Kuuk Silicone Ice Cube Tray Review

I got to try these fun colored ice cube trays!  Here's what I like about them:

• The silicone is safe (BPA free!) and sturdy
• You can pop them in the dishwasher
• It is easier to get your cubes out than traditional trays.  With my old one, there was always that one ice cube that wouldn't budge!  Now all of them come out easily.
• The square shape is unique and fits better into my water bottle.

Go here to get yours: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RBAO8Q4?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

The twin pack is 10.95 with free shipping for Prime members.  

*I received this complimentary product in exchange for writing an honest, unbiased review.*

WonderVeg Slicer Tri Blade Spiralizer

I got a chance to try out this WonderVeg Slicer Tri Blade Spiralizer and it was great! 

Here's some info about it:

• It helps you loose weight because you can make so many healthy, hearty veggie dishes from it.
• Dishwasher safe means easy cleanup
• Faster than handheld models because it has the turn handle and suctions to the counter.  Also easy on your hands! 
•  It makes noodles, ribbons (like potato chips), & spirals
• BPA-free
• Fingers stay away from the blades so it's safe for the whole family

Here are some photos of the one I got...

The recipe book was full color and really gave you a good idea about how to use it.  

This spiralizer came with three little inserts that had the blades to cut veggies three ways.  I love that two of them are stored in a spot beneath the machine!  Very easy to store.  In this photo you can also see the little suction cups on the feet, which makes it much easier to use since it doesn't slide around on the counter.  

The pink brush made it easy to clean

This is a great product for making easy, healthy dishes in just a few minutes!

One thing I can say about this company is that they have excellent customer service.  Mine initially had a little smudge of color on the white part, and they wrote back right away explaining to tel Amazon about it.  Amazon made it right, but the folks at WonderVeg even contacted me again just to make sure Amazon handled it correctly.  They were so nice and I could tell that if I had any questions about how to use their product they would be excited to answer them.  I highly recommend this product!

Buy it on Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00OA3K9G8

**I received this product in exchange for writing an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.  To read more reviews or to buy, please visit the sponsor’s page at the above links*

  

GIVEAWAY: Tungsten Wedding Band

 

Sponsored by TungstenRings.com Coordinated by Bella Savvy   Looking for a stunning ring for the man in your life that will stand the test of time--- but don’t want to spend a fortune? Then you’ve got to check out the Tungsten rings over at TungstenRings.   One of my favorites is the 8mm Tayloright Tungsten Wedding Band shown in the image above. Don’t let the attractive appearance fool you though— these beauties are extremely hard, offer the best in scratch resistance AND they’re much more affordable than gold or platinum!   With a beautiful satin finish, and beveled edge, these quality rings make the perfect wedding band for any man--- even blue collar workers who desire a tough but good looking ring that will last and last.   For more information about these gorgeous rings visit TungstenRings.com.  

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

One lucky reader will receive a Tungsten ring (J-095C) courtesy of TungstenRings.com.   This giveaway is open to residents in the United States, ages 18+. Giveaway ends August 7, 2015, EST. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries and will be contacted via email. If winner does not reply within 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment!   To enter, follow the necessary steps within the entry form below.

GOOD LUCK!

 

Entry-Form

CoQ10 Ubiquinone Supplement for Heart Health

CoQ10 Ubiquinone (Ubiquinol) Supplement for Heart Health and Cellular Energy

Recently I started to do some research about CoQ10.  It turns out, there have been quite a few scientific studies that prove its benefits to a variety of body systems.  I tried out Island Vibrance's CoQ10 supplement and I'm on the first week of using it.  I feel great!  Here is what I like about it:

• Gives energy to cells and to you in general
• Contributes to heart and brain health
• Keeps cells protected from free radical damage, which can combat effects of aging on cells
• Helps with immune, nervous, and cardiovascular systems
• Made in the USA
• NO artificial ingredients.
• Gluten Free, Soy Free, Sugar Free, Dairy Free, No GMOs.

Here is a little more info about CoQ10 from Island Vibrance:

"CoQ10, short for Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble nutrient that is produced naturally by our bodies. It is found in every cell (because it is essential to the process of creating cellular energy) and concentrated in the organs that require the most energy in order to function such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and muscles. As we age, our CoQ10 levels become depleted and the ability of our cells to produce enough energy decreases, which causes degeneration of muscle, organ, brain, and overall functioning.CoQ10 supplements give the cells the extra boost they need in order to continue functioning at an optimal level. The increase in cellular energy strengthens the cardiovascular system and therefore helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure. It also boosts cognitive function and brain health. Additionally, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps support the immune and nervous systems, protecting cells against free radical damage. "

This seems like a very versatile supplement which could have benefits for people with a variety of health issues.  Always ask your doctor first of course!

**I received this product in exchange for writing an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.** 

Lint Remover by Furzie Review

I love "As Seen on TV" products. The problem is that they usually don't live up to the promises that are made on the infomercials. I got a chance to try out the Lint Remover by Furzie to see if it lived up to its claims.

 Here is what the Furzie is SUPPOSED to do: The Lint Remover by Furzie will get dog or cat hair off of a variety of surfaces, and it gets human hair and lint off too. Furzie can be used on many types of clothing, upholstery or furniture. Works on many fabrics: cotton, linen, cashmere, silk, flannel and wool. It is 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

 I tried the Lint Remover by Furzie on my cotton tweed couch to remove the hair left my my dog, but it didn't get up many of her short white furs. I then tried it on yoga pants, another magnet for dog fur. Nope, didn't work. I tried it on my black cotton work pants. No dice- it mostly just moved the fur around. I was pretty disappointed, so I tried to use it as a duster on my windowsill  That actually did work pretty well-it is well designed for dusting. However, it's not marketed for that, and I think I could probably find a better duster.

 Feeling a little deflated, as this is the first product I've reviewed that didn't live up to its claims and I thought I would feel bad writing a negative review, I contacted the company that sells the Lint Remover by Furzie. I expected them to respond with some tips or tricks to help me use it, or for them to apologize for my dissatisfaction with the Furzie. Instead they said, "That seems very strange to us as the product has worked for 135 reviewers?" That's all. No apologies, no suggestions. I was shocked! Most companies are so helpful if you have a problem!

 I can honestly say this is the most unhelpful, dissatisfying, and downright rude response I have ever had when I've written to a company. I felt they were questioning my integrity and competence. So although I had high hopes for the Lint Remover by Furzie, based on my experience I would not suggest buying this product or doing business with this company in the future. I guess I will have to continue in my quest for a useful as seen on TV product!

 **I received this product at no cost in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own.**

Savvy Baby Bandana Bibs: So cute!

These bandana bibs by Savvy Baby are so cute and functional too!  I got the 4 pack, which gives you the most for your money.  The 4 pack also comes with a bonus pacifier clip in coordinating colors.  The pacifier clip can also be used to hold a blankie or stuffed animal.

What's great about them?

• Super cute styles that are great for boys or girls because the colors are gender-neutral.  These colors can match with any outfit, too.
• They're 100% cotton .
• They are the softest bibs I've ever felt!  The lining is fleece so it is not going to irritate baby's delicate neck.
• Adjustable (have snaps with 3 settings/sizes).
• Machine washable (air dry them!).
• Extra absorbent for extra drooly little ones.
• Money-back guarantee- you can return them if there's a problem, even if you've already tried them out.

One thing to keep in mind is that since they're "drool bibs" they aren't for feeding baby in.  They work great for drool, but I would pick something that is wipeable for babies while they're are eating solid food.

*I received this product for free in exchange for this unbiased review.  To purchase or read more reviews, see product here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UR2ARDG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 *

Review: Kuuk Silicone Ice Ball Maker

I love a cold drink, especially since Spring is here, so I was happy to try out the Kuuk Silicone Ice Ball Maker.  I got the small twin pack which included a green and blue ice ball maker.  You've probably seen ice balls before in fancy restaurants when ordering scotch.  Scotch is nice, but I thought these would work just as well for making non-alcoholic drinks for the family!

When I opened the package, I noticed there were no instructions.  I decided to wing it and it wasn't that tough to figure out.  I filled the bottom half of the ice maker with water (1.5 Tbsp.) and put the top on.  Then I used a small measuring cup to pour water into the hole on the top (2 Tbsp.).  If a little ran over after it filled up, it was no problem because it was caught in the top of the tray and didn't spill all over the counter.

When I made these a second time I just put water straight from the tap into the whole thing put together, and I noticed when you fill one ball it fills the others too.  The ice balls didn't turn out as nice when I did it this way, though.  I pinched the top to get the excess that was in the lip of the filling hole- this part is key otherwise you will have little "handles" coming out of the top of your ice!  I popped them in the freezer, and when I took them out about 4 hours later, they were pretty easy to get out of the molds.   

I did a test to see how fast they melt compared to my regular ice cubes. They absolutely last longer- I would say 1 ball lasts about an hour, depending on the conditions and the drink.  A regular ice cube lasts about 15 minutes.

The Kuuk cube (left) and a regular cube (right) after 15 minutes

PROS
-Cheaper than other fancy ice ball makers or whiskey stones
-Makes ice melt slower (won't dilute your beverages while you sip them!)
-Made of flexible high-quality silicone (there's no aftertaste)
-Easy to clean & dishwasher safe (though I don't know how dirty they will get unless you use them for things besides water!)
-Lifetime money-back warranty

CONS
-It takes some practice to get them to look as perfect as in the promo pictures
-You'll need to use distilled water for crystal clear ice balls
-No tips/instructions included in the package

I think these ice balls would be great for putting in cold drinks for on the go.  Since they melt slower, they will keep your drinks cold longer while you're out running errands.

Next, I'm going to add some fresh herbs or fruits in there before I freeze them.  I'm imagining freezing some mint leaves, rosemary, or lavender buds in them and adding them to a big glass of sparkling lemonade- so fancy!  Or maybe adding raspberries to the balls and popping them into a pitcher of sangria- yum!  If you have kids, you could freeze different flavors of fruit juice in each one and make a rainbow drink.  Tons of possibilities!

I received this product from Kuuk in exchange for writing a review.   All opinions are my own.  For more reviews or to buy, see the product on Amazon here.

Getting Healthy: Prenatal Smooties and Vitamins

I have been having a green smoothie each day, and recently switched up my routine a little.  I'm *not* pregnant, but I want my body to be healthy when I decide to try, so I've been taking Thorne Basic Prenatal Vitamins.  It has the right form of folate for me (I am not supposed to take folic acid due to a mutation in my genes called MTHFR), and it also has a better form of B12.  It was going well, but then I found this other great prenatal called Seeking Health Optimal Prenatal Powder.  It has every nutrient you need and more!  The problem is that it costs a lot more than Thorne.  Thorne is about $26 for a one month supply, where Seeking Health is $80 for a one month supply.  Wow!  But I still wanted to try out how Seeking Health tasted, so I bought the 15 day supply for $40.

Since I've already been making a green smoothie for breakfast everyday, I thought I would just switch it out for this one.  I decided to save money I would use the Thorne every other day and alternate with Seeking Health.  So far it has worked great!  I bought the chocolate flavor protein powder, and it doesn't taste amazing just mixed with water.  Not terrible, but not something I'm excited about drinking.  The website says to mix it with frutis and vegetables to improve the taste, but I wasn't sure which would make it taste better and which would make it taste worse!

I figured since I already have the know-how about making regular smoothies, I could make a few changes to make it tastier.  To turn it into a smoothie,  I add quinoa milk, ground flax seed, half a banana, and 3-4 tablespoons of peanut butter (or other nut butter).  I think the peanut butter is key- it makes it taste less tart and more delicious.  Then I pop it all into my NutriNinja blender.

 I actually look forward to it now!  Somehow drinking a smoothie is easier than taking the three pills that I have to take for the Thorne Basic Prenatal.  You can also pop in other vitamins you take and blend them into the smoothie- no swallowing pills!  Perfect.

Love is In The Air (and on your plate!)

I love Valentine's Day.  I know people call it a "hallmark holiday" but to me, it represents not only romantic love but the love we have for family and friends.  

Every v-day I try to make one new food to celebrate the occasion, and usually I send out handmade valentine's cards too.  This month my family and I had a lunch to celebrate, and I cooked a love-themed lunch!  

On the menu was: salad, shrimp scampi, rose lemonade, and almond chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert.

Here's how I made the salad: a valentine's explosion!

First, I used a small cookie cutter to cut hearts out of the cucumber slices.

The cheese was cut into little XO and heart shapes with a mini cutter meant for linzer cookies.  The green pepper slices were easy to make little hearts from with the same cutter-next time I'd use red peppers so they stand out more.  I carved the carrots into little hearts in the method described here. I popped it all in a bowl with some spinach and topped it off with almonds.

Here are both (half eaten!)

 The meal was a huge hit! I hope you had a love-filled v-day like I did!

An Update

I just wanted to share some photos from our last trip to New Orleans.  Although it was cold out there (40s and sunny only part of the time) we had a great time!

The French Quarter

A view of the Mississippi

The Pharmacy Museum was so cool!