Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

Living In Luxury: Cariloha Review + GIVEAWAY

For most of us, bamboo is just a plant or decoration for our home. It may not be something we see often but when you do, I guarantee that you haven’t thought about sleeping on it! At least I didn’t until I was introduced to the luxury brand retailer, Cariloha. Cariloha is like a hidden treasure that I never knew existed. Their products are made from bamboo which makes their merchandise ultra soft and comfortable. This includes bath, bedding, clothing, and numerous accessories. Cariloha was generous enough to provide me with a set of their bath towels and bedding to review. I have never worn, used, or slept on anything made from bamboo so I was very anxious for my package to arrive!
At my house, bath towels do not last very long. I am not sure if it’s because of my water pressure or just the quality of the towels I am buying. They are always stiff and not very pleasant to dry off with after a shower. After using the bamboo bath towels, I can’t believe I have been drying off this long with something the equivalent to sandpaper! Soft isn’t even the word. These are so cozy that they feel like a blanket. They are also highly absorbent and made from  rayon, cotton, and renewable bamboo. This blend ensures they are durable, fluffy, and thick. Available in Blue, Chocolate, Green, Taupe, and White these towels can accommodate any bathroom.

Just like the bath towels, the sheet sets and pillow cases are made with Cariloha’s special bamboo fiber blends making them softer than 1,000 count Egyptian cotton!  Their exclusive collections are soft to the touch and also created from a renewable eco-friendly resource- bamboo. These luxurious sheets will take your night’s sleep above and beyond. They are available for Queen, King, California King, Twin, and Full sized beds. While there are several colors available to choose from I decided to go with the Sage, which is a muted green with a hint of grey.  The sheets and pillow cases are also available in Blue, Ivory, Tan, & White.  Each sheet set consists of 1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, and 2 pillow cases with the exception of the twin set which only includes 1 pillow case.  With bamboo being twice as soft as cotton, I could not wait to get my set in the wash before bedtime. 

The Sage color was exactly what I expected and with my furniture being such a dark wood, it complimented it nicely. But enough about how their appearance, can I rave about how incredibly soft they were?  I have never owned bedding that felt this silky smooth! The bamboo fabric truly does make a difference. Bamboo is actually 3 degrees cooler than cotton and keeps moisture away from the body. I normally get hot very easily in the middle of the night, but this didn’t happen at all with this bedding They kept my body the perfect temperature and prevented them from sticking in the middle of the night when the AC was off. There are several stores that I visit when shopping for linens. The one thing they ALL have in common is the higher the thread count, the steeper the price. This is probably why I have never treated myself to a thread count over 500! These Cariloha Bamboo Sheets retail for $139 and are well worth every penny. I guarantee you could not find anything even close to 1,000 thread count for this price. It’s incredible and I don’t think I ever want to go back to cotton. Yes, this experience has left me feeling a tad bit spoiled! Even my dog took a siesta on these new sheets, and their were no complaints on her end either. 

 While I could go on and on about how much I loved the bamboo towels and bedding, I should probably remind you that Cariloha has other great merchandise available. They offer a full selection of clothing for men, woman, and children that are all fabricated from their unique bamboo blend. You can also find accessories and even phone covers on their site! 


 

Want to jump on board with the bamboo craze? Here is your chance. One of my lucky readers will win a bamboo Cariloha Bath Towel Set valued at $69. Enter below to win and good luck!
Disclosure: I received the products above from Cariloha  for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Kashi Soft Baked Chocolate Squares Review #MomsMeet

As a Mom Ambassador for Moms Meet, I have the opportunity to sample and share green products that are new to me. Since becoming a member prior to starting my blog, there are several sampling programs I have been a part of. These include Ecover Laundry Detergent, Crunchmaster Gluten Free Crackers, and now the Kashi Soft Baked Chocolate Squares. Moms Meet and Kashi provided me with a package consisting of numerous boxes of the Soft Baked Chocolate Squares, 2 boxes of cereal, a reusable Kashi tote, and even a box of their Banana Chocolate Chip Squares. There was plenty to go around and I couldn’t wait to try and share!

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By taking your first glance at the brownie, you may not think there is anything real special about it. If you look at the ingredient list, you will quickly realize that this is not your typical brownie. The Soft Baked Chocolate Squares are made from whole cocoa, grains, sweet potatoes, and black beans! They are also sweetened by using all natural Agave nectar which comes from a plant that looks similar to a cactus. This is commonly used as an alternative sweetener instead of using white sugar and high fructose corn syrup.  If I would have not attended the informative Kashi webinar prior to receiving my sampling kit, there is no way I would have even guessed it contained these ingredients. These bars are not overly sweet but still have a rich chocolate taste. The flavor reminds me of dark organic chocolate. I am a huge sucker for anything dark chocolate and these hit the spot when my sweet tooth strikes. 

These chocolate squares are comparable to a dense brownie or cake. They may be thicker than what you are used to and the texture is quite different. I liked that they were chewy but found them to be dry in the center. Kashi should tweak their ingredient list and add applesauce to make them more moist. Everyone who tasted these made the same comment and we all agreed that such a small change would make a huge difference. I DID enjoy them but I had a hard time finishing one without a glass of milk in hand. Aside from that, these are a delicious healthier alternative for snacking and to subside sugary cravings. I have been keeping one in my purse each time I leave the house, and it really has helped me to avoid tempting junk food that lingers in my path! Since they are only 160 calories per square, I don’t feel that guilty indulging a little. It’s probably better than that twinkie in the vending machine.
I wasn’t sure if Toodie was going to like them or not. She is very picky when it comes to her snacks and of course as a child, prefers the bad stuff. After tasting one for herself she thought it was a regular brownie. One day I found her in the pantry asking me for a “cookie” while pointing to the Kashi box. I wanted to also add that if you have a child who suffers from constipation or needs a little regulation, these are AWESOME. Each bar contains 4 grams on top of the black beans!  Toodie has had problems with constipation for the past couple of years and I found that these helped. On the days she eats a whole bar she has absolutely NO problem going. I didn’t realize what a difference an all natural treat made compared to the sugary processed snacks I usually buy. I have always been a fan of Kashi but now I am even more impressed with the variety of products they are coming out with. There is no doubt that they are committed to improving our health and eating habits. Have you tried these bars or had a positive experience switching to Kashi products? I would love to know!

If you would like more information on the Kashi Soft Baked Chocolate Squares and other products, you can visit their site here. Also, follow along on Facebook for updates, promotions, and savings.
 
Disclosure: I received the products in participation with the Moms Meet Ambassador Program  for my consideration and to share with others. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Happy Healthy Chompers! : Oral-B Precision 1000 Review #OralBSponsored

For years my dentist has suggested replacing my manual toothbrush with a new and improved electric device. I always walked out with the thought in my head but would never remember to make the switch when it came time. Toodie even has her OWN Hello Kitty electric toothbrush, so why don’t I? I liked my good old toothbrush. I could pick out the shape, bristle size, and hardness. I have a habit of brushing the heck out of my teeth and for some odd reason, it’s the only way I feel they are getting clean! Well, I was wrong. This whole time I was actually removing the enamel from the top layer of my teeth, which is meant to protect them. It just so happens that you can obtain healthier gums and your teeth can actually have a better cleaning with softer bristles. When given the opportunity to try the Oral B Professional Precision 1000, there was no way I would pass it up! It was time to leave the “Toothbrush Stone Age” and get modern with an electric.

The Oral B Precision 1000 is a rechargeable toothbrush that is not only designed to clean thoroughly but it also removes up to 5 times more plaque along the gumline. This toothbrush comes with an informative manual, waterproof handle, charger, and brush head. The Oral B Precision 1000 has several features that make the experience more affective compared to using a manual toothbrush. The round brush head surrounds each tooth for precise cleaning in all of those hard to reach areas. Unlike a manual brush, it pulsates to break up plaque and oscillates to sweep the excess away. I really like that when you are brushing too hard the toothbrush actually stops pulsating. This is helpful for someone like me who is used to a more aggressive brush. 

Every 30 seconds the toothbrush also vibrates, reminding you to switch to a different quadrant of your mouth for brushing. The toothbrush guides you to make sure you are getting each section cleaned well. One of the obvious benefits of having an electric toothbrush is that you can change the brush heads and the handle can be re-used. When it is time to replace your brush head, the bristles will fade half way. I always have a hard time knowing when to toss my toothbrush so I can appreciate the reminder. This is recommended for a better clean and to also prevent any germs that may linger around your toothbrush over time. I also noticed that in the manual it states you can use a variety of Oral B brush heads with this model.

When I am finished using the electric toothbrush, I always put it back on the charger immediately. The charge is supposed to last a full seven days but because I always have it attached, I never experienced it running low. On the front of the device there is also a small battery light that lets you know when it is running low or full. This toothbrush comes with quite a few nifty little reminders! 

After using the Oral B Precision 1000 for two weeks, there is not one manual toothbrush left in my bathroom. It was love at first brush and my teeth have never felt so clean. Even though it provides a more vigorous cleaning, this electric toothbrush did not leave my teeth or gums irritated. I also noticed a huge difference in how white my teeth looked. Using the Crest 3D White Toothpaste like I normally do, the Oral B toothbrush made a visible difference in the overall color and brightness of my smile. I would recommend this product to anyone who is skeptical on making the switch from manual to electric. The experience was beyond pleasant and I highly doubt I will ever go back to the standard toothbrush.
Interested in trying an Oral B Power toothbrush for yourself? Right now the Oral B website is offering a $20 rebate on your qualifying purchase between July 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012. If you have never used an electric toothbrush or would like to update your current model, take advantage of the savings!  Oral B allows you to try your device with no risk for 60 days. If you are not satisfied then you are guaranteed your money back. You can find  this Oral B model and others at major drug stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores and online retailers.

Disclosure: I received the products above from Modern Mom & Oral B for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Get Unjunked: UNREAL Candy Review #bzzagent

 
UNREAL candy started with a simple idea: Junk food doesn’t need to be full of junk! Most of us think, candy is just candy, it’s all the same. Do we really have any idea what we are putting in our mouths or our bodies? Sure it tastes great, but what it is made of may not be that appealing. I had no idea until I did my UNREAL research and saw the facts in front of me. UNREAL candy contains less sugar and is also made with more cacao, real caramel, peanuts, protein, and fiber. It also is free of many thing that are found in our everyday candy selection..
  • NO Corn Syrup
  • NO Partially Hydrogented Oils
  • NO Artificial Ingredients
  • NO GMO’s
  • NO Preservatives
  • LOW Glycemic Index
UNREAL candy provides a healthier option for consumers and removes the “junk” from junk food. Their mission is to prove that candy can still be delicious without having all of the unhealthy elements added. There are five different types of candy available: candy coated chocolates with or without peanuts, peanut butter cups, and caramel & nougat bars with or without peanuts. When you open the candy for yourself, you will notice the concept of each is very similar alternative to popular brands on the market.

Since I was selected to participate in the Bzzagent UNREAL Candy campaign, I was provided with several coupons to try them for myself & to share with others. I headed to my local CVS to pick up one of each and begin my comparison. While UNREAL candy is new on the market, I have found that it is even less expensive than the name brands we are used to seeing. Not only are you purchasing candy that is free of yucky ingredients, but you are saving money doing so. It just goes to show that making a healthy change, even  small one, doesn’t have to hurt your wallet.

The peanut butter cups have the perfect amount of peanut butter and chocolate. Comparible to the popular Reese cups, you can definitely tell the peanut butter inside of the UNREAL candy was better quality. It was less salty, and more rich in flavor. There is even the UNREAL logo on the bottom!

The caramel and nougat bar was my FAVORITE! It tasted exactly like a Milky Way but the caramel inside was even better. It has it’s own unique flavor while still being creamy and smooth. This one was yummy. I wish I had another..

The next caramel and nougat bar contained peanuts. Remind you of a Snickers bar? It’s pretty close and even better. It has twice the amount of peanuts making the candy more dense. Once again, the decadent caramel adds a chewy texture.

The candy coated chocolates are just like M&M’s without the artificial coloring among other things. The colors are natural and bit more dull. These we’re my second favorite because of the cocoa boost. I loved the natural milk chocolate flavor. The outside coating is crunchy and they melt in your mouth.

Much like the plain coated chocolates, these have a generous sized peanut inside.The peanut is surrounded by the creamy milk chocolate, with an extra crunch!

I enjoyed all the UNREAL candy selections and am happy that I found healthier alternatives to a few of my favorite candy bars. The packaging is eye catching and stands out next to the competing brands. With Halloween right around the corner, I would love to see mini versions of each to hand out!

Disclosure: I received the products above from Bzzagent for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Get Scent-sational With The Glade Expressions Collection! #bzzagent

Our homes are meant to be comfortable, relaxing, and an escape from long stressful days. Why not infuse your cozy spot with the indulgence of Glade Expressions? Step into the world of authentic fragrances that will satisfy all of your senses at once. I should warn you ahead of time, you may have trouble choosing just one!

The Glade Expressions Collection offers four unique fragrances:

Cotton & Italian Mandarin- Open your home with the bright, breezy blend of cotton and sparkling citrus, honeydew and sandalwood
Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice- A ripe, spicy blend of sweet pears and crisp apple with a dash of cinnamon and clove that warms and invigorates
Lavender & Juniper Berry– Lush lavender blends with fresh juniper berry, eucalyptus and rose to relax the senses and open your home
Pineapple & Mangosteen- Evoke a tropical paradise with the blend of freshly cut pineapples and hint of tangy mangosteen, creamy coconut and passionflower

 

Most of the irresistible scents are available in a Fragrance Mist and Oil Diffuser.  Refills can also be purchased for each product so you can continue to get multiple uses out of each. The only scent that I did not see available in the diffuser was the Cotton & Italian Mandarin. I’m not sure why but I hope that Glade decides to make this an addition to the collection in the future.  For now, I will enjoy my Pineapple & Mangosteen because I can’t get enough of the sweet tropical smell. 

 
The fragrance mist comes in a sleek stylish bottle that will compliment any bathroom or living space. With the new modern packaging, the bottle will easily blend in with your home decor. It is very discrete and won’t stick out like a sore thumb. If a guest walked by they would probably never guess that it was actually an air freshener! The shell of the mist will also fit any of the fragrances, encouraging you to try a new scent each time.

I regret not picking up a few more of the diffusers because this one has been busy bouncing around from room to room here. I think it’s found a permanent home in my daughter’s room because she keeps noticing when I try to remove it! She enjoys the tropical scent just as much as I do. I also appreciate that it doesn’t require batteries or electricity. I love having candles in the home but often avoid lighting them in fear that my three year old will get a hold of one. Because the diffuser is an independent unit, I no longer have to be concerned with safety issues. The diffuser alone gives off a long lasting scent that layers the whole entire room. You can also change its location without worrying about wires or bulky packaging.
For more information on Glade Expressions and other products, follow Glade on Facebook and Twitter. Interested in giving your input on fun new products? Join Bzzagent and you could qualify for similar campaigns!
Disclosure: I received the products above from Bzzagent for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

HBL Hair Care Review + GIVEAWAY

I consider myself to be a hair junkie. While I do have a short list of favorite hair care products, I am always open to trying something new and innovative. When a box of HBL products arrived on my doorstep, I was ready to give them a test drive. HBL hair care was developed by Patrick Dockry who was determined to create a new experience encompassed in 13 premium products. They are free of any harsh sulfates or parabens that often strip your hair of its protective layer. All of the HBL products are pH balanced and formulated with high quality ingredients to keep the hair healthy. These hair care products offer gentle, color-safe cleansing, conditioning and styling solutions for EVERY hair type. The taller sleek packaging makes the products easy to store and tuck away in your shower or cabinet.  Here are a few of the products I was sent and their description.

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Practice Fresh Breath With Dentyne SPLIT2FIT Packs #bzzagent

If you want fresh breath confidence on the go, the new SPLIT2FIT packs are designed for portability and convenience. You simply split the packs in two halves, one for now and one for later. Stick them in your shirt pocket, clutch, skinny jeans, or handbag. Take them anywhere and everywhere. The new SPLIT2FIT packs come in five flavors – Peppermint, Spearmint, Arctic Chill, Spicy Cinnamon, and Mint Frost.

They also making sharing with friends even easier by offering 33% more gum than the typical pack. There is plenty of fresh breath goodness to go around! The three flavors sent in my bzzkit were Dentyne Ice Peppermint, Spearmint, & Arctic Chill. The classic Peppermint was my favorite but the Arctic Chill packed a punch with it’s strong minty freshness.

After I tore my SPLIT2FIT packs in half, I tried one out to see how well it fit in my front and back jean pockets. This was going to be the true test, because I can’t stand carrying around a big bulky pack of gum unless I absolutely have to.  The packages were the perfect size and fit comfortably. This makes it convenient to carry gum on me at all times, even on the days I don’t feel like carrying a bag. It’s slim compact profile is not only great for pockets but also small clutches. On the weekends when I go out with friends, I often only carry a wristlet or clutch that only fits a minimal amount of items. I am never able to fit a whole pack of gum in there along with my makeup, money, and cell phone. I usually take a few sticks of gum and toss it in, but by the middle of the night they are all squished and melted! I can tell these handy packages will solve my icky sticky gum issues.

Disclosure: I received the products above from Bzzagent for my consideration and to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Cool Down With Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails #SSCheers

The kids are back in school, the house is empty, and it’s time to kick back and enjoy a cocktail! Through the SheSpeaks blogger program, I was given the opportunity to try the Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails in three yummy flavors. These flavors includes Strawberry White Zinfandel, Blackberry Merlot, and Pear Pinot Grigio. Every time I go to the grocery store I see these convenient little pouches for sale but have never picked one up to try. That’s why I was pretty excited when selected to review these first hand. When it comes to drinking alcoholic beverages, I have become much more of a wine lover than hard liquor. But I have never drank any sort of frozen wine concoction. As soon as these arrived I stuck them in the freezer and played the waiting game.

These frozen wine cocktails take about 5 hours to freeze. Any longer, and I noticed the consistency was a little too frozen. If this happens you can let it sit out for a few minutes to thaw. I like my frozen cocktails to be less frozen and more on the slushy side, so I let mine sit for about 10 minutes. When you feel it’s ready, you just have to tear open the top of the pouch and pour into your favorite glass. If serving to guests or enjoying on our own, you can add a little fruit garnish on the side. These are great for parties or even small get together s because you don’t have to put any thought into serving a delicious fruity beverage. Everything you need comes in the little pouch, pre-measured and ready to go! Each pouch is also 10 ounces which roughly filled the whole wine glass with a tiny bit to spare. I love that they are practically a full serving size for one person. Makes it even easier for me!

 The Strawberry White Zinfandel was the first flavor I tried and has become my favorite. It was cold, refreshing, and satisfied my sweet tooth. I also like that it was not too strong, preventing me from feeling sluggish. When the frozen slush starts to melt, I did notice that I the alcohol became more potent. If this happens, you can always add crushed ice to dilute it a bit. Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails are wonderful for Summer BBQ’s or upcoming holiday parties. They will not only please the typical alcohol drinker but also those who prefer a glass of wine as well.


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For more information on the Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails, follow on Twitter and Facebook.



Disclosure: I received the product above in participation with the She Speaks Arbor Mist Blogger Campaign to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

Monthly Goodies For Your Pooch : Barkbox Review

Are you a doggie owner that is guilty of spoiling your loving pet by showering them with toys, treats, and goodies galore? Barkbox, the monthly subscription program specially designed for your pet, is the gift that will keep on giving! Around the 15th of each month, Barkbox will be delivered to your door stuffed with new things for your pet to indulge in. While you are making your own pet extra happy each month, 10% of the box proceeds will be donated to a local shelter or rescue. Each month Barkbox sponsors a new shelter and by becoming a member you contributing too!

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Beauty Bash In A Box: Glossybox Review

If you are a fan of the monthly subscription beauty boxes you may have recently heard about the grand and girly- GlossyBox! While GlossyBox has been available in 19 other countries, it has just made it’s appearance here in the United States recently. Each month a curated box of 5 deluxe sized luxury beauty samples will be delivered at your doorstep for you to indulge and pamper yourself with. After creating your beauty profile and selecting your subscription plan, your personalized samples will be on their way. I have read a lot of positive reviews from other beauty box lovers in the U.K and once I received my own GlossyBox I realized what all the hype was about.Yes, another box of beauty-ful goodies to feed my addiction!

If you follow GlossyBox on Twitter you may know that this month they held an Olympic themed giveaway in which you could win on of their popular boxes. I tweeted my entry and was lucky enough to be one of the winners chosen. Last week I received the July Summer Nights Glossybox and could not wait to see what was inside this pretty pink box! 

 

The Summer Nights Glossybox contains everything you need including essentials to help show off your sun kissed skin and hair while enhancing those sultry eyes. There were 5 expected deluxe samples but also one special surprise bonus. I’ve never actually received a subscription box in which I truly felt I could utilize every single item it came with. Glossybox must be the first because I loved every single sample that I received, especially the Sebastian duo for color treated hair. Not that I need another shampoo or conditioner to add to the 10 bottle collection lining my shower…but seriously- I have to buy the full size of both of these products!

  • Alessandro International Pedix Heel Rescue Balm: This foot cream oil imported exclusively from Germany provides intensive protection and nourishes skin, leaving it soft and supple.
  • Sebastian Color Ignite Multi Tone Shampoo: Smart color moisture complex that targets your color-treated strands, to deeply moisturize and restructure hair fibers wherever needed moist.
  • Sebastian Color Ignite Multi Tone Conditioner: This micro-bubble conditioner whips, wraps, and wows your strands leaving your hair with long lasting color and shine.
  • Figs & Rouge Lip, Face, & Body Balm:  This gorgeous tin is filled with a 100% pure and natural skin balm, a multi-use wonder product that will keep your skin feeling soft and beautiful throughout the day.
  • Senna Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow Trio: This silky pressed mineral eye shadow trio in metallic or matte colors gives you a hypnotic yet polished finish with amazing dimension. 
  • *Bonus* – Blushed Fragrance by Ruddy Water: Features notes of bright red currant and rich vanilla, wrapped around subtle sweet lemon, slightly spicy ginger, and kissed with a hint of sugar. 


After giving each sample in the box a few tries, I can say I am honestly satisfied with my first Glossybox experience. For $21 a month, the value is there and I feel you are getting what you pay for. The full size eyeshadow trio alone retails for $24 making the box already worth it. This box compared to others, contains products that are higher end and recognizable. Some of these brands include O.P.I, Burberry, Ole Henriksen, Zoya, & First Aid Beauty. I also like that you can cancel anytime without any fuss or frustration. I didn’t think I would ever say this but Birchbox may have met their new competition! Glossybox has got it all- presentation, delivery, and a variety of exciting beauty products.

Disclosure: I received the products above  from GlossyBox as a winner in their Twitter promotion. I am taking it upon myself to share my honest opinion and experience. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. I will not be compensated for this review. As always, opinion are my own!

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