It's official!!!!

We're engaged!!!!! I'll post all the details later!!! :)

MAD REPS Protein Cakes Review

Delicious Grab-n-Go Nutrition that works as hard as you do!

If your energy snack is better suited in the candy or cookie aisle, how nutritious can it be? And if you are an athlete looking for maximum performance, or a busy health conscious person in need of quick energy – high-fructose corn syrup, trans-fat and preservatives just won’t cut it!
So after years of frustration with the protein bar/energy snack market, New York City Fitness Guru’s, Personal Trainer Mike Mincieli and Sports Nutritionist, Donna Mincieli, RD, set out to create their own. With sports nutrition, supplementation, and nature’s healthiest ingredients in mind, and after 100’s of trial & error test batches, the MadReps Line of high protein, healthy  cakes was finally born!

Why we’re better!

• BAKED FRESH TO ORDER! Yes that’s right. Your cakes are not made until we receive your order. Then they are shipped out to you within 24 hours.
• MADE WITH MINIMALLY PROCESSED REAL WHOLE FOODS that naturally contain compounds proven to improve health and function to an optimal level. Our whole food ingredients contain phytonutrients, antioxidants, probiotics, fiber and essential fatty acids (EFA’s). Research shows a diet that includes these compounds can prevent lifestyle related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
• WE DON’T ADD PRESERVATIVES. Do you really want to eat something that can sit on a shelf for weeks or months – when it’s not supposed to?
• WE USE SUPPLEMENTS BACKED BY SCIENCE AND PROVEN TO WORK. All of our cakes are infused with at least one other natural ingredient, in a supplemental form, that enhances something – muscle growth, sports performance, mental focus, fat burning, appetite suppression, etc.
• NO TRANS OR SATURATED FAT
• NO HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP OR ARTIFICIAL SWEETNERS
• LOW IN SODIUM  

****************************************************************

• 

  My Review: 10/10! 

  These protein cakes tasted like an indulgent treat! They tasted exactly like cinnamon pound cake. I LOVED THEM! They came in two different flavors, Cinnamon Oat and Guarana Almond. The Guarana Almond gave me a little boost of energy for my workout! I like eating both of them for a HEALTHY dessert! MMMM!!! 

  Please visit their website:

  http://madreps.com/

  Like them on Facebook

  Follow them on Twitter

   

Quest Bars - PB&J and Banana Nut Muffin Review

 

Well folks, QUEST BAR has done it again!!! 

They have two new flavors:

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Banana Nut Muffin

All I gotta say is...

WOW!!!

These were PHENOMENAL. 

The Peanut Butter and Jelly tasted just like the regular thing except in a convenient bar form!

The Banana Nut Muffin was very tasty!

I loved both of these, but I gotta say, Peanut Butter and Jelly is my ALL TIME favorite Quest Bar! 

:)

Check out their website:

http://www.QuestNutrition.com

Like them on:

Facebook

Follow them on:

Twitter

 

Grinch Day 2012 and Announcement!!

 

On Wednesday, we had Grinch Day at school. My students LOVED my outfit and hair. They were fascinated by how tall my hair was! haha We had a contest with the faculty for who would be the "Who-si-est of Whos" and I was the runner up! 

It was a fun fun day! We went to the library and sat on a sleigh while the older kids read to my class. Then, we had Grinch Snacks while we watched the movie. We also held hands and sang the Who Ville song around the big Christmas tree in the foyer. I had just as much fun as the kids did! 

 

 

I finally got to babysit again! I LOVE IT! One thing I've noticed is that dogs are drawn to me. Everytime I am around a dog they want to sit in my lap and cuddle up with me. This dog decided to sit on the TOP of the couch and put his face RIGHT next to mine. We both fell asleep. haha

 

 

Today, Jared and I had a lunch date from MILES AWAY!! Thank you FaceTime! It was really nice to "eat together". 

ONLY 6 MORE DAYS TIL WE ARE TOGETHER AGAIN!!! WAHOOO!!!

**************

 COOL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!

 Does anybody have their New Years Resolutions in mind yet? If losing weight is one of them, I have some exciting news to share with you... You could win $1000! :)

 Stay tuned on my blog for details!!! 

OLD TRADITIONS + NEW TRADITIONS.

Old Tradition: Myrtle and I ALWAYS make Christmas countdown chains. Even though I don't babysit her everyday anymore, she is still my "little sis". I went over and decorated chains just like we've done for the past 5 years. It was fun! 

But, I have a SPECIAL countdown this year... Counting down the days until JARED AND I ARE TOGETHER AGAIN! He's been away for golf tournaments. I am SO THANKFUL that there are only 11 days left until we're together again! The number started out at 26, so 11 is like a piece of cake! 

These were taken on completely different days...

They say that couples start to mimic each other over time.... 

HAHAHA. 

I LOVE this pic of us dancing at our friends' wedding. Megan and Joel! :) 

New Traditions: 

I started the Elf on the Shelf in my classroom. The kids LOVE it. 

I've been drinking Zija SUPER MIX for only 4 days, and my allergies have significantly improved! SO THANKFUL. 

I bought the Italian Grilled Vegetable Wood-Fired Pizza for a roomie night. It was delicious. 

I created the strawberry-pineapple pizza for myself to try and LOVED it as well. 

All you need is pita bread, spread cream cheese and strawberry jam on top, then top with strawberries and pinepple. 

EASY PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY.

To complete our roomie night, we had dessert from The Cheesecake Factory.

PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE. 

OH. MY. GOSH. 

DE-LISH.

Charmin Freshmates Review

I received a free sample of the new Charmin Freshmates wipes to review and post on my blog.

Charmin^® Freshmates^® are made with just the right amount of moisture so when used with dry toilet paper, the flushable wet wipes give a cleaner clean than dry bath tissue alone. Because you wouldn't bathe with just a dry towel and expect to get clean.

I have to admit, I've used toilet paper all my life, so this was a little different for me. I imagine families with young children would REALLY ENJOY these because they probably have accidents and spills DAILY with their kids. They did smell good and were easily flushable like the package said! 

If you'd like a chance to win $5000 Visa Gift card, head over to http://vocalpoint.com/freshmates/sweeps and enter! 

:) 

It's December already?!?!?

Hey there! It's been a while since I've posted about life. So, here goes: 

Thanksgiving with Jared's family was wonderful. 

The gang... (minus grandparents) 

I love them all! 

At MIDNIGHT on Thanksgiving, Jared and I started off Black friday with a WORKOUT! His trainer was doing a charity event for a little boy off the Angel Tree. We had a tough workout, then headed out to the malls to do some shopping! 

We didn't go to sleep until 5:30 AM. We had a BLAST. Love spending any time we can together... even if it's 4:30AM and I say, "babe, I think I just hit the wall" and proceed to almost fall asleep leaning my head on his shoulder as we walk through the mall... hahaha.. 

Random Stuff that I want to share because I can...

I painted my nails BRIGHT PINK so it would remind me of summer when I look at them and hopefully make me warmer... :) 

Love a note from a student in my class. So sweet. Then, as if that wasn't sweet enough, I recieved a note from the OTHER first grade class too! WHAT A SWEETHEART!!! 

:) 

We finally have appliances from the 21st century in my condo now!!!!! Brand new stove and microwave. I'm so glad we updated them when we did because the technician said the wires were so old on our other stove that it could have started a FIRE soon. Apparently it wasn't installed correctly many many moons ago when it was first put in. GOD WAS DEFINITELY LOOKING OUT FOR US!!! 

I got some PB2 from the giveaway that I won from Amy. It is SO GOOD!!! It's peanut butter that's in powder form. You just add water and VOILA! DELICIOUS PEANUT BUTTER WITH only 45 calories and 1.5 g of fat per TWO TABLESPOONS!!!!!!!

WHAT UP!!!

Hope everyone is having a great start to DECEMBER!!!

:)

Only 20 days until Jared and I get to see each other!!!! CAN'T. WAIT. 

LOVE THAT GUY! 

Boom Chicka Pop Review

Boom Chicka Pop Review

Info about Boom Chicka Pop: 

100% awesome, 0% guilt. the hint of sweet ups the ante to a deliciously svelte 37 calories per cup. Made to our exacting, naturally simple standards.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE

Popcorn, Fair Trade Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt.

*********************************************************************************

They came in two flavors: Sea Salt and Lightly Sweet. 

My Review: 10/10!

Popcorn is my favorite snack. I LOVED the taste of both of the flavors and the fact that I could eat a LOT of popcorn without eating too many calories! It's the perfect snack for when the munchies hit. 

Visit their website at:

http://www.angiespopcorn.com

You can like them on Facebook

and Follow them on Twitter

Protein Bakery Review and GIVEAWAY!!!!

Protein Bakery has launched BRAND NEW MINIS! 

:)

They have four flavors in their minis:

Mini Chocolate Chip Brownie

Mini Peanut Butter Blondie

Mini Black and White Brownie

Mini Peanut Butter Brownie

I LOVED the Peanut Butter Blondie! It was SO good! It was just the perfect portion for an after dinner treat that didn't leave me feeling weighed down. 

The chocolate flavors were loved by my boyfriend and roomies, since I don't like chocolate. They gave them two thumbs up!

Protein Bakery also launched a new seasonal flavor cookie!

Ginger Oatmeal Raisin 

I love oatmeal raisin cookies! This one was kicked up a notch with the added ginger! MMM!!!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN A PACKAGE OF YOUR OWN TO TRY!?!?

Well, fill out as much of the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance!

:)

The winner will receive an assortment of minis and 2 ginger oatmeal raisin 2 packs! It's a $45.00 value! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW PIZZA CREATION!!!

First of all, I just have to say that I am SO GLAD Panera Bread is open in my town now! WAHOOOOO!!! I celebrated the opening with a Roasted Turkey Artichoke on Focaccia Bread. 

MMMMMM!!!

My roomie was cleaning out her closet of things that didn't fit her anymore, so I scored some REALLY  cute dresses and a couple blouses! 

:)

Thanks Kasey! 

Lastly, I have to share a TASTY new creation with you.

All you need is:

Store bought Pizza Crust

Strawberry Jam

Swiss Cheese

Deli Ham

Diced Apples

To begin, I smothered strawberry jam on the crust.

Then, I put little bits of swiss cheese on top of the jam.

I microwaved for about thirty seconds, before I added the diced apples and ham. 

I microwaved for another 30 seconds, and VOILA!

DELICIOUS PIZZA!!!!

:)

Don't knock it til you try it!  

Barry's Bakery

Barry's Bakery French Twists

Layers of Cinnamony sweet puff pastry. Each Weight Watchers approved twist is only 30 calories and low fat. They have NO cholesterol, butter, eggs, yeast, or dairy. 

Find out more on their website.

******************************************

MY REVIEW:

10/10.

I took these to share with some friends at small group. We enjoyed sampling all of the flavors. 

This was the order of our favorite beginning on the left. 

We liked the Maple French Toast the best because it had the best flavor overall. Following that was Wild Raspberry, California Almond, Original, and lastly Chocolate Chip. 

At first, we expected the French Twists to be soft and chewy, but they weren't. They were more of a crunchy treat which surprised us, but after a few bites, most people thought they really liked the crunchy texture better! :) 

Please visit their website.

Like them on Facebook.

Last Chance Survey

I saw this fun survey on the blog, The Lunchbox Diaries, so I thought it would be fun to fill out! :)

1. Last food you ate?  Cheese toast with garlic powder for extra flavor. Simple, but tasty.

2. Last beverage you drank? Crystal Light- strawberry flavor. yum! 

3. Last workout? DANCE IT OUT!!! It's my favorite workout of the week!!!

4. Last thing you pinned? I don't do pinterest! (GASP!) I just don't want to get sucked into it. I spend too much time on other social media already... 

5. Last text message you sent? I will, I promise! I already have my stuff packed in the car!!! (Sent to Jared. I'm leaving to spend Thanksgiving with his family RIGHT after I get done teaching on Tuesday!!! YAY!!!)

6. Last blog you visited? Colleen at The Lunchbox Diaries. She makes me laugh :) 

 7. Last tweet you sent?

I LOVE CHRISTMAS. I started listening to Christmas music BEFORE Halloween. 

8. Last place you visited? Publix. Had to pick up some Arctic Zero to indulge in :) 

9. Last time you did ab work? Friday. I do abs every MWF :)

10. Last show you watched? GLEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!! 

11. Last thing you baked? Baked oatmeal.

12. Last item on your to-do list today? Talk to Jared on the phone!!! (We always talk right before we go to bed... love it!) 

Let's talk... what's the last thing you told somebody

 THANK YOU for? 

I told my mom thank you for treating me to Panera Bread for

 dinner last night!! :) 

Edward and Sons Trading Co Review and GIVEAWAY

• Edward & Sons Trading Co is family owned and run. Founded in 1978.
• Our motto is "Convenience without Compromise" ®
• We do not tolerate artificial ingredients in packaged foods so Edward & Sons™ products will never contain artificial flavors or colors, chemical preservatives or hydrogenated fats
• All of our items are vegetarian and most are suitable for vegans
• We offer many options for those with food allergies and special diets such as Gluten Free or Kosher
• Our product family encompasses several brands, including Edward & Sons ™, Native Forest®, Let's Do...Organic®, The Wizard's®, Premier Japan®, Let's Do...® and Road's End Organics®

My Review: 

Onion and Garlic Rice Snax: 8/10. These were okay tasting crackers. They didn't make my breath smell very good afterwards, but I kinda knew that going into it since they were onion and garlic flavor. haha. 

Organic Marinated Crimini Mushrooms (Italian Garlic): 8/10. I love mushrooms and these didn't disappoint! 

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: 8/10. These were super easy to make, and they tasted yummy! Hit the spot when I was craving comfort food!

Edward and Sons would like to offer TWO of my readers the same prize pack!

To enter, follow the RaffleCopter widget instructions below:



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bites of Bliss GIVEAWAY!!!

Remember those tasty Bites of Bliss that I reviewed the other day?

Well, the company has offered one of my readers a "caddy" of 12 Bites of Bliss, 4 of EACH flavor!

What a great prize!

:)

To enter, follow instructions on the RaffleCopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unexpected Break

So... last Tuesday, I'm sitting at lunch and our principal comes up and tells us that we're not having school for the rest of the week due to illness.

Here's what went through my head in the span of like THIRTY SECONDS.

First thought : "YAAAAAAY!!! NOW I CAN GO VISIT JARED AND HIS FAMILY!!!!"
Second thought: "Oh crap, I'm gonna have to change all my lesson plans!!!"
Third thought: "WAIT A MINUTE, WE ARE REALLY OUT OF SCHOOL FOR A WEEK!?!?"

Then, my principal explained that we WOULDN'T have to change our lesson plans, because we would be sending all their work home to complete with their parents.

I couldn't have asked for a better situation!!! I thank God everyday for His wonderful blessings, but this was an EXTRA BONUS!!!

So, I immediately called Jared and told him the good news. He was excited. Then, I get a phone call from his mom saying that she was so excited that I was coming, but just had to ask, "why did we get out of school?"  I explained that there were SO MANY kids out because of the flu, stomach virus, and strep throat, that they decided to just cancel school for a week so everyone could get better.

Now, I felt bad that so many kids were sick, but I prayed that they got better quickly, and I high tailed it outta town to visit my boyfriend and his family!!! :)

Jared and I were SO THANKFUL for this special extra time to spend together since we went THREE AND A HALF WEEKS without seeing each other!!!

Jared and I are SO GRATEFUL for technology to keep in touch when we're miles apart. He sent me this pic from the plane and I just think it's DARLING. He is such a cutie!!! :) It's my new background on my phone. 

Fun moment: we shopped together through FaceTime. haha. He was at the outlet malls and found a HUGE sale on Under Armor workout gear. He showed me the outfits and I told him yay or nay. It was such a fun experience! 

Thanks to Jared's family, I ALWAYS check the Manager's Special aisle at Kroger... check out what I snagged at my last trip... my FAVORITE popcorn!!! MMM!! I got TWO bags for less than one regular bag. :) 

Even though Jared left for Q-school the day before, I decided to head to the range and PRACTICE. My dad and I had enjoyed spending time together at the range. He was surprised how much better I hit than I used to! :) Thanks to Jared for being an AWESOME instructor!! ;)

Well, I'm off to work on lesson plans for my TWO DAY work week coming up! It's ALMOST Thanksgiving!!!

:)

Michael Angelo's Head to Head Taste Test

Michael Angelo's contacted me and asked if I would like to participate in a head-to-head lasagna taste test...

 umm.. YES! :) 

They gave me a gift card and asked me to buy their products alongside a few of their competitors. I chose the Eggplant Parmesan and Vegetable Lasagna from Michael Angelo's, Vegetable Lasagna from Stouffer's, and Three Meat and Four Cheese Lasagna from Marie Callender's. 

Overall, the nutritional stats were similar for each of the products. They were all around 400 calories. Michael Angelo's and the Stouffer's had a significantly lower amount of sodium than the Marie Callender's. So, for nutritional stats, Michael Angelo's and Stouffer's tied. 

As far as aroma, they all smelled REALLY good when I took them out of the oven. :) I couldn't decide which smell I liked the best.. it was too hard! 

Appearance: The eggplant parmesan was the best looking. It was evenly distributed with cheese and sauce. The other ones were a little lop sided on top. 

Texture: The best texture was definitely the Michael Angelo's Vegetable Lasagna. It was easy to cut and stayed together nicely. The Stouffer's and Marie Callender's fell apart and spread out over my plate.   

Taste: They were all very tasty, but if I had to choose my favorite, it would definitely be the Eggplant Parmesan. It tasted BETTER than the dish I ordered at a restaurant! Yes, THAT GOOD! The vegetable lasagna from Michael Angelo's came in 2nd because I really enjoyed the variety of veggies. They were all very tasty and they both FILLED ME UP. The Stouffer's and Marie Callender's lasagnas didn't fill me up quite as much. 

So, the ultimate winner for this gal was... (drum roll please...)

EGGPLANT PARMESAN!!!

Please check out Michael Angelo's website and check out their WIDE VARIETY of delicious entrees to choose from!!!

http://www.michaelangelos.com/home

Thanks again to Michael Angelo's for allowing me to participate in this taste test! 

:) 

Betty Lou's Review and GIVEAWAY

Betty Lou's Info:

I have always believed that there is a connection between what we eat and how we feel.

Everyone wants to feel their best, and when I decided to remove refined sugar from my family's diet 32 years ago, I began creating recipes that were made with honey and brown rice syrup instead. Children know what they like, and my sons were my very first taste-testers. As I fine-tuned the recipes my boys' friends took notice, and soon I had the most popular yard in the neighborhood! I was like the mom with Kool-Aid(tm) in the TV commercial.

I chose "Just Great Stuff... and Plenty of it!" as our motto because it truly reflects the dedication that we have to the quality of our products. I always use the best, healthiest, cutting edge ingredients because I believe that they taste better and make you feel better.

Today we still make Nut Butter Balls as well as our very popular layered Fruit Bars, Powdered Peanut Butter (with 85% less fat than regular peanut butter!), Low Glycemic Protein Shakes, Cookies and a line of Organic Just Great Stuff Bars that contain interesting, whole food ingredients... like organic cacao nibs, freeze-dried acai and raspberries, goji berries, mangoes, bananas and even freeze-dried spinach, kale and broccoli sprouts.

Every day at Betty Lou's we challenge the notion that healthy, all-natural, gluten-free products have to compromise on taste. We've proven that the opposite can be true! Our delicious products have been made that way from the beginning and it's what we do best!

Betty Lou

**********************************************************

My Review

Nut Butter Balls: 10/10! OH MY WORD. Delicious doesn't even begin to describe these! The flavors were incredible. Almond Butter, Peanut Butter, and Coconut Macadamia. HOLY MOLEY! These were perfect as a pre-workout snack! YUM! 

Just Great Stuff Bars: 8/10. They had a soft and chewy texture. The Fruit and Veggie Bar was not my favorite. I didn't like the veggie taste, I think the kale was what stood out as the most unliked ingredient of the bar. The Superberry Acai bar was pretty good though. :)

Powdered Peanut Butter: 10/10! WOW! Not only did this peanut butter taste delicious, it was only 45 calories per serving!!! You could add as much water as you desired. I didn't add a lot because I like my PB thick and creamy....mmm!!! This would also be great to add on top of ice cream for that TASTY peanut butter flavor! 

Fruit Bars: 11/10! These little bites of deliciousness were incredible! They tasted like mini pies! MMM!! 

Protein Shakes: 7/10. This was a great addition to a smoothie, but it wasn't anything extraordinary. Simple vanilla flavor. 

Would you like to win some of these delicious goodies for yourself???

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bites of Bliss Review

Bites of Bliss® are superfood bites. What do we mean by “superfood”? Superfoods are foods that contain high phytonutrient content and as a result, have many health benefits. Our products contain many of these high quality superfoods which provide the body with energy, vitality and pure bliss...

Bites of Bliss® Superfood Bites are certified organic, certified gluten-free, certified kosher, raw, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free and have no agave or added sugars. Each flavor has its own unique quality and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Bites of Bliss® can be eaten in the morning for breakfast, before exercise to provide the body with energy, after exercise to replenish nutrients, as a meal replacement, or after a meal as a delicious dessert. They also make a great addition to kid's lunchboxes.

******************************************************

My Review: 9/10

These little bites tasted AMAZING. They were soft and chewy and full of flavor. The only reason I gave them a 9 is because they didn't keep me full for very long. (But, not a lot of things do...haha I LOVE to eat!) These are a very healthy after meal treat, or just a snack! 

Please check out their website:

http://mybitesofbliss.com

Facebook

Twitter

ONGO Energy Drink Review

ON GO Energy is an extremely convenient two-ounce energy shot packed with the smoothest flavor profile, and more energy than ever before. We’ve raised the bar for taste and quality in the energy shot category. 

*********************************************************************

My Review: 7/10

I liked that the energy shot was only 5 calories. I didn't feel an energy surge by any means, but it did help me through some early mornings teaching the little rascals. Some of the flavors didn't taste very good to me. The Pomegranate Blueberry reminded me of medicine! YUCK! 

The Grape and Berry Blast tasted pretty good though!

Check out their website at:

http://ongoenergy.com/#!/page_home

Facebook

Twitter

IsoPure Zero Carb

Here's some info about IsoPure Zero Carb:

Crystal clear 100% whey protein isolate that’s perfect before or after your workout; whether you just curled your body weight or you’re about to bike to Boulder.

My Review: 15/10!!!

These taste like liquid CANDY! OH MY GOSH. The fruity flavors are INCREDIBLE. They don't have any chalky taste like some protein drinks do. I felt like this was seriously a TREAT after a hard workout! Each bottle has 40 GRAMS OF PROTEIN with only 160 calories! It can't get any better than that!!! WOW! This has got to be my new favorite protein drink! :) 

Please check out their website and order some for yourself:

http://www.theisopurecompany.com/en/drinks

Like them on Facebook

Follow them on Twitter