Young At Heart Mommy

Managing Motherhood Through Love & Laughter

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!

Influenster: Naturals VoxBox Fall 2012

Another Influenster box arrived this week! WOOT. I love getting these boxes and when they get here I can’t wait to take a look at everything inside. This Fall, Influenster sent out the Naturals Voxbox packed with products that are organic, pure, and chemical free. You can take a look below at the items I received and a small snip-it of each!

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Campus Book Rentals Review

August has crept up quickly, with school being back in session full swing. While many of us our relieved our little one’s are occupied all day, some of us are in school ourselves! This includes me. I am not only a full time mom but also a full time student. I am well aware of how expensive school can be and sometimes scholarships do not include everything we need. Textbooks are extremely pricey and many students are not aware of the book rental programs available to them. I’ll admit, I was one of them until I was introduced to Campus Book Rentals.
By renting your textbooks from Campus Book Rentals you can save 40 to 90% off of typical prices you may find at your local school’s bookstore. To me, this is an opportunity for huge savings. School is expensive as it is and the textbooks required are not any cheaper. Why spend an arm, leg, or any other limb purchasing a textbook that you may only use for a few months? Shipping is free both ways, so you are not acquiring any extra expenses by renting instead of buying. There are flexible renting periods and you can also highlight within the textbooks. This is a perk for those who like to mark important information and keep their studying organized. That would be me! 

Being a college student myself, I decided to do a little comparison of my campus bookstore and the rental prices on Campus Book Rentals. Last semester I took an Economics course in which I purchased the book for nearly $200. If this sounds outrageous, it’s probably because it is! I searched for the same Economics Today textbook on their site and found it for $22.90. This was the renting fee for the whole entire semester. I couldn’t believe how much money I could have saved renting instead of buying. For the price of the book, I could have rented for at least 9 semesters! If you still have a few questions or want a good laugh, check out the video below for more information.

 

 
 

Campus Book Rentals is not only going to save you money each semester. They also do their part in helping the community through an international children’s medical charity called Operation Smile. Operation Smile is a non-profit organization whose medical volunteers provide safe, free, and effective cleft lip and pallet surgery for children all over the world. Their services are available in over 60 countries and have thousands of generous donors and volunteers who make this mission possible. For each book you rent through Campus Book Rentals, a portion will be donated to this organization. Every little bit counts and how wonderful would it feel to be helping someone in need while buying a necessary item for your own education? I have never come across a textbook rental program that offers anything like this. I think it’s a wonderful idea and it’s refreshing to see a company who is doing their part to help those less fortunate and in need. 

 

Disclosure: I received compensation from Campus Book Rentals for the 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!

Living Your Best Life! #CloroxLounge

Living your best life may seem out of reach or just plain old impossible for some. We all have bad days, stressful times, and moments when we would like to lock ourselves in a closet. Can you tell I am the mom of a toddler? As mom we all need a little extra time for ourselves, even if this only means 15 minutes alone to get a hot shower in! In my eyes living your best life does not only include today but also your past, present, and future. From each point in time we have learned something about ourselves and grown from the experience.
I have always believed that in order to live a healthy fulfilling life, there is one thing that cannot be jeopardized. It’s the one thing that you can’t buy but you can always obtain, happiness. To me happiness is not only the key to success but it is also the fuel that keeps us motivated and in our best spirits. There is nothing better than a happy “YOU!” Since having my daughter three years ago, I have strived to not only be a strong positive parent but also to make each day count. While some days are not as perfect as others, they are nothing a good laugh cannot cure. After all, no one is perfect and each day I evolve into a better parent, friend, daughter, and person. By living the best life I can, I am content and motivated to follow all of my dreams. No dream is too big or too small! The common phrase, “The Sky Is The Limit,” is beyond true in my case. 


Each day I remind myself that I am who I am and I am here for a reason. I may only be in my mid 20’s but I can confidently say I have been through quite a bit in a short amount of time. I have lost several people dear to my heart including a best friend. I have struggled through a difficult relationship and survived a divorce. While I have never talked about my personal life on my blog, this is who I am! I may be a single parent but I am the BEST parent I can be. Each day I make sure to tell my little girl how special, smart, and beautiful she is. Through the struggles I have found who I am and where I am going. I turned it all around. I moved back to my hometown, set out to finish my degree, fell in love, and built new friendships. This was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one of many.  If there is one thing I realized, you can make it through any hardship with a happy heart. Be true to who you are, follow your wildest dreams, and never lose your passion.

There is one confident and successful woman in the media that I am sure has inspired us all, Oprah! Right now, Clorox is sponsoring the O You!, The Oprah Magazine event in Los Angeles! You can win tickets to the event by playing fun games and entering a sweepstakes at The Clorox Lounge. Every time you play one of the Games for Thrones you are entered to win one of 10 Kindle fires with an O, The Oprah Magazine subscription and the grand prize – round trip airfare to Los Angeles complete with two nights hotel accommodations, airport transfers and admission to O You! (up to 12 entries a day). Visit TheCloroxLounge.com to learn more about the games and see terms.
For more information and updates visit:

Disclosure: I was compensated for writing this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and The Clorox Lounge blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.

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!

Kids Get Creative With Kelly Kits!

Crafts are something that Toodie and I always enjoy doing together. I often look for new ideas and fun things for us to do together! Kelly Kits come with everything you need to spark creativity in your children.

Kelly Kits encourage art play using a wide variety of creative tools & materials beyond what coloring books can offer. The Original Kelly Kit comes complete with one set of five unique activities that cover the five art disciplines: painting, drawing, sculpting, printmaking, & collage. Each kit contains all of the tools & materials needed for the activities, the user just needs access to a kitchen! To increase functionality for homeschooling parents, each activity includes an instruction card with an enrichment idea to adapt the art activity to a school lesson. Kelly Kits are designed to encourage creativity & teach!

Get a FREE Children’s Art Kelly Kit Delivered to Your Door! A $9.99 Value http://www.kellykits.com/free-kit-2/  
Promo Code: USFG99

Disclosure: I will be receiving a Kelly Kit for posting this promotion. I am under no obligation to post a positive review on them. 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!

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