Bolthouse Farms: Green is Good!

                                                                                                                                                                                 Bolthouse was gracious enough to send me a bounty of juices, like the carrot one I made a tasty treat out of, and the pomegranate one I reviewed recently. And there's a point beyond my love of cooking, and it's that turning up your nose at a juice because you think you might not like it is a shame.

Which is a segue into my next juice. Bolthouse Farms Daily Greens has a whopping 4 and 1/2 servings of veggies per bottle. Eat your heart out, Vitamix. Sadly, it's greatest strength is also it's greatest weakness. It has some serious green pa-power to it and it is NOT for the faint of heart. For hubby, it didn't even pass the sniff test. And I will say, as a lover of veggies in all their crisp, leafy freshness, this juice was tough to swallow. This drink hurts my feelers,  because with only the slightest of tweaks, it could be my favorite.

It's got so much good stuff in it, you want to find ways to use it. Kale, lemons, pears, celery, cucumber, banana, chicory, kiwi, romaine, green tea, wheat grass. It's like Bolthouse peeked into my fridge and saw everything in my crisper drawers and juiced it for me. High in vitamins A, B and C, high in calcium, iron, zinc and fiber, I want to love this juice. But there's too much going on in it for even this little bunny to just drink straight. So, I'd suggest maybe juice a sweet honeycrisp apple, or some pineapple juice to take some of that bite off. Maybe a base for pasta/pesto sauce (future recipe, maybe? ;-) ). Maybe reduced, with a little parm cheese. Boom, dip. All I'm lackin' is crackers. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination.



Visit Bolthouse and their Countless Juice Selections, Juices from Blends to the Plain; to Cafe drinks and even Protein ones:

• Say hello to the Daily Greens online!


• Veggies and Fruits on Twitter


• Visit Fun Bolthouse Crew on Facebook


• Catch the pics on Instagram


• Save $1.50 off any bottle here!

I received the above product free of charge from Bolthouse Farms. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Bolthouse Farms: ALMOST Too Much Good Stuff

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Almost. But as it stands, this one is just right. I love it. Hubby loves it. You'll love it too! For those following along at home, this is the last in the Bolthouse Farms Juice reviews. We previously covered their 100% Carrot Juice, 100% Pomegranate Juice, Daily Greens, and now, without further adieu, I happily present Bolthouse Farm's MultiV Goodness!



The last treat in my batch of Bolthouse yum is a newer product for them, the Multi-V Goodness Smoothie. Packed with the juice of pomegranate, cherries, strawberries, apples, peaches, blackberries, cranberries and bananas, but not packed with calories (only 140 per serving) there is nothing not to love about this drink.
Did I mention the 8 grams of fiber? That's nearly a third of the recommended daily intake already. You're set! High in vitamins A, B, C, and D, and none of the yuck that comes in most highly processed smoothies, this one is good for breakfast, lunch or even dessert! I liked how the flavors all blended in harmony, making for a great experience. Hubby loved it too, and he's not big on peaches or bananas. There's no seeds or pulps like a home Smoothie would have. I love it. Hubby loves it. If we hadn't been so quick to enjoy it, I'm sure the pooch would have loved it too. This one also comes in 2 sizes, 15.2 oz and 32, which makes it big enough to share, if you're so inclined.



Visit Bolthouse and their Countless Juice Selections, Juices from Blends to the Plain; to Cafe drinks and even Protein ones:

• Say hello to the MultiV Goodness online!


• Veggies and Fruits on Twitter


• Visit Fun Bolthouse Crew on Facebook


• Catch the pics on Instagram


• Save $1.50 off any bottle here!

I received the above product free of charge from Bolthouse Farms. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Klout Perk: Braun Forehead Thermometer Model FHT 1000

My newest Klout perk was a wonderful surprise when it arrived on New Year's Eve. It is the Braun Thermometer, Model FHT 1000. No longer do you have to stick a thermometer in your mouth or even your ear to check your temperature. This is a forehead thermometer that has a large color-coded screen with instant fever detection. The new Braun Forehead thermometer uses the skin's surface over the temporal artery, which is connected to the heart. You get an accurate temperature and there is no probe covers needed. The thermometer comes with a protective cap and the 2 AAA batteries it takes, so you are set right out of the box. I tried it and just in seconds had an accurate read out. The Braun FHT 1000 is for everyone in the family from infants to adults!



As an added perk, Braun  is offering a $10 on-line rebate so not you can start 2014 with savings.

• Rebate form is located here: http://www.braunthermometers.com/thermometers/rebate/

Connect with Braun on:

• Twitter- @BraunTherms


• On-line- www.Brauntherms.com


• Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/braunshaversus

I received the above product free of charge from Klout and Braun.  I am not obligated tp provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Swaggable: Detour Neapolitan Whey Protein Bars

I always seem to be playing catch-up and somehow think if I hurry up in the morning and make concessions, like not eating a real breakfast, I can get ahead of everything I need to do. You would think I would learn but I always have an excuse on why cutting on breakfast the other times did not work, but will work again today. I've fooled myself many times so I started resorting to having meal replacement bars, energy bars, snack bars, protein bars.....well anything that fills the hunger hole but trying to fill it with something nutritious. I like fast too but the last thing I want to do, is go to a drive-thru somewhere to purchase something in a bun that will hinder me more when it comes to nutrition and energy.

I have consumed many bars from Luna to even store brands. The amount I pay never reflects the taste some of them have that I then label them "diet bars" because they taste so poorly, that you only can eat 1/4 to maybe 1/2 of them on a brave day. It's called the "I make this bar so bad, starving a little feels better" diet plan.

I was happy when I was accepted to try out Detour bars that showed a big 15 grams of protein on their package. Being derived from whey, I like this because sometimes when I am running errands with my Husband, we share a bar together and I don't always need the full 15 grams. I get the bar and it makes me think of those ice cream bars I had back when I was a child.



Opening package time: The scent is pleasant and sweet with a hint of chocolate. They dip the bar in a milk chocolate "flavored" coating and then a white design on top so the product looks pleasing. I slice a square off and notice that the texture within the bar does not resemble the picture on the product card. I look at the back of the packaging and notice it may be the "soy chips", so that may be why.

Taste Test: You have a bar that is not too soft or hard when you bite, just a little granular in texture but many of these energy/protein bars tend to be mealy. The texture is not so off that it prevents you from eating it. When I think of Neapolitan, I think of the three flavors commonly associated, Strawberry, Vanilla and Chocolate. The bar's flavors, both natural and artificial start to taste fruity and then comes that taste, almost like film that covers your tongue with the artificial sweeteners. It's over powering and starts to permeate up to your nose.

I can say I have had worse but unfortunately this is not a bar I would seek out due to the ingredients list. Great that it's low in sugars, 4 grams for this "light" version versus 8 grams for their normal bar but the sucralose and list of artificial ingredients does not justify the price point. The market is flooded with these bars that if you are "going to play ball", you need to hit it on the mark when it comes to flavor and this is me even being flexible on texture. I have had bars with simple ingredients that taste better and my body can absorb with ease, but this lab experiment on the Detour packaging will leave my system going, "huh".

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

BzzAgent Campaign: Claritin D Review

Let me preface this by saying that I was a Zyrtec girl. If there's an allergy out there, I'll suffer from it. Flowers? Check. Pollen? Check. Dander? Double check. Dust? Check, check, all day check. You get the picture. I was famous in high school for always having a Kleenex box in hand. And lately, a little of the shine has come off the Zyrtec apple. How fortuitous was it then that BzzAgents offered me a Claritin-D campaign? Did the stars align for me or what?

What did I like:

Can you say sniffles-be-gone? Because now I can! How cool is that? I'd forgotten the relief I'm supposed to feel with an allergy pill! That's not to completely dump on Zyrtec. It served me very well for many, many years, but the human body is an amazing machine, and it adapts and builds tolerances to a lot of things, medication included. I was long overdue for a change, and Claritin-D is just what the doctor ordered.

Literally.

My doctor recommended it, and BzzAgents offered a campaign. I got the message, universe. Thanks.

It was also nice that both my allergy relief and my nasal congestion is addressed in just one pill. Before, I was taking separate pills, but Claritin-D had the presence of mind to combine both of my pills. One less pill is always a good thing. And before everyone points it out, yes, I know Zyrtec makes a "D" version as well.

What didn't I Like?

This might be nit picking, but the BzzAgents coupon for this campaign didn't cover the cost of the full quantity mentioned on the coupon (10 or more). Bad form, BzzAgents. Bad form.

Also, what's up with the funky quantities, Claritin? Let's all look and see how many days in a month. 30. Split that in half for you lucky seasonal-allergies types. What's that? 15? Someone at Claritin, get on the ball and let's make a box cover a whole month, please? Thank you very much.

The Verdict:

Thanks for the memories, Zyrtec, but don't let the door hit you on the tush on the way out. This is now a Claritin-D house.

I received the above product from BzzAgent and my only commitment is to provide an honest review. I have no obligation of sharing a favorable (or unfavorable) opinion. The above statement are my own opinion based on my experiences with the product. Your opinion may differ from mine.

EBOOST

I have not been as spiffy as I want to be since the holidays passed us and trying to de-Christmasify the house, plus everything that has to be done in the New Year….well I admit it (waves little white flag), I can’t hang like I use to. No worries because this is where Influenster must have heard my thoughts because they sent me EBOOST. I try to stay away from anything that has artificial stimulants because they give me pep for a few hours but then I feel worse than before I took the product. It’s like the worst regret you can feel and sometimes I even get a headache for what I refer to as, “trying to cheat my body and make it think it’s energized”. EBOOST does not do this! Yes, I can now cheat and get away with it, this what I wanted and needed! It clearly states on the package “Natural Energy” and I got to try the Natural Pink Lemonade flavor. Very yummy and not over sweetened at all. I actually felt it was better tasting than the other brands that come in package form (even in the same flavor). You get the full care package from EBOOST because it gives you energy and Immunity benefits. I like being taken care of and all I need to supply, is 12 fluid ounces of water! You don’t care for Pink Lemonade? EBOOST has super flavors like Orange, Acai Pomegranate and even Super Berry. I liked it and I did feel energized plus with the flu season always threatening to be worse than the last, I need shielding and an immunity boost wherever I can get it! You can purchase EBOOST for $28 and that supplies you with 20 packets or $39 for for box of 30. You also can opt for the box of 12 shots for $39. @EBOOST / #naturalenergy

• EBOOST website: http://bit.ly/WrjF6M


• EBOOST's Influenster page: http://bit.ly/VQQ87d

The above article is based on my own opinions and none of the brand/companies require I provide a negative and/or positive review. My opinions are honest and based on trying the products at zero cost. My opinions may vary from yours and others.

Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal+

We start with Quaker’s Real Medley’s Oatmeal in Cherry Pistachio. This product took oatmeal to that next level and shook the boring out of the oats. You will notice the “plus” (+) in the label and that is because this is a product that contains other grains. You start with Oatmeal plus whole cherries, roasted almonds, pistachios, and multigrains. The multi-grain blend is as follows, whole grain rolled Oats, rolled Barley, whole grain rolled Rye and whole grain rolled Wheat. You get a nice jolt of fiber to keep you full and satisfied and at 290 calories per cup (for this flavor), it helps start your new year with a smile. It gets better, no cooking required or even a pot or bowl to clean. You simply add H2O, give it a loving stir so everything gets wet, put cup in the microwave and in 45 seconds you take it out. You stir, let stand for a minute and enjoy. Yup, that is breakfast or even a snack in under two minutes! The taste is wonderful and I enjoyed the whole cherries very much. I have added dried fruit to my oatmeal in the past but never thought of cherries, it’s like a pie in the morning without the guilt! This cup will not hurt your New Year’s resolutions or your pocket book because it’s just $1.79 a cup. @Quaker / #RealMedleys

• Quaker Website: http://bit.ly/SisCEf


• Influenster Quaker Real Medleys Oatmeal Product Page: http://bit.ly/U1EaIY

The above article is based on my own opinions and none of the brand/companies require I provide a negative and/or positive review. My opinions are honest and based on trying the products at zero cost. My opinions may vary from yours and others.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils, Natural Hemp Hearts

I received a trial size package of Hemp Hearts from Swaggable and I was very curious to try the product, since I have never had it before. Before receiving my sample, I did make sure to look up the seed so I would get an idea about was coming. I did learn that the product is exactly what is called, the heart (middle) portion of the seed and is considered the most nutritious part. The product comes shelled and in it's raw state. Another notable thing to share, Hemp hearts have more protein than Flax or even Chia seeds. The difference is quite notable at 10.0 grams per three tablespoons, compared to Flax having 5.6 grams and Chia Seeds 6.3 grams. Flax does not contain Omega-6 but Hemp does. Omega-3 is found in Hemp Hearts and you also will find it's the lowest in Carbs compared to Flax and Chia. A powerful little seed indeed.

The above is all great but the product has to be palatable for it to even be in the running. I know from my experience, Chia Seeds when they plump in liquid (even your own saliva), they tend to get sort of slimy/sticky so that can be a turn off in texture. I have consumed energy bars that contain the Chia Seeds and hours later, I have seedlings stuck in my teeth so now I make sure to rinse after. The Hemp Hearts advertise a nutty flavor and they do deliver it but it's not intense. Think of how almond slivers taste in their raw state. The company also listed "tender crunch" in their description of the product. I did find a slight hardness but not a crunch at all and this was eating the product as-is, without adding it to any food. I imagine the "crunch" may depreciate once introduced to a wet food like yogurt. The company advertises to sprinkle on salads , cereals and yogurt, however I found it was nice on toast with some preserves (apricot). In this application, I found you get the nutty notes nicely and it goes well with the preserves. The whole tender crunch to slightly hard issue is non-existent because the toast makes up for it. I did like the recipe they included and it was for a Southwest Salad that contained Quinoa and I could easily imagine the flavors blending perfectly. Lastly, I would purchase this product because of it's health benefits but I would not consume it out of the bag as-is. It's too "white rice" like for me when it comes to being plain. I need something added to appreciate it.

Other things of note: The product is part of the NON-GMO project so that's a plus. Vegan and made in Canada. The ingredient's list does not get more simple: Raw Shelled Hemp seeds (no sugar or salt). I may try baking oatmeal cookies I make with dark chocolate and "amping" up it's benefits with these seeds. I am curious as to how they bake and if the nutty flavor intensifies. The company, Manitoba Harvest also makes Hemp Oil and other products so I am again curios because I have never tried Hemp Oil :) Visit them at www.manitobaharvest.com

I received this product for zero charge from Swaggable.  I am not obligated to provide a negative and/or positive review, my honest opinions are my own based on my experience.  Your opinion may differ from mine

Advil® Congestion Relief

Thx Pfizer and #AdvilCongestionRelief for my free sample. Receive a $2 off coupon http://on.fb.me/YfOIWo *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

via Advil® Congestion Relief.

New Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment

Thx Orajel 4 my free #SingleDose - Get a $1 off coupon Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment here! http://bit.ly/PJD6UM *Please remember the FTC requires you to mention that you received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing.

via New Orajel Single Dose Cold Sore Treatment.

I'm Milking it for All It's Worth!

Horizon Organic

Milk plus DHA Omega-3

It's the better milk and now with DHA Omega-3. #Ad

Germ Busters in a Bottle!

Clorox

Disinfecting Wipes

Keep your home clean and stay healthy by using Clorox wipes. #Ad

Juicy!!

Black and Decker

Juice Extractor

Black & Decker makes a juice extractor. Make a positive lifestyle change with juicing #Ad

OFF! with them Skeeters!

SC Johnson Wax

Clip-on Mosquito Repellent

Keep the bugs off and the bites away with OFF! Great and it works as advertised. #Ad

 

With the threat of West Nile on the rise again, don't take chances with your families health this season!

Don't Hate Your Hair Because it's Now Beautiful!

Moroccan Oil

Hair Treatment

Give your hair a chance to look model perfect with this wonderful nourishing oil. #Ad

When you gotta go, you gotta go!

Charmin

Ultra Soft

You can depend on Charmin! #Ad

Feelin' Gassy?

Prilosec

Acid Reducer

Prilosec helps you enjoy and get back on track- Don't suffer any longer with Prilosec #Ad

Nobody Does it Better

Sephora

Tropic of Color

Quality products and enormous variety. #Ad

Don't Look "Good for your age", Just Look Good

RoC

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Turn back the clock with RoC! Get a youthful look and look up to 10 years younger. #Ad

Olé! It's Olay!

Olay

Regenerist Night Recovery Moisturizing Treatment

Make a difference in your beauty regimen with Olay today! #Ad