22 Days Nutrition Power Pack Bar Review and Giveaway

22daysnutrition.com

*Giveaway Closed* 

Winner is entry #50 

Congratulations BeautyToLove

I am a long time wanna-be vegetarian, but the drastic change from a life long meat eating diet to a meatless diet isn't as easy as flipping a switch from on to off. When  other's in your household don't believe in meatless meals it is even more difficult to change. I like the 22 days to change approach to change from 22 Days Nutrition. I recently reviewed some of their blissful treats.

The review: I received 2 power packs, 4 vegan bars in each box. None of the bars contain high fructose corn syrup, gluten, soy, trans fats or cholesterol. They are also all low in sodium. Out of six flavors I was mailed 4 flavors to try: Nut Butter Buddha Crunch, Enlightened Pumpkinseed, Cherry Chocolate Bliss and Daily Mocha Mantra (all vegan bars). Cherry Chocolate Bliss was my absolute favorite. The name suits the bar very well. well. My taste-buds were blown away by the perfectly textured and perfectly flavored nutrition bar.

On the other-hand I felt the  complete opposite about the Daily Mocha Mantra bar. I couldn't finish the bar. This is by far the worst bar I have ever tasted, but keep in mind I am biased. Why? I am not partial to coffee. In fact, I hate (strong word I know) coffee. I can't stand the smell or taste of it and this nutrition bar has plenty of coffee taste and smell to it. I'm sure anyone else who loves coffee would love this bar

The Nut Butter Buddha Crunch is a tasty bar too, but because of the 3 digits temperature in my hometown the chocolate melted in my mail box. I learned sticking the bar in the freezer solves that problem. The chocolate... so subtly sweet. The crunch... perfect.

I wasn't too fond of the Enlightened Pumpkinseed bar. It wasn't terrible like the Mocha bar, but it isn't a bar I would buy. However, my two year loved it.

At almost $3 a bar I found that the small bars to be a bit expensive for my pocketbook. Still, small as the bars are, they are packed with a lot of raw organic nutrition inside them. These bars are great for breakfast on the go, healthy, filling and easy to eat. On sale, I'd order a couple of boxes of Cherry Chocolate Bliss, for a bar a day, and take part in the 22 day challenge. Could a bar as delicious as this change my meat eating ways? Possibly.

The Giveaway: Open to U.S. only. One lucky winner will get 1 power pack to sample. *Deadline: June 30th, 2011.

Mandatory Entry: Visit 22 Days. Then leave a comment below to tell me what flavor you think you would like best.

Additional Entries: (leave one comment for each additional entry you complete)
-If you follow GGG on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)
-Put the GGG button your blog (please leave link)
-If you follow GGG on Twitter
-If you follow GGG on Facebook
-Follow 22 Days on Twitter   http://www.twitter.com/22DaysNutrition
-Follow 22 Days on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/22days

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email before a new winner is selected.

Disclaimer: 22 Days provided me with a free sample of this product to review. I was under no obligation to review it if I chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

POM Wonderful Review

Founded in 1987 POM Wonderful is the only company to grow, juice, and bottle their own fruit making a delicious and healthful beverage that is guaranteed 100% pomegranate juice. Unlike other so called pomegranate juices POM Wonderful contains no added sugar, colorants or low-grade fruit juices giving you all the great benefits of this super fruit. Pomegranates are known to have high levels of antioxidants that  help fight free radicals that damage the cells in your body. Drinking POM's 100 % pomegranate juice is a great way to get these antioxidants. You can find out more about the health benefits of drinking pomegranate juice here.

In addition to being a healthy drink POM is yummy! I have been drinking it for years and now my little girl Penelope enjoys it as well. Our favorite is the original pomegranate juice but POM also has several other varieties of 100 % juice and even teas.   

Speaking of the teas, I started drinking them when they first came out before they added the little x to the name. Do any of you recall the drinking glasses they use to come in with the POM label on them. I collected about 6 glasses during this time and I love these. I am so bummed they no longer come in this container. Aside from that POMx teas are another tasty drink from POM  brewed with high quality tree leaves and enhanced with pure pomegranate and other fruits.

Did you know that POM Wonderful can also be used in recipes?

Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato and Pomegranate Soup

Pomegranate and Lemon-Herb Tilapia

 POM Velvet Cupcakes with POM Cream Cheese Frosting

These are just a few that I think look amazing!

 Is there a POM variety you have yet to try? Or perhaps you found a recipe using POM that you just have to make. Become a POM Insider now and get a coupon for $1.00 off your next bottle of POM. Also be sure to like POM Wonderful on Facebook for future savings and promotions.

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

Lilla Rose Giveaway

CLOSED

Congratulations! Winner  #14  windycindy

Lilla Rose started off as a line of unique, functional, and fashionable hair accessories founded by a husband and father John Dorsey.

"We've been in the hair goods business since 1992 when my wife wanted that first pair of beaded chopsticks. She bought the materials to make them but then decided to go get the expensive ones at Nordstrom instead. I took her materials, fascinated by what they were selling for and started making them myself by hand in the garage."

They have since added several more items including Badge Holders, Keychains, Eyeglass Lanyards, and  Jewelry to the Lilla Rose Product line, but their flagship item is the Flexi Hair Clip. The Flexi Clip is a stylish hair adornment with a purpose. Not only does it look great on but it pulls your hair back helping you create your ideal hair style. The Flexi Clip comes in 7 different sizes from Mini to Mega so that you can get the perfect fit for your hair length and the style you wish to achieve. They also come in an assortment of beautiful designs. Some of my favorites are the Fairy, Filigree Dragonfly, and the Silver Etched Lily.



Fairy



Silver Etched Lily







Filigree Dragonfly

You are invited to view the large selection of Flexi Clips by visiting Independent Lilla Rose Consultant, Donna Sisk's site Enchanted Adornments. You can also find some really cute Hair Sticks and Bobby Pins. Not sure which clip is the right one for you? Check out the Sizing and Styling page complete with videos.

Courtesy of Donna Sisk one of you Girly Girls will have the chance to win a gorgeous Flexi Clip of your choice.

To Enter: Visit Enchanted Adornments shop and tell me which Flexi Clip you would like to have, then head on over to Donna's Facebook page and let her know you entered the giveaway at Girly Girl Giveaways. In addition you can get an extra 5 entries by making a purchase from her store. If you do this be sure to leave your name here so that the purchase can be verified.

And as usual you can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on June 25, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.

***Monica***
I did not receive any form of compensation for writing this post. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

Zevia All Natural Soda Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

Congratulations! Winner  #14 BethElderton

Stevia is a sweetener from nature that has been used by people for hundreds of years to sweeten foods and beverages. Stevia is the only all-natural, zero-calorie,  alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners and Zevia All Natural Soda uses stevia as it's sole sweetener to produce delicious and yummier for you soda pop. You can read more about the history and science of stevia here.

With only the purest ingredients, ZEVIA contains none of the chemically processed artificial sugar substitutes, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives found in other diet sodas. ZEVIA is 100% natural, has zero calories, zero net carbs, zero fat, and little or no sodium (depending on flavor).

Zevia comes in a variety of flavors including:

Cola
Ginger Root Beer
Dr. Zevia
Twist
Ginger Ale
Black Cherry
Orange
Grape
Cream Soda
Caffeine Free Cola
Mountain Zevia
Grapefruit Citrus

I was given the opportunity to try three flavors of Zevia; Caffeine Free Cola, Orange and Grape. The one thing I notices immediately when drinking these sodas was that they did not have that strange aftertaste that many artificial sweeteners do. They were yummy with the just the right amount of sweetness. While I am not a big soda consumer I did really enjoy the Caffeine Free Cola flavor and it is one I would drink again and again. The fact that it does not contain harmful ingredients and is calorie free is a big bonus. I shared my cans of Zevia with my husband who regularly drinks soda and he was very impressed. So much so that he asked me to track down where we could buy it for ourselves. We live in a small town in Alaska and the closest place to purchase this is about a 4 hour drive away in Anchorage. My husband said the next time we make it up there we are going to stock up on the stuff. Yep, it's that good.

Check out Zevia's store locator to find out where you can purchase this yummy beverage near you. You can also purchase Zevia through Amazon. You can follow Zevia via Facebook and Twitter for current promotions and news.

How would you like to win a 6 pack of Zevia All Natural Soda in your choice of flavor?

To Enter: Please tell me what flavor of Zevia you would like to try. You can also get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on June 20, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

SPF15 Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review and Giveaway

www.skinmdnatural.com

*Giveaway Closed* 

Winner is entry #3 

Congratulations Amanda

I love reviewing lotions, especially eco-friendly made lotions made for sensitive skin. As a green blogger with sensitive skin I know what I like or don't like in a lotion. So, when the opportunity to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion, SPF 15 came my way I took it.

My review: I reviewed, a 4 oz bottle of SPF15 Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. 4 ounces of lotion doesn't sound like a lot of lotion to sample, but a little bit of this lotion goes a long way. I also found the size and shape of the bottle to be the perfect size to store and find in my purse.

Greasy? When I sit down to type up a review I often have the product I'm reviewing near me to taste, touch, see, listen or feel again. It helps reminds me (my notes do too) why or why I didn't like a product. One thing I often notice about lotions is their greasiness. If they are greasy the greasiness often smears onto the keyboard buttons and my fingers slip a little or they feel so greasy I have to rub the lotion off onto a napkin to make it comfortable to type again. I didn't have this problem with Skin MD.

Skin MD has a thin (not too thin) layer of moisturizing lotion that absorbs into my skin right away leaving behind a lustrous look and smooth feel on my skin. I had no skin irritation from it and the soft scent is very pleasing. I also had no need for reapplications during the day.

How affective is the SPF 15 in preventing sunburns? To be honest, with temperatures soaring in the 3 digits here... I stay indoors as much as possible. So, I have no idea if the sun protection works or not.

However, I am impressed that the facility where the lotion is made is 100% solar powered. "Our lotions are made to be free of parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, and other irritating ingredients. They are also vegan, cruelty free, and ego-friendly. We don't participate in animal testing or use any animal products in our lotions and Skin MD Natural is formulated in the United States in a facility that uses 100% solar power" (http://www.skinmdnatural.com/).

I could do without the small print at the back of the bottle. It was difficult for me to read "other ingredients". It is important to me to be able to read the ingredients so I know what I'm actually putting on my skin. What I do like is Skin MD's break down of ingredients on their website here. Still, I'd like Skin MD to make the font larger or clearer to print on the bottle.

What kind of score does Skin Deep give this lotion? According to the EWG's Skin Deeps Cosmetic Database this lotion scored a 5 (a moderate score) in the ratings in November 1999. This was the most updated rating I could find and may or may no longer be accurate.

The Giveaway: Open to U.S. and Canada. One lucky winner will get 4 oz. full-sized bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. *Deadline: June 30th, 2011.

Mandatory Entry: Visit Skin MD. Then leave a comment below, tell me what you learned about natural skin care.

Additional Entries: (leave one comment for each additional entry you complete)
-If you follow GGG on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)
-Put the GGG button your blog (please leave link)
-If you follow GGG on Twitter
-If you follow GGG on Facebook
-Sign up for Skin MD Natural Skin Care news letter http://www.skinmdnatural.com/newsletters/newsletter.php
-Follow Skin MD on Twitter   http://twitter.com/skinmdnatural
-Follow Skin MD on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/skinmdnatural
-Sign up for Skin MD Natural Skin Care news letter http://www.skinmdnatural.com/newsletters/newsletter.php

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email before a new winner is selected.

Disclaimer: Skin MD provided me with a free sample of this product to review. I was under no obligation to review it if I chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Color It By Numbers - A Giveaway - CLOSED

Congratulations to our winner:

Gianna said...You can choose from 5 languages.


Children love to color, right?

Children love technology, right? (and they are too good at it!)

Why not combine the two?

Color It By Numbers offers families a way to allow children to color pictures online using a traditional "color by number" format that isn't found too often today.


By following the patterns, children are taught and encouraged as they review both their color knowledge as well as their number and pattern recognition.

And you aren't stuck with the same old picture every time. Since Color It By Numbers makes it easy to change the preset colors, your child can decide what color the objects in the picture are going to be and make a different picture every time!


With varying levels of interest and difficulty, this site will be interesting to children of many ages. The pictures are divided into three separate coloring books: one for princesses, one for animals, and one for vehicles. What fun and a little something for everyone!

What about its compatibility with your machine? With so many different possibilities of computers that will be running these coloring books, this could be a potential nightmare, right? Well, Color It By Numbers has a cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) set up that works will all variations of screen resolution. In other words, I don't think you can go wrong!


This site is fun and a great tool for keeping them on their feet during the summer or just a great rainy-day activity that results in works of art (without all of the mess).

The Review:
This was a difficult review for our family. Our daughter is too young to recognize the number/color concept and we don't let her on the computer (she's not 2 yet, people). Our son is allowed to play on the computer for limited time, but at 5 and brilliant, is past recognizing colors and numbers and putting those ideas together. However, there are other levels that he skipped right onto and still enjoyed the program immensely.

He liked being able to create his own masterpieces by changing the preset colors and therefore, coloring things whatever color he wanted. He liked seeing how the pictures came together in the end and still had fun. And honestly...as long as he was having fun, I could not complain!


It's no substitute for hands-on coloring, but a great alternative just to mix things up a bit!

The Giveaway:
Color It By Numbers is offering one of my readers the chance to win access to all three "coloring books" on their site so your little one can color princesses, animals, and vehicles!

Mandatory Entry:
Visit Color It By Numbers and tell me something you learned.

Additional Entries (leave one comment per entry):

• Follow Color It By Numbers on Facebook and leave a comment that you did.
• Follow Color It By Numbers on Twitter and let me know you did.
• Follow us via Google Friend Connect (right sidebar).
• Enter the concurrent giveaway I am also featuring of this at Mrs Nespy's World (another chance to win!) and leave me a comment that you did.
• Follow Girly Girl Giveaways on Twitter.

Giveaway Rules: Giveaway will run until June 13th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by Random.org. US only. Commenter must either leave email address with each comment or make sure email address is attached to your profile. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to return contact before another winner is chosen.

I was provided with access codes to allow us to review this product for free. My opinions are purely my own.