Truvia Natural Sweetener Review

Truvia Sweetener

I recently received a sample of Truvia sweetener from Crowdtap to review. Until receiving it I hadn't tried Truvia. The follow is my honest opinion of the product.

For those of you who aren't familiar with what Truvia is I'll explain. It's a natural, zero-calorie  sweetener made from the leaf of the stevia plant. The stevia plant has been used for generations in South America as a sweetener.

I gave this little natural treasure a try in my coffee. It's not too sweet, and doesn't have that off putting chemical after taste that some sweeteners have. Id have to say that in addition to being natural, and zero-calorie is a winning trifecta of sweetness.

They come in convenient single serve packets. Now I can take it with me where ever I go. No more using sub par sweeteners at my favorite coffee shops. Truvia, is also Kosher, gluten free, and diabetic friendly. Stick that in your pie and bake it.

So just whats in this little white packet of wonder?

• Erythritol - a sugar alcohol found naturally in various fruits such as grapes and melons.
• Stevia Leaf
• Natural Flavors

The holidays are upon us, and Truvia carries many great products. If you'd like a little recipe inspiration click HERE. As always stay sweet sugar critters. 

BzzAgent Kashi Hummus Crisp Review

Kashi Olive Oil & Sea Salt Hummus Crisp Review

Hello sugar critters as always I've got a sweet treat for you. Or I should say savory treat. I recently received the Kashi Hummus Crisp BzzCampaign compliments of BzzAgent. Kashi has released three flavors of Hummus Crisp:Sea Salt & Olive Oil, Caramelized Onion, Sundried Tomato, Basil & Feta. In my kit I received the following items.#GotItFree

BzzKit Contents:
1 Bag of Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus Crisp
5 $1.00 Of Coupons
1 Bzz Info Card

Personally I think these little crisp are perfect for snacking. Just as the name implies they are crisp, and flavorful. The best part is they aren't made with partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial ingredients. The base of the chip comes from chickpeas, which makes sense being that they are after all called hummus chips. You can't whip up a great batch of hummus without them. These wonderful little beans are known for great fiber content. Since these crisp are packed full of hummus goodness you can expect at least 5g of whole grain, 3g of fiber,and 3g of protein in each serving.

Now lets chew the fat or the lack there of. Normally in a snack chip the nutrition panel can be hard to swallow. These little guys aren't so bad. Total fat comes out to about 3.5g. A serving size is about 27 crisp, averaging about 120 calories per serving. Not terrible when you consider the average snack chip has about 10g of fat, a serving size of about 15 chips, and 160 calories per serving. Not to mention partially hydrogenated oils. 

I give the Sea Salt & Olive Oil Hummus Crisps an A+ for taste, texture, and packaging. I look forward to trying all three flavors. 

Check out these Crisp for yourself, just click here.
Kashi's FaceBook Page
Find out more on Twitter using #KashiHummusCrisps 

Mad & Mac Bath Review

Mad & Mac Bath Review

Hello my lovely Sugar critters. I want to start this blog out with an apology to the generous Desharri Bell of Mad & Mac Bath. I received a package of samples from her wonderful Etsy show a few weeks ago. Due to a heavy work load at my new job, and personal illness I have failed to post my review until now. I am terribly sorry for the delay. 

So my cookie crumbles lets dive into this sweet find!

Founder/Owner: Desharri D. Bell

Shop name/link: Mad & Mac Bath

Package Contents

• Midnight Cowgirl Bath Bomb - 8 to 9 oz (1)
• Blue Eyed Girl Bubble Bar (1)
• Sugared Spiced Oatmeal Goat Milk Soap Bar (1)
• Throwin' In The Towel Bath Bomb (1 sample size)
• Ice Cream Social - Goat Milk Glycerin Soap Bar (1 sample size)

I was pleasantly surprised with my package. I appreciated the chance to try out two full size products from her shop. Below I will list a break down of each product, and pictures so you can see how lovely they are.

Midnight Cowgirl Bath Bomb

Rating:

Average Price: $5-$4 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*

Size: Approximately 8 to 9 oz

Appearance

The actual bath bomb itself is gorgeous. I would describe it as a dusk blue with gold and silver shimmering glitter. I adored the way the bomb made the bath water look. I'll link a video below so you can see the starry wave on the water. Don't worry this beauty may be packed with glitter, but it won't leave you looking like you just lost a crafting fight to Martha Stewart. 

Scent

I was very pleased with the scent. It was soft, and relaxing much like the lovely color of the product.

Skin Rating: 

I'm happy to say that I had no issues with skin irritation with this product. I have sensitive skin so it's important to me to add this rating.

Blue Eyed Girl Bubble Bar

Rating:

Average Price: $5 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*

Size: Approximately 4oz

Appearance

This was my favorite item in the package. It was so adorable I hated to use it. It is a mixture of blues, and purple. Each color complimented each other nicely, and gave the bath water a beautiful blue hue. There were little purple rock candy decorations on top that really just made it pop. 

Scent

This product had a very unique feminine smell. My husband later asked me if I changed my perfume. He was impressed that it was the scent of the bubble bar. So I'd say this one ranks on the lists of must haves for cuddle time. 

Bubbles

Rating: 

I gave this a five due to the fact that it worked very well in my garden tub. Please keep in mind every tub is different. I used the entire bar....mainly because I'm a child trapped in a grown woman's body and wanted to build a darn bubble fort. Don't judge me everyone needs to be childish now and then. If you don't want a massive explosion of amazing bubbles I believe half of the bar would work very well. As I said before every ones tub is different. I have a large garden tub with very good water pressure. I found that as long as the water jet was on high it produced an amazing amount of bubbles. So if you have good water pressure, or jets I would expect more bubbles. Then again I could be completely wrong. I mean you are taking advice from a woman who gave herself a bubble beard, and listened to kpop while reviewing this product. 

Skin Rating: 

I wouldn't lie I thought this product was going to be the one to irritate my skin due to the different colors, and scent. I'm very happy to say I was incorrect. It didn't leave me itchy, or feeling like a slick baby seal that would never get rinsed clean again. It did leave my skin feeling fairly soft though, and that's always a plus.

Sugared Spiced Oatmeal Goat Milk Soap Bar
Rating 
Average Price: $5.00 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*
Size: Approximately 4 oz

Overall I give this product four and one half star. It has a lovely fragrance very similar to sticky buns, and very fall favorable in my opinion. Again this product was ascetically pleasing, the oat stacked top being a lovely touch. This bar left my skin soft, and smelling lovely.

Lather Rating: 
The only issue I ran into was the lather. It wasn't that there was a lack there of, but that it was thin. I did however find that if I used my exfoliating gloves I was able to work up a much nicer lather.

Skin Rating: 
My skin was in no way ill effected by this bar which is extremely pleasing.

Throwin' In The Towel Bath Bomb
Rating 
Average Price: $4.00 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*
Size: Approximately 8 to 9 oz

I found this bath bomb rather surprising to be honest. I did not have high hopes for it upon opening the packaging. Not because of looks or size, but rather smell. Which was deceiving until I immersed it in the bath. Up until which time I found it to be too strong of a scent. Once in the bath I was surprised at how the scent transformed. It was a lovely herb, eucalyptus laced scent. Not only did it boost my mood, but it helped open my tired achy sinuses. The only thing I was not truly found of in the end was getting out of the bath. I do however suggest that if you are not found of things such as: herbs/flowers/small bits floating in your tub that you consider one of the following suggestions rather that forgo buying bombs containing such items.

1) Place the bath bomb in a knee high or trimmed stocking and hang from your tubs water spout. This will allow the bomb to dissolve, but contain the small items.

2) The more patient route would be to use a strainer with very fine mesh. You may either crush the bath bomb in said strainer or leave it whole. Hold under running water, but do not allow to over flow. This will contain the small items while allowing the bomb to dissolve.

Skin Rating: 
Very happy to report that this bath bomb left my skin soft, and free of injury.

Ice Cream Social - Goat Milk Glycerin Soap Bar
Rating 
Average Price: $5.00 *Subject to change by Shop Owner*
Size: Approximately 6 oz

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream soap!? That's right not only is it named after a wonderful dairy treat, but it lives up to being just as sweet. The scent is soft, and dreamy of citrus and cream. It left my skin feeling very clean as well. Not to mention it's just darn cute!

Lather Rating: 
This soap had a wonderful rich, and smooth lather. Easily workable, and clean rinsing.

Skin Rating: 
Once again I'm pleased to say I found no signs of irritation after using this product.

Notes *
Please note that these are my honest opinions of these products. I was not paid for my opinion or review. I would also like to note that my skin ratings were based on healthy non injured skin. If you find that you have skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, or other dermatitis you may want to ask the shop owner if products contain irritants that you know conflict with your skin. Be responsible and check the ingredients listing on most Etsy shops items. Also don't forget to check in regularly to see if her shop has updated.

As always my sweet candy people chase those sweet deals. Until the next sweet treat may your dreams be sweet. 

Purex Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

Regrettably this blog post is extremely late. I did however have the chance to try Purex, Fabric softener sheets recently. I received a 40 count box of Mountain Breeze compliments of Purex, as well as three coupons for a free box of dryer sheets. Since I already had a box for myself I gave all three coupons to women I know locally.

 The dryer sheets claim to:

• Add freshness and Softness throughout your household
• Reduce static cling
• Repel pet hair and lint

I noticed that these dryer sheets:

• Repelled cat hair very well. My husband has a Mainecoon, as a service pet, and his long hair gets every where.
• Reduced static cling within reason. I don't find my long skirts sticking to themselves nearly as often as I did before. 
• As far as adding freshness throughout your entire house I'd say it's more like the scent ran ramped through the house. That may have been my fault. The box instructs that if you are doing a large load you may want to add an additional sheet. However the scent of these dryer sheets is a bit stronger than most in my opinion. Until you are sure you might want to stick with one.
• Reasonably priced 
• Made my clothes very soft

Places you might consider stashing them:

• Sock drawer 
• Trash pail
• Gym bag
• Running shoes

Overall I'd rate these sheets with a four out of five stars. I think I'll try Sweet Lavender next, which may very well bring them up to a five. I like this product, and I'll continue to use it. 

Keeping our towels soft, and fresh.

SugarCritter Mini Giveaway!

Things have been busy lately, and I know I've been flooding you all with Purex Giveaways. Here's the thing Purex, has provided me with the opportunity to host a mini giveaway for my readers. Upon the completion of the giveaway I'll provide them with your contact information, and they will mail you your prize.

I know I know get on with the prize details. As you more than likely guessed from the picture one lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card compliments of Purex. There are a few rules designated by Purex, that you must follow in order to be eligible. 

• Please share the following unique URL for the 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes on your social media pages such as FaceBook or Twitter.  https://www.facebook.com/purex/app_1397573007126622 
• Please comment below to confirm you have shared, and include the number of followers you've shared with. 

Thank you so much for being patient with me, and I wish you all the best of luck. This giveaway will be open through the following dates: August 12th - August 20th at 12am. I will post the winner within 48 hours of the giveaways end. I've tried to provide several ways to enter as well as the mandatory entries.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Little Tikes $1,000 Gift Code giveaway!

ENTER TO WIN HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello SugarCritters, I've got another great giveaway for you compliments of Purex, and LittleTikes.com. They're teaming up to provide one lucky winner with a $1,000 gift code redeemable at LittleTikes. That's not all the winner will also receive a years supply of Purex Laundry detergent! 

Your little one could win a grand in great toys, and you won't even have to shell out the money to keep those play clothes clean, and bright.  Not to mention all those new school clothes you just invested in. So lets all have some clean fun, and enter to win! 

This giveaway will be active during the following dates: August 5th-August 30th, 2013.

Purex 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes

Hello my super sweet Sugar Critters! I have a treat for you this month. That's right this "month". All month long Purex, is hosting a sweepstakes. The 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes has officially launched! 

Please excuse this post being a day late because I promise we haven't come up a dollar short. I've had health issues, but I'm back on my feet, and I want to get this ball rolling. Everyday for the rest of August you will have a chance to win amazing prizes. "EVERYDAY!" 

There are a few rules I need you lovely ladies and gents to follow. #1 The most important thing to remember is this giveaway is only open to fans of the Purex Facebook Page . #2 Enter Here to Win! #3 Share the sugar rush with your friends. 

I've posted the prize calendar for you below. Make sure to note the days of your favorite prizes so you don't miss out. Feel free to comment, and tell me what your favorite prizes are below. A few of my favorites are the Canon Powershot Camera, Gazebo & Patio Set, An Acer Laptop, and the $300 for Back to School. 

That's not the end of the fun my cookie crumbles. I'll be hosting a separate mini giveaway thanks to Purex. More details to follow soon. 

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