Category: product review

Product Review ~ govino Drinkware

On By Rosina MottaIn blogging, brand influence, drinks, gifts, giveaway, product review, wineLeave a comment

Its been a while since I have written a product review. Partly due to the sheer volume of products available to check out. I stand by all prior product reviews and still suggest you cruise by and check them out. Frankly, I felt as if I was doing so many in a short period of time, I was diluting the well. I felt the need to step back. Gather my thoughts. Filter out the items I didn’t really consider using often. Until now.

Today, I ask you to stop what you are doing and check out govino. Particularly if you are a fan of wine, outdoor activities like picnics or bbq’s, or even special events and holidays. I recently published the Guest Post – Yogurt Parfait that would look amazing in the same drinkware. govino has a product line of dishwasher safe, shatterproof, reusable, recyclable, BPA/BPS free drinkware. Dont get me wrong, I still invite people over for parties where red cups are everywhere…but I also like the option of the sophisticated cocktail or craft beer in a nice glass. govino offers me that opportunity with drinkware that I can feel confident using without fear of breaking.

My husband and I personally tested them out recently and we were both pleasantly surprised with the quality, clarity and unique design. The pieces are molded into a shape that allows for a comfortable grip. Check out the product line…they are beautiful!

As if it weren’t already at the top of the industry with ‘the first and only unbreakable wine glass of its kind to be validated and accepted by the wine industry’, they take their expertise to a whole new level. CUSTOMIZATION! The possibilities are limitless. Consider the options such as corporate gifts, fundraisers, bachelor & bachelorette gifts, wedding party gifts and even party favors.

I was so pleased with the entire product line that govino sent to me for review, I agreed to host a giveaway. Its interactive so start thinking of creative ways to use your govino drinkware and you could end up winning! Details have been posted on my Sponsored Giveaways tab. I encourage you to check out their site to review and shop to your heart’s content, my giveaway page for details, and even your local BevMo to pick up a set to try yourself!

govino

Product Review ~ Toothbrush & Mouth Guard Shield

On By Rosina MottaIn brand influence, health, life, product reviewLeave a comment

In keeping with the theme of Valentine’s week, I wanted to share a product review that will help keep your mouth fresh and clean so you can smooch your love freely.

IntelliDent has a couple of products that should be a staple in your home moving forward. We all know the importance of good oral health but what if you do everything right and dont cover your toothbrush or mouth guard? All of your efforts could be wiped away simply with the contamination on your oral supplies. If you dont already know, when flushing your toilet the micro splash could reach 20 feet or more. Closing the lid could help, but what if you forget? I dont know about you, but my bathroom isnt 20 feet.

Its common sense to grab a cover from the drugstore to ensure a contaminant free toothbrush. Not so fast. According to the information gathered by IntelliDent, the Centers for Disease Control actually discourage the use of plastic containers due to the probability of germ contamination. That is why the Toothbrush Shield and Mouth Guard Shield are a dynamic duo in keeping your oral health at an optimum level.

The Toothbrush Shield and Mouth Guard Shield are quick drying, disposable covers made of a non woven fabric. They wick moisture away and are breathable which reduces the chance for germ accumulation and contamination. Everyone has a toothbrush so this is beneficial to all. For those in sports or use an overnight mouth guard, these shields are a necessity.

I encourage you to check out their Twitter & Facebook account and follow for the latest updates.

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Product Review – Cottonelle Fresh Care

On By Rosina MottaIn blogging, brand influence, health, product review1 Comment

Never settle for a bad doctor, always pay for a quality bra & always wear clean underwear. Did you ever hear that saying? Growing up, these were three pearls of wisdom that always seemed to be strung together. Not quite sure why. Well I have no problem seeking out the best doctors, I may cringe at the price when I buy a quality bra but I do it anyway, and I always wear clean underwear. The Cottonelle Challenge had me considering tossing my underwear entirely and trying it out myself. I loved it! I was so happy, I reached out to Cottonelle on Twitter. They offered to send me free samples when I offered to share my review with all of you.

cottonelle logo

If going commando is a new term to you, it means not wearing underwear. You may have seen the commercials. The Cottonelle rep approaches random people asking if they will go commando. Its funny and kind of cute. Until you consider it yourself. I mean the thought of losing that extra layer can be somewhat intimidating. Perhaps you are nodding your head in agreement as you read along.

Let me ask you…when did you decide to stop using a moist wipe as a baby and turn to using only dry toilet paper? You didn’t. Using plain paper is just what you do. Of course toilet paper will always be a staple, but I am an avid fan of the Cottonelle Fresh Care Wipes and their Clean Care toilet paper. Yes, you may think I sound like a commercial but if you think of some of your favorite products, you will understand why I am singing it’s praises. The wipes have a clean scent and dry quickly. They have similar ridges as the paper and when used together, you feel fresh. Now going commando is liberating!

I urge you to try it out for yourself. Go to the Cottonelle site and tell me afterward just how life-changing it can be for you.

Fitness in 5 Steps

On By Rosina MottaIn brand influence, fitness, giveaway, health, product reviewLeave a comment

Its resolution time. Everyone wants to get healthy after all the gluttony over the holidays…especially me. I am not getting any younger and frankly, enough is enough. As a plus sized, full figured woman, I am not going to start fast and get quick results. I want this to be a lifestyle change so slow and steady is my preferred method.

As a brand influencer, I was able to connect with a company that offers some resistance bands that I am including in my routine. Limm Resistance Bands are going to help me change in 2016.

limm

I received my resistance bands and was pleasantly surprised at not just the quality, but the thought that was put into creating them. To start, the packaging is great. They come in a box, each band in a separate plastic sheath and they include a mesh bag for easy transport. The bands come in 5 different strengths and are labeled for convenience. The fact that they are color coded is awesome to me because after a while, you can grab by color instead of checking the label. The bands are made well. I have used others and they have a powdery feel to them. These do not. They are pliable and do not pull on your skin when stretched, which is a plus for me.

All in all, these are great. I liked them so much, I offered to sponsor a giveaway to help promote them. I encourage you to check it out and enter to win.

Click here & good luck!

Influenster Friend Flurry 15

On By Rosina MottaIn blogging, brand influence, product reviewLeave a comment

As with all things social media, I am working hard to stay on top of things that will help enhance my brand influence. I recently signed up for Influenster and have been given opportunities to review items in their Jingle Vox Box.

If you aren’t already a member, I urge you to check it out. I tweeted the link out to my followers and I wanted to share it with you as well. If you sign up by January 11th using this referral code, you may win some cool stuff! Join the Friend Flurry 15 and start 2016 ahead of the game.

vox box

 

Ore-Ida® Totchos Recipe

On By Rosina MottaIn food, product review, recipesLeave a comment

I was allowed to participate in an opportunity that included complimentary Ore-Ida® Tater Tots and thought I would share a yummy recipe with you. As a big fan of biscuits and gravy, I thought I would step it up with the tater tots and make Ore-Ida® Totchos & Gravy with bacon.

*DROOL*

Take your tots and either pan fry or bake, whichever you prefer since they are good both ways. In a saucepan, add 2-3 tablespoons butter and 2-3 tablespoons flour. Its the start of a rue so dont worry when it clumps. It thins out as you slowly add the milk…about 1 cup give or take a tablespoon. Season with salt & pepper and stir til it thickens. Pour over the prepared tots and top with crumbled bacon.

*DROOL AGAIN*

There are lots more recipes on the Kraft site but of course mine is your favorite, right? *wink

tots

Product Review – derma e®

On By Rosina MottaIn blogging, product review, skin careLeave a comment

Its no secret…I am getting older and taking care of myself is important now more than ever before. This includes my skin. I have discussed before how I am fair skinned and tend to steer clear of face creams because I am sensitive to a lot of products. Well I can only lift my eyebrows so high to keep my eyes looking bright. I need some help and Father Time isn’t slowing down so I needed to act quickly.

I came across an opportunity to receive a product free to test it out and share my feedback. I did my research and the due diligence paid off. I have been using the Firming DMAE Eye Lift for about a week now and I am starting to notice some real changes. Its not drastic so don’t think that I suddenly look like I had work done but considering it has only been about a week, I am happy about the changes. I have a round face and when I smile, my cheeks amplify my ‘laugh lines’. Anything that helps reduce the attention to them is a strong selling point.

It kept getting better as I learned more. We all know the benefits of vitamins & anti oxidants, and I am a proponent of cruelty free testing. I learned that derma e® products reap many benefits.

The award-winning line features doctor-developed, consumer-tested and clinically-tested face care, body care and treatment products that are free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and petrolatum. Every formula is cruelty-free, gluten-free and 100 percent vegan. Manufacturing and operations are offset 100 percent by wind power.

The fact that it was developed by a doctor and is a product of a family owned company is a big deal for me. The idea that an entire family has dedicated their livelihood to producing quality skin care items means they stand behind their work 100%. To top that…IT’S AFFORDABLE! Its sold at places like Target so its not cost prohibitive to women who just want to take care of their skin. It has packaging that is easy to spot on the shelves filled with promises. Just look for the lotus flower…better yet just remember #NoticeTheLotus and you are set!

derma e

If you want to learn more before committing to a trip to Target, go and check out the derma e® site and read for yourself.

Product Review – OZ Naturals Ultra Ageless Eye Cream

On By Rosina MottaIn health, product review, skin careLeave a comment

All my life, I have been both blessed and hampered by fair skin. I say blessed because I have a fairly even skin tone. Hampered, because my skin is sensitive and burns easily in the sunlight. So when it comes to beauty products, I am wary of testing things out.

Now that I am 40 (gasp!) I need to put my fears aside and try out new products to protect my skin. I came across OZ Naturals Ultra Ageless Eye Cream and decided to give it a try. I was still apprehensive to try something that had algae extract. It just didn’t sound like my skin would respond well. I was wrong. I used this for a few days now and I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised. Maybe it is because I am so used to steering clear of facial products, but I could tell within 2 days that it was helping.

I have started to develop fine lines around my brows up toward my hairline as well as around my eyes. This didnt take them away so dont think its going to be a magical *poof* and you look 20 again, but it did reduce the puffiness around my eyes and diminished the lines. Its not that my skin is smoother, it just feels freshened. That is a big deal to me. I live in a climate with extreme temperatures…not Midwest weather, but at the base of a mountain range in southern California, we have temps in excess of 110 all summer and in the low 30s for most of the winter. This wreaks havoc on my skin and although I just began using this, its comfortable to wear in this cold weather. It doesnt feel like a mask.

I purchased this item through Amazon at a discount to provide an unbiased review and was so pleased, I thought I would share it with all of you as well. You can check it out for yourself and read all about the peptides and vitamin E goodness of the OZ Naturals and decide if you want to try it out.

OZ

Product Review – Chef Merito Bread Crumbs

On By Rosina MottaIn food, product review, recipeLeave a comment

Chicken is so versatile yet I find myself always making the same dishes with it so it was time to mix things up a bit. I am a fan of bread crumbs whether they are seasoned, plain or panko so when I discovered Chef Merito a couple years ago, I knew I had to try it out. I have been a fan ever since. When I found they had a spicy version, oh it was on!

20151109_153957Let me tell you, don’t be intimidated by the spicy blend. Its not hot…it has just enough spice to give it a new flavor but not too hot for those sensitive to spicy food. I baked a tray of seasoned drumsticks and they were uh-may-zing!

Simple recipe…add some grapeseed oil to a baking tray & add your chicken. Toss each piece so they are coated. Add salt, pepper and the bread crumbs. Turn them over & do the same. Pop in the oven at 350 for about an hour. Take them out, rotate each piece and pop back in for another 15 minutes or til golden brown. 20151115_143013

I have served this with white rice and steamed veggies, but if you want to amp up the stick-to-your-ribs factor, chop some potatoes, onion & baby carrots and put them in the baking tray first. Season the same way as the chicken and place the drumsticks (or other pieces) on top. Talk about yummy!

 

 

Product Review – Agave Syrup

On By Rosina MottaIn coffee, food, product reviewLeave a comment

As you can probably tell by the title and header photo of this blog, I am a coffee addict. Not quite to the aficionado level but I know a good cup of java when I taste it! With so many options of gourmet flavors and sweeteners, it can snowball into a sugary drink. No bueno. I am not the type to use faux sugars or substitutes but I also know that too much is bad for me. This time of year, there are even more options available…who doesn’t enjoy a pumpkin spice or gingerbread latte around the holidays?!

I have a favorite go-to option for a low glycemic sweetener that isn’t over manufactured or processed to death. I use agave syrup. For years I have been using the organic blue agave in my coffee and its life changing! Seriously, its better than the flavored syrups from the big box stores and its better for you. Not to be used everyday of course, but I prefer this to refined white sugar in just about everything. Its sweeter than sugar so I use less and its natural so I dont worry about chemicals like those used in processing other substitutes.

When I clicked through their site, I noticed all the other options to use it that I didnt think of before. Not just baked goods but drinks like Mojitos, bbq sauces & soups. I will have to try out their curry apple soup over the holidays for sure!

Give it a shot…tell me what you think!

agave