Happy Raturday!

"This tastes healthy." 

"Happy Birthday to me." 

"I'm very happy, can you tell." 

"Why yes, I'll share your ice cream with you." 

These are all pictures of my past rats. 

Hey guys I'm sorry about earlier. I have no idea why all the pictures disappeared. LOL 

Product Review: Portable Pet Carrier Soft Sided Small Animal Carriers Travel Tote Bag

Product Description

Color: Blue Color

Specifications: 

1. Size: 39*18*29CM (L*W*H) / 15.3*7*11.4inch (L*W*H)

2. Design for small pets, dogs, cats, rabbits etc, pets up to 5 pounds.

3. Color: Blue, Brown, Pink.

4. Your pet can travel in style when you use this soft-sided, tote-style pet carrier.

5. The zippered top opening makes it easy for you to place your small pet inside when its time to hit the road, and the mesh pockets on either end help you keep your pet's leash, treats, and other supplies close at hand. 

6. You'll make any journey an easy, breezy, and stylish one when you carry your cat, small dog, or other small animal in this top handle pet carrier tote.

Top with solid flap zipped. 

Top so you can see the mesh top under the solid flap. 

The side with the zipper and flap open. 

View from the top. There are also 4 breathing holes inside the carrier. 

Removable pad. 

My Review

This is the first pet carrier for dogs and cats that I've ever had and I thought it would be a bit bigger. I have a small 10lb dog and thought that this would be an excellent thing to have for him just in case, but he's too big for it. The description does say that it's for pets up to 5 pounds, so keep that in mind if you buy this. I think unless you have a very small chihuahua type dog, this isn't going to work for most dogs. It might work for small cats and/or rabbits though. If I get rats, hamsters or other small animals this might work as a carrier for them as well.

It's very sturdy and put together really well. Since this pet carrier is airline approved and will fit under a seat, this is a more reliable way to fly with a pet because I wouldn't want to have my pet go in the cargo hold, I've heard to many horror stories about pets that fly that way. 

 I've also seen people on the city transit bus and as long as they have their pets in an animal carrier they can bring them on the bus. So this could really come in handy if the need arises and it has a nice removable pad on the bottom for easy clean up and to make laying down a little more comfortable for them. 

Disclosure: I received this product free of charge in exchange for an honest review.

Product Review: JOJO's, Guilt Free 70% Dark Chocolate Bark, All Natural Protein Raw Nuts and Dried Cranberries

Product Description

JOJO's Story 

When Jodie Jones (Jojo) was diagnosed with breast cancer, she realized she needed to start looking for healthier alternatives. After meeting with a man who had recently lost 50lbs from a strict diet while eating one piece of dark chocolate bark everyday, she decided to try it herself. 

After many different recipes and testing she created what today we call JOJO'S Chocolate Bark. 

Our goal since the beginning has been to help all health conscious individuals kick their sugar cravings with something healthy and delicious. We believe that enjoying one healthy-delicious snack a day will keep you on your path to a healthier lifestyle. 

Health Benefits of JOJO's 

We don't settle for anything less than high quality, great taste, and filling snacks. JOJO's is packed with antioxidants, fiber, Iron, and Magnesium. Our goal is to always stay low in sugar so that we can make sure to kick your sugar craving with the best tasting natural super snack. With the great mix of dark chocolate and nuts we bring the best two possible snacks into one super snack to help fight those sugar cravings. 

• Boost in Brain Power 

• Heart Healthy 

• Packed with antioxidants 

• Satisfies quickly 

• NON-GMO Casein Protein 

• Gluten Free 

• No Highs or Lows(helps keep blood sugar balanced) 

• Paleo Friendly 

Ingredients 

• 70% dark chocolate(Chocolate liquor, sugar, Chocolate Liquor processed with Alkali, Coco Butter, vanilla) 

• All Natural NON-GMO Casein Protein 

• Raw Almonds 

• Raw Pistachios 

• Dried Cranberries(cranberries, sugar, vegetable oil) 

JOJO's goal is to help you enjoy life by giving you the best tasting healthy snack to kick those nagging sugar cravings.

My Review

I'm a huge fan of anything chocolate and if it's dark chocolate that's even better as far as I'm concerned. But add in almonds, pistachios and cranberries and this was just excellent. I was so happy when the box arrived and they were packed in styrofoam and an ice pack to keep them from melting because it's been 110F here and I didn't want this chocolate to melt and it didn't. 

These bars are rich and decadent and oh so good tasting. I already love dark chocolate so to get a great tasting bar of it with fruit and nuts was just amazing. If you like dark chocolate and dried cranberries, then you have to try this. While dark chocolate can be a little bitter and I kinda like that bite it has, the sweet dried cranberries added just the right amount of sweetness to the dark chocolate to make it taste even better. If you'd like to buy this, you can find it here. 

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. 

When it was delivered, it was securely packed with an ice pack so none of it melted. 

Favorite Video of the Week

Ok guys, if you don't like swearing or don't like Gordon Ramsey...don't listen to this one. It's pretty darn funny though.

Product Review: Folger's Coffeehouse Blend Coffee

This is a good coffee, it's Med Dark roast and so there's a nice rich flavor without being bitter. My husband likes the darker roasts as well and is very satisfied with this free canister I got from Crowdtap. We hadn't tried this particular blend until I received this and we both liked it. I have a coffee press so it's easy to make 1 or 2 cups and vary the strength for each of us. He likes his really strong and I like mine very weak and with lots of milk and sugar. I've always liked the aroma of coffee and this one smells good as well. 

Disclosure: I received this product for free from Crowdtap in exchange for an honest review. 

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:

A sample of Fiber Choice Flavor Drops

A Bottle of lotion with spf 30 to test at home and then fill out a survey questionnaire. Like a couple of weeks ago, I had to blank out the code number and other survey info because I'm not allowed to share that. I sometimes get unmarked bottles or packages or things to test out and give my opinions about. I once received 2 huge packs of Oreos and all they wanted to know was which one I liked better. If a new product is about to be released into the market, testers like myself will sometimes get it first to let them know what to fix if anything.

I also received a $5 Amazon gift card from crowdtap.

Did you receive any freebies this week?

Product Review: Scented Bath Bombs Gift Set, 6 Large Handmade Fizzies 4.5oz, Made in USA

Product Description

Daily stress is wearing you out. Spa sessions are expensive and have to be booked in advance. How does one get a little pampering instantly? Marilyn bathed in champagne, but for the rest of us, there are these bath bombs. This bath bombs gift set allows you to have a luxurious spa experience in seconds. Let these bath bombs soothe your body, moisturize the skin, and melt away stress. 

Fill your bathtub with water at desired temperature. Unwrap a bath ball and drop into water. Get into tub, lay back and let the fragrance envelope you. For a spa-like experience, dim lights (or use a few candles), set some soft music in the background before getting in the tub. 

Soak after a long workout or simply as a pick-me-up. You'll find yourself reaching for a bath bomb at the end of the work week. When there is a special occasion such as a big party or a date night, soak with a bath bomb to start your night right. Let the fragrance put you in a relax, calm state of mind. You will emerge feeling radiant and unstoppable! 

Each bath bomb is formed by hand with locally sourced ingredients. The handmade process ensures each bath ball has the right density. They are carefully packaged in sturdy gift boxes. Each box measures 9x6x3 inches. In addition to classic scents such as Lavender and Oatmeal Milk & Honey, this collection offers a few exotic scents such as Red Clover & Tea, Plumeria and Asian Pear. 

For those who don't know what to give on that all important holiday like valentine's day or mother's day, here is a chance to score points with the ladies in your life. Bath enthusiast and first timer alike will enjoy these fragrance bath fizzies. 

Treat yourself or your love ones. And you might want to make a sign on your bathroom door that say "do not disturb"!

My Review

If you've never tried a bath bomb, then you're in for a treat. This is actually my first experience with bath bombs but it was a blast to use them. They come in a nice sturdy box and are individually packaged inside the box. Each has a nice scent but when you drop one into a tub of water, they start to fizz and release all the fragrance into the water and air of the bathroom. Each one has a different scent and they really do smell good. I smelled good after taking a bath in the water scented with one and when you're done you just let the water out of the tub, I didn't have a ring around my tub from the bath bomb at all. 

I'll definitely be trying more of these in the future and know that this would make a great gift for that woman in your life. If you'd like to purchase this product, you can find it here. 

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. 

Favorite Picture of the Week

When I was 16, I went over to my best friends house to see her kittens. I snapped this picture and got one of them making this face. 

Product Review: Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Italy Estate bottled Tuscany Blend, Best Natural Olive Oil for Mediterranean diet

Product Description

Experience the difference in authentic estate-bottled extra virgin olive oil from the Tuscan foothills south of Florence.

Gourmet Living's Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Tuscany, Italy provides you with a delicate yet peppery after-taste to flavor your salads and other dishes. Sure, pour some of our IGP certified cold-extracted olive oil blend into a small dish and dip your baguette into the oil and be transported to the Tuscan countryside.

Harvested on the rolling hill south of FlorenceThis olive oil blend comes from the 3 main olive varieties of Firenze: Frantoio 50%, Moraiolo 30% and Leccino (about 20%). Harvested between Oct. 15 and Nov. 20 for quality and aroma.

My Review

I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil quite a bit while cooking these days and I really like trying out different brands. I made some roasted asparagus using this extra virgin olive oil and it was really good. This oil has a nice taste to it and cooks well. The bottle is nice too and I like that it's big enough to be worth buying. This one comes from Tuscany and I think it might be the first bottle of olive oil that I've had from Italy and I can taste a difference from the cheaper oils I've tried. This one has more taste to it and has more color. I'm very happy with this olive oil. If you'd like to try it, you can find it here. 

Disclosure: I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. 

Happy Raturday!

*Picture courtesy of Rat Logic*

**Picture courtesy of MrRat395*

"Soon..."

*Picture courtesy of Poppy's Mischief*

"Did you find any treats in the cave?"

*Picture courtesy of Poppy's Mischief*

"And IIIIIII will Alwaaaaays Loooove Youuuuu."

Product Review: Multi-purpose Cheese, Vegetable & Food Grater, 6 Sided Box-hex, Stainless Steel

Product Description

Multi-purpose 6 sided box-hex grater has 6 different stainless steel blades for every common cut that you need in your kitchen. Grater includes an easy grip contoured handle plus a non slip base for precise cutting. Features include: 

* Stainless Steel 

* Secure Grip 

* Contoured Handle 

* Non-slip Base, which can come off for cleaning if needed 

* Extra Large 9 inch height, but still fits in your kitchen cabinets 

* Easy to Clean 

* Dishwasher Safe (top rack) 

* No Moving Parts that Break or Clog! 

MULTIPLE CUTS WITH BLADE DESIGN: 

* Zest 

* Slice 

* Shred 

* Dice 

* Shave 

SIZE OF CUTS: 

* Fine 

* Coarse 

* Ultra-coarse 

My Review

I have a cheese grater, 2 of them actually but neither of them are great for all types of dishes. The flat one I have is great for grating small amounts of cheese while the electric one is great for grating large amounts of cheese. But who wants to pull out a large machine with lots of parts to wash for just a handful of grated cheese. Not me. So that's where this grater comes in for me because it stands upright which makes it a lot easier for me to grate a medium amount of cheese without my hand and arm getting really tired. The grater works easily and is sturdy enough that I expect to have it around for a long time. If you'd like to purchase one for yourself, you can find it here. 

Disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for an honest review.

Favorite Video of the Week

Don't we all think most commercials are stupid?

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:

2 Lip Smacker lip balm, a lanyard and 3 little chains to attach the lip balms to the lanyard.

And a $5 Amazon gift card from Crowdtap. And for those of you keeping count, that's $175 in Amazon gift cards from Crowdtap so far this year. All those $5 gift cards add up over time.

Did you get anything free this week?

Product Review: Art Naturals Rosewater Witch Hazel Toner 8 oz

Product Description

The perfect companion to any moisturizer, Art Naturals Rosewater facial toner is the all-natural solution to restoring and balancing PH Levels, while promoting vibrant and youthful glow. Organic extracts of Witch Hazel, natural Rose, and Aloe combine to revive and restore damaged skin while setting the foundation for ideal moisturizing. Soothe and tone your face gently and naturally regardless of skin type. Experience the refreshing and rejuvenating effects of natural Rosewater and Witch Hazel today and give your skin the healing antioxidant-rich power of nature's best! Our ingredients are always clearly labeled and 100% thorough and truthful. Our love of beauty stretches beyond humanity and strives to see the wonder in all of nature. That is why our packaging is made with BPA-free materials and all of our products are paraben-free and cruelty-free.

My Review

I've used Witch Hazel as a toner on my face since I was a teen and my grandma told me it was the best thing to use. I don't like the smell of it though so when I saw this toner which has witch hazel in it but also has aloe and rose, I figured maybe it would still have the effect I like but smell better. I was right. It works really well and at night when I put a little on a cotton ball and clean my face with this, it takes off the dirt and face make up left behind after using make up remover. A lot of make up removers are oily and this gets rid of that oily sheen that is left over. This is great for sensitive skin and it didn't break my face out or make it red. It works really well. If you'd like to purchase this, you can find it here. 

Disclosure: I was given this product at a discount in exchange for an honest review. 

Product Review: Dry Erase Board 24x36 LARGE Magnetic Whiteboard with Aluminum Frame

Product Description

This large dry erase whiteboard by Novo Basics is perfect for any office or classroom. Its large size of 24x36 inches makes it a great size for any purpose. The metal backing works great with magnets. The white surface is bright white so colors pop. The smooth finish allows you to easily erase dry-erase marker writing.

My Review

Have you ever wanted a dry erase board for jotting down notes or keeping a handy grocery list going that everyone in the household can add to? I thought since I have a 3 year old grandson that this would be a fun thing to have around for when he comes over, it would keep him busy and I was right. 

I didn't have any dry erase markers when I got this so I had to get a couple of those but that was easy. I think it would be nice for these dry erase boards to come with at least one dry erase marker and an eraser. But even without that this was a neat thing to get. I've never had one before and it comes with hooks so it was really easy to hang on the wall. It's light weight enough that if you have an easel it will easily sit on that as well.

It was a lot of fun to play around with and even my dog was interested in what this was. So for fun use this fits the bill but markers do leave behind some color on this board and you have to use dry erase cleaner to really clean it well.  But it's good for kids to play with. If you'd like to get one, you can find it here. 

Disclosure: I received this product free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Falcor was very interested in what this was. 

Product Review: Snacks Care Package Gift Assortment (40 Count)

Product Description: 

Snack Chest Crafted With Love 

Assortment Includes:

• 4 Grandmas Cookies (2.5 oz)

• 1 Snyders Pretzels (1.5 oz)

• 1 Gold Fish Crackers (1 oz)

• 1 Cheez It Original (1.5 oz)

• 1 Andys Hot Fries (0.85 oz)

• 1 Chex Mix (1.75 oz)

• 1 m&m Cookies (1.6 oz)

• 2 Fiber One Oats & Chocolate (1.4 oz)

• 3 Rice Krispies (0.78 oz)

• 5 Welches Fruit Snacks (0.9 oz)

• 3 Airheads (0.55 oz)

• 4 Laffy Taffy (0.34 oz)

• 1 Lemon Head (1.08 oz)

• 1 Cherryhead (1.08 oz)

• 1 Mike & Ike (0.78 oz)

• 6 Peanut Chews (0.30 oz)

• 4 Planters Peanuts (1 oz)

*Just a few of the snacks in the box. *

My Review

I love all the different snack boxes with different single serve treats that are available. I've actually tried quite a few of them and their nice to have around when company comes over or when my grandson comes over and he can pick a snack to have. I wish that these kinds of boxes had been around back when my daughter was in school and I was packing her a lunch because one of these boxes of snacks would have lasted quite a while and she would have been able to enjoy a different snack each day. 

There are 40 snacks in this box and for the price of $19.95 at the time I ordered it, that's not bad. I was happy with the size of the packages in this box because sometimes the sizes are really small and that's a bit of a let down, but I didn't have that problem with this box. 

This would also make a great care package for someone in college, deployed, or just a thoughtful gift. I know when I've had boxes like this sent to me I always really like them, so I know others would as well. If you'd like to buy this snack box, you can find it here. 

Disclosure: I received this product free in exchange for an honest review.

Happy Raturday!

*Picture courtesy of Poppy's Mischief*

"Will you tell me a bed time story?"

*Picture courtesy of Poppy's Mischief*

"We waited up for you, where have you been?"

*Picture courtesy of Poppy's Mischief*

"I think I need my own room." 

Recipe: Deep Fried Chicken Gizzards and Hearts

You remember the other day when I said my family was all kinds of redneck? Well you can thank my grandpa who was born in West Virginia for this one. When I was growing up, my mom used to make this as a cheap snack. A pack of chicken gizzards and hearts costs about $1. And as you can see, it makes a plate full of them. 

Recipe

1 pack of chicken gizzards and hearts

1/2 cup flour

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups oil

Add oil to a pan, enough to cover the height of the gizzards. 

Add the flour, salt and pepper to a ziplock bag, add gizzards and hearts. Seal bag and shake until all parts are covered in flour. Add gizzards and hearts to the hot oil and fry until golden brown. 

These are very chewy so get out your good dentures, you'll need them. :)

Note: You can go through the trouble of trimming off the middle part of the gizzards, which is the chewiest part but I rather like that so I leave it on. 

Have you ever had this? Would you try it?

Review: Universal Yums Subscription Box

Universal Yums is a monthly subscription box that sends you snacks from all over the world. A different place each month. This is the June 2016 box. (I write my posts about a month ahead of time so that's why this is posted this month. I always have about 30-40 blog posts scheduled at any time) 

There are two box sizes to choose from. The 6 or more snacks or 12 or more snacks. I chose the 6 or more snacks box.  For my box size, it's $13.00 a month. And they sent quite a bit in my box. The other box costs $25.00 a month. 

So I was sent 17 snacks in my box. Candies, cookie, chips and fruit candies. This months box is from The USA. You would think that since I'm from the US that I would be familiar with most of these things but the only thing I was familiar with were the candies. 

I picked up the dark candy on the bottom row because I saw it said, "Praline" on it. I love pralines so when I opened it and took a bite of it and started chewing, I knew something was wrong. It was hot! So I took a better look at the package and saw it said Habanero Praline. More like burning ass hot praline.  It was hot. The hotness of the it over powered the yumminess of the praline so for me it wasn't enjoyable. 

Next thing I tried was the Chesapeake Crab potato chips. Did you see in the second picture where in the corner it said salt and spicy? I didn't because I used a pair of scissors to cut the top off. *Facepalm* It was spicy hot and bitter. Not good. I don't know who put this box together but I swear not all of us from the US like spicy foods. We're not all rednecks who drink beer, eat spicy pork rinds and drive pick up trucks. And I can say that because my family is all kinds of redneck, but not the wear my jammies to Walmart type redneck.

So next I tried the black and white cookie and that was good, tasted like a pound cake cookie with vanilla and chocolate frosting. 

The Abba Zaba candies are white chewy taffy on the outside with a thin layer of peanut butter on the inside. I used to have those all the time when I was a kid and they're still good. And of course I liked the Salt Water Taffy, I buy that and keep in the candy jar so that was a favorite for me. 

So for the most part it was a good box with a couple of spicy flops. 

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:

A bottle of conditioner to test and a sample of Head Country bbq sauce. I sometimes get unmarked bottles of things to test and give my opinion of. I had to mark out the code and other survey info because I'm not supposed to share that. lol Both the bbq sauce ad the conditioner are very nice though.

I also received a sample pack of Zzzquil form Influenster.

And a $5 Amazon gift card from Crowdtap.

Did you get any freebies this week. 

Product Review: His & Her Love Bangle Bracelet Matching Set Titanium Stainless Steel by Parati

Product Description

Honor your romance's unity and eternity with this titanium steel and crystal bracelet, engraving "You are always in my heart".

Create personalize gifts for you, your loved one. Made of stainless steel, forever shiny and wonderful.

1.Bracelet length: 2.28" x 2.55" & 2.04" x 2.4". | 2. Weight: 0.7&1.02 oz. 3.Metal Type: Titanium Stainless Steel. 

Accompanied by a gift box, could be sent as a gift to your loved ones.

My Review

This is a set of 2 bracelets. One for men and one for women. They have an inscription on them that says, "You are always in my heart" and in the center is a small crystal. The men's bracelet is 8 inches and the women's is 7 inches. My husband and I couldn't squeeze either of these bracelets on our wrists. I have a 9 inch wrist and hubby's is bigger so I can't show you what they looked like on either of us because they were too small. 

These bracelets are for people with smaller wrist sizes but they are very pretty and I am going to keep them to give as a gift to someone else because I think I know a couple that these will fit. They come with a nice box so this set of bracelets would also make a great gift for a couple. If you'd like to buy this you can find it here. 

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

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars. 

Favorite Picture of the week

I received this dry erase board free in exchange for an honest review. I was trying to get a couple of good photos without the glare from the flash and Falcor decided to jump up on the chair and be in the picture too. He's so excited when I get a package and always wants to see what I got. 

"You might as well take the picture because I'm not moving."