follow up with a face washing towelette. I would recommend this product for stubborn makeup removals such as mascar and waterproof makeups.

***These product samples and/or full sized products or coupons were complimentary in exchange for my honest opinions on the products, without further compensation. These opinions and reviews are mine alone and are honest***

Pedigree Stackerz Review

I received a bag of Pedigree Stackerz from Influenster to try and review...well for my four legged, wagging tail babies to try! For this review I received the Filet & Bacon one!

I did a bit of research and learned that Stackerz comes in a few flavors...

• Filet Mignon & Bacon
• Smoky Bacon & Cheddar
• Grilled Chicken & NY Strip

Don't those flavors sound a bit too good for dogs?

I opened them and they smell pretty darn good, but I did hold back and refrained from trying one myself.  A trial testing of dog food when I was 4 put a damper on all subsequent suspicions of what animal food tasted like!!!

Tayler Before (confused)

Suki ( knows it is food and is doing a trick
[bowing] for snack)

After (WANTING MORE)
audibly begging after I start walking away!

My review is this..... dogs love treats, these treats sound and smell good...dogs love these treats!

yes, i would probably buy these for my dogs!  They currently eat pedigree large breed dog food so this wouldn't be a far stretch from the known!!!  We love the pedigree brand for our Suki and Tayler babies!!!

Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight Review

Through shespeaks I received Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight  to try and review. The only request, try it 5 consecutive times and be honest.

Well here goes,

Before:

*note* this is after wearing in a bun, it is
not usally this 'calm'

I usually do not dry or straighten my hair. It is long, very thick, LONG and it takes forever.  Usually after washing I towel dry, brush it, and put it in a bun or a braid.  If I put it up correctly I can take it down the next day and wear it wavy-ish.  I wear it up a lot during the summer due to the heat and I like to run 3 days a week.  During the winter is where I find my problem.  I can't throw a mass of wet hair into a bun and run. It is just simply too cold and now that we are the farthest geographical northern location I have ever lived in my life...I am not doing wet winter hair! But if I leave my hair down to air dry it looks greasy and flat to my head and some areas are wavy, some are straight, and the frizz, I stop there.

After first use.

I noticed it did straighten nicely with just the hair dryer. Usually I need to also do a quick once over with the straightening iron to fully flatten and de-puff the lower ends of my hair, but it looked pretty good (not flat iron good, but good enough to run out the door for dinner). My hair did feel a bit goopy but I didn't know if it was the product or if the conditioner didn't rinse well.

After second use.

Not much difference, still noticed it straightened well enough to leave the straightening iron in the closet.  I made sure to wash and rinse well and noticed no sticky feeling so the first use, I must have rushed rinsing out the conditioner.

After third, fourth, and fifth uses.

No real difference in these.  My hair didn't dry any faster but I did notice I didn't have to fully dry it to get the straightening effect.  Usually if I leave my hair even the remotest bit damp, it curls/waves right back up and frizzes at the ends, but not so much now!!

After the trial.

please excuse my tacky shirt
just focus on the svelte hair!

I noticed that for the next one maybe even stretch and say 2 washed I could easily dry and brush out my hair to a more straight look, but by the third wash I was back to puff frizz, with some waves in the back.

Overall.

I do think this product works.  It is a less chemically invasive way to straighten hair IF you have the time to use a hair dryer and if your hair is super curly you may need to use a straightener too.  I think the bottom line is this, if you don't want to chemically alter and potentially damage your hair to straighten it, this is a great product if you have the 'primp' time.  I think the main benefit for me, was that I didn't have to do the straightener and I had less frizz.  I think I could achieve this with other anti-frizz products, but Aveda does have a reputation for hair friendly ingredients and an eco-friendly business. 

Yes, I would, and probably will, buy this product.  I don't think it is the miracle blow out serum, but it does have a little magic in its cute Tiffany blue squeeze tube!  The scent is light but delicious and the product is not heavy, slimy, and doesn't leave a film, residue, or really any tactile presence on your hair.

I would say if you can splurge for the MSRP of $26, definitely try it out along with Aveda's line of hair care!!!

***I was given a full size product from shespeaks and Aveda to try and review, my opinion is my own and is a honest reflection of my personal experience with the product***

Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insole Review -Influenster

 

Got some spiffy new insoles courtesy of Dr. Scholl's and Influenster.

SO...my first take, they look and feel like great quality!! 

The benefits (as listed on Dr. Scholl's website ) for the insoles

• Triple Zone Protection
• Ball of Foot
• Arch Support
• Heel
• Helps Prevent Pain from shin splints, runner's knee, and plantar faciitis 

**It is recommended you replace your insoles every 6 months or at first signs of wear/age

And now for the after review!! I put them first in my daily kicks, the ones I walk around in.  Loved them.  Great arch support and the overall cushioning is great. Would recommend them for people on their feet for a great deal of the day. 

Next, my running kicks.  I wore them and just walked **you should never run at your normal pattern/speed/intensity when changing your footwear, this puts you at risk of injury** Just like changing your shoes, you should treat insoles the same and let your feet adjust prior to hitting your normal routine.  I think they worked great for walking and jogging, but I did notice some aching in my feet and calves after a few days of wear and attempting a short run.  I do want to note that I do wear specialized orthotic insoles for my high arches in my running shoes.  I believe that the Dr. Scholl's Active Series Insoles offer great support, but not enough for the mileage I run and with my very high arches and high metatarsal arch.

In summing it up, yes you should try these.  If you are getting into walking, stand a lot, or need extra arch or heel cushioning in your running shoes, I would recommend these.  If you are like me and run 15+ miles a week and have super high arches and metatarsal arches, I would suggest keeping with your current orthothotics! 

I will be keeping these in my non-running shoes that I wear for generalized daily activities and shorter duration athletic endeavors.  I think Dr. Scholl's has made great strides in offering the wanna be athletes a chance at up-ing our game, runs, strikes, whatever sport you do!

I want to close by thanking Influenster for sending these complimentary insoles to review.  I was not compensated further than the complimentary insoles and my review is my own and not persuaded by any factors other than personal use and experience with the product.

Influenster Sugar 'n Spice Voxbox

INFLUENSTER Sugar 'n Spice Voxbox

• NECTRESSE Packets by Splenda
• belVita - Cinnamon Brown Sugar Breakfast Biscuits
• Colgate Optic White
• Toothbrush
• Paste
• Mouth rinse 
• Dickinson's Witch Hazel Towlettes
• Vaseline Spray and Go - Total Moisture

I was ecstatic to be able to try these products and see what they would bring to my daily morning routine.

REVIEWS:

• NECTRESSE packets

These are sweetened with monk fruit and are zip, zero, zilch calories. I opened a packet and tasted a bit, it does have a different flavor from other sweeteners.  No bad after taste like Stevia, but a distinct lightly fruitly flavor which I guess is the monk fruit?!?  I tried them in my morning cup o' joe and I couldn't tell a distinct difference between my normal sweetener.  I sprinkled a packet on some beautiful, but not quite ripe berries and my daughter ate them before I could try, so I guess they tasted good!  I haven't tried them in baking and probably won't since opening up a zillion packets would be time consuming, but for small sugar needs, I think the packets do the trick!

• belVita breakfast biscuits

Small and crunchy they are packed with a delicious brown sugar flavor and they are delish dipped in your coffee and my sweet kiddo said they were "very tasty" in her milk too!  I like that they are not just biscuits but are integrated with nutrients and vitamins making them a great choice for a non-breakfast fan, such as myself, to get a healthy start on the day!  I did notice that I was hungry early than usual and craving sweet things, but that could be for a zillion reasons!!

• Dickinson's Witch Hazel towelettes

Natural...so I honesty was biased towards it to begin with. But they cleaned off my make-up with breeze (please note I do not wear mascara so I can't attest to that).  The smell was slightly medicinal (the witch hazel). My skin felt clean and not irritated or burning.  So I hope they continue to work well as I am always up for new, natural skin care products! 

• Colgate Optic White

I have to admit I have sensitive teeth so I was a bit leary to give these the ol' college try.  So my husband got too!!! We are an electric toothbrush family so we didn't use the brush, but the taste seemed to be ok for the paste and rinse and he said his mouth was left feeling "clean and fresh".  I hope to come back and update this once he has had a week or two to continue trying.

• Vaseline Spray & Go

Easy to use, fun, and seems to leave my skin so soft.  The smell is ok and mild, but in researching online, I think I will find a blissful companion in the cocoa butter one, especially this summer-I love cocoa butter!  Just like the commercial shows it is easy to apply and no pumping to worry about.  My husband wonders if there is as much product as a similar weighted pump lotion since it is an aerosol lotion, but I think that residual lotion that hides on the bottom of the regular bottle,  or the stuff that clings to the sides, or is forever lodged in the pump straw kind of equals out! Just an FYI for moms....do not leave your kids unattended, don't ask, just let your imaginations take you to the place where a 5 year old girl discovers spray lotion and all it's fun HA HA HA.

DISCLAIMER: These products were provided through the Influenster program from their respective companies at no cost or obligation to me.  These reviews are my own, honest, and not influenced by anything other than my own personal experience. No further compensation, outside of these sent products, has been given.

L'Oréal BB Cream Review

SheSpeaks and L'Oréal teamed up and sent me a tube of Magic Skin Beautifier BB Creme in Light.  

Design:

The tube is easy to open, easy to store, and seems pretty sturdy (no explosions in your purse!)

Use: 

I found it pretty easy, straightforward directions, and very simple application.  I simply applied a few drops to my forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks, and massaged in to ensure coverage of my entire face.

Product:

It comes out opaque with a purplish tint to it, which I have to be honest made me a bit nervous. *please note I do not usually wear anything besides occasionally applying blush, mild eyeshadow, and eyeliner* It quickly transforms and blends with your face. The whitish purple creme turns almost orange as you apply but within seconds is 'magically', I guess that is why magic is in the name, matches your complexion.

Results:

I tried to get a few before and after shots but honestly they were not able to capture the results in a way I was hoping.  I will say my 5 year old daughter watched me put it on and she said I no longer looked tired!! So I may not have instantly been transformed to Red Carpet glamor, but I will take looking less tired any day!!!  I noticed my complexion seemed even and radiant, but not overdone.  I am usually a HARSH critic of foundations because I loathe the feeling of weight on my face and I don't like worrying if the shade matches my skin, because let's face it your coloring changes each season and for me it changes all the time depending on how sunny it was the morning I took off running!  This creme answers that with it's ability to blend to your complexion no matter what season.  It also felt so lightweight. I would liken it to a light facial moisturizer. I was really afraid of feeling 'caked' but it was feather light, so if it didn't bother my usually lotioned only skin, I can assure you it is light and very natural in appearance covering and masking a few minor blemishes I had! 

Negatives: 

I was bummed to see parabens in this product. I think I would rave over the moon about this product if I knew it were paraben and phthalate free.

Positives:

Easily found at local big box retailers, drug stores, beauty chains, & grocers with beauty lines. It is inexpensive, if you are used to purchasing makeup, for people like me it would be an added cost.  I do think the tube would last a while considering it takes such little product to reach full effect.  It is easy to apply, looks natural, and also feels natural.

Overall:

Will I continue using this? Probably not on a daily basis since I am not a make-up girl, but for church or dinner out yes!!!

I want to thank SheSpeaks and L'Oréal for sending me this product to try and review.  Although the product was at no cost, my only obligation for receiving it was to write my opinion, good or bad, candidly and honestly to my readers.

House Party and sodastream UNITE! +giveaway

House Party teamed up with sodastream  to create a fun way to through a Superbowl Party...

sodastream Fizz & Football House Party

I have to say I was thrilled to have this opportunity and my husband, well he never needs much of an excuse to eat massive amounts of wings, yell loudly at the TV, and have friends over!  We had pretty much gone away from soda for various reasons, not healthy, loaded with sugar and chemicals, and the recycling bins filled TOO quickly.

In reviewing the sodastream I found it super easy to find at various retailers and their products are more natural including some that are from all natural ingredients as well as flavor essences to add to sparkling water.  As a family trying to be eco-conscience we love how the soda stream eliminates so much of the typical waste associated with carbonated beverages.  

1. You simply use your own tap water into the reusable and recyclable sodastream bottle 
2. press down and the system carbonates the water
3. add flavor of your choice
4. when the carbonation cartridge is empty take it to an authorized location for a 'swap out' (very similar to propane tank swap out)

    

It honestly is so easy, prior to our house party we tried it out, it is so simple my 5 year old had a blast helping out!

I encourage you to check out sodastream's website to discover all the variety of flavors!

We tried them all below are the fan favorites from the sample packs:

Diet Pink Grapefruit, Diet Cola, Dr Pete, and Orange (the kiddos!)

Personally my favorite combination is medium fizz with their Diet Cola *WARNING* It tasted sooooo good that I kept checking the bottle to make sure it was diet (NO I am NOT kidding!).  Another note is the soda tastes a million times better if the water is fridge chilled prior to making. Also the bottles hold the carbonation well and I think that the flavors may even taste better the next day!

Below is a giveaway for 3 lucky persons. The giveaway is for one $20 rebate form for the sodastream of your choice.  The retail prices range from $79.95- $199.95 and many retailers offer special savings incentives, if you time your rebate just right, you might get a steal-of-a-deal on a sodastream for your house!

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Palmolive Fresh Infusions Review (+ coupon giveaway)

I was sent three dish soaps to test out and try. These soaps are by Palmolive and fall under their new product line "Fresh Infusions". The scents were:

• Lime Basil
• Ginger White Tea
• Lemon Thyme

To be honest I thought I was going to 'gift' the Lemon Thyme because I usually find lemon soaps/lotions/etc... to have a fake lemon smell that I just don't care for, but I have to say I think Lemon Thyme tide Lime Basil for my favorite.  Although the Ginger White Tea smells divine, I had higher hopes with it's name sounding so heavenly, don't get me wrong, it smells amazing, but I find the other two with citrus and herbal notes more pleasantly intoxicating.

What I discovered in trying all three is that their scents remain, although heavily faded, when washing dishes. I can's say I enjoyed scrubbing my non-dishwasher friendly pots and pans more because of them, but a pleasant luxury smell did help. Perhaps there is more to this aromatherapy than I thought! HA. 

I have been familiar with the Palmolive brand since childhood, who hasn't heard of it?!?!? I found that the same cleaning power of the good ol' fashioned green Palmolive Original still exists in this new line that smells MUCH better!!

My suggestion, comb out your local markets until you find this newly launched product and try it out for yourself. Why??  Because face it, if you are going to have to hand wash things, you might as well get some indulgent perks out of it besides clean dishes right? And afterall, buying a new dish soap is HARDLY what I would call a frivolous splurge. Still have plenty of dish soap on hand?  You can always use your half filled soap bottle to wash your car or make your kiddos some bubble mix.

Here's some motivation!  COUPONS!! I have 5 that I will give away. Each are for $1.50 off.



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Dog Lover's Box

Cravebox sent this yummy box filled with delicious doggie delights...



Let's just say my dogs were THRILLED. Since my daughter was born they eventually went from King and Queen Canine of the house to King and Queen of the yard and garage.  They are still equally as loved and I think they love not having to have bi-weekly baths to be able to stay inside (and I would be lying if I didn't say how much I LOVE not having dog hair everywhere!!)


SO this box was just for them, a pampering for the pooches who got the boot 4 years ago to the outside kingdom!

This is a before pic of our " 'muttely' crew"

Meet... Tayler highly disappointed I come armed with camera and no treats.

Meet...Suki, our bearded lady, hiding under the bed
(mad because she is disgusted with her current food and treats)

 

Here is the post pampering pic...........

OK seriously here is the real after, not much visual change, but I assure you their little puppy hearts felt super warmed and loved by these!

No more pouting under the bed!!

Awww...a happy boy!

Thanks Cravebox and suppliers of the DOG LOVERS box!! Our pound rescue pups had a moment of paradise and we enjoyed letting them try some new things out and I think we may just have to implement a few of these products into their doggie day routines!!

REVIEW & giveaway link: StyleUnited: New View, New You Giveaway

I have been given the opportunity through SheSpeaks to discover a great style tool in StyleUnited.
   






Doing my best to stay a little on the 'green' side in every way possible has led me to look for ways to be somewhat fashionable/trendy without spending a fortune or buying into short lived fads to have clothing that I have to try and garage sell, donate, or give to friends. And let me just say...I will never have a faux hawk so I was relieved to see they have tips for 'boring' hair like mine.

I like to save money buy purchasing beauty and fashion products that will stand the test of time against fads yet still display my personality. StyleUnited is a fantastic website that helps you build a fashion profile and gives you ideas for sparking or revamping your look and wardrobe. Not overly fashionable, like me?  StyleUnited understands...they cover all types of styles from the girly, trendy, classic, funky, glamorous, and even to the more laid back plain Jane like myself.  The site is helping me learn ways to add in key elements to dress up my plain Jane while keeping true to my own style so I won't be buying pieces I will later regret.  I have to admit 90% of the time I leave the house sans makeup however I am an avid believer in skin care and I am learning new techniques to keep myself feeling and looking young without having to use that thing-a-ma-bob or do-hickey or try to apply eye shadow in that smokey effect...FORGET THAT...I just don't know how.  They also provide tips/tricks for your hair.  If they can help me tame my mane I will forever be sold HA H HA! I can't wait to try some of the personalized tips suggest for me.


Joining up on StyleUnited is free and fun...with a hint...ok HUGE addictive quality.  Try it out for yourself and while you are playing around with your style check out  the SheSpeaks & StyleUnited Giveaway.  Why?  You can win a $500 gift card to Macy's or Nordstroms.  (A personal note: both department stores offer amazing green beauty products)

DISCLAIMER: This review of StyleUnited is honest and my own. It was not affected by any compensation or personal benefit. I am a member of SheSpeaks and a registered user of StyleUnited. I am not affiliated with the giveaway sponsored solely by SheSpeaks and StyleUnited and will have to enter like everyone else :o)

Traditions Coconut Oil

Tropical Traditions sent me a 32oz jar of coconut oil to sample and review. We have previously tried coconut oil, but were not frequent users until recently.

My husband was told of the beneficial properties of coconut oil for his dietary detox.  After using it for his detox, we became, well IN LOVE with coconut oil.

Here are some of the benefits:

• Boosts metabolism.
• Helps the body fight off excessive intestinal candida (yeast)
• Maintaining healthy cholesterol 
• Beneficial for hair and skin use.
• New research is showing reduction in the effects of Alzheimer's Disease as well as Type I and Type II Diabetes. 

A blog on Dr Oz has this to say 

Another site says..."These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc. "(source)

Uses:

• Baking
• Frying
• Salad Dressings
• Dips
• Homemade Mayo & Ketchup
• Pie Crusts
• Soups
• Fudge, cookies, cakes, puddings, muffins, brownies
• Gluten free/Dairy free recipes
• Energy Drinks
• and the uses go on and on and on

Personally we have used it for cooking (not so much frying since we avoid fried foods for the most part).  My husband would mix equal parts almond butter and coconut oil and use it as a spread for rice cakes or sprouted english muffins for a healthy, energy packed breakfast or snack.  He would also mix it in his yogurt and even got to where he would eat a teaspoon full three times a day.  Although we cannot contribute the entirety of his feeling better to coconut oil, we know that it was a healthy addition to his detox and he felt amazing.

Tropical Traditions has amazing prices (better than our local grocers/whole foods) and their shipping was fast and the package was well done to ensure the jars arrived safely and all packaging was cardboard so we could easily reuse or recycle.

Happy consumer!  I say go for it and try out coconut oil for yourself!!!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Dryel Review

SheSpeaks and Dryel gave me the opportunity to review and test the Dryel at home wash kit that cleans delicate and dry clean only garments.

Dryel is pretty simple to use. The starter kit comes with all you need.  You take the items needing laundered, spray them with the dryel spray, open a dryel clean cloth and place the cloth and sprayed laundry into the provided garment wash bag. Toss into the dryer for 30 minutes and voila clean clothes.

We avoid dry clean only clothing since we are not that great about taking things in and picking up.  My husband was unwilling to let me try this out on his suits, but I have to say I don't blame him!! So, I tried the product on my daughter's blankets. The one's she holds so dear to her heart that they are in need of delicate care.  Normally I toss them in a delicate washing bag and wash them with similar items and dry them in the bag as well.  I feel the dryel cleaned them, although they were not too soiled so it was hard to say how clean it will get truly dirty/stained items.  I will say I found the blankets to be very soft and fluffy which is pretty amazing for cheap fleece blankets that have been WELL loved on for 4+ years. I just can't say I was in love with this product mainly because I didn't like the scent of the dryel.  It was a clean smell, just not a fragrance I like or really would want to wear and my daughter wasn't too partial to it either.  I ended up tossing the blankets into my delicate laundry bag with a wet washcloth and several dryer sheets to remove the smell. I would thing letting things air outside would have worked to remove the scent, but it was bedtime and I needed to get "yellow blankie" ready for bed and I try to only use febreeze or other chemical smells in times of rush and didn't really want my daughter snuggling up to freshly sprayed febreeze.

The kit I received to test and the items I was washing

The sample size spray that comes in the starter kit

Just toss sprayed items into the bag along with the dryel wash cloth (pictured unopened on top of bag) and dry

Blankets post dryel... They seemed clean and fresh, just not a fan of dryel's scent

Thank you SheSpeaks and Dryel for the opportunity to review this product.  All reviews are my honest opinion and not affected by any commissions or items received.

Green Resorts....The Homestead Review

 Recently I was afforded, via company trip, the luxury of staying a weekend at The Homestead in Hot Springs, VA.  I am writing this review to brag about the ways hotels and resorts, including historic resorts are going green.

We all have seen the lovely plastic signs in the bathrooms stating they will only take and replace towels left on the floor.  In addition to that they do not wash/change sheets except for new guests and every three days if you have a longer stay.  Of course the option exists to have your towels and sheets washed and exchanged daily if you prefer.

I was impressed that a historic facility offered recycling, yes on site recycling.  They had bins near most of their entrances/exits and one on each floor.  How often do you see a hotel that was built in 1766 offer green cleaning and recycling?  Well it was a first for me, thus this post.

Now a bit about this resort, they offer a first class spa, a mineral water feed indoor pool that is just beautiful and they have preserved it so well.  A great fitness facility, shops, and the dining, oh the dining.  We had dinner at their two main restaurants-both amazing, lunch at their cafe-fantastic, breakfast buffet-HUGE, and I must add their prices are not for the faint of heart of thin walleted.  Unless you are a rolling in the dough, I would suggest not getting the minibar key, a snickers bar cost $3.50 and a pack of M&Ms $2.50 and I can honestly say most of the adult beverage offerings were cheaper than the other snacks and juices. 

This picture does NOT do the pool justice, it is stunning!

They offer a wide variety of activities, historical and behind the scenes tours, horseback riding, kid's playground, awesome golf (according to my husband), shuttles, hiking, biking, FALCONRY...no I am not kidding, and they offer Kids Camp Monday - Friday and Parent's Night Out on Saturday night.  Our child had an in-room sitter one night and did the Parent's Night Out and had a blast.

If you are looking for a beautiful historic hotel with tons to do....this is the place...again, not for the budget conscious.

About four miles away you can find the Jefferson Hot Pools which are two spring fed, hot mineral pools. One is for men, the other women, and if you don't go during family hours you will see that clothing is optional.  The Homestead offers shuttling services to the springs but like all their activities the price is not included in the stay.

I don't know personally if I would want to go spend another weekend there, I am more of a beach bum if we are going somewhere for more than a few days, but this is a great weekend or for a few days. For me it was an 'OK, I have been there, seen that' type place but most of the people I talked to and overheard had been there multiple times with future visits intended.  The staff was amazing and most had worked there for ages.  Definitely worth at least one night stay to say you've been there and seen it.


Coming Wednesday...a challenge AND a giveaway!!!

Healthier Brownies

We love our dairy.  We do coffee with milk, cereal and yogurt for breakfast, cheese snacks, normally some cheese or milk used in dinner prep, love ice cream...so you see, we eat A LOT of dairy throughout the course of a day. That is why I try my best to buy organic dairy since we consume so much of it. Stonyfield also has online coupons so check out Stonyfield's webpage here and click on their coupon link for more info on savings.

My daughter was practically born on Stonyfield.  We used the yoBaby yogurt to initiate the switch to dairy.  Now that she is a high paced, super speedy three year old, the cartons slow her down so we do the yoKids yogurt tubes.*Product hint- freeze these and they are even less messy and a fun, cool down treat in the hot months* My husband loves their yogurt and the variety they have in it.  He also likes the smoothies but they are a little harder to find, guess they are more popular. Me...it is all about the ice cream...OK so I love their Greek Oikos yogurt too (especially the delicious desserts I make with it)

As a family we go through stages of small to mass milk consumption, their cartons however scientifically they do this is above me, allow the milk not to spoil as fast as the see through containers we have purchased in the past.  I am assuming it has something to do with blocking light and perhaps more insulating? eh, who know, who cares...just know it outlast other milks.


Lastly here is my beloved secret to making FANTASTIC eggless, low fat brownies (I am making a half batch but the recipe is for a full 9X13 pan)

• 1 box brownie mix (I prefer Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate) *low fat brownie mix NOT recommended-it's not 'bad' it just makes more of a cake versus fudgey brownies*
• 1/4 cup natural, unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup water or 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Stonyfield Oikos Greek Vanilla yogurt (if using plain just add 1/2 tsp vanilla)

Preheat oven to 325*.  Spray 9 X 13 baking pan (I used a 9 X 9 since I halved the recipe).  Mix ingredients and place into pan, bake as directed for they type of  pan you are using.

Leave them a bit undone verses over baking and they will bake quicker!

*This is a pick of them unbaked just 'ovenized' brownies-forgot in my haste to make yummy deliciousness to take a mixing pic!

**Also-these were gone as soon as I pulled them out of the oven...it was all I could do to beg my family to let the molten lave brownies cool a bit, but no-they INHALED them (I helped). Perhaps next time I will get a pic of the final product!

If you are feeling frisky you can add some ice cream or whip cream & fresh fruit. These taste...well like I imagine heaven to be like...simply dreamy and noone ever believes they are low fat, they are gooey just like a regular egg and oil laden brownie, but not as bad for you!!! SO ENJOY! I recommend following the directions I posted and not cutting it in half...they were gone too fast, next time I follow my own recipe and make the whole 9 X 13!!!

Product of the Week-Mrs. Meyers

My product of the week falls into the cleaning category...

I must say I am in love, love with Mrs. Meyers cleaning products. Although they have a pretty decent selection size, we use their hand and dish soaps, all-purpose cleaning spray, and room fresheners.   I personally favor the lemon verbena scent but they offer a other scents as well.  I use the spray from the floor to ceiling *literally* on wood, tile, walls, granite, glass, you name it- (even used it to remove yogurt from my microsuede sofa- although there was no damage done, you should try a test spot first on any surface). I started using it when I was pregnant and advised to stay away from toxic fumes.  To my mild surprise, there were warnings on nearly every label I had under my sink. I went to the store to replace them and stumbled upon Mrs. Meyers.  The scent, the envirofriendly packing and contents made me ever so thrilled.  I have always felt safe using it around the house knowing myself and my precious family are not inhaling dangerous chemicals and the smell...have I mentioned how much I love the scent?

My product tips...I use the all-purpose refill kit to refill the counter spray bottle.  The refill is concentrated so you add water and use very little of the concentrate.  Economically it is way cheaper than buying the 'toxic' cleaners even with coupons and sales.

This is my product review of the week and it is my own personal opinions. I have in no way been compensated for this review.  Next week I will be reviewing Stonyfield and sharing some of my favorite recipes using their dairy.