My #JingleVoxBox

I was really surprised by all of the different goodies that I got in my #JingleVoxBox from #Influenster

A collage of the items I received. 

I think the itty bittys are adorable.
I have never tried PureIce before this sample & I really like it.
Cetaphil is my go to lotion everyday.
I was familiar with the Kiss brand but not these particular products.
I have never tried NYC eyeliner before this.
I believe I have tried Biscoff in the past but they are so delicious it didn't hurt to try again. . .  lol
I have eaten Ore-Ida fries but I believe this was my first time trying their Tater Tots.

This was an awesome #VoxBox & I can't wait to get more in the future!  =)


Cetaphil® Moisturizing Cream
  #Cheerphil

Hallmark itty bittys®
    #ittybittys

Pure Ice
   #PureIce

KISS
   #KISSLashes

NYC New York Color
   #cityproofnyc

Ore-Ida®
   #OreIdaTotchos

Biscoff
   #MyBiscoffBreak

#JingleVoxBox
#Influenster
@Influenster

 ** I received these products complimentary for testing purposes but all opinions are my own!

My take on Ore-Ida Totchos.

When I first saw that there was a coupon for Ore-Ida® Tater Tots in my #JingleVoxBox I was pretty excited because it reminds me of school lunches as a kid. I never really cared for tater tots too much back then but when we had brunch for lunch, it was always an exciting time. I don't think I have ever baked tater tots as an adult. . . yeah, yeah I know. lol

So this whole Totchos craze is pretty neat.

At first I wanted to do a pastelillos inspired Totchos but my shredded chicken didn't turn out as pretty as I'd hope so I will not be posting that recipe. =(

I decided to go for something a lot simpler.

Bacon, Egg & Maple Syrup Totchos! 

Recipe
Ingredients:
Ore-Ida® Tater Tots
Bacon
Eggs
Maple Syrup

Directions:
Cook your Ore-Ida® Tater Tots according to the directions on the bag!Cook your bacon. Let cool and then cut up into small pieces.
Cook your eggs (scrambled or sunny side up will do) then cut into small pieces.
Put your tater tots on your plate & then add the bacon & egg pieces
Lastly drizzle the maple syrup over the top.

These BEM Totchos were so delicious!

If you want to see Kraft's original Totchos recipes click here

**I received this product complimentary from Influenster.

 #OreIdaTotchos #contest.

Combos Sweet & Salty Review!

   First let’s start by saying I love Combos. They really do a great job of bringing flavors together & making them taste delicious. I had no idea they were going down the sweet & salty rabbit hole until I was offered the opportunity to try them for free from Influenster. 

                The first new Sweet & Salty flavor they have is Caramel Crème (Pretzel). Often people think of caramel as an indulgent sweet & it’s not that unusual to see it combined with pretzels, so I wasn’t too shocked to see this flavor combination. Although a little hesitant because I typically only like caramel when it’s drizzled on ice cream & even then I like it sparingly. The second new Sweet & Salty flavor they came out with is Vanilla Frosting (Pretzel). Okay, this combination I was surprised by. While a lot of people I know would eat frosting by the spoonful, I don’t know anybody that is trying to dip pretzels in it.
               
               Upon opening both bags, you could smell the aroma of either caramel or vanilla which was nice. The first flavor I tasted was the Caramel Crème. When biting in to the crunchy pretzel outside I noticed it was only slightly salty which is good because I don’t typically like a lot of salt on my pretzels & I was afraid it would take away from the caramel. Once my tongue reached the caramel center I got a lot of flavor. It’s sort of surprising just how much flavor they can pack into Combos!  The caramel is smooth & extra buttery. It’s not too sweet & not over powering at all. It’s the perfect ratio of caramel to pretzel. They did a really great job on this Combos product & any caramel fan will be pleasantly surprised when they give these a try!

                Seeing how much I surprisingly liked the Caramel Crème I had hopes I would enjoy the Vanilla Frosting too. My first bite I didn’t get a lot vanilla flavor. So I had a few more & I found that it’s a very subtle vanilla flavor hidden inside these Combos. While the flavor is subtle, it is still delicious. It actually makes me want to get a can of frosting & dip them into it!! (Don’t blame me when you start doing that!) These Combos really give you a Vanilla Frosting flavor & I think it would be extra delicious to serve these with some frosting on the side.  ;)

                Final thoughts: These new Sweet & Salty Combos are a nice change of pace from the regular Combos.

                Give them a try & let me know what you think! =)

                           
               
                                                         #CombosSweetSalty

**I received these products complimentary for testing purposes. The reviews are my own honest opinions**

Red Roof Inn Toledo-University Review.

                                         ***Originally posted on TripAdvisor***

                                          Motel: Red Roof Inn Toledo-University

        Typically there is a stigma with motels and while I have stayed in quite a few I prefer hotels normally for the amenities etc. The RRI was one of the two choices for a wedding we were attending. We chose the RRI over the other place because there is no fee for bringing your pet. Originally we were going to bring our dog, we didn't end up bringing her though. 

        Upon arrival we notice there is ample parking for the guests(which is free). On the outside this motel doesn't look all that great but it's misleading.This location is just a short drive to restaurants & stores. So it's a convenient place to stay. Check in was pretty easy.

        So I am the type of person that starts to get itchy if I see a spider or if people just talk about them. So before bringing any luggage in, I immediately go to the room & check for bed bugs, spiders, cracks, leaks, dirt etc etc etc. I found nothing. I was so excited because I was really nervous that the RRI wouldn't work out.  
       
        The room was spacious. It felt so clean. Plenty of lights, a little table & 2 comfy chairs, ironing board/iron, rack & hangers, flat screen tv, safe, coffee maker, fridge (which we needed for insulin) & microwave. We used both the stairs & the elevator. The stairs seem worn but sturdy. The elevator was great for after our long days & making getting our luggage up & down easily.

        Okay so after initially checking in we were gone for a while but came back to sleep. The beds were so comfy & great to get a good nights sleep after traveling 5+ hours & running around all night. Let me tell you the heater kept that room toasty too. The bathroom was clean. Shower was simple to use & plenty of hot water. The towels were clean. The only real complaint I have which isn't really a complaint at all is that the toilet is very short. I am a tall person but anyone taller than me would be doing a squat to reach it.

        We kept our do not disturb sign on the door our whole stay so I can't comment on the housekeeping but when we asked for more towels they happily obliged.

         Overall we had a great experience at RRI. I would stay at this location again!! I regret forgetting to take photos for this review! 

Pros: Pet friendly, free parking, price, redicard, location, clean.

Cons: Short toilets (lol), paying for the safe(that we didn't use) each night.

Stayed in room: 208 
Dates: 10/10/14-10/13/14


Sidenote: After booking I realized that the Red Roof Inn is on Ebates! This means you can earn cashback for your stay! Click here to sign up & start earning your cashback!!!

Help create a world without ALS!

Help create a world without ALS!   I did the #IceBucketChallenge & donated now it's your turn!!

Celestial Seasonings Green Tea

I was offered a chance to try @CelestialSeasonings Green Tea

I tried the Sleepytime Decaf Green Tea Lemon Jasmine and the Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea.

This post will focus on the Sleeptime: Decaf Green Tea Lemon Jasmine.

When I first opened the package I was overwhelmed with the spearmint smell. It smelled like I just opened a pack of my favorite gum. After a few minutes the smell turned more lemony.

I prepared my hot water in the microwave. (I know, I know but it's easy & gets the job done)

As my tea began to steep I noticed the smell changed again, I could smell the jasmine now, a little lemon & the spearmint was present but not as strong.

I took my first sip and was pleasantly surprised because I really didn't know what to expect.

When tasting: the spearmint came back in full force followed by lemon and now just a hint of jasmine.

Overall I think this is a decent tea. I think most tea drinkers would enjoy the variety that Celestial Seasonings has to offer.

Tea is not my first choice of hot beverages but I do enjoy a good cup here and there!

My favorite (so far) from CS would have to be Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride!!

 #ArtofGreenTea


I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. 

The Nail Junkie!

Hi, My Name Is Ellie!

Today I would like to talk to you about:

The Nail Junkie, not only does she do nail art, swatches etc. she also has her own line of polish!
You can click here to check out her blog!
She recently came out with some really cool Neon Shimmer Jellies!! They are super cute!
The awesome part is she is actually doing a giveaway to win two of them!!

You can click here to check out her awesome shimmer jellies & to enter the giveaway she is having!!

If you can't wait to see if you will win some of her gorgeous polish, click here to check out her Etsy shop & buy some!