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Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category

Green Apple Active Review and a Discount for You!

Posted in Fitness Fashion, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , on February 12, 2013 | 3 Comments »

Who doesn’t love cute workout clothes? There is nothing better than looking cute and getting sweaty! When Liza from Green Apple Active contacted me asking if I was interested in trying out a Green Apple Active outfit I was beyond thrilled!

Here’s a little about Green Apple Active directly from their site (which you should visit):

Over the past twenty one years, Green Apple founder and veteran athletic designer Cristofer Smith and his team have pioneered over 13 brands with wild success, winning several international design awards for his unique fusion of comfort & style. As the brand architect behind names such as Urban Flex, Avia, and So Sporty, Cristofer has earned a reputation and respect within the active apparel industry for mastery over his craft. In 2004, Cristofer turned his attention to the GREEN movement and founded a new company called Green Apple. The company was pioneered with the vision to innovate and create new organic products for the active lifestyle arena.

I had the pleasure of trying the 23′ Clea Jacket with Vintage Wash in Black

clea

This jacket is amazing! Its soft, warm and made from organic bamboo. It looked amazing with the running capris, which you will hear more about later. It was warm enough for a winter jog in Pittsburgh, but it’s also the perfect light weight jacket, which goes perfect over a Pittsburgh Penguins t-shirt or perfect over a tank after a hot yoga session. I seriously see this being my go-to jacket once winter jacket season is over. It’s very flattering and I love the pockets! This jacket is definitely one of those items you turn to again and again!

I also had the pleasure of trying the 17in Essential Balance Runner’s Capri in Wet Slate

runner

I’m a huge fan of athletic capris and absolutely loved the way they looked with the Clea Jacket. The slate and black looked amazing. I’d highly recommend these running capris to anyone. They are comfy. Although, I was a little scared they were going to be too small when I took them out of their packaging, but they were a perfect fit and are true to size at least in my opinion anyways! They look great on and seemed to flatter me in all the right places. They are highly breathable — great for running or yoga. Additionally, they are eco-friendly and organic. Environmentally friendly, look great and breathable, really what more can you ask for?

Green Apple Active is a wonderful company with a great cause and high quality, budget-friendly workout gear!

Want to get your self some Green Apple Active gear? Use code blogitness at checkout for 20% off now thru the end of Valentine’s Day!

And now for a preview of products soon to be released by Green Apple Active:

ALICIABLOG1

ANGELINABANNER1

ANGELINABLOG2green apple active

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The Protein Bakery Review and Giveaway

Posted in Giveaways, Reviews, tagged , , on December 29, 2012 | 13 Comments »

Protein and bakery in the same sentence really intrigued me the first time I saw the words Protein Bakery. I actually received a sample of The Protein Bakery’s cookies in a subscription box that I was sent to review and became instantly hooked. About 6 weeks ago, The Protein Bakery asked if I would be interested in a review and giveaway on my blog. I couldn’t say no, unfortunately it just took me a little bit longer than expected to get this post up and going. Better late than never. If you have ever had Protein Bakery or end up being the winner of this giveaway you will completely understand what I am talking about!

blondie_wal copy assrt_round assrt_gift image

When my Protein Bakery package arrived, I could not wait to dig in. I received an assortment of brownies, blondies and pumpkin walnut cookies and brownies to review. Since I am not a breakfast person, I opted to utilize these delicious treats in an effort to get myself to eat in the morning before work. Let me tell you, it worked! These goodies are individually packaged and I found them perfect for eating on-the-go, which for me often meant eating on the way to the bus stop. All the flavors tasted delicious. I honestly felt like I was chowing down a fattening, high-calorie treat, not something packed with protein. The cookies and brownies were moist, delicious and did not have a protein-like taste. I’d recommend these guys as an on-the-go breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

Perhaps the best part was the fact that these treats kept me full til lunch time!

Now on to the best part for you…how would you like to receive $45 worth of Protein Bakery goodies? One lucky reader will be given the opportunity to thanks to the wonderful people of the protein bakery.

To enter complete 1, 2, 3 or all of these tasks and leave a comment for each task letting me know you’ve done them!

1. Follow me on twitter @blogitness

2. Follow the Protein Bakery on twitter @protein bakery

3. Visit the Proteinbakery.com and tell me one item you are dying to try.

4. Like the Protein Bakery on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/proteinbakerycookieswithmuscle?ref=ts

5. Tweet about this giveaway.

A winner will be chosen on January 1st.

The giveaway would be a taste of  the Protein Bakery’s new flavor’s
(an assortment of 10 mini brownies/blondies and 2 ginger cookie 2-packs) $45.00 value with shipping.
We can only ship within the mainland of the US and not to PO Boxes or APO addresses.

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Klutch Club Review

Posted in Reviews, tagged , , on August 30, 2012 | 1 Comment »

In July, Shari from Klutch Club so graciously offered to send me a July Subscription Box to Review. As anyone who regularly reads this blog knows, I am a huge fan of subscription boxes. I think this is mainly because I love getting mail and I love the ailment of surprise that comes along with receiving a box of new goodies to try out!

With Klutch Club, you can sample and enjoy over $100 worth of products each month!

Pricing:

1 month subscription is just $18/box.

3 month subscription just $17/boz.

1 year subscription just $16/box

 

July Box: Compliments of Klutch Club!

“Healthy Summer Entertaining”

KLUTCHclub July box

My favorites in this box were:

  • Cascal. This is the perfect substitute if you are trying to give up pop!
  • Zoye vegetable oil. Perfect for cooking!
  • Goulibeur shortbread cookie. Delicious!
  • I also loved the fact that I received a $15 gift card for Mineral Hygenics…I love mineral make-up!

August Box: I opted to purchase an August box as well.

The theme of this box was “Health On-The-Go”

In this box, I absolutely lovd:

  • The seaweed salad. Perfect lunch-on-the-go
  • The Twistband. The twistband is a luxury hairstyle that actually does not leave a crease in your hair! I’ll have to admit, this is the first hair tye that I have come across that has actually lived up to this promise.
  • Go Nola- Wild Blueberry Wave. I love granola and blueberries. This was the perfect portion of granola for a snack on-the-go!

 

Overall, I really enjoyed KLUTCH club and I think you all will too!

KLUTCH club is great for yourself and great for a gift!

Are there any guy readers out there? If so, September is the launch of KLUTCHmen. Lsdies, I also think this would make a great gift for that special man in your life!

The other thing that I really like about KLUTCHclub is that you can preview the box online before you buy it. Decide if you like each month’s theme before you purchase…provided you don’t sign up for a 3 month or 1 year subscription.

profile image

(As a KLUTCH ambassador, I strongly recommend clicking on the above image, just in case you have the urge to try out KLUTCH Club! :-) )

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LARABAR Review and Giveaway!

Posted in Giveaways, Reviews, tagged , on August 16, 2012 | 129 Comments »

 

Can I just say how extremely happy I was for some Larabars to arrive at my house! Unfortunately, they arrived in 90-degree heat so they were a little on the mushy side, but that did not stop me from enjoying them after I popped them in the freezer briefly.

I had the pleasure of trying Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Chip Cherry, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

I’m a huge fan of anything PB, chocolate and cookie dough, so I really wasn’t surprised that I really enjoyed them! On the other hand, I have never tried anything key lime pie flavored so I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I tried it (I am willing to try anything). I enjoyed it!

Having never eaten a Larabar before, I must say I really enjoyed them. I enjoyed the flavors and I found them to be a great pre/post workout snack. They were also pretty filling, so they made for a great snack, when I knew I’d be eating a late lunch or dinner.

Overall, I’d recommend Larabar! They have a flavor for everyone!

The good news is one lucky reader will get to try out 16 different flavors of Larabars!

To enter:

  • Leave a comment telling me what flavor you really want to try.
  • Follow me on Twitter.@blogitness
  • Tweet about the giveaway.
  • Like Larabar on Facebook.
  • Follow Larabar on Twitter. @larabar

Please remember to leave a comment for each entry!

A winner will be chosen Sunday!

Good Luck!

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ZICO Coconut Water Review and Giveaway!

Posted in Giveaways, Reviews, tagged , , on July 31, 2012 | 57 Comments »

Yay for two consecutive days of double posting!

(If you’ve never tried coconut water, are afraid to or haven’t liked other brands, please keep reading! This one is worth trying!)

A few months ago, I received a bottle of ZICO Coconut Water from Rachael at Ready to Get Sweaty as part of a foodie pen pal package. I enjoyed my ZICO so much that I purchased a bottle to put in a foodie pen pal package that I had sent out. Michelle from ZICO Coconut Water took notice of Foodie Pen Pals and the fact that I had sent out some ZICO and contacted me with an offer I couldn’t refuse!

Michelle offered to send me some of ZICO Coconut Water’s Natural Flavor as well as their new 1 Liter of Chocolate Coconut Water to review. I was extremely pumped — especially for someone who was completely turned off by coconut water earlier this year!

Let’s learn a little about coconut water shall we?

ZICO contains the five electrolytes that support your body with what it needs to stay hydrated and perform at your best. One ZICO has more potassium than a banana – 15 times more than most sports drinks – to prevent cramping. Drink ZICO before or during a workout for the natural energy you need for optimal performance. After a workout, ZICOreplenishes and re-hydrates you to aide recovery.

PACKED WITH POTASSIUM

As much potassium as a banana.

5 ELECTROLYTES

sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus

THE ULTIMATE HYDRATION DRINK

supports rapid hydration

ALL NATURAL

Coconut water has been used as an intravenous fluid and saved lives

LOW ACID

lower acidity than sports drinks and juices

 

I received 4 containers of Natural Coconut Water and a 1 Liter container of Chocolate Coconut Water in an insulted drawstring bag!

For starters, the bag is extremely handy for outdoor activities! Keeps my drinks cool and my hands free!

I used the Natural Coconut water to refuel after exercise (running/hot yoga). The water was refreshing and quickly aided in my recovery. I also really like the fact that this water contains Potassium. I don’t seem to get enough potassium and end up with muscle cramps so this was very helpful!

On to the Chocolate! I have a major sweet tooth so when I was given the opportunity to try Chocolate Coconut Water I was very excited. First off, I really like thee 1 Liter bottle it is perfect for when you are at home and just want something refreshing to drink…I like to save smaller sized containers for on the go! I enjoyed this treat with some strawberries. I’d describe chocolate coconut water as tasting like a less-rich version of chocolate milk. I’ll definitely be buying this again. Additionally, this is a healthy way to satisfy a chocolate craving!

 

 

(Please note: I was not compensated for this review. I did, however, receive complimentary ZICO)

ZICO Giveaway!

ZICO Coconut water has to graciously offered to give one lucky ready a case of Natural Water as well as a 1 Liter Bottle of Chocolate Coconut Water!

To enter, complete as many of the following tasks as you’d like (please leave a separate comment for each entry):

  • Leave a comment telling me what you’d enjoy a glass of Chocolate Coconut Water with.
  • Follow me on twitter @blogitness.
  • Follow ZICO on twitter @ZICO
  • “Like” ZICO on Facebook.
  • Follow ZICO on Pinterest

A winner will be selected Friday morning! Good Luck!

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Love With Food Subscription Box Review and Giveaway!

Posted in Giveaways, Reviews, tagged , , on July 26, 2012 | 59 Comments »

When Aihui, the CEO and founder of Love with Food, offered to send me one of their subscription boxes to review and giveaway, I was extremely excited!

Love with Food brings gourmet food samples to your door every month and for a good cause! For every box purchased, one meal is donated to a person in need. At the time I am writing this, 8,540 meals have been donated!

For $10 per month, plus $2 shipping, you can have a variety of different foods sent directly to your mailbox.

Right off the bat, I really liked what this company stood for. Subscribers get to try awesome gourmet foods, while helping those in need. This is a huge plus in my book and hopefully in yours too!

 

I loved this box!

Cons:

  • I seriously have no complaints! Great cause, awesome products. What more could we ask for in a subscription box?

Pros:

  • AWESOME cause
  • Reasonable price
  • Delicious food

My favorites in the box would have to be:

  • Hot Fudge…..I am an ice cream and froyo junkie!
  • Sweet Corn Crunch Dried Snack….delicious…sweet, crunchy! I want more!
  • Fruity Organic Lollipops. I haven’t had a lollipop in so long!

I even liked the ketchup and I don’t like ketchup!

Giveaway! 

This box is awesome and Love with Foods has so graciously offered to allow one reader to try out a month subscription to Love with Food.

To enter:

  • Leave a comment below telling me what item in this box you have to try.
  • Follow me on twitter @blogitness
  • Tweet about the giveaway
  • Add me to your blog roll
  • Follow @lovewithfood on twitter

Make sure to leave a comment for each entry.

A winner will be selected on Monday morning!

 

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Healthy Surprise Box Review

Posted in Reviews, tagged , , on July 19, 2012 | 2 Comments »

I am so much enjoying getting subscription boxes in the mail! They are full of tasty treats. Many of which are from brands I have never heard of which makes it all the more exciting to try out new brands. Heck, I’ve even tried some foods I have never heard of before!

When the wonderful folks at Healthy Surprise offered to send me a box to review, I could not resist! Again, who doesn’t like getting fun surprises in the mail especially when they are edible! It’s kind of like foodie pen pals minus the shopping and the trip to the post office, you never know what you are going to get!

A little on Healthy Surprise:

What’s inside the box:

 

Pros:

  • This is one of the largest subscription boxes I have ever send.
  • The pizza flax seed snacks were amazing. I am so glad I’ve managed one store about 30 minutes from house that sells these!
  • The cinnamon Skinny Crisps. These were by far my favorite snack! Sweet and tasty! Again,  I am so glad a store semi-near my house sells these.
  • Lots of purse friendly packs. This box was perfect for filling my purse with healthy snacks on-the-go.

Cons:

  • This package contained a lot of nuts. If you don’t like nuts, you would not have enjoyed this package.
  • There was a lot of nuts from the same companies. I would have liked to seen more variety.
  • The price at $66 per month…I feel like I could get a variety of snacks at my local Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s for much less money.

(I was not compensated for this review, I did however receive a complimentary box to review!)

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Bulu Box Review

Posted in Reviews, tagged , , on July 15, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Warning: I am going to be reviewing a number of subscription boxes coming up. At the end, I’ll reveal what box I’ve decided to subscribe to!

Bulu Box is a fun and exciting way to try a variety of supplements.

Every month, you’ll get a box filled with 4 to 5 nutritional supplements from top brands. Look forward to a new mix of products for both men and women, including vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, meal replacements, diet, energy, protein,detox digestion, sexual health, herbs, natural remedies, endurance and more. We’ll make sure you get enough to decide if the product is right for you. No shipping or shady fees. Depending on your plan you can cancel anytime.

  • 4 to 5 premium samples
  • For men and women
  • Delivered monthly for $10
  • Cancel or transfer any time

 

The Bulu Box I received contained?

 

I’d say my favorite product was the Night Food. It was a cookie ‘n cream snack bar that certainly beats eating a sleeve of oreos while watching TV at night! It contains melatonin, which is supposed to provide for a better night’s sleep. I did feel well-rested in the morning but I also did go to bed earlier than I normally do. It tasted great as well!

I also really liked the RevHoney. At first, I thought I was sent a tube of lip gloss! Really, I received a small tube of honey and dehydrated fruit which is designed to give you energy. Perfect for on-the-go!

I really liked the wide-variety of products and the fact I was provided enough of each product to make a decision about whether or not I actually liked it. Free shipping is also a plus!

Have you tried any subscription boxes out lately?

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Samplrs Box Review

Posted in Reviews, tagged , on July 13, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Subscription boxes have always fascinated me. I love mail and surprises, which pretty much makes subscription boxes ideal. The thought of food subscription boxes is even more exciting especially if you are a foodie or in my case wannabe. When the wonderful people at Samplrs offered to send me one of their subscription boxes to review I was very excited!

What is Samplrs?

 
Each month, you’ll receive 4-6 full-sized products from the finest up-and-coming local food artisans.

Each Samplr will include anything from cookies and chocolates to spreads and sauces, along with a card containing product descriptions, pairing suggestions, and recipes.

This Box Contained:

  • The Jam Stand Blueberry Bourbon Jam (along with a recipe for muffins)
  • LuckyBird Bakery “Monarch” Brownie Squares
  • Charlito’s Cocina Campo Seco Country Sausage
  • 2 Early Bird Crack of Dawn Granola B Bars
All of these items can be found in the Samplrs’ Market Place.
The Pros:
  • Full-sized items. It’s much easier to get an actual taste for an item when you can taste more than just a little bite.
  • The Blueberry Bourbon Jam was delicious on toast. I am planning on saving the rest to make the muffin recipe they included.
  • I really liked the fact that they did include a recipe.
  • The granola bars were delicious.
  • I liked the fact that all the items are from up and coming, local food artisans. It gives you a chance to try new foods!
  • I LOVED the brownies. They were chocolate-y and rich. Perfect for this brownie loving girl!
The Cons:
  • I’m not going to lie. The country sausage scares me a little and I still haven’t tried it.
  • The price. If I’m going to regularly purchase a subscription box. I think I’ll be looking for a box more around the $10/month range.

(I was not paid for this review. I did however receive a free box to try)

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites and a NeoCell Protein Powder Review

Posted in Recipes, Reviews, tagged , , , on July 6, 2012 | 6 Comments »

Inspired by Peanut Butter Energy Bites, I decided to use a little bit of creativity to add a protein twist to this tasty and very easy-to-make recipe! Warning: You all are probably going to be reading a lot about Peanut Butter coming up. I’m on quest to free up some cabinet space!

When the wonderful Jean at NeoCell offered to send me Belgian Chocolate Collagen Sport Whey Isolate Complex to try, I was extremely excited! I was even more surprised when a full-sized jar of protein powder made it’s way to my front door. The folks at NeoCell are extremely generous! While exchanging e-mails with Jean, she had indicated that she sprinkled some of this protein powder over iced-coffee. I absolutely loved this idea. It was the perfect way to get protein without having to break out the blender and make shake or smoothie.

The Belgian chocolate taste is amazing and added some additional flavor to my iced-coffee. I’ve also made numerous smoothies and shakes with NeoCell and have absolutely loved it. I honestly never felt like I was drinking a protein-packed drink. My drinks ended up tasting more like a dessert from an ice cream place — which was AMAZING. This protein powder tastes great and kept me feeling full, which made it the perfect mid-morning snack before meeting that lasted through lunch time!

I give NeoCell two thumbs up! And as an added bonus, I’ve discovered that baking with protein powder (great tasting protein powder) can be extremely fun!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bites

(They aren’t the prettiest, but they taste great!)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of Chocolate Protein Powder (I strongly recommend NeoCell Belgian Chocolate!)

1/2 cup of sugar

1 cup of Peanut Butter

1 Egg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Mix all ingredients together until evenly mixed. The dough will be thick and sticky.
  3. Roll dough into small balls and place on a greased cookie sheet. Should make 12 protein bites.
  4. Bake for 10-12
  5. Enjoy!

(Note: if you’ve made Peanut Butter Energy Bites, you may have noticed that the cookie doesn’t expand. This cookie will expand so be sure to leave room on your cookie sheet!)

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