Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash ~ #ColgateTotalMW

Swishing mouthwash is definitely one of my least favorite parts of my morning routine.

First of all, I'm not the biggest mint fan. I always choose a "fruity" gum over a "minty" one, when given the option. Unfortunately, most mouthwashes these days are "minty." Why can't mouthwash come in chocolate chip cookie dough flavor? Why! Obviously, mint freshens breathe, and is the best option for a mouthwash flavor. Sigh...

In addition to mouthwashes mintiness, it also burns! Does Not Sound Like Fun! The burning sensation makes the seconds you swish, feel like minutes. No good....

When I was asked by Influenster to review Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash, I thought to myself, "why not?" I actually really need a product like this because I suffer from the beginning stages of Gingivitis.

Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield is an anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque mouthwash. Due to the fact that it is alcohol free, the burning sensation is greatly reduced, compared to traditional mouthwashes.

It provides 12 hour protection against germs, helps prevent Gingivitis, significantly reduces plaque & freshens breathe, all while killing 99% of germs. The 12 hour protection is even effective after eating or drinking.

I received the flavor Peppermint Blast. Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield also comes in Spearmint Surge and Wintermint Rush.

Overall, I liked this mouthwash. The flavor was not offensive, and the burn was tolerable. What I love most about Colgate Total Advanced Pro-shield (besides the benefits it provides,) is that you only have to swish for 30 seconds. I'm almost positive that other brands of mouthwashes I've used in the past, have required a full 60 seconds of swishing. So, the 30 second time limit is definitely a plus! I will repurchase this mouthwash after this bottle runs out. With continued use, I'm hoping that my dentist gives me the good news that my Gingivitis is under control. I've heard really good things about the Colgate "Total" line in general. It's the #1 most recommended brand among dentists.

Click here for a $.75 off a purchase of Colgate Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash 8 fl. oz. or larger.

There is also a $2.00 off coupon on coupons.com, for a bottle 32 fl. oz. or larger.

If you would like more information on this product, please visit Colgate's website here, or visit them on Facebook or Twitter.

I was asked by Influenster to review Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield Mouthwash. I received a free sample from Colgate, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Hail Merry Salt n Pepper Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds have never been my "go to" snack. Actually, when I was younger, I had an allergy to Sunflower Seeds, and avoided them like the plague. 

Luckily, I've outgrown the allergy for the most part, but my avoidance as a child, has led me to avoid them as an adult. Now when I say, "avoid" I mean, eating Sunflower Seeds straight up. I will eat them if I go somewhere, and they are sprinkled on a salad, or incorporated into bread. I don't pick them out or anything!

When I was asked by Swaggable to review, Hail Merry Salt n Pepper Sunflower Seeds, I was actually excited! Sunflower Seeds are not something I would choose to pick up on my own, so being sent a package to sample for free was perfect! 

Now, when I think of sunflower seeds, for some reason, I think of obnoxious people crushing the type with shells, and spitting the shells on the ground! This is a major pet peeve of mine. I hate going somewhere, and seeing piles of shells everywhere. That's just gross!

Of course, Hail Merry's Sunflower Seeds are completely different, because they are gourmet & completely shell free!

Hail Merry Salt n Pepper Sunflower Seeds are delicious! The seeds themselves are salted, then combined with coarsely ground black pepper. So, you need to eat multiple seeds at a time, to get the full effect with the black pepper. They can be spicy, depending how many bits of pepper you get in your mouth at a time.

The seeds are soaked to activate living enzymes, which aid in proper digestion. They are then dehydrated at low temperatures to protect the enzymes, as well as, essential fatty acids.

Also, you get a lot of snacking bang for your buck. Not only are Sunflower Seeds nutritious, but you get a tons of seeds per serving! The picture above is only 1/4 (7g) of the suggested serving size of 1 oz.  If you are following Weight Watchers, the above serving is only 1 Point Plus!

I was asked by Swaggable & Hail Merry to review Hail Merry Salt n Pepper Sunflower Seeds. I received a 1 oz. sample for free, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure Review ~ #ImpressRevolution

Would you like to give extra pizazz to your look at the wedding your attending this month? Or how about the cruise, or tropical vacation your taking next month? Would you like to look extra sassy!?! The must have accessory for this extra special event, is definitely imPRESS Press-On Manicure!

I was recently asked by Broadway Nails & Influenster to review imPRESS Press-On Manicure in the design Space Cadet, which I received for free. There was only one problem....I currently have on acrylic nails.

 

However, I do have experience with this brand, and I will share that with you!

Last September, my family went on the Disney Cruise Line Pacific Coast Pixar Cruise for 7 nights! I wanted to look nice during all those fancy dinners and photo ops, so I decided to purchase a box of  imPRESS Press-On Manicure.

These are the nails I wore.....

Photo from Our Beauty Philosophy Nail design is called Beauty Queen. Please read her reviews of imPRESS Press-On Manicure here and here.

I followed the directions to a T, and still had loads of problems with these nails. I put them on the night before we left for the cruise, and by the end of day one, I had already lost a nail.  Over the next several days, I lost more nails. I was starting to feel ridiculous with only having a nail on every other fingers, so half way through the cruise, I pulled the rest of them off! Boy, did that hurt! I have no idea why some nails came off so easily, while others held tight.

Despite my poor first experience with imPRESS Press-On Manicure, I'm still super excited to try the nails sent to me by Influenster. I will definitely pick up a bottle of nail glue from the drugstore, so that this set of nails last the full 7 days!

Photo from Sequins and Pearls. Read her review of imPRESS Press-On Manicure here.

 

imPRESS Press-On Manicure retails for $5.99 for colors, and $7.99 for patterns. They are available at CVS, Rite Aid, Duane Reade, KMart, Walgreens, Walmart and more. For a full list of online and in-store retailers, visit imPressManicure.com, where you can download an exclusive coupon and virtually try on all the colors and patterns!

I was asked by Influenster to review imPRESS Press-On Manicure. I received a free sample from Broadway Nails, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Tastykake® Kandy Bar Kakes ~ #TastyKake

I must admit, that I have an enormous sweet tooth! When I heard that we were getting a Tastykake Kandy Bar Kake in our Influenster Spring Fever Vox Box, I was super excited!

I've actually never even heard of Tastykake before....gasp! I live in California, and as far as I know, this product is not distributed on the west coast. After doing some spoiler snooping, as to what would be in this particular Vox Box, I read a lot of buzz and excitement about the Tastykake Kandy Bar Kake! I couldn't wait to try it. I was expecting it to be amazing!

Tastykake Kandy bar Kakes are described as:
......the best of both worlds. Light and fluffy chocolate enrobed cakes come in a unique kandy bar shape with a delicious créme filling made with your favorite candy flavors. YUM!

The day finally arrived. Today was the day, I would first experience a Tastykake Kandy Bar Kake. I was a nice mommy, and decided to share the Kandy Bar Kake with my daughter Ellie. I received the S'Mores flavored kake made with Real Hershey's™ Cocoa and topped with Graham cracker crumbles, which I was slightly disappointed about, because I knew other Influensters had received a Reese's Peanut Butter filled kake. Oh well....it was free from Influenster, so I really shouldn't complain!

Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes come in 3 varieties: S'mores, Peppermint and Peanut Butter. Single Serve retails for $1.69 and a 5 ct. family pack retails for $4.49.

One serving is a hefty 7 Weight Watchers Points Plus

Excited to try my first Tastykake Kandy Bar Kake!

First Bite!

As you can see from the photos, Ellie really didn't eat that much. After, I finished taking photos, she gave it back to me, and didn't want anymore. I cut the tastykake in half, so she could finish her portion later, but she did no more than pick off the chocolate. Ellie was not a fan of the S'Mores Tastykake Kandy Bar Kake.

My turn!

It was okay, but I was not wowed. The cake was very dry, and the cream was like any other cream filled cake, you would buy at the grocery store.

Upon further inspection of the wrapper, my Tastykake was expired by about 7 days. Now, I'm not one of those people who is a stickler for expiration dates. My daughter and I both ate the Tastykake, and have lived to tell the tale. However, it does impact the freshness of the product. Maybe this is why this was so dry?

I would think Tastykake would want to send out the freshest product possible, since so many Influensters would be blogging and reviewing the product. Hmmm...

For those of you who have had Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes before, please leave me a comment & let me know what your experience has been. 

If  you are interested in experiencing Tastykake for yourself, take a look at the store locator here.

I was asked by Influenster & Tastykake to review the S'Mores Tastykake Kandy Bar Kake. I received a free single serve cake, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Tree Hut Renewing Hand Cream Review

As I mentioned here, I suffer from pretty dry skin, so I'm constantly on the hunt for a nice moisturizing hand cream. I was recently selected to try, and review Tree Hut Renewing Hand Cream in Moroccan Rose. This sample was provided to me for free from Swaggable.

I really loved the packaging on the tube. The picture of the Rose & Argan Nut, along with the metallic gold stripe bearing the scent of the product, gives it an overall luxurious look & feel. 

Using Argan Oil in beauty and body products is a new trend, and it looks like Tree Hut has jumped on this band wagon as well! Tree Hut used natural Moroccan Argan Nut oil, as well as certified organic Shea Butter, and Rose Hip Oil to create a hand cream that provides anti-aging and healing properties, as well as promotes elasticity.

promotes elasticity

promotes elasticity

This product smells wonderful, however I did expect it to be thicker for some reason, more like a body butter consistency. I squeezed the tube, and got way too much because it's somewhat runny. This hand cream does leave my skin feeling soft and moisturized, but I feel like I need to reapply it often, because my skin just soaks it up! 

Tree Hut Renewing Hand Cream contains a non-greasy formula and is paraben & DMDM free. In addition, Tree Hut does not test it's products on animals.

Overall, I thought this was a great product. The other products & scent varieties, Tree Hut has listed on their website sound amazing! I can't wait to try some of their other products!

For more information about Tree Hut products, please visit here.

You can purchase Tree Hut products online at amazon.com, CVS.com, facevaluesonline.com, Drugstore.com, Walmart.com & Ulta.com, or in store at Target, Walmart, Ulta, Kroger, Publix, Fred Meyer & Meijer.

I was asked by Swaggable & Tree Hut to review Tree Hut Renewing Hand Cream in Moroccan Rose. I received a free 3 oz. tube, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Palmolive® soft touch Dish Soap ~ #PalmoliveSoftTouch

I already have really dry skin, and you know what makes it worse? Washing the dishes!

Luckily, I have a dishwasher to do most of the dish washing for me. However, you know there are certain pots or pans, that are either too big for the dish washer, or they just won't get clean in the dishwasher? I have no other choice than to wash those dishes by hand.

I recently tried a new dish washing liquid soap by Palmolive, called Soft Touch, which was provided to me for free from Influenster. I received one bottle each in Vitamin E (Pink) and Coconut Butter (White.)

Both the Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E & Coconut Butter variety, are designed to be soft on hands, but still have the grease cutting action to leave dishes sparkling clean.

Palmolive Soft Touch looked and sounded like a fabulous product, I rushed over to my BFF's house, and left the Palmolive Soft Touch with Vitamin E for her to try.

Then, I rushed back to my house to tackle, a stubborn grill pan that I had used to grill chicken the night before.

After a bit of scrubbing, my grill pan is as clean as it can get, considering all the abuse it has seen over the years! And, the scent of Coconut Butter wafting through the air was heavenly!

My hands are soft, and my manicure still looks great!

Palmolive Soft Touch come in three varieties, Vitamin E, Coconut Butter & Aloe. I'm looking forward to trying the Aloe Variety, because it is specifically formulated for dry hands!

I was asked by Influenster & Colgate-Palmolive to review Palmolive Soft Touch Dish Soap. I received 2 free bottles, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Wafu Wasabi Edamame Japanese Vinaigrette

Even though I'm not a big Edamame fan, I was still excited to try a sample of Wafu Wasabi Edamame Japanese Vinaigrette, which was provided to me free by Swaggable.  I love Wasabi, and I've been obsessed with Wasabi Peas, ever since I was sent some from my Foodie Pen Pal Gigi back in February.

Acording to the Wafu website, their Wasabi Edamame Japanese Vinaigrette, combines the sweet and natural flavors of edamame (soybeans) with a touch of wasabi (Japanese horseradish) to give it some kick. 

Wafu Wasabi Edamame Japanese Vinaigrette, is free of artificial colors & flavors, trans fat, cholesterol, as well as, Vegan and Kosher. This dressing also comes in a Natural/GMO Free/Gluten-Free variety.

When I read that this dressing has Wasabi, I assumed it was going to be a bit spicy, but I was wrong. It was not spicy at all. I was a bit disappointed by this. Overall, this dressing has a sour flavor, even though the description describes it as being "sweet" from the flavor of Edamame. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either, and would probably not purchase the full size version.

There is nothing "wrong" with this dressing, it's just not right for me. It is a very healthy option if you are trying to lose weight. The sample I received was 1.5 oz, and the entire packet was only 2 Points Plus on the Weight Watchers Program.  I was able to get 2 uses out of this sample for the salad size pictured. So, I was able to get a generous amount for only 1 Point Plus! That's definitely a plus!

I was asked by Swaggable to review Wafu Wasabi Edamame Japanese Vinaigrette . I received a free sample from Wafu, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Kellogg's Choco Zucaritas ~ #ChocoBzz

 

It's been a long time since I've fueled up on Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, so when Bzz Agent & Kellogg's asked me & my family to try Kellogg's Choco Zucaritas, I was all for it. I was sent two boxes to sample for free, one for me and one for a friend (see below how you can be that friend!) Choco Zucaritas are relatively new in the U.S., but have been loved in Mexico, since 1997.  I must admit, these chocolate flavored frosted corn flakes are yummy.

A serving of Choco Zucaritas, and an 8 oz. serving of milk provides protein, calcium, vitamin D & Potassium.

The cereal alone provides (based on a 2,000 calorie diet) 10% of your daily amount of, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and 25% of your daily amount of, Iron, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid & Vitamin B12.

It's great that cereals these days, are fortified with vitamins. My daughter is slightly anemic, so I'm happy that she is getting much needed iron in her diet.

Now, don't get me wrong....I would not feed this type of cereal to my child everyday, because although you are getting vitamins in Choco Zucaritas, you are also getting 12g of sugar per serving, artificial flavors & artificial colors, including Red #40. I have eliminated Red #40 from my autistic son's diet, so he won't be sampling this.

My daughter was happy to help though!

Thumbs up for Choco Zucaritas! Approved by a 5 year old.

Examining the box

Makes the milk chocolatey!

This is the suggested serving amount of 3/4 cup or 30 g. If you are on the Weight Watchers Program each serving is 3 Points Plus.

Please enter my giveaway, for a chance to win a box of Kellogg's Choco Zucaritas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I was asked by Bzz Agent to review Kellogg's Choco Zucaritas. I received 2 free boxes of cereal, one for me & one for a friend, but was not compensated for this post. All opinions expressed herein are my own.