Recipe: Taco Salad

I made Taco Salad the other night for dinner and we loved it. And it was so easy to make and it makes great leftovers as well. 

All you have to do is dice up:

Green Onion

Cheese

Raw Mushrooms

Tomatoes

Black Olives

Avocados

Lettuce

I made ours with some ground beef but you can totally leave this out if you want to. I browned the ground beef and added 1 envelope of Ortega Taco Spice with 3/4 cup of water. Drain before eating. 

Then let everyone assemble their own taco salad. 

Would you eat this? Have you made taco salad at home? 

Freebie Friday!

Welcome to another edition of Freebie Friday, where I tell you what free samples and full sized products I received in the mail and how you can get them too. Someone asked me why I do a 'Freebie Friday" each week, so I'll tell you.

A while back I listed all the free samples and wins that I had received that previous year and so many people didn't believe that I could have gotten so many free things. So I decided to prove it by taking a picture every week and sharing the sites that I found the links to the freebies at. So now you too can get great free samples coming to your mailbox each week.

  You can find links to samples like these at Hey It's Free and Freebie Shark.

Did you know you can sign up at Tomoson and get free products too. You can also sign up at these sites and get products at a great discount. No Kidding Coupons, AMZ Review Trader, and Elite Deal Club.

This week I received:

I won 2 Partylite Scent Stix in a Facebook contest. They have a nice scent in them and you just place them standing up in a shallow vase or glass and let the scent fill the room. 

Did you get any freebies this week?

Review: Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief

Recently I was picked to be a part of the Robitussin mission on Crowdtap and I was sent a coupon for a free 3 oz product from Robitussin and 2 $3 off coupons. I use Robitussin every time I get a cold and always have a bottle of cough medicine on hand on the closet just in case so this really came in handy for me. 

I was able to get a free box of Robitussin 12 Hour Cough Relief and even though I don't have a cold right now I always have allergies going on and so my throat always has that annoying tickle in it so I went ahead and tried a dose of this to see how the taste was and to see if it would help that tickle in my throat. The new orange taste is good but frankly I prefer the original. It did help that annoying allergy driven tickle in my throat for about an hour so I'd give this a C+ for that. 

I already take Robitussin liquid when I get sick or have a cold so I already know it works but this will be good for those who really didn't like the taste of the original. 

Disclaimer: I was given a coupon for a free bottle of Robitussin in exchange for an honest review because I'm a member of Crowdtap. 

Review: Kuuk Silicone Ice Cube Tray (Twin Pack) Blue and Green

Product Description

Sturdy and safe silicone construction for perfect ice cubes

Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning

Makes perfect 1" ice cubes every time

Cubes are easily removed with the flexible silicone ice tray

Comes in stylish green and blue colors. Twin pack saves you money.

My Review

Ever since the silicone products have started coming out, I've been getting them when I could because after using the silicone baking mat and silicone coated cooking utensils and loving them both, I've wanted more. So I was excited to get these. For just $10.95 for the set I was sent two different colors and they came in a nice box. So they are all ready packaged to give as a gift. 

Now I have osteoarthritis and it can sometimes be hard to twist those hard plastic trays to try and get the ice cubes out of them, especially if someone over fills them. I like these because they are bright and easy to remove the ice cubes from. You do have to make sure that you have a flat surface to sit these on in the freezer other wise they can bend, spilling the water but that wasn't a problem for me. 

Disclaimer: I was these ice cube trays for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: FSL Xylem Wood Earbuds with Microphone and Remote

Product Description

Eco-friendly earbuds with natural wood housing for a better bass response and unparalleled audio fidelity.

Assorted (s,m,l) sized soft silicone tips provide an uber comfortable, noise isolating fit

Integrated microphone and one button remote easily control your music and calls from the earphones

Compatible with pretty much all smartphones, mp3 players, laptops and other audio devices

Includes lifetime customer service and unparalleled 3 year warranty. Dedicated FutureSoundLab website for warranty and support.

My Review

I really like that these earbuds came with a storage case and extra rubber tips. For the price, that's a really good deal. The sound quality is average and about what I would expect for this price of $14.99. Because these ear buds are made of wood, they are unique and would make a great gift for someone who would like that sort of thing. It says right on Amazon in the description that the controls might not be compatible with all devices and that's very true. I used these earphones with my Acer laptop and they controls didn't work, but they would probably work if I had a smart phone which I don't. I think these are great for a pair of ear buds that you want to take along on trips or want to keep as an extra emergency pair.

Disclaimer: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: Pink an Yellow Earphones by Pvendor

Product Description

3.5mm Stereo Plug Connector. 

Style: In-Ear. 

Colors: Pink + Yellow 

Cord length: 1.2m Y type TPE housing. 

Frequency Response: 20HZ-20000HZ. 

Driver Impedance: 32 Ohm. 

Driver Sensitivity: 94db. 

Rated Power Input: 2mW. 

Package: 2 sets of earphones 

Equipped with a built-in microphone, the headphones can be used for hands-free phone time--perfect for commuting. Simply plug the headphones into your cell phone, and you're all set. Chat with a friend, place a to-go order, or let the family know you're on your way home. 

Weighing almost nothing, the headphones slip easily into a pocket or briefcase, or can simply hang from your neck as you move through your day. Also they make a great choice when traveling, whether waiting at the airport or watching an in-flight film. 

Designed with a nicely contoured, rounded shape, the ear buds fit gently and safely in the ears, offering secure placement and long-lasting comfort. 

Tangle Free flat wire, 1.1M Cord, Long enough to get where you need to. 

Pvendor unique flat noodle wire was designed specifically to reduce wire tangles and is long enough that you can comfortably keep your music device in your pocket while listening . 

Compatibility with: 

Ideal earphone for All Apple Devices | Android Smartphone | Windows Phone | MP3/MP4 Players | Portable Music Players

My Review

I really like these headphones and I liked that I got two so I could keep one and give one to my hubby. They have really nice colors available, I received the yellow and pink ones. I tried them out using my laptop but since I don't have a Samsung or Apple device the volume control button did not work for me. The sound quality for listening to music on my laptop is really good though so I'll be keeping them for that alone. I love the tangle free cord since several of the pairs that I have now get tangled so easily. They come in a nice small box and you get two for the price of one. I think this would make a great gift. The price when I ordered them was only $8.99 and that's for 2 of them so that's a really good price. 

Disclaimer: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. 

Happy Raturday!

Welcome to a new weekly blog post I'm calling, Raturday! I've seen Caturday and while that's really cute, I think the rats needs some photo time so everyone can see how cute these little animals are. I've gotten permission from Rat Logic's fb page to share their pictures on my blog. So get ready to smile because these are cute. 

*click pictures to enlarge*

Product Review: Gwee Budz Ear Buds.

Product Description

These Earphones Work Great with Your Computer, Laptop, Tablet, iPod, MP3 Player, or Anywhere Else that Demands High Quality Sound. Gwee Budz™ Includes E-Z Talk© Multi-Functional Buttons with Built-In Microphone and Slide Volume Control. Works Great for Hands Free Calling from your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Other Cell Phone. Gwee Sport Guppy™ Cord Wrap Keeps your Headphones Securely Wrapped and Allows you to Clip Your Headphones to Your Shirt. The Antimicrobial Microfiber Interior is Infused with Ultra-Fresh™ Technology, Preventing Mold, Bacteria, Fungus, and Odors. The Perfect Headphone Accessory for Travel, Sports, Cycling, and Working Out. The Gwee Budz™ Includes a Custom Molded Zipper Carry Case to Protect the Earbuds During Travel. Three Sets of Different Sized Comfortable Ear Pieces are also Included to Allow a Perfect Fit for Anyone.

My Review

This set of ear buds came with a zippered carrying case, 3 sets of ear pieces, and the Gwee Sport Guppy. For a few years I've been using a $5 pair of ear buds and I actually thought they sounded good but as soon as I plugged these ear buds into my laptop and listened to a song I knew that these had much better sound than any other pair of ear buds I've had in a very long time. I really couldn't tell the difference until I had these to compare my other ones with and I love these. 

I also love the accessories that came with this set of ear buds. Three different replacement rubber ear pieces, the zippered case for easy storage and the Gwee Sport Guppy that will keep the cord neatly wound up in the case or in place on my shirt. There's a magnet inside it so it easily clips to my shirt to keep the extra cord wrapped round it and on my shirt even when I'm walking around. These ear buds even have a volume control and microphone button right on the cord. I've never had that feature on a pair of ear buds before. Like I said, the pair I had before this were a $5 pair and I've had them for years, so this is a big upgrade for me. So far, I'm very happy with this product. 

If you'd like to buy a pair for yourself, you can find them here. 

Disclaimer: I was given this product for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Review: Walmart Beauty Box

I heard about this Walmart Subscription Box and signed up last year. It sounded like a really good deal, just $5 for a box of goodies from Walmart four times a year? So I decided to sign up for it and see what all came in my box. So far I've received 3 boxes and I've really liked all three of them, it's a great deal for just $5.

It comes wrapped in tissue paper with a welcome card that tells you more about the box. 

Well as you can see, I got quite a lot for my $5. That's right the actual box if Free, all you pay is $5 for shipping! That's a pretty good deal. #WalmartBeauty

This is what was in my box....

Roc Deep Wrinkle Serum

Dove Deodorant Sample

Schick Hydro Silk Disposable Razor

Nivea Extended Moisture Lotion

Curel Rough Skin Rescue Lotion Sample

John Frieda 7 Day Volume In Shower Hair Treatment Sample

Act Advanced Care Mouthwash Sample

Crest 3D White Toothpaste and Whitening Gel

 Coupons

You have to sign up with a credit card/debit card but you only get charged when they send out a box and you can cancel at any time. 

Freebie Friday!

Welcome to another edition of Freebie Friday, where I tell you what free samples and full sized products I received in the mail and how you can get them too. Someone asked me why I do a 'Freebie Friday" each week, so I'll tell you.

A while back I listed all the free samples and wins that I had received that previous year and so many people didn't believe that I could have gotten so many free things. So I decided to prove it by taking a picture every week and sharing the sites that I found the links to the freebies at. So now you too can get great free samples coming to your mailbox each week.

  You can find links to samples like these at Hey It's Free and Freebie Shark.
Did you know you can sign up at Tomoson and get free products too. You can also sign up at these sites and get products at a great discount. No Kidding Coupons, AMZ Review Trader, and Elite Deal Club.

This week I received:

I won a book from a blog contest
Premier Protein Chocolate Shake
Feminine Pads samples

I also won $25 in gift cards from Crowdtap this month. 

So did you receive anything free this week?

Review: Graze Subscription Box

So I saw a commercial on tv that the first sample box from Graze was just $1.99, so I thought sure I'll try it. 

I was sent 

Peachy Orchard Bites

Zesty Chili Lime Cashews

Italian Herb Focaccia

Cocoa Cookie Dippers with a cherry Compote

Now as you can see, these are tiny packages and the going price if I renewed my subscription would have been $6.99 for the 4 snack box. Hardly worth the $1.99 that I paid in the introductory price but definitely not worth almost $7. 

As you can see the Cocoa Cookies with Cherry Compote had 2 small cookies in it and the packages weren't even filled all the way. I cancelled my subscription of this box right after getting this first one, just not the right box for me. 

Have you ever tried a subscription box that turned out not to be a good one?

I'm A Guest Reviewer at I Smell Sheep!

Hey you all,

If you have a few minutes stop on over at I Smell Sheep. I'm a guest reviewer over there today and I reviewed Dark Ghost by Christine Feehan.

Hope to see you there.

Crest Pro Health Advanced Mouthwash

*Info from Bzzagent website*

Want a better dental checkup? Crest® Pro-Health Advanced Mouthwash advances you towards stronger teeth* for a healthier mouth. In just one minute twice a day, Pro-Health freshens breath, strengthens enamel, helps prevent cavities, kills bad breath germs and cleans teeth and gums—all without the burn of alcohol. Replace your old mouthwash with Pro-Health Advanced today!

*When added to a good oral care routine by strengthening enamel.

My Bzzkit from Bzzagent

Last month I received a free full size bottle of Crest Mouthwash and have been using it since I received it. I usually use Scope and I like it but this one is really good too. I liked the taste somewhat and the fact that it doesn't burn my mouth because there's no alcohol in it. I like the feeling I get after using it and I like that it gives me fresh breath for a long time. I also really like that my mouth isn't burning, my gums aren't burning and I don't feel like I need to dilute it with water just to keep the burn down like with alcohol based mouthwashes. I do think the taste of this product could use some tweeking because there is a slight offness about the taste that isn't pleasant but it is usable. 

Disclaimer: I received a free product because I'm a member of BzzAgent.

Review: City Cars 16-Car Gift Pack by OliaDesign

Product Description

The perfect gift for vehicle lovers of all ages

Speed and action all in a pack of 16 die-cast cars

16 of the coolest 1:64 scale die-cast vehicles

Each pack is an instant collection

My Review

I really like this collection. I got this for my grandson and I think he will really like this. Little boys love cars, trucks and fire engines and he's already got some cars like this so I know he'll really like playing with these. My grandson is almost 3 years old so I think that is a great age to start giving him cars, trucks and dump trucks like this.  Since some of the smaller parts like the rotors on the helicopter are plastic and can break off. I wouldn't think this would be for a child younger than 3 years old. 

I remember when my brother was younger he had tons of cars and trucks like this and he played with them for hours. I used to steal some of his cars and play with them too so don't forget that the girl in your family might also like this. I have a feeling that my grandson will get hours and hours of enjoyment out of this set as well. This set of cars and trucks makes for a great gift for the kid if your family. 

If you'd like to buy this, you can find it here. 

Disclaimer: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. 

Happy Raturday!

Welcome to a new weekly blog post I'm calling, Raturday! I've seen Caturday and while that's really cute, I think the rats needs some photo time so everyone can see how cute these little animals are. I've gotten permission from Rat Logic's fb page to share their pictures on my blog. So get ready to smile because these are cute. 

*click pictures to enlarge*

Review: Target Beauty Box

Target has a beauty box that you can sign up for each month but supplies are limited and they run out really fast. The boxes are just $5 each and they have at least $20 worth of products in them. Last month they had another box for just $5 and I was able to get this one and was really happy since they are usually out by the time I hear about them. 

It comes in a really nice box which I kept because I'm sure I can find something to store in this box. But I was really happy with all the different products that came in this box this month. For just $5, you really can't beat this offer. Have you signed up and received one of these Target Beauty boxes yet?

In this box I got... 

Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Styling Lotion

Aquaphor Healing Lip Balm

Curls Creme Brule Whipped Curl Cream

Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Leave in Conditioner

Dove Advanced Hair Series Quench Absolute

Colgate Optic White Toothpaste

I have really long hair so I'm always looking for new hair care products and I love leave in conditioners. This box was pretty much a hair care box with a sample of lip balm and toothpaste. Well worth the $5 I paid for it. 

Have you tried any of the Target Beauty Boxes yet?

Review: Japan Candy Box

I was trying to think of a good add on gift for my daughter and son in law for Christmas and saw a youtube review one of my friends posted about this Japan Candy Box. I thought this would be a great add on gift for my son in laws Christmas basket because he likes pretty much anything Japan related, Anime and he loves all kinds of candy. So perfect fit, right? Yeah, not so much. Let me tell you why....

I bought the 3 month subscription box so I'll be getting 1 box a month for the next three months. I figured that I would have enough candy to put some in both my daughter's Christmas basket and my son in laws basket and have a quite a bit to test out myself. So I prepaid for three boxes...a total of $59.70 and while the price is a little steep, I figured that it might be worth it to get something unique for the Christmas baskets. Update: I also won a box so I'll be getting 4 boxes to try out.

As you can see, there really isn't a lot in the box...not enough to make it worth the $20 fee for each box. So I figured, maybe it tastes really good, really unique. Maybe it's the bomb! And that would make it worth getting, so I sampled a few pieces of this candy and not only are the packages small but the candy just isn't good. Some of it reminded me of that soapy taste I would get in my mouth when my mom washed my mouth out with soap as a kid for cussing.

With all the high praise and great reviews I've seen for this candy subscription box, I just don't understand how I am finding it to be lacking, big time. I'm not going to cancel my 3 box subscription or ask for my money back because I'm really hoping the next two boxes are much better. Plus I have a feeling that since my son in law likes Japanese and Anime stuff so much that even if he doesn't like the candy, he'll appreciate the thought that went into this add on gift.

I sampled a few pieces and this was actually the only one that I liked. I was a watermelon gummi candy.

So while I don't think this is worth the $20 price tag per box, I do think that it makes for an interesting conversation piece or a nice add on gift for someone who would be interested in having something that came from Japan. 

I give this Japan Candy Box 2 out of 5 stars. 

How Big Do Rats Get

Last month I had a couple of people ask me how big rats get. It's a tricky question because they actually can be many sizes. Over the last 15 years I've had some really big rats and some petite rats like Flower. So I thought I would just show you. This is Ares, Brodie, Hades and Jasper. Brodie was the smallest of the bunch and he's the one to the right in back of the two facing front. Jasper who is facing front was the biggest rat I've ever had. I'll post more pictures of him later in this post. Right next to him is the black and white rat and that's Hades who was almost as big as Jasper and then next to him was Ares who was a little smaller. 

Lucky who was my 3 legged rat was really big too. He was just under 3 lbs and was 17 inches long. 

Then there was Marbles who was a medium size rat at just 2 lbs and 15 inches long. His fur is curly and missing in some places because he is a Rex rat and he had the hairless gene but his fur came out all wonky. 

And this was Marbles brother, Patches. Patches was the smallest rat I've ever had. He was the size of a small hamster with a small tail and he only weighed 1.2 lbs. He was also a Rex and has soft curly fur. 

Jasper was the biggest rat I've ever owned. He was 19 inches long from nose to tail and weighed a whopping 3Lbs. I sat him next to a paper towel roll so you could see how big he was. 

The paper towel roll was 11 inches long.

And his tail was about 8 inches long. 19 inches all together. 

And then there's Flower who is petite and small. She is a hairless rat. I haven't weighed her because my scale broke a while back but she's not more than 1.5 lbs and she's not long at all. Not that she would sit still long enough for me to measure her. lol 

Most times male rats are bigger than female rats and female rats usually have more energy than males. When males get older they usually turn into chubby, laid back lap rats who want to be held and petted. Female rats usually keep that energy they have most of their lives and are zip, zip zipping around like the energizer bunny. 

But that's not always the case. This was Romi. She was my first female rat and she turned out to be a very big girl and she loved to just lay on me or next to me and be petted. She was almost 3 lbs and about 16 inches long. 

Romi was like Flower and loved to hide in my shirt and even sleep there while I was watching a movie on the couch. While she did have a lot of energy she would also cuddle when she felt like it too. 

These are not all of the rats that I've had but as you can see they do come in all sorts of different sizes. I hope I answered some of your questions.