PJ's Organics & Nate's Review

Losing weight is neither easy nor fun; however, finding delicious foods that are low cal and delicious. Both PJ's Organics and Nate's Meatless Meatballs offer convenient meals under 350 calories. PJ's Organics offers the following organic burritos: Traditional Chicken, Breakfast, Steak and Cheese, Skinny, Five Layer, and Southwestern Chicken. They are the only brand of USDA-Certified 100% organic meat burritos. The all chicken burritos feature only 100% organic white meat while the beef burrito features 100% organic tender steak. 

Review: I was given the opportunity to review the different flavors and we were all very excited to give these a try.  My favorite was the Traditional Chicken. Usually I am not a fan of beans in my burritos but this variety was an exception. It did not exactly look appetizing when it heated up (it got a little messy) but tasted fabulous.  The other varieties were good as well, each having a unique taste thanks to the varying ingredients but still the quality was very good. My son LOVED the Breakfast Burrito and has already asked that I buy more. He loves eggs and these are certainly easier to throw in the microwave on a busy school day morning as opposed to making a hot meal from scratch! 

Nate's is the most recognized brand in meatless meatballs. The company has been offering healthy convenience foods since 1999. Their line if meatless meatballs are all-natural, a good source of protein, vegetarian & vegan, and have no cholesterol. They are available in the following three flavors: Zesty Italian, Savory Mushroom & Classic.

Review:  I have never been a big fan of "meatless meat" but I have heard from vegetarian friends that these products are always improving in taste.  I was actually quite impressed with the taste of both the Meatless Meatball and Savory Mushroom flavors. I actually dislike mushrooms a lot because of their consistency but they were pretty ground down so you could taste some of the flavor without the feel of mushrooms. The overall consistency of both varieties was looser and broke apart easier than a typical meatball. They were well received in my house by most of us (my son excluded who really doesn't get a vote because he does not like real meatballs either) and since they are healthier, they are a nice alternative! Plus, they heat up quickly in the microwave making them a really convenient meal/snack.

Buy it here: PJ's Organics products are available nationally at supermarkets and natural food stores. You can find Nate's products using the company's store locator. 

I was provided with the above mentioned products for the purpose of facilitating this review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.

Back to School - Milk Unleashed Review

With all of the unhealthy cafeteria options and hectic schedules, it can be difficult for kids and teens to get their daily recommended servings of protein, calcium and Vitamin D, especially once school is back in session. Fortunately, milk is a great source of all these nutrients and it has been unleashed for the convenience of moms and their children everywhere. What is “Milk Unleashed?” It is just Grade A, nutritious real milk that is ultra pasteurized and packaged in a Tetra Pak milk box (similar to a juice box or carton of soup).  It’s safe in the pantry for months.  Then simply chill or freeze and toss into a lunch box or sports bag, without worrying about spoilage. Moms now have a convenient way to help their kids get their daily recommended milk servings.

Shelf Safe Milk?

I will admit, I was totally intrigued that there could be such a thing as shelf safe milk. The milk box does not require refrigeration until it's opened and it preserves all the wholesome goodness of milk and helps provide kids the protein, vitamins, and nutrients of milk without the restrictions of refrigeration.  this means you can stock-up on milk without worrying about refrigerator space and also pack milk for your kids without worrying about it spoiling before lunch. Of course you can refrigerate before serving but it is not required.  Shelf safe milk is also eco-friendly since it does not require refrigeration for distribution or storage. The cartons are made from 70 percent paper from selectively harvested, regrown trees and are recyclable, helping preserve resources for future generations. 

Review:  
We received a variety of Tetra Pak shelf-safe milk to review.  The milk came in brand names (like Horizon and Organic Valley) I recognized but I will admit that the site of unchilled milk in a post office box had me worried. It was dated from 5 days prior and the thought of even opening up potentially spoiled milk turned my stomach. However, I refrigerated the milk for a few hours and gave it a try.  The cartons are great. I remember hating drinking out of traditional milk cartons when I was young because I hated the feel of the wet cardboard on my mouth. These come with tough straws and drinking them is similar to drinking from a juice box. Every one of the milk varieties tasted great. My daughter is a big milk drinker and she was so excited to see chocolate milk. When I asked her how she liked the new milk she said, "It is so good I almost fainted" (yes, she is a little drama queen).   I had some of the white milk and it was just as good as regular milk. The only downside is the cost which is more expensive than traditional milk (and my state does not accept milk coupons). 

Buy it here: You can find shelf safe milk, you guessed it, on the shelves at your local grocer. While some stores place them near the refrigerator section, most don't.  It might be alongside non-milk beverages in Tetra Pak cartons like soy, almond, or rice milks or perhaps in the section with cereal and canned and powdered milks. You can also purchase some brands through Amazon. 

Don't forget to enter my Milk Unleashed giveaway ending soon! 

I was provided with the above mentioned products for the purpose of facilitating this review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own. 

Konsyl Review and Giveaway

A little weight loss trick I learned years ago was to eat foods high in fiber.  Psyllium fiber in particular can be very helpful because clinical studies have shown that 7 grams of soluble fiber from psyllium husk, taken daily as part of a heart healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to lower cholesterol AND can help with weight management AND can help regulate constipation and diarrhea. 

Health experts suggest that the average adult needs about 25-38 grams of fiber per day – from foods and supplements. Just one serving of Konsyl fiber products provides the body with 6 grams of psyllium fiber and provides a variety of health benefits, such as:

·         Relief of constipation and promotion of regularity (even while pregnant)

·         Relief from various gastrointestinal disorders 

·         Enhanced weight loss

·         Decreased blood cholesterol levels, which can reduce risk of heart disease

·         Healthy blood glucose and insulin levels, thereby assisting in the management of diabetes

Review:  I received Konsyl Original formula to review.  The powder which can be added to non-carbonated drinks contains 100% pure natural psyillium fiber, contains no sugar or sugar substitutes, and is gluten free.  I have used other fiber supplements before but they have always seemed to upset my stomach rather than regulate it. Konsyl, on the other hand worked great and caused me no upset or gas. Hooray! I did find that when I used the product I naturally extended the time I eat lunch because I did not feel as hungry. 

The product is super thick (but tasteless) and because I tend to mix it and not drink the entire liquid right away I have to keep reshaking it to get it to redissolve. One time I had to leave my drink and attend a meeting and when I came back it actually formed some small formations of gelatin-like substance on the sides of my cup. After a couple of trials I learned that it is just better to mix and drink right away rather than letting your drink sit.  Aside from that I am quite happy with this product and would recommend it if you are looking for a way to increase your fiber intake. 

Connect here: Join the Konsyl community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/konsyl as your first step toward a healthier you, and for more information about Konsyl, helpful tips for incorporating more fiber into your diet, great recipes and special giveaway offers.

Buy it here: Konsyl Original Formula 450g size is available in retail stores and Senna Prompt is now available in Walmart; other Konsyl products as well as Original Formula are conveniently available for purchase on www.konsyl.com and on various e-tailers, such as Drugstore.com, Walmart.com, Amazon.com.

Win it here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with the above mentioned sample for the purpose of facilitating this review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own. 

Fiber One Sweet Coupon Offer!

New Fiber One Chewy bars in Chocolate and Strawberry PB&J varieties are 110 calories or less and contain fiber* and calcium, no high fructose corn syrup, and 8 grams or less of sugar. 

To help you make Fiber One Chewy bars a part of your back-to-school snack routine, you can visit http://bit.ly/FOCBCoupon to download a printable coupon for $.80 off the purchase of 1 box of Fiber One Chewy bars (available on a first come first serve basis). 

My local grocery store sometimes has these on sale for $2 and doubles coupons which means you could get these potentially for only $0.40.  Wow!! 

I received this coupon offer to share with you from General Mills from My Blog Spark. 

Replacemycontacts.com Giveaway!

Replacemycontacts.com is a leading online provider of premium brand contact lenses at a discounted price.  My husband wears contacts and replacing them is never a bill I have budgeted so I appreciate this site's great prices and brand names since his eyes are sensitive and he needs to wear certain brands. 

Win it here:  Replacemycontacts.com wants to spread the word about their company and is offering a giveaway to you! One winner will receive a free pair of contacts and can choose from the following brands: Acuvue, Acuvue 1 day moist, Acuvue 2, Acuvue Advance, Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism, Acuvue Oasys, Acuvue Oasys for Astigmatism, Air Optix Aqua, Air Optix for Astigmatism, Air Optix Night & Day Aqua, Biofinity, Biofinity Toric, or Avaira. 

The rules for the contest are as follows:

1. The winner must have a current contact lens prescription

2. The winner must pick one of the products above

3. The winner must be a resident of the United States or Canada

4. Winner must provide their contact address and contact information

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Replacemycontacts.com resources you might find helpful:

• Contact Lens Education Resource
• Contact Lenses FAQ
• Charities we support

No compensation was received but I knew my readers would love this giveaway! 

Weight Loss Wednesday - Progress Update

Current weight:  172.5
Total weight lost:  4.5

Accountability is an amazing motivator. Looking at pictures of myself, squeezing into too-tight pants, and health problems were not enough to make me want to lose weight but having to post my weight for thousands of readers every week is enough to keep me on track! I am really happy with my weight loss this week.  Although not doing formal exercises, I was very active through this past weekend - so active that I hurt my back.  My ability to be active has been pretty limited so I have had to be extra careful about what I eat.  But I am telling you, there are Snickers Ice Cream bars taunting me in my freezer! 

I think my weight loss this past week is in part due to some great products I am reviewing to include GNC Total Lean, Konsyl Fiber, and Balance Bars - not to mention some great fresh fruit I got at a Farmer's Market.  I have a blender on order so I can make some delicious smoothies at home too! Other things I am doing is stopping eating dinner when I am full (and I think my stomach may be shrinking a bit), walking when my back and weather permit, and increasing my fiber intake. 

Got any great weight loss tips? Feel free to share in the comment section! 

Rembrandt and Reach Review

Rembrandt and Reach are both trusted names in oral care and they have some products available to get your mouth looking and smelling great. The Rembrandt Deeply White line is designed to whiten teeth above and below the surface. It provides whitening power to the surface to remove stains and also safely whitens below the enamel to help remove stains where their originate.  The products contain fluoride which will restore and strengthen enamel.

Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide Mint Toothpaste  is the first and only all-in-one fluoride toothpaste with Active Dental Peroxide - the same safe enamel ingredient used by cosmetic dentists. I enjoyed this toothpaste, especially in the morning. The mint flavor was enjoyable and my breath felt refreshed after use. It is a bit thick and does take a bit of work to get it out of the tube, but it is something I can certainly live with. 

My husband agreed to try the Rembrandt Deeply White 2 Hour Whitening Kit. The process involves applying whitening formula to your teeth using what looks like a mouth guard 20 minutes at a time, followed by a 10 minute break four times over a two hour time period. This is a great kit for someone who needs to whiten quickly! I could definitely notice a change in the whiteness of his teeth. He, however, was not fond of the taste. He said it tasted like pepper and the taste was stronger each time he applied the products.

Rembrandt also offers an Intense Stain toothpaste and Whitening Strips which are formulated to take of tough stains like coffee and wine. Since my hubby and I had both used whitening kits in the past month we did not want to use another set but he was willing to try one application for the experience. He said it was minty and was pretty comfortable wearing the strips. In fact, he was wearing them for awhile before I even realized he had them in his mouth.  I really like the toothpaste which had a great mint taste and left my mouth feeling totally fresh and clean.

I was also given a Reach Total Care + Whitening Toothbrush to review. I love this toothbrush. The bristles were really soft on my gums and I was able to get to hard-to-reach spots easily. The brush is designed to clean and also whiten by removing stains while you brush.  It is also great because the handle is flexible so out slightly bends as you are brushing which allows you to more easily maneuver the brush to get to the hard to reach areas.  There is also a tongue cleaner incorporated into the design! It also did a great job of cleaning better than my normal toothbrush between teeth. Although I still flossed, I found that less junk actually came out with the flossing than before. 

Finally, I was able to complete my brushing routine with some Reach Total Care Plus Whitening floss.  This is truly like no other floss I used before. It is made from a shred resistant fiber that is thin but wider than normal floss. It uses "Micro-Grooves" technology to remove more plaque. Its design really allows for an easy floss experience and it contains baking soda to help whiten your teeth.  This is definitely a great floss!




Smile Stats  Here are some fun stats about teeth!

·     87% of adults want whiter teeth

·     People with white teeth are perceived to be 65% more professional and 51% more confident

·     A white smile is visible from 200 feet and is a sign of warmth, confidence, and health

·     White teeth increased the perception of a person’s professional success by 68%, financial success by 64%, and trustworthiness by 52%

Buy it here: You can find Rembrandt and Reach products at local mass merchants, grocery stores, and drug stores.

I was provided with the above mentioned products for the purpose of facilitating this review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.

Happy First Day of School!

Jack and Bella had their first day of school today. They are getting so big! This was the first year my daughter had to wear a uniform so it brought a tear to my eye realizing how much she has grown up!

Mountain Dew Crew: Join and Get Freebies!

There is still time to join the Mountain Dew Crew and score some freebies! Sign up by clicking the pic above.

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Mountain Dew.

My Creative Juices Were Flowing Today: Rapunzel Lanterns

My daughter's birthday is next month and she wants a Tangled/Rapunzel party theme. She will be having bot a kid party (with a Princess Tea Party twist) and a family party. If you have been reading my blog for some time then you may know that I LOVE to throw birthday parties and tend to go a little overboard. Never one for boring decorations, I like to get creative and make as much as a I can. 

I made the centerpieces today. If you have seen Tangled then you may recognize the sun from the movie. I frosted the outside of these large glass vases, painted the suns with gold, and plan on turning them upside down and placing an LED candle in each so they look like the lanterns from the movie. 

What do you think? I am looking for more ideas so if you have thrown a Tangled party or know of some fun activities or decorations let me know! Oh yeah, and you may be wondering about the cakes! I am going to do my first doll cake (doll on top with a cake as the dress) and a tower cake. So excited!!!

TeenyMates Review and Giveaway - 3 Winners!

My son is 9 and loves to create sports collections. He has more basketball cards than I would have ever expected were actually printed. Last year he enjoyed helping to review Lil' Teammates and still proudly displays his sports figures in his room. When he learned of TeenyMates, he knew he had a new collection to start!  TeenyMates are 1" NFL Quarterback collectibles that, similar to baseball cards, come in blind packs that don't reveal the contents until opened.  Each pack includes 2 random NFL Quarterbacks and 2 Puzzle Pieces.  Kids can collect all 32 NFL Quarterbacks plus 3 rare figures. They can also work to collect all 35 puzzle pieces to build a 2-sided puzzle. There is also a full color collector sheet included in each pack.

NFL TEENYMATES FAST FACTS:

• 1" tall, officially licensed NFL figures for kids and collectors alike, ages 4 and up.
• Entering the immensely popular mini-collectible market as the only official NFL figures available.
• Amazing detail for such tiny figures.  Great for play, and fun to collect and trade!
• Each foil bag pack comes with 2 random quarterbacks and 2 puzzle pieces, adding mystery and excitement to each purchase!
• Collect all 32 NFL quarterbacks and all 35 double-sided puzzle pieces.
• Plus: 3 hard-to-find rare figures - a Throwback QB, a Metallic Gold QB, and a Glow-in-the Dark QB!
• Double-sided puzzle allows you to build either a collector mini-poster featuring all 32 QBs, or a football field display set

Review: Jack absolutely loved the excitement of opening the packs we received. He could not wait to see which Quarterbacks were contained in each tiny pouch! He was also grateful that he was sent a completed puzzle because on one side were illustrations of all the TeenyMates and on the other side was a football field. He immediately got to work playing with his TeenyMates on the field. The Quarterbacks themselves were teeny but still nicely detailed and made of hard and heavy plastic.  He liked them so much that he actually set aside some of his remaining birthday money and has asked that we go to Target this weekend to buy some more!  

Buy it here: Now available at Target, team shops, and sporting goods, gift and toy stores across the nation! MSRP: $3.99

Win it here: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with the above mentioned products for the purpose of facilitating this review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own. 

Balance Bar & Itzy Ritzy Review and Giveaway!

The kids are back to school and although I am breathing a sigh of relief I dread packing lunches every day.  Not only am I packing lunches, but I am stocking up on healthy snacks that they are allowed to bring with them to school. Balance Bar®, one of America’s original nutrition/energy bar leaders, is launching mini energy bars in two popular Balance Bar flavors: Cookie Dough and Double Chocolate Brownie.  Each 100-calorie Balance Bar mini energy bar contains seven grams of protein and 23 vitamins and minerals with an excellent course of antioxidants. 

Balance Bar has teamed up with Itzy Ritzy for this promotion. Itzy Ritzy offers  eco-friendly Snack Happened™ Reusable Snack Bags that can hold lots of back-to-school snacks and lunch items such as crackers, fruit, sandwiches, and (of course) Balance Bar mini energy bars! The bags have a zippered closure and are machine washable. They feature a 100% cotton exterior and a waterproof lining interior. They are FDA-approved, BPA-free, and PVC and phthalate-free. 

Review: Balance Bars have become, hands-down, my favorite brand on energy bars over the past couple of years. Their flavors are delicious and they are always working to bring new and interesting products to their customers. Although I do love energy bars, I would often use them as a meal substitute because they were too high in calories to have as a snack. Now, thanks to the Balance Bar mini energy bars, I can eat these yummy bars in between meals for a satisfying snack.  Both the Cookie Dough and Double Chocolate Brownie had a great taste that satisfied my sweet tooth and kept my stomach happy in between meals. The Cookie Dough was my preferred flavor of the two. 

I really adore the Snack Happened Reusable Snack Bag as well. I prefer to use less waste and stay away from plastic bags but my biggest complaint is that the old bags I used to use would wear down easily because, while the bag was washable, the velcro closures would stop working after so many washes. This bag has a zipper closure which means no wear-down and no chance of the food accidentally escaping! Did I mention it has a super-cute design! These are the perfect size for snacking on the go and I will definitely be using the bag in my kids' lunch boxes this year.

Buy it here: Balance Bar mini energy bars are certified Kosher and come in a two-flavor, 10-count box which will be available where ever Balance Bars are sold and on www.shopbalance.com. Suggested retail price is $8.99.  

Special Offer: To get a one-dollar Balance Bar coupon, go to www.Balance.com and click on ‘Get a Valuable Coupon.

Win it here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was provided with the above mentioned products for the purpose of facilitating this review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own. 

Kids Can Cook Too Challenge is Back!

Last spring I started to teach my children how to cook. Each weekend, they would take turns choosing and preparing a menu. My kids enjoy looking through recipe books and talk about their dinner for a few days before they make it and love calling all of their relatives to tell them how it worked out. I allow them to do almost everything (short of pulling a hot pan out of the oven) and they really take ownership of their meal.

So, I am going to share my children's creations and I encourage you to participate in the challenge with your family (after all, lots of you have commented on the Pillsbury post saying how you would love to cook with your kids)!  If you would like to participate and have your creations featured right here on Cake Mom, feel free to send me the recipe you tried and any pictures of the finished results and/or your family having fun with the cooking process. 

My kids are excited to get cooking again now that summer is almost over but I will warn you that they are a little less apt to try new recipes since they miss some of their favorites. Repeats or not, we enjoy the process and hope you can try some of the recipes! 

Bella's Dinner: Macaroni and Cheese & Oreo Pie

Macaroni & Cheese recipe

Ingredients
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs, divided 
8 oz dry large elbow macaroni, uncooked
10 oz shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups milk
1 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp salt

Directions
1.  Preheat oven 10 350. Spray 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray; add 1/4 cup bread crumbs covering the pan evenly.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Layer 1/3 each of the macaroni and shredded and Parmesan cheese in dish. Repeat layers twice more. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; pour evenly over layered mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup bread crumbs over top. 
3. Bake 55-60 minutes or until golden and set. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving. 


Oreo Triple Layer Chocolate Pie (from Kraftfoods.com)

Ingredients
32 Oreo cookies, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 pkg chocolate Jell-O instant Pudding
2 cups cold milk
8oz Cool Whip, thawed, divided

Directions
1. Finely crush 24 cookies; mix with butter. Press onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate.
2. Beat pudding mixes and milk with whisk for 2 minutes
3. Spoon 1&1/2 cups pudding into crust. Stir half the Cool Whip into remaining budding; spread over pudding payer in crust. Chop remaining cookies; stir into remaining Cool Whip. Spread over pie.  Refrigerate 4 hours or until set.

Results:  We have made the macaroni and cheese recipe many times and everyone in the family loves it. It is really tasty and there is enough for all 4 of us plus some yummy leftovers.  This was our first time with the pie. Bella enjoyed making it, saying it was the easiest dessert she has ever made.  I loved the layers and each layer had its own fun flavor yet they tasted so great together.  These recipes both have permanent places in my recipe book!

Milk Unleashed Giveaway!

Did you know that you can buy milk that does not require refrigeration? Mind blowing...I know! I will have a review of these amazing new "Milk Unleashed" products soon but wanted to give you a heads up about this great new way to make packing school lunches easier and offer you a fabulous giveaway!! 

Check out the super-cool app above and experience the following:

• On-The-Go Games and Tips! Even cruising down the freeway can be an adventure!  With these fun games and tips you can have some family time even when you are out on the road!  
• On-The-Go Snacks! Have you ever wanted to try the world’s best smoothie?  Well Milk Unleashed is here to make all your dreams come true!  Find out the best snacks to grab that will make your next outing even more thrilling!
• Get Social! Tweet with the #MilkUnleashed hashtag to get your audience revved up for their next family adventure!

Win it here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will receive samples as a thank you for this post. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own. 

Covergirl & Olay Review

I usually stay away from foundation because I hate the caked-on look and subsequent break outs that occur. However, Covergirl's commercials (you know the ones with Ellen) for their Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab intrigued me enough to give the foundation and powder a try. Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation is formulated to smooth the appearance of rough surfaces to give your skin a radiant finish while also hydrating your skin and helping to improve skin tone over time.

The Covergirl & Olay Pressed Powder is made from gold pearls, yellow iron oxide, and silk mika which, according to the companies, work together to help provide natural looking skin with an energized appearance and healthy radiance. It is designed to help brighten skin tone while softening the look of imperfections.

Review:  If I had to wrap my impression of these products into one word it would be AWESOME. The Foundation smells so good and applies smoothly to the skin, leaving my skin looking great even though it did not feel like I was wearing foundation thanks to the breathable and light feel to the makeup. The Pressed Powder finished off a very polished look, keeping my face looking fresh and shine-free. I have not purchased Cover Girl cosmetics in years, instead opting to spend twice (or three times) as much on department store makeup. No more! I was so happy with these products that I am convinced that Cover Girl has come a long way with their makeup line since I used them last (probably decades ago). 

Buy it here: Covergirl & Olay products can be purchased at your local mass merchant, drug, and grocery stores.

I received samples of the above mentioned products as a BzzAgent in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.

Weight Loss Wednesday - Progress Update

Current weight: 174.5
Total weight lost: 3.5

I had a good diet plan for the week, but summer is hard because it seems like we have social events every week and social events always mean there will be tons of great food to eat. However, when your choice for dinner is limited to just hot dogs, white bread, and chips it is really hard to figure out what to do. Yes, I could eat before I go but then you end up being bombarded with questions over why you are not eating, if you are not feeling well, etc.  So, I would choose to eat one helping of food and skip the dessert - not an easy feat! 

Honestly, the last 1.5 pounds were not necessarily lost on purpose. I have had a nasty stomach bug over the past 2 days.  Not exactly a fun way to lose weight (but an effective one whether you like it or not!)

Thanks to my readers for the kind and encouraging words. 

Combat Source Kill Max Ant Bail Review, Giveaway, and Contest Announcement!

Since we moved into our house 10 years ago we have not gotten through a single summer without an ant invasion. I know "invasion" is a strong term, but having ants all over my kitchen and around my dogs' food is disgusting and intrusive! I am sure many of you have tried many methods to get rid of ants.

Combat Source Kill Max Ant Gel is formulated to effectively control ants with a fast-acting ingredient, Fipronil. Its speed is slow enough, however, for ants to return to the colony and feed the bait to larvae and queens so that the entire colony is killed through the Domino Effect. To use it, you place the gel near ant trails, next to ant nests or in areas of suspected ant activity. It can also be used as spot, crack, and crevice treatment for indoor and outdoor control of ants.

Combat Source Kill Max Ant Bait contains an effective insecticide which kills most ants commonly found in homes. Ants carry bait back to their colony and destroy it completely.  It even kills ants outside of your home to prevent more ants from coming inside. It is child-resistant, a major bonus! 

Review:  I have kids, dogs, and asthma. What does that have to do with ants? I cannot tolerate ant sprays and I don't feel that they are safe enough for my children and pets. So, I was very interested in these Combat Source Kill products which seem to do a better job at isolating the poison. 

The day we were setting up for our garage sale, we found hundreds (possibly thousands) of ants in the cracks of our driveway leading right to the corner of our house. I was worried about them getting into the house and worried that our garage sale buyers would be disgusted if they looked down and say the bugs.  We used both the Combat Source Kill Max Ant Gel and 1 Ant Bait.  The gel was easy to apply to the cracks and the bait was just set out. We crossed our fingers and the next morning were thrilled that there was not a live ant in sight...there were lots of dead ones we needed to wash away, so Combat did its job! Ants are no fun and these are definitely products we will purchase again.

Combat Bug-Free Backyard Bash Sweepstakes
Combat is giving 1 lucky winner $1000 to hold their very own Bug Free Backyard Bash! The winner will also receive an assortment of Combat brand products to ensure ants don't spoil their bash. All you have to do is click here, watch a short video, and fill out the form. Good luck! 

Win it here: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Combat provided a free sample of their Ant Bait and Gel so I could review them. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.

Luster Premium White Review

I haven't met a person yet who does not wish their teeth were whiter.  Between coffee, food, and normal aging, your teeth (and mine) tend to look less than their best without the help of whitening products. Previously, your options for teeth whitening were limited to expensive dental treatments, white strip applications that take weeks to complete their course, or whitening toothpaste that has minimal whitening power. Luster Premium White is a product that allows you to achieve results like you would receive at the dentist, only at a fraction of the cost that can be done in the convenience of your own home.

Luster Premium White is available locally and offer the following benefits:

1. The Luster 1 Hour White system is the only whitening product that offers the same light activating technology as your dentist
2. Whiten on your schedule – the Luster 1 Hour White system guarantees you'll start seeing results in as little as 30 minutes of whitening light treatment... that's 2X faster than strips!
3. Independent in-vitro testing by a major university found that Luster's 1 Hour White system whitens faster and better than Crest Whitestrips and Rembrandt's whitening trays
4. By substituting Luster's Power White⁷ everyday whitening toothpaste for your current brand, you'll see whiter teeth in just 7 days while enjoying a fresh, clean mouth
5. Luster is the only tooth whitening brand that promises stunningly whiter teeth with no painful sensitivity

Luster 1 Hour White is a carefully formulated kit that includes an accelerator mouth rinse that moderates your mouth's PH level to prepare it for whitening, super whitener gel which contains peroxide, and an activating white light that accelerates the whitening process. To use the kit you need to use the rinse for 10 seconds, then paint the super whitener gel on each tooth individually. After 20 seconds you hold the activating whitening light up to your teeth for 2 minutes. These three steps are repeated up to 20 times. 

Results: Here are my before and after shots:

Before whitening

After whitening

I completed the treatment 10 times in a row and saw noticeable results (I know it is difficult to see in the pictures).  I am very impressed with how quickly the kit whitened my teeth. It was a little time consuming to have to keep repeating the steps; however, it was easy.  There are other options for whitening such as doing it a few times a day for a week or several times in the morning and evening for a couple days in a row.  The only problem that I had was that the following day I had horrible dry mouth and there was not enough liquid in the world to alleviate it! It is certainly a small price to pay for shiny white teeth. Plus, I generally experience some teeth pain after using whitening products but that did not occur at all with this product! 

I was also given Luster White Toothpaste to help further whiten my teeth.  I am overly sensitive to toothpaste flavors but found this one to be enjoyable. Again, I experienced no tooth pain (they do offer a sensitive formula if you have extremely sensitive teeth) and my teeth looked great and felt really clean after use. 

Buy it here: Luster Premium White products are available at Wal Mart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and at a discounted price on Amazon.

I received a product to review as a BzzAgent. No other compensation was received and the views expressed here are my own.

StarKist Kids Pizza Recipe!

Check out this supper fun recipe from my friends at StarKist! This would make a great after-school snack that your kids could even help you make!

PER SERVING: (110g): 220 calories, 8g fat, 25mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 19g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g sugars, 15g protein

Ingredients:

1 pouch (2.6oz) StarKist® Chunk Light Tuna in Sunflower Oil

2 sandwich thins or pita bread, split in half

¼ cup pizza sauce

¼ cup shredded Italian Cheese Blend

Sliced black olives, tomato slices, or pepper slices or other vegetables

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place each sandwich round half on a baking sheet.

Cover with 1 Tbsp. pizza sauce, ¼ tuna pouch and 1 Tbsp. shredded cheese

Decorate with vegetables and black olives

Bake for 5-8 minutes or until cheese melts

System Mechanic Giveaway - 3 Winners! (Plus Free Version For All!)

Computer or laptop running slow? Taking it to a computer shop to be fixed will likely cost you at least $100. I had the opportunity to review System Mechanic, a PC tune up program previously and have been happy with it ever since. Check out my previous review here.

System Mechanic has an updated version since I reviewed it that includes the following features:

AcceleWrite™

Revolutionary real-time, always-on technology included in System Mechanic 11 optimizes data storage as it happens. AcceleWrite works with both solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard drives, ensuring that files are written with maximum efficiency to improve overall data transfer speed. This unique technology can significantly increase overall system responsiveness, lower both mechanical and solid state hard drive wear, and eliminate the need for any retrospective optimization (such as disk defragmentation) altogether.

More Powerful Start-up Optimization

Start-up optimization in System Mechanic 11 is both simpler and more powerful for extra system horsepower. Reengineered technology makes it easier to achieve accelerated system start-up speeds and re-inject resources back into foreground programs and tasks throughout the day.

Full Windows 8 Integration

System Mechanic is now fully tuned for and compatible with all Microsoft operating systems from Windows XP to Windows 8. The new version is fully designed to effectively fix, optimize, and maintain issues unique to Windows 8, with added options and underlying research to keep the latest Windows iteration firing on all cylinders.

Thousands of Additional Tune-up Definitions™

With iolo Labs continuously classifying new and changing threats to PC performance, System Mechanic 11 is now fueled by more than 30,000 independently identified solutions to common issues that arise from everyday computer use. This constantly growing body of knowledge (delivered from iolo in the form of automatic weekly data updates) makes all of System Mechanic’s tools and functions that rely on it more effective than ever.

Additional Dashboard Control and Streamlined Setup

System Mechanic 11’s primary command center has been expanded to include easy access to more commonly used tools, at-a-glance status on key functionality, and one-click control of automatic maintenance features. System Mechanic 11 also provides single-step options for the most recommended configurations under a wide variety of environments. This simpler and more efficient installation and upgrade process takes the guesswork out of software setup.

Unlimited Home Licensing

With iolo’s industry-first Whole Home Licensing, non-commercial users can install and use the software on as many of their home computers as they own, without paying additional fees or running out of activations.

More Powerful Malware Protection

iolo System Shield^®, included in System Mechanic Pro, now encompasses even more effective defense technology designed to identify and neutralize the latest malware and other threats. With enhanced memory processing, heuristic pattern matching, and reduced resource usage, System Shield ensures maximum protection while staying out of the way.

Hundreds of Universal Improvements

System Mechanic 11 also incorporates a multitude of other improvements, enhancements, stability augmentations, and general updates, for the most effective and reliable performance optimization product to date.

Buy it here: System Mechanic 11 is automatically available at no charge to all existing users with an active service plan, which provides all products updates and upgrades, as well as continuous Tune-up Definitions updates. New or existing users without a service plan can purchase System Mechanic 11 directly from www.iolo.com, via all major web e-tailers, or in one of more than 22,000 retail storefronts that carry iolo’s products worldwide, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Staples.

***FREE VERSION***

If you want to try out a free version of the program before buying (or to use itself), you can download it here: FREE VERSION

The 7 essential tools included in System Mechanic Free can be used to proactively fix and repair problems as they arise, preventing them from slowing you down so you can enjoy peak performance for years to come:

·         Registry Tuner: A safe, effective, and highly advanced problem solver and error repair tool, Registry Tuner diagnoses and resolves the most common root causes of mysterious freezes, slowdowns, and crashes.

·         Startup Optimizer: Automatically eliminates startup bottlenecks that choke the life out of a PC and make Windows take ages to start. Supercharges boot-times and frees up resources for improved overall performance.

·         Memory Mechanic: Reclaims RAM orphaned by memory leaks and sloppy programs for an instant speed boost. Optimizes and defragments memory for snappier programs, downloads, and gaming experience.

·         PC Cleanup: Performs a system-wide scan for junk and obsolete files left over from messy programs and unexpected restarts. Safely cleans out hazardous system-clogging clutter that accumulates over time through everyday use.

·         Drive Accelerator: Performs advanced hard drive defragmentation for accelerated Windows load times, program startup, and overall system speed.

·         Shortcut Repair: Finds and automatically fixes broken or corrupted Windows shortcut icons that can represent the root of frustrating problems on an otherwise stable PC.

·         Internet Connection Repair: Automatically heals broken and chronically unstable internet connections to get you back online and keep you connected when you most need to be.

Win it here: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this post but have reviewed System Mechanic in the past.  All views expressed are my own.