SodaStream — Review



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I have heard a lot of wonderful things about SodaStream, but I must admit that I was pretty skeptical about if it was going to work or not! Let me tell you, that it is above and beyond my wildest thoughts. It works absolutely wonderfully.

About SodaStream:

SodaStream is a Soda Maker for your house. It gives you the ability to take tap water, carbonate it, and then create the soft drink or sparkling flavored water that you crave in your own home. Not to mention that this is a great way for you to save money, as well as help protect the environment.

I received the Jet Home Soda Maker. Included with the soda maker was:

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  • 1 CO2 Carbonater
  • 1 Jet SodaStream Machine
  • Sodamix Taste Sampler

 

How Does It Work:

  1. Fill the bottle with cold water to the fill line.
  2. Screw the bottle into the SodaStream Machine.
  3. Press the button on the top repeatedly until you hear 3 loud buzzes.
  4. Then you can unscrew the bottle from the machine and add your flavoring.

Sodastream

My Thoughts:

I was completely impressed at how the taste was exactly the same as what I buy at the store or when we’re out and about. [Read more…]

Brobee Cake #YoGabbaGabba

Yo Gabba Gabba cakeMy attempt at making a Brobee Cake from Yo Gabba Gabba- I used sheets, and cut it to a Brobee-like shape. Note how I say Brobee-like, since I didn’t quite nail it, LOL. The body was not too hard- just had to cut the legs out. Then I cut two arms and his little horns. [Read more…]

Balance Bars- Review and Giveaway

Did you know that in a recent study out of the University of Bristol found almost 80% of New Year’s resolutions are broken within the first month of the year. I think this statistic is insane, yet completely believable. By setting unattainable goals and little support, this is an unfortunate reality. There is some hope for those of us trying to lose weight and get healthier, and that is with Balance Bar. Their most recent campaign is all about helping people “Outlast” their new year’s resolution. But teaming up with a certified life coach and Balance Bar Guru, Amber Rosenberg, you too can have a healthier outlook on life and shed those pounds in a healthy way.

balance

To start here are a few helpful tips:

1) Set short-term goals as well as long-term goals. Instead of shooting to lose a pants size, try instead to set a smaller goal like replacing that afternoon stop at the vending machine with a healthy snack. Try cutting out that soda with lunch and opt for the fruit juice or water first. Balance Bars make this easy because not only are the healthy but also are the perfect size to bring along with you wherever you [Read more…]

MilkMakers Mom-On-The-Go Cookies Review & Giveaway

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I’m sure that many of you probably remember my first post on the wonderful MilkMaker Cookies.

These cookies are still just as wonderful as ever. I was so excited to be able to review their new version, as well as to offer you a fabulous giveaway! They have now come up with a wonderful new product that is perfect for every mom out there that is running around and on the go. There new product is the Mom-On-The-Go Cookies.

I was lucky enough to receive a three of each of their choices in the new individually wrapped packages. The cookies still taste the same as before, but they are wrapped individually. Which is wonderful for you to throw it in your lunch box, or the diaper bag, for you to have whenever you need it.

About MilkMaker Cookies:

As I told you before, these cookies have some wonderful natural [Read more…]

Barbecue Beef Chili

I normally make this chili with beef brisket but this time around I only had beef on hand. It comes out great each way but I do prefer the brisket over anything. Great for a busy day you can toss all this into a slow cooker and forget about it till it’s dinner time. Since I’m also a huge football fan, this is a must on Sundays!

beans

Ingredients

6 tablespoon chili powder

4 garlic cloves minced

2 teaspoons celery seed

1 teaspoon ground pepper
[Read more…]

Komodo Dragon Cake

100_2363100_2360100_2361First- let me say that I am not one of those people that can just “whip something up”, nor am I a fantabulous baker. This took me a LONG time to do, haha. Not perfect, but hey! (it tasted good, so shhhhh on the non-perfection, lol)

Second- I don’t like fondant. It’s gross. I made icing and covered it with green sugar and dyed green coconut, and it turned out pretty well I think, for a non-master-baker like myself.

What I Used

Two nine-inch round cakes. Cakes made from scratch will be denser and stronger than a cake mix- just be forewarned that the time you save using a mix will be spent cursing during the frosting crumb coat.
[Read more…]

Healthy Foods That Kids and Parents Both Enjoy

Diet is very important for kids and adults alike. In a time when childhood obesity is on the rise, encouraging your children to eat healthy is more critical than ever. Unhealthy eating habits can lead to serious complications later in life, which are amplified by environmental factors and other lifestyle decisions that we make every day. To keep yourself and your children health, stick to a diet of nutritious foods that are enjoyed by all ages.

-Wholesome Cereals
Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. Starting off the day on a positive note doesn’t necessarily ensure a good day, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. A healthy bowl of cereal is a quick and easy way to get the nutrition you need in the morning, and can be enjoyed by both kids and their parents. Many cereals are too sugary to be daily staples, but the more wholesome options are always great. Look for cereals that incorporate whole grains. They are loaded with vitamins, high in fiber, and enjoyable at all ages.

-Fresh Squeezed Juice
Nutrition is equally important for children and adults, and one of the best ways to get the nutrients your bodies need is through fruits and vegetables. Of course, kids are notorious for their aversion to the veggies [Read more…]

German Chocolate Pecan Chocolate Cookies

It’s OK to drool.

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Frosting
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk
2/3 c sugar
1-4 c butter, no substitutes, cubed
1-1-3 c flaked coconut
1-2 c chopped pecans
2 c (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

Cookie Dough
1 c butter, softened
3-4c sugar
3-4 c packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1-2 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 c (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
1-4 c flaked coconut
Cookies

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • For frosting, in a saucepan, combine the egg, milk, [Read more…]