Hello Fresh review

So the hubs and I decided to try-out Hello Fresh...you may be asking yourself, "What the f is hello fresh?" Well, let me tell you all about it...

Hello Fresh is a weekly meal delivery subscription that sends recipes and the ingredients to cook those recipes right to your front door! We were finding that we were making the same ol' things for dinner all the time OR going out to eat because we were bored with our menu of dinner choices so we figured "Hey, why not?" Hello Fresh pricing varies depending on whether or not you want a 2-person meal plan or a family meal plan. We chose the 2-person meal plan and we receive 3 meals a week for about $70.

If you decide to try out Hello Fresh, I highly recommend that you download their app. You can easily pick your meals and skip weeks (you can also do this on the website). Hello Fresh usually has 2-3 weeks worth of menus up at a time. Each week you have 5-6 meals to choose from. You'll get an e-mail or a push alert that reminds you to pick what 3 meals you'd like. 

Our Hello Fresh box was delivered at like 8:30 pm on a Tuesday night. Which was lame, but not Hello Fresh's fault. The meals came packaged individually, which was nice, because all the ingredients were in a nice little package. The package also included a book with all the recipes from that week, including the recipes for which you do not get the ingredients so you can always make those later on if you feel ambitious.

I love how the ingredients were package - I didn't have to separate anything. It made cooking so much easier.

I have to say our first box was awesome. Two out of the three recipes we will definitely make again. The Salmon dish was just eh. It wasn't horrible, but we didn't love it. All the recipes were easy to make and didn't take a lot of prep work. It was refreshing to try some new recipes. It was worth the money. We will definitely be getting another Hello Fresh box!

Want to try Hello Fresh?? Click here!

Disclaimer: I was not paid for this review, nor was I given a product to try. This was purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

StitchFix #1 Review

Gosh, I really suck at this blogging thing. It's been a long time but life gets busy, so I don't feel that bad...but thanks to those who have stuck with me!!  Recently a friend of mine introduced me to Stitch Fix. I received my first box yesterday and today on a whim, decided to blog about it. I don't have pictures of me in all of the items, so I will try to be better at taking pictures with my next fix. Stitch Fix is a personal styling service that you can sign up for online or through an app, which is what I did. It was fun and easy! You fill out a style profile - I highly recommend linking a Pinterest style board, which is what I did. This allows the stylist who is assigned to your fix to really see what your sense of style is without meeting or talking to you. You also get a chance to ask for items that interest you. Anyways, the stylist will "create your fix" and you will receive 5 items. You have 3 business days to review, try on and decide which items you'd like to keep or send back.  The styling fee is $20, which you can use towards any items that you purchase. If you purchase all 5 items from the fix, then you also get 25% off - but only if you buy ALL five items. A prepaid envelope is included to send the items back that you don't want to purchase. Here's my first fix:

So, I didn't have the forethought to take pictures of the items I tried on and didn't keep. Yes, I suck at this blogging thing. I will get better. I promise. 

So, I ended up keeping one sweater and a scarf. The sweater was so soft and comfy. And it has elbow patches. Who doesn't LOVE elbow patches?!?!

So, I have to say - I love StitchFix. My stylist knocked my first box out of the park. I really loved everything in the box but due to budget considerations, I did not purchase all 5 items. I can't wait for my second and third and fourth and fifth...(etc, you get the picture) boxes!! 

Want to try StitchFix?? Click this link!

SlimFast VoxBox Review

I was fortunate enough to receive a SlimFast VoxBox from Influenster. I had to wait a little while to test out all of the products due to my strict diet, but I was finally able to open the box and trial the products to give them an honest review.

The box contained four products, which surprised me. When I think of SlimFast, I think of meal replacement shakes. I didn't realize they had other great products! The VoxBox included: 

1 - Vanilla Creme Protein Shake

1 - 100 Calorie Snack: Sour Cream & Onion Baked Crisps

1 - 100 Calorie Cinnamon Swirl crisps

1 - Slim Fast Dark Chocolate Meal Replacement Bar

The first two products I trailed were the 100 calorie snacks. However, since I am on such a strict diet, I only tried a couple of pieces from each bag. Unfortunately, these two products have too many carbs for me to enjoy them fully!

The Sour Cream & Onion Baked Crisps were actually pretty good. They were nice and crispy, dissolved quickly in your mouth and left a nice flavor of sour cream & onion on my tongue. Before surgery, I could definitely see myself enjoy these as a snack. The nutritional facts are as follows:

Calories: 100

Total Fat: 2.5g

Total Carbs: 19g

Sugars: 1g

Protein: 2g

Sadly, not enough protein and too many carbs for this chick. I would have loved to finish the 1oz serving though!

A close up look at the baked crisps

Getting silly with the bag of chips...

The second product I tried were the cinnamon swirl crisps. Perhaps, because I haven't been allowed anything sweet in a long time, but this bag was harder to put down than the first!! They were nice and crispy, dissolved in my mouth and left a delicious cinnamon taste on my tongue. Seriously, a yummy 100 calorie snack. Nutrition facts:

Calories: 100

Total Fat: 3g

Total Carbs: 20g

Sugars: 7g

Protein: 3g

Unfortunately, the carbs and sugars killed this one for me. Again, too many for this chick to consume so only a couple of bites and I was down. However, I would recommend this snack to people. Super yummy.

If only I could eat you delicious things... 

Close up view of the cinnamon swirl crisps - yum!

The third item I tried was the Vanilla Cream protein shake. Overall, the shake was good. It had a nice sweet taste and it didn't leave the gross after taste that most protein shake tend to leave. In general, I don't tend to enjoy vanilla shakes because they are too sweet tasting and this one is similar. I can drink it a little bit at a time, but I can't drink a whole shake in one sitting. 

Calories: 180

Total Fat: 9g

Total Carbs: 6g

Sugars: 1g

Protein: 20g

The fourth product I received was a protein bar...which I have been too afraid to try. With my new pouch, I was sure I would be able to digest this one so unfortunately, I can not give an honest review of this product. Plus the carb content was way too high for me right now and the protein too low.

Calories: 190

Total Fat: 10g

Total Carbs: 20g

Sugars: 9g

Protein: 10g

Vanilla Cream Shake and SlimFast Dark Chocolate Sea Salt protein bar

Overall, I feel SlimFast has developed some strong products for those looking to cut calories. For a bariatric patient, most of the products won't work but that isn't unusual. 
Disclaimer: I received these products free from Influenster in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for this post.

April 2015 IPSY Glam Bag

Time for a monthly IPSY glam bag review!! What is the glam bag, you ask? Allow me to enlighten you: IPSY glam bag is a monthly subscription service, that provides the member with a cute bag filled with deluxe and full-size beauty samples. The glam bag samples are tailored to each member based off of a quiz that take when you first join. If your style preferences change, you can re-take the quiz at any time! The bag is $10/month. Members can share their glam bag with other members, swap tips and tricks, and you can buy full size products at discounted prices. It's fantastic.

April's Theme: Beautifully Bohemian

First of all, I love the colorful and cute bag that came this month. And as usual, it was full of great things!!

1. Redken Wind Blown 05: This hair spray works pretty good! Most hairsprays seem to just make my hair hard and doesn't hold the shape but this one worked pretty well. Retail Value: $5

2. Blush by Hikari Cosmetics in Tango: I haven't used this yet but I am always happy to try a new blush. Retail Value: $15

3. Mini Lip and Cheek Tint by Mullein and Sparrow: This little tin is amazing. It smells and tastes like fresh oranges and makes your lips feel soft and smooth. I haven't tried it as a blush yet, but I am sure smelling like oranges won't be bad!! Retail Value: $10

4. JulieG Nail Color: Super cute color and it goes on smooth. Retail Value: $3.99

5. NUDE Dude Eyeshadow Single in Flirty which is a shimmering violet with gold tint. Very cute. Retail Value: $8

As always, for $10 I felt this bag was totally worth it. Who doesn't love receiving great products at a low price? Another great perk of being an Ipsy member - discounts on the products you love and want to buy more of!! Try it out! 
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March 2015 IPSY Glam Bag Review

It has been awhile, but I am still a loyal subscriber to the IPSY glam bag. I love every month and find that is well worth the $10/month. What is the glam bag, you ask? Allow me to enlighten you: IPSY glam bag is a monthly subscription service, that provides the member with a cute bag filled with deluxe and full-size beauty samples. The glam bag samples are tailored to each member based off of a quiz that take when you first join. If your style preferences change, you can re-take the quiz at any time! The bag is $10/month. Members can share their glam bag with other members, swap tips and tricks, and you can buy full size products at discounted prices. It's fantastic. This month's glam bag theme is: Flower Power - which makes sense, since spring is right around the corner!

1. Boo-Boo Coverup Concealer - Medium Shade - 4mL sample - Retail Value $8.00

I used this today and it worked pretty well. It went on smooth and covered up blemishes and scars. I'm not sure I would pay the retail value for it, because I have other concealers I like that are cheaper...but I will keep trying out the sample to see if I like it more...sometimes these things grow on me.

2. Acure Day Cream - 30mL (1 oz) Retail Value $19.99

I have tested this one out yet - stay tuned!

3. NYX Butter Lipstick - Pops - Full size Retail $6.00

I like the color of lipstick I received - Pops. I like a more subtle look to lipstick and this is pretty subtle. I hope you enjoy my close-up below. It went on smooth and the colored stayed for awhile. 

4. Pixi by Petra Mineral Duo in Apricot Glow 0.03 oz - sample retail $1.95

I liked this bronzer - I think I might buy the full-size option. It is also subtle, but gives you a nice glow.

5. Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels - 2 packs - Retail $30 for 8 pairs ($7.50 for 2 packs)

I haven't tried this product out yet either - but I have to be up in 3 hours to work a 12-hour day, so it is likely I will have a reason to try them out tomorrow!

Total Retail Value of glam bag: $43 Not too shabby for the sweet price of $10! 
Also, since I did state in my previous post that I would be focusing on weight loss for the next year, I signed up for a 6-month subscription to BuluBox - my first box is set to ship on April 15th...I will share my goodies with you! 

GoVoxBox

In May, I was fortunate enough to receive a UniVoxBox. Well, a couple weeks after I wrote that review I was lucky AGAIN and received a GoVoxBox. Honestly, this couldn't have come at a better time. I have been busting my butt trying maintain a healthier lifestyle and this gave me a little boost that I needed. Here are the products I received:

Lots of fun goodies!!

ProFoot Triad Orthotic Inserts and Pedi-Rock: I have received a lot of inserts to review, and honestly I have never been a huge fan. I have wide feet and the inserts are never made for those of us with wide feet. These definitely provide cushion, but I don't use them. The Pedi-Egg works great to smooth the heel of your feet. I was surprised at how well it worked because it is very soft.

Value: Inserts $6.99, Pedi-Rock $7.49

The Vitamin Shoppe NextStep Shakes and Shaker Cup:

I absolutely LOVE the shaker cup- it does a great job mixing the shakes and it's easy to clean. The three flavors I received were: Chocolate, French Vanilla and Mixed Berries. I love the chocolate and french vanilla- both taste like shakes. If you like chocolate milk, you will LOVE the chocolate shake. The mixed berries wasn't my favorite to be honest. The other two made the shakes worth it to me though!

Retail Value: $1.78/pack, $7.99 for the cup

Blue Diamond Blueberry Oven Roasted Almonds: Honestly, these were not my favorite. I love almonds and I love blueberries but together, it was a bit much. I didn't find the blueberry flavor to be too overwhelming, however I am pretty picky when it comes to how I eat blueberries. These were very crunchy and I can see them being a good, healthy snack. I am interested in trying other flavors from this brand. Retail Value: $2.99

Aqua Spa Body Creme: Lavendar & Chamomile

This body creme smells soooooo good!! I haven't used it much yet, mostly because I keep forgetting to (I left it out in the kitchen to remind me to write this blog entry!!) I highly recommend using this- it makes your skin feel soft and smell great. 

Retail Value: $7.99 

Playtex Sport Tampons

Sooo, Influenster must have had an overabundance of these tampons cause I received a box in my UniBox as well. My opinion hasn't changed, so here is my review from last time: Anyways, tampons are tampons- Playtex has always been my choice brand and as usual, deliver a quality product. I'm not super sporty so I can't tell you whether or not these give you more protection when you are running around playing sports. 

Retail Value: $6.99

Did you receive a GoVoxBox? What did you think of the products?

Sponsored Post: U by Kotex

The past couple of months I had the opportunity to try U by Kotex clean wear pads. I was provided a box of pads back in August to try out their product and provide an honest review.
The first thing I noticed about U by Kotex was the colorful, vibrant packaging. The pads come in a black box, with a transparent window that displays a colorful array pads. Now, when it comes to protection during my period, the packaging of the product definitely isn't the most important thing but I will say U by Kotex is definitely eye catching. 

Anyways, when it came time to use the pads I have to admit I was hesitant. The pads are much thinner than what I am used to wearing on my heaviest day. Alas, I used them anyways and I was pleasantly surprised that I was protected and felt worry free. I am a nurse so when I am working I am constantly up and moving so it was nice to know that I didn't have to worry about leaking through my pad. The pads were surprisingly comfortable and provided me with great protection throughout the day. 

The picture above is a close up of the pad itself. U by Kotex clean wear pads provides women with 4 layers of protection and wings that help prevent bunching during wear.

Here is some product information, taken directly from the U by Kotex website:

U by Kotex

So, reviewing the picture displayed, I would agree with the points U by Kotex promotes on their website. The pad was comfortable, did not bunch or feel uncomfortable throughout the day. I also agree that there is added leakage protection, as I felt protected on my heaviest flow days. As for fresh and dry, I don't know if any pad can actually keep a woman fresh while on her period, but this pad definitely does a great job at trying! I would definitely buy these pads and wear them again. 

In fact, I liked the pads so much...they made me want to dance!

You can try the pads out too! Click here to request a free sample of U by Kotex.

Check out the U by Kotex Facebook page by clicking here.

Follow U by Kotex on Twitter by click here.

I wrote this review while participating in a content series through Clever Girls Collective on behalf of U by Kotex, and received products to facilitate my post and compensation for my time to participate.

Klutchclub "Best of" Box

This week I kind of fell of the Insanity wagon. I went on Monday and Tuesday, but with the unexpected death of my cousin, I was thrown off course. Trust me, I would have rather done 2 Insanity sessions a day rather than attend the viewing and funeral of my 34-year-old cousin, but that's not what happened. I finally received the Insanity DVD's so I can now do the work-outs at home on days that I do not have class. That's what I plan to do today. I also ordered the Insanity Upper Body Weight Training DVD because I love that work-out. I want to buy some weights and add that work-out to my routine several times a week.
So, in an effort to eat better I purchased the "Best of Klutchclub" box. The sad thing about my diet is that I do not know how to eat healthy. Isn't that terrible? In a world of fast food and meals full of preservatives, I have fallen victim to taking the easy way out. Luckily, my body hasn't been effected. I had my physical a couple weeks ago and despite being 292lbs, I don't have diabetes or high cholesterol. In fact, my labs are perfect. Which means, it's time to get my ass in gear before this changes. Anyways, I remember my friend Amber giving away a subscription to Klutchclub a while ago on my blog. I decided to order the Best Of box so I could get some ideas of some healthy items to add to my diet. Here's what I received:

As you can see, I received quite a bit of stuff. The "Best Of.." box is $25 and it's a one time purchase. Klutchclub is a $10/month subscription box in which you receive 9-12 health and wellness products each month. Again, I chose the Best of box simply because I wanted to try out some healthy foods and products. For more information on Klutchclub, click here.

I haven't had time to try any of the items, but I plan to try them all this week. While I update on the Insanity challenge this week, I will also let you know how the items are as I try them.

Food Items:

1. Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers

2. Nature's Bakery Whole Wheat Raspberry Fig Bar

3. Happy Squeeze Pomegranate, Blueberry & Pear fruit squeeze

4. Happy Squeeze Strawberry Kiwi Beet fruit squeeze

5. 1st Step Liquid Vitamin B12

6. Tea of a Kind flavored Tear in Citrus Mint Green Tea

7. Annie Chun's Roasted Seaweed Snacks

8. Celsius Orange flavor drink mix

Non-Food Items:

1. Shower Pill Athletic Body Wipe

2. 100% Pure lotion samples in: vanilla bean, honey almond, and cabernet grape

I also received:

-$75 gift card to Bistro MD

-Coupon for Happy Squeeze products

-$5 off Tea of Kind products

-3 month free subscription to YogaVibes

-25% off all orders at Celsius.com

Have you tried Klutchclub? What did you think?

Diamond Candle Review & Giveaway

Recently I was contacted by a rep from Diamond Candles to review a candle. I can't lie, I was THRILLED! A Diamond Candle has been on my wish list for months, so I was excited that I was able to try the company out.

In every Diamond Candle you receive a ring. The ring ranges in value from $10-$5,000 and comes in popular sizes. I have read it takes about 15 hours of  burning to get down far enough to get the ring out. The value of the ring isn't immediately known, but these steps can help you estimate:

1. If the ring has '14k' or similar information imprinted on the inside of the band than you have a ring that is worth $100+. We advise that you take it to a jeweler to get a verbal estimate to see if it is worth $100's or $1,000's.

2. If the ring has 'Thailand' or something similar imprinted on the inside of the band it is most likely worth $100 or less.

3. Unmarked rings are likely to be toward the $10 range but could be valued up to $100.

I can't wait until I can see what ring I received!! I will definitely post about it when I find it.

I picked the scent "Cinnamon Tea". With the fall season falling upon us, I wanted a spicy scent. Cinnamon always makes me think of fall for some reason. The scent is beautiful and fills my entire house.

As you can above, there is a little circle that tells you approximately where the package is that contains your ring. This page on the Diamond Candles website shows how to fish your ring out of the wax.

Want to try out a Diamond Candle for yourself?? Then enter the giveaway below!!!

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I received a complimentary Diamond Candle for this review and giveaway. All opinions are honest and are my own.

Day #297: Bed-Wetting

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud Sleep Pants.

I have talked before about how frustrated Bob and I get when Bryson, our 7 year old, wets the bed. And not just the bed, sometimes, he has accidents during the day. One time in particular, we were out as a family, eating lunch and he suddenly became quiet, pale and wouldn't joke around with us anymore...and it was because he wet his pants.

Bryson didn't want me to photograph his cute little self in the sleep pants...so I am going to post my favorite picture of him...isn't he cute?! He is so going to hate me when he is teenager!!! 

Bob and I discuss the issue often...what do we do? Should he be punished? Is it our fault? Is it his fault? Why is this happening?
Well, I researched answers and found that around 5 to 7 million children wet the bed, some or most nights. This problem occurs in boys twice as much as girls. After the age of 5, the incident of bed-wetting decreases, however around 15% of kids will still wet the bed. This is frustrating for the parents, yes, but also for the child. The child often feels embarrassed, frustrated and like something is wrong with them. 
There are many different theories on what causes bed-wetting. Some scientists attribute it to heredity and while others blame it on ailments such as "deep sleepers" or constipation. Whatever the cause is, it is important for parents to attempt NOT to show the child their disapproval. Sit down with your child and talk about it. Let him or her know that it happens to other kids, not just them. It's important to help the child maintain self-esteem.
Here are other strategies:

Another option for parents, and one that our family uses, is to have the child wear a diaper at night. Now, in our house, we don't call it a diaper. I have accidentally called it a diaper and Bryson was quick to correct me: "It's a pull-up, Mom! NOT a diaper!" The lesson here? Find a term that your child is comfortable with. Bryson prefers the term "pull-up". Some kids might prefer "sleep pants" or "bedtime underwear". 

White Cloud Sleep Pants are an option for parents who wish to use this option. White Cloud Sleep Pants provide an affordable way to help protect children who have the tendency to wet the bed. The pants look like actual underwear, much like other pull-ups. White Cloud decorates the outside, similar to how normal underpants would look. Bryson took to this immediately because the White Cloud Sleep Pants looks like normal underwear, yet provide him with overnight protection. This gives kids confidence while dealing with the embarrassment of bed-wetting.

White Cloud Sleep Pants are soft, with stretchy sides that fit like real underwear. The pants have a leak guard to keep the sheets nice and dry. The inner liner is treated with Vitamin E and aloe to provide skin protection.

Bryson found the sleep pants to be comfortable. He has very sensitive skin and he had no complaints after wearing them this past weekend. He also liked the decoration on the pants, as other brands were bland and look more like a diaper. Bob and I found that the sleep pants kept the bed nice and dry, which is a nice change for us. 

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Did you know that over 5 million kids a year experience bedwetting and it is one of the most common experiences during childhood development?

White Cloud Sleep Pants have been developed to provide exceptional comfort and leakage protection while looking like underwear. White Cloud Sleep Pants offer thin, discrete absorbent protection for your child. They have soft, stretchy sides that fit like real underwear, plus leak guards to help protect against leaks. The soft inner liner is hypoallergenic and treated with vitamin E and aloe for skin protection.

Each bag contains two unisex graphic designs and at $7.75, White Cloud offers exceptional value.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud Sleep Pants.

Meet this month's awesome sponsor!