Sunday, June 30, 2013

Luster NOW! Premium White Instant Whitening Toothpaste

DSCN2731

Blinded by the Light!*

Okay, maybe that's overstating things, but wowzers, am I a fan of Luster Premium White's Luster Now! Instant Whitening Toothpaste! Influenster sent me this little treat as part of their Something Blue "I Do" VoxBox. An Allure Beauty Expert 2011 Breakthrough Award winner, Luster promises whiter teeth in just one brushing, thanks to their proprietary Bluverite technology. Whosajiggawhaaa? Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis? Let me explain:

Bluverite technology was developed by dentists to give the optical effect of whiter teeth instantly. It works by subtly tinting your teeth for instant gratification without the crippling tooth sensitivity sometimes associated with other "instant" whitening products, and with no risk to your enamel or gums. And the effect will last for hours! All that plus fresh breath and cavity protection! Dy-No-Mite!. One word of warning: If you do over-use this product (as Hubby did), there is a chance you'll start to see a slight blue hue on your gums and in between your teeth. A quick rinse of your mouth should take care of it lickety-split.

Okay, let's reel it back in, here, girlie. I have to say, I've been using whitening products on my teeth for years now, almost since they hit the markets, because I do love me some tea and coffee, and those can wreak havoc on your teeth. But I was pleasantly surprised to see instant results with this product for my date night with hubby. I think you'll be happy with it too. Sparkling thanks to Influenster for another winner

For more Information, please visit: http://www.lusterpremiumwhite.com/   @LusterPremWhite #LusterWhite

*Hubby thought he was being cute by humming this little ditty by The Boss when he saw me taking Luster for a test drive. And he got it stuck in my head. Dork!

I received the above product free of charge from Influenster.  I am not obligated in providing a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experiences with the product, which may differ from yours.

Q-tips Precision Tips made with 100% Cotton

DSCN2733

Influenster comes through again with another awesome box, The Something Blue VoxBox. I've said "Yes" to every product so far, and this next one, Q-tips Precision Tips Cotton Swabs is no exception! These things are awesome. They are perfect for putting on makeup, taking off make-up, cleaning up make-up, touching up your face, cleaning your jewelry, bringing world peace...okay, maybe I went a little too far there, but you get the gist. These little swabs do it all, and probably even some things I have yet to discover. The little sticks aren't plastic, so they can be bent at almost a complete right angle and not break. How cool is that? There's just enough cotton on the tips to be useful, pliable and shape-able, but not so much that it starts coming off at the first use. Even better, not so little that you get poked with the stick like those bargain off-brand types. These Q-tip brand Precision cotton swabs will become the Swiss Army Knife of your makeup pouch. You'll wonder how you ever got along without them!

A word of warning, the gushing about these little gems didn't stop with me. Hubby happened upon them, and let's just say I'm glad Influenster sent two boxes of 30, because I lost one, fast. Cleaning out power tools? Check. Getting the schmutz out of the watchband? Check. Cleaning our our computer keyboards? Check. Detailing our electronics? Check. Now I have to see where I can get these in bulk!

I can't say enough good things about Q-tip brand's Precision Tips Cotton Swabs. Influenster and Unilever have got a winner here.

For more information, please visit: http://www.qtips.com/product/detail/115035/precision-tips  #PTBeauty @QTips

I received the above product free of charge from Influenster. I am not obligated in providing a favorable/positive review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours.

Influenster Something Blue VoxBox, Dr. Scholl's for Her Ball of Foot Cushions

DSCN2737

It's time for another Influenster VoxBox, and once again Influenster has gone above and beyond with their "Something Blue" Box. Included in the "Something Blue" #IDOVoxBox, was the Dr. Scholl's Ball of Foot cushions. The cushions help prevent ball of foot pain that many times is associated with the heels us girls love to wear. I, too, am victim of this pain and suffering, so I was looking forward to experiencing some relief.

The cushions prevent toe crunch, so your tootsies will stay in place and are made with Dr. Scholl's patent FabuStep gel. The gel allows you to feel comfort but also aids by keeping your foot in place.....think of it as a coaster for your foot. I like the design of the cushion, as it's slim enough to be worn with comfort in pretty much any pair of short heel shoes to the highest heels. What I love too, is there is no adhesive or "stick-ums" left behind in the shoe. You can use the cushions by easily removing them and placing them in another pair, so I like that re-usability option.

DSCN2851

How do they feel?

I started with a pair of heels I own that I must admit made me wish shoes came in 1/4 size increments. They are 6.5 but the 7 was too big and the size 6 was tight. The heel of the shoe is also wide so my foot tends to sometimes pop up when I wear them. I'm fine after I have the heels on for 30 minutes or so because my foot will settle and expand that I then no longer pop out, but as cute as these heels are, they hurt. They are open toe so my toes will show evidence to all if I am pushing them toesies forward. I put the cushions in and peeled the backs that have what I would describe as anti-skid technology. Keeps the insert in place but does not have adhesive that would leave residue behind. I notice the cushion has a texture so comfort is definitely visible and even though it's slim, the product has a nice amount of bounce you usually find with gel made products.

DSCN2853

In my foot goes and the verdict?

Thirty-minutes later and I never popped out once and my foot remained in place the entire time. The test comes later as I continued to wear my shoes and do my everyday activities and I can say that this is the answer I was looking for when it comes to the shoes that are super cute but not super comfy. My foot still had some soreness as these are higher than my usual heels but not that deep pain that lingers even when you are out of the heel. I can get use to this nice feeling and being in comfortable shoes really betters your mood......so here I come happy feet :)

DSCN2856

Tip: The back of the inserts have a peel, which I kept.  After use I add the peel back so I can store the cushion for later use.  The back part has zero adhesive but because gel products can sometimes be easier when it comes to dust clinging, saving the back prevents any of that from happening

Dr. Scholl's products come with a satisfaction guarantee so I urge you to try these cushions as your feet will thank you. You can get more information at and don't forget to print the $2.00 off coupon:
http://www.drscholls.com/Products/ForHerBallofFootCushions

I received the above product from Influester at no charge. I am not obligated in providing positive/favorable feedback, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Greek Yogurt Ice-Box Cookies made with Chobani

DSCN2840

I am enthusiastic about Greek yogurt and the flavors I received from Chobani, that you just knew I had to honor them by baking. I present to you, Yogurt cookies!  You can make them soft or crisper by reducing the baking soda amount and cutting them thinner.  They taste great and you get to choose what yogurt flavor you wish to use.  I used the Chobani Fig and Orange Peel Bite but you can pick the Raspberry with Chocolate morsels or even a nice plain to get that nice tart flavor.  I wanted to create a cookie that is versatile but also healthier than a sugar cookie by adding yogurt.  This cookie has protein and less fat so it's a little way to indulge and still have the cookie that tastes delicious!

Greek Yogurt IceBox Cookies:

2/3 cup of Sugar

1/4 cup of Unsalted Butter (softened)

1 Egg

3.5 to 4.5 ounces of a Greek Yogurt of your choice (I used Chobani's Fig & Orange Peel Bite)

1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

2 drops of Almond Extract

1/2 a Vanilla Bean

3/4 teaspoon of Baking Soda  (want crisper cookies, use 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon)

Pinch of Salt

Dash of Nutmeg (optional)

2 cup of All-Purpose Flour


You begin by taking the sugar and the butter and beating until creamy.  This takes about 1 to 2 minutes and don't forget to scrape down a few times to make sure everything is incorporated.


DSCN2801


DSCN2803



Add the egg and beat for 30 seconds and again scrape down in between.  Add the Vanilla and Almond extracts and beat for a few seconds.


DSCN2804


Then you can add the vanilla bean and beat for an additional 30 seconds, making sure everything combines.


DSCN2808



Add the Greek Yogurt and you can add between 3.5 to 4.5 ounces


DSCN2806




 Take the flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg and whisk in a separate bowl.


DSCN2810


Then slowly start adding it to the bowl with the mixer on.  Again, take the time to scrape down and continue adding about 1/2 cup of the flour mixture at a time until done.


DSCN2811

DSCN2812





Get a long sheet of plastic wrap and lay it on the counter, as you will be dumping the dough onto the plastic to create a log.


DSCN2813


The cookie dough log should measure around 13 to 15 inches, depending how wide you want the cookies.


DSCN2814




DSCN2815





You then put the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.  I made hearts so at the 30 minute mark, you take the dough out and create a ridge on the top of the log to imitate the center portion of where the heart comes down.  It should look like a "m" on top and still rounded at the bottom (flat-ish).  You don't need to do this and you can just form the log to resemble a cylinder and just cut rounds when the time comes.  You can also shape it like a block, square/flat at all angles and cut squares when the time comes to slice.


DSCN2816


Again, put the dough back in the fridge for 35 minutes to an hour.  The dough needs to be stiff enough to cut and I have used the aid of the freezer when I am short on time but just make sure that the total time is close to an hour in a refrigerated setting, so the dough can rest and the flour absorb the moisture properly.


After the dough is cold and solid for cutting, you can begin by setting the oven to bake at 350 degrees.  While the oven warms, get a cookie sheet and align it with parchment paper or you can use a Silpat.  Begin cutting the cookies and I usually cut a portion of the log and return the rest back into the freezer or fridge to remain cold.


DSCN2824


I cut the cookies and since I am aiming for a heart shape, I slice and then pinch the bottoms and put them on the parchment.


DSCN2826

DSCN2825



The cookies expand, so please allow about 1/2 inch room on each side.  If you cut the baking soda to create less "poof", you can shorten the space a little in between cookies.  Keep cutting until your pan is full.


DSCN2828


When it comes to the thickness of the cut, that is up to you as I tend to stay around a 1/4 of an inch but enough to create a soft and fluffy cookie, since crisp was not what I was aiming for this time around.


DSCN2831


You bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes and then allow them to rest for a minute on the cookie pan before putting them on a cookie rack.  Continue the above routine until all cookies are baked.


DSCN2832

DSCN2833



Allow the cookies to fully cool if decorating.

 

Variations- 


If you want sugar crystals, you just add the crystals right before baking and you can also use Turbinado sugar crystals in place of colored sugar crystals.


DSCN2829


The cookie can be also dusted with Powder Sugar once cooled.


DSCN2836


Feeling like Chocolate? You can melt white, milk, semi-sweet, bittersweet, or dark chocolate in a pan on low heat.  Takes about 1 to 2 minutes and make sure to stir and take the pan off and on to temper the chocolate correctly.  Once melted, you can drizzle as you wish or cover the cookies with chocolate, half dip them, whatever you desire.


DSCN2819




DSCN2822





DSCN2835



Since I used a Fig and Orange peel yogurt, I used poppy seeds that resemble fig seeds and sprinkled on top of some of the cookies.  You can also spread chocolate on half a cookie and powder sugar the other half.


DSCN2837




If you want to add mini chocolate or even yogurt chips, you can add them to the flour mixture.  Same if you want to add dried fruit and/or nuts.  I would not go for more than 1/2 a cup to not unbalance the dough too much.  Start there and the cookie will tell you if you can increase the next time you bake a batch.


These cookies are great plain and if you make the crisper version, you can spread jam in between and make cookie sandwiches and then lightly dust with sugar if you wish.


DSCN2840


To store-

They tend to soften if put in a container and covered.  I have stored them in a covered container and then in the fridge, but allow the cookie to get room temperature before serving.  Yogurt is moist and so are these cookies so I always no matter what version you baked, store it in the fridge if you have leftovers (better to be safe).  They go quickly so they won't be there long.  I have put the cookies with chocolate in the fridge uncovered to allow the chocolate to set and then bagged them in a Ziploc bag and returned to the fridge.  This way the chocolate is set and they stay perfect!


Enjoy and don't forget to play in the kitchen and have fun!

Chobani Greek Yogurt Bite in Raspberry with Dark Chocolate

DSCN2794


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



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



DSCN2795



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



Let's Analyze the Cup- 

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



What Makes the Cup-

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


Coupons and More-

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


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

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

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


Hashtag anyone: #tastereal

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



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

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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

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

DSCN2792

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

BzzAgent: Dr. Scholl's Gel Insoles for Women

DSCN2603


I received the BzzAgent's campaign offer for the Dr. Scholl's insoles and have been curious as all the people in the commercials seem super happy and I want that too!

I received the kit and it included the "Outrageous Comfort" insoles, as they make several different kinds of insoles in their Gel line:

  • Outrageous Comfort

  • Work Insoles

  • Arch Support

  • Extra Support Insoles

  • Sport Replacement Insoles

  • Slimsole Insoles


DSCN2605

The benefits to Massaging Gel insoles are:

  • Waves of cushion to your feet's more sensitive areas

  • They also provide Superior Shock absorption

  • Product trims to fit and comes with easy instructions for every insole

  • The designs available for most activities, for everyday wear, work related, sports to dancing!


DSCN2606

I did find that double the comfort may also mean double the thickness, so not all my shoes accepted the insoles but fortunately most did and the objective here is finding comfort, which they did provide. I did find they do not transfer the constant shock you get from walking on concrete to asphalt to uneven ground, so the Doctor did deliver on that promise. They are comfortable but it does take a few hours to get used to the feeling, as there is something else in your shoe other than your foot. By hour 3, I was not even thinking about it. After running errands, I did find my pain level was not as high as usual so they do aid with comfort and minimizing some pain. I did find that the insole tends to move in certain shoes a bit more than others and that was uncomfortable but as long as you wear these in a sneaker, boot or even a casual shoe, you should be fine.

Was I floating and jumping like in the commercials?

No, I unfortunately was not but it did provide that extra cushion that even the most comfortable pair of shoes tend to lose with time and wear. I will be trying the other products in their line that may suit my needs better after trying out the "original" insoles. I see this as an introductory to the Dr. Scholl's Gel line and so far they were good enough that I am seeking to purchase their other products!  I highly recommend trying their products as Dr. Scholl's does have a satisfaction guarantee listed on their products.  If you are not completely satisfied, you may send the original UPC and store receipt to the address listed on the packaging.

Dr. Scholl's Gel Line
Comfort for your feet and wallet (coupons)

DSCN2604

The above product was provided free of charge by BzzAgent and Dr. Scholl's. I am not obligated to provide a positive/favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product, which may differ from yours. #GotItFree

Coming Soon.......Chobani Flip and Bite Reviews

Received a beautiful package from Chobani on Friday, which included their new Flip line and Bite.  I am in love and will be sharing reviews starting this weekend, so please stay tuned!


DSCN2783


DSCN2785

Friday, June 14, 2013

Triple Berry Sweet Rolls with a Cream Cheese Crumble top, plus Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing

You read right, this recipe yields two different types of sweet rolls to enjoy!

DSCN2710

DSCN2705


 

As the days get warmer, the berries have been hitting the sale's block. I am finding great deals so it has been a very berry-full Summer so far. Today's recipe uses fresh strawberries and frozen blueberries and blackberries. You can go all frozen or all fresh and change the fruit to your liking too.

We start with the Yeast Dough:
2/3 cup of Sugar
1 cup of Milk
1 1/2 tablespoons of Active Dry Yeast
1 stick of Unsalted Butter (softened)
2 Large Eggs at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon of Salt
4 1/2 cups of All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 tablespoons of Dry/Powdered Milk

I use a microwave or you may also use the stove-top to warm the milk to 105 degrees. You then pour the warmed milk into a mixer's bowl, along with the 2/3 cup of sugar and the yeast. You whisk the ingredients enough to combine and then set aside to allow the yeast to bloom (get foamy). This may take 5 to 10 minutes, depending on weather and temperatures.

Once the yeast is foamy, you add the softened butter, eggs and salt. I mix just enough until everything is incorporated and then add the powdered milk.

DSCN2637

I replace the mixer with a dough hook and start adding the flour by the 1/2 cup fulls. Once all the flour is in, I use a spatula to scrape down the sides and allow the dough to mix for 2 to 3 minutes at medium speed. I then change the speed to medium-high and allow the dough to knead for 10 to 12 minutes. You want a soft and supple dough so sometimes it takes 9 minutes and other times it takes 12. You don't want to "toughen" the product so if unsure, just make sure you get 10 minutes in and you should be fine :)

DSCN2640

I flour the surface and plop my dough and begin to knead to form a nice ball that I can divide easily. Once that is done (takes maybe 30 seconds), I cut the dough in half and you may use a kitchen scale or "eyeball" it like I do. You take each half and form each into a nice ball. You then add each half to bowls that have been lightly buttered. Cover the bowls with plastic wrap and let the dough rise. The dough should double in size and this takes 1 to 2 hours at most.

DSCN2643

While the dough rises, you can begin with making the two different fillings.

Berry Filling:
5 1/2 ounces of fresh Strawberries
4 ounces of Blackberries (frozen)
3 ounces of Blue Berries

You may use what ever combination of fruit you desire and just keep in mind you want between 12 to 13 ounces.

1/4 cup of Sugar
1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon of All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon of Corn Starch

Cut the large fruit you use, like in my place it would be the strawberries into wedges or bite size.

DSCN2646

I like to leave my other berries whole so they can be found within the rolls and change the taste with every bite.

DSCN2648

DSCN2652

Take a bowl and just mix everything together. Once everything is mixed, you may place the berry filling in the fridge covered.

DSCN2658

That easy!

Cinnamon Roll Filling:
1/2 cup of Sugar
2 teaspoons of Ground Cinnamon
5 to 7 "grates" of Fresh Nutmeg (or to taste and can also omit if not wanted)
1/4 cup of Unsalted Butter (softened)

DSCN2666

Take the dry ingredients and mix them in a bowl. You then add the butter to create a "paste-like" filling and you are done. I cover and keep it on the counter so the butter remains soft and easy to spread when needed.

DSCN2675

Get two 9 x 13 baking pans and lightly spray with cooking spray. I use Pam with flour.

DSCN2676

Once the dough has risen and doubled, you take one of them and scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

DSCN2677

I then roll it out in to about a 10 x 14 rec-triangle.

DSCN2678

I add one of the above fillings above, in this case I started with the berry filling and then roll it.

DSCN2680

You should be left with a log that is about 24 inches long.

DSCN2681

I trim the edges and then cut the log in half and each half into 4.

DSCN2682

You should have about 8 rolls.

DSCN2684

DSCN2685

Cover pan with plastic and allow the dough to rise.

Rinse and repeat :) with the Cinnamon filling. I decided I wanted smaller (mini) Cinnamon rolls so I cut them thinner. You can play with the sizes too!

Cinnamon filling spread onto dough-

DSCN2691

Cinnamon rolls cut smaller than berry-

DSCN2692

Cinnamon rolls placed in glass pan and covered with plastic-

DSCN2697

Dough Rise Note: This usually takes an hour for the cinnamon but the fruit take longer if you are using frozen or cold from the fridge. My berry ones took an hour and a half but it can take up to 2.

While the rolls rise, you can make the crumble topping for the berry rolls and the icing for the cinnamon rolls.

Berry Crumble top:
1/2 cup of All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup of Sugar
1/8 teaspoon of Ground Ginger
2 tablespoons of Unsalted Butter (cold)
1 1/2 ounces of Cream Cheese Cold

DSCN2674

You just mix the dry ingredients and then incorporate the butter and cream cheese to make "crumbles". If you over mix and create a dough, don't worry as you can just drop chunks on top the rolls to resemble a crumble. Store your crumble in the fridge until needed

Cream Cheese Icing for mini Cinnamon Rolls:
8 ounces of Cream Cheese (softened)
Powder Sugar to sweetness you desire

I usually start with adding a 1/4 cup of powder sugar to the cream cheese in a mixer or just whisk by hand in a bowl. I taste and then determine if I want sweeter or not so you can control the sweetness!

Once the rolls have risen, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Cinnamon Rolls rise-

DSCN2698

Berry Rolls rise-

DSCN2701

Add the crumble to your berry version!

DSCN2702

Once the oven reaches temperature, you can bake each pan alone or side by side, you decide. It takes between 17 to 25 minutes to bake and if you notice over browning, just cover with foil until done. Best way to check for "done-ness" is seeing if the center of the rolls bounce back when slightly touched.

Berry Rolls baked-

DSCN2705

Cinnamon Rolls baked-

DSCN2707

When the rolls have baked, you allow them to cool a bit in the pan for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can then add the cream cheese icing to all and serve.

Note- I never add icing to all at first because I want them to be dry on top when stored in the fridge. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap once they have cooled. To serve later, unwrap and place roll on a plate and warm in microwave (10 to 20 seconds), then add the icing. The warmth will aid in helping the icing spread since you store it in the fridge until needed again. I do this to preserve the texture of the dough. When they are wrapped in plastic, if they had icing, everything sticks to the plastic and creates a mess anyways so this way it does not :)

Enjoy!

Triple Berry Rolls Pics-

DSCN2712

DSCN2714


DSCN2727

DSCN2718


Cinnamon Rolls Pics-

DSCN2711

DSCN2713


DSCN2717DSCN2716