Brookside Dark Chocolate Crunchy Clusters - Berry Medley Flavors Review

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Oh lord am I excited to share this product with you. On the internet that is, I already consumed the whole bag here so you'll need to go buy your own.

I received this product for free from +Crowdtap and Brookside for review. All opinions here are my own (and the ones shared by my fellow reviewers.)

Brookside Dark Chocolate Crunchy Clusters - Berry Medley Flavors

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Smooth dark chocolate, multi-grain clusters and alluring, fruit flavors create an enticingly delicious taste experience. Its unexpected crunch and texture like you've never experienced before. Eat it on the go, at home, during work, share it with friends and take photos to show how you #DiscoverBrookside.

My Review

I can't believe I received this product for review! I loved EVERYTHING about it! Let's start with the packaging. These treats come in a brightly colored, resealable bag. Not that I needed to reseal it too often. I couldn't get over how delicious these were! It was a struggle to not eat the whole bag in the first sitting!

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The flavor and texture combinations in these crunchy clusters are to die for. There is a nice crunch with the multi-grain and the chewiness of the dried fruit plus the sweetness of the fruit and the bitterness of the dark chocolate. Sigh, I might need to go shopping just for these soon.

I shared these with my family and friends. This was probably the worst part of this whole sample and share, letting them go. I mailed a package of items to a friend in Florida and she suggested I include a small bag of these since she follows my Instagram and saw me posting about them. I reluctantly did and she was ecstatic! She scarfed down the whole bag in minutes and told me it was a good thing I didn't send more or she would have ruined her diet.

I made cookies for some coworkers and slipped a few of these crunchy clusters into each cookie. They were an even bigger hit than I thought they would be. Three dozen cookies gone in less than half an hour. 

I also took what was left of the bag home to visit my family. I offered some to everyone in the house and before I knew it, they were gone. I miss them already. I will be heading to Meijer today to buy more since they are on sale 2 for $7. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ricola Revitalizing Herb Drops with Vitimin B - Crowdtap Sample and Share

Yesterday I received this sample of Ricola Revitalizing Herb Drops with Vitamin B from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site. These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

I love the effervescent center of these drops, their fizzing is an interesting addition to a normal cough drop. I'm not sure if I should be glad or not to NOT have had a sore throat when I tried these but as soon as I do, I will update my review further.

The packaging states that the effervescent center restores energy which I cannot attest to but these lemon flavored drops did not have an overpowering flavor which I enjoy in a cough drop.

Checkout the Ricola website for a chance to win in their spin-to-win game and try to win a free package of Ricola Cough Drops for yourself!

I recently suffered from a really sore, swollen throat and cough for a few days. I was tired even afdter hours and hours of sleep and I felt feverish without the high temperature.

I immediately reached for these cough drops excited to finally have an excuse to try them. As soon as I opened the bag, I rummaged to get one. I popped it into my mouth and savored it. The fizzing didn't do much for the sore throat but I did feel a slight uptick in my energy after the fizzing stopped.

My throat felt much better and I realized I wasn't wincing anymore when I ate or drank anything. The swelling in my throat had either miraculously gone down or these drops were helping a lot! These drops really took the edge off my sore/dry throat.

These drops really helped with my minor mouth irritation/coughs too. For a major flu/cold, I don't know...but I love how it's not overpoweringly sweet either and is made from mostly natural stuff.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  

Zep Clean Like A Pro Sample and Share

Last week I received this sample of Zep Commercial cleaning supplies from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site. A few months ago (oops, sorry it's taken so long) I also received a few Zep Commercial samples from PINCHme  another site that offers samples monthly for users to try, review, and share their opinions. These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

The kit from Crowdtap included:

• 2 bottles - Zep Commercial Quick Clean Disinfectant
• 3 bottles - Zep Commercial All-Around Oxy Cleaner and Degreaser

The products I received from PINCHme were:

• 1 bottle - Zep Commercial Air & Fabric Odor Eliminator
• 1 bottle - Zep Commercial CleanStone Plus Cleaner & Protectant

My reviews of each of these products can be found below. I was also asked to share the extra samples with friends, family, and coworkers. I gave my extras to my mother, sister-in-law, and coworkers. 

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Zep Commercial  Quick Clean Disinfectant

This product is colorless and odorless. The product overall works well but I found it took more work to get a good clean than other products that I have used in the past (different brands, extra strength products, etc.)

The products does a great job as a disinfectant and knowing what I do about germs, they're everywhere so it's important to keep areas such as the kitchen and bathroom clean. I have used this product to sanitize kitchen, laundry and bathroom surfaces, including the shower which rarely gets disinfected.

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Zep Commercial All-Around Oxy Cleaner and Degreaser

This is a reasonably strong cleaner with a pleasant but non-flowery smell, and unlike some other products it doesn't cause coughing just being in the room with it and breathing through your mouth.  

I have found it does just about any cleaning job but I didn't need my rubber gloves to use it, unlike other products. I have used it to clean multiple surfaces in my house such as the stove top, the floor in the entry way, and even in my car.

This product does contain hydrogen peroxide.

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Zep Commercial Air & Fabric Oder Eliminator

This product is colorless, but NOT odorless. This product is Zep Commercial's version of air fresheners such as Febreeze and it is useful in the same types of applications. The product is great on fabric, spray it on something you want to freshen up, and in the air, spray into the air to freshen up a room. The scent is nice and clean and smells like clean laundry, slightly floral but fresh and airy.

If you're a cat person, I can attest that this product cleans up the air around a litter box and you don't even notice it being there! 

Just like many other air fresheners, Zep Commercial makes no claims about killing germs or anything like that, that's what their other products are for! If you like it, gallon-size bottles of Zep Commercial can be found inexpensively at one of the major home center chains.  

NOTE:  Zep Commercial Air and Fabric Oder Eliminator is already pre-diluted so what you buy is what you get.

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Zep Commercial CleanStone Plus Cleaner & Protectant

I was very excited to try this product and to test it on our granite kitchen counter tops. This product has definite strengths and a weakness.

A very reasonable price for the size of the bottle and the product that is contained therein.

This product leaves a mirror-like shine on granite counter tops, and resists fingerprints, a must with little ones around.

Like all of the other Zep Commercial products I have tried, this product has a nice oder that isn't chemical and using it indoors is not cause for an open window.
 

I found that this product is really more of a protectant than a cleaner. I suggest using one of the above Zep Commercial products to clean and then use this product to seal the granite and keep it clean. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com or PINCHme.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  

#DiscoverCampbells New Products - Crowdtap Sample and Share

About a week ago I received this sample of assorted Campbell's® products from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site. These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

Campbell’s® is releasing a bunch of new products, and can’t wait for you to try them! Until the end of December I have been asked to check back to the Campbell’s® Tasters on Crowdtap for specific challenges with each of the new Campbell’s® products. So stay tuned for delicious Campbell's® inspired recipes! These recipes may be created with any of the ingredients included in this box. It’ll be an adventure! 

As I create these recipes and complete challenges, I will link them to this post so stick around!

  

Kit includes:

• 1 pkg - Campbell's® Skillet Sauces - Creamy Parmesan Chicken
• 1 can - Campbell's® Chunky - Beer-n-Cheese with beef & bacon soup
• 1 pkg - Campbell's® Slow Kettle Style - Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup
• 1 pkg - Campbell's® Spaghettios Micros - Original (microwaveable pasta)
• 1 pkg - Campbell's® Soups for Easy Cooking - Savory Portobello Mushroom
• 1 pkg - Swanson Cream Starter - Traditional
• 1 jar - Prego Alfrado Sauce - Light, Homestyle Alfredo (made with fresh cream)
• 1 can - Campbell's® Condensed Soup - Creamy Poblano & Queso
• 1 coupon - Free V8 Vegetable Juice Cocktail
• Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Tote
• Shaker
• Recipe Booklet with Coupons
• 1 set of Sampling Instructionss

Recipes and Challenges (links): 

• Soup and Bisuits - Hearty AND Easy
• V8® Spicy Mango Vegetable Juice Cocktail Recipes
•  Bacon Ranch Alfrado Mac & Cheese - With Prego® Light Alfrado Sauce and Hidden Valley Ranch Dip 
• Speedy Sausage Rigatoni - With Campbell's® Soups for Easy Cooking 
• Loaded Potato Soup Made With Swanson Cream Starter Broth
• Creamy Poblano Mac & Cheese Made With Campbell’s® Condensed Creamy Poblano & Queso Soup

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  

Abercrombie & Fitch - Fierce Confidence Sample and Share

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Just yesterday I received this sample of Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce Confidence cologne from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site. These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

I was asked to share this sample with a male friend or my boyfriend and as my boyfriend is 14 hours away for the next four months at least, I shared this sample with a male co-worker. I wanted to review the scent before I passed it off though so below it my two cents on this scent.

This scent was not what I was expecting from an Abercrombie & Fitch cologne. When I think of their products I think of a strong, maybe even overpowering scent similar to AXE but this scent was not that strong. I like that I can't smell it from a mile away though.

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"Packed with confidence and a bold, masculine attitude, Fierce is not just a cologne, it's a lifestyle. The clean scent of fresh citrus will grab her attention and warm musk will keep her interested. Rugged, classic, cool... live the tradition of Abercrombie & Fitch with our signature scent." (A&F)

According to Eric, this is the absolute BEST cologne he has tried. Everytime he wears it he is complimented and asked what he is wearing.

I wouldn't buy the scent for my boyfriend though, he's not big on cologne but also, I think the scent is not what he would enjoy.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  

 

Advil® Fast Acting Film-Coated Sample and Share

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Just the other day I received these samples of Advil's new fast acting coated ibuprofen pills from Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site. These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

I was asked to share my samples and some coupons with my friends and review the product and my experience with it.

I'm on the fence with this new Advil. It does work fast but a lot of my friends that I shared my samples with experienced horrible heartburn from the new fast acting film coating. 

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I personally haven't experienced heartburn when taking these but then again I never take medication on an empty stomach and I always drink a full glass of water with my pills. These pills work fast and help my pain and swelling go away in under an hour, usually half an hour max. 

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This week I had a really bad sinus headache, so I opened an Advil Fast Acting blister pack and took both pills (about 10:15 AM) with a full glass of water. By 10:40 AM my headache was gone and work seemed a bit more bearable. I usually use a generic store brand liquid gel ibuprofen pain killer which acts quickly too, usually 30-45 minutes.

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Because they can cause side effects in some people such as heartburn-like feelings, it would be best to take them with food and plenty of water. That means they may not be the best choice at all times. If you are not able to take this with food, you may be better off with the regular Advil formula. However, if you are looking for faster-than-normal pain relief, you might like these quite a bit.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Crowdtap.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  

5-hour ENERGY® goes pink for Breast Cancer Awareness - Smiley360

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. We have made a lot of progress but still have a long way to go and need your help!

The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® products team up with the Living Beyond Breast Cancer organization this breast cancer awareness month. LBBC helps to support and educate people about breast cancer. 

Now through December 31, 2014, Living Essentials will donate five cents from the sale of every specially marked bottle of Pink Lemonade flavored 5-hour ENERGY® to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. LBBC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with trusted breast cancer information and a community of support. The minimum guaranteed donation is $200,000.00. Just look for the white 5-hour ENERGY® bottle with the pink ribbon and you can help make a difference today!

When you need a boost you don't want to wait. You want to feel more energetic now. A 5-hour ENERGY® shot takes just seconds to take. 5-hour ENERGY® shots come in original, decaf and extra strength. 

The first few times I tried this product it worked like magic! It felt like no other energy drink I've had but I soon became used to them and they didn't really work for me anymore. I moved on to the extra strength which work quite a bit better thn the regular ones. I recommend using these if you need a pick me up and not want the excess sugar found in most energy drinks, but they are kinda expensive given size. I suggest using them every now and then as necessary but not too often or your body will get used to them. It's a mild pick me up, without going overboard which I love.

5-Hour Energy will probably chase away grogginess at least as well as a cup of coffee. The label warns against drinking more than two bottles daily. Avoid it if you're pregnant or nursing, and don’t give it to kids.

I’d like to raise my white bottle pink ribbon 5-hour ENERGY® in honor of all the amazing people around the world – I want to honor my Mother for showing me how to stay strong when things get tough. Because of this I toast to you! I nominate all of you to honor someone special or two in your life.

I'm a member of Smiley360.com, where I qualify to try brands for free in exchange for sharing my authentic feedback. These samples were given to me for free so that I might review them the opinions I share here are 100% my own.

Sweet 'N Low Cook Book Recipe Entry #SweetNLow #Sponsored

As a member of Crowdtap, a user testing, review, and input site, I was given the opportunity to share a recipe that I have been making for a while. I figured since I shared it there, I should share it here too! This recipe is a dessert, strawberries with #SweetNLow. Low calorie and delicious!