Review: Aqua Zinger Stainless Steel Water Bottle #HolidayGiftGuide2013

I have to admit that I definitely need to drink more water, but it can be a problem because my taste buds require flavor. I can drink a bottle or so of regular water, but that isn’t the required daily amount. I was always adding something extra to my water like crystal light or Mio,or drinking Fruit2o. Although they made drinking water easier, they have artificial sweeteners and chemicals inside.



So, when I stumbled upon the Aqua Zinger and  asked to review it and they said yes, I was excited. Add some zing to your water with this reusable stainless steel Aqua Zinger water bottle from Zing Anything.



The Aqua Zinger gives us a fun new way to drink our necessary amount of water without adding chemicals and artificial sweeteners just to add some flavor. The Aqua Zinger is a stainless steel water bottle that naturally infuses your water with delicious fruits, vegetables, or herbs.

There is a compartment at the bottom of the Aqua Zinger that has more than enough room for whatever recipe concoction you want to add to it. Strawberries, Watermelon chunks, berries, cantaloupe, limes, oranges, mint, etc..



There are metal grinders in this compartment that grind and mash up the ingredients you put inside. You twist the body of the Aqua Zinger so that it begins grinding up your recipe, but I go ahead and grind the bottom a couple of times before adding it to the body so I know that everything is grinded up really well.



The best thing about the Aqua Zinger is that it allows you to have naturally fresh, good for you vitamin infused water on the go. You can add oranges, lemons, and limes without having to peel the pulp from it. You just add them and the mesh compartment you see in the picture above keeps the pulp from being added to your water.

You add the bottom to the body and then add your water and spin! The bottle itself holds 20 oz. of water. You can add a second bottle of water before you have to change out the ingredients in the bottom.

The stainless steel/BPA free plastic construction makes it a breeze to clean. It also gives the bottle durability and strength that other water bottles don’t have. When you’re cleaning it, be careful of the spikes (grinders) in the bottom they are sharp. I haven’t had a problem with them, but it’s just something to be aware of. I love the Aqua Zinger and all the possibilities of flavored water.


It’s awesome to be able to throw together random fruits, veggies, and herbs and have great tasting water on the go! It even fits inside any standard size cup holder, making it easy to take with you in the car!

FEATURES:

• vacuum insulated, double wall stainless steel keeps your drinks cold or hot
• finger hole provided for easy carrying
• wide mouth top allows for easy filling and ice cubes, if needed
• cushioned base through a soft rubber base pad to prevent slippage
• Imported bottles with America-Made BPA/EA-free Triton plastics from Eastman.
• food grade safe 18/8 stainless steel (no metallic aftertaste)
• large ingredient cup allows for maximized flavor
• easy to clean
• reusable
• hot and cold liquid safe
• carbonated water friendly
• 20oz Bottle*

This would make an amazing Christmas gift for someone who loves flavored water, and would love to be able to make their own recipes!

Get Yours!  Aqua Zinger  $25.95

Connect with Zing Anything online:
Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

Find a ton of interesting recipes to make!


Jessica Renee

Giveaway: Flex Watch

Welcome to the Flex Watch Giveaway

Jenns Blah Blah Blog, Flex, and some fabulous bloggers have come together to bring you a chance to win a fabulous Flex Watch. Super huge thanks to Flex for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway. If you want to learn more about Flex be sure to read our Flex Watch Review. Flex Watch is not only an awesome, stylish watch, water resistant, ! They donate 10% of their annual profits to organizations they have teamed up with. Flex Watch currently has 11 different charities, and over 30 different styles. Flex also carries watch bands, belts, apparel, and more. One lucky person will win their choice of Flex Watch valued at $40. Giveaway is open to US and Canada, must be 18 or older to enter. Good Luck

Entry-Form

I have not been compensated for this post. All opinions and experiences are my own. Open to the US, must be 18+. Confirmed Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be drawn. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of the giveaway. Sponsor (Flex) will be responsible for prize fulfillment. This event is in no way associated with, sponsored, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest or any other social media network. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

 

Jessica Renee

Book Review: The Crocheter’s Companion Revised and Updated by Nancy Brown; Interweave Publishing /F+W Media #HolidayGiftGuide2013

Explore a guidebook with over 65,000 copies sold! Get more stitches, over 70 new illustrations, and step-by-step techniques in this new edition of The Crocheter's Companion.

This indispensable resource includes all of the essentials, plus a few exciting extras you've been longing for: more tools, stitches, and techniques, as well as updated yarn information, complete abbreviations and symbols, and additional information on reading stitch diagrams. Also, due to popular demand, the section on Tunisian crochet has been expanded.
Still in its handy pocket-sized, spiral-bound format, the updated edition covers all the basics (and then some!). Thread and hook charts, stitch instructions with clear illustrations, and lots of helpful hints from one of crochet's most experienced authors will inspire beginners and serious crocheters alike. With impeccable illustrations, an easy-to-understand format, and the most updated information available, The Crocheter's Companion will soon become the only crochet resource you'll need.

The Crocheter’s Companion is a pocket sized spiral bound reference book that every crocheter needs in their project bag. The spiral bound design allows the book to lie flat while working on a project, which I love. Usually I have to add paper weights on both sides of the pages to keep the book on the page.

This book is definitely packed with all the essential information that every crocheter needs, whether beginner or advanced. It has clear illustrations and detailed easy to follow instructions, so that even someone who has never picked up a crochet stick before can manage to follow along.

Step-by-step instructions on all the crochet stitches from basic to advanced. Beginning the foundation chain, chainless foundations, & single crochet and taking it up a notch to double crochet, treble crochet, extended double and treble crochet, and ending with the slip stitch.

I know how to crochet but not at an advanced level. I can make stitches and figure out how to put them together to actually make something out of it. I can make totes, bookmarks, tech cases and stuff. I haven’t managed to learn how to make clothes or anything that requires measuring anybody yet. This book has really take crochet to another level for me.

It has taught me so many interesting advanced techniques and finishes that I’d been trying to learn. Most books are just patterns or teaches the essentials but don’t go in depth to the more advanced stitches.

This shows how to make buttonholes, how to block, add edging, and working with seams. How to add in the decorative touches that really make crochet amazing such as cords, braids, buttons, pompoms, fringes, etc.

If you can manage to teach yourself the most essential stitches and use that- you’ll be crocheting up a storm in no time. That’s how I taught myself. I’d take it one stitch at a time, and just kept practicing! Before you know it, you’ll be putting patterns together in no time.

This book shows you how to work rows of stitches, in rounds, joining in new yarn, and how to shape pieces. This book explains in detailed instruction and illustration on how to do each stitch. This is the next step to learning the essential beginning stitches.

Then it takes it up another notch with the more advances stitches (which are just combining several beginner stitches). These would include shell stitch, popcorn stitch, cluster stitch, picot stitch..etc. Then it adds the different ways to crochet; bead crochet, aran crochet, filet crochet, multicolored crochet..etc.

It also adds in Tunisian crochet, which I’d never tried to master before. This is also called afghan crochet which is a blend of crochet and knitting. Then the end consists of troubleshooting and helpful hints. This helps with any problems you may run into or questions you may run into.

I love this book! I am glad that I have gotten the chance to add this to my collection! This would make an amazing gift for someone wanting to learn crochet, someone who knows how but would like to learn more, or someone who’d like a reference book!

About the Author:

Nancy Brown is the author of the original edition of The Crocheter's Companion, and her work has been featured in Interweave Knits, Scarf Style, and Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarns(all Interweave). A crocheter for almost 40 years, Nancy served as executive vice president of the Crochet Guild of America and was the West Coast representative for Skacel Collection Inc. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Interweave/F+W Media, Inc; $19.95

* Amazon:

* Barnes & Noble:

* Interweave:

 

-Jessica

Beauty Review- VitaCost: Deep Steep Glossy Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner #NaturalHairCare

I was very excited to start working with Vitacost to review two of the products available on their website. They have a giant variety of items from beauty & personal care products to baby items, vitamins and more!

I was sent the sulfate-free Deep Steep Glossy Smoothing Shampoo and Deep Steep Glossy Smoothing Conditioner. I had never had the chance to review any Deep Steep products before (Vitacost ONLY sells all natural products.)

"Deep Steep Glossy Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner instantly tames frizz and fly-aways to reveal natural softness and shine. A luxurious lather cleanses hair cuticles while Extracts of Pomegranate and Corn Silk safeguard hair from humidity and frizz."

This shampoo and conditioner duo is all natural, pure, and sulfate free. Absolutely no harsh chemicals and paraben free. This means a lot to me because I don’t have to use a separate shampoo and conditioner on my kids, I can just use these!

The shampoo gently cleanses the hair while immediately taming unmanageable hair. It reduces frizz and fly-aways and leaves nothing but naturally healthy, smooth, shiny hair. I can use this about 2-3 times a week and still reap the benefits of having smooth hair!

I can’t use it everyday because my hair is naturally oily. Using it every other day or twice a week (in mixture with a clarifying shampoo on the odd days) keeps my hair looking amazing! As soon as I used it I could see a difference in the amount of strays and frizz that were noticeable before. I could see the damaged, dry parts turn silky and I LOVED it.

The only thing I had a problem with was the shampoo was a little runny. It was more watery consistency, and I’m not really used to that. So, when I use this I pop the top and squeeze it right onto my head when I’m in the shower. If not, it’s so runny that it sometimes splatters straight onto the tub floor. Other than that this duo gets a 10/10.

The conditioner is something I can’t live without. Even on the days I don’t use the shampoo, I use the conditioner. I’ve been pairing it with a Clarifying shampoo every other day (and then using it with the deep steep shampoo on the others). My hair has never looked healthier. It doesn’t weigh my hair down or make it look oily.

It smells amazing! I love the smell of this! The smell is so clean and fresh (like freshly dried clothes). I can’t describe it. It doesn’t have a feminine, flowery smell so this would be just as good for a man as a woman. The scent of this duo stays with me for awhile. When people get near me they can smell it and compliment me- they think it’s my perfume.

I even use this on my son and daughter. Her stays beautiful and sleek all day, even after recess and naptime at school.

Get Yours: Deep Steep Glossy Smoothing Shampoo and Deep Steep Glossy Smoothing Conditioner $8.29 a piece

 

-Jessica

Cinda B: Resorter II Bag Review #HolidayGiftGuide2013

Bridging the gap between handbags and travel bags is the Resorter II bag. Versatile enough to lounge by the pool or shop the local market. The secret of our Resorter's success is the removable inner pocket. Just stash your ID, cards, valuables and cash in it, then snap it out to dash in for a latte--no need to carry your whole bag! Available in brown patterns, black patterns, white patterns, grey patterns and more. Get yours today!

Stylish Southern Mama loves to share items that are made right here in the United States! Cinda B is an amazing company that has a variety of designs in a beautiful array of colors!  The holidays are upon us, as hard as that may seem. This year has flown by really fast, but think how amazing it would be to take your own bag from Cinda B to hold your essentials in style on your trips this year!

I loved searching through the website and seeing all the different bags, different colors, in all shapes and sizes. Cosmetic Bags big and small, Laptop Sleeves, beach bags, carry on bags, satchels, lunch bags, diaper bags.. you name it.. Cinda B has it!

Cinda B sent me their Resorter bag in Casablanca Sky Blue. It was definitely hard for me to choose a color because I am a SUCKER for color! I love how modern, beautiful, and remarkable the color varieties are. They definitely know how to color complement! Usually each bag has at least 5-7 color choices, how AWESOME is that?

I was stunned at how spacious and beautifully the Resorter is designed. It is definitely designed with traveling in mind! I have room for at least 5 changes of clothes, a change of shoes, makeup & hair essentials, a book or tablet, and much more!

Cinda B bags are made of beautifully quilted fabric that is high quality and machine washable! The fabric is water and dirt resistant.. I KNOW every single mom reading this just stopped reading and was like “WHATTTTT? You’ve GOT to be kidding me?” I surely am NOT kidding! Resistant to those sticky little fingered people we call kids! OH, and for added effect the fabric will NEVER fade, turning into a dull washed out color! It will always remain the beautiful vibrant color it arrives it.

The line features SO many addictive pieces that you may just turn into a Cinda B hoarder! I am NOT kidding one bit. Most of the bags have the same color lines or something similar that would look amazing with it. So EVERY SINGLE product that they have has the potential of walking its way into your beautifully color coordinated life.

This is a picture of the inside of the bag without anything inside of it. Look how much room is in there! WOW! The beautiful contrasting fabric inside (and on both sides on the outside). That’s what makes these bags so unique and beautiful! I’ve gotten so many “That is absolutely beautiful, where did you get it?”

This is a picture of clothing inside the bag. On the left there are 5 pair of pants with socks and underwear/bra underneath. The right side there are about 8 shirts (I always have a harder time choosing shirts to wear then pants). There is still room to stick MORE. I could easily fit a pair of shoes inside if I wanted.

The bottom (when you turn it inside out) has a cardboard insert. This is TOUGH cardboard, high quality and stiff so it can hold a LOT of weight. I can easily slip the cardboard insert in and out so I can throw the bag in the wash!

There is a detachable zipper pocket. I LOVE this! I can put my makeup/deodorant/hair supplies inside the pocket. When I need it I can just unsnap the pocket and use whatever I need and snap it back into place. That way I don’t have to carry the entire bag with me into the bathroom.

On the other side is 3 pockets (non-detachable). The biggest pocket can hold a phone, small notebook, a lot of pens, or whatever! I put a comb and deep hair treatment inside for right now! Then there is a smaller pocket (I put a tub of vitamins inside it) It could easily fit my flat iron inside of it! Last there is the tiny pen pocket!

There is a deep pocket on each side of the tote. Phones, smaller tablets, keys, sunglasses, coin purses, passports, wallets.. anything you need RIGHT at the tip of your fingers! This tote is nothing short of absolutely fabulous with plenty of pockets, compartments, clasps, zippers, snaps and straps — making them unique, functional and fun!

Get Yours: Cinda B Resorter II Bag $126

The Cinda b bags are created by Atlanta-based designer Cinda Boomershine. Cinda b handbags, totes, travel bags, baby bags and accessories are all custom-designed using the latest durable, poly/nylon fabrics and fashion-forward color schemes, patterns and silhouettes. With active lifestyles in mind, cinda b bags are practical and versatile, yet classy and chic. Each cinda b is personally designed by Cinda Boomershine herself, with the latest trends in style, color and you in mind.

Watch for the Giveaway! Coming soon!

Find Cinda B Online: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, & Pinterest

 

-Jessica