Archive for Reviews

Bella Viva Orchards Mixed Dried Fruit Review and Glveaway – Ends 5/31

May 17, 2012 Jessi Food, Giveaways, Reviews


I have a confession. My family has a fruit addiction. Like, seriously, we should buy stock in it.

So, when I was given the chance to review a one pound bag of Bella Viva Orchards Mixed Dried Fruit, I was on that business like my kids on…well…fruit.

When the fruit mix arrived it looked so good, I actually hid it so I could get some before my boys tore into it. Once the fruit was out of the bag, I realized that one pound is a lot of fruit, and my boys and I enjoyed the mix for several snacks as well as mixed into some trail mix and with oatmeal. Happily, it went a LONG way.

What’s in a 1lb bag of Bella Viva Mixed Dried Fruit?

  • Apricots
  • Nectarines
  • Pears
  • Peaches
  • Prunes
  • Apples

What I Loved About Bella Viva’s Mixed Dried Fruit…

  • The fruit slices and pieces are large, soft and true to the flavor of the fruit. With a lot of the dried fruit you find in stores, the pieces are small, hard and flavors are often compromised by “flavor enhancers” like sugar.
  • The quality of the fruit wasn’t ruined after the bag was opened and closed with a twist tie several times. The last slice of apple had the same great taste and texture as the first.
  • The textures were soft and chewy without being gummy or hard. I hate when I bite into a piece of dried fruit and, a minute later, I’m still chewing on it like a piece of beef jerky, or it’s so hard I’m scared it’s going to bust my pearlies right out of my mouth. Bella Viva Orchard’s fruit was perfect for my taste.
  • The fruit flavors didn’t mingle. For example, while the prunes were appropriately moist, the apple slice beside it still tasted like apple.
  • It was a satisfying snack. This is really important for me, because I’m trying to eat healthier snacks, especially at night when those naughty cravings kick in. Because the pieces are so generous, I had to take several bites rather than grabbing a handful and mindlessly stuffing them in my mouth…like I’d do with candy, chips or cookies. If you have a problem with night cravings like me, you totally know what I mean.

My boys and I really enjoyed this dried fruit mix. It was tasty, hearty and one pound really does last a long time. The only thing I’d like to point out to parents is that the prunes aren’t pitted, so you should be careful about that when giving them to your children.

About Bella Viva Orchards and their products…

Bella Viva Orchards, named after their daughters, Belle and Vivian, doesn’t just sell great dried fruit. Their online store also has loads of tasty treats like nuts, fresh fruit, berries, trail mix, chocolates and a variety of gift baskets. If you want to be updated about what’s happening and special offers from Bella Viva Orchards, follow them on Facebook.

BUY IT:

The 1lb bag of Bella Viva Orchards’ Mixed Dried Fruit my family enjoyed retails on their site for $8.00. BUT, if you place an online order before July 20, 2012, you can score a 15% discount using this code at checkout: blogdiscount2x720

WIN IT:

The rad folks at Bella Viva Orchards are generously offering Mama’s Got Flair readers a chance to win his or her own 1lb bag of Mixed Dried Fruit! This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years and older.  Enter for your chances to win on the Rafflecopter form below.

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Dr. Max Powers Stretch Mark Treatment Review

May 4, 2012 Jessi Health and Fitness, Reviews


One of the many truths of motherhood is the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy. Since I’ve gone through three pregnancies, I can say I’ve definitely been graced with my fair share of battle scars, especially around my mid-section.

I’ve recently had the chance to review Dr. Max Powers Stretch Mark Treatment. The cream is designed with vitamins and nutrients which are specifically formulated to promote elasticity and collagen production to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks as well as help prevent them from occurring in the first place.

While the packaging and description suggest that the Stretch Mark Treatment is being more promoted towards those who may get stretch marks while buffing up at the gym, I figured its natural, organic ingredients would be just as beneficial to the mamas out there who received their badges of courage during pregnancy.

My Observations

The scent of the Stretch Mark Treatment is light, but does smell a bit like citronella. I wasn’t crazy about it, but liked it more than some of the heavy menthol based creams out there. Because the cream is designed more for body builders than moms, it’s easily forgivable. I’d rather be working out downwind from citronella fella than stale sweat guy.

Also, I feel it’s important that I point out that it’s not a lotion. I say this because it’s designed to stay on while you’re working out, so it doesn’t completely absorb into the skin. I could definitely still feel it on my skin over an hour later, but it wasn’t greasy and didn’t bother me at all.

After using the cream on my old stretch marks for a week, I didn’t notice much of a difference in the appearance of the lines, but there was a definite change in the softness of my skin.

Would I recommend it?

Because I didn’t test it for more than a week, I don’t feel comfortable claiming or disclaiming the efficacy of its potential to reduce existing stretch marks. I do however feel, given the noticeable change in how the tested area of skin felt, that it may be valuable in reducing the formation of new stretch marks.

Buy It

If you’d like to buy some Dr. Max Powers Stretch Mark Treatment, it’s on sale for $9.00 on their site.

Disclaimer: 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.

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What’s for Breakfast? Nature’s Hand Granola Review

April 29, 2012 Jessi Food, Reviews


Since my first taste of granola cereal as a little girl, I’ve always been a huge fan. It’s loaded with flavor and is a filling, whole grain, energy boost for the beginning of the day.

As a mom of three boys, a great start to the morning is important. Without a solid foundation to the day, my little dudes can run me ragged long before lunch time. So when I was given the opportunity to try out Nature’s Hand Granola cereal, I was totally excited.

Nature’s Hand Granola is made with premium, all natural ingredients, such as roasted oats and wheat, soy oil, nuts and seeds. The cereal is low in sugar and uses no artificial colors or flavors, cholesterol, trans fats, sodium or preservatives. It’s lightly sweetened with caramelized brown sugar and honey, boasting a low 6 grams of sugars per serving.

Nature’s Hand Granola comes in Original Vanilla Almond as well as these six delicious blends:

  • French Vanilla Almond
  • Cranberry Delight
  • Wild Blueberry
  • Raisin Hazelnut
  • Cinnamon Apple
  • Maple Pecan

Nature’s Hand sent me two of the listed flavor blends for this review: French Vanilla Almond and Maple Pecan.

My Observations

Both blends were full of crunchy clusters of hearty oats and wheat, but they had distinctly different flavors.

The French Vanilla Almond was sweet, but not overpoweringly so. You could see and taste the almond slivers and sunflower seeds, but the showstopper was definitely the rich vanilla flavor. It was definitely prominent from start to finish.

The Maple Pecan was just plain WOW. The flavoring was a touch more subtle than the vanilla blend, but it was absolutely delicious throughout the whole bowl. There were small chunks of pecans and sunflower seeds in the clusters which complemented the maple flavor perfectly. We’re talking serious snack potential here.

Of the two blends, the Maple Pecan was definitely my favorite, but they were both scrumptious and hearty. Not only did I enjoy them with milk and fruit, but I also blended them into trail mixes and had them over vanilla yogurt. Yum!

Would I recommend Nature’s Hand Granola?

If you’re looking for a great breakfast or simple snack to keep you going during the day, I would recommend Nature’s Hand Granola. It’s not only scrumptious, but healthy and guilt-free.

Buy It

You can find Nature’s Hand Granola online and in supermarkets and specialty grocery stores across the country. It’s suggested retail price is $4.99 per bag.

To find out more about Nature’s Hand Granola, you can visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: 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.

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Rascal Flatts’ Latest Album “Changed” Review

April 20, 2012 Jessi Music, Reviews

I’ve been a Rascal Flatts fan since their first single, “Prayin’ for Daylight” hit the radio waves in 2000. Over the past 12 years they’ve released seven albums and when I was given the chance to review their eighth, the recently released Changed, it took me all of a millisecond to reply with a resounding “YES, PLEASE!”

I was actually a little worried that the title, Changed, was an indicator that they were switching gears and going in a different direction with their sound, which has always been a perfect mix of country and rock. I’m not the kind of gal who likes when artists with a consistently awesome, unique sound do a total 180 and leave their fans in the dust.

And while it’s clear the Rascal Flatts fellas are always striving to keep things fresh and entertaining, my fears were quickly quelled once I got the album in my hot little hands.

Changed is “fresh and new,” but continues to deliver their totally rad, solid style without making longtime fans scratch their heads and wonder “What were they thinking? That didn’t sound like the artist I’ve grown to love at all.” To me, that’s really important.

“Changed” is actually the title track, a touching and spiritual song about letting faith help you get back on track and move in a new, promising direction. It’s an inspiring, uplifting song and one of my faves on the album.

I say “one of my faves” because it would be hard to choose a single favorite. The whole album was totally Rascal Flatts at their best–not a “skippable” song on the whole CD. I enjoyed every tune, from the rocking “Great Big Love” to the soft, sentimental “Let It Hurt.”

The complete list of tracks on the Changed album are:

  • Changed
  • Banjo
  • Hot In Here
  • Come Wake Me Up
  • She’s Leaving
  • Let It Hurt
  • Lovin’ Me
  • Hurry Baby
  • Sunrise
  • Great Big Love
  • A Little Home

I loved the album. If you’re a Flatts fan, you won’t be disappointed, and if you’re a newbie to modern country, you’ll enjoy Changed. It totally has my seal of approval.

If you’d like see Rascal Flatts in concert, you can check out their tour schedule here.

 

Disclosure: I received a copy of “Changed” through the One2OneNetwork in order to facilitate my review. No additional compensation was received; all opinions are my own.

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Love that Frizz Control: Shielo Antioxidant Leave In Protectant Review

April 11, 2012 Jessi Beauty and Grooming, Reviews


When it comes to my 30-something, curly hair, I have two constant problems: whacked-out frizz and gray hair–no doubt from being a mom. To cover the “kid spots,” I’ve been using hair dye for years. As for the frizz, which is a persistent problem with the ridiculous Midwestern humidity and the natural nature of my locks, I’m constantly on the search for great frizz control that won’t weigh down my hair or damage my color-treated curls.

When I heard about Shielo Antioxidant Leave in Protectant for heat styling and frizz control, I had to give it a try. If anyone’s hair could benefit from some gentle frizz control, it’s this girl.

Shielo is a paraben free, leave in antioxidant protectant mist made with organic extracts, pro-vitamins, proteins and amino acids. The protective complex infuses hair with vitamins while providing UV protection…which is especially awesome for color-treated hair like mine.

The key ingredients found in Shielo Antioxidant Leave in Protectant are:

  • UV Protectants and natural antioxidants from White Tea
  • Shea Butter to lock in moisture and seal the hair shafts
  • Wheat Crosspolymer to shield color, reduce breakage and boost flexibility

How to use Shielo Antioxidant Leave in Protectant:

After washing, towel dry your hair and mist it through. Comb it through your hair to ensure the best coverage. Then you can style your hair as usual.

My Observations:

The fragrance is delicate and feminine. It’s not overbearing like some hair products that leave you feeling like you might as well have bathed in it. I love it!

The mist really is light, but covers thoroughly, and after using Shielo Antioxidant for a couple weeks, the applicator never gummed up, which has been a common problem from less natural products I’ve used.

When I was combing through my hair, I could literally feel the difference. It’s hard to explain, but as I ran the comb through, I could feel a sleekness as it covered the strands. At first, I was worried that such thorough coverage would leave my hair too heavy and sticky, but that was never the case.

My hair was left silky and manageable, and while I still used my usual gel for styling, I could tell a difference in the reduction of fly-away hairs. I can say with confidence that it made a distinct difference in the amount of frizz I saw throughout the day.

After using Shielo consistently for about a week, I noticed significantly less breakage when styling my hair.

While there were still some fly-away hairs after using Shielo Antioxicant Leave in Protectant, there was a definite, and undeniable improvement. As shown in the pictures below, not only are there many fewer fly-aways, but the sheen and vibrancy of my hair is drastically different.

These pictures were taken at the days’ ends on two different, very windy, extremely active days–that’s the only way to test a frizz reducing product, right? In the first picture, I’m only using gel. In the second picture, I’m using Shielo Antioxidant Leave in Protectant as directed, plus my regular gel.

These pictures don’t begin to do the difference justice.

Would I Recommend Shielo Antioxidant Leave in Protectant?

Yes, I definitely would. I saw an improvement in the quality of my hair, from less breakage to shinier, healthier-looking, better-controlled locks.

Want to try Shielo Antioxidant Leave in Protectant?

You can purchase a 4 ounce bottle, like the one I reviewed, for $19.99 on the Shielo site. Because of the fine mist, a 4 ounce bottle goes a long way.

I received one 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.

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Dulce de Leche Cheerios Review and Prize Pack Give Away (ends 3/19) – NOW CLOSED

March 12, 2012 Jessi Food, Giveaways, Reviews

dulce de leche cheerios

Cheerios brand cereal has been a staple for moms and families for decades, and with good reason. Their commitment to great ingredients and small, easy to hold and chew size has made them one of the first solid goodies are babies get to enjoy.

Cheerios has recently added to their available flavors of whole grain cereals, including the delectable Dulce de Leche Cheerios. Packed with whole grains (39% of the daily recommendation per serving, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans), only six grams of sugar per serving and lightly flavored with the Latin inspired caramel flavor of Dulce de Leche, this cereal is a treat I feel good about sharing with my family.

And, after sharing it with them, they were happy I shared, too. My kids went CRAZY over Dulce de Leche Cheerios. They love to eat it with milk and fruit for breakfast as well as munching it dry for a snack.

Since receiving my Dulce de Leche review pack from Cheerios, it’s become a regular item on my grocery list. No fooling. Not only are my kids huge fans, but the hubz and I enjoy it, too. In fact, I’ve even been using it as a sweet substitute for chocolate in my homemade trail mix. I add it to peanuts, raisins, dates, sunflower seeds and flax seeds. My kids LOVE it!

cheerios trail mix

The sweet caramel flavor of Dulce de Leche Cheerios makes them a great snack on their own, but they can also be used in a wide variety of desserts from Dulce de Leche No-Bake Cheesecake to Dulce de Leche Apple Bread and many more. They’re definitely a versatile and delicious addition to any kitchen.

BUY IT

Dulce de Leche Cheerios cereal is available in cereal aisles nationwide. You can connect with Cheerios on Facebook to stay “in the know” about offers, updates and other Cheerios goodness.

WIN IT

The generous folks at General Mills sent me the following Dulce de Leche Cheerios Prize Pack and want to send one to you, too! This giveaway is open to US residents, 18+. Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!!

The Dulce de Leche Cheerios Prize Pack Includes:dulce de leche cheerios prize pack

  • Box of Dulce de Leche Cheerios
  • Orange polka dot cereal bowl
  • Cereal spoon
  • Dulce de Leche scented candle (BTW…It smells AMAZING!!)

» Read more..

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