About Me
- Lillian-Juda Leonard-Beach
- I am a Blogger, web & graphic designer, girlfriend, student, model, nurses aid, night owl, friend of 420, activist, Catholic, Buddhist, yoga follower, survivalist, friend, daughter, Canadian, Atlantan, strawberry blonde spaz, with a kind heart.
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Sunday, June 6, 2010
First Giveaway! Truvia Natural Sweetener
Featured Giveaway: Ends 6/21 @ 11:59 pm Eastern Time
To my surprise, I had been having Truvia without knowing it. It can also be found in Dip n' Dots, Vitamin Water 0, and Yo Crunch 100 calorie packs. You can view a full list here. You can also buy Truvia at most food stores including Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Locate the nearest store near you here.
When I first recieved my box of Truvia, I went online and found some great recipes from a Raspberry Lojito to Banana Bread (check out the recipes here.) I of course went for my love of chocolate, and finally decided on the Chocolate Crêpes.
So, why did no one tell me crêpes are so darn hard to make! In reality, it's all about the tricks. I learned, if you use non-stick coating pans, don't use oil/spray. If you have an older stove with eyes that don't heat in the center, move the pan around alot. And finally, if it's not the color in the 4th picture, DON'T try to flip it, it's not ready. :-P Once I finally got the knack of it, it was smooth sailing so I made up the filling. Given I didn't have the right things to make it out of, but in the end, it turned out great.
Recipe for filling as follows:
Filling:
So in the end?
Great product. Loved it, and no side-effects like the others. No after taste, and great versatility. I say A+. I mean, you might as well.
Buy it:
I personally found it at Walmart and Kroger, and for the most part it runs about $4 for the 40 packet box and $6.50 for the 80 packet. I read on the website they are releasing a scoopable size, but I didn't fins it near me (not surprising for my location).
Win it:
One reader will receive one (1) box of Truvia Natural Sweetener packets, just like mine. Ends 6/21 @ 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Mandatory entry: (I don't care if this is done first, but for your other entries to be credited you must do this.)
Please visit the Truvia website and tell me something you learned or visit the recipes page and tell me something you plan to make when you receive your own box of Truvia! Please leave an email for me to contact you if you win.
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| Chocolate crêpes with raspberry and blackberry cheese filling topped with fresh raspberries. |
Due to the fact I am allergic to most artificial sweeteners, I'm always looking for new or different low/no calorie substitute sweeteners. When I tried Truvia, I was pleasantly surprised. I received the 40-count box.
I would recommend this to any one really. Jo loved it, and agreed that Truvia had no after tastes, tasted no different when used while cooking, and dissolved easily. It also tasted great with hot jasmine tea.
When you look at the ingredients in Truvia, the first and therefor most prominent ingredient is Erythritol.
But what is Erythritol? From the Truvia website:
"Erythritol is an all-natural, non-caloric sweetener, used as an ingredient that provides bulk for the tabletop form of Truvia rebiana. Bulking agents are additives that increase the bulk and contribute to the texture of a food. Erythritol has been part of the human diet for thousands of years as it is present in fruits such as pears, melons and grapes, as well as foods such as mushrooms and fermentation-derived foods such as wine, soy sauce and cheese. It is added to foods and beverages to provide sweetness, as well as to enhance taste and texture."If anyone one is familiar with beet sugar, you will understand when I say that it has a flowery taste. Like beet sugar, it is VERY sweet by itself, and it doesn't take much to sweeten your drinks. (1 packet or less for hot teas.) Because it is a crystal form, it reminds me of sugar, but it does have a complimentary taste of sweet tree. Almost like gum tree or sugar-cane.
To my surprise, I had been having Truvia without knowing it. It can also be found in Dip n' Dots, Vitamin Water 0, and Yo Crunch 100 calorie packs. You can view a full list here. You can also buy Truvia at most food stores including Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Locate the nearest store near you here.
When I first recieved my box of Truvia, I went online and found some great recipes from a Raspberry Lojito to Banana Bread (check out the recipes here.) I of course went for my love of chocolate, and finally decided on the Chocolate Crêpes.
So, why did no one tell me crêpes are so darn hard to make! In reality, it's all about the tricks. I learned, if you use non-stick coating pans, don't use oil/spray. If you have an older stove with eyes that don't heat in the center, move the pan around alot. And finally, if it's not the color in the 4th picture, DON'T try to flip it, it's not ready. :-P Once I finally got the knack of it, it was smooth sailing so I made up the filling. Given I didn't have the right things to make it out of, but in the end, it turned out great.
Recipe for filling as follows:
Filling:
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla yogurt
- 3 tbsp cream cheese
- 7 raspberries & 7 blackberries
- 1 tsp black raspberry jam
- 2 or 3 Truvia packets
- Blend all ingredients in cup until smooth, add more cream cheese to thicken.
- Top crêpes with one (1) - three (3) tablespoons and fresh fruit or granola.
- Fold one side in, top with dab of filling, fold over other side, dab with filling and top folded crêpes with fresh fruit or powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
|
| Tada! |
So in the end?
Great product. Loved it, and no side-effects like the others. No after taste, and great versatility. I say A+. I mean, you might as well.
Buy it:
I personally found it at Walmart and Kroger, and for the most part it runs about $4 for the 40 packet box and $6.50 for the 80 packet. I read on the website they are releasing a scoopable size, but I didn't fins it near me (not surprising for my location).
Win it:
One reader will receive one (1) box of Truvia Natural Sweetener packets, just like mine. Ends 6/21 @ 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Mandatory entry: (I don't care if this is done first, but for your other entries to be credited you must do this.)
Please visit the Truvia website and tell me something you learned or visit the recipes page and tell me something you plan to make when you receive your own box of Truvia! Please leave an email for me to contact you if you win.
Extra entries: (Remember to complete the mandatory entry, otherwise these entries are NOT valid. Please also remember to leave a comment for each entry, including links when needed. Ex. 5 entries = 5 comments.)
- Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect. - 2 entries
- Subscribe to the mini Beach bird. (leave your email thx!) - 1 entry
- Follow me on Twitter. @judaleonard (leave your username thx!) - 1 entry
- Follow me on Networked Blogs (on right sidebar) - 1 entry
- Follow Truvia on Twitter. @Truvia (leave your usnername thx!) - 1 entry
- Follow Truvia on Facebook. (leave your FB name thx!) - 1 entry
- Blog about this giveaway. (leave a link thx!) - 3 entries
- Submit this giveaway to a giveaway linky. (leave a link to the linky thx!) - 2 entries
- Tweet about this giveaway. (Up to twice (2 times) daily, leave a link with each comment.) (Feel free to use: #Win your own box of @Truvia natural sweetener @judaleonard http://bit.ly/9DB11Q) - 1 entry per tweet, 2 daily max
- Place my button on your site/blog. (Code can be found on right sidebar.) - 5 entries
That's 20 possible entries! Have fun and good luck!
Note: I understand some people prefer low entry contests. I am not one of them, all of my contests will have atleast 10-15 entries, if not more. More entries, more chances.
Step 1). Gather all ingrediants. Step 7). Pour batter in pan and swirl to form thin layer.
Step 8). Cook for 1 min and 30 secs, then flip and cook until you look like this. NO EARLIER.
Friday, May 14, 2010
NEW Arizona Brand Vapor Water
"It's got what plants crave. It's got Electrolytes!" -Idiocrazy (2006)
Yes my followers, the saint of water is apon us. Arizona, the tea company we love somuch has just released a new product called Vapor Water. Buh buh buhhhhhH!!!!
Ok so I have to admit, I was really impressed. See, I hate water. I really dislike water. The only water I'll drink is VOSS, and it's running about $2 for a 12oz bottle. So I was visiting a friend tonight when he told me to check out this water. I was like ok. I am so pleased!!!
The Story:
From the bottle: "Water. Essential to all things living. Our planet's hydrological cycle causes it to evaporate into the air, creating water vapor that eventually returns to Earth in its purest form. AriZona has replicated this natural process — and improved upon it — by infusing a perfectly balanced blend of electrolytes into every thirst quenching sip."
The Truth:
The truth is this water tastes like the most perfect bottled tap water, in a good way. It's got the clean taste that Fuji or VOSS water has, but it's got this really unique natural taste to it. When they say it's "Electrolyte Infused" I think they mean it.
Quality:
First off, I really love the top, it's a "nipple bottle" top. It's a lot easier to drink. I also like the size. I'm a constant consumer. I constantly eat and drink minute amounts of food and drink all day. I think that's why I don't like drinks, because they go stale if you leave it out for too long. That's the greatest thing about this water. It doesn't go stale. Every time you drink, it tastes like fresh water. I also really like the size. At 25.3 FL OZ (larger than more bottled waters) it's large enough to last more than longer enough but small enough to fit in most cup holders (the sole reason why I don't buy Vitamin water).
Size:
The bottle is pretty damn sturdy. Like really sturdy. Meaning it won't come loose in your purse (*cough cough* Dasani)
Price:
The one I bought, 25.3 (the small size wth?) seems to be ranging about $1.29-$1.49 depending on where (or if) you can find it.
The Cons:
AVAILABILITY! From what I can see online it's slightly scare, with not a lot of info or ratings. I got mine at a run down Exxon, so go figure. I have yet to see it QT :(
All Together Now:
I love it! Hands down good buy. And I'm sure you can find a coupon for it somewhere. So 7 out of 10 (only because I'm a broke sob, but I still pay for it... lol).
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Review From Wining (RFW): Sue B Essentials
First off I would like to say a big THANK YOU!!! to both Girly Girl Giveaways and Sue B. Essentials for this wonderful set.
I received:
After I put it on, I finished getting ready and headed out for the day. After about five to ten minutes, the scent completely changed. It sort of mixed in and gave out a very subtle smell. I think it was the Asian floral. It became a lovely powder fresh smell with almost a small and barely noticeable prick to it, probably from the lemon. That was my second impression.
Well a couple of hours had passed and I had forgotten about it. I was sitting down to eat when I smelled my arm and the reason why I hadn't smelled it is because it became the most milky buttery floral smell. Kinda like Swedish lemon butter cookies. It had gone from a very bold smell to a very slight pleasant smell perfect for the transition from spring to summer. (And little Clairmont the cat LOVES it...)
I am perfectly satisfied and overwhelmingly pleased with my gifts. They were both very pleasant and well made. Both items were shipped quickly (I won the 30th of April - 11 days). I also would like to say Girly Girl Giveaways was very helpful and professional. Once again, thank you very much!!!
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| Luscious Lanolin Body Butter & Dragon's Milk Perfume Oil |
I received:
Well aside from not being the one to open it... lol (Jo was too excited and felt he wanted to open it first, he also takes the first bite and sip of all my food and drink lol, at least I'll never be poisoned unknowingly. ♥Jo) Besides that, when I looked in the package I was very enthused. I was expecting the sample sized oil but the lotion was much more than expected.
I was slightly sad that it arrived after Mother's Day, but it's cool. I gave the lotion to Jo's mother, Amanda. Befor I gave it too her, I did sneak a use. The lotion is really nice. It's very hydrating. The smell is very woody and I almost feel like I'm camping in a sweet citrus orchard. LOL But no, it was really nice. It was a very fruity and bold scent.
I was really excited about the Dragon's Milk. The description said:
"...swirl of Dragon’s blood Resin, smoky patchouli, and deep green woodsy Oakmoss Resin, Ravensara and a hint of sweet vanilla oil. Dragon’s Blood is a warm, woodsy earth scent with notes of amber, vanilla, sandalwood, light tones of powdery musk’s, and hints of Asian floral."When I first smelled it, I was really pleasantly surprised. It smells like graham crackers mixed with cinnamon rolls, blended with the comforting smell of your favorite family members unused room. In other words, it's an amazing scent that blends the feeling of old school houses, churches, family and tradition with a sort of New Age feeling to it. I really enjoy it. Not an everyday scent, more like a mid-summers night BBQ or concert. That was my first impression.
After I put it on, I finished getting ready and headed out for the day. After about five to ten minutes, the scent completely changed. It sort of mixed in and gave out a very subtle smell. I think it was the Asian floral. It became a lovely powder fresh smell with almost a small and barely noticeable prick to it, probably from the lemon. That was my second impression.
Well a couple of hours had passed and I had forgotten about it. I was sitting down to eat when I smelled my arm and the reason why I hadn't smelled it is because it became the most milky buttery floral smell. Kinda like Swedish lemon butter cookies. It had gone from a very bold smell to a very slight pleasant smell perfect for the transition from spring to summer. (And little Clairmont the cat LOVES it...)
I am perfectly satisfied and overwhelmingly pleased with my gifts. They were both very pleasant and well made. Both items were shipped quickly (I won the 30th of April - 11 days). I also would like to say Girly Girl Giveaways was very helpful and professional. Once again, thank you very much!!!
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