I don't get sick too often, but when I do, it hits me pretty hard. And as 'luck' would have it, I got the nasty cold that everyone around me has had just in time to try Robitussin Severe Cough Cold & Flu. Lucky me?
I'm not big on taking medicine unless I really have to... which usually means it something pretty severe. And this cold... this one had everything. Coughing, sore throat, sinus pressure and, eventually, runny nose and sneezing as this lovely sinuses started to drain. Since the cough and sore throat were the early symptoms that seemed to be sticking through it all, it seemed to make sense to go to a brand know for their cough medicines, right? Here's the other thing... I'm not a big fan of liquid medicines. Never a fan of the flavors. I'd rather chock down a big pill... which I hate to do, as well. I wish everything just came in gummy form... but I digress.
So this new version of Robitussin (Severe) promised better flavor. That was a start. And to this day, after going through a whole bottle of it (and thermos), I can't quite put my finger on what the flavor was. I swear, there were notes of chocolate in it... chocolate covered cherry, maybe?? It wasn't sweet like your typical medicinal cherry flavor - there was no sweetness at all. Regardless, while I wouldn't guzzle a whole bottle down, I kind of liked to flavor, for what it was worth. That's a lot for me to say that! So yay!
But at the end of the day, it still had the pitfalls of a liquid medicine... you had to take it every four hours. I don't like having to think about it or, even more so, having my symptoms creep back up on me so often. And while it did subdue my symptoms, I wouldn't say it completely quelled them. I still had to use cough drops for the sore throat and coughing. Maybe my symptoms were more sever than intended for this severe formula? It did note that it the sore throat persisted, I should go see a doctor. I couldn't find the nighttime version that's out there - maybe it's better for overnight... the regular stuff did not last through the night. I woke up way early, very stuffed up and coughing.
So did it work...? Yes, kind of. I think I have high expectations when it comes to medicine. I want it to work quick, and last long. This didn't do that. I also want to evidence of any my symptoms... I'd rather a numb throat I can't feel than have it just be 'less sore' so I can still drink and eat like normal. My hungers is usually nonexistent when I'm sick, anyway.
Would I recommend it? Well, I wouldn't NOT recommend it. My husband prefers liquid medicine and this would probably be right up his alley in flavor and effectiveness. So it really depends on the person and what they expect with their medicinal needs. I'd still like to see what my options are on the gummy side of medicine.
In recent years, I've become a bigger fan of the Aveeno brand. Not that I didn't like the brand before... just really never tried it until I was able to sample some products through CrowdTap. I've even gotten my husband on one of their shampoos - it's the only one he likes to use now!
That said, my most recent 'try me!' opportunity came in the form of their Ultra Calming Nourishing Night Cream. I've tried night creams before, but it's just not a habit I've quite gotten into - which is bad. I always felt like they were too heavy for me. Well, as fate would have it, right before I received my sample in the mail, I had this rough, dry patch of skin area on my cheek, due to the change in weather and turning on the heat. It was annoying, more than anything, but it was also the perfect opportunity to try this stuff out!
One thing I can say, is that if I can feel a product doing something when I put it on, I will be much more likely to continue to use it. With any product, I feel like true visual effects are hard to see on yourself, since you see the change occur so gradually But if you can feel something happening... well, I can that something to pay attention to. And that was the case when I out on this face lotion... un not just the dry area referenced above, in other areas, I fell it almost tingle, if you well... basically, feel it absorbing, as it didn't leave my face with a heavy lotion feel.
And after using it for about a week or so, the dry, rough spot was gone! So I would call that a successful trial run! This is a lotion I could get behind to use nightly. It didn't exactly what I hoped it would do, without and of the side issues I don't want. Avenue wins again!
I know what you're thinking... "Now she's talking about the private stuff... the stuff you only talk about with close friends." Well, yes and no. If you're reading this, I consider you a friend. And any friend of mine deserves to know about this.
So O.B. Pro Comfort tampons... what's up with them? What makes them so great - why are you talking about them? Let me ask you... have you ever used them? Have you ever considered it?
So the most obvious difference is the lack of an applicator. I'll admit, I was never willing to just buy these because of that fact alone. I mean, it's not exactly a pleasant situation to go into with your bare hand, am I right? But, the fact of the matter is, it's no harder than with an applicator, or no more messy. So once you get over that idea and become comfortable the fact that you will be touching yourself in a closer way than you're used to, you can finally focus on the good stuff.
First things first... these expand to fit YOU! Not lengthwise... but widthwise, to top those leaks. So, in my opinion, they work better than some others on the market. That's the biggest plus. Some other perks... well, less waste (with no applicator), for one. Also, way more discreet, and they're small enough to just put in your hand and go. Who doesn't want discreet when it comes to that time of the month?
So all in all, if you can get past the no applicator deal, these are probably a good thing to try. They have benefits others can't give you. And who doesn't like added bonuses??
Sometimes it's the little things...
True story... A group of coworkers and Ii were going out to lunch when right when we got there, one of them sneezed and, well, more came out of her nose than she would've liked. Thankfully, I had a Kleenex Pocket Pack in my car to give her really quick before anyone (but me) noticed. She was beyond grateful, and that moment alone made having them worthwhile.
I say that because at times, when cleaning out my car, i thought about taking them out. When was I going to need them. I cold always just grab a napkin somewhere. But I'd always end up throwing them back in the console somewhere.
Kleenex Pocket Packs have been around for as long as I can remember. But they've revamped them a bit... brightened up the packaging and gave them some fun blurbs on them. Just some little things to make you smile when you need one... or need to give one to someone else. And make them smile. My little story above is a perfect example of why they exist, too... just those moments when you need to share a little love!
So take it from someone who has first hand help someone in need with the simple gift of a tissue... it's such a small thing to keep on hand, but it can make a huge different for someone one day!
I know... Sweet'N Low has been around for a long time (since 1957,to be exact)... why am I writing about it?
Simple. Until I became a member of Team Sweet'N Low on Crowdtap, I have never thought about using it for anything other than a drink sweetener. But did you know you can bake with it?? The idea never even crossed my mind. But, they do sell in in bulk form, and in liquid form, if that's your thing. But even without those option, you can always use the little pink packets we're all familiar with. It's not unit per unit the same measurement, but it's easy to convert.
And that's what I did. I was given the challenge of preparing brunch using Sweet'N Low. 
They actually have some really easy recipes on their website if you want to try out using Sweet'N Low for yourself. I was pleasantly surprised at how things came out - granted, I never had the recipes WITH sugar, it was not evident that there wasn't plain white granulated sugar in it. I baked two kinds of muffins, and aside from my flub of too much flour (oops on my part!), they tasted really good. Even Eric liked them. And I can say I'd make them again, as well, with some personalization, maybe. Like, some additional add-ins maybe? And I'll likely try Sweet'N Low as a substitute in some of my other recipes as well... it's definitely worth trying. Who couldn't use a little less sugar in their life... but you can never have too much sweetness!
So yeah... Sweet'N Low. It's not just for sweetening your coffee and tea! It surprised me and it might surprise you, too!
I was able to try two different Aveeno lotions through CrowdTap recently. I know Aveeno's been around for awhile, and one of the lotions, in particular, is one of their staples. But with so many choices out there, I've just never tried them.
The first one was the Aveeno Daily Sheer Hydration. It's everything they claim it to be. I only had a small sample, so I don't think I even was able to witness the full effects of using it on a consistent basis. It was quick absorbing and I felt a difference in my skin for the few days my trial sample lasted. I'd definitely buy this as a go-to daily lotion year-round! And that says a lot for me, as someone who is so inconsistent when it comes to lotion!
The other lotion I was able to try was Aveeno's Protect & Hydrate Lotion with SPF 30. This one really impressed me! It absorbed faster than the Daily lotion, in my opinion (maybe that's just a testament to my dry skin). But the fact that is already has an SPF factor to it is awesome - not doubling up. And since it absorbs so fast, it's a no brainer during those warmer (stickier) months when lotion is sometimes a drag to deal with. I can see this as my go to during the sunnier days when I know more skin will be showing.
Aveeno is one of those brands that's been around for awhile, but is slowly winning more and more people (including me) as they not only put out superior products, but prove they have superior products. And that says a lot. I've even turned my husband on to one of their shampoos - he loves the way it leaves his hair and scalp. I've watched their section grow in an unnamed big box store, and that makes me smile. Here's to healthy skin!
I've tried some stuff from Zep previously, and was impressed by it. As in, "Where has this been all of my life" type impressed. It makes any cleaning job so easy. So you can imagine, when I had a chance to try Zep's Microwave Miracle, I got excited!
We all know how a microwave get get dirty quick... things splatter and explode, and it seems no matter what you use to 'cover' your food, it still happens. And all too often, you see the mess, think to yourself, 'I'd better wipe that up.' But then you get distracted by the very food that caused it. So it dries, and then bakes on more the next time you use the microwave.
So Zep Miracle Microwave Foaming Cleanser lets your microwave do the work for you. You just generously 'foam up' the bottom of your microwave with it, turn it on for a couple of minutes, and then wipe away all the dirt. Seriously... that easy. I got it in the mail to try, and within 5 minutes of opening the box, I had a clean microwave. This stuff will forever be a part of my cleaning supplies.
So Zep Miracle Microwave... two enthusiastic, go out and buy it now, thumbs up!
I'm sure like most of you, the Brookside name is nothing new to me. I've seen it around on store shelves, and even tried the chocolate cover fruity bites. Always a tad different with their flavors. And even though I did enjoy them on occasion, it never quite grabbed me enough to be a regular purchase.
Well, that's about to change. Enter Brookside Crunchy Clusters. When I had a chance to try these, I didn't think much of the concept. But then I tried them. I was hooked, instantly! The flavor combination of the fruit and chocolate, paired with this crunchy, crispy rice bit. Wow! It's the perfect combination! And they say there are some other grains in there, too... whatever the combo is, it's awesome.
Normally, when I'm posting about various things on this blog, I have some caveat that I speak about... you know, 'it's great, but...' However, other than being highly addictive, I can't find something even remotely bad to say. So bottom line, if you see this on the shelf, buy it. Try it. Love it.
Seriously. This is a new fixture in my snack cabinet.
In the last year or so, I've become a fan of 'shading' with eye shadows. In other words, different shades or colors on the lids (not necessarily a smoky eye, though). So I was quite excited to get the opportunity to try out Neutrogena's Nourishing Long Wear Eye Shadow.
When I first received it, I got a little scared of the colors... grays. I LOVE the color gray, in general (for clothes, decorating, etc), but I've never tried it in make-up form (except for liner and mascara, which looks almost black, anyway). Without any special events coming up made me even more nervous to try it out at work... didn't want to get all crazy with eye make-up! But I figured one day, no matter how it looks, wouldn't be a big deal.
Well, my first surprise about it was how you can truly go as light or dark as you want with it, even following the suggested layering on the back of the compact. Which I followed. But I kept the strokes light, and made it a point not to 'dig in' to the color. 
I was actually quite pleased with how it turned out (though the picture gives it no justice). So that alone really sold me on it, as if the Neutrogena name wasn't already helping matters.
Unfortunately, with the term 'Long Wear' in the description, I assumed it would wear long (crazy, right??). I admit, I have a bad habit of rubbing my eyes when I'm stressing, which I did during my trial day. Which really made it NOT 'Long Wear'. There were still some remnants in the creases, but for the most part, it was gone (as seen in the before vs. after photo).
That said, I still loved the color palate, and if the other selections are similar in shading opportunities, I'm all for buying it. And maybe if I DID put more on (or if it was just not at work, where I stress-rub), it might last longer. Regardless, it goes back to being a complete shadow palate for your eyes, and that makes it way easier to coordinate a final look. I say Neutrogena has another winner.
Have I mentioned that I love trying new products? Especially when they're NEW new!
Case in point... Neutrogena Rapid Dark Circle Repair. Who doesn't have problems with dark circles? So when I had an opportunity to try out this new product through CrowdTap, I got a little excited. So far, I've used it about a week, and while I still have a bit of a dark circle under my eyes, I see improvements. 
I'll admit, I didn't think I was seeing any improvement until I looked at the before and after pictures closely - there was/is definite fading. (click on the picture if you want to see a bigger version) But what I really found interesting was the 'instant' fix that was involved.
I assume this was part of the product design, but when you brush on the lotion (yes, it's a brush applicator), it leaves behind a bit of a pearlescent shimmer that reflects light, thus seemingly hiding the dark circles in the interim. The only pitfall what sometimes that shimmer would get stuck in an under-eye wrinkle, which only emphasize that!
As this product rolls out full scale, if you are someone that is concerned about the dark circles under your eyes, I'd give this product a try. Neutrogena is a great name brand to stand behind something like this - you know they have the research behind it. I plan to continue its use and track my results. But for one week of use, I'm pretty happy with the results.
I've been a HUGE Listerine fan for a long time. After I got over the burning and realized what it was really doing for me, I couldn't get enough of that burn. Plus, they kept coming out with new flavors... my parents only had the original gold, very medicinal flavor to choose!
But then I got to try Listerine® Healthywhite™ Gentle through CrowdTap and the Listerine brand. They promised this was a 'no burn' Listerine. I know there are other mouthwashes that have this claim... you know, "no alcohol = no burn." So this wasn't new ground, or anything. But if it's one thing Listerine knows best, it's mouthwash that actually does more than freshen your breath.
Sure enough, there was no burn. I had to overcome a small obstacle I placed myself, being a bad toothpaste flavor right before the Listerine... but once I resolved that, the Clean Mint actually tasted like Clean Mint. And since you have to rinse for twice as long as regular Listerine, there was still that lingering 'sting' you get from any minty flavor mouthwash (or even toothpaste).
All in all, it held true to the Listerine name and adds to the Listerine options out there. This is a great option for anyone that couldn't deal with the burn of regular Listerine. Go, Listerine!
I’m a member of the Crowdtap Kleenex Brand® rewards program, and Kleenex® Brand sent me these two products to review. Everyone might think they know the Kleenex brand already, but these are two products you may have not noticed before.
The first is not a new concept, but it's often overlooked. Kleenex with Lotion. If I can, I always buy tissues with lotion just to keep my nose from becoming completely raw. Which, if I'm buying tissues, then I'm likely going to be using a lot of them! I seriously do not understand why they even sell tissue without lotion - who wants a raw nose??
The second product was Kleenex nit-Viral, which claims to kill 99.9% of germs. Can't help but notice that claim... quite the claim, huh? Maybe it's a mental thing? Makes you just feel better with that thought? I know there are things out there that also make that claim (that aren't tissues), but it's still a huge claim, to me... hard to really be able to accept it. However, the concept is quite appealing and somewhat psychologically reassuring. If nothing else, it gives you a sense that's you're doing all you can to keep from spreading your germs to your family or others around you. So I applaud that. Who know... maybe that layer of germ killing goodness really does work. Regardless, it's a great concept and I'd rather have that sense of germ killing than not. They still have that great Kleenex softness you want and expect, so it's worth the buy.
So again, Kleenex lives up to their name... their brand has become synonymous with tissues, and it got that way for a reason.
So this new version of Robitussin (Severe) promised better flavor. That was a start. And to this day, after going through a whole bottle of it (and thermos), I can't quite put my finger on what the flavor was. I swear, there were notes of chocolate in it... chocolate covered cherry, maybe?? It wasn't sweet like your typical medicinal cherry flavor - there was no sweetness at all. Regardless, while I wouldn't guzzle a whole bottle down, I kind of liked to flavor, for what it was worth. That's a lot for me to say that! So yay!
