Flax 4 Life Muffins Review

Here's some info about Flax4Life:

We pride ourselves on making the best tasting, nutritious and gluten-free products on the market. We have been in business for over 10 years and are continuing to come up with new and exciting flax based, gluten-free products.

The decision to develop products that are gluten-free and health oriented, originated around a decade ago when a few members of our family became very ill. They spent over two years seeing specialists, naturopathic physicians and visited the best doctors and hospitals in the nation. The doctors could not figure out what was wrong. One of our family member’s even went from a healthy active adult to being in a wheel chair. Eventually, it was discovered that they had celiac disease. Since then, almost everyone in our family has discovered that they are either gluten-intolerant or had celiac disease.

As a family of bakers, 4 generations of baking and distribution of baked goods, it became our mission to develop products that have many health benefits, are gluten-free, made with all natural ingredients but most importantly tastes - "DELICIOUS!"

Our commitment is to provide you with the highest quality product, produced in a dedicated gluten, nut and dairy free facility.

We encourage you to check out the rest of our website and look into the links section. There you will find some of the amazing evidence about flax benefits written by physicians and medical institutions. Please also like and follow us on both Facebook and Twitter.

Sincerely, 

Kasondra Shippen and The Flax4Life Family.

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My Review: 10/10!

These muffins were SUPER tasty. They were very moist and full of flavor. They were also VERY filling. It takes a lot to fill up this eating machine sometimes...haha. These muffins were delicious and nutritious! They had Omega 3,  fiber, and protein! 

I was sent the Apple Cinnamon and Wild Blueberry to try. If I HAD to pick a favorite, it would probably be the Apple Cinnamon, just because it had nice chunks of apple in it! The Wild Blueberry was very delicious too! 

Please visit their website:

http://flax4life.net

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Skout Bars Review

Here's some info about Skout Bars:

Made in the lush Willamette Valley of Oregon, Skout Trailbars embody the spirit of the region: rugged, abundant, unfettered energy. Just a handful of whole organic ingredients create a pure and delicious source of nourishment. Skout Trailbars were born of the need to sustain those who seek, find, and embrace adventure to its fullest.

Skout Natural Foods was created and inspired by the Pacific Northwest, considered by many to be one of the best outdoor recreation areas in the world. Our mission is to provide great tasting, healthy foods to sustain those who embrace adventure and actively pursue the outdoors.

Skout Natural Foods are made in Portland, Oregon, with a carefully chosen handful of organic ingredients. Our Trailbars provide a delicious source of naturally occurring protein, fiber and vitamins. Skout Trailbars are vegan, 100% organic and include a full serving of fruit sourced from local Northwest orchards when available.

The Skout Trailbars are our first products to hit the shelves. Stay tuned for the introduction of an organic granola snack in the near future.

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My Review: 8/10

The flavors were great, but it didn't really fill me up like I thought it would. That's why I gave it an 8. As far as taste goes, these are AWESOME! :) My favorite was probably Blueberry + Almond. The Cherry + Vanilla tasted like Cherry Pie. 

MMM!

Please visit their website:

http://skoutnatural.com

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GNC Total Lean Shakes and Breakfast Bars Review

GNC Total Lean Shakes and Breakfast Bars Info:

Shakes

Ready to Drink

• Healthy meal replacement or snack
• 25 grams of high quality protein
• 170 calories
• 24 vitamins and minerals
• Lactose Free

Breakfast Squares

Wholesome Nutrition

• 160 Calories
• 12g Protein
• 10g Fiber
• Zero Trans Fat

Breakfast Squares

Healthy Nutrition to Jump-Start Your Morning!

GNC Total Lean™ Breakfast Squares are a convenient, wholesome bar, packed with nutrients that your body needs to start the day. This isn’t your ordinary breakfast bar; it is packed with 12g of muscle fueling protein and 10g of fiber to keep you fuller longer. Each breakfast square is only 160 calories and has zero trans fat, so you don’t need to feel guilty while enjoying the great-tasting bar.

Try all three flavors of our great-tasting Breakfast Squares:

Iced Cinnamon Bun

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip

Strawberries & Cream

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Review: 10/10!

The strawberries and cream shake tasted FABULOUS!!! It was very rich and creamy! I loved that it was ready to drink and packed with 25 grams of protein! I drank these after my strength training workouts. 

I enjoyed the breakfast bars as dessert because they tasted SO STINKIN' GOOD!!! They were very similar in taste to a regular cinnamon bun. These bars had 12 g of protein and 10 g of fiber! :)

MMMMM!!!!

Please visit GNC's website!

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Quest Bar - Cravings Review

Quest Bars sent their brand new CRAVINGS bars to review. Y'all know I don't eat chocolate, so luckily Jared came to the rescue after very minimal convincing... haha

Check out their website:

http://www.QuestNutrition.com

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Here's his review:

Chocolate Crunch and Peanut Butter Cups.

The quest protein bars (chocolate crunch) tasted pretty good. The taste is about an 8/10. The bar does fall apart when you eat it but its worth it. It fills me up every time and has tons of protein. Good bars when you want a chocolate craving!!

I didn't like the Peanut Butter Cups as much. They were about a 6/10. Still a good alternative to a regular Reese's though!

Check out their website:

http://www.QuestNutrition.com

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Career = new workout routine!

Ever since I started teaching in August, I have made some changes to my workout routine. 

Here is what my workouts look like:

Monday- Strength Training and Stairmill (10 min)

Tuesday- Step Class

Wednesday- Strength Training and Stairmill (10 min)

Thursday- Step Class

Friday- Strength Training and Stairmill (10 min)

Saturday- DANCE IT OUT

Sunday- Rest 

I decided to ease up on the cardio on the days that I strength train because I walk around A TON at school. It's crazy how much I walk! We were recently given pedometers to keep track of our steps at school. Without trying to walk extra, I have calculated up to 6000 steps JUST DURING THE SCHOOL DAY! 

At the beginning of the school year, I tried to keep up with the high intensity cardio that I was doing in the summer, but I was just SO TIRED after school, that I had to change things. I can honestly say that I have never felt better! I have decreased my cardio, but still kept eating the same amount and haven't gained weight! :) I actually listened to Jared's advice and listened to MY BODY and did what was best for ME. 

Remember, STRONG is the new skinny! It's not about being the skinniest person. It's about being HEALTHY and being the best YOU that you can be! Don't fall into the comparison trap. 

I've been down that road before, and I NEVER want to go back!!!

On that note, I leave you with some pictures from the rehearsal and wedding that we attended over fall break! 

:)

Talk to me... do you listen to your body and change up your workout routine when you need to?

Bulu Box Review #2

Get Ready for a Healthy Discovery 

Every month, you'll get a box filled with 4 to 5 nutritional supplements from top brands. Look forward to a new mix of products for both men and women, including vitamins, supplements, sports nutrition, meal replacement, diet, energy, protein, detox, digestion, sexual health, herbs, natural remedies, endurance and more. We'll make sure you get enough to decide if the product is right for you. No shipping or shady fees. Depending on your plan you can cancel anytime.

• 4 to 5 premium samples 
• For men and women
• Delivered monthly for $10
• Cancel or transfer any time

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I love the idea of the Bulu Box! It's so cool to get samples of healthy products each month! I am able to sample new things before I buy an entire package! What a great concept! 

My review: 10/10!

TWO THUMBS UP!

Please visit their website:

http://www.bulubox.com

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Whole Fruit Smoothies Review

Whole Fruit Smoothies are made with chunks of real fruit and bursting with a refreshing taste. Get all the taste & quality with better-for-you benefits. Here at J&J Snack Foods we pride ourselves on providing customers with quality products. We think we've done a pretty good job!

They have three flavors:

Strawberry Banana

Mixed Berry

Pineapple Mango

They are only 100 calories each and have real fruit! 

My Review: 10/10!

These were the perfect portion for a healthy after dinner treat! I enjoyed all of the flavors, but my favorite was Pineapple Mango! I liked it because it was a unique flavor that I don't normally eat. 

Check our their website:

http://www.jjsnack.com/WholeFruit/home1.aspx

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/wholefruit 

Devotions for Couples

I just wanted to share an AWESOME devotional that Jared and I are doing together...

It's called Devotions for Dating Couples by Ben Young and Dr. Samuel Adams

WE LOVE THIS! 

Monday-Friday you read the daily devotionals by yourself. Then, on Saturday, you talk about the devotionals you read during the week and answer a list of questions. 

It is wonderful and has not only brought us closer to GOD, but also closer to each other. 

We HIGHLY recommend it! 

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Now, here are some pics from another photo shoot courtesy of my mom!

:)

Neocell's Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid

Here's some info about Neocell:



For decades the use of collagen, the body's structural protein, and it's therapeutic benefits have been widely recognized in Europe and Asia. At NeoCell, we are proud to say that we introduced collagen to the Americas.

Neocell was started in 1998 by founder and fearless leader Al Quadri, after an extraordinary personal experience. Al, a lifelong scientist and inventor, had just had major heart bypass surgery and was having a difficult time recovering. His time spent in the hospital had atrophied his muscles and his overall vitality was diminished. Al, being a scientist at heart, began researching Eastern alternative therapies to help him his recovery process. Al decided to incorporate collagen protein into his regimen after learning the integral role collagen plays in strengthening and rebuilding loss muscle mass and improving connective tissues.

Within just a few weeks, Al began to rapidly recover and regain his lost energy and vitality. Along with Al's recovery came a great inspiration, to start a company in the hopes that others could be helped by collagen supplementation, just as he had been. His goal was to create products that allowed people to live younger, longer. And so Neocell was born, as a small, research grounded, family-owned business with the idea of introducing the world to a premium quality, naturally-sourced, collagen based supplement line.

The past 13 years have been spent continually enhancing our processes so we are able to offer our customers the most bioavailable and bioactive collagen peptides possible. We are so proud to say millions of people have benefitted from our efforts and are now living a more youthful life.

Today, NeoCell is the number one collagen brand in the world and a leader in the fields of nutritional science and methods development. And while we have grown considerably over the years, one thing has never changed – our commitment to finding the most innovative and effective nutraceutical supplements.



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I gave this to my mom to try out and this is what she thought:



10/10!

I was skeptical when my daughter asked me to try this product. I have tried many lotions over the years to help with my extremely dry skin. As a child I was in the sun most of every day. 

I spent many weekends either on a boat or the beach. I have tried over the counter lotions and $200 prescription lotions. None of them ever made my skin feel the way it feels now.

It is soft and feels as thought it retains moisture from the inside/out. I can actually go without any lotion at all now. Before using this product my skin was dry, flaky and itchy.

It took about 10 to 12 days before I actually notice any results. The product tastes like blueberry juice. I would highly recommend this product to anyone with dry skin. 





Please visit their website at:

http://www.neocell.com/index.php

Erin Baker's Cookies Review (Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread)

Here is some information from their website.

Baker's Facts

1. One Double Chocolate Chunk Breakfast Cookie has more antioxidants than a serving of blueberries, red grapes and broccoli combined!
2. One Original Breakfast Cookie has a full serving of Whole Grains
3. Our Brownie Bites are made with Belgian Chocolate and are 100 calories or less
4. Ultra Protein Power Crunch has 8 grams of protein per serving!
5. Our Homestyle Granola is only sweetened with Honey and Maple Syrup
6. Our products contain Prune Puree which has the highest antioxidant rating of any fruit or vegetable
7. All of our products use all natural sweeteners
8. Chicory Root is a Natural fiber that increases the level of beneficial live active cultures
9. Our Vegan products are crafted with only plant derived ingredients

My review: 10/10!!!

Pumpkin Spice was DELICIOUS! I LOVEEEEEE PUMPKIN and this cookie was incredible!!!

Gingerbread was good too! I'm not the biggest gingerbread fan, but this cookie was good! 

:)

Check out their websites:

· Erin Baker's website 

· Erin Baker's Facebook

· Erin Baker's Twitter 

ERIN BAKER'S WHOLESOME GOODS ARE DEFINITELY KELSEY APPROVED WITH TWOTHUMBS UP!!

Kay's Naturals Review

At Kay’s Naturals we have surveyed the vast landscape of so-called nutritious foods and determined that the missing link is a Better Balance™ of protein, carbohydrates, fiber and fats. Kay’s all-natural, gluten-free line seeks to fill this gap with food that has a healthy balance of great taste, low calories, lean soy protein, zero cholesterol, lower carbohydrates and high fiber. Our foods also provide a complete amino acid profile.

Kay’s Naturals has chosen to focus on a healthier balance of ingredients:

• Certified (CGFO) gluten-free
• 35% natural soy protein
• 4 - 12% healthy fats
• 12% fiber
• 20 - 45% carbohydrates

Every 1.2-ounce (34g) serving has:

• 12g natural soy protein
• 120 - 130 calories
• 11g -15g net carbohydrates
• 4g - 5g fiber
• Low saturated fats/no trans fats

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MY REVIEW: 10/10!

I loved EVERYTHING in the package! 

The cereal was SO sweet and crunchy, I enjoyed it by itself for a snack, and sometimes I mixed it with yogurt for a delicious yogurt mess! :)  

If I had to choose an absolute favorite, I would pick the Lemon herb chips. I was surprised because I thought out of everything, this would be my least favorite, but it was SOOOOO GOOD!!! 

The Mac and Cheese Protein Puffs were awesome. They reminded me of Cheese Puffs that I used to enjoy as a kid, but more grown up flavoring and full of PROTEIN and healthy things instead of junk! 

Please visit their website:

http://shop.kaysnaturals.com/default.asp

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BIRTHDAY BONANZA!!!

My birthday was on October 5th, but it has been celebrated for about ten days! :) 

First, I went to dinner on October 4th with some friends. That was fun. 

On my actual birthday, we got an EXTRA day of Fall Break, so I got to spend the ENTIRE day with Jared! He got me a BEAUTIFUL NorthFace jacket. I LOVE the color and the style and the fit! It's PERFECT! Boyfriend did GOOOOOOOD! 

:)

I was a bridesmaid in my friends wedding on October 6th, so I was immersed in wedding stuff all day saturday. She had a 2:00 wedding, so we did my family birthday dinner after the wedding. I picked Hananoki (Japanese restaurant). I LOVE the Hibachi grill and watching the chefs do tricks! Jared told them it was my birthday, so they brought out icecream afterwards and the whole side of the restaurant sang to me :) 

Then, on Sunday after church, we both traveled to stay Jared's family for the week of Fall Break. 

They threw me a birthday party!!! It was so sweet! We also celebrated Grandad's birthday, since his was the week before mine. 

Charlotte (Jared's niece) gave me her princess crown and boa to wear for my birthday party! :) PRECIOUS!!! 

I took a few pics with Boston (Jared's nephew)

We had a GIRLS DAY on one of the days. Charlotte, Holly (Jared's sister), Kathy (Jared's mom) and I all went shopping and painted our nails. 

FUN FUN!

I got a new curling wand for my birthday, so I tried it out on our girls day! It took some getting used to, but it made some fun curls! 

YAY FOR TURNING 23!!!

:)

Love with Food Review and Giveaway!

What is Love with Food?

Love With Food is the easiest way to discover what's tasty, delivered to your door! Every month, Love With Food members will receive a curated box of unique, hard-to-find tasty bites which varies based on seasonal themes. Say goodbye to boring grocery selections and HELLO to a monthly tasty surprise! Join Us on this tasty journey.

Why Join?

As a Love With Food member, you'll get to sample different products each month, earn points by leaving feedback and enjoy exclusive discounts to all full-sized products featured in your box. Use your points to buy products for FREE. In our online community, you'll also discover great recipes and other food enthusiasts.

Why We Donate Meals

At Love With Food, we are passionate about helping the more than 16 million children in America who are at risk of hunger. For every box sold, we donate a meal to several food banks such as the Feeding America Network andShare Our Strength - No Kid Hungry. Join Us to help end childhood hunger one meal at a time!

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My Review: 10/10!

This box was such a fun way to try a bunch of new foods, and some of my favorites! :) 

My favorite snack was the Barney Butter! OMG! I LOVE ALMOND BUTTER! MMM. 

A new food that I tried was the Roasted Edamame Crunch Dried Snack. It was interesting to have a crunchy edamame, because I love cooked edamame! :)

I love the fact that Love with Food donates meals to hungry children. How awesome is that?!?! 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY!!!!

Love with Food has offered one of my readers a FREE BOX! 

Mandatory Entry

1. Visit their website and tell me one thing you learned about the company. Leave me a comment with your answer.

Additional Entries:

2. Follow @Christianqt07 and @lovewithfood on Twitter and leave me a comment telling me you've done so.

3. Tweet about the giveaway, "#Win a free box of @lovewithfood from @Christianqt07 here: http://fitnessfanatic007.blogspot.com/2012/10/love-with-food-review-and-giveaway.html" 


GOOD LUCK!!!

GIVEAWAY ENDS ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21! 

GFree Connect Review

We are an exciting, new gluten free company different from the rest.

We will get you gluten free product samples, help you save money, and simplify your life.  How?

Samples – Send you samples and product information right to your front door so you can make informed purchasing decisions for products you have tasted and know you will enjoy – Try Before you Buy!

Savings – Gluten free product couponing centralized right to you;

Simplicity – We bring you important, relevant gluten free related information to you in one spot including professional medical references, support groups, restaurants and brand information.

MY REVIEW:

10/10!

How awesome is it that a company sends you 25 NEW products to try before you buy?!?!?

What an awesome company! 

I got to try so many new products that I have never even heard of before! 

Some of my favorites in this box were:

Kay's Naturals Protein Cinnamon Sticks

ProBar Fruition Bar

Skinny Pop

Please visit their website:

http://gfreeconnect.com

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Decadence Cheesecakes Review

Decadence Cheesecakes in a Jar.

Each order of delicious 'Decadence Gourmet Cheesecakes in a Jar®' is shrink-wrapped and packed frozen in custom-made wooden crates, then packed in a thermal cooler with dry ice or composite, reusable gel packs, and shipped via FedEx right to your door. Just thaw and eat! 

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10/10!

What an awesome product!

Their cheesecakes are JUST the right size to enjoy! 

They aren't too small, but they don't leave you feeling overly sugar rushed either. I like the portion control of these cheesecakes. 

The flavors were AWESOME that I tried! 

Peach Mimosa

Pear Chardonnay

NY 

Strawberry NY 

Blueberry Merlot

Sundried Tomato (I've never had a savory cheesecake before. This one was tasty! Very neat!) 

Decadence Cheesecakes has offered my readers a 20% off discount valid through December 1, 2012. 

When you checkout, enter the Promo Code:

FitnessFanatic

http://www.decadencecheesecakes.com

Max Muscle Nutrition Review

Max Muscle sent me some of their products to review on my blog!
Emerge is a powerful fat loss and body composition slenderizing system specially formulated to inhibit appetite, promote the release of fat from stored fat cells and accelerate the burning of fat for fuel.

C.O.M.P. delivers a precision hybrid of multiple high quality proteins featuring Whey Protein Concentrate 80% (WPC 80%). This unique formula includes protein sources with long, medium and short chain peptides comprised of all essential and non-essential proteinogenic amino acids.

Max Gourmet Protein is a High protein low carb shake. Don't let the milk shake taste fool you this is a powerful daily protein supplement. Max Gourmet Proteins unique blend contains Multi-Max Protein Crea-Syn Colostro-Max Amino-Drive Vitamins AND Minerals and essential fats. Max Gourmet is one of the best tasting supercharged energy enhancing specialized proteins on the market. We know it will help you get to the next level in your physique development.

Full Blown XXX is an ultra concentrated pre-workout formula designed to support energy, strength, power, and stamina. The bioactive ingredients in Full Blown XXX have been shown to increase nitric oxide production and vasodilation, provide buffering function, and enhances energy and power for explosive and intense workouts. This is a science-based formula supported by published peer reviewed research to enhance any workout program.

MaxPro Super Protein Concentrate is a powerful blend of whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate and potassium caseinate. MaxPro contains over 300% more bio-available protein than regular whey protein. More bio-available protein means higher nitrogen retention resulting in faster recovery and increased muscle growth. MaxPro tastes great and has no chalky aftertaste. All 4 flavors are instantized for easy mixing.

Emerge: 8/10. I LOVED the unique flavors. Sour Apple, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon Splash, Pineapple Pizazz, they tasted awesome! The only reason I gave it an 8/10 is because I didn't really feel an energy surge like I get when I drink Advocare's SPARK. It still gave me energy for my workout, but I like to get that hyper feeling when I drink an energy drink. 

C.O.M.P. 10/10! I mixed this in a smoothie and it was fabulous!

Max Gourmet Vanilla Caramel Swirl: 10/10! OH MY GOSH. This protein powder tasted AMAZING. I mixed it with caramel yogurt and ice into a smoothie. It was phenomenal! 

Full Blown XXX: 3/10. This was a pre-workout drink that gives you energy and provides you the strength to power through tough and long workouts. I loved the taste of the drink, but I couldn't finish it all because I started getting super hot and my body started tingling. I didn't like that feeling at all. It was uncomfortable. I know some people enjoy that feeling that Beta-Alanine gives, but this kind of drink wasn't for me. 

Max Pro Super Protein Concentrate: 10/10! The banana flavor seriously tasted like a taffy-taffy! MMM. I also enjoyed the Pina Colada flavor.

Please visit their website and check out all of their awesome products!
http://coolsprings.maxmuscle.com

You can also follow them on Twitter

and Like them on Facebook