Yummy @ginnybakes Cookies and a Keurig® 2.0 System Review @InfluensterVox #HelloKeurig #keurig

I was given the opportunity to review a Keurig® 2.0 system free through Influenster.  I did not receive any additional compensation. As always, opinions are my own.

We really enjoy baking in our home and I wish we had time to do it more. Sometimes it just gets so busy between work, fitness goals, activities and commitments. I guess you have to say life gets in the way.  Aaah, when I retire I will be cooking and baking up a storm. Not to mention taking more time to relax with a cup of perfectly brewed coffee. I usually enjoy one delicious cup at minimum in the morning. Thank goodness for my Keurig brewer...it makes it fast and easy.  Keurig has truly created an innovation in home coffee brewing. We got our first Keurig a few years back and it makes a coffee-shop worthy cup of brew each and every time. Now they just innovated again with the all-new Keurig 2.0 System.  It is something else so keep reading to see what I think.

 

Meanwhile, we do like to bake from scratch but sometimes time is of the essence. I really like to keep it healthy so I was happy to discover baking mixes from @ginnybakes. Ginny is a real person behind those yummy creations and she puts her heart and soul into her cookie, muffin and brownie mixes and even ginnybakes boxed cookies.  Somehow it all worked out beautifully this weekend with my nifty new Keurig 2.0 and fresh, homemade cookies. Little Glamamama is old enough to do a lot of the work on her own which is just wonderful. I can just be a little bit of a helper to her. We baked up some yummy cookies to go perfectly with our delicious Keurig coffee.  The coffee was just for me though...Little Glamamama prefers her cookies with milk.  Unfortunately, as you can see from the photo Glamam-Daddy and Little Glamamama went to work on that batch of cookies so fast I was lucky I was able to get a photo of them at all. 

We have had a Keurig coffee brewer (the trusty B-60 model) for several years now. It has been getting up there in age but still hanging on. I was excited when I heard that I had the opportunity to review their newest model. Who doesn't love newer and more technically advanced products....it is always amazing how many updates and changes happen in just a few years. It is such a convenient way to make coffee. I love to be able to just pop a K-Cup in the brewer and have my coffee ready just the way I like it in seconds flat.  I find that the K-Cups are easy and in our area they are recyclable which is always guilt free for me.

The new Keurig® 2.0 system features Keurig 2.0 Brewing Technology™ which reads each lid to deliver a perfect beverage every time. This ensures that the Keurig® 2.0 system delivers on the promise of excellent quality beverages, produced simply and consistently, using the best Keurig® brewer technology and new features like strength control. They also enlarged the water reservoir which is great because when my mom visits I am refilling that water reservoir daily. That get's kind of old fast. I love the new touch screen which is pretty high tech.  There are more ways to totally customize your coffee like making is stronger for those early mornings. There is also the automatic settings as well which is kind of cool but you can only do this with the carafe. It would be great to do that with the cup too and have it waiting for me.  Speaking of the carafe, they added it to the package with the 2.0 model. Nice addition...perfect for several people because it makes 4 cups. They also added a built in filtration system for the ultimate in fresh water to make better coffee.  One downside to this model is the fact that you cannot use a reusable K-cup with it and older K-cups (can you say Glamamama loves to stockpile...uh oh) either.  I have seen some customers say that Keurig customer service has been willing to work with some customers in this situation which is nice. I have had to contact Keurig in the past and their customer service is stellar...truly amazing representatives that have gone above and beyond to make sure I am happy.

I like the carafe but you have to plan a head a bit because it needs time to get pre-heated. It doesn't keep the coffee hot ALL day long either but it keeps it hot long enough for us.  The machine is smart too....it even knows the difference between the cup sizes and won't brew unless you have the proper one set underneath it depending on the brew setting. So if you have it set to carafe but have a coffee cup underneath it you don't have to worry the brewer will leave you knee-deep in coffee. It is perfect for the distracted Glamamama because that is something that might have already occurred in our house and the new Keurig 2.0 saved me from impending disaster.

I really like this new Keurig 2.0brewer model though I would love the option to use different K-cups including my older ones. Keurig does have many K-Cup options available on their site though. I have ordered through them in the past and the site is easy to use and user-friendly.  Is it the most economical? No, but convenience wins the prize for this busy mom at this point in my life. I think for now I will donate my old brewer to my niece along with the older K-cups since I really like the advanced features of the new brewer.  It will make her day for sure and when she comes to visit she can check out my new Keurig 2.0.  Perhaps Keurig will make some updates to this brewer to allow customers to choose their K-Cups.

I was so excited to test the Keurig 2.0, and share my experience. You can imagine how thrilled I was when my machine arrived at my door. It has been working beautifully for a few weeks now and we are enjoying the extra conveniences like the carafe. Let me know your thoughts and if you have a Keurig or if you have branched out and tried the new Keurig 2.0.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

LUISAVIAROMA Special Promo code via Vogue

Disclosure: I received this information via Vogue to share with my readers.  

Designers make a serious power play this fall with bold hues and luxurious fabrics. Roger Vivier’s high-shine flats and suede pumps from Salvatore Ferragamo are vibrant and bold, while Givenchy’s burgundy bag is all business. Balance out Rochas’ rich oversize coat with the latest luxe bag from Saint Laurent for an office appropriate fashion-forward look. From high-pressure meetings to office drinks, update your on-duty wardrobe with this season’s most coveted pieces.

Vogue shared a special promo code (LVO15US) from LUISAVIAROMA.com that was created exclusively for Vogue and their readers. LUISAVIAROMA is an Italian e-commerce platform with amazing pieces by established and emerging brands

http://www.vogue.com/1012189/introducing-fall-fashion-guide

Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream Review +Giveaway and Coupon #anavitawrinklecream

I am always on the lookout for novel options to help make my skin look smoother and more youthful. There have been so many innovations the past few years in wrinkle creams they really can make a huge difference if you choose a quality cream or serum. I recently had the opportunity to try something new from Anavita.  It works quickly to make a difference and the Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream can offer more beautiful, smoother skin in just 2 to 4 weeks and see continuing improvement for 12 weeks or potentially sooner.  I was excited about the opportunity to reduce fine lines and deep wrinkles and restore some firmness. Since fall and winter is approaching, I was also hoping to replenish my skin as well without resorting to scary and expen$ive procedures like injections or fillers.

Anavita's non-irritating cream is perfect for all skin types. It is recommended for normal, dry, oily, and sensitive skin. I experienced no irritation and my skin can sometimes be sensitive--not a problem with this cream. It is a simple product to use too. I followed their instructions and just massaged the Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream after cleansing my skin in the morning and again at night.

I like that I can eliminate multiple steps too. It makes my life easier and more streamlined. It works as a multiple...day cream, night cream and makeup base. This is a unique formula that Anavita shared stimulates collagen production and rebuilds the cellular matrix of the skin using three clinically proven ingredients - a super-absorbent form of hyaluronic acid, Argireline (5%), and Matrixyl.  This is a powerful but gentle combination that makes this anti-wrinkle cream for the face and neck extraordinarily effective.  This is a cream with high quality ingredients that are paraben free and not tested on animals.

I followed their guidance and cleansed my face gently and then applied a pea-sized dollop of the thick and rich cream and gently massaged in the cream using gentle upward strokes twice a day. I love that it serves as a day cream, night cream, wrinkle cream and make up base to make my life simpler too. Anavita also points out that not all skincare products work synergistically. For example, if you are using another brand of wrinkle cream on your face at night and wanted to use Anavita during the day, the night product could prevent the cream from absorbing easily. They suggest a two week washout period so Anavita will absorb normally.  I just have been using the Anavita by itself and it has been working fine.

My thoughts:  I noticed my skin looked more toned and definitely rejuvenated after a few days of using the Anavita cream.  I think replenished would also be a good way to describe my skin. I love that Anavita Moisturizing Cream is made by a company in the USA.  They are based in Tennessee and the Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream is manufactured for them in Canada under strict Canadian cosmetic manufacturing guidelines.  I feel like this is a great moisturizer that will work well for me into the chilly winter months when my skin really needs it. I will update you as I see more results in the coming weeks.  You can buy this excellent anti-wrinkle cream on Amazon. They are currently offering a coupon good for $10 off a bottle of Anavita Moisturizing Anti-Wrinkle Cream (exp 10/10/14) You can follow them ontheir Facebook page as well for more opportunities and promotions. 


Meanwhile, don't forget to enter my Rafflecopter giveaway to win your own.a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Chick-fil-A Mom's Club #ChickfilAMoms

Disclosure:  I am a member of MomSelect.

 

I was really thrilled to hear the great news this week that I am now part of the Chick-fil-A Mom’s Club! As part of the Mom's Club, I will have the opportunity to hear about exclusive Chick-fil-A news and participate in special promotions....all wonderful things to be able to share with you as my Glamamama friends.  I will also be able to interact with fellow Mom Club members who also happen to be raving Chick-fil-A fans just like me, as well as members of the Chick-fil-A brand team. 

Luxe Home Essentials Microfiber Kitchen Dish Towels Review #luxehomeessentials

My old dish towels were pretty sad.  They were old and needed to be replaced so I was happy to have the opportunity to try out these a 3-Pack of Luxe Home Essentials Microfiber Kitchen Dish Towels- Super Absorbent Dish Towels. 

I like that these Luxe Home Essentials Microfiber Kitchen Towels are 15 x 25 inches in size. Perfect for drying dishes, pots and pans.  I find that these microfiber towels truly outperforms cotton, is extremely durable, yet gentle on dishes and counter tops.  They dry quickly and wash well.  

I can't believe what a workhorse these towels are.  They just dry and dry...even a party's worth of kitchen ware because microfiber can hold up to 10 times it's weight in water. 

These save time by drying dishes and cleaning my countertops fast. I really love  these proficient super absorbent microfiber kitchen towels.

You can buy these wonderful kitchen dish towels on Amazon too.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Aviva Hair Revitalizer BuluBox Review @bulubox

Disclosure:  I am a BuluBox Amabassador. I received the below products complimentary in order to review them. If you would like an exclusive discount, please click here.  As always, my opinions are my own.

Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically AVIVA Hair Revitalizer. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children. 

I don't know about you but my hair can be a challenge.  It breaks, is dry and unruly and in general gets me frustrated. I have tried so many serums, creams and what have you to no avail.  I was excited to try a new option that made more sense to help my hair from the inside instead of the outside. 

Aviva is a scientifically formulated Hair Revitalizer that stimulates your own natural hair growth cycle.  It is an all-natural dietary supplement.  It actually is designed to enrich and enhance the hair follicle. This in turn can stimulate it, allowing it to product stronger, thicker and beautiful, healthy looking hair. It kind of makes sense.  Aviva contains a 100% drug-free, extra-strength dual complex of Pentaplex HGF and Tetra HHL that's made with active all-natural ingredients. Aviva is a fish-free, odorless, gluten-free softgel that  is easy to take. This is a unique supplement specifically for beautiful hair. 

The ingredient list is interesting and also includes Long Pepper extract as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals.  I like that it is produced in a GMP certified US facility with rigorous safety standards too. I just started taking it and it goes down easily with no GI issues. They suggest 1 Softgels daily with food.  You need to take it continually for 3-6 months to see an improvements so I will keep you updated. 

I have been using it for several weeks now and my hair is looking good.  It seems to be looking more glossy and I am seeing less breakage.  I really notice it after my twice weekly wash...so much less hair in the shower.  I am going to keep using it I am hoping the good results will continue!

Thinking about signing up for BuluBox? You can get samples of great products just like this every single month for a small fee. They have plans that work for everyone too. Here you go:

 
1. Head over to BuluBox and choose a month-to-month ($10), 3 ($30), 6 ($60) or 12 month ($110) plan. The 12-month plan at $110 is your best value! Use Coupon Code BULUGAN989 and get the first box FREE.

2. Sample each vitamin or supplement and try out the fitness gear or weight loss items.
3. Earn Reward Points:  Earn 50 points ($5) or more each month for completing sample surveys, sharing and subscribing.
4. Save by using your Reward Points to purchase your favorite products!

**Remember to use my exclusive coupon code BULUGAN989, you can get your first box totally free!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

**Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically any products that I have reviewed above here via BuluBox. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

September BuluBox Unboxing Review PlusDiscount #subscriptionbox @bulubox

Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned below for free for the purpose of this review.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the products.  However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. There may be affiliate links in this post. The affiliate links will provide me with a commission while you receive a 50% discount or a free initial Bulu Box.  **Please consult with your physician or health care practitioner prior to adding any supplements to your diet.

Are you trying to improve your health?  Get more fit? Eat better?  2014 is your year to do it and you have plenty of time with the summer still in full swing!  Bulu Box is the first vitamin, supplement and general health subscription sample box designed to help you get there too. Every month, you’ll get a box filled with 4 to 5 premium, curated samples from top brands. This month the BuluBox has curated a feel good discovery box full of healthy goodies just for us.  You have to keep reading to get the full scoop!

Each month you can look forward to a new mix of products for both women and men, including vitamins, weight loss, sports nutrition, protein, diet, energy, detox, digestion, sexual health, herbs, natural remedies, endurance and more. The smarties at BuluBox make sure you get enough to decide if the product is right for you. No shipping or extra fees either. Depending on your plan, you can cancel anytime. There are two kinds of Bulu Boxes to choose from and both of them are healthy subscription boxes that you will just love. 

Bulu Box-This is the box that I subscribe to....It is the first and only vitamin and supplement sample box out there.  Each box includes a sampling of vitamins and supplements from different areas of health. Each box contains 4 to 5 premium samples (some are bigger than others as you will see!) plus lifestyle extras sometimes. There is good stuff in every box to discover and enjoy.

Bulu Box Weight Loss: This box is the first and only weight loss and nutrition box. They designed it with the specific goal of weight loss in mind. Each box contains 4 to 5 premium weight loss items such as vitamin and supplement samples, fitness gear and healthy eating tools. These are products to help you succeed with weight loss.

 I know you want to see what was in my specially curated Bulu Box so no more delays:  here it is.  The big scoop! This month's BuluBox, like every box comes with a card (below) that explains more details about the samples and gives you the prices for the full size products.

Each box also comes with a My Sample Journal shown below. You can keep notes for yourself and also submit your feedback and earn points towards products you like from your Bulu Box!  Easy and fun.

BuluBox is not stingy when it comes to products.  There is always enough to get a real feel for the products. 

You can see that the NuHair Foam is a full size product. This is a natural solution to rejuvenate hair suitable for me and women. It works from the inside out.   I have heard about this before but never tried it. It has a natural peptide complex with 3% active ingredients. My hair is definitely not as full as it used to be so I tried it.  I will have to keep using it for 4 months but if it makes a difference then it is worthwhile! $24.99

The next item is PowBab. I love the name to start. It is a chew made from the African Baobab fruit to boost immunity and support health. It is high in anti-oxidants and Vitamin C as well as other vitamins and minerals. It tastes great. 22.49/30 chews 

I love tea in the afternoon so I was excited to see Swirl Tea.  It is a speedy iced green tea in a stick pack.  I like that it has no artificial flavors or preservatives. Tastes yummy too. 17.45/50 servings

Who doesn't know about KIND bars? They have a new product called Clusters but I received something different I think.  Oats and Honey with Toasted Coconut tastes great any way you put it together though so I still enjoyed it. Crumble in yogurt or cottage cheese for an afternoon snack. 39.99/6-11oz pouches 

Hemp Pro  Chocolate plant based protein powder is a great idea.  Perfect in smoothies or baked goods. I love the healthy fiber and great taste.  I sprinkled it on my oatmeal yesterday...delicious. 24.99/11oz bag

We get colds in the fall and winter so I was interested in a tiny sample I received on ClearLungs.  It is a homeopathic decongestant with oils and Chinese herbs. I like that it is chemical free...something to try for the next cold. $12.99/tub

Love all the goodies? Thinking about signing up for BuluBox?  Here you go:

 
1. Head over to BuluBox and choose a month-to-month ($10), 3 ($30), 6 ($60) or 12 month ($110) plan. The 12-month plan at $110 is your best value! Use Coupon Code BULUGAN989 and get the first box FREE.

2. Sample each vitamin or supplement and try out the fitness gear or weight loss items.
3. Earn Reward Points:  Earn 50 points ($5) or more each month for completing sample surveys, sharing and subscribing.
4. Save by using your Reward Points to purchase your favorite products!

**Remember to use my exclusive coupon code BULUGAN989, you can get your first box totally free!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

**Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically any products that I have reviewed above here via BuluBox. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

Pure Bliss Stroller Organizer Review #strollerorganizer

Everyone needs a good stroller organizer but the reality is, they aren't all the same. You really have to look closely at the features. I recently had the opportunity to try out what is called the Mercedes Benz of stroller organizers. I can pretty much see why after using it for a few days.

The Pure Bliss Stroller Organizer has several key advantages that make a huge difference for me. This stroller organizer was designed to specifically handle the problem of drinks spilling. Ugh...the worst nightmare for me.  I really don't like messes. Okay, I hate messes.  Really. I was so happy to see that it has reinforced cup holders that totally keep drinks firmly in place.  No more sloshing around and spilling. It works for hot and cold beverages. Lordy knows sometimes we NEED that hot or iced coffee just to keep upright. Another advantage is that the drink holders ere even double insulated to keep your beverage of choice hot or cold longer. 

I noticed that it is made of thick, high quality material. It also features adjustable Velcro straps that are intelligently designed to accommodate various handle angles which easily attach to most strollers, even those wacky pet strollers with handles between 13 and 21 inches wide. I am not judging (teehee, teehee). The collapsible design will not interfere with folding your stroller either. Made of eco-friendly machine washable fabric.  The manufacturer suggest that you just air dry it...that means no no hot dryers. It is even BPA-free and phthalate-free for peace of mind.

The large center compartment has a magnetic closure. I like that because it is elegant and smart. No worries about waking the baby when you open it. That center compartment is big enough to hold diapers, wipes, snack, small toys and even my wallet. The two outer pockets are perfect for keeping my cell phone and keys so I can grab them in a flash  The middle pocket is lined with microfiber to protect my beautiful and expensive sunglasses from getting scratched.

The Pure Bliss Stroller Organizer comes with a No-Hassle Lifetime Money-Back Guarantee.  The company shared that if you are not 100% satisfied for any reason, you can return it for a full refund.

They are even including a free E-book,  “55 Fun and Educational Activities To Do With Your Baby or Toddler” with your purchase of the Pure Bliss Stroller Organizer. This book is loaded with fun and creative ideas you can do with your baby, both indoors and out, summer or winter. It has some super ideas to beat the boredom any season. Download instructions will arrive with your package.

You can pick up this great stroller organizer right on Amazon and have it at your door in days.  It would be a perfect gift for a baby shower or a special friend that just had a baby and is trying to get out and get herself moving.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

ZEDA Tea - Korean 100% Pure Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder Review #zedamatcha

Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically Zeda Organic Green Tea Powder. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare professional prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

I really enjoy the flavor of fine quality green tea.  I guess I just like the flavor plus the energy boost.  I recently had the opportunity to try Zeda Organic Green Tea Powder.  If you tried ZEDA green tea powder before you know it is a wonderful option to use as a base for all kinds of drinks including lattes, smoothies and teas of all kinds. You can even incorporate it into unique desserts.  Zeda premium organic powdered green teas are made from hand picked tea leaves that bloomed in the first week of May by Soa Dawon tea plantation in Korea.

Some important points to consider:  

DEEP FLAVOR - A special traditional processing gives ZEDA powdered green tea a distinctive and special flavor.

USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC - The tea farm has organic certification from Europe, USA, Japan, and Korea. That is important for me.  It is a recognized tea producer that has received Green Agricultural Product Certification and ISO Certification for its hygienic production processes and equipment.

I like to consider carefully what I put in my body. ZEDA is the finest premium quality organic green tea Matcha from "Soadawon" organic tea plantation in Boseong, Korea

I love the fact that ZEDA globally certified organic powdered green tea Matcha is grown in limited quantity and harvested only once a year. That special time in May. It has a vibrant green color and a smooth and mellow flavor. ZEDA is chock full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Think about all the ways you can enjoy Zeta!  I like to drink it hot in the winter and chilled in the summer.  I love to make extra and use it as flavor for smoothies or and in my baking. It is perfect for everyday drinking...it is a wonderful afternoon pick-me-up. Just the energy boost I need in a flash. 

Their tea plantation (Soa Dawon) is on the southwest coast of the Korean Peninsula. The temperate climate of this region is ideal for green tea cultivation. The plantation is located at center in "Boseong" area of Korea and 350m high from the sea. The tea plantation has been authorized to supply green tea powder for Coca Cola Corp., Korea since 2010 which is pretty neat. It is widely known that green teas from Boseong passed the strict quality inspection of the Russian Medical Biology Lab. As a result, they are  officially recognized as a beverage suitable for an astronaut's special diet.

Facts about Zeda

● Organic Certification from USDA, EU, Japan, and Korea
● Taste: Deep Flavored, full-bodied, smooth
● Natural Energy Boost: Full of antioxidants 

You can find ZEDA tea on Amazon and have it in your home in a flash.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.