Hamilton Beach 5 Qt. Slow Cooker Review

 
For Christmas 2013 I received something I've been wanting for years, a slow cooker.  No more putting pots of food in the oven for hours to cook on a low heat.  Now I can have a pot on my counter cooking for hours and not worry about it.  I was so excited to receive it.  The first thing I made was a slow cooker rice and beans.

I've had this slow cooker for a few years now.  I still use it on a regular basis.  It doesn't matter the season, I use it a several times a month. 

Hamilton Beach 5 Qt. Slow Cooker

The Hamilton Beach 5 Quart Slow Cooker is very easy to use.  Super easy clean up and it's dishwasher safe.  The slow cooker also came with a 3 year warranty.

My favorite recipe to make with the slow cooker is fudge.  The recipe is from Skinny Ms and you can find it here.

Slow Cooker Fudge

You can get the Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker at Amazon for an amazing price! This is an excellent  first slow cooker or if you're just looking for something very basic. Go to Hamiltonbeach.com to find out more about their products.

Do you use a slow cooker? What are some of your favorite slow cooker recipes? Tell me in the comments section below. 
  

Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this review.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own and results may vary. This post does contain affiliate links.If you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, I'll receive a commission.

Stay Motivated and Excited to Lose Weight With These Fitness Apps

                                                                          

Are you still sticking to your fitness resolutions?! Are you bored with your fitness routine?! Looking for some fitness apps to help you stay motivated and excited?!  I'm always looking for new ways to get my fitness on.  So, I found 2 apps that should be of interest to you. 

First is Slimkicker.  One of the creators of Slimkicker contacted me and asked me to take a look at their fitness app.  She explained the concept to me.  It's a fitness app where you could not only log in your fitness progress, but also earn points and badges and be rewarded with healthy products.

Slimkicker.com is a great website/app to help  you stay motivated in your fitness and weight loss journey.  

Every week you are emailed a challenge.  When you complete the challenges or even when you complete a workout you get points or can move up levels. Not only can you join challenges you can create your own.  If you don't want to lose weight on your own there are plenty of groups to join.  You can choose rewards when you reach a new level. My next reward to myself will be a spa/massage. 

You can connect with them on Twitter and like them on Facebook. They are also giving away a $1000 SpaFinder Wellness Giveaway!  You can enter here!  Hurry it ends 3/4/16.

The next website/app is Sworkit.com.  This is great! It's your own personal trainer. 

Sworkit has random circuit training workouts.  You can choose the type of workout and workout time.  A picture of the exercise pops up on the screen and there is a timer.  There are also yoga workouts too. Great website/app to have with you if you travel a lot.
You can follow them on Twitter. 
You can download the app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play. 

Disclaimer:  I have not received any monetary compensation for this review.  The views are my own and results may vary. 

Make Yummy Soups and Smoothies Easily

My dad received this Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender as a gift. He told me he had no use for it so I took it off his hands. Yes, I know I'm such a good daughter.  Anyway, I was so excited to receive this.  I imagined making all kinds of soups and smoothies with it.

First of all, it's very easy to use and to assemble. The motor body and detachable blending shaft snap together. After use detach the blending shaft. The clean up is a breeze. I basically just rinse it off the blending shaft and wipe off the motor body.  I have made soups and smoothies with the hand blender.  It makes the soups thicker in a matter of seconds. Smoothies blend easily and get super thick. It's a great product and I'm always looking for ways to use it.

My super thick protein smoothie

The blender came with a mixing beaker (pictured above). I make the smoothies right in the beaker. The detachable blending shaft and beaker are both dishwasher safe. The beaker is microwave safe. Also included was an instructional recipe booklet (pictured below).

I highly recommend the Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender. To find out more about this and other Cuisinart products please visit their website at Cuisinart.com.  You can also follow them on Twitter, Instagram and like them on Facebook.

Here's a recipe for Coconut Curry Soup from Pinch of Yum I made recently with the Cuisinart Smart Stick Hand Blender. 

Coconut Curry Soup

Please feel free to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and on Instagram!


Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for this review.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own and results may vary.

My Top 5 Reviews of 2015!

The end of the year is a time for reflection. Looking back at 2015, I reviewed many products. Here are the top 5 reviews! 

5. Is my first review of Batter Berries! Foodie Friday: Batter & Berries Chicago Restaurant Review    It was my first visit to the B&B and I was very impressed.  I reviewed it again later in the year.  You can find that review here. 

4.  OneCoffee- I believe it's still only available in Canada, but it is great coffee and the company is very environmentally conscious.  Biodegradable,Organic Single Serve Coffee Review-Tuesday Tip

3.  G.H. Cretors Chicago Mix Popcorn- Being from Chicago whenever I see anything related to my hometown in Canada, I immediately want to try it.  The Chicago Mix is uniquely Chicago and some of the best popcorn you'll ever have.  Check out the review here. 

2.  I work out because it's good for me and I have to admit, because I love to eat too!  FitnessBlender.com has some of my favorite workouts.  I buy their plans because they are inexpensive and they work.  This year they revamped their website and made it so much better.  You can read my review here. 

1. Pantene Pro-V Hair Care Products- I have really done a lot of damage to my hair.  I honestly believe that these products have saved my hair.  Read the review here. 

There you have it.  My top 5 reviews of 2015 based on the number of views they received.  Please feel free to check out all of my other reviews!  I have plenty more reviews planned for 2016!  Have a very happy new year! 

Ramsey Lewis Take Another Look-Deluxe Edition

Back in 2011 Ramsey Lewis released Take Another Look.  It was a CD going back to his electric band roots of the 1970s.  What I like to call the 'Sun Goddess' Era.

The deluxe edition released in 2015 has three bonus songs 'Jungle Strut', 'Tambura', and 'Sharing Her Journey.' This CD takes me back to my younger days when my parents played their Ramsey Lewis records.  Below you can see Ramsey talking about how the CD Take Another Look came together.

Track  Listing:
1.  Intimacy
2.  Tambura
3.  Love  Song
4.  Living  for  the  City
5.  Betcha  by  Golly  Wow
6.  To  Know  Her
7.  The  Way  She  Smiles
8.  Jungle  Strut
9.  Sharing  Her  Journey
10.  Sun  Goddess
Bonus  Tracks:
1.  Jungle  Strut  - Dr.  John
2.  Tambura  -- Kung  Fu
3.  Sharing  Her  Journey  - TAUK

I like the mixture of  songs on this CD.  There's something for everyone. This is a great CD to listen to while relaxing or hanging out with friends and family this holiday season.  And for the Ramsey Lewis or jazz music fan in your life this would make a great gift.  It's never too early to start thinking about holiday gifts. 

Speaking of holidays, my first introduction to Ramsey Lewis was his Sound of Christmas album as a child.  It wasn't officially Christmastime until that album was played in our home  and I still feel that way.  I bet once you hear this CD it will be on heavy rotation in your home too!

Any Ramsey Lewis CD would be an excellent addition to your music library.

 
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I received this CD free for an honest review. The opinions are my own and results may vary. I received no monetary compensation for my review.

Be Motivated To Keep Moving With Fitbit Zip-Tuesday Tip

Just want to briefly tell you about my favorite fitness tool, the Fitbit Zip. I cannot walk around or work out with out it. Fitbit Zip is a device that clips onto your clothing and keeps track of your steps and calories burned each day while moving or at rest. I have enjoyed using this product. 

I'm motivated to keep moving!

I don't want to stop moving because then the little face on the Fitbit sticks it's tongue out at me. I want to keep it smiling and the more I move the bigger the smile. It has this thing called the dongle that fits into a USB port on your computer. It syncs up with your Fitbit Zip. There you can see reports on calories burned, calories eaten and steps taken. 

 

My Myfitnesspal.com account is synced to my Fitbit account. 

So I log in the food I eat on MyFitnesspal.com and it transfers to my Fitbit account. If you are looking for a way to accurately calculate the calories you are eating and burning, the Fitbit Zip is for you. My next purchase will be the Fitbit One.  It's a step up from the Zip and also has a sleep tracker. You can purchase the Fitbit Zip or One at Amazon.com or go to Fitbit.com to find out about their other products. Fitbit makes a great Father's Day gift.


Disclaimer: There are affiliate links in this post. 

FitnessBlender.com Website Review

 Published originally on February 18, 2015.

I enjoy staying fit and FitnessBlender.Com is always part of my workout routine. I've been doing their workouts since they only had 30,000 Facebook likes. Now they have over 250.000! I actually reviewed them a few years ago. Check out that review here. Fitnessblender.com recently released a new website.

The new website contains over 300 workout videos and some great new features like My Calendar.  Workouts can be added to the calendar directly. (See picture below) The days with the dots are where I've added workouts.  Just click on the day and it takes you to your workout. The thing I like the most is that you can add purchased programs to the calendar.  That makes them easier to follow. Unfortunately, none of the previously released ebook programs can be added to the calendar, it's only the FB Programs listed on the site. (see above picture)

My Calendar

You will still be able to purchase the ebook programs. I reviewed the meal programs last year.  You can find the review here. Also included on the website are recipes and a blog.  There's nothing to pay except when you buy the meal and fitness programs.  They are great at keeping prices low and the quality high. You still get over 300 workout videos for free. 

Find out more at Fitnessblender.com. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.

Update 6/5/15:

I've been doing the FBAbs Workout Program and I have seen some great results.  I'm on my second round now.  Below is a screenshot of my schedule. This program is easily added to the calendar. All I do is click on the day and it takes me to my workout for the day.

Here's an example of a workout. This is what I did this morning!

Have you tried any of FitnessBlender.com's workouts or meal plans?! Let me know what you think.  Please go to my contact page to find out how to connect with me!

I'm Greek-ing Out for the New McDonald's Salad Bowls-Tuesday Tip

I don't usually go to McDonald's but I saw recently that they have added new things to the menu. Well, the first thing that honestly caught my attention was the Red Velvet Oreo McFlurry.  I have a terrible sweet tooth.  Anyway, after I drooled over the new McFlurry, I saw that McDonald's has new salad bowls 

I decided to try one out last week.  I had the I'm Greek-ing Out Salad.  I was actually surprised at how big it was.  You can have grilled or crispy chicken on the salad.  I got the grilled.  It was delicious with the Greek salad dressing. It was so filling, it's all I had for dinner.

The I'm Greek-ing Out Salad is only 280 calories.  The Greek salad dressing is 140.  There are two other salads that I will have to try, Head Over Harvest and Keep Calm, Caesar On. Find our more about the salads and other menu items by going to McDonalds.ca.

The Best Retinol Moisturizer Review:Tuesday Tip

OZ Naturals products are cruelty free, vegan and contain no parabens or sulfates. The Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer is a clinical strength anti-aging, anti-wrinkle cream.  It contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and B5 and 2.5 % Retinol Cream. The cream is rich but not heavy or greasy.   It doesn't irritate the skin.

I have been using OZ Naturals products for the past three months and I'm always happy with the results.  I use the Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer after washing my face with the  OZ Naturals Vitamin C Cleanser.  I then apply the  Vitamin C Serum or  Hyaluronic Acid Serum. You can read the review of the Vitamin C Serum here. I also use the Super Youth Eye Gel and you can read review here.

After using the Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer for the past two weeks I have noticed less acne breakouts and scars. My skin stays moisturized for many hours and it looks more youthful.

This is definitely the best retinol moisturizer I have ever used. OZ Naturals proves that you don't have to spend a lot of money to have quality products. OZ Naturals products are made in the USA!

OZ Naturals products can be purchased directly through Amazon.com. And feel free to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.  OZ Naturals provided me with a free sample of Super Youth Retinol Moisturizer for an honest review. The opinions are my own and results may vary. I received no monetary compensation for my review.

Peepoc.com (Social Polling Website) Review

I was asked to review a new social polling website called Peepoc.com.  Peepoc.com is where you can post a question, vote on polls and share your opinion.  When I signed in I found out I was already following six people.

I like that there are different communities to join and trending polls. There are still a few things for them to work out. I wasn't able to register with Facebook or Twitter, but did register with my email address.

Be warned if you're a procrastinator like me Peepoc.com is a definite time suck.  I found myself exploring, reading and answering polls.  I enjoyed my time on Peepoc.com and meeting people from around the world.  I even created my own poll. It was very easy to do! Check it out below.

Is it more important to eat right or work out every day to lose weight?
— asked by

Go to Peepoc.com to find out more. Or you can download the app on Google Play or iTunes.

 
Disclaimer:  Peepoc.com is free to join. I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions and experience are my own and results may vary.

Silk Creamy Cashew Milk: Tuesday Tip

As soon as I saw the commercial for Silk Creamy Cashew Milk, I wanted to try it.  I love cashews and thought it was great to have another non-dairy milk to choose from.  I bought it and was pleasantly surprised how creamy it was.  It's  low in calories, the taste was great and even my son liked it. As a matter of fact he used it in all of his smoothies.  

I used it in my smoothies too and made a smoothie for the DailyBurn's #ShowUsYourShake campaign using the cashew milk. Get the recipe here.

My #showusyourshake Chocolately Goodness

Have you tried Silk Creamy Cashew Milk?! Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Biodegradable,Organic Single Serve Coffee Review-Tuesday Tip

I was walking past the Skytrain Commercial/Broadway stop in Vancouver while running errands.  I saw these people giving away boxes.  That's nothing new in that area because I've been there before and received free samples. This time they were giving away full boxes of OneCoffee.

I had never heard of OneCoffee before and I was kind of skeptical, but I took a box anyway.  Especially after I saw that I could use it in my Keurig.

OneCoffee is organic single-serve coffee. 

Tried some immediately when I got home and was pleasantly surprised.  The coffee is delicious.  It's strong, but not overpowering.  Very smooth as well.  Great flavor!  The cups are biodegradable. Each cup is individually wrapped to ensure freshness. Then I realized it was Earth Day.  That's why they were giving out the free samples.  Perfect.

I will buy more OneCoffee when I'm done with this box.  You can buy OneCoffee at stores across Canada including Whole Foods, London Drugs and Buy-Low Foods.

Update 4/21/15-OneCoffee's website says that it will be available in the US soon!

GungHo Energy Drink Review

GungHo is an energy drink that is for people who want a ninga-like focus.  

When I saw that in the ad I was like...really?!  I don't usually drink energy drinks.  The side effects scare me and I'm pretty skeptical about them working for me.  I decided to try GungHo anyway because it's has natural ingredients that help improve endurance and cognition. 

It also has vitamin B3 which converts fats, proteins, carbohydrates and starches into usable energy. Like most energy drinks it has caffeine.  GungHo has about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. It has just enough to help with physical and mental fatigue.

I tried GungHo for 3 days.  

Firstly it tastes like a mild version of cough medicine. I drank it down quickly followed with a glass of water.  I didn't notice any bitter aftertaste. I don't recall having ninga-like focus, but I do remember having a lot of energy to get through my morning workouts and throughout the day.  I was fully expecting to have a crash in the afternoon.  That didn't happen. No jitters, shakes or palpitations.  Check out how GungHo stacks up to other energy drinks
 

I recommend you try GungHo.  It's a great product if you want to have energy all day without the nasty side effects usually found in other energy drinks. You can connect with GungHo on Facebook or just go to their website GoGungHo.com.


  
Disclaimer: GungHo sent me a sample of their energy drink to review.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own and results may vary. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum Review: Tuesday Tip

 Get that summer glow right now!

I reviewed OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum on my other blog Beauty, Fitness & Health...Oh My! I was very impressed with the results after one week.  OZ Naturals makes cruelty free, vegan, natural skin care products and they actually work!  Read my review below!

Brighter & Smoother Skin! OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum Review: The lovely people at OZ Naturals sent me another product to review, the OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum . The be...

Foodie Friday: Batter & Berries Chicago Restaurant Review

Cluck-N-Gaufre (Goof)

I love Chicago and great food!  Chicago has thousands of restaurants, but there is one I had to get to during my last visit. Batter & Berries is that restaurant.  I heard so many great things about it.  It was also featured on Chicago's Best.

I went there with my mom and a couple of friends. The restaurant was very crowded, but it took only about 15 minutes for us to get a table.  I ordered the Cluck-N-Gaufre (Goof) or sweet potato waffles stuffed with chicken. I enjoyed my meal.  I was so stuffed I couldn't finish it all. The flavors of the waffle, the chicken and the butter together was heavenly.



My friends ordered the Lobster Omelet and raved about how delicious it was. Sadly, I didn't get pictures, but I did try some of my mom's Fish and Chips. The fish was crispy and well seasoned.  The chips were delicious.  The food was great, but the service was better. Our server Tim was fun and attentive.

Fish and Chips

Batter & Berries is located at 2748 N Lincoln, Chicago. 1 773-248-7710. Hours of operation is Mon-Sun 8am-3pm. If you get there right before 3pm you will still get served and they don't rush you to get out. My mom, friends and I were there from 2pm until almost 3:30pm.  Felt very much at home there.Take a look at the menu. They are always adding new and delicious dishes!

Hair Care Product: Kiss InstaWave Automatic Curler Review

It's that time of year!  It's time to start thinking about putting those beachy summer waves in our hair.  Of course you want your hair to look its best. I received the Kiss InstraWave Automatic Curler to try out and review. I usually wear my hair straight, but I was interested in giving it a try.

Kiss InstaWave Automatic Curler

The product is very easy to use.  You plug it up, it gets hot very quickly. There are two settings low and high. Put the product on a section of hair, press the button and the hair twists around the barrel. To release it you press the button again. I was very surprised that my hair didn't get tangled while going around the barrel. My hair is shoulder length. I was able to create spirals with it, but if I just wanted some body to my hair I was able to do that as well. Didn't take long to curl my entire head. I think the first time it was about 15 minutes.

Kiss InstraWave Automatic Curler is available at Amazon.com , Walmart, Ulta, Target and kissusa.com  


Make sure to follow Kiss Products Inc on Twitter and Pinterest!

Disclaimer: Kiss Products Inc. sent me InstaWave Automatic Curler  to review.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own and results may vary. I received no monetary compensation for this review. This post contains affiliate links.

Relief From Dry Skin In Your Shower with Nivea: Tuesday Tip

I have a habit of forgetting to moisturize my dry skin after my bath or shower. Usually I'm taking a bath or shower while something is cooking or right before I pick up the kids from school, so I'm always in a hurry.

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion provides relief from my dry skin and saves me time too. 

It's an in-shower lotion you put on after washing with your regular soap. It contains shea butter and moisturizes instantly.  It's not sticky and rinses off easily leaving my skin smooth and soft. My skin stays moisturized for hours. Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion also has a lovely scent similar to the Nivea cream I remember from my childhood.

I highly recommend this product! To find out more about this and other Nivea products go to their website Niveausa.com.

Healthy Food: Protein Bar (Chicago) Restaurant Review

When I heard about the Protein Bar opening in Chicago I was anxious to visit.  I'm always excited to try a new restaurant and as a person who works out a lot, protein is very important to my diet.  Also it's great to have a healthy food option in downtown Chicago. We visited Chicago in March 2014.  I was able to get to Protein Bar two times.

Protein Bar was clean, very well lit, the wi-fi was great and the service fantastic! The first time I went there I tried the Guac N Roll. A Bar-rito filled with roasted chicken, veggies, and a cilantro lime dressing.  Satisfying meal!  It has 540 calories and 30 grams of protein!

Guac N Roll

The next time I went to Protein Bar I tried the Spinach and Pesto Bowl and the BGT Drink.  The Spinach and Pesto Bowl was a lot better than I thought it would be.  It has quinoa, basil pesto, roasted chicken, spinach and Parmesan cheese. The bowl is 480 calories and has a whopping 38 grams of protein.  The BGT Drink contains milk of your choice, I chose almond, Matcha Green Tea, vanilla whey protein and banana. The BGT Drink has 240 calories and 19 grams of protein.

Spinach and Pesto Bowl and BGT Drink

There are several locations open in Chicagoland.  Most of them are downtown Chicago. Hoping that they will expand to more neighborhoods. If not full restaurants maybe they could have Protein Bar Express restaurants located in grocery stores.  I think a partnership with Mariano's would be great!;-)

I highly recommend Protein Bar.  They are located around Chicagoland, Colorado and Washington DC. Check out their website and connect with them on Twitter and Facebook!

Update 4/3/15: Since I originally posted this restaurant review, Protein Bar has added more locations in Chicago and have expanded their menu!  Can't wait to get back to Chicago and try more things!

Organic Superfood: Matcha DNA Green Tea Review

I love drinking green tea.  I like hot or cold.  When I saw that Matcha DNA Green Tea was looking for people to try their organic green tea I jumped at the chance.  First of all I was very surprised at the richness and the creaminess of the tea.  It has a great flavor.  Didn't need to put any sweetener in my tea.  I drank it hot, cold and I also put it in my smoothies.  Check out the video below to see how to make Matcha DNA Green Tea. 

What makes Matcha DNA Green Tea different?!  It's an organic green tea powder.  You drink the whole tea leaf. It's pure and rare of Chinese origin. According to Matcha DNA one cup has the equivalent of 10 cups of green tea in nutritional value and antioxidant content. The ultimate superfood!

Supplement Facts Organic Matcha Tea Serving Size 1 Teaspoon Servings Per Container 34 Amount Per Serving Based % Dv

Calories 0 Calories from Fat 5 Total Fat <1g data-blogger-escaped-td=""> <1 data-blogger-escaped-td=""> Saturated Fat <1g data-blogger-escaped-td=""> <5 data-blogger-escaped-td=""> Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 0 <1 data-blogger-escaped-td=""> Carbohydrates 0 <4 data-blogger-escaped-td=""> Sugar 0 Dietary Fiber 1g <1 data-blogger-escaped-td=""> Protein <1g data-blogger-escaped-td=""> Vitamin C 3mg <1 data-blogger-escaped-td=""> Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) 215mcg Tanin 137mg ORAC Score 1774 mcg Theine (Tea Caffeine) 25mg Total Catechins 179mg EpigalletintechinGellate 83mg Epigallectechin 62mg EpigallectechinGalleate 16mg Epigcalectin 12mg Total Amino Acids 16mg

These values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

I will be drinking Matcha DNA Green Tea from now on. I highly recommend this product! To find out more about Matcha DNA Green Tea you can go to their website matchateagreen.com. Matcha DNA is also available at Amazon.com. You can follow them on Twitter, or like them on Facebook  

Update 4/2/15: Sign up for the newsletter at matchateagreen.com  to receive a free Matcha Green Tea book by Shaahin Cheyene (a $19 value).


Disclaimer:  Matcha DNA sent me free samples of their product to review.  I am under no obligation to provide a positive review.  The opinions are my own and results may vary. I received no monetary compensation for this review.This post does contain affiliate links. If you click a link and buy the product, I will receive a commission.

Basquiat: Now's The Time-Tuesday Tip

My favorite painting is on this sign. It's a self-portrait of Jean Michel Basquiat.

Jean Michel Basquiat

I don't know much about art, but I was inspired by the Basquiat: Now's The Time exhibit at the AGO in Toronto.  I remember admiring his work as a teenager and being shocked and saddened by his sudden death in 1988. Just a year and 6 months after Andy Warhol.

Warhol and Basquiat

Not only do you see his fabulous artwork, but you learn the history behind it. I didn't know he was so influenced by jazz especially Charlie Parker and that he wanted to became a cartoonist when he was a kid.

Basquiat was heavily influenced by Charlie Parker

If you are in Toronto, I recommend you stop by the AGO to see this exhibit.  It runs through May 10, 2015.

Reactions to the Basquiat exhibit