traceymconley
Member Since: February 28, 2017Reviews
Alexia Sweet Potato Puffs
These are my go to when I want to feel like I'm being a little bit healthier (because let's face it, fries and similar products just aren't very healthy!) The Alexia sweet potato puffs are only 140 calories for 2/3rd's of a cup serving, compare... +
These are my go to when I want to feel like I'm being a little bit healthier (because let's face it, fries and similar products just aren't very healthy!)
The Alexia sweet potato puffs are only 140 calories for 2/3rd's of a cup serving, compare that to french fries with can be in excess of 500 calories a serving easily! These are also organic (so they cost a little more, about $4-5/bag). They actually really do get crispy in the oven which I am super pleased about as so many frozen fry type products just don't turn out that well in the oven and are a real let down.
On the inside, these are soft and fluffy. I usually eat them with a small side of chipotle mayo for dip, yum! My bf thinks these are too sweet but he isn't a sweet potato fan to begin with. I on the other hand love the sweet, smooth flavour of sweet potatoes so these don't disappoint.
I bet these would fry up nicely too but I haven't tried as I'm trying to keep my calories down. Give these a try if you are looking to eat lighter or want a french fry substitute. They definitely help satisfy that junk food craving without packing the calories and grease!
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Alba Botanica Pure Lavender Broad Spectrum SPF 45
This is one of my favourite sunblocks! Because I am very strict about not burning (especially on my face) I always make sure to wear something with SPF. When I'm using a straightforward sunblock, this is the one I choose. First, the scent is... +
This is one of my favourite sunblocks! Because I am very strict about not burning (especially on my face) I always make sure to wear something with SPF. When I'm using a straightforward sunblock, this is the one I choose.
First, the scent is wonderful! It's a lovely, subtle lavender scent, a lot nicer than many other options. It's a very rich, creamy formula that spreads on smoothly and absorbs relatively quickly. II use it both on my face and my body. It seems to have good staying power; I've applied it before swimming and haven't been burned an hour later.
I do notice that if you get into anything very strenuous it can sting a little in the eyes (as with most sunblocks) so if you are going to be really active you might want to consider a hat of some sort and skip applying this to your forehead.
I've only seen this particular one in SPF 45, which is a great choice for adults and children in general. The brand itself does make sunblock in other SPF numbers. It is definitely a little more pricey than the average sunblock brand but I think it's a nice enough product that it's worth a little extra.
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Tropicana Tangerine Lemonade
I have purchased this a couple of times now and love it! Sometimes drinks like this can have a really fake tasting flavour but this is a very fresh, truly tangerine taste that is super refreshing. I won't lie, it's hard not to drink the whole... +
I have purchased this a couple of times now and love it! Sometimes drinks like this can have a really fake tasting flavour but this is a very fresh, truly tangerine taste that is super refreshing.
I won't lie, it's hard not to drink the whole bottle in one day! If you aren't really a lemonade fan because you find it too tart I'd give this a try. The addition of the tangerine flavour definitely mellows out the sharpness of a typical lemonade.
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Chi for dogs
I love the Chi line, both for humans and for my dog! The product line for dogs comes in several formulas, I use the deep moisture or the anti-itch option for my dog as she tends to have issues now and then with itchy, dry skin. This product works... +
I love the Chi line, both for humans and for my dog!
The product line for dogs comes in several formulas, I use the deep moisture or the anti-itch option for my dog as she tends to have issues now and then with itchy, dry skin.
This product works really well. The smell is amazing, especially for a dog shampoo, I seriously want to use it myself! It lathers up well and easily and you don't need to use too much for it to effectively cover and clean your dog. Rinses out fairly easily (you do want to make sure you rinse well as it does lather up quite a bit).
My dog is always left with a clean, shiny, great smelling coat. She hates bath time but she always ends up feeling great afterwards and so do I because she smells like a million bucks!
My dog has really short hair but I think this would be an amazing option for a longer haired dog as well. The price is around the $13 mark so a little pricier than some options but SO worth it. And the variety of formulas (there's also an oatmeal, formula, puppy formula and shed control formula as well as a dry spray version) means it works for a variety of different dogs.
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EyeBuy Direct
There are a number of online eyewear retailers available these days but the one I've tried most recently is EyeBuy Direct (eyebuydirect.com). EyeBuy Direct offers glasses starting at only $6.00 a pair. What I loved the most about this site is... +
There are a number of online eyewear retailers available these days but the one I've tried most recently is EyeBuy Direct (eyebuydirect.com).
EyeBuy Direct offers glasses starting at only $6.00 a pair. What I loved the most about this site is that they had a great selection of cute, funky eyewear. Some of the other online retailers seem to carry mostly very traditional styles so it's harder to find something that stands out if that's your personality. At EyeBuy Direct I was able to find a few pairs that I thought were really cute and different.
When you first visit the site you are given the opportunity to sign up and receive 15% off your first order (and the prices are already great!) Like the other online eyewear sites, EyeBuy Direct lets you enter and store your prescription details. I have a VERY strong prescription, my glasses can cost over $600 easily from a traditional store. From EyeBuy Direct, I paid only $72 including shipping and the ultra thin version of my lenses with anti-reflective coating. I chose an adorable floral print pair.
For someone like me who has a fairly pricey prescription, online retailers like EyeBuy Direct are definitely something to check out!
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Brew Dr. Kombucha - Assorted Flavours
Brew Dr. Kombucha is quite honestly the best Kombucha I've tried so far (and I've tried a lot, even made my own!) I think part of the reason is that the company that makes these is originally in the tea business. As a result, the flavours they use... +
Brew Dr. Kombucha is quite honestly the best Kombucha I've tried so far (and I've tried a lot, even made my own!)
I think part of the reason is that the company that makes these is originally in the tea business. As a result, the flavours they use in their kombucha are made from teas they make and know are delicious. They don't add flavours after the fermenting process, all the taste is directly from the tea used to make the kombucha.
My personal favourite flavour is pictured here, White Rose (I hear this flavour is being rebranded as "Happiness"). It's quite unlike other kombucha's, not so tangy and vinegar flavoured. This one is made from a white tea and has a light rose flavour to it (as you may have guessed from the name!).
My second favourite is Love; it's similar to the White Rose but also has lavender and chamomile flavour to it. SO delicious and soothing and again, that super vinegar kombucha essence is not as prominent. Because I think that is the flavour that turns many off of trying kombucha, this brand is a perfect introduction/reintroduction to the beverage.
The biggest negative is the price. These are not inexpensive unless you buy them on sale. I've been told they are available at Costco sometimes so they may be cheaper there. I've paid over $5 a bottle when I just really had to have one (I purchased them at Goodness Me).
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Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts
Hemp is a great way to get Omega-3 via a non-animal source and these hemp hearts are an easy and delicious way to do so. Apparently hemp has more of the Omegas you need than the other 2 popular plant based sources, flax and Chia (although I'm a fan... +
Hemp is a great way to get Omega-3 via a non-animal source and these hemp hearts are an easy and delicious way to do so. Apparently hemp has more of the Omegas you need than the other 2 popular plant based sources, flax and Chia (although I'm a fan of both of them too!)
I love these sprinkled on yogurt best although I also add them to smoothies and as a salad topper. In yogurt, depending on the flavour, they add a nice little nutty flavour and a little bit of texture. In smoothies and on salads they tend to be there more for their nutritional value, you really aren't going to notice or taste them there.
If you don't like fish based Omega-3 products because of the taste or you are a vegan/vegetarian, these are a definite must to add to your meals (honestly, they can pretty much be added to ANYTHING!)
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Saje Aromaom Deluxe Ultrasonic Diffuser
This product is my current favourite thing ever! The Aromaom Deluxe ultrasonic diffuser is one of Saje's top of the line diffusers. Instead of being plastic, this beauty has a ceramic top and holds 15 oz of water. I've had mine running for nearly... +
This product is my current favourite thing ever!
The Aromaom Deluxe ultrasonic diffuser is one of Saje's top of the line diffusers. Instead of being plastic, this beauty has a ceramic top and holds 15 oz of water. I've had mine running for nearly 24 hours at a time which is easily 2-3 times longer than some of the smaller units (which I also have, what can I say, I'm obsessed!)
It's really quite a nice looking diffuser with a built-in light that you can turn off or on (and that you can have cycle through a variety of light colours or leave on one colour. It runs pretty quietly, you do hear the odd light trickle sound and a soft mist sound; I find that very soothing but if you are sensitive to that type of sound it might not be great for you at night time.. I have the black version, it does also come in white (I find the black much more elegant looking though, although the white does have a nice, clean, modern look to it.)
The beauty of this model is in it's power. Mine easily fills nearly 500 sq. feet with great aroma for, as I mentioned before, a nice long period of time depending on the setting you choose (the shortest mine has ever run for was still about 12 hours.) Using it couldn't be easier. The top just lifts off as does the internal plastic top. Add water and drops of essential oil, put the covers back on and hit the button (you can choose timed diffusion of 1,3, or 6 hours or just put it on to run until it's done at which time it shuts itself off).
Diffusing essential oils has a multitude of benefits. I use mine for headaches, allergies, stress and anxiety, sleep and relaxation and of course just because I want my home to smell nice without using chemical fragrance. Saje is one of the best.
This item costs $129.95 which is a lot but it is worth EVERY PENNY. The company has an amazing customer satisfaction policy and if your unit stops working or has problems, they will replace it for you without hassle. Using Saje brand oils is your best bet although you can use other oils as long as you make sure they are good quality and are pure essential oils without any sort of carrier oil (that would be any sort of oil designed to let you apply to the skin, like almond oil or shea for example) included as those will ruin the inner workings.
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Yves Veggie Cusine Veggie Bacon Strips
I'm a "sometimes" vegetarian and one of those rare people who actually don't like bacon all that much due to the greasiness. That doesn't mean I don't crave a good BLT every now and then and these actually help fill that craving! Out of the... +
I'm a "sometimes" vegetarian and one of those rare people who actually don't like bacon all that much due to the greasiness. That doesn't mean I don't crave a good BLT every now and then and these actually help fill that craving!
Out of the package these do look a little strange and don't particularly smell like bacon. But once you start cooking them (you will want to use a little olive oil so that they cook up nice and don't burn) you would swear there was bacon sizzling on the grill! You'll want to cook these on a low/medium heat setting as they can and will burn easily. It is possible to get them relatively crispy for a more authentic BLT experience. On their own they are not too bad (say as a side for eggs for example) although there is a slight chewiness that is more obvious when eaten this way so in a sandwich is where these really shine.
I've made a BLT using these for several bacon loving friends and they have all said they thought it was delicious and much different than they were expecting. These are on my regular grocery list and have been for a couple of years now.
If you're a vegetarian, a vegan or would just like something a little less fatty every now and then, I urge you to give this product a try!
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The Chia Co. Chia Pod
The Chia Co. Chia Pods are an amazing, healthy breakfast or snack alternative for anyone interested in healthy eating. I've tried 3 flavours: Mango, Blueberry and Coconut. Of the three, the mango was the sweetest, although none have any added... +
The Chia Co. Chia Pods are an amazing, healthy breakfast or snack alternative for anyone interested in healthy eating. I've tried 3 flavours: Mango, Blueberry and Coconut. Of the three, the mango was the sweetest, although none have any added sugars. These are basically a pudding made of chia, Coconut milk and real foods (in these cases mango, blueberry and coconut!) Nothing is artificial and there are no dairy or animal products so these are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Some people may not enjoy the texture of these products, they are very like a tapioca type texture, so they might be too goopy for some to handle. I don't mind this texture at all. It's refreshing to eat a product that isn't super sweet, you can really taste the natural flavour in these. Having said that, they might actually not be sweet enough for some people to enjoy them, it can take some getting used to not having added sugar in a product like this.
Chia is excellent for managing cholesterol levels, adds great fibre to your diet and these contain good fats. Each pod comes in around the 150 calories mark. I find these keep me feeling full for the whole morning and I definitely don't find myself reaching for something junky like a muffin or danish after eating one of these.
The biggest negative is that they are a little on the pricey side. They range from about $3.50-$4.00 each.
If you're health conscious and haven't tried these yet, I say go for it!
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