Zep Cleaning products to the Rescue

As a stay at home mom, one of my biggest tasks is keeping our house sparkly and clean. I do not mind house cleaning but I must admit that one of my least favorite thing to do is cleaning the bathrooms.  This is a problem for me because we have 5 bathrooms in our house that have to be maintained.  I am not sure why I hate cleaning the bathrooms so much, but it could have something to do with the fact that it has been my chore since I was a child. We recently moved into a new home and the shower in our master bathroom has become my arch nemesis. It seems to get dirty after just one shower and it is an absolute beast to clean. I think the main issue  with it is the material that it is made of. It is made of a hard plastic and is surrounded with a glass enclosure.  I have tried several products but none have seemed to really work very well at getting it sparkling clean. That is why I was super excited to when Crowdtap gave me the opportunity to try out two of the new Zep products.  What really excited me about this sample and share was the fact that not only would both of the product provide a superior clean, it would also serve as a disinfectant which is great with cold and flu season being in full force. In the sample box I received:

-Zep Quick Clean Disinfectant

-Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner and Degreaser

Once I got the samples, I immediately stated cleaning every surface in my home.  No surface was safe with me. I covered the light switch plates, the cordless phones, the kitchen counters, the bathrooms, some of my kids toys, and anything else that I thought may have a germ or two on it. Once I had disinfected everything, I then decided to try out the Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner and Degreaser on some stubborn stains that I had around the house. I started in with a stain that I had on my daughters bathroom counter. The counters are made of a white stone that had somehow gotten a blue stain on it. I had tried everything to get it out but it just did not seem to work. So I sprayed the Zep All Around on the stain and waiting for a minute like the directions stated. After the minute I took a Mr clean magic and started to clean the stain. Within seconds the faint blue stain that had once ruined my white counter tops was no more. I was so impressed with it that I tried it on another stain that was on my master bath counter top. I repeated the steps but this time the stain did not come out all the way. The next stain I tried it on was a permanent marker stain that one of my daughters had placed on a wall. Once again, within minutes the stain was long gone.

Overall, I was impressed with the Zep products that I received. I will say that I found the Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner and Degreaser to do a better job on cutting stains and dirt. I will definitely be purchasing this product to use in my home because it helps cut my cleaning time in half. Be sure to check it out in your local store and let me know what you think about it. 

Products referenced in this review were provided to sample but all reviews about both products are based on my personal opinions of the products. 

The Low Down on Sweet and Low: A Crowdtap Party Sampling

As many of you know I love trying out products so I was excited when Crowdtap invited me to have a host a "The Sweeter, The Better: A Sweet’N Low” party. This party was aimed at sharing some healthier alternatives for so great summer party drinks.  To help throw this party I was provided with an awesome kit included the following items:

• One (1) Sampling Insert to guide your experience
• One (1) Box of Sweet’N Low for me
• Five (5) Sweet’N Low samples with coupons for your friends
• Six (6) Cards with skinny Sweet’N Low recipes
• One (1) pitcher
• Cups
• Napkins
• A set of measuring cups
• A gift card for supplies

I must admit that I am a yellow packet kind of girl but I am open to trying new things.  I use an alternative sweetener in my coffee and ice tea but never did I think to add it to my mixed drinks. That is why this party was so cool.  I really liked the cool drink recipe cards that were included in the kit. I liked how they offered both alcoholic and non alcoholic drink options so there was something for everyone. These drink cards opened up a whole new door for me on new ways to use Sweet and low.  The recipe I loved was the Skinny Mini Mojito.  I lived this one because it was a light and refreshing drink that was great for these hot California days. The great thing about it is that you can serve it with our without the alcohol and it still be a great drink. Check out the super easy recipe below:

Ingredients

• Ice
• 12 packets Sweet’N Low® zero calorie sweetener
• 1 1/4 cups light rum
• 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup loosely packed mint sprigs
• 1 liter club soda, chilled
• 6 lime wedges
• 6 small mint sprigs

Place 1 cup mint sprigs, lime juice, rum and Sweet’N Low® in 2-quart nonmetal pitcher. Crush mint with wooden spoon. Add ice and club soda. Serve in tall glasses over ice. Garnish with lime wedges and small mint sprigs.

Overall, all the drink recipes included in the kit were great and I look forward to trying many more of these.  If you are interested in finding out more great drink options using sweet and low be sure to check out their page  by clicking here.  

I must admit that up until now, I normally use another alternative sweetener because I find that Sweet and Low has a slight after taste.  One thing I did find is that the after taste is not as noticeable when it is mixed into the mixed drinks. 

I received the above products free from Crowdtap and Sweet and Low so that I could review the products but all opinions are based on my own personal experiences with the products. 

Love at first bite: Hills Ideal Balance dog food is a hit

As many of you know I am always trying out new products through some really great companies. I recently got the opportunity to try out Hills Ideal Balance dog food through Crowdtap.  Our family is blessed to have a small four pound pomeranian who goes by the name of Blue. A couple of months ago the groomer informed me that I needed to change Blues diet because it was affecting his skin and coat. She recommended that we switch to one without all the additives and fillers. We started using Blue Buffalo and he was enjoying it but it was a little pricey. That is why I was excited when Crowdtap contacted me about trying this new Hills Ideal Balance dog food.  What's great about this food is that it is made with all natural ingredients and does not contain any artificial colors or flavors. Instead it is made with ingredients like fresh chicken and brown rice. The chicken is a lean protein which will help keep Blue slim and trim ad he ages. It also contains potatoes which are naturally gluten free which means it will help with heath digestion. Hills Ideal Balance food is said to be great because it provides key nutrients that are perfect for your dogs  nutritional needs. The each food type contains 50 key nutrients based on life stage, lifestyle, size or special care needs. We have tried several dog foods over the past couple of months and Blue has been pretty tough on them so I was a little leary on if he would actually like the Hills Ideal Balance. Boy was I surprised he loved it from the moment I set it in front of him. I was excited because Hills food contains 3 and 6 fatty acids  which have been known to improve skin and coats which is a big issue we face with Blue.
Along with the dry dog food they also sent some dog treats and a can of wet food. This is great because it is a complete line of products which will continue to help with the nutritional health of Blue.

Overall, we were happy with the Hills Ideal Balance food. Blue seemed to really enjoy the snacks as well as the food. This is definitely a food that I can feel good about giving to Blue because not only is it good to him but good for him. Don't have a dog? Don't fret Hills has a complete line for cats as well. Be sure to check them out on the pet food Isle your pet will thank you later for it.

I received free products to try out this product but all opinions are based on my personal experiences with this prodcut.

Crowdtap sample share: Kleenex to the rescue

Summer should be the season where allergy sufferers get some relief but in our house that has not been the case. Over the last couple of months there has been more runny nose than I can count. That's  why the Crowdtap Kleenex sample and share was right down our alley.  For this sample share, I received one box of Kleenex tissues to use and share with my family and friends. Now let me tell you that we normally use the cool touch Kleenex tissues so it was an adjustment for us to use the regular tissues. Even though we missed the cool feel of our normal tissues, still enjoyed the great softness that the Kleenex brand is known for. My two daughters loved using the Kleenex tissues because of how soft they are.
So whether you have to sneeze, or clean up a small mess Kleenex tissues are great.

#GoPROFOOT, Pedi-Rock: The answer to your at home pedicure expererience

Last week marked the arrival of summer which is the favorite season for many people.  I love summer as much of as the next girl and one of the main reasons I love it so much is because I get to pull out all of my cute sandals and open toe shoes. With the breakout of my sandals also comes the bi weekly pedicure ritual. I try my best to keep my standing appointment for my pedicure but as a busy mom of two I sometimes fall off schedule and have to do my own at home. This is why I am always on the lookout for cool products that allow me to have a salon grade pedicure in the comfort of my home. That is why I was excited to try out the ProFoot Pedi-Rock that was included in my GoVoxBox from Influenster.  When I first pulled the egg out of the box, I was intrigued at how the soft the rock felt when I squeezed it in the package. The Pedi-Rock is an egg shaped product which is made up of silicone carbide crystals.  I found myself wondering what made the Pedi-Rock different from other callus removers but after using it I understood completely. I was in between pedicures when I realized that my heals were looking a little rough so I thought that this would be the perfect time to give the Pedi-Rock a try. The package stated that the rock could be used either wet or dry so I decided to try it out one night dry as I sat watching my favorite show. I found egg to be really easy to handle and the rock seemed to contour to my heel as I removed the roughness. Unlike other foot files, I found that the rock was easier to hold and maneuver over my foot. After a couple of strokes across my heels I found that my heels felt a lot smoother. I liked how the rock was able to cover more surface area of my feet so I was done in no time. I thought that it was cool how the rock was not as abrasive as some other foot files but it was still able to get the job done with very little effort. 

Still not sold on the Pedi-Rock, you do not have to take my word on how great this rock works because ProFoot stand by their product and you can try it risk free. If you are not satisfied with your Pedi-Rock, Profoot will give you your money back. So what are you waiting on, go ahead and try the Pedi-Rock, your feet will thank you. 

I received a complementary Pedi-Rock to try out and review but all information in this post are based on my own personal use of the product. 

Muller takes yogurt to a whole new level

I must admit that I have always loved yogurt for as long as I can remember. Up until recently I have liked all flavors and brands of yogurt but now Quaker has changed that for me. Quaker has a new yogurt called Muller which is simply delicious. This yogurt is creamy and very flavor-able. It is made with reduced fat milk and has lots of great nutrients like calcium and protein. What makes this yogurt even better is that is does not contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, or high fructose corn syrup. I am a basic flavor kind of girl but Muller comes in more than 27 varieties for those who like to mix it up. Muller yogurts can be found on your grocery shelf as Muller Frutup, Muller Corner, and Muller Greek Corner. My favorite out of the three is the Frutup version which is a creamy low fat yogurt topped with a layer of fruit mousse. I absolutely love how smooth and creamy the yogurt becomes once the mousse is mixed with the yogurt. My favorite flavors of Frutup are Peach Passion Fruit. Whenever I enjoy one of these treats I have to hide out because both of my girls  love them just as much as I do. So if you enjoy yogurt you have to try these new Muller yogurts out.  I think that you will love it as much as I do. 

I received a coupon to try out Muller yogurt but the reviews in this post are based on my own personal experience with the product. 

Crowdtap Sample and Share: Listerine 21 day challenege

I am one of those people who thinks of candy and sweets and instantly I get a cavity. For years I have had issues with my teeth and gums and I just can not seem to shake it. I have used a specialty tooth paste, I use a power tooth brush, I have used a water pick and I have tried just about every mouth wash you can think of to help with my issues. It is because of this that I was excited to take the Listerine 21 day challenge with Crowdtap.

As part of my sample share I was provided with two bottles of Listerine, one for me and another for a family or friend. We were then instructed to take this challenge and report our findings. I was a little disappointed with the sample share from the beginning because by the time I received my sample, I had missed the first two weeks of the outlined activities and I had less than the 21 days needed before I had to complete my report. But I am a good sport so I passed a bottle over to a friend who agreed to try it out with me and I went on my way.

I must admit that this was not my first time using Listerine but it was the first time that I actually paid attention to the progress I made with my oral health while using it. In the past it was just a part of my routine.  This time I made sure to pay close attention to any changes I saw.  I must admit that after a couple of days I noticed that the soreness and tenderness in my gum line area was slowly going away. I also notices that my breath felt fresh and clean. Overall, I saw some improvement in oral health in that my gums were no longer sore and my teeth had a fresh clean feel to them. I will admit that even though I experienced some changes while using Listerine, I am not completely sold on it because I am not a big fan of the strong sensation you feel when using it. I will be finishing out my 21 days of the challenge and I will then draw my conclusion on how sold I am on it. Until then I will swish on and see what comes next.