HemisFares™ Dry Pasta Review

HemisFares^™ Dry Pasta Facts

All of the HemisFares^™ dry pastas are made by local, artisanal producers in Italy using traditional Gragnano style methods — the highest quality production process for pasta. The machines they use cannot produce more than a few hundred pounds of pasta an hour (compared to tons of pasta at industrial companies). The pasta is then dried for 12–14 hours (compared to 4–6 hours) at a lower temperature to preserve the authentic flavor and natural nutritional value of the wheat used. Each of the imported dry pastas from the NEW HemisFares^™ line are as follows:

• Fusilli Bucati Lunghi - 16 oz. for $3.99 - From Campania, Italy, this long pasta was first made by twisting a pasta thread around a fuse or a spindle.
• Orecchiette - 12 oz. for $2.99 - The distinctive rounded shape of this imported pasta was inspired by the roofs of ancient Apulian houses, called trulli. It comes from the Puglia region and its name is translated as “little ear.”
• Rigatoni - 12 oz. for $2.99 - Hailing from the Lazio region of Italy, this tubular pasta comes from the Italian word “rigati,” which means ridged.
• Tagliatelle - 9 oz. for $3.99 - From the Marché region, this egg-based pasta was originally crafted by generations of local women from Campofilone (and is produced there to this day!). It’s made from durum wheat and over 35% eggs, then worked by hand without the addition of any water.
• Anelli Giganti - 12 oz. for $2.99 - This authentic pasta shape originated in Southern Italy; it’s produced with the highest quality ingredients before being bronze cut, leaving it with rough, porous edges to better catch and hold sauces.
• Chifferini - 12 oz. for $2.99 - Originally from the southern island of Sicily, this half-moon-shaped, ridged pasta has a very long drying process — resulting in a strong color and a rich, hearty flavor.

My Review

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In my BzzKit that I received from BzzAgent contained a package of Fusilli Bucati Lunghi from the HemisFares™ Dry Pasta line from Kroger. I had never heard of this type of pasta before receiving this package but I'm happy I got to try it!

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At first, before I received the package, I was skeptical. It's just dry pasta to be honest, I wasn't ready to be this surprised. First off, I loved the packaging, it looks like something very expensive and like something you would see in a fancy gift basket. Luckily, the price for this pasta is NOT expensive. Check out those prices above! Not to mention, I also received coupons to share with friends, $1.50 off a package.


The pasta itself was quite unique too; look at these long curly noodles! The noodles are folded in the middle as if they came right off a drying rack.And the flavor was like fresh, homemade noodles too!

The noodles are hollow too which wasn't expected so be careful with hot (temperature) sauces. I burned my mouth trying to slurp the noodles up because some of the sauce I made came up through the noodle.

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I have made pasta at home with my father before and it's delicious but VERY time consuming. It's a weekend project that could be skipped in my opinion. This pasta tasted just as good as homemade without all the labor necessary. This pasta is great for a weekday meal without the work of making the pasta at home.

This specific pasta was difficult to remove from the bag without using the whole package as it doesn't easily reseal. We wound up using the whole package and leaving more than half as leftovers. I loved everything about this pasta line other than that the package doesn't reseal.

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

Joyal Beauty Super Brightening Vitamin C Serum Review

Applying vitamin C serum to the skin can be 20 times more effective than taking it orally for anti-wrinkles and diminish age spots on your skin. This Vitamin C serum is natural and 72% organic. It is safe for all skin types and conditions including dry or irritated skin, wrinkles, fine lines, dull complexion, acne, and eczema.

Directions for Use

1. After cleaning and toning, hold the bottle close to your palm and press 1-3 pumps to your palm of hands.
2. Apply to your face and neck with your fingers. You can apply it once in morning or twice daily (morning and night). You can apply this product around your eyes but avoid direct contact with your eyes.
3. When applying the serum, you may pat dry or slightly massage your face using circular motion with fingers for 1-3 minutes. The act of massaging will stimulate blood circulation and new cell generation and also the nutrition ingredients present in the serum will be able to penetrate deeper inside the skin.
4. Follow the Vitamin C Serum with your regular moisturizer. The Vitamin C Serum is NOT a moisturizer.

My Review

This product is easy to use and all you have to do is massage a very small amount into your face once or twice a day. The pump bottle makes it simple though I do find the pump may not be the best since the serum is so watery. I have mad a mess or two with the pump. The Vitamin C serum is not at all greasy and it absorbs into your skin quickly. It is important that you use a moisturizer on your face and neck after using this Vitamin C serum though as it is not a moisturizer. I'm very sensitive to scent and the smell of this Vitamin C serum isn't the most pleasant. I have used other Vitamin C serums that smelled fresh and fruity but this one has a more chemical scent. It took a bit of getting use to. It really isn't a horrible scent but it certainly isn't my favorite. The scent, luckily does not transfer to how it affects my skin. I've had no issues with it.

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

Premium Cocktail Shaker Set Review

Do you want to offer your guests something other than milk, beer, or water? Want to really impress your friends with your drink making skills? All you need are these tools from Mixologist World! You really need three things: a shaker, a jigger, and a cocktail recipe book. If there is one tool that is absolutely essential for making cocktails, that’s the Cocktail Shaker. Whether you’re shaking up a Martini or an Aviation, a cocktail shaker is certain to be the most used piece of your bar equipment. This cocktail shaker consists of a mixing tin, a lid with a built-in strainer and a second small lid that goes over the strainer. No further tools are required to make the drink, and the shaker is easy to assemble and to use.

This shaker set is made of  high quality stainless steel and seals quite well. That means no leaks or spills when shaking! The double sided jigger allows you to measure one or one half ounces of liquid which makes following the recipes in the FREE recipe book easy!

The shaker also has a built in strainer which allows you to mix up drinks with fruit chunks  or ice in them without adding them to the glass. All the flavor, non of the chunks! This is awesome when you want a cold drink without the ice, like a martini, or the fruit flavor without the pieces.

This stainless steel shaker does have a polished finish so it does show finger prints and should be washed and wiped clean before putting it out for display.

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

Snuggle Scent Boosters Review

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When I first received my package, I could smell the product through the box. At first, I thought that something was broken and I would be opening up a messy box but it wasn't. This product smells amazing, sweet and floral. I couldn't believe how strong the scent is but it makes your laundry smell amazing too!

As soon as I opened the box, I ran to go do my first load of laundry. After loading my towels, sheets, clothing, everything needing to be washed was loaded into the washer. Twenty minutes later when I opened the washer I could smell the scent booster strongly. The scent was a bit overwhelming. I threw my clothes into the dryer non-the-less and went about packing for my move. When I removed the laundry from the dryer the scent wasn't as strong. If you take a deep breath into something you can smell it but it's not making me nauseous with its strength.

The scent doesn't just go away either! I used these scent boosters a week ago and my clothing still smells amazing! The scent lingers on unworn clothing for about a week, and once worn, it still maintains the freshness all day long. 

The small packs are convenient and better than the liquid scent boosters because I don't need to clean out my fabric softener dispenser with these. Just throw the little pack in the washer, add your items to be laundered and start the cycle, no spilling, build up etc.

I am member of the Snuggle Bear Den, and received this product to try for free but the opinions are my own.

Dot&Dot 15" and 18" Packing Sleeve Review

My Instagram - 15"

My Instagram - 18"

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Small size dimensions 15" x 10", Medium size dimensions 18" x 12". These packing sleeves minimize wrinkles and keeps your clothes in place during travel. They maximize luggage space by compressing your clothes. Each packing sleeve includes a folding board which ha instruction on how to fold your shirts. 

I have never used a packing envelope or folder. The Dot&Dot 18" Packing Sleeve is amazing! It arrived quickly, thanks to Amazon PRIME. The quality of this product is amazing, great quality material and a sturdy construction. Product design is simple and it even comes with detailed instructions on how to use it.

I didn't have a specific use for this packing sleeve when I was asked to review it and ordered it but now I'm moving and this packing sleeve has been extremely helpful! I was able to pack 12 blouses in the Dot&Dot 18" Packing Sleeve and 6 pairs of slacks in the 15" sleeve! That's about half of my closet!

The best feature of this packing sleeve is the ability to adjust its size. You can adjust the size to fit exactly according to the amount of clothing that you have stored within the packing sleeve. So even if you remove one item from the packing sleeve you can adjust it to securely hold everything remaining.

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These packing sleeves also come packaged in plastic zippered bags which can be reused as packing bags or to store the packing sleeve when not in use. Very useful too!

The folding board is printed with instruction on how to fold shirts but no directions on folding pants. I was able to figure out a way to fold them but those instructions would be nice. 

This sleeve was a great way for me to reduce the size of my closet during the move without worrying about wrinkles but it is also great for packing for vacations. I highly recommend this product for both uses! The Dot&Dot 18" Packing Sleeve allows you to cut down on the volume of your pack and stay presentable in appearance.

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

AutoBar Review

AutoBar - Amazon

The AutoBar is designed to make entering and exiting your car easier by offering a sturdy support and the protection against potential falls. The AutoBar fits into 99% of all cars and van’s ‘U’ shaped striker plate. You can also fit the AutoBar neatly inside a backpack or a pure allowing you to take it with you so that you can use in taxis or a friends vehicle. 

The 3-in-1 AutoBar also provides an essential window breaker and seat belt cutter. These features will assists you in an emergency situation. Situations which require you to break a window to escape or cut your seat belt if it fails to come off this tool will be immensely helpful. The blade is safely placed in its protected position on the underside of the AutoBar handle.

The Benefits of the AutoBar Ergonomically designed handle that makes using the AutoBar comfortable. Independence of knowing that you are able to support yourself with confidence when entering or exiting any vehicle. Peace of mind of having the security that you have the tools to help yourself escape in an emergency situation.  Guaranteed satisfaction that if for any reason you are unhappy with your AutoBar, the company stands by their money back guarantee policy. They pride themselves on their customer service and will work with you until you are 100% satisfied.  The AutoBar is designed to be robust and manufactured from the highest quality materials that will last long into the future.

My Review

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When I saw the AutoBar tool I thought of my mother first. While she is willing and mostly able to enter a vehicle, she struggles to get into my fathers truck sometimes. Upon receiving this product I brought it over to my parent's home and demonstrated using it for her. She loved it immediately! If you struggle with getting into or out-of your vehicle, this is the tool for you. The AutoBar was specially designed to make accessing your vehicle easier.

Not only is this tool great for getting into a vehicle, it is just plain handy to have in the vehicle with you. It can make you and your passengers feel more independent. This handy lightweight device provides a sturdy support for exiting and entering a vehicle and protection against potential falls while getting out of or into your vehicle. The AutoBar also fits neatly inside a purse or backpack so it's easy to take it with you on-the-go. Perfect for if you need to hail a taxi or if you are getting a ride in a friends vehicle.

It is also good to use as an emergency window breaker and seat belt cutter. These features are crucial in an emergency situation. AutoBar can help you to smash the car window for escape or cut your seat belt if it fails to release.

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

Pura d'or Hair Loss Shampoo, Argan Oil Conditioner, and Argan Oil Review

www.purador.com

I received another +BrandBacker Team review opportunity and product! This is another one that I am extremely excited for! I received the following:

• 1 full sized bottle of Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo
• 1 full sized bottle of Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Conditioner
• 1 full sized bottle of Pure and Organic Argan Oil

This premium organic Argan oil based hair loss prevention shampoo is one of a kind! It contains 12 DHT blockers which help to create thicker hair and prevents further hair loss. he shampoos and conditioners are free from SLS, parabens and gluten! The premium organic Argan oil based conditioner adds texture, shine and volume to hair. The pure and organic Argan oil is great for skin too! It's 100% cold pressed so it's potent. It helps create smoother skin, restores nutrients to cells and reduces scars. These products are safe for daily use for all hair types for both men and women.

For more than four years, Pura d'or has been growing a culture planted on a natural set of values and beliefs. But when all is said and done it comes down to one unified mission—to create organic personal care solutions that naturally work.

All the ingredients are grown on trees, not in test tubes. Their products are artisanally handcrafted by a hybrid team of artists and scientists, not by machines. Some say that this is a step backward, but Pura d'or believes that this is a step in the direction of how things should be. Pura d'or creates better beauty products from ingredients that are not only naturally beneficial, but are also sustainably grown and raised with respect for the animals that eat them and the people who produce them.

All of Pura d'or's products are made with only all natural ingredients with no harsh chemicals. They are animal cruelty free, USDA bio-based certified, and Dr. Trusted.

My Review

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I have thick, full hair already but I am always shedding. I wanted to try this product to help stop the shedding. My hair is everywhere and I leave strands of it all over the floors plus running my fingers through my hair in the shower trying to de-tangle it I lose strands. This is all very normal but I want it to be reduced a bit. Though I have thick, dry, long hair and it often gets weighted down on the top. I want full voluminous hair! I want hydrated hair! I have been using Argan oil in my hair for years and without it, I think my hair would be much dryer. I have used it on my skin before but felt it left my hands a bit greasy feeling. I can't wait to try all of these!
I love bottles with built in pumps and this one works well. It does not dispense too much which is nice because you really don't need a lot of the shampoo to do the job. I was surprised at how well it lathered because in my experience lathering shampoos strip my hair more.
  

Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo The first thing I noticed with this product is the scent, it smells kind of like pine trees and Christmas. The smell isn't particularly strong or unappealing and mostly washes out with the rinse. But it is soothing and relaxing and made me feel so much better even just with washing my hair. Premium Organic Argan Oil Based Conditioner I also love the scent of this shampoo, a vanilla and herb scent and it goes well with the scent of the shampoo. I have been using it along with the shampoo and I have been very pleased. Not only with my results but also with the scent post shower. My hair feels smooth and clean after each shower and I'm not feeling any buildup. The shampoo goes a long way but the conditioner doesn't quite match up. I always use more shampoo than conditioner than shampoo, I mean I go through two to four bottles of conditioner for each bottle of shampoo usually. Because of the price of these products, I don't see myself buying more of this product because of the price. With this conditioner I need to use much more than I would with other products I have used in the past t have the same result. If I use any less, my hair is unmanageable. Pure and Organic Argan Oil I have been trying to grow out my hair for a while now and it is now long, wavy/curly and dry. It can be hard to keep healthy and strong and it's hard to care for it. I have tried different brands of Argan oil in the past but some of them are just too expensive for how they work. Many of them got rid of flyaways but my hair felt greasy. I only shower every other day because shampoo dries out my hair more but I found myself shampooing more than usual. I love that Pura D'or is organic, with no fillers or additives! After using this product for a few days my hair feels healthier and hydrated without feeling greasy. My loose waves have continued to flourish and I just love it!

As a bonus, for the month of February Pura d'or has a special Valentines Day Coupon for 10% off your entire order, just enter Valentines2015 at checkout! PLUS you will receive a free 1oz bottle of Argan oil with any purchases. This is a limited time offer, only for Feburary so hurry and get yours today!

If you want to buy these products you can click the links above to get the products on Amazon or check out the Pura d'or website HERE.

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