The one with the plastic cup, the paint, pen and blocks

Folding Plastic cup from various packaging (here)

Winsor and Newton Acrylic paint Sample (here)

Uniball Pen Sample (here) ( you can make up a company and account number.. I did :) )



Tegu Magnetic Block Samples (here)

Rembrandt Deeply White + Peroxide Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride, Fresh Mint

I recently went on vacation and decided that I needed to brighten up my smile before going.  While walking around the local drug store, I saw this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So I figured I'd try it out  as I am a HUGE coffee, Tea and Soda drinker (all of which are infamous for staining your teeth). I used this toothpaste twice a day for a month.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My thoughts: The after taste is lingering and the foam from brushing made my lips burn and chap easily. It legitimately tastes like you've downed a bottle of hydrogen peroxide along with your normal mint toothpaste.  As for the claims of whitening deeper and restoring enamel-- I'll let you all be the judge as I don't really see a difference yet after a month of usage.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would I buy it (again) -- Hmm, tough to say. If I were going purely on taste alone-- no. It's awful. However, my teeth do feel just out of the dentist clean after using it (complete with the lip chapping feeling that you get after having your mouth open for that long of a time) . It's debatable as to whether or not there was any actual whitening done, but after some research it seems like it could take a few more weeks/months before I notice any actual difference.  I do really like the fact that my teeth feel super clean and smooth though and I can get past the taste.  So, I will give this one a YES.

My unending attempt to get into contact with Burts Bees--

I recently contacted Burts Bees for a sample to try in order to see if I would enjoy being a customer of their company...
Well, based on my current dealings with their customer service and social media team, being a customer can't be that great.

I emailed asking politely for a sample, expecting them to respond like their competitor Carmex with a personal email. Nope. I got a response back saying that if I wanted to try their products, I should just go buy them. Say what?
Why waste my money if I'm not going to like it? How does that benefit me or entice me to enter into a long lasting consumer relationship?

So I take to twitter and state that I was unhappy with the service I received from @burtsbees. I soon get a reply from @askburtsbees, the social media team from Burts Bees asking me to follow them so that they could converse with me directly about my concerns. This was over 2 days ago.  I did immediately and they haven't spoken to me since. I'm beginning to think that I was used to pad their follower numbers.


Today begins another round of waiting for them to contact me back like they stated they would. I shall keep you informed.

 

The one with the Tea's, mixes and drinks.

Create your own mix at Vitanity Custom Drink mixes and receive a 2 pack sample of your creation (here)

Get a sample of Lipton Tea and Honey in Mango Pineapple flavor (here)

Get Twinings of London Tea Samples (Here) Three Free Packs to anyone who visits the website.

Get Spark Energy Drink Mix samples (here)

Get your Vplenish Vitamin Boost Drink Additive (here)

Get a sample of Natural Persimmon Tea (here)

Starbucks K-Cup Samples From Target

Not sure when I ordered these but I double checked the Target sample site and they're all out (but I've seen them pop back in to existence time and again), so I was surprised when I opened the mail today and got these:



Three Starbucks K-Cups for me to try! Now, I am a Dunkin Donuts girl so this was a hard test for me. I kind of felt like I was cheating on my dear old Dunkin :(

My thoughts:

The Veranda Blend-- After tasting the Veranda Blend, I found it was light, but very aromatic and you could still add sugar and cream and it was very similar to a restaurant coffee. You know.. the kind that they leave sitting out all day? Yeah, I wasn't impressed. I thought it was slightly acidic and mellow and  watery. I like my coffee to have a  kick.

The Medium Roast-- Again, this one was watery with not very much flavor. It smelled amazing while brewing but the taste itself was disappointing. You could probably walk into your local deli and get a better tasting cup of cheap coffee.

The French Roast -- The French Roast is dark and tastes more like an espresso roast to me and that is  the best thing about it because so many brands just don’t make their coffee strong enough. I usually end up making the size of the coffee smaller just to get the strength that I want. This roast holds up to cream and sugar well too. This one was by far my favorite.

Would I buy it-- The veranda blend / House blend-- No. Not enough of a coffee taste for me to consider spending my money on it. I would make an exception for the French Roast were I to find myself in a place where there were no Dunkin Donuts stores/k-Cups available.

Lansinoh Baby Products (Not nursing or expecting but I know a few who are)

Badabing Sauce

Miracle Whip

Parmaveg

Herbacleanse

Gas-X

Tropical Breeze Fragrance

Flixter dental floss sticks

L'essence D'eau Acne Treatment
Folding Plastic cup from various packaging (here)

Winsor and Newton Acrylic paint Sample (here)

Uniball Pen Sample (here) ( you can make up a company and account number.. I did :) )

Free Sun Care kit (here) from Listen to your skin.

Tegu Magnetic Block Samples (here)

Red Roof Inn San Antonio Tx -- Review

Overall rating* --Average

Value for Money*--Fair

Staff & Service*--Average

Room Quality*--Average

Cleanliness*--Fair

Bed Comfort*--Good

Seeing as how this is the hotel that that "accidentally" kicked me out a whole night early at Christmas time last year, I'm not really surprised that I was disappointed yet again in my stay at the Red Roof Inn on NW 410 in San Antonio.

The air conditioner worked only when it wanted to-- and in the august heat in San Antonio that's a huge deal. I found several large bugs under the sink in the "bathroom/sink" area but they weren't roaches, so I just tossed them outside. The TV reception was shoddy-- and multiple channels were unwatchable due to continuous scrolling/ pixelation/loss of sound (not sure if it was just my room or the whole hotel cable package).  The fridge in the room kept things slightly cooler than room temp (which, with the a/c issues wasn't very cool) .

The best part of the room/hotel was the free coffee in the lobby, the decently comfortable bed and the always empty pool .

I will definitely look elsewhere for lodging next time I visit San Antonio (probably within the next three months) and I recommend that you do as well.

--Edited to add: I posted this review on Red Roof Inns Facebook and they deleted it. How's that for customer service?

The one with free election related stickers

When you ride with Planned Parenthood Action Fund, you stand strong for women's health. That's exactly what it will take to protect women's health in this election-- Get your free sticker here

Free Veterans for Romney Sticker (here) --

Free Mitt Romney iPhone sticker (here)

Free Obama/Biden Bumper sticker (here)

Free Random Political Stickers (here)

Support Marriage Sticker (here)

Equality Sticker (Here) from the Human Rights Campaign

Save Medicare, Vote Democrat sticker (here)

Romney Window Decal (here)

Let it never be said that I am not equal opportunity.

The one with the Girl stuff

Receive your free offer for STAYFREE® Ultra Thin Regular with Wings (here)

The one with Safe Hands Sanitizer, BioTrue and More

Request your sample of Alcohol Free Safe Hands Hand Sanitizer (here)

Request your sample of BioTrue Contact Solution ( here ) Be sure to say "NO" to every trying BioTrue before to get the sample. -- You will receive your sample within 2-3 weeks. An email will be sent to you once your free sample has been shipped.

Request your sample of TriCalm Anti-Itch cream (Here) Pre-order your sample today. Your sample will ship in 8-10 weeks. Sample requests are limited to one per household in the United States. Requests for samples outside the U.S. will not be processed. You must be 18 years or older to order a sample.
Free sample of Aveeno Active Naturals Shampoo Text Message: HAIR7 to 467467 on your cell phone and reply with your age.

Request your 25 free 4x6 prints from Walmart (here) FYI --you need to sign up a new account at Walmart Photo, on the right side of their page. They will email you a code for 25 FREE 1-Hour 4X6 Prints. Just follow the instructions in your email to get your FREE prints. Make sure you select in-store pick up, to make it 100% Free.

Request your free sample of Clear Men Scalp Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner (here) “Like” them on Facebook and click where it say’s “Get a Sample. Once you fill out the form, scroll up the page and it will say “Thank you for ordering your sample, you should receive your sample in 6-8 weeks.
Request your free sample of Arm and Hammer Sensitive Toothpaste by COPYING AND PASTING this URL into your browser. Just  clicking on the link won't work.   http://freeahsensitive.com

 

The one where I review the Eucerin and the Fish Oil capsules

 Eucerin sample

My thoughts: It's deceptively small.  The .14 FL oz package doesn't seem like it'd go a long way, but it was more than enough for my hands, forearms and legs and a small amount left over for my cheeks. It's unscented so my allergies like it. It's not overly greasy, but still has a slight amount of slip and slide that it making it hard to control my mouse right after using it.

Would I buy it: Probably. It's not my favorite lotion (that honor goes to Queen Helene's Cocoa Butter) but for what I paid (nothing, lol) it does the job.  It's dermatologist tested so it shouldn't block my pores but we shall see. I used a small amount on my face in the areas that normally breakout when I use regular lotions/creams so I should know in the next few hours how well that claim holds up.

  Edited to add : Still feeling greasy over 3 hours later.

Fish Oil Capsules

I don't remember when I requested these so I can't tell you how long it took to get them

My thoughts:  These taste like the glue on envelopes or stamps. They feel like hardened gummy bears and are ENORMOUS.

Would I buy it:  I'd need more than an one day sample to tell you if this product was going to work out in the long run. So , based solely on taste and the size of the sample compared to the suggested serving size, no.

Edited to add: While the package does say it won't give you fish burps (and it doesn't) It should have a disclaimer on there that states that you will have the after taste equivalent of licking a bajillion envelopes for hours after taking these.

The one where I request a Netipot, Soap, Nasal Strips, NFL Rally Towel and more

*Breathe Right Nasal Strips ( Request yours here) -- Update --email stating I should receive my strips and coupon in 6 to 8 weeks
*NeilMed Neti Pot (requested via Facebook) Update -- email stating Should expect to receive my free pot and 2 sample packets in 6-8 weeks.

*Castille Soap (requested via Facebook)

*NFL Rally Towel (requested here ) Use these codes (UPC Code - 037000090908 Promo Code - 92298033)

*Bear Naked Cereal (Requested Here) Have to answer 8 question survey and then input your info. Long and slow but hopefully worth it.

*Aloe King Toothpaste (Requested here)

*Defeat Mitt Bumper sticker (requested here)

 

Coming soon--

Eucerin/Fish Oil Capsules Review (here)

Toms' Of Maine (here)

Stash Tea (here)

Stickers (here)

Emergen-C (here)

Kotex sample (soon)

Poise Pads Sample (soon)

CST Life Pack (soon)

The one where I review Emergen-C

You too can request this free sample on Facebook (Here)

I like Vitamin C-- who doesn't? However-- I don't like oranges ( the socially accepted way of getting vitamin C) and vitamin C in pill form just tastes icky and sour, so I needed to find a new way to get some more of the goodness that is Vitamin C in me prior to recent trip-- just to help prevent me getting any icky colds from being crammed on a plane with 300 other people for 5 hours.

So I found this stuff --

My Thoughts --I tried both the Acai Berry and the Super Orange.  While I didn't get a cold-- I did get an upset stomach (both of them), my throat hurt from the fizziness (both of them)and the taste was horrid (overly sweet and chemically(both of them)) and neither one really ever dissolved in the water  -- I did some research on the web and found out some interesting side effect from Emergen-c...

1. 
   

   Indigestion. Indigestion can occur due to high amounts of vitamin C in Emergen-C. This is usually only a side effect when taken in large amounts.

   
   


2. 
   

   Upset stomach. This can occur because of the soy that Emergen-C contains since some people may have a problem with soy. Check with your doctor if you are unsure of your soy intake.

   
   


3. 
   

   Diarrhea. This is another possible side effect due to the small amount of soy in Emergen-C. If you do have problems with soy, even in the slightest amounts, please be cautious.

   
   


4. 
   

   Insomia. Due tothe high amounts of vitamin C contained in Emergen-C you might feel very alert and maybe a little restless if taken close to bedtime. The over alertness is normally due to very large doses of this product.

   
   


5. 
   

   Decrease in progesterone. Emergen-C might not be the best idea for women who are pregnant. Vitamin C can cause a decrease in the hormone progesterone and should be reconsidered.

   
   


6. 
   

   Nausea. A person might experience nausea if they are not used to taking dietary supplements such as powders like Emergen-C. If you have had issues in the past with dietary powders Emergen-C likely will have the same effect.

   
   


7. 
   

   Headache. Headaches can occur, but is usually only a symptom when too much vitamin C is taken. Be sure to monitor your intake.

   
   


8. 
   

   Vomiting. Normally occurs due to the feeling of nausea people sometimes experience with dietary supplements. Vomiting is rare, but can occur if extreme nausea is present.

   
   


9. 
   

   Heartburn. As with many food or diet products heartburn can occur due to the fizziness of Emergen-C. Talk to your health care provider to see if Emergen-C will result in your heartburn symptoms.

   
   


10. 
    

    Throat irritation. Another rare side effect from drinking the fizzy powder mix that Emergen-C offers. Irritation can occur with too much intake of this product.  (Credit for side effect list)

    
    

Hmm-- Headache, nausea, vomiting, throat irritation , diarrhea or the slight stuffiness and sniffles that I get from sitting on a plane for 5 hours.  I'll take the stuffiness over the upset stomach and icky sweet chemically taste any day.

Would I buy it-- A resounding no.  It was like drinking poorly flavored alka-seltzer. I can deal with sniffles much better than I can with the upset stomach.

The one where I review Tom's Of Maine Naturally Dry (unscented) Deodorant

I got wind of this freebie on facebook and it  was a pain to request. Long loading times and multiple button clicks just to get to the sample request page.. I'm not going to put it all on Toms-- some of it had to be Facebook design error and so I shall blame them.

According to the Tom's Website -- "Clinically proven 24-hour odor protection. New Tom’s of Maine Naturally Dry antiperspirant is clinically proven to help you stay dry and fresh, without artificial fragrances or preservatives. In fact, it applies the same rigorous performance standards of conventional antiperspirants for wetness protection. Naturally Dry AP contains a wetness protection ingredient made from recycled aluminum (which was originally derived from natural mineral bauxite ore). The 24-hour odor protection formula helps keep you fresh all day long and contains a powerful anti-microbial olive leaf extract."

My thoughts -- I've been wearing Tom's for 24 hours now, and I have to say that for the claim of staying dry-- it's accurate. I was out in the sun on the beach and didn't have any underarm wetness. The fresh on the other hand was a little iffy-- when I put on Tom's it felt sticky. 24 hours later and it's still a little sticky. Not sure if it's made that way or if it's just the way it feels on my skin. I definitely don't feel sticky gross like I've sweat all day, but it's sticky for sure-- kinda how it feels if you use a cheap lotion or sunscreen.. that sticky but still slightly greasy feeling.
Would I buy it-- probably not.  I've been entirely too concerned with how sticky it feels compared to my normal Dove and I just don't' think I like to focus that much on my underarms.

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress.com! This is your very first post. Click the Edit link to modify or delete it, or start a new post. If you like, use this post to tell readers why you started this blog and what you plan to do with it.

Happy blogging!

The one where I got free stickers

Free I <3 Obamacare sticker curtsey of DCCC.org

Free  "like" a Boss sticker from buybargainshirts.com (Offer has sadly ended, but I've seen it around a few times so keep an eye out)

The one where I requested Burts Bees and Carmex

Sample of Burts Bee's Lip Care (any size, flavor or what ever else they want to send) from Burt's Bee's company website 

-- 8/27 Update from Burts' Bee's  -- email stating that they don't offer free samples and that I should go buy my own.

Sample of Carmex (requested via contact us on website) Wrote comment stating that I loved carmex and that I would love a free sample.

--   8/26 Update from Carmex -- email stating that they received my email and I should expect a response in 1-2 weeks as they  believe that " there is a person at the other end of the letter and that if they cared enough to take the time to write and share their thoughts, they deserved a reply. Please note that it may take 1 to 2 weeks to respond to your email"

The one where I request the Stash (Stash Tea that is)

I emailed Stash Tea  via their website stating:

I love tea, and I especially love your tea. Do you make an
English Breakfast or Irish Breakfast flavor? These are flavors I've not seen made by Stash.
Also, would you please be so kind as to send
me samples of some of your best teas? I've had most of them,
but certainly not all of them! Thank you very much! Becky Gargan, tea enthusiast (with my address added for mailing purposes)

--
Update 8/20 Received email from Stash stating that they would send me samples of
the two types of tea I requested.

Update 8/26 Received package from Stash with not only the two types of tea I requested but several more :
English Breakfast Black, Licorice Spice, Peach Black, Wild Raspberry Hibiscus, Super Irish breakfast and
Jasmine Blossom Green.

The one where I requested Migralex, Post-it's and Eucerin

Migralex Pain Reliever (Requested Here) Originally a free sample offer on facebook, but it's over-- so I just went to the company website and requested one by telling them that I was really interested in trying their product but was unable to get a sample via facebook.

--- UPDATE FROM MIGRALEX --

8/18  Migralex -- email stating that my samples were processed and should be receiving them in the mail soon.

8/17 Migralex -Email stating that they're sorry they were out of samples on the website but that they would send me some as soon as possible.

* Post-it Super Sticky Notes (Requested Here) Offer is now dead but occasionally resurfaces.

* Eucerin Lotion (Requested via Facebook)

The one where I get the Poise and Kotex Pad samples

I don't remember when I requested these but I got them today... I don't use pads, so I don't really have a reference point to base my findings off of.

POISE

Request yours (here)

My thoughts -- These things look huge. Like the just had a baby-in the delivery room pad huge. Perhaps it's because these aren't your normal period pads but are for bladder control issues, but damn. I would think that if I wore these, everyone would be able to tell. There is just no way that these could possibly be discreet and comfortable.

Would I buy it: Hard to say. I'm not suffering from bladder leakage issues and I just cant wrap my head around what is almost the equivalent of an adult diaper.

Kotex--

Request yours (here)

My thoughts -- Holy cow... I thought the Poise pads were huge. This pad is literally 3 inches wide (for a frame of reference..that's as wide as my average sized palm) and 9 inches long. Wow!! Those are some giant dimensions. I'm pretty sure the pads I used after giving birth 12 years ago weren't that big.

Would I buy it: Hard to say. Not a pad wearer and I can honestly say that I don't own very many pants that would still fit once I put this one.

So yeah.. Game of Thrones

The person that suggest I read the "Game of Thrones" series... You have my eternal gratitude, its a great series. However, I want to punch you in the face for ruining my sleep.