DDM's Try Ons
It is in this section that I will review various products that have been given to me. For free. That’s right. Stuff has been sent to me to try out. I love free stuff. It gives me the giggles. And so I will take a few things for a test drive and then tell you all about it.
I would just like you to know that I am not being paid by anyone to say the things I am about to say. These are my own thoughts and opinions. And I will gladly take the free stuff off the hands of any company at anytime.
DDM’s Rating Scale
 (pair of jeans): Not even worth re-gifting.
No explanation required.
(2 pairs): I would re-gift this.
A two has a place somewhere, just not in my house.
(3 pairs): I would use it if it was given to me.
I like it; I just wouldn’t buy it for myself.
(4 pairs): If it’s on sale, buy it.
A four is a good thing. If there is a product that I really like, I would for sure buy it on sale. I might not go all out and buy it at full pop.
(5 pairs): Spare no expense.
A five means you must-have-it. You need it regardless of outside influence or if it puts you over budget. A five is a five. A hands down, doozy of a product, must own, makes you happy, hum-dinger.
Oral B Stages Giveaway
Oral B wants to give away a custom package for a lucky mom and child/ren consisting of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and some information about proper oral care for kids.
Tooth decay is rampant among children and it is important to teach our children proper oral hygiene. You can read more here:
http://www.vogeldesign.ca/oralb_email/oralb_stages_book.html
In our house we brush twice a day. I floss sometimes, but am becoming more consistent. The dentist told me that I had to start flossing the Wee Ladies’ teeth once they started touching. EvieG has her molars touching, so we floss hers.
Click here to send me your name and email address. I will draw a name at random next Monday, November 9, 2009.
Enter to win!
All’s I’m sayin’s all.
Always Thin Flexi-Style
This is a thin liner that can be adapted to fit any style of underwear. The flexible edges can be folded under to fit any kind of panty. It is super thin and absorbent.
I tried it on my mom underpants. You know the ones that cover my butt but that don’t go all the way to my waist. I don’t have super sexy thongs. I have a couple that I use very rarely when I go out. I have the blue one from my wedding day. Anyway, I can’t even really feel these liners when they are on. I like that I don’t really notice that it’s there, but would never risk relying on it for a whole lot of protection. I would use it as a shield during that time of the month. It is great to have for when you are going out. But for me in my current situation at home, I wouldn’t insist on having them as my only option for a liner.
You can buy 50 for about $4.00.
I give this product 4 out of 5.
PC Blue Menu Wheat Bran Bites, Maple and Brown Sugar Flavour
For about $2.50, you can buy a box of 5 pouches of these high fibre snacks. They are made in a peanut-free facility. We buy them all the time. They are great to have for a quick snack if we are out and about. For every package you are looking at 120 calories and 5 g of fibre (20%). And that’s a lot for a kid. The only downfall is the sugar content. It is 11g per pouch. You get quite a bit of the mineral intake too. As I said, I like to have on hand if I need to grab something fast. I don’t rely on them. It is an option.
I give this product 4 out of 5.
PC Brownies with Chocolate Chips
For around $4.00, you can buy a box of individually wrapped brownies that are also made in a peanut-free facility.
PC has a lot of these snacky options for parents to consider when making lunches for their kids. So many schools are nut-free now with allergies on the rise.
These brownies are delicious, I have to say. Moist and chocolatey, with chunks of even more chocolate. Here’s the thing- each brownie is 210 calories, with 21g of sugar and 32g of carbs. Ouch. It is a decadent treat, no doubt. But I would only buy it sparingly. I wouldn’t make this a regular in EvieG’s lunchbox.
I give this product 3 out of 5.
PC Peanut Free Products
I think it is great that President’s Choice is providing the public, especially parents with peanut-free products. It is important to have these options when so many schools are nut free and parents need to have lunches made without nut products.
PC offers a variety of products without nuts and that are made in nut-free facilities. They are also offering more fresh goods, like cookies, muffins, and brownies. Banana cake, oatmeal raisin cookies, mini muffins, rice krispie squares. While most of these treats are individually wrapped and easy to drop into the lunchbox, they are still pricey and not 100% homemade. While it is good in a pinch, if there are no other options and you are looking for something close to homemade, but nothing compares to a freshly baked, made with love muffin, cookie, or loaf. And really, I know we are all busy, but it only takes a few minutes to spew out a batch of muffins.
I say check them out, try them, and enjoy. But don’t rely on them. It’s always great to have options.
New Always Infinity Giveaway!
Always has launched a new maxi pad in Canada this summer. It is the Always Infinity pad. This pad is unlike any other pad you will wear. Seriously. I tried it.
I am giving away a box of Always Infinity pads to a lucky winner! Click here to enter!
These pads are thin and hold more than you think they will hold. Looks can be deceiving. There are 2 layers of Infincel foam: one that absorbs and the bottom stores and distributes. The microdots push wetness away. There are wings to fit your underwear and a top sheet that keeps you dry. When it comes time to change, a heavy flow appears to be not so bad. It fits so well, you hardly notice that it is there. True! These things are pretty amazing and they hold a lot.
I highly recommend these pads. They help you get through those tough days and don't bulk you up.
Enter to win! Try them! Click here to send me your info! I will draw a name at random next Thursday, September 10!
All's I'm sayin's all.
Crest-Oral B Blogger Challenge
I was asked to participate in a one-month challenge by Oral B and Crest. I went to the dentist before beginning this challenge to get an overall report of the current state of my mouth. I then used both Oral B and Crest products over the course of a month and then after the elapsed time, I returned to the dentist to see if there was any improvement in my mouth.
When I went to the dentist, they told me my overall oral health was good. But I have a mild case of gingivitis. Most of it is in between my teeth. My plaque and tartar levels are fine. But the gingivitis is there because I am not a consistent flosser. I only floss when I feel lots of build-up between my teeth. This is not a good habit to be in. I made a pact with myself to start flossing regularly after this challenge was over.
For the next month, I used the Oral B Vitality Precision electric toothbrush. I brushed twice a day. I brushed for the allotted two minutes. After the two minutes were up, the toothbrush would change its speed and rhythm to let me know I was done. There was only one speed for this brush.
In the morning I used the new Crest Pro Health Day toothpaste. It is a blue, minty gel with a mild gritty texture. At night I used the Crest Pro Health Night toothpaste. This is a thicker minty toothpaste and was even more textured than the day product. It felt like there was even more sand mixed into it. These fluoride toothpastes work to whiten teeth, freshen breath and battle cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity (hot and cold), and tartar.
Once I finished brushing, I used Crest Pro Health Antiseptic Oral Rinse. This is an alcohol free rinse that is supposed to kill germs that cause bad breath, plaque, and gingivitis. I was also to use the Crest Glide floss, but because I wasn’t a regular flosser, the dentist told me to continue my normal routine in order to get the most accurate results for this challenge. So I only used the floss when I felt I needed to.
I stuck to this challenge really well. I did what I was supposed to do without problems, even though 2 minutes sometimes seemed like forever with the Wee Ladies running around in the morning.
I liked the toothbrush. It got to all of the teeth and polished well. My mouth felt really clean using it. I charged it every 3 days or so, when it started to slow down in speed. I like to really give my tongue a good cleaning with my toothbrush. I felt that the small head of this brush did not do as good a job as my manual toothbrush. I also found that after this challenge was over, my gums and teeth felt more sensitive to the touch and to hot and cold temperatures. I concluded that I could have pressed too hard while I was brushing. I have not continued to use the electric toothbrush and have gone back to my manual toothbrush where I feel I can control my brushing a little bit better.
I am still using the Pro Health Day toothpaste. It feels and tastes fresh. It is light and makes my mouth feel clean. It makes me feel good about starting the day without really bad morning breath. I think it has a tangy taste to it and the minty flavour doesn’t seem to last long. It does the trick though.
The Pro Health Night toothpaste is a real hum-dinger of a toothpaste. It is thick and creamy and grainy. You brush your teeth with this stuff and you really feel like you are giving your mouth the gears. It leaves you feeling really clean and it’s almost like you can see the coffee stains disappearing. It is more heavy duty as far as the sandy texture and the only thing I worry about, after having discussed this with people in the dental field, is how it affects the enamel on my teeth. I will not use this long-term, but will get it out a couple of times a year to give my teeth the what-for; to whiten and brighten them.
The Pro Health rinse is great. I never used a rinse, but I do now. Twice a day. I swish and gargle for 30 seconds after I brush in the morning and after I brush and floss at night. It leaves me feeling super clean, like if I were to smile in the mirror, my teeth would give that shiny little sparkle and include the dinging sound like in the cartoons. I feel like the germs are dying on contact with this stuff. I am on my second bottle. And I bought the big size.
I always used Oral B Satin floss. Not anymore. I love the Crest Glide floss. It is thicker, doesn’t cut my gums as easily, and had a hint of mint. It is gentler on my gums and shows more evidence of food. I am a fan of this floss and it is now my floss of choice.
I went back to the dentist for my ‘after’ appointment to see if my gingivitis had improved. It has a little bit. The biggest problem area is at the back of my mouth in between the molars. Hey, it is a step in the right direction. I’ll take it. My biggest problem is the lack of flossing, which I am already improving on. I have been flossing almost everyday since the challenge. They told me that once I start flossing more, I will see a noticeable difference in my oral health.
I thank Oral B and Crest for this opportunity to try out some new products. I will gladly use the rinse and floss consistently. The toothpastes are products I will use sporadically. I will not use the Vitality Precision toothbrush regularly. I am definitely more of a manual toothbrush person.
This challenge made me more aware of the time I spend on my teeth and has helped me establish an improved routine for maintaining a decent level of oral health. My gingivitis hopefully will continue to get better. More than anything, this challenge finally got me to floss regularly. That is amazing. I finally realized that I can take the time to brush thoroughly, rinse, and floss, and not miss out on anything.
There is no rating for this challenge.
Febreze Brazilian Carnaval Candle
This is another scented candle from Febreze that is designed to eliminate odours and freshen the air. It is to be lit for over an hour at a time to get the most effective odour elimination. It lasts up to 30 hours of burn time.
This scent is inspired by the “lush green groves of acai berry palms that billow in the wind deep within the Amazon”. So if I ever go down to the luscious Amazon, will I catch a whiff of this scent while hiking through the jungle? While on my travels, would I be reminded of a Febreze candle? I am not sure how I feel about this parallel. Can’t you just picture all of the Febreze scent makers sitting in the middle of the jungle sniffing the air, just trying to get that perfect scent? HA!
This candle serves its purpose if you have totally botched another meal, or the house needs to be freshened up before someone comes to visit. You don’t want people thinking you live in a house that smells like stinky socks. It is also great during power outages. I used it during one of our recent, frequent local blackouts.
We are not scented candle/plug-in people, but I do enjoy freshening up the place when I have cleaned up, everything is in its place, Hubby is out (because he hates smelly candles), the Wee Ladies are in bed, and I can for a few moments feel like I always live in a pretty smelling, clean, organized home. I don’t think I would be tempted to dance the Samba or start a parade for one around my living room like it suggests on the box.
I would have a scented candle like this on hand for occasional use. They can be pretty pricey and therefore our use would not be all too frequent.
This product gets 3 out of 5 jeans.
PC Blue Menu Fat Free Honey Dijon Salad Dressing
Starting from $1.99, this is a zippy, light salad dressing that is free from fat and low in sodium. I love this taste. I used it for a chicken and salmon glaze, and for my salads.
For every tablespoon, or 15 mL, this dressing has 25 calories, 130 mg of sodium, and no fat. The salt intake is 5% of your daily value in this serving. PC has taken steps to reduce the sodium in their dressings.
I enjoyed this bold flavour and feel that the price is right for the 475 mL bottle. It has a lot of depth in its taste and isn’t heavy, or processed tasting like some other dressings can be.
I am going to make this one of my Main Jars that will hang among the other A List condiments in our fridge.
And if it can aid in reducing my backside and bloating factor, well then, it is totally worth the purchase.
I give this dressing 5 out of 5 pairs of jeans.
Mr. Clean Extra Power Disinfecting Wipes
These lemon scented extra power disinfecting wipes are a little bit thicker than the Febreze ones I reviewed before. To disinfect, you are to wet the surface and leave it wet for 10 minutes and then let it air dry.
The wipes are supposed to kill bacteria and can clean any mess like baked-on grease, and sticky and built up messes on household surfaces. It says on the package to avoid disinfecting dishes, glassware, and utensils. Any surface related to food is to be thoroughly rinsed and therefore I would be picky as to which surfaces I use these on.
You cannot flush these wipes, but you can recycle the container. It is made from Number 5 plastic.
As I have mentioned, I am one who prefers naturally based products. So harsh cleaning products like this I only use to wipe a toilet, doorknobs, handles, and light switches if someone is or has been sick. And I always rinse the surface after with water. Otherwise, I do not use products like this. I usually have a package of disinfecting wipes in the house to combat illness, but do not use them on a regular basis.
I give this product 3 out of 5.
PC Organics European Extra Dark Chocolate
I have read that dark chocolate is an antioxidant and super good for you. You immediately think, ‘Great! I now have an excuse to eat chocolate and not feel guilty about it!’ Well, hold up friends. Have you actually taken the time to taste some of this good-for-you-dark-chocolate? Because Hubby and I did. And we reacted unfavourably to it.
There is hardly any sweetness to it. It is like eating cardboard. It feels chalky and is definitely not the chocolate experience you would assume to have. For a price starting at $2.49, you could easily get away with eating one square every other day. It would be easy to ration. This is not the sit down and devour-the-whole-bar in one sitting kind of chocolate.
Shortly before bedtime, EvieG came in to the room and caught Hubby and I eating this big chocolate bar. She begged and pleaded to try some. Hubby struck a deal with her. He made her promise that if she could not finish eating this chocolate, she would have to make our bed for a week. She pinky swore on it. She vowed she would be able to eat chocolate without any problem. It was chocolate; her favourite treat! She took one bite, began to chew, gagged, and spit it out. She ended up making our bed, along with her own, for 7 days.
Don’t be fooled just because it is chocolate. And don’t be fooled by the label. 85% cocoa may be great for your body, but it definitely won’t satisfy your chocolate craving. Just make sure you plug your nose when you eat it so you don’t have to taste it.
I give this fake treat 2 pairs of jeans out of 5.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with Extra Power
You get 2 magic eraser household cleaning pads in a box. These are concentrated micro-scrubbers that easily cut through the toughest soils with water alone. All you have to do is get it wet and clean.
I took one for a test drive along the surfaces where the Wee Ladies wreaked havoc with markers, pens, crayons, and pencil. The Destroyer especially likes to travel along the walls with drawing tools. These pads are perfect for these kinds of markings. Mostly anywhere your kids decide to make an art gallery can be easily corrected with this product.
Each pad goes some way, but not a long way. It can endure some tough scrubbing, but not for long until it is eaten away and forming holes and then eventually crumbling apart. For me, it lasted for one clean of several spots on the walls and doors.
You cannot use it on high gloss, polished, brushed, satin, faux, bare/polished wood, copper, stainless steel, or cars. Cars? Really? Who would do that?
You must rinse any surfaces that come in direct contact with food. I rinse anyway, regardless of where I use it. If they tell me to keep this product out of the reach of children and away from anywhere that has a close relationship with food, well then I would stick to using it on places like walls. And maybe floors, if The Destroyer decided to make me a large surface mural.
It is a good product to have on hand if you need a quick clean up all thanks to the artistic genius of kids. Or if you are in a bind and are showing your house, or having the in-laws over for dinner and want the large surfaces clean.
This product gets 3 out of 5 pairs of jeans.
PC Blue Menu Soybeans
I used the soybeans in a pasta recipe that I took out of my Canadian Living magazine. The recipe actually calls for a can of navy beans, but I thought it would be great to try this PC product instead. Plus, I NEVER stick to any recipe. I always change, add, or remove something. I stuck to this one though, except for the beans.
These beans come in a can surrounded by saltwater. For every 1 cup serving, you get 30g of protein, 25g of carbs, and 14g of fat. You get 370 calories and 60% of your daily iron intake (pay attention anemic friends!). It also says you get 44% of your daily fibre intake at a whopping 11g of fibre! Holy moly! This is a wonder meal!
The Wee Ladies loved this pasta dish. They even asked for seconds, which rarely happens. It is a healthy choice for everyone and I would for sure buy the soybeans again. You can also use any type of bean for this recipe. You really can’t go wrong with beans of any sort.
Even though the label says that you only get 5% of your daily salt intake, I would like to see it packaged without salt, if possible. I would rather add my own to taste.
I give this musical fruit 4 out of 5.
Mr. Clean Powerful Multi-Surface Cleaner with Febreze Fresh Scent
For the record, I am typically not one who uses a lot of chemical cleaners in the house. I tend to stick to vinegar and water, and products derived from natural sources. However, while I was doing my weekly clean of the downstairs, I took this Mr. Clean multi-surface cleaner for a test drive. Once was enough for me.
I like things to smell clean. This product says that it ‘helps eliminate odours in the air’. The problem is that it is so potent, I actually felt nauseous from it. And so I will not use this product again.
If I am going to feel physically ill by a product’s scent, then I cannot recommend anyone use it in their home. I don’t even know what to do with the rest of the cleaner sitting in the bottle.
This one only gets a one. Sorry.
Febreze Moroccan Bazaar Air Refresher
This is a spray that you can use to eliminate odours and freshen the stench of your immediate environment. This scent is inspired by the fragrance of fresh-ginger that fills the air in the spice markets of Casablanca. Now I have never personally been to Casablanca, but for some reason I suspect this lovely scent would be far from what it actually smells like in those markets.
With this spray, it says on the can that you pull the trigger back and spray the air in a sweeping motion throughout your living space. They encourage you to spray every room.
I find this stuff potent. Definitely too potent to spray every single room. We would be tearing and sneezing if we did that. I use this spray in the bathroom, or if one of the Wee Ladies or Hubby is especially gassy. I have also used it to mask the burning smell I get when the elements on the stove are heating up and burning off yesterday’s meal.
This spray masks well. I would never personally buy it. I am not one for sprays. I would rather have a candle going to add some ambiance. Like the Mr. Clean multi-purpose cleaner, it can bee too potent for my liking and I feel like I am breathing in unnecessary substances.
To have an odour mask on hand, this fits the bill.
This product gets 3 out of 5 pairs of jeans.
Swiffer 360
The tediousness of dusting just got easier. The Swiffer 360, by Proctor and Gamble, has improved from its predecessor and is extra slick and efficient.
I have used Swiffers for a few years. I like how it reaches pretty much anywhere and traps tons of dirt. The Swiffer 360 does an even better bang up job. Its handle is longer and easier to grip. It feels more solid and doesn’t come apart like the other one can. It can reach higher and go deeper into the depths of the hard-to-reach places in your house, like under and in between the stereo. And the top of the fridge is a breeze for this cleaning aid. I reached and swept along the tops of the door trim with ease. The evidence was there. There was a lot of dirt up there.
The duster is fuzzy all the way around and so it too becomes a multi-tasker, like us moms. It has 50% more fibers than the regular Swiffer dusters. It can clean in all directions at the same time. It cuts out several minutes of cleaning, no question. It makes damage control in our homes quick and simple.
This product is a real hum-dinger. It is a must-have, regardless of cost. You get the handle and three dusters in a box. You can by refills for it too.
I give this product 5 out of 5.
President’s Choice Blue Menu On Track Cereal Plus Protein
We are cereal people. We eat it all the time and I am always looking for healthy, not-so-sugary choices for the Wee Ladies. The PC Blue Menu On Track Cereal Plus Protein is a good family choice. It is crunchy and it stays crunchy when milk is applied. It is sweet, but not too sugary, making it a good choice for the kids. It has 13 g of protein per serving which is also good news. It is a good start to the day for everyone. It tastes good and the Wee Ladies really enjoy it. It resembles the Kashi protein cereal, only this is a bit more coated with sweetness.
It does not contain a lot of fibre. It has 4 g per serving. I like to pick cereals with as much fibre in them for the kids. I would declare it a superstar cereal if there was a bit more fibre.
For a 700g box, you pay $4.99 or $5.99, depending on the store and the week, and whether or not they have brought the price down. It is a good deal for the amount you get in a box. I would for sure be guaranteed to buy it at the $4.99 price.
It is a great choice for the whole household.
I give this product 4 out of 5 pairs of jeans.
PC Blue Menu Soupreme- Black Bean
Hubby tried this soup and he really enjoyed it. Hubby likes his food to have some zip. He felt that it was thick enough to be satisfying and spicy enough. He even melts cheddar cheese on top to make it that much heartier.
For those who may be intolerant to dairy, there is no need to worry. This soup comes lactose-free and the added bonus is that it is low in fat. You can prounounce all of the ingredients and feel good knowing that you are getting 6g of fibre per serving.
It comes in a convenient tetra pack-like package. It is easy to make, especially for Hubby who comes home quickly from work. It is reasonably priced. For the 500 mL package, you will pay around $2.00.
It is great to have the option for a healthy, home-style soup when Mom hasn’t gotten her act together to have some prepared.
If you are a soup-eater and like hearty and zippy, Hubby gives this a 5 out of 5. Wow!
PC Blue Menu 100 Calories- Ginger and Lemon Cookies
It’s nice knowing that your sweet cookie craving will end at only 100 calories. It’s great having your treats pre-measured for you. The Ginger and Lemon cookies from PC’s Blue Menu comes in individual packages. They are portable, accessible, and bite size. Open and eat without worrying about dipping your hands back into the box!
You have to enjoy both lemon and ginger. To me, the flavours blend well together and they are not overpowering. These little biscuits accompany tea very well and are a good choice for a snack.
There are a few ingredients I am not so sure about (contains sulphites), but for a light and easy snack to go with a cuppa tea or milk, this one does the trick.
I enjoyed these cookies, but I am not a cookie freak. I would only buy it if I was having people in for tea, or if I was seriously dieting and needed my cookies divided into 100 calorie packages.
I give these snacks 3 pairs of jeans out of 5.
PC Fair Trade Tea- Orange Pekoe
I am no tea expert, but I really enjoyed the flavour of this tea. It is mild, without a strong bite, or aftertaste. It goes well with the Ginger and Lemon 100 calorie cookies.
It is a fair trade tea, which means that the farmers and workers in developing countries are given the opportunity to improve their standard of living through fair prices, direct trade, community development, and environmental stewardship. This particular tea is a blend of organic Indian black teas.
I feel good knowing that I am being socially responsible while enjoying a tasty cup of tea and also that those people who work hard to get it to me are treated fairly.
You get 20 tea bags in a box.
I give this product 4 out of 5.
PC Organics Toddlers’ 100% Real Fruit Snack- Banana and Mango
They could take this snack on the space shuttle as a way to avoid scurvy. Here on earth, cutting bits of fruit is the purest option for good health. For every ¼ cup, these freeze-dried pieces of fruit provide you with 5 g of sugar and 4% of your vitamin C intake. These are toddler snacks, but being freeze-dried and all, anyone can eat them.
They are certified organic but that cetainly does not mean you need to buy them.
These snacks were not a hit in our house. They are small pieces that melt in your mouth easily to avoid choking, and do they ever pack a punch in flavour! Man are they ever potent! The flavour was way too strong for our taste-buds. Hubby and I both could not tolerate them, let alone a kid! And when providing the opportunity for the Wee Ladies to sample this snack, their lips pursed, they coughed, and bits of gooey freeze-dried banana and mango ended up on our kitchen table.
Enough said. Send them to space.
This one gets only 1 out of 5.
Never again.
PC Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels with Sea Salt
The PC dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt is a hard decision made for you. You open the box to the world of both sweet and salty.
Sweet or salty? During a nice weekend brunch, this is a question I have asked myself countless times. I have sat at the table and asked the restaurant staff to come to me last because I simply couldn’t decide what to order. Would I settle on the sweet stack of pancakes, or French toast or the salty bacon and eggs with home fries? I usually found it best to swing both ways and go for the French toast with a side of sausage. This way I had the best of both worlds.
I enjoyed these decadent treats. I found them easy to eat; in fact I pretty much polished off the entire box myself. I found that I had to be in the mood for the sweet and salty combination though. It is easy to enjoy one or the other alone. To enjoy just the sweet, all you have to do is pick off the chunks of salt. If you want just the salt, pick off the salt and eat it, while saving the rest of the chocolate for the day you need a sweet treat. Easy!
I enjoyed these chocolates but I wouldn’t buy them for myself. However, I would gladly eat them if they were given to me. And I did. Most of them. I think Hubby had a couple.
I give these goodies 3 pairs of jeans.
Febreze Candles
The Febreze candle in the Apple Spice and Delight scent is definitely something worth trying on.
I like the warmth of a nicely scented candle. But I am not one to have them all over the house and burning all the time. I usually find myself breaking them out in the fall and winter, when the days become shorter.
Hubby and I are the same when it comes to smelly candles. Some make our eyes water, give us headaches, and some we can only burn for a little while because the scent becomes too overbearing. Not this one.
The Febreze candle’s light scent does not overpower your space. It also has an odour-eliminating core. You can see the white core in the center. I know it works because Hubby cooked salmon for me. He hates the smell of salmon. He lit this candle and it got rid of the smell. It also eliminated the usual everyday pungency of three Wee Ladies, a Wee Westie, and all other odours that come with a family of five. We were impressed. And happy that it lasts up to 30 hours.
The entire candle has been burned. It freshened up the place, which was nice. This Apple Spice and Delight scent is one of a few fragrances. I like this one because it has a festive aroma. You take a whiff of it and feel like curling up on the couch and sipping a hot chocolate and Baileys while watching the claymation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from 1964.
I give this product 4 out of 5.
Cascade All-in-1 ActionPacs
POW, BAM, SHAZAAM, and WABOOM are all words that come to mind when opening the dishwasher to find my load of ridiculously clean dishes, all thanks to these fantastic, pretty little pouches- the Cascade All-in-1 Actionpacs.
These detergent pouches are compact and really give anything in the machine the what-for. A funky swirl of pre-treating power and rinse aid power sits on top of the powdered soap. It smells fresh and you are guaranteed to come out with shiny, spotless dishes. And then you find yourself looking for ways to purposely destroy pots and pans, just to see what this stuff can do. We did. Food dissolving power, indeed!
I am in shock by the level of cleanliness I see on our dishes. Pots that have residue, dishes with food still glued on, and glasses with a murky film on them, I thought our dishwasher was not performing as it should be. I even had Hubby take it all apart and check the filter to make sure food wasn’t clogging up the system somewhere. I also had him turn up the hot water temperature.
It turns out I was using the wrong detergent. Because this stuff even cleans the edges along the inside of the dishwasher. The grimy parts that I have been wiping out with a cloth since we bought it.
For 20 pacs, you are looking at about $6, depending on the store. You are most definitely paying a premium for this product. You are paying for the convenience and simplicity of throwing in the pouch and hitting the go button and coming out with shiny, new looking dishes.
This Cascade is the best detergent I have ever used, no question. But would I continuously pay that much for 20 pacs? No. With the Wee Ladies and the number of dishes and glasses we go through, I would only buy it if it was on sale.
I give this dish detergent 4 pairs of jeans out of 5.
PC Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Bark
This is a sweet treat for the holidays. The dark chocolate combined with the candy cane chunks is a festive way to satisfy the minty chocolate craving.
Unlike other mint chocolate treats, this one comes in a solid flat. There are no individual packages or portions. You break off and eat what you want, or it can be presented in a rustic, uneven way.
The dark chocolate gives it a decadent taste. It is not overly sweet, like a milk chocolate. As you munch, you end up crunching chunks of candy cane. We sampled this product with friends. Some of us found it refreshing as the mint flavour cleansed the palette, while others found it annoying as their teeth stuck together while chewing. Overall, we all enjoyed it, jaw workout aside, because it was gone by the next morning.
It is a suitable treat to have handy during the holidays. I am going to have some on hand Christmas Day. You can't go wrong for $2.99 a box.
I give this product four pairs of jeans out of five.
PC Fig and Black Olive Tapenade
When entertaining, it is always nice to have a few munchies on hand. It is also good to have something other than the same-old cheese and cracker plate. There is something to be said about shaking it up a bit and offering something new. We paired President’s Choice new Fig and Black Olive Tapenade with their Biscuits for Cheese, an assortment of crackers.
The tapenade has a unique taste. You can definitely taste the olives, while simultaneously experiencing the flavour and texture of the figs. It was an appetizer experience new to me. You have to like the texture of figs. And the taste for olives. This is a pairing I would never have thought of trying personally, but nonetheless rather enjoyed. I felt like I was indulging in something I wouldn’t normally indulge in. I tried a variety of crackers with it too, and liked it every time.
I would for sure buy both of these again. I wouldn’t hesitate to keep some on hand for when people come over for cocktails. It won’t be something I eat regularly, but will purposely buy for entertaining.
I give these products four pairs of jeans out of five.
PC Celebration Sparkling De-alcoholized Wine
You can pop the cork and party like it’s 2009 without the booze! The sparkling white de-alcoholized wine from President’s Choice is a good choice for those who want to be without alcohol.
We popped it open, poured, clinked glasses, and drank. It has some real fizz, like Lotsa Fizz candies- it is really carbonated. It has a sweet taste, but it doesn’t last long. It is lacking in body. As my wine connoisseur friend said, “It is clean and crisp, and then it’s gone.” It has a real lime taste to it too.
It may resemble soda in its taste, only with more carbonation, but I have to admit, soda does not come in a cool looking champagne bottle. And you can’t let the cork fly with soda.
This sets the mood; it exudes a certain ambiance. It is more than a normal carbonated beverage. It is a booze free sparkling cocktail that says, I am here to celebrate. It is a step away from soda and chips. This is a sparkling drink that needs to be accompanied by finger appetizers.
If you are pregnant and don't want the world to know, then this is the perfect solution to the million times you might be asked, "So why aren't you drinking?" It is also a good choice if you are the Designated Driver. I am not totally in love with the taste, but it does the job. I'm not pregnant again, just for the record.
I give this product 3 pairs of jeans out of 5.
The Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide
I have gone from the Chevy of toothbrushes to the Ferrari. I used to use an ordinary manual toothbrush. Now I use the rechargeable power Oral-B Triumph with SmartGuide. This thing is slick. And once you get a taste and feel for the good stuff, you will never want to go back. It all depends on your budget and if you are prepared and wanting to pay the price for the top of the line machine.
This power brush has all the bells and whistles. The toothbrush itself has a brush that spins and pulses to break the grime away. There are brush-head options too. You can go with the floss-action, or the pro-white heads. Either way, you get a solid clean. You are guaranteed a whiter smile in 21 days. I have tested this myself on my slightly tinged teeth and they are indeed brighter. No one would ever know that I have a coffee addiction.
There are different modes to select from. You can choose the clean mode which is the fastest. It is the highest gear for a maximum clean. Personally, it is too much for me. My gums are a bit sensitive, so I choose second gear, which is a bit softer and slower. You can go for third gear and have your gums massaged, or even go into the polishing mode. It will even tell you if you are brushing too hard.
Here’s where it gets real fancy- it comes with a wireless SmartGuide. It times you for the recommended 2 minutes of brushing and shows you which quadrant of your mouth you should be working on and tells you when to switch. It shows you which mode you are in and will inform you when it is time to change brush heads. It has a clock on it which is kind of neat and when you have reached 2 minutes, the screen smiles at you.
It comes complete with a recharger, storage base, and carrying case.
This product is pricey. At my local grocery/everything store, I saw it for $169.99. You are paying for the advanced wireless technology. There would be no chance that I would ever pay that price for a toothbrush. I am not that high-tech and have always settled for a regular toothbrush and floss. It is most definitely a gadget.
Now that I have taken this product for a solid test drive, I have to say that if anything, I pay more attention to how long I brush for and make sure I get all of my teeth and gums. I am definitely more thorough in my brushing with this product.
If that is worth the high price, then go for it. But for me, I give this product three pairs of jeans out of five. I like it, I just would never think of shelling out that kind of cash for a toothbrush. Once you try it though, you see that it is pretty amazing in all that it does to ensure a good clean.
Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean
Hubby took this rechargeable electric toothbrush for a test drive. It is not as advanced as the Triumph, but it serves its purpose well for a very reasonable price.
You can use the same brush-heads as the Triumph. There is only an on and off button. There are no extras. It is supposed to remove 2x more plaque and whiten your teeth better than a regular manual toothbrush.
Hubby likes this product, but he is not in love with it. He likes it because he says he pays better attention to where he is brushing and for how long, like I do with the Triumph. He finds it loud and that kind of bothers him.
This toothbrush will run you around $24.99. This is a great way to go if you are looking for a way to whiten your teeth without chemical whiteners.
Hubby’s smile is looking pretty good these days, I have to say.
This product gets four pairs of jeans.
Swiffer WetJet
When it comes to cleaning floors, I am usually a hot water and vinegar girl. But in a pinch and when time is limited, I do not hesitate to pull out the Swiffer WetJet and clean up the messes which surround me, all thanks to the Wee Ladies and a Wee Westie. This product is all about damage control.
This mop uses specially formulated solutions that you spray directly onto the floor at the press of a button. There are a variety of solutions to pick from. Once it is sprayed, you simply clean the soiled area and the thick, absorbent maxi of a pad sucks up the dirt and filth.
We have spent the last few months in moving mode. From keeping the house clean for showings to cleaning once everything has been moved, I used this product several times. It is really good for damage control because it is quick and easy. I don’t have to get the bucket and mop out if I just want a quick surface clean. The scent is fresh and everything feels clean.
This product sells anywhere from $21.99 to $29.99, depending on the retailer.
I had one on hand for a long time and then didn’t use it because I didn’t want to keep paying for the solution, batteries, and pads. It can add up in cost. I was also concerned about what chemicals I was spraying on the floors, especially with the Wee Ladies running around. This is why if you only use it in a pinch, then it is worth having around.
I give this product four out of five pairs of jeans in terms of convenience.
Mr. Clean Wipes with Febreze
Wipes are a necessity when kids are around. I had the chance to take Mr. Clean Wipe with Febreze for a test drive.
These wipes come in a nicely designed package. You can get a container of 25, 27, or 35 wipes and pay around $2.99 to $3.99. They have Febreze in them to give your surface and surroundings that extra fresh scent.
These wipes are small. They are approximately 5 by 6 inches in area. To me this is small. It is a little larger than your hand.
They are thin and flimsy. They are lacking in substance. They do not go a long way and they are disposable, but not flushable. For really dirty surfaces, they recommend cleaning with another wipe first. They also recommend wiping food areas with water after disinfecting, which is pretty standard.
I personally need something with more to it. I need something bigger that goes farther and doesn’t feel like it’s falling apart with every wipe.
The lavender vanilla and comfort scent is nice, but a bit much for me.
I am not a fan of this product and only give it two pairs of jeans out of five.
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