Biena Foods Roasted Chickpeas Review!

Have you ever tried roasted chickpeas? A number of my friends have not, but I was able to introduce a few of them to this delicious and nutritious snack by sharing my samples from Biena Foods. They found the roasted chickpeas to be crunchy and nutty, which is a great description! I just love how satisfying they are. I received the four flavors below to sample:

Biena Foods does an excellent job of describing their flavors, so I'll include their descriptions below:

Cinnamon Maple: Bold Vietnamese Cinnamon, a touch of Pure Maple Syrup and Evaporated Cane Juice. They’re sweet enough to satisfy those sweet cravings, without being too sweet.

Honey Roasted: Real wildflower honey rounded out with sea salt for a sweet and slightly salty taste experience.

Sea Salt: Lightly dusted with sea salt harvested from the Atlantic Ocean. The original crunchy roasted chickpea snack that started our brand!

Barbeque: Classic BBQ flavor with tangy, sweet, spicy, and smokey undertones that is sure to keep you satisfied. See these in the picture below!

I love that these roasted chickpeas are made with all-natural ingredients. They are low in fat and are a good source of protein and fiber.

My favorite flavor was a tie between the Honey Roasted and the Barbeque. I loved the sweet and salty taste of the Honey Roasted and enjoyed how much the Barbeque flavor reminded me of BBQ chips, and yet these are so much better for me!

Try Biena Foods Roasted Chickpeas for yourself, and find them on Facebook and Twitter!

Pro Compression Giveaway Winner!

The lucky winner of the PRO Compression Giveaway, according to random.org, was number 6, Daniel Budsy!!

Thanks to all who entered! Stay tuned for some more great reviews and giveaways coming soon.

PRO Compression Socks Review and Giveaway!

Have you heard of compression socks? What about PRO Compression Socks? I am VERY glad to have the opportunity to review a pair of PRO Compression Marathon Socks, pictured below. 

So, why compression socks? Because "compression technology helps improve blood flow, resulting in better, more consistent performance with less fatigue and faster, more efficient recovery. In addition to improving vascular performance, Marathon compression socks provide support to critical muscles and tendons, helping reduce inflammation and soreness."

I wore the marathon socks after a hilly 35 mile bike ride and found they really did reduce my soreness. These socks are very comfortable and even have moisture control and a non-slip design. These socks do not fall down! I look forward to running in these socks and wearing them after tough workouts.

I think my calves may be a bit large, as you can see through the pink socks to my skin in the picture above. :-)

Interested in a pair of marathon socks or sleeves for yourself? Use this coupon code: PCBLG for 40% off socks and sleeves!

You also have a chance to win a pair of PRO Compression Marathon socks through a giveaway here (sponsored by TEAM PRO Compression). The giveaway will close on Sept. 16.

To enter, simply follow PRO Compression on Twitter or like PRO Compression on Facebook. Leave a comment below with your twitter name or Facebook name.

For an extra entry, link to this giveaway on Twitter (Win a pair of @PROCompression socks! Giveaway hosted by @cygirl88 at http://foodfotosandfun.blogspot.com/2013/09/pro-compression-socks-review.html) and/or follow my blog. Leave a comment for each below.

Thanks! Best of Luck!

The Skin Regime 1-4-All Peel Review and Giveaway!

Greetings! Do you remember when I reviewed The Skin Regime? Well, I am back this time to review the 1-4-All Peel! It works for EVERY skin type (except those with severe issues or diseases) and EVERY skin color. For a mild peel, you just put on 1 layer. Each additional layer increases the strength for those who want a stronger peel. Hence the name "1-4-All." The peel has glycolic and a pinch of TCA. It will reverse sun damage, lighten dark spots, reduce acne, even out your skin tone, tighten pores, and reduce fine lines. How awesome?! This is just like the expensive salon peels, but more like what dermatologists use in their offices.

I tried this peel earlier this week and am quite happy with the results! It is very easy to apply at home. I did just 1 layer for a mild peel and didn't experience too much redness. Afterwards my skin was noticeably smoother, which is awesome. I definitely think this peel can be a great addition to your skin routine! Of course, I also recommend The Skin Regime book for additional tips and information about beauty products and skin care. The book explains why most products are actually a huge waste of time and money. The book shares how to create a personalized regime based on products and advice most dermatologists recommend for their patients.

Now for the giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a a sample of the new 1-4-All Peel and a free copy of The Skin Regime: Boot Camp for Beautiful Skin! I'll choose the winner on August 19.

To enter, email giveawaywinner007@gmail.com and state why you're interested in trying the 1-4-All Peel.

For additional entries, comment below if you post about this giveaway on your blog, if you follow my blog, and/or if you add my blog to your blogroll.

Thanks and best of luck!

CONGRATS to Karrie, our winner!

Citizen Chef Sauces Review and Recipe!

Do you enjoy cooking, but sometimes wish for an easier way to add flavor to your dishes? In need of some inspiration? Look no further than Citizen Chef! Citizen Chef is a brand of fresh meal solutions that promotes fresh ingredients, real cooking and eating together. Their sauces and salad kits help people prepare 'fresh, healthy, and tasty meals at home.' Learn more about their sauces from the promotional brochure below!

Check out Citizen Chef on Facebook and Twitter!

Citizen Chef sent me their sauces to review. I just love the variety of flavors they offer. The sauces are fresh, very flavorful, all-natural, and easy to use. I especially enjoyed using the Limone Garlic sauce for a grilled chicken salad, and I also created a special dish and new recipe from their Chipotle Adobe sauce. I made "Southwest Stew," pictured below.

Southwest Stew

1 Chipotle Adobe Citizen Chef sauce
1 lb venison
6 small cubed potatoes, baked
1/2 c. sliced mushroom pieces
1/2 c. chopped onion
1 tsp. minced garlic
Dash of rosemary and crushed red pepper

Brown the venison over the stove. Add other ingredients and simmer until onions and mushrooms are soft and flavorful.

This was a fun and easy recipe, and the Chipotle Adobe sauce really made the dish! What a tasty meal! I definitely recommend Citizen Chef sauces.

The Good Bean Review

Have you ever tried roasted chickpeas? Have you tried baking them for yourself and failed? I have, and for that reason I am excited to share some new products with you. The Good Bean is a company that started by selling all-natural roasted chickpea snacks in 4 flavors in 2010. These are an excellent alternative to standard snacks like chips, nuts, pretzels and popcorn because they're gluten-free, nut-free, high protein, high fiber, and low fat. In 2012, the Good Bean Fruit & No-Nut Bar was released. These are wholesome snack bars in which nuts are replaced with high-fiber, high-protein chickpeas for a bar that has 40-60% less fat than the competition. Learn more here!

Below are the products I was sent to review:

Smoky Chili and Lime: 9.5 of 10. Both flavors come through and are strong and delicious. This snack is satisfying, and the beans are quite crunchy... these are much better than the ones I attempted to make awhile ago.

Sweet Cinnamon: 9 of 10. Love that this tastes like a dessert and yet it's healthy and good for me.

Cracked Pepper: 9.5 of 10. These are fiery! They made my mouth hot, but it was a pleasant heat.

Sea Salt: 9.5 of 10. These were a great salty, crunchy snack. I added raisins to them for a tasty salty and sweet snack.

Fruit and Seeds Trail Mix Bar: 9 of 10. The chickpeas had a thick texture and reminded me of nuts - go figure! This bar had a lovely sweet, fruity flavor and I enjoyed the seeds too!

Apricot Coconut Bar: 11 of 10! This was so surprisingly delicious!! Sweet coconut, apricot, cinnamon and other wonderful flavors. This bar had a great texture and was like a fabulous dessert.

Chocolate Berry Bar: 10 of 10. A sweet, dessert-like bar with great-tasting chocolate. Yum!

I definitely encourage you to try some of The Good Bean products, especially the Apricot Coconut Bar. You won't be disappointed!

Raw Organic Whey Review

I recently received a sample of Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder to review. I typically start each day with a green smoothie and protein powder is a common ingredient. There are so many protein powders on the market though, so it can be hard to know which one to use. 

Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder is one option I recently discovered, and I am happy to share it with you. According to their website: "Raw Organic Whey was created in our quest to find the purest, unadulterated organic whey protein. Superior quality begins with what the cows eat and how they live, which is why our whey comes from cows that are pasture-fed on small family farms. We ensure that these cows are raised without hormones, antibiotics, steroids, or genetically modified feed." Sound good? I think so. :-) 

Some other facts about Raw Organic Whey are below:

• Only 1 Ingredient: 100% Pure organic whey from the milk of grass-fed cows
• No added sweeteners, preservatives or fillers
• Soy Free (no soy lecithin)
• Sourced 100% from small US farms
• rBGH/rBST hormone free
• Processed at low temperatures WITHOUT acid treatment
• Certified USDA Organic

 "Green Smoothie in a Bowl"

9.5 of 10! Raw Organic Whey Protein Powder is great! The nutrition facts are impressive - not as high in calories as some protein powders. The powder blends very well and doesn't taste chalky or gritty like some protein powders. The powder can be blended with other flavors so you can create the taste you desire. The only suggestion I would have would be for there to be some flavored options since I am partial to flavored protein powders. Still, I was able to add a little vanilla and Truvia to my smoothie, and it turned out great.

Would you like to try Raw Organic Whey too? You can purchase it on Amazon! Visit Raw Organic Whey on Facebook too!

Carrot Cake Mix Cookies

Have you ever had a box of cake mix, but not wanted to make cake or muffins? Then you can try cookies! Cookies are more portable and work great if you're traveling and want treats for the trip and to give to whomever you are visiting. I baked these cookies for a recent trip, and they turned out wonderfully. They are tasty, quick, and simple to make and store. 

Some cake mixes have a cookie recipe on the back of the box, but if not, all you need to do is add 2 eggs and 1/2 cup oil to the mix and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 min.

I've been doing a bit baking lately, so stay tuned for more recipes and ideas to come!

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!

Skout Organic Trailbars Review!

Skout Organic Trailbars "were born in the lush Willamette Valley of Oregon. Made with delicious organic ingredients, they embody the rugged and energetic spirit of the region. Skout Organic Trailbars sustain those who seek, find, and embrace adventure to its fullest." These bars make for a healthy and very tasty snack! They are great to take along on a hike or bike ride, or you can stash a few in your desk drawer at work when you need a little extra energy and don't want to raid a vending machine or nearby candy dish. I'm very glad to have received some samples of these bars to review for you.

Here are some more cool specs for Skout Organic Trailbars (pictured below):

• Certified Organic
• Certified Gluten Free
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• Naturally Occurring Nutrients
• No Refined Sugar or Fillers
• Certified Kosher
• Vegan
• Dairy & Soy Free

I rate these bars a 9.5 of 10. I enjoyed all of the flavors, especially the chocolate and coconut and the blueberry and almond. These bars remind me of larabars, but aren't as sticky, which is something I appreciate. They are filling, made with quality ingredients, and very portable. I also love the packaging - it highlights the natural quality of the bars. :-)

Be sure to check out Skout Natural Foods on Facebook and Twitter! I also recommend trying these bars for yourself. You won't be disappointed!

QStick Review!

Do you have any unwanted facial hair? Do you wonder how you can remove it easily and for a low cost? I think the answer is the QStick! I was sent a complimentary QStick to review and am happy to share that review with you today.

According to their website, the QStick is:

• Convenient, easy & fast
• Safe for all skin types
• Finer hair re-growth
• Small enough to carry
• Hypo-Allergenic
• Environmentally friendly & reusable

I agree with all of these statements! I tried the QStick and was impressed at how quickly and easily I could remove unwanted facial hair. Did it hurt? To be honest, yes, it did hurt a bit, but primarily just around my mouth - a more sensitive area. While I've never waxed, I think you could compare it to that. This is much less messy though! I love that it's portable too, so you can bring it with you on longer trips.

Have you tried the QStick? Have you tried other ways to remove facial hair?