Monday, June 30, 2014

Kleenex Review and ideas for summer @Kleenex #KleenexBrandBelievers

Disclosure: I received Kleenex samples complimentary for testing purposes though Crowdtap.  I received no additional compensation.


I am going to tell you right now. They are not called tissues, they are called Kleenex. I have been calling them that since I was a little kid. My mom always did too and my sisters. We still all do. I know some attorneys who would have a bird that we do that but so be it. I love my Kleenex® Brand’s tissue products  I was recently chosen to sample a Kleenex Brand tissue product through Crowdtap and I was curious to see what I would get.

The Kleenex brand has always been in my house from the time I was little. I rarely stray from it no matter what my friends do. The worst is when you go to someone's house and they have the cheapie brand of "tissues." Ewwww!  Nothing worse than those things. Even when I was really young and just out in the workforce I still spent a tiny bit extra for my Kleenex.  Kleenex have been part of my life for good and bad...all those broken relationships 100 years ago, lordy it was a real challenge that dating. I was so happy when I met my husband because it was clear he was a keeper. Kleenex was even in the ladies lounge basket at our wedding...my mom made sure of that.

I couldn't wait for the sample to arrive to see what it was I would be sampling for Crowdtap and the Kleenex Brand. Finally it arrived:  a giant box of Kleenex tissues. Perfect for summer allergy season----yay! I can always use more.


We have literally blown through our last giant box  because of all the flowers and seeds out there we are sneezing up a storm. School just ended and playdates mean friends that are sneezing too. The family and friends is sneezing me out of Kleenex in my house and home!  The Kleenex brand is strong and and soft on your nose.  The best option out there whether it is one big sneeze or The Sneezing Fit. It runs in the family. It just goes on and on for about 5 minutes. We have an agreement and one Bless You is just fine.   You are always welcome to hand the sneezer more Kleenex though!

I find Kleenex also work great in concert with my fave eye makeup remover. They are soft and easy on the eyes.   Kleenex are my first choice to pair with nail polish remover as well.  Let me know if you have some additional uses for Kleenex--I bet you do and I would LOVE to hear about them.

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."

Sweet 'n Low is perfect for Summer Cocktails: a Crowdtap review

Disclosure:  I received Sweet 'n Low samples complimentary through Crowdtap for review purposes.


I got lucky recently and was chosen to sample and share Sweet 'n Low through Crowdtap. What a blast from the past...just in time for summer cocktail season! I remember my mom and her friend Dot using Sweet 'n Low all the time. That container was always in our pantry ready for guests too. It has been around for a long time and it sweetens perfectly--that's why it has been so successful over the years. I did some peeking and found out that Sweet ‘n Low was created 55 years ago by Ben Eisenstadt and his son Marvin.  Back in 1957, they decided to create a low calorie sweetener to replace sugar.  I like that Sweet ‘n Low was started by by a true family.  Sweet ‘n Low contains saccharin which is one
of the oldest of approved low-calorie sweeteners. That is something to think about.

Lucky me...I received a 50 packet box of Sweet 'n Low, 5 individual 2 packs and several amazing and fun recipe cards to test out some yummy skinny cocktails. Sweet 'n Low fits perfectly into anyone's lifestyle just as well in 2014 as it did in 1974. I liked the recipes and tried out a few recently.


I was surprised that Sweet 'n Low is a good option for skinny cocktails. It provides a nice, sweet flavor that is just perfect for summer.  Several of my friends thought my Sweet 'n Low skinny cocktail creations were pretty darn good too.  I shared the samples with several of my friends and mom friends who happily tucked them in their purse (you never know when you might need one so keep a few in there!)  I like the packets because they are super easy to open and the taste which is just sweet enough. The nice thing about Sweet 'n Low is that you can use it in hot drinks or cold beverages and you can even bake with it. It is a good option to keep down the calories while still enjoying some treats.

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."

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Invita Skin Beauty Review #CollagenUSA

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. Always check with your physician before starting any supplement product and specifically Invita Skin Beauty. 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 am always looking for new and innovative products to improve the look and feel of my skin. As I age I notice a difference in my skin.  It gets dry so quickly and it isn't as elastic as it used to be. I am pretty careful about taking care of it but I am always open to new innovations like Invita Skin Beauty dietary supplements.  I recently heard about these and was intrigued.  These supplements were designed specifically for anti aging and skin care.I thought that was something new and different enough to give it a try.


Invita shared with me that these collagen supplements can aid a good skin care routine. They also mentioned that some people found joint pain relief and other anti aging benefits as an additional benefit. Invita suggests that you take 1-2 collagen supplements per day toward the end of a meal or just after eating for optimal benefit. They suggest you follow the supplements with 1-2 glasses of water sipped over 30 - 45 minutes. That is easy with the water bottle that I always tote around for hydration. You can even add a good squeeze of fresh lemon for additional benefit.  Adequate vitamin C is essential for boosting collagen production and assimilating the collagen.

Another little skin care trick I learned is to eat 3-4 Brazil nuts per day with the Invita Skin Beauty supplements. I didn't realize that Brazil nuts are an amazing source of selenium. Selenium is a mineral which is essential for iodine rich food sources such as the marine algae contained in the collagen supplement. Iodine is great for maintaining healthy skin. 


My experience:  I recently received these supplements and starting taking them this week. They are easy to digest and I feel great when I take them. I always carry a water bottle and I like to squeeze a lemon in my bottle each day so that works out perfect. I take my two Invita right after breakfast and then sip on my water with lemon. I carry a small bag of Brazil nuts in my purse and snack on 3 or 4 of them mid-morning. My skin looks good and has a bit of a glow already. I will continue to take the supplements and check in with you later in July.

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.

Children’s Claritin Playmaker Playdate

Disclosure: As a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual personal experience.
I so look forward to the spring and summer season but every year I forget that no matter how much I love my flower gardens, the beach and the pool, my daughter and I sneeze to no end. You have never seen sneezing fits like we have.  I like that Claritin has options for both of us when the sneezing becomes bothersome we know there is relief out there.  I always keep it in stock in the house because it comes and goes but when certain flowers open up, it means open season for sneezing and Claritin Kids and Claritin for me comes right out. At least it takes the worry out of getting outside and running around and actually enjoying the beautiful weather.  Opportunities abound when the sun is out and what is a better time for a fun playdate with friends?

I invited over a few friends recently to catch up and let the kids play together.  We sat out on the deck and chatted while the kids played on the geodome, played frisbee and hide and seek.  As we watched the buds fall constantly on the deck from the Linden tree I commented on my allergies. Maria, Susan and Nina all agreed they are much more sensitive to allergens that used to never bother them when they were younger. I told them about the relief we got with Claritin and they were surprised it really helped that much.  They were interested in hearing more and I told them I had coupons and goodies compliments of Claritin so they could see for themselves. Meanwhile, the kids were running so much I filled up my beverage dispenser several times to accommodate them.  We had some snacks out for them including some cute little clementines and pretzels too.

The kids had fun and then we wound up in the late afternoon so everyone could get home to do something for dinner. They finally tired themselves out so much they had to curl up and check out some new craft ideas on Pinterest. They got out the lanyard and started working on some bracelets.  A perfect ending to a fun day of play!


I sent each mom home with a nice gift swag bag including a reusable navy shoulder bag, a magnetic notepad, and some Claritin coupons. I also received a perfect mid sized soft sided cooler bag perfect for a day at the beach.  It will get a ton of use this year at the shore.

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."