o.b. Pro Comfort Tampons

I was able to try o.b. Pro Comfort Tampons courtesy of CrowdTap and sponsored by o.b. Tampons. My kit contained 3 boxes of tampons and 3 tampon carrying cases. As part of my mission I was asked to try o.b. Tampons and give the other 2 samples to friends. This was my first time trying a tampon without an applicator. I was a little skeptical because they seem so teeny tiny. These are very practical for my needs because I hate carrying a pocketbook and these fit perfectly in my pocket. The fact there is no applicator is great, no more pinching myself and I don't have to fuss with throwing it away. In public I always end up in a stall with no trash can for sanitary waste. I do not like having to carry an applicator out of the stall to seek a trash can. No applicator is a very positive attribute! This particular box comes in an 18 count and each tampon is individually wrapped with a thin film of plastic which I just flush. There are directions for use which are simple enough. I found these guys to be pretty comfortable and also provide protection up to 8 hours. They offer three different absorbency's Regular, Super and Super Plus. Unfortunately, I'm a super plus flow girl until the last day of my period then the regular absorbency is fine for me. I'm just glad I have options. There is a silk touch cover made to make the tampon comfortable for placing and removing. Also made with fluid lock grooves for protection. I recommend giving this product a try. It is perfect for anyone not wanting to parade the fact their period is because it is so discreet.

If you are interested in joining CrowdTap please click here:

http://home.crowdtap.com/

Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant

I am a life long user of the Secret Deodorant brand. It is the only brand I trust and prefer to use. My older sisters use it, my mother and even my grandmother are patrons of the brand. I was taught well I should say! When I heard from CrowdTap that I had the chance to try a sample of Secret Clinical Deodorant, I was super stoked and I knew I would NOT be disappointed. In fact it helped even further prove my love of Secret and I will continue to be a faithful consumer. Secret Clinical Deodorant comes in a clear gel, Invisible solid or a smooth solid. I tried the smooth solid which has skin soothing conditioners to help minimize irritation. I used the Light and Fresh scent but the smooth solid also comes in Calming Aloe, Fresh Orchid, Ooh-La-La Lavender , Powder Protection and Sport Fresh.  I have not been able to smell these other scents but I do find the light and fresh to be quite pleasant. Something I did not try but recommended on the Secret website is to apply this deodorant at bedtime for optimal performance. It states that it works while you sleep to reduce any excess perspiration and will continue to protect you throughout the following day even after showering or bathing the next morning. Wow, that is awesome and I am definitely trying this. As far as my use of the product I applied directly after showering. I usually hit the ground running and I am sweating before I even get out of the house so I always feel my shower was useless. Not with this deodorant! I had all day wetness and odor protection even with the stress of chasing after my adventurous one year old. I was also brewing a nasty cold and had a fever. While my forehead was sweating I assure you my underarms were not. Even more special about the smooth solid is that the skin conditioners protect against the irritation caused by shaving. This helps me because I'm always in a rush to shave. I just don't have the time lately! Secret Clinical claims to offer 4 times the protection from stress sweet compared to the wetness protection of an ordinary antiperspirant. There are odor fighting capsules right in the deodorant that work to absorb odor all day long. I was impressed as always by the Secret brand. I recommend this deodorant to anyone who feels their brand is falling short on wetness and odor protection. You will not be disappointed!

If you are interested in joining CrowdTap please click here:

http://home.crowdtap.com/

ENER G Foods

I contacted ENER G foods with interest in their products. I didn't hear back from them but received a wonderful package in the mail filled with goodies! Cookies and pretzels are some of my favorite snack foods. This company interested me because it offers foods for people with allergies and specialized diets. If you have ever known someone deathly allergic to peanuts then you know how scary it can be and how any restaurant outing practically feels like you give the server the third degree. I am not as highly allergic to foods as others but I do have food allergies. My allergies give me intestinal upset and I think I have more food allergies than I found out with testing. I was told my allergies to food consist of pecans, sweet peas, tomatoes and shellfish. All those foods I ate regularly except shellfish. I just never cared for shellfish so there is no issue of avoidance there. I do love pecans though. But enough about me, let's talk about these wonderful snacks and a little about ENER G Foods. This company has created foods since 1962 starting with the creation of low protein items for renal pre-dialysis patients. They have evolved to offer foods for all individuals with diet restrictive needs. Making sure to provide a great tasting product that is risk free, wholesome and nutritious. They offer wheat free, gluten free, dairy free, casein free, tree nut free and peanut free items as well as low protein products, yeast free, egg free and soy free. They are also Kosher certified. Once orders are placed, baking begins so they can offer consumers the freshest products available. Their packaging allows up to one year of shelf life with no need to refrigerate or the worry of added preservatives.  The ENER G website offers many gluten free recipes and you are able search for products based on allergen. This company's mission is to constantly keep up with the demand of specialized diets through research. Now on to the snackage:

*Original Pretzels*

I thought the Original flavored pretzels were quite tasty. These guys are wheat and gluten free. There is just a tid bit of salt and it's the perfect amount. This pretzel had a Big Crunch that I just adored! It seemed to have a hint of a buttery taste. My one year old took one bite and stole the bag from me. I honestly think I enjoyed this snack better than other pretzel brands.

*Sesame Pretzel*

The Sesame Pretzel are also wheat and gluten free. You can see sesame seeds right in the pretzel. These were okay but probably my least favorite of all the pretzels I tried from ENER G. I think this flavor would make an awesome addition to a salad. It would pack a Big Crunch making a wonderful salad topper. It is still perfect as just a plain ole snack and my toddler loved this flavor as well.

*Garlic Pretzel*

The Garlic flavor pretzel was my favorite of the three. I love garlic and this snack had the perfect amount of garlicky goodness. My oldest daughter who is six was home after school when I opened this bag. I only got a few pretzels before I had to surrender the whole bag to her. She loved them. Like the others they are big on crunch and then you add the garlic flavor, so yummy!

*Pretzel Cookies*

The Pretzel Cookies I found quite interesting. I'm the only one in the household who seemed to like them. That's okay though more for me! These guys are gluten, wheat and dairy free. They weren't really that sweet nor were they bland. It's a flavor I can't describe and something one would just have to try for them self. They're not hard but have kind of crumbly texture. I could eat them plain or they would be awesome crumbled over sugared strawberries, ice cream or yogurt. I'm not lactose sensitive so ice cream and yogurt is okay for me. I enjoyed them though and would definitely like to purchase in the future.  

If you are interested in learning more about ENER G Foods and where to purchase, you can find them here:

http://www.ener-g.com/ 

New Grounds Food: Coffee Bar

I did not know I would be so excited about the New Grounds Food CoffeeBar and I just got to tell you guys about it! It is Love and thanks to one of the creator's, Ali, I got to try the Caramel Macchiato flavor. If my memory serves me right I contacted this company with interest in their product. I mean who doesn't love coffee these days? Just think about coffee on the go but in a scrumptious edible bar! A genius idea I tell you, because I'm way busy with two kids and I don't have time to brew a cup nor make it to a coffee shop. There are no worries of sacrificing nutritional value with this product and I have all the energy I need as a busy mom constantly on the go. Just look above and check out that label. So many reasons this product is a stand out commodity. It consist of fair trade coffee, matter of fact it's equivalent to one cup. Coffee Bar is also 100% Organic, gluten free, vegan friendly, non-gmo and made in the USA. Caramel Macchiato is not the only flavor of CoffeeBar around. There is also Coconut Mocha and Mocha Latte. I can't wait to give these a nibble as well! As far as the Caramel Macchiato goes it was delicious! I was in a hurry to get Jillian to school and needed a pick me up then I remembered I had this CoffeeBar to try. It was perfect for my predicament of being in a rush and no time for breakfast! As CoffeeBar states its "Spill Proof Energy"! So no worries of my little one tipping over my cup! This delectable bar provided me with the energy I needed to kick start my day and also replaced my breakfast. I made it through to lunch with no problem. Of course my favorite part about these CoffeeBars are that when you purchase one bar you allow a child in Coyol, Nicaragua to continue school for a day. Knowing that I help to shape a child's academic future is of great importance to me. I am definitely a FAN of CoffeeBar and I think this product is great for every coffee lover....So check them out guys and give them a try!

As a consumer I greatly appreciate that an actual creator of this product was keeping in contact with me. It shows the heart of this company and the passion behind the product. I think that is a wonderful personal touch on both the creators behalf and I hope CoffeeBar and the creator's Johnny Fayad and Ali Kothari continue to have much success. 

If you are interested in learning more about the story behind CoffeeBar or purchasing just click here:

http://newgroundsfood.com/

Hempz Product's

I contacted the company Hempz via email expressing my interest in their product's. They sent me 4 different body washes and 4 lotions. I remember when the product first came out forever ago and using their moisturizing body lotion after getting out of the tanning bed. They have come a long way since then and have body, hair and a sun/sunless tanning line. The body line carries moisturizers, washes, scrubs and speciality items. Specialty products range from a herbal lip balm all the way to a sanitizer. The hair care line is fairly new and offer shampoo and conditioner for daily hair care needs as well as a couture collection. The sun/sunless collection offers tanning lotions, sunless tanning products and bronzers. You can also purchase limited edition items. The latest is moisturizers called "Sweet Whipped Creme & Wild Berry or Juicy Strawberry & Vanilla Sugar". Both sound deliciously pleasant and come with a bonus sparkly hair tie. Hempz products state their secret is in the hemp seed oil. This oil has a unique molecular structure that is comparable to our skin and their product helps the skins ability to heal, rejuvenate and keep a youthful appearance. This hemp seed oil is 100% natural and vegan. Also THC, paraben and gluten free. It offers the perfect blend of proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids needed for conditioning of the skin. Now let us get into the samples I tried.

*Fresh Coconut & Watermelon Nourishing Herbal Body Wash and Herbal Body Moisturizer*

The first set of products I tried were the Fresh Coconut & Watermelon body wash and moisturizer. I liked the scent OK and could see myself packing this to take on a trip to the beach. The body wash lathered well and was a pearlized white color. The white lotion provided my skin with plenty hydration. This formula consisted of hemp seed oil, watermelon extract, Shea butter, chamomile extract, avocado extract, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and muskmelon extract. This scent also comes in a body scrub. 

*Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Creme Body Wash and Herbal Whipped Body Creme*

I really enjoyed the Triple Moisture wash and moisturizer. This product lived up to its claim of providing all day moisture. I rather enjoyed the fragrance and it had a fruity scent that I couldn't quite figure out. Triple Moisture was much thicker than the previous formula I tried and the moisturizer had a light blue tint. This formula consist of hemp seed oil, Shea butter, apple fruit extract, sweet almond oil extract, yangu oil, pomegranate extract, colon grass extract and sunflower seed oil. This scent also comes in body scrub, hand sanitizer and hair care products.

*Blushing Grapefruit & Raspberry Creme In Shower Hydrating Herbal Body Moisturizer and Herbal Body Moisturizer*

Oh me oh my! I didn't have high expectations about the scent of this one. I didn't expect to like it because I'm not a grapefruit fan and my husband hates raspberries but boy were we wrong. I absolutely adore this scent in fact I like it the most out of all the Hempz samples I received. This is the only scent the hubby actually cared for. First time in awhile I didn't get a response from him along the line of "it smells like an old woman". He is too funny. Anyways, you know I liked the smell obviously and I also enjoyed both products I tried in this line. I am a little confused on why Hempz has you using two moisturizers and no body wash, but who am I to argue because my skin feels wonderfully hydrated. This formula consist of hemp seed oil, raspberry extract, grapefruit extract, shea butter, ginseng extract, ginger root extract, cucumber extract and sunflower seed oil. This scent only comes in these two products. It is one of my favorites. 

*Sensitive Skin Calming Herbal Body Wash and Herbal Body Moisturizer*

These products came to a close tie as being my favorite along with the grapefruit and raspberry line. Although this line is perfume and dye free, I could smell a hint of vanilla in the mix. It was not overbearing at all and actually quite lovely. Yet another product great for when I have a migraine and smells drive me insane! The body wash was so creamy and had a great lather. It felt as if it calmed my skin and gave it a break from all the winter time dryness. Ahh, the power of essential oils! The moisturizer was also a big plus. I was even able to test out a cellulite scrub brush, that you use while applying lotion, but my skin was so silky smooth from the herbal body moisturizer that I had already applied, that there was no need to use a lotion while scrubbing. I can see myself purchasing this line for myself and my daughter's. I'm leery of what I use on my girls due to sensitive skin issues but I think they would have no trouble with these. This formula contains hemp seed oil, oatmeal, oat kernel flour, shea butter, chamomile extract, avocado extract, cocoa butter and mango seed butter. This scent is also available in a herbal healing body balm.

*Original Herbal Body Moisturizer*

Boy did the Original Herbal Body Moisturizer take me back! I used this lovely way back when after every tanning bed session. I loved it then just as much as I loved trying it again today. I really like the scent of this product and it is a great moisturizer. This formula consist of hemp seed oil, lemon peel, ginger root extract, shea butter, ginseng extract, grapefruit extract, sunflower seed oil and orannge peel extract. This scent also comes in body scrub and hair care items.

If you are interested in learning more about the Hempz product line or where to purchase you can find them here:

http://www.hempz.com/

Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners

I was so excited when I got the email that my application was approved to try Reynold's Slow Cooker liners via CrowdTap for free! I use my crockpot A LOT so this is a product I knew would come in handy. When I finally got my crowd kit in the mail I was estatic! The liners came with 4 in a box. I tried these three times so far and of course I am in love. The directions for use are simple to follow. You place the liner in the crockpot making sure it is snug on the bottom and side. Then pull the liner over the rim of the crockpot and you are good to go.

It is not recommend to use the liner to store food. Once you are done cooking and ready for clean up allow the crockpot to cool. Last you simply pull the liner out of the pot and toss. Really, it is that simple. There is no mess and no fuss. My favorite part is you don't have to fret over scrubbing the crockpot. One of my favorite crockpot recipes is Sausage Cheese Dip. It is tough on the pot though in that I always have cheese stuck to the sides and a mess to scrub. Well I made a batch Super Bowl Sunday and I'm in love with the fact that I just tossed a liner in the trash and no scrubbing required! If you are an owner of a crockpot and haven't tried Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners than what have you been doing with your life?!?!? Your better get you some! I would recommend this product to ALL owners of a crockpot!

Reynolds Cookie Baking Sheets

I love cooking and I bake a lot. In my opinion Reynold's Cookie Baking sheets are a necessity in any kitchen. I was first introduced to the world of baking with parchment paper when I moved into my new home six years ago. Someone gifted me a roll as a housewarming gift. I thought what an odd gift until I tried it. What a genius idea for a new homeowner! I haven't used parchment paper in awhile but glad I'm using it again thanks to a Mission courtesy of CrowdTap! Now, I am a stay at home mom and bake constantly. These come in pre cut sheets which is an even bigger bonus. You can also purchase this product in a roll and just tear off what is needed. 

With this parchment paper not only is it great for baking the cookies but it serves other uses as well. You can use it to wrap extra dough and store in the fridge for later use. If you are baking cookie bars and need to use a dish instead of a pan, just put in the bottom of the dish and when you are done you are able to lift out the bars easily with no sticky mess! Also you can prep your cookies on one sheet and store already made batches with parchment paper on the cooling rack. The parchment paper is ok for multiple uses as well. This wonderful item is not just limited to baking cookies. It works well with roasted vegetables or chicken dishes. I love to cut up potatoes and put on parchment paper then drizzle with olive oil and herbs. A wonderful side dish to any meal. This product is safe for temperatures up to 420 degrees. I think it helps bake the perfect cookie. No more dealing with the bottoms stuck to your baking sheet or having to scrub food off afterwards. It pretty much eliminates clean up other than your prep items. If you haven't tried this product than what are you waiting for?

(CrowdTap Mission: Difference in baking cookies with Reynolds Baking Sheets vs no Baking Sheets) 

Disclaimer: I received this product for free. I am not paid to write this review and all opinions are 100% my o

Nature's Gate Product's

I contacted Nature's Gate with interest in trying their product's and as you can see above they sent me a whole bunch of goodies. Now if you have never heard of this company that started in 1972 you are in for a treat. Nature's Gate product's thrive on a wholistic approach within the beauty world. Everything about them is a journey to living a better, healthier life. Some of their unquie traits that appealed to me:

-Vegan Friendly/No animal testing

-Packaging made with recycable material

-Eco-Consicious by preserving energy to produce their product's and in turn reserving water 

-Gluten Free/Non GMO

-Promise of safe, natural and effective ingredients

-Charitable in the community. Raises awareness of global water crises.

Nature's Gate has so much to offer to nuture your spirit. Their line includes hair, body, oral, facial, sun and baby/kids products. I am so gracious to have recieved so many samples from this company and I am a huge fan. So let's dive in and learn about the goodies they sent and what I thought!

HAIR CARE

*Herbal Daily Cleanse Shampoo & Conditioner*

I must say I think I adore this shampoo and conditioner. The smell is heavenly and lingers with you. My husband came home from work and asked, "what is that smell", as soon as he walked in the door. I had him take a whiff of my hair and he loves the scent too! The shampoo's consistency/color kinda resembled  honey. It lathered really well and I used as directed. Now the conditioner was thicker of course and it had the resemblance of carmel. I massaged into my scalp and let sit for about 3 minutes. 1-3 minutes is what is advised. I could tell the shampoo went to work cleansing my hair. The conditioner felt like it was fighting my dry, brittle hair and working on my tangled mess. I used these product's in between 3 days of not washing my hair. I usually go 2-3 days because I have wavy/curly hair. After conditioning I wrung the excess water out of my hair and wrapped with a t-shirt. I feel the Herbal line worked well with my hair. I'm prone to tangles and I was able to brush my hair out with a detangling brush within 10 minutes. The usual is 30 minutes with my normal product's. I would love to use the Herbal Daily Cleanse Shampoo and Conditioner again. I give it five stars for cleansing, conditioning, detangling and smell.

*Awapuhi Ginger+Holy Basil Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner*

I used these two days in between washing my hair. I'm still torn about this shampoo and conditioner when it comes to scent. It had a somewhat overpowering sweet smell while lathering. After application it toned down quite a bit and had a pleasantly sweet aroma. The shampoo was clear with a light brownish tint and lathered well. Conditioner was off white and coated my hair well. I left on for 3 minutes as advised. I swear my hair felt a little heavier after rinsing or maybe my mind was thinking VOLUME. My hair was a little tangled but nothing crazy like my norm.

FACIAL CARE

*Rice Bran Cleansing Milk & Moisturizer*

These product's are for the face and geared toward Normal/Dry skin. I used on my neck area as well. First, I started with a wet face and massaged in the cleansing milk. This product was thin and white resembling milk but of course, hence the name cleansing milk. Then rinsed and last patted area dry. I used this while in the shower. I didn't care for the scent so much but it was not overbearing. I could instantly feel my face felt less dry and somewhat soft. It complimented my needs well. After getting out of the shower, I patted my face dry again and applied the Rice Bran Moisturizer. It was a little heavier consistency than the milk but still thin and white. A little of this goes a long way. I didn't have to use the whole sample packet for my face and can probably get 2 more uses out of it. The scent was more pleasant than the milk but not my favorite. These two made my face feel soft and moisturized. I do have extra dry areas on my face due to wearing a CPAP mask to sleep that still need a little attention. I feel if I continued to use these product's awhile my needs would be completely addressed.

*Lemon Verbena Cleansing Gel & Oil Free  Moistrizer* 

I really enjoyed the scent of these product's. You could smell the clean lemon and undertones of mint. The cleansing gel was clear, lathered well and I massaged into face as directed. The moisturizer was white and I applied to face and neck. These left me feeling a little dry but as I've mentioned before I have ultra dry areas in my cheeks, nose and upper lip due to wearing a CPAP mask. Being that they are recommended for normal/oily skin, they are probably not what is best for my skin needs.

*Avocado Night Creme & Grape Seed Eye Cream*

I tried both these product's after a night time shower. First was the Grape Seed Eye Cream. It was a white cream with  a mild scent. I dabbed under my eyes, in between and then patted dry. My eye area does feel softer. Appearance wise, I can not tell a difference, which I'm sure won't happen with one application, but would be interested in seeing how things go after a month of use. Next, I used the Avocado Night Creme. It was white and much thicker then all the facial products I tried. I'm guessing the thicker consistency is due to being a night cream. It didn't have much of a scent. I rubbed into my face and neck then patted dry. I don't feel as dry in my problem areas. I'm torn how I feel about this product because it does feel a tad heavy.

BODY CARE

*Hemp Vegan Body Wash*

This product was clear and had a very intoxicating scent. It lathered well with my body poof and I felt it hydrated my skin well. I give it 5 stars!!!

*Fragrance Free Vegan Lotion* 

I used this body lotion straight out of the shower after using the Hemp body wash.  It did have a slight scent to it even with being fragrant free. Nothing bothersome though and most likely due to the smell of the packaging. It's not too thin or completely thick but somewhere in between. This lotion applies well and left my skin feeling well hydrated. 

*Papaya Vegan Lotion*

Oh my goodness! This by far is my fav from the body care line. I absolutely loved this creamy, white succulent lotion. The Papaya scent left me feeling like I was in a tropical paradise. Just imagine sitting poolside at an extravagant resort, enjoying a cocktail or in a cabana at the ocean. Yeah it really takes me there! It smells so good that I can't stop sniffing myself and my skin feels great!

*Original Moisturizing Liquid Soap*  

The liquid soap worked just fine for its purpose. It's scent reminded me of a cherry almond soap I've used in the past. It lathered ok and felt as if there was lotion in the mix. My hands didn't dry out afterwards as they tend to do with handwashing. This product would be great for use in the kitchen or bathroom.

ORAL CARE

*Creme De Peppermint Natural Toothpaste*

Ahh, I absolutely love this toothpaste. This paste is fluoride and Carrageenan free. Therefore it is a thinner, white paste. Carrageenan is a substance used in many foods to make it have a thicker consistency. It also may cause inflammation, gut irritation and possibly cancer. This paste does not feel gritty in texture. A BIG plus in my book.  While brushing, I felt as if this product may have hydrogen peroxide in it due to the bubbly sensation it left in my mouth. It had a pleasant taste and no bad aftertaste. I have very sensitive gums and it was very gentle. My mouth felt minty fresh after brushing. Just a smidge of this product is all that is necessary. I probably have 4 more applications left in my sample packet.

The only poduct I did not try yet was the sunless tanner. I'm saving that one for something special and will update after use. As you can see, I have so many great things to say about Nature's Gate. I look forward to continuing the use of their line. Please check out their site to learn more about them at:

http://www.naturesgate.com/

Nature's Gate is also big on giving back. They are proud partners with Water Aid. To learn more visit:

http://www.wateraid.org/us