SMART Detour Bars Review

 Detour Bars sent me some of their new SMART bars to review! Here's some info from their website:

You are what you eat. Eat SMART.

We started SMART bars with organic whole grain oats which are certified gluten free and added wholesome whey, the right protein to replenish your body. We sweetened the bars naturally and ensured each is a good source of fiber.

Gluten Free

Detour SMART bars are independently certified to confirm they meet strict gluten-free standards.
 

Whey Protein

The right protein to nourish and replenish your body, whey is a SMART way to support a lean body and to satisfy hunger. Learn more.

 

4g of Sugar

Switching to a low-sugar diet may be one of the best things you can do for your body, your appetite, and even your mind.

Good Source of Fiber

The grains and fruit in SMART bars are a balanced source of fiber and a nutritious foundation for maintaining good health.

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These bars were FABULOUS! I loved that they were a "mini" protein bar compared to our typical protein bars that we eat. This was the perfect size for those times when you're finished with lunch, but you're still a little hungry. I also enjoyed them as a mid-morning snack to tide me over to lunch for those days when I was up really early for the gym and ate breakfast early.

Please visit Detour's website:

http://www.detourbar.com/

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Being Confident

Today I wanted to talk a little about being confident! If you've read my "About Me" page, you know that I struggled with body confidence and eating in my teenage years. 

 

Until I met Jared, I still had those thoughts in my head every now and then and would let them get to me. But, Jared has shown me that it is just Satan trying to hurt me. God created us all uniquely and  intricately and we need to stop comparing ourselves to others! If we were all exactly the same, it would be really boring! 

 

Marriage has been an amazing confidence booster! I know that Jared loves me and he loves my body exactly the way God made it. He has told me over and over again, "Kelsey, I think you're the most beautiful when you are CONFIDENT in yourself. It doesn't matter if you've gained a few pounds, I DON'T CARE. As long as you are confident, you look beautiful in my eyes. I just want you to be healthy". I am SO GRATEFUL that God blessed me with Jared as my husband because he has helped me feel better about myself.

 

When those annoying and crushing thoughts come into my head now, I just tune them OUT! I will NOT let the Devil win! I trust my husband, but more importantly, trust that GOD knew what He was doing when He made me. 

 

I am focusing on being HEALTHY and STRONG. Yes, I LOVE to workout, but I am not going to beat myself up anymore if I miss a workout. I am feeding my muscles the proper nutrients to be strong and healthy! 

I hope that you all will join me and BE CONFIDENT in yourself! 

:)

Talk to me... What helps you stay confident in yourself? Leave me a comment please! :) I'd love to hear what you have to say! 

Zim's Advanced and Arnica Max Review

Zim's sent us their brand new products to review! Here's some info:

Zim's Advanced with Hydrocortisone is the latest in naturally-based first aid products that help with a host of skin care issues including rashes, insect bites, eczema and psoriasis. The Zim's Advanced Gel with Acemannan can help treat cuts, scrapes, abrasions and burns.

Zim's Advanced Gel with Acemannan will be available in a 3-oz. version and Zim's Advanced with Hydrocortisone will be available in a 3-oz. cream form as well as a 3.25-oz. continuous spray.  

"We are not just about cracked skin anymore,'' said Perfecta Products, Inc. Director of Marketing & Sales Mark Smith."Our new Zim's Advanced items are designed to meet consumers' request for more natural-based products. We have combined science and nature to create superior products."

In addition to Zim's Advanced, Perfecta Products will also release Zim's Arnica Max. Zim's Arnica Max includes a proprietary blend of Arnica and Aloe Vera which includes organic Aloe, natural Menthol and Arnica. It will be available in 4-oz. gel and 3-oz. roll-on.

                                    

Arnica is one of the most popular homeopathic medicines and used by many athletes and weekend warriors worldwide.

"Perfecta Products has been a leader in the use of arnica and other natural products in the topical analgesics category. We have been using it in our products for more than 60 years," said Smith. "We felt it was important to bring out a new product specially formulated using maximum arnica to provide temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscle and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains.''

Zim's Arnica Max will be sold in stores and through online retailers by the end of the year. It is positioned to provide better value and better savings for customers and bigger margin for retailers. The 4-oz. gel or 3-oz. roll-on at a suggested retail price of $9.99 offers a significantly lower cost per ounce than the leading brands of Arnica topical products.

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Review:

These products couldn't have come at a better time. I pulled something in my back at the gym a couple days before we received these. I was using regular muscle relief cream and it wasn't helping very much. After a couple days using the Arnica Max, my back felt SO MUCH BETTER! We really enjoyed the soft scent of the Arnica Max. It was a lot easier on the nose than the regular creams that we've used previously. We also liked the fact that it was natural! 

Please visit their website:
http://www.zimsusa.com/

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Coffee-Mate Natural Bliss Cinnamon Cream Review

 

I was sent new Natural Bliss Cinnamon Cream to review! Here's some info:

The holidays never tasted so good! Introducing new Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Cinnamon Cream made with only a few simple ingredients: milk, cream, sugar and natural flavor.

You can now experience the delicious holiday flavors that Coffee-mate is known for in a brand new, all-natural way. At only 35 calories and 1.5g of fat per serving, Natural Bliss Cinnamon Cream can be added to your coffee for a healthier holiday treat!

Cinnamon Cream is available beginning October 2013 in the dairy aisle of grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $2.69/16oz bottle. Along with the new flavor, Natural Bliss is also available in Sweet Cream, Vanilla and Low-fat Vanilla.

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I am not a coffee drinker, so my fabulous sister in law, Holly, reviewed this! 

 

"This was delicious! It made me very happy to see that there were only four ingredients listed. My husband and I both enjoyed the taste to the Cinnamon Cream. We don't drink coffee much anymore, but the creamer made for a very nice treat. I will really appreciate this around the holidays and as it starts to get cooler outside!"

For more information please visit:

  http://naturalbliss.coffee-mate.com and

www.facebook.com/coffeematenaturalbliss.

Pro-Nrg Protein Water

 

Pro-NRG sent us some Protein Water to review! Here's some info from their website:

Flavored Protein Water by PRO-NRG

Your body is a high-tech, performance machine.

PRO-NRG believes the better you treat your body, the better your body will treat you…

Protein Water was engineered to give your body what it needs for sustained stamina, fuel for optimal performance, leaner muscle development and proper weight and nutrition management.

Protein Water provides optimal nutrition, with perfect rehydration and recovery from even the toughest workouts.

Pure hydration. Superior protein. B Vitamins. Put the best in, get the best out with PRO-NRG Protein Water.

• 0g Sugar
• <1g carbs="" i="">
• Only 65 Calories
• Superior Protein (15g per serving)
• Vitamins B12 for your brain and nervous system
• Caffeine-free
• Easy digestion

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Our Review: 10/10!

WOAH! These drinks for real tasted like LIQUID CANDY!!!! How could you NOT like these drinks? They are full of protein, which is MANDATORY for us after our workouts, and they taste great?!?!? What a winner!!!

Please visit their website and order some of your own today.

http://www.pronrgusa.com/

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Stone Fire Naan, Pitas, and Pizza Crust Review

 

 Stonefire sent us some naan, pitas, and pizza crusts to review! Here some info from their website:

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It’s all about authenticity, it’s about being worldly, and it’s about family.

“Don’t fight tradition” is a familiar saying at the Ajmera family table. And this is always referred to in regards to flatbreads, the world’s oldest breads. For the family, the start of the journey in creating Stonefire Authentic Flatbreads was all about being true to the history, heritage and homage of these worldly breads.

The Ajmera’s are very aware that the tradition of making flatbreads has been in existence for over 6,000 years. With participation from almost every corner of the world (from India comes Naan, from the Mediterranean comes Pita) the intrigue in bringing all the different shapes and textures of flatbreads to North America began.

The Stonefire adventure was rooted with two unbreakable rules. Rule #1 – The flatbreads had to be utterly authentic. Only traditional baking methods and the finest ingredients would be used. Why break with tradition? Rule #2 – The flatbreads would be “preservative free” just as they were years ago.

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Our Review: 11/10!

 

 We LOVED everything! We made so many variations of pizzas, including: BBQ Chicken, Fajita, and Veggie. The crust was JUST HOW WE LIKED IT! A little crisp at the bottom, but chewy on top! MMMM MMMM!!! 

Jared is a spicy fan, and he thought the new Sweet Chili flavor was awesome! He said it was spicy, but gooooooood. 

Jared also made a leftover Meatball Cassorole PITA. He said it was awesome! The pitas were just the right size! 

You must try these ASAP!!!

:)

Please visit their website:

http://stonefire.com/

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Bistro MD Meal Delivery Review

 

Bistro MD recently launched their new 17 Day Diet Program and asked us to review it! Here's some info about it from their website:

BistroMD makes it easy to bring the meals from the 17 Day Diet to your table.

The 17 Day Diet Meal Plan provides you with convenient, weekly delivery of delicious physician-designed, chef-prepared meals.

You will receive 7 days of breakfasts, lunches and dinners for about $26.00 a day. That’s less than the cost of one dinner in a fine restaurant! The 17 Day Diet Meal Plan by bistroMD will provide you with 21 meals for less than $185.00 a week – which includes shipping. No more cooking, no counting and no cleaning!

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Our Review: 10/10! 

 

These meals were all EXTREMELY tasty! They were full of unique flavors. What we really enjoyed was that they were so different than your typical "frozen food entree".  Each meal was very filling, compared with all the other frozen entrees. I'm always hungry right after eating those.... (This is a big deal for us, because everyone knows it takes a lot to fill us up! haha)

You should try these ASAP!

Bistro MD made an exclusive coupon code that they are offering to bloggers and their readers for 30% OFF any bistroMD weight loss program. The code is: Healthy30BG

Please visit their websites:

http://www.17daydietdelivery.com/ 

http://www.bistromd.com/

Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/BistroMD

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/bistromd

Blog Changes

If you haven't noticed, I did some revamping to the blog! :) I've decided to change the title up, because Jared is my product review partner, and this blog is not just about me anymore! WE are a team! :) 

Hope you like the color changes as well. 

Have a great day!

Kels

P.S. Stay tuned for some AWESOME protein water and frozen meal reviews soon!

What's up with the Wolfepack?

 What's up with the Wolfepack?

Well, we've been doing a lot of hanging out with the family.

 

Our niece, Charlotte, gave Uncle Jared a nice surprise when he woke up after his nap while he was on babysitting duty with Aunt Kelsey.  :)

 

Cuddle time with my precious niece and nephew! 

 

Boys bonding time... how sweet is that!?!?

 We've gone to a couple UofL football games. (I got Jared season tickets for his wedding present!)

 

 I found this goofy hat laying around and couldn't help but snap a pic... 

I started my full time job and LOVE it! I'm nannying for a baby boy who is only 3 months old and a little girl who is 2! They are super sweet! We have a nice little routine going and things are great!

 My birthday was this past Saturday. Jared spoiled me rotten! 

He made breakfast for me!

I had to teach my Dance Blast class at the YMCA (which I just started and I love it!)

Then, he made me lunch.

After, we walked around the mall for a little bit and I got to spend my TJ Maxx card that I got from my in laws.

 

I opened my presents from Jared and was overwhelmed! He got me a variety pack of my FAVORITE protein bars - QUEST BARS!!

and, he got me a TON of UofL gear! Workout pants, tops, and even SHOES!!

Afterwards, we got a papa johns pizza and watched a movie at home, followed by PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE for dessert! 

It was a wonderful birthday!!! I had a blast hanging out with my BEST FRIEND all day! 

:)

 

Thunderbird Energetica Review

Thunderbird Energetica sent some bars to review. Here's some info from their website:

Raw energy, pure ingredients, epic taste!

Thunderbird Energetica specializes in creating epic tasting whole food energy bars. Containing uniquely pure and highly powerful ingredients, Thunderbird bars provide consumers with conveniently packaged, nutrient dense, plant-based goodness.

 

Each bar is meticulously handmade using the finest and freshest available whole foods that Mother Earth has to offer.

 

Our 100% soy free, dairy free, gluten free, no added sugar energy bars gives you the same clean burning fuel humans have enjoyed over the last 10,000 years. Our wrapper is 100% biodegradable and compostable leaving nothing behind. Energy that lasts, a wrapper that doesn't! What does your energy bar do?

 

Taylor and Katie Thunder

 

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Review: 9/10.

These bars had a great taste and a neat texture! They were chewy and almost fruit leatherish (made up that word...haha) on the outside, with crunchy bits in the middle. We loved the texture. The flavors were unique and yummy. 

 

Flavors included:

Sweet Lemon Rain Dance

Hyper Hawaiian Crunch

Almond Cookie Pow Wow

Cherry Walnut Crunch

Cashew Fig Carrot

Cacao Hemp Walnut

Another thing we liked about the bars is that the wrappers were 100% biodegradable and compostable.

The only reason we gave them  a 9 was because they weren't too filling for us. But, we have HUGE appetites, so it takes a lot. These were great for an after meal treat! :)

Please visit their website:

http://thunderbirdenergetica.com/

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Red's All Natural Review

Red's All Natural sent us some coupons to review their burritos and quesadillas. Here's some info from their website:

Like so many great stories, Red’s All Natural’s begins with an epiphany.

One night, our founder Mike Adair was enjoying a homemade burrito, created by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Paige, from her own original recipe.

Mike found himself smiling from ear to ear, enjoying every bite—and then he realized, it was a meal so perfect and delicious, it just had to be shared.

At that moment, Paige was singing Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love,” and Mike said, “Why can’t we?” He turned to his right to see their trusty dog, Red, nod in agreement.

With Red’s approval, Mike launched Red’s All Natural using those original recipes, much to the delight of burrito aficionados everywhere. Red’s All Natural is now the fastest-growing brand in the frozen natural Mexican category, and Red’s products are available in stores nationwide. Today Mike operates Red’s All Natural from Nashville, Tennessee.

And Red’s All Natural burritos and quesadillas remain as clean, wholesome and delicious as they were when it all began that fateful night. All Red’s products are 100% all-natural, non-GMO, preservative-free and made with antibiotic and hormone-free meat and rBGH-free cheese. Red’s also only uses authentic tortillas made from the simplest ingredients. They are just big enough to hold together all the goodness inside without overwhelming the delicate burrito balance.

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Our Review: 10/10!

Jared and I have BIG appetites... and these burritos and quesadillas were HUGE! They were not only tasty, but very filling! :) 

The flavors we tried were:

Chicken burritos

Steak burritos

Pulled Pork Quesadillas

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas 

I don't usually like spicy food, but the pulled pork quesadillas were AWESOME! They had a slight spicy hint to them, but not too overpowering. They were my favorite. 

Jared's favorite was the Steak burrito. 

:)

Check out their website:

http://redsallnatural.com/

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Raw Snacks Review

Raw Snacks sent us some bars to review. Here's some info from their website about how they got started:

Casper Vester, CEO and partner of Raw Snacks Europe, is the creative chef behind Raw Snacks products. Through his knack for food and vast experience within the culinary industry, Casper set out to create an unconventional and superior snack bar – a snack bar without preservatives, added sugar, or questionable ingredients. In a very short time, Casper had made a number of unique flavor combinations out of a mere handful of RAW ingredients.
After sampling these bars, the conversation between three friends in Aarhus, Denmark quickly turned into one of business partners! Each of the partners brought a unique, but complimentary background to a single goal – to offer healthy, “clean,” and convenient snacks that provide raw energy and nutrition.
Shortly after a successful European launch in 2012, the partners decided to introduce Raw Snacks to North America. Their knowledge of the lack of convenient and truly wholesome snack choices available was one of the driving factors of this decision. While the US market is chock-full of “bars,” few can truly compete with what we offer. The majority that call themselves competitors are full of processed ingredients, mysterious chemicals, sweeteners, and sodium.
Raw Snacks is proud to provide certified organic and gluten-free bars packed with high quality ingredients that you can pronounce! Our bars are made without fillers and preservatives, gluten and soy, and are sweetened by a handful of unadulterated ingredients. Raw Snacks’ provides the consumer a smart, safe, and guilt-free indulgence or pick-me-up, before or after a workout.

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Our Review: 10/10.
These bars had a very interesting texture that we REALLY enjoyed. The bars were chewy on the outside, but had crunchy bits on the inside. It was unlike any other bars we've tried before. Very cool! All of the flavors were delicious!

Blueberry Vanilla (tasted like a blueberry muffin... YUM!)
Goji Cacao
Apricot Cinnamon
Cranberry Cashew

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Raw Snacks gives their customers the option of choosing a 3, 6 and 12 month subscription deals that entitles customers to have a Raw Snacks Variety Snack Box delivered to their home or business monthly for the chosen amount of months.

Order some of your own here:
http://rawsnacks-usa.com/shop_online/ 

If you order before October 16th, 2013, you can enter the code, ff15sev, for 15% off your order!!!

Check out their...

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RawSnacks

Instagram: www.instagram.com/RawSnacks

Twitter: www.twitter.com/RawSnacks

They are nominated for 'The Best of Raw 2014' and need your help to win! 

Life Lift Bars Review

 

Life lift sent us some bars to review. Here's some info from their website:

WHAT IS LIFE LIFT™

NATURAL, NUTRIENT DENSE, DELICIOUSLY DIFFERENT & UNIQUELY YOURS!

Life Lift™ is radically different from the other high glycemic, health robbing bars in today's market. These delicious low calorie bars are perfect for a quick snack, and their macronutrient profile makes them one of the healthiest options around with 20g of protein and 20g of fiber per bar! Because you care about what you put into your body, we care what we put into our bar!

Life Lift™ is poised to transform your idea of what a protein bar should be and will restore your body’s vitality. Available in a variety of flavors to keep your taste buds excited!

ONE BAR CONTAINS:

• Only 1 gram or Less of Sugar *
• 6 Net Carbs or Less
• 20 grams of High Grade Protein
• 20 grams of Fiber
• High Quality Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) and Milk Protein Isolate (MPI) Proteins
• DOES NOT Contain Low Grade Soy Protein
• Low Calorie
• Super Low Sodium - some other bars may contain nearly 4X as much!
• Gluten Free
• 100% Natural

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Our Review: 11/10!

WOW! These bars tasted like a treat! The texture was super chewy and the flavors were awesome! They tasted like dessert to me! I really enjoyed the nutritional facts. 20 GRAMS OF PROTEIN! WHAT UP!!! These were perfect after workout recovery snacks and just good snacks to tide us over til our next meal. :) 

Check out their website and order some for yourself!

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/vpx/life-lift-bars.html

 

  *excludes Buck Wild Blueberry, which contains 1.5g of sugar