Voortman Bakery Products from ChickAdvisor

Voortman Bakery Products from ChickAdvisor

So to start, ChickAdvisor is a product review company that has different product review campaigns for American women, Canadian women, and now men. A member has to be a part of their product review club to actually be considered for any of the ChickAdvisor product review campaigns. In order to be a part of the ChickAdvisor Product Review Club, one must sign up, complete his/her profile, and post a certain number of product reviews, which will be explained in the requirements. In addition, ChickAdvisor notifies members by email of the next product review campaign coming up. The member then has a dealine to sign up for that campaign. Once chosen, the member is notified again and has to agree to the terms and conditions, including to complete the product review by the posted deadline. I decided to sign up for the Voortman Bakery campaign. Straight from ChickAdvisor's web site: "350 American and 150 Canadian women were given the opportunity to experience Voortman Bakery as part of ChickAdvisor's Product Review Club. Read their reviews, tweets and Instagram postings below to see what they thought!" I was delighted to be one of 350 American women to try the Voortman Bakery Products and give my opinions. Below, this review will contain the opinions of each individual product I tried in my ChickAdvisor/Voortman Bakery Products box, as well as photos.

The first photo is the ChickAdvisor/Voortman Bakery Products box and that's how I found it on my doorstep. The second photo shows how it was nicely wrapped. The third photo is the actual unboxing of the four Voortman Bakery products I had the opportunity of trying. 

Voortman Vanilla Wafers are Just Enough for My Sweet Tooth

I was pleasantly surprised to see the size of the package that arrived from ChickAdvisor. The box of Voortman Bakery products was a good sized box and wrapped pretty inside. The first thing I noticed about the Voortman Vanilla Wafers were the taste. I am used to other vanilla wafers brands growing up as a child. These had more of a natural vanilla flavor, versus the very sweet and artificial/sugary taste I was used to eating. I like that the Voortman Vanilla Wafers had just the right amount of sweet without being overpowering. The Voortman Vanilla Wafers were very good and I would definitely purchase some in the future. I reviewed this item for free, in exchange for my detailed and honest opinion.

Voortman Strawberry Banana Wafers are Awesome because I Didn't Know Such a Flavor Existed!

I was pleasantly surprised to see the size of the package that arrived from ChickAdvisor. The box of Voortman Bakery products was a good sized box and wrapped really pretty inside. The first thing I noticed about the Voortman Strawberry Banana Wafers were the taste and that they were not dyed pink. I am used to other strawberry wafer brands growing up as a child. The strawberry flavors are always dyed pink and taste nothing like strawberry, so this was a big change to actually taste a natural strawberry and banana taste without those artificial dyes. As with the vanilla wafers from Voortman Bakery, I like that the Voortman Strawberry Banana Wafers had just the right amount of sweet without being overpowering. The Voortman Stawberry Banana Wafers were also very good and I would definitely purchase some in the future. I reviewed this item for free, in exchange for my detailed and honest opinion.

Voortman Coconut Cookies are Just the Thing for Coconut Fans. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see the size of the package that arrived from ChickAdvisor. The box of Voortman Bakery products was a good sized box and wrapped really pretty inside. When I tasted the first cookie, the texture was a bit harder than I would like. I also really could not appreciate the full sweetness and coconut flavor of the cookie until I had a couple more. The full taste catches up with your taste buds with more than one cookie. Dispite that, they were still enjoyable. My 16 year old twin boys loved them and finished them off too, so that's saying something. The Voortman Coconut Cookies were good and I would probably purchase some in the future. I reviewed this item for free, in exchange for my detailed and honest opinion.

Voortman Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies are Not Really My Cup of Tea. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see the size of the package that arrived from ChickAdvisor. The box of Voortman Bakery products was a good sized box and wrapped really pretty inside. With the Voortman Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, I really didn't like the texture. The cookie itself was a bit too hard for my liking because I'm more of a fan of soft cookies. I also am more accustomed to an oatmeal raisin cookie I suppose, even though the Voortman Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies were at least a different spin on an oatmeal cookie. I took into account the health factors of the ingredients used to make these cookies. The whole grain, natural flavors, and no high fructose corn syrup is why I gave a higher marking on quality and value. However, the taste itself was just "meh" for me. This particular flavor of cookie from Voortman Bakery just didn't do it for me. I most likely would not purchase any of this flavor in the future. I reviewed this item for free, in exchange for my detailed and honest opinion.

Normally, I post Pros and Cons on my reviews but these were wafers and cookies, so no pros or cons needed here.

To apply to be a ChickAdvisor member just click this link: http://www.chickadvisor.com/home.html

To find out more about Voortman Bakery Products just click this link:
 https://voortman.com/aboutvoortman/tourthebakery/?lang=en
Note: This was the American link but there is a Canadian link as well.

Happy Shopping :)

My First YouTube Review on the DailyGoodieBox

My First YouTube Review on the DailyGoodieBox

Here is my first YouTube product reveal:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxJKD4lwCpY 

Also, I have a Facebook page called: Taka's Free Samples, Discounts, & Product Review. The latest free samples and discounts are updated daily. 

Join us here at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/938364149604718/

Vitafusion™ Beauty Gummy Vitamins

Vitafusion™ Beauty Gummy Vitamins

First, I must disclose that I received my Vitafusion Beauty Gummy Vitamins free, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I received a box from Smiley360, containing a 45 day supply of Vitafusion Relaxed Mood Gummies, a 33 day supply of Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin, & Nails Gummies, and a 45 day supply of Vitafusion Beauty Sleep Gummies. 

-The Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin, & Nails Gummies are a hair, skin, and nails gummy vitamin with a multivitamin component and biotin, which is a main vitamin for growing hair and nails.

-The Vitafusion Relaxed Mood Gummies are a vitamin that according to Vitafusion, promotes calm and relaxation with 200 mg of L-Theanine plus Zinc.

- The Vitafusion Beauty Sleep Gummies are a vitamin that according to Vitafusion, supports sleep and awakening refreshed with 3 mg of Melatonin, which is a chemical naturally found in the human body that regulates our sleep cycle, plus Vitamin D.

I took these vitamins daily and together at night, 30 minutes before sleep. With the Vitafusion Relaxed Mood Gummies and  Vitafusion Beauty Sleep Gummies, I could definitely tell a difference in taking them versus not taking them. I am tired all of the time as in very tired. However, I have panic attacks and I am always too amped up at night to go right to sleep or stay asleep. The pair of Vitafusion Relaxed Mood Gummies and  Vitafusion Beauty Sleep Gummies helped to relax me for sleep. I also noticed taking them, that it was easier for me to get back to sleep after the mid-morning bathroom trips. 

With the Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin, & Nails Gummies, I did notice that my nails grew a bit faster and that I had to shave more. My hair is really long and was before I took the vitamins, so it is hard for me to tell if it has grown any. I'm pretty sure it did, since I noticed that I was becoming a she-wolf. Well, at least to me I was. I got my first face wax while taking them so... 

 

I really must say that I enjoyed taking my Vitafusion Beauty Gummy Vitamins every night and looked at them as a gift to my health and as a healthy treat to my sweet tooth. Unlike pills, these were easier for me to remember to take because I enjoyed chewing them. I absolutely loathe taking pills. I also know that it takes longer for a pill to break down and be absorbed in the digestive system versus chewing a gummy. The fruity flavors were delicious. I left mine in the box the whole time because it was so pretty and this was my first mission from Smiley 360, which made it even more special. 

I usually do Pros and Cons, but the only Con I could possibly see with these vitamins are price. Someone with a lower income or tight budget might not be able to afford the whole set at once and monthly. I named the Pros, so I won't be redundant here. Would I purchase these Vitafusion Beauty Gummy Vitamins? Yes, I think this is a better way to take vitamins than swallowing a pill.

If you are interested in trying these Vitafusion Beauty Gummy Vitamins and more products/missions from Smiley 360,  here is the link: http://h5.sml360.com/-/1wz6c 

For information on Vitafusion Beauty Gummy Vitamins, here is the link: http://www.gummyvites.com/en/vitafusion

Happy Shopping :)

Kala Beautiful Beans Really are Beautiful

Kala Beautiful Beans Really are Beautiful

First, I have to disclose that I received my Kala Beautiful Beans for free, in exchange for an unbiased and thorough review. So, the product shipped on May 5, 2016. It arrived in a cute package and in pristine condition. I tried the Cherry Trail Medley first, and they were alright. The fruit and chocolate in it made that pack a bit chewy. Personally, I wouldn't buy that flavor if I had to. Then, there was the Tropical Curry, Pineapple Kick Medley, and Simply Peppered. I named those in the order that I liked them the most. Those were very delicious and I definitely want to buy those flavors. The beans had a crunchy texture, which made them fun to eat. The mixture of the fruit and flavors made the bean snacks very enjoyable. Again, the Cherry Trail Medley was forgettable to me, but the other flavors were delicious and new. Who knew fava beans could be so good? I do have to admit that I was thinking of Anthony Hopkins and his famous "fava bean" line in Silence of the Lambs, though.

 

So how does Kala Beautiful Beans stack up? Pros- They are healthier than some other snack choices. For the calories you are consuming, each pack offers 6-10 grams of protein and 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 6-8 grams of fiber. Flavor is not sacrificed because it is a health food. Cons- It's only available right now at Sprouts Farmers Market, so if you don't live near one, you can't get it. Kala Beautiful Beans website is not loading. 

If you want more information about Kala Beautiful Beans, I got them for review at Swaggable.com. Sign up here at: https://swaggable.com/?st_uid=100008910704404&st_source=sharing-link&st_type=invite-friends 

Happy Shopping :)

Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin

Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow

First, I must disclose that I received this product free, in exchange for an honest, unbiased, and quality review. I received my Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin from Toluna on March 31, 2016. I received this product because I signed up to test it, which is one of the many activities that Toluna offers to get opinions from consumers.

Copied from the back of the label: "Eye Shadow with organic butterfly bush. 100% free of preservative, talc, and fragrance. Natural satin colors. For sensitive skin. Compatibility ophthalmologically approved. Upon peeling the label up to see the ingredients, I loved that I could almost recognize everything. The exceptions were Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Kaolin, & Tocopheryl Acetate. Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is an amber liquid made from naturally occuring fatty acids, and is often used in cosmetics to slow sweating. Kaolin is a white clay. Tocopheryl Acetate is a man-made vitamin E, used in cosmetics for skin hydration. The rest of the ingredients seemed to be types of herbs.

Unfortunately, I have very soft lighting in my house, so I don't know if you can even tell that I have the Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin on. The one I received is a very light color for me, and shows up on me as a frosted eye shadow. It appeared frosty and white. I had to apply three coats for the pink tint to show.

So, how does the Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin stack up?

Pros- It is for my skin type and did not irritate my eyelids or eyes period. Even though it is kind of light for my complexion, I still like it. It's a cute color that I still was able to make work. It came with a little applicator brush, which is always a plus. It comes in a small, travel sized case that is easy to take with you. It glides on very silky. It has cute, garden pattern. Less is more when it comes to make-up for me, so I love neutral/earth tone colors. This was my cup of tea, so to speak. I feel made up but not over-done.

Cons- It is very messy. I am very heavy-handed, so I went to town on this eye shadow, thinking I would have to press hard to get some on the applicator brush. It broke up really bad inside of the container. This would make a mess in my cosmetic bag. 

So, would I buy Nivea Pure & Natural Colours Eye Shadow for Sensitive Skin? Yeah, you bet I would!!! I really tried not to be biased but this is EYE SHADOW, and I'm a lady with a love for it. I would just choose a different color. <laughs>

Here's the link:http://www.amazon.com/Nivea-Pure-Natural-Shadow-Cool/dp/B00PEQTNHG

Happy Shopping :)

Cush Comfort Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain

Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain

First, I must disclose that I received my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion for free, in exchange for a honest, unbiased, quality review. I placed my order for my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion on April 7, 2016, on the Sears website. I was responsible for the shipping cost, which ended up being $3.13. I received notification of shipment on April 11, 2016. I received my package and item in pristine condition.

I decided to try this product for review because I sit a lot (probably way too much). I am a blogger and I run a Facebook group, so I do constant sitting, even though I am a stay-at-home-mom. I had just came home from a painful doctor's appointment, so I was very delighted when I opened my package. In fact, I loved the founder and maker of my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion, Chris', insert. It really made me chuckle and made my day. I can appreciate a great sense of humor. He felt down-to-earth and seemed to understand my need for his product.

So after opening my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion and sitting on it, I immediately heard the air release of the cushion. It kind of reminded me of how a truck sounds, when the driver breaks. It felt like I was sitting on a cloud, but this was just day one. I also realized after day one, that I was sitting down on it backwards. I would not have known other than looking at the pictures of how to use it correctly on the Sears website, right underneath the product link. They way it is in the pictures I posted, is how you are supposed to sit on it. I turned it around like a genius and honestly like it better that way.

After 10 days of abuse to my Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion, and I say that because I have butt for days, I do notice that the cushion is already starting to sink in more. This poor cushion was up for the job of its life. However, I do notice a slight improvement in my poster. It is getting bad, but I am not as hunched when I use the cushion properly. The cushion does not totally solve my back alignment issues though. It will probably take a back brace or posture bra to do that.

So, how does the Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain stack up?

Pros- It has a non-slip backing and will stay in place. It is very soft and comfy under my butt. It is portable and can be taken with me. It is discounted right now from the original $49.97 to $36.67 on the Sears website, which is about 27% off. I did notice a slight difference in my posture during long-time and short time sitting while using the cushion, verses not using it.

Cons- Someone still might not be willing to pay $36.67 for the Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain. My back is still hurting right now as I am typing this review, so this is not the miracle that magically solved my back alignment issues. If you hunch or slouch slightly that's one thing. However, if your poster is a bit more severe, no, this cushion will not totally correct it. For me, it is probably going to take a combination of this Cush Cushion and a posture bra. After 10 days of use, my tush is starting to really flatten this Cush, so the comfort level is dropping some. This item might be more suitable for smaller and lighter butts.

If I had to buy another Cush Comfort Non-Slip Memory Foam Seat Cushion - Spinal Alignment Chair Pad for Relief from Sitting Back Pain for some reason would I? I cannot honestly say Yes. I will have to test the full longevity of this item, as it is starting to lose its support some after 10 days. 

If you would like more information of this product, here's the link:  http://www.sears.com/cush-comfort-cush-comfort-non-slip-memory-foam/p-71NCHCN0400?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2  #cushcomfort

Happy Shopping :)

Porcelain French Press Coffee Maker, Yellow - By SWEESE Products LLC

Porcelain French Press Coffee Maker, Yellow - By SWEESE Products LLC

First, I must disclose that I received my Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC., highly discounted, in exchange for an honest, unbiased, and quality review. So I placed my order for my Porcelain French Press on April 10, 2016, and received it on April 12, 2016. I received it in two days because I have Amazon Prime. It arrived with packaging in pristine condition and I had no issues.

Determined the next day that I was going to have the best cup of coffee ever, I washed my Porcelain French Press and gave it a good rinse. Next, I proceeded to grind my coffee beans (3 rounded tablespoons) to a course grind and put them in. I then heated about 12 ounces of water in the microwave and poured it into my Porcelain French Press. I then immediately pressed the beans and poured the mixture into my coffee cup. Bad idea! This was the WORST cup of coffee I ever drank!

Totally heart-broken and confused about what I had done wrong, I scoured the internet for videos on how to properly make coffee in a Porcelain French Press. After finding the helpful information I needed from a coffee barista kind enough to share, I then went back to the kitchen and poured that horrible cup of coffee (coffee bean water). I then sniffed my Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC., and could almost imagine the wasted coffee beans crying out in agony from being sacrificed for nothing. I smelled all of the coffee goodness that I should have been sipping on, wasting away as soggy coffee grinds I now had to dump. I then dumped the French Press, gave it a good rinse, and placed it in my sink drain.

So on take two of trying to make a cup of Joe worthy of barista ranking, I gave my French Press a good rinse with hot water and placed the top on to keep the heat in. Next, I proceeded to grind my coffee beans (3 rounded tablespoons) to a course grind and put them in. I then heated about 12 ounces of water in the microwave and poured enough of it into my Porcelain French Press to just cover the ground coffee beans. I gave this a good stir. I then proceeded to pour the rest of the heated water in, stirring it again. Unlike the previous day when I instantly poured the pressed the coffee, I let this sit after pressing for a total of 3 minutes. I then poured my coffee. One sip, and I was in coffee Nirvana! 

So how does the Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC., stack up?

Pros- I had a very bold and flavorful cup of coffee once I got the hang of it. I tasted more flavor with this French Press than I do with my drip coffee maker on the bold setting. The price is not bad at all, and costs less than the fancier, drip coffee makers. It's easy to clean than a carafe. A great cup of coffee is not too time consuming and could be made in under 5-6 minutes. It saves electricity and you can give the drip coffee maker a break.

Cons- You have to get the grind, amount of water, heat, and timing just right. If not, you will not like your cup of coffee. Too short, you will have coffee bean water. Too long, the barista on the video said that it will be too bitter. This particular French Press is porcelain. One wrong move and all the kings horses and all the kings men, couldn't put your French Press back together again. Also, this Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC. is better for smaller batches of coffee. A carafe amount, not so much. In addition, the colors are kind of weird, but that is just my opinion.

So would I purchase this Porcelain French Press from SWESSE LLC., again if need be? I am hooked on the taste of French Press coffee now. In the event of this one meeting an untimely demise, no, I would probably go for a different style of French Press and possibly even a stainless steel one.  

If you are interested in purchasing this item, here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Porcelain-French-Press-Coffee-Yellow/dp/B01AVRODQS?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

Happy Shopping :)