Spinning My Wheels

I feel like I'm standing still. There is so much to do right now, and I feel like I'm starting about a million and one projects, and barely getting any of them done.

Today is the first day that I'm a SAHM...although I consider myself a WAHM {but the shops are not functional right now...soon though, soon!}.

It's been a good day so far. Laundry, visiting some of my favorite ladies at Heritage Inn, finding a leak under the downstairs bathroom sink {FML - more water problems}, getting flowers ordered for the memorial this weekend, more laundry, making lunch, making dinner and freezer meals, finishing up the memorial cards and thank you cards...and finally getting Squish to take a nap.

We will be having some hardcore play time this afternoon when she wakes up...while I fold laundry.

I've been neglecting the blog...a lot. I set it up to do all the reviews for each day of the week, but low and behold find out today that they have NOT been publishing themselves, like they are supposed to. BAH! If I would've been able to stick to my plan of writing a fun blog for each time I posted a review...this wouldn't have happened. C'est la vie!

Taste Guru - Box Review - August 2013



Outside of Box

Taste Guru is a monthly food subscription box that specializes in full size Gluten Free products.  


 The Cost: $34, $29, or $25/month depending on the subscription plan you purchase.
The Goods: Gluten Free Products

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First Look



The Goods Lineup



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LeVeneziane Gluten Free Pasta {2}

 

{I was amazed that they included 2 of these! I just cooked some up last week for Squish, and she really liked them. I tried a couple, and they are really yum.}

 

Namaste Foods GF Homestyle Coating Mix

 

{We haven't tried this yet, but sometime this fall I will be making fried chicken, or try the included recipe of Chicken Parm.}

 



 

Schar Vanilla Sandwich Cookies {4}

 

{There were originally four in the box when it came, however, one of these didn't make it to the photo shoot. What can I say...I love cookies. These were good, would've been better with a little milk.}

 

truebar

 

{I haven't tried this yet, but it looks yummy.}

 

Baba Joons Chocolate Chewies in Orange Almond

 

{I really wanted to like these...but I didn't. They were really dry, and hard...not a good combination. There was nothing "chewy" about these. I love the idea, but the execution fell flat.}



 

Happy Squeeze Super in Kiwi, Banana, & Apple {2}

 

{I'm on the fence about this company. I've seen it at Meijers - and I love the idea of Organic food pouches - I LOVE Plum Organics for Squish, but when reading the ingredient list...there are a bunch of words that are difficult to pronounce. I won't be giving these to Squish, but I might try them myself in a smoothie or something.}

 



 

 

Rocky Mountain Popcorn {White Cheddar & Jalapeno}

 

{The white cheddar popcorn was really yummy! I'm not a huge spicy fan anymore - since being pregnant with Squish - so this hasn't been consumed yet.}

 

 





 



 

 

Sea Fare Pacific Seafood Bisque

{This sounds really good...haven't tried it yet. We love Seafood Bisque though.}

 

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The Lowdown: I really enjoyed this box. Almost all of the items in the box were a perfect fit for us. We are a low carb home, and I'm pretty new to the Gluten Free lifestyle...so I don't know if these are all common brands in the GF world. I thought this box offered a nice variety of gluten free products though.

I purchased this box as a one time box.

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Love With Food - Review Box - July 2013

Disclaimer: I received this box as a review. However, all the opinions are solely my own, and I was not compensated in any way for my opinions.

Love With Food is a monthly food subscription box. For every box that is purchased, they donate a meal to a hungry child. Win-win.

The Cost: $10 + $2 shipping each month depending on your plan. $11/month & $10/month if you purchase the 6 month or year subscription respectively.

The Goods: You will get 8 or more Organic and all natural products each month. They follow a theme each month.

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{The July Box Theme was SUMMER BASH}




First look




Inside of the lid...pat yourself on the box, you just helped donate a meal! :)




The goods lineup...how did all that stuff fit in that tiny box?? Secret ninja elf packaging...that 's how!



Turbana Plantain Chips Sweet

{These were okay. I really like Plantain chips, but I don't like them sweet...call me weird.}


Seaweed Love Roasted Seaweed Snacks

{I haven't tried these yet. I tried some from a different box, and didn't like them. In all fairness they were a different brand, and in a spicy chipotle flavor...not my thing. These have been chillin' in our 'snack basket' on top of the fridge since they arrived.}

Smooze! Fruit Ice in Coconut & Mango

{This sounds good...haven't tried it yet though. I think I will share this with Squish. She's teething & loves anything frozen right now.}

Organic Flavrz Drink Mix in Revive

{I'm sure I'll get around to trying this sometime. I have so many teas and drink mixes right now, and I rarely use them anymore.}

Do More Bars in Pineapple Coconut Cereal

{This was tasty. Not my favorite bar I've ever had, but if offered one again I'd probably eat it.}

SoyJoy in Pineapple

{Okay, so I've tried SoyJoy before...and I didn't like it then...top that with I try to avoid Soy products because let's face it - most of them are GMO. I gave it another chance, and it met my expectations of what I thought it was going to be...not very good. I'm sure lots of people like these. I'm just not one of those people. Give me a Luna bar any day!}

Surf Sweets Fruit Bears

{These were yummy. Not a traditional gummy that you would normally get. These were super soft...and lightly sweet, not overly sugary. I wish this was a larger bag. Then again I'm thankful they weren't because I'd want to eat them all.}

Pur Gum in Pomegranate Mint

{This gum is a win-semi win for me. I LOVE that it's Aspartame free...it's hard to find a gum without aspartame...go ahead, go to your local Quik-E-Mart & try to find a gum that doesn't have this as an ingredient. It also have xylitol...love! :) 

Organic Hard Candy in Blood Orange & Organic Apple

{I don't remember the name of the company that makes these...but they were yummy.}

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The Lowdown: Overall I really enjoyed this box. The value can't be beat, IMO. I also really like that they donate a meal for every box that is purchased. For the month of July they donated 2 meals for every box.

**This post may include company site links or affiliate links**

Kona Kase - Box Review - July 2013




Disclaimer: I received this box to review, however, all the opinions within this post are my own. I didn't receive compensation for any of these opinions.



 

 

Kona Kase is monthly food subscription box focused on snacks that will fuel an active lifestyle.

 

The Cost: $15 a month

 

The Goods: A Kase of 8 nutritional {snack} products each month.

 

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Upon opening the box, you get a lovely bit of inspiration. Love!




The Goods Lineup



 

 

Caveman Cookies {2}

 

{I'm on the fence about these. I love that they are made from the simplest of ingredients...no refined sugar, just nuts/seeds/honey/fruit. I tried one, but it didn't grab me by the taste buds and scream...EAT ANOTHER ONE.}

 

Barbara Llewellyn Granola

 

{This was pretty good. I mixed it in my morning Greek yogurt. I have to say, I like my granola better...this was a little to sweet for me.}

 

Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Mix

 

{This was a lovely addition to the 'pump bag mix'. It was sweet, but not too sweet. It doesn't have any nuts though.}

 





 

 

Pro Bar Bolt Organic Energy Chews

 

{This would be great if I was in training, and not breastfeeding. I try to stay away from things like this for now. I gave it to my friend Nancy, and haven't heard back yet about it.}

 

 

Body Glove Surge Gel

 

{I gave this to my friend Nancy. I haven't heard back yet if she's tried it.}

 



 

 

GarukaBars

 

{I am in LOVE with this bar...seriously. This is one of the best bars that I've had in a long time. I will be ordering more of these bars soon. You can request a sample bar of your own here.}

 

Health Warrior Chia Bar in Acai Berry

 

{I haven't tried this yet, but it's in the rotation for 'pump bag bars'. I did like reading about the company on the Kona Kase blog...they seem like a fun bunch. You can check out that post here.}

 



 

 

Perky Jerky in Turkey

 

{B-Real tried this, and really liked it. I'm not a jerky fan. I don't know if it gave him any more energy than other jerky, but he said it had great flavor and texture. That's a win in my book.}

 

 

 

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The Lowdown: I think the overall value of this box is great, although not all the products fit my lifestyle.  I workout, but I'm training for a marathon...so the energy boost items don't really apply to me {I wouldn't take them even if I was training since I'm breastfeeding still}.

 

The customer service was A+ at Kona Kase, and Taylor is on the ball for sure! {I'm sure John is also, I've only had correspondence with Taylor :) }I think the concept of the Kona Kase is great, and it has introduced me to companies that I've never tried before.

 

 

**This post may contain company site links or affiliate links.**

OrangeGlad Box - Review - August 2013

 





Disclaimer: I received this box for review, however, all the opinions are solely my own. I did not receive any compensation for these opinions.

 

 

 

 









View of the bottom

Orange Glad Sweet Box is a new monthly food subscription box that specializes in Sweets. {See below to get 10% of your first box!}

The Cost: $15 + S&H each month

The Goods: Each month you will be sent a box full of yummy sweet goodness {5 items each month...they just opened their doors in July, so I think this will be the number they stick with}

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First look

 

The Goods...look at all that sweet goodness!

 

Second First Look - Honey dipper!

 




Info cards & Honey Dipper



 

{These cards also tell you the consume by date for each product! There is also an extensive ingredient list for each item. I really wish more food subscriptions would do this!}

 

{You also get a bonus item! This sweet little honey dipper will come in handy! I love that it's sweet related, but not another food product.}

 



 

 

Popcornopolis Popcorn in Kettle Corn

 

{I've had Popcornopolis before in a different flavor. It was yummy then, but I haven't tried this flavor yet.}

 



 

 

I Live For Dessert Cake Balls

 

{I tried these right away, since they had the fastest exp. date. I wanted to like them, the photos on the site looked so yummy, and come on - who doesn't like cake balls?!? I opened up the bag, and there was a small bag of cocoa powder, and two very smashed cake balls. They were dry, and while they tasted like chocolate...it wasn't very tasty...at all. Meh! I hate giving reviews like this...but it happens. Maybe fresh from the original seller they would be better, or a different flavor, but I wouldn't purchase them based on what I tasted.}

 



 

Hottie Biscotti in Coconut Pineapple

 

{I haven't tried these yet...but they look so delicious!}

 



 

 

The Crispery Crispycakes in Chocolate Sprinkled Crispycake

 

{I ate this...the whole thing...in one sitting...all by myself. SMH - I planned on trying this with B-Real, but that didn't happen. It had been a long day, I was up late working on my sister's memorial video, and Squish hadn't been sleeping well at night for WEEKS...I needed a sugar fix. I got one with this. ha! It was AMAZING!! After scarfing this one down, I wanted another one...I will be diligently staying away from their website because they have so many more flavors. It's not your typical rice Crispy treat, this was so soft! You can order some here...I recommend you do so!}

 

 



 

 

Gianna's Homemade Baked Goods in Lemon Frosted Sugar Cookies

 

{These were very tasty. Light lemon flavor, and the frosting was yum too. They are a little on the crisper side for my preference for sugar cookies, but very good!}

 

 

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The Lowdown: Who doesn't like getting sweets delivered right to your door?? I love the concept of this box, the company has stellar customer service {at least in my experience}, and most of the companies I'd never heard of before.

 

I really liked the overall value that they had to offer with this subscription. The bonus item was very fun also!

 

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Want to get your very own Orange Glad Box?? Click the photo link below, and enter 'NUTSHELL7' at checkout and receive 10% off your first box! Woot!

 



Healthy Surprise - August 2013

Outside of the box

Healthy Surprise is a monthly food subscription box that specializes in healthy full size snacks.  When you purchase a box, they immediately pack and ship once payment is cleared!

The Cost: $33, $66, or $99 per month depending on subscription plan

The Goods: Natural, Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, & some { if not most products } are Non GMO

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First Look...I was pretty impressed.



 



Information on the inside lid about the company. Professional touch.



 



Unveiling...this baby is packed!




All the Goods!


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 The Daily Crave Veggie Chips 

 

{ The Daily Crave Veggie Chips weren't bad.  I had them with my lunch today...not super flavorful, but crunchy - which satisfied my craving for potato chips. }

 

Beanitos Bean Chips

 

{ These were pretty good.  I wish I would've had some guacamole/salsa/bean dip on hand to dip these in.  I'll be purchasing some of these for an upcoming party we're having. }

 

 

 

 

Just Tomatoes

 

{ Ummm...I love tomatoes, I mean LOOOOVE them.  I really didn't like these.  They were super sweet, but all they are is dehydrated tomatoes.  I prefer mine fresh.  B-Real hates tomatoes, so we gave them to his dad to try...still waiting to hear what he thinks of them. }

 

Lydia's Organics Rawkin' Beet Chips Spicy

 

{ These went directly to B-Real's dad with the Just Tomatoes bag.  Still waiting to hear about these from him. }

 



 

 

 Caveman Foods Nuts

 

{ I tried the Caveman Nuts - meh! I was super excited, because I love nuts.  The front photo shows tons of nuts, then in the corner just a smidge of sunflower seeds.  The pkg. said it would include cashews, macadamia nuts, walnuts, pistachios, and sunflower seeds.  Except for the 2 pistachios and 1 walnut...it was ALL sunflower seeds.  Don't get me wrong, I like sunflower seeds.  However this package should just read SUNFLOWER SEEDS, not NUTS. }

 

Hail Merry Macaroons Strawberry

 

{ B-Real & I both tried these - although he only ate 1/2 of one since they have so many carbs - and both of us liked them.  They aren't overly sweet, and you definitely taste the coconut in them.  We are a coconut oil household, so these were great.  I like the variety of items they have online as well.  If you get a chance to try these - do it!  Make sure you check out the bottom of the bag as well though, they have a really fun drawing on there! }

 

 

 

 

 

Nibnaks Crancherry Tart

 

{ These were really good...you can't go wrong with dried fruit though. }

 

Plum Organics Kids Mashups Berry

 

 

{ I LOVE Plum Organics!! I can't say enough about their products. They are the only store bought baby food I will give Squish.  She has loved everything I've given her - the Puffs, the Cremes, the Teething Biscuits.  I will wait to give her this since it has Strawberry in it. }

 



 

 

Gopal's Raw Brownie Original

 

{ I wanted to love this, I really did. Brownie...wha??? Of course I love brownies, and I even love GF brownies - that I make - but the "raw"-ness of this just didn't do it for me. I wish I had liked this more, I was really rooting for this one. }

 

Just Great Stuff Cacao + Acai Bar

 

{ I tried this bar the other afternoon while pumping for a little pick me up. I had skipped lunch - so I could pump - and was pretty hungry.  I don't think I'd pick this again, unless it was one of the only choices...but it wasn't bad.  I think I just didn't like the raw, gummy texture.  It was pretty tasty, although I would rather eat my nuts and fruit straight up. }

 

Gorge Delights Just Fruit Bar Pear Strawberry

 

{ This bar was pretty tasty! I typically have bars of all sorts stashed in my pump bag, and this is one that I might add to the mix.  }

 

 

 

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The Lowdown: Customer service is A+ with this company.  The packaging, shipping, and design is impeccable.  Many of these items I've never heard of, or the company is new to me.  I really liked this box, even if I didn't like all the products.

 

I purchased this box as a one time box, but I'm thinking about signing up for their Starter box, and then gifting one to a friend.  

 

 

 

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