I'm a member of HipScouts, a program by Little, Brown and Company publishing that sends out ARC (Advanced Readers Copies) of young adult titles to be read and reviewed. I'm going to post reviews of some of the books I receive through this program (as well as a similar program from another publisher). Monster High will be available for purchase this September. I do my best to keep spoilers out of my reviews!
Rating: 7
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and was excited to pick it up each evening. I felt that the characters were well-represented and realistic (as "realistic" as monsters can be, anyway). Even though I'm not in high school anymore, this book transported me back a couple of years and triggered many of the same emotions I felt then. Lisi Harrison does a great job including just the right amount of information to keep the plot moving while also including important life lessons. However, I felt that the book ended rather suddenly. I was hoping that we would find out more of what happened after the dance, and instead, the ending was not satisfying. It left me with a cliffhanger that I'm not sure needs to be satisfied with another entire book; we really just needed another chapter or two.
Update: There will be a sequel to Monster High released in Spring 2011.
04 August 2010
28 July 2010
Houlihan's Salsa Cruda Bruschetta
Rating: 9
Some folks from Houlihan's stopped by the camp I work at this afternoon to drop off food and coupons for the staff. How nice! (Of course, they were soliciting- but who doesn't like free food, especially after an entire day of working outside?!)
The bruschetta is made with perfectly seasoned chopped tomatoes atop an herb cream cheese spread. I tend to find bruschetta too garlicky, but the seasonings on this were not too overpowering, and the tomato flavor was very prominent. The herb cream cheese added a nice, fresh touch and also prevented the bread from getting too soggy. Fresh, soft italian bread completed this wonderful bite. My only complaint would be that the end pieces had a lot less topping than the middle- but, it still tasted delicious! I would be sure to order this the next time I go to Houlihan's.
Some folks from Houlihan's stopped by the camp I work at this afternoon to drop off food and coupons for the staff. How nice! (Of course, they were soliciting- but who doesn't like free food, especially after an entire day of working outside?!)
The bruschetta is made with perfectly seasoned chopped tomatoes atop an herb cream cheese spread. I tend to find bruschetta too garlicky, but the seasonings on this were not too overpowering, and the tomato flavor was very prominent. The herb cream cheese added a nice, fresh touch and also prevented the bread from getting too soggy. Fresh, soft italian bread completed this wonderful bite. My only complaint would be that the end pieces had a lot less topping than the middle- but, it still tasted delicious! I would be sure to order this the next time I go to Houlihan's.
25 July 2010
Coming Soon: my first BzzAgent Campaign!
The wonderful folks at BzzAgent invited me to my first Campaign this week- Orbit Gum! They'll send me a BzzKit with product samples and coupons.
For those of you who haven't heard of BzzAgent before, it's a Word-of-Mouth marketing site. Essentially, they send out new or soon-to-be-released products for the Agents to sample. Agents are supposed to talk about the product to family and friends, and give out coupons so they can try the product too.
Another component to the site is BzzScapes and Frogpond, where Agents review their favorite products and websites, respectively.
I've been a BzzAgent for a few months, and this is my first Campaign. Agents get asked to specific Campaigns based on the amount of reviews they've posted and their responses to survey questions.
I should receive my BzzKit by the middle of August, and I'll post my review of the entire experience soon after!
For those of you who haven't heard of BzzAgent before, it's a Word-of-Mouth marketing site. Essentially, they send out new or soon-to-be-released products for the Agents to sample. Agents are supposed to talk about the product to family and friends, and give out coupons so they can try the product too.
Another component to the site is BzzScapes and Frogpond, where Agents review their favorite products and websites, respectively.
I've been a BzzAgent for a few months, and this is my first Campaign. Agents get asked to specific Campaigns based on the amount of reviews they've posted and their responses to survey questions.
I should receive my BzzKit by the middle of August, and I'll post my review of the entire experience soon after!
23 July 2010
Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets
Rating: 9
How convenient! No detergent to pour, no fabric softener to worry about- Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets make doing laundry so easy! I just put the sheet in the washer, add my laundry, and then make sure the sheet gets moved to the dryer with the clothes. Afterwards, the clothes are clean, soft, and smell wonderful, without any hassle.
Though my mom usually does my laundry (I'm at home for the summer), I decided to do mine myself for once to test out this product...and it was definitely worth it. The Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets made even me not mind doing this chore. I especially liked the fresh scent left on the clothes; it seemed to take away any odors that are sometimes left behind by other detergents. In addition, the sheet is easier to find and pull out of the dryer at the end compared to sheets of fabric softener, alleviating the annoying possibility of having it stuck in your clothes.
The only issue I had was that it is recommended that the sheets are placed in the washer before the clothes, and the washer turned on before the clothes are added. I found that to be difficult to accomplish, because in my tiny laundry room, it's hard to constantly open and shut the washing machine while holding a pile of laundry. It would be easier to just add the sheet and clothing all at once.
Aside from the price (around $9 per pack of 24), this is a product I would use again. However, compared to traditional detergents, this is still much more expensive.
You can get more information and a coupon here.
How convenient! No detergent to pour, no fabric softener to worry about- Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets make doing laundry so easy! I just put the sheet in the washer, add my laundry, and then make sure the sheet gets moved to the dryer with the clothes. Afterwards, the clothes are clean, soft, and smell wonderful, without any hassle.
Though my mom usually does my laundry (I'm at home for the summer), I decided to do mine myself for once to test out this product...and it was definitely worth it. The Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets made even me not mind doing this chore. I especially liked the fresh scent left on the clothes; it seemed to take away any odors that are sometimes left behind by other detergents. In addition, the sheet is easier to find and pull out of the dryer at the end compared to sheets of fabric softener, alleviating the annoying possibility of having it stuck in your clothes.
The only issue I had was that it is recommended that the sheets are placed in the washer before the clothes, and the washer turned on before the clothes are added. I found that to be difficult to accomplish, because in my tiny laundry room, it's hard to constantly open and shut the washing machine while holding a pile of laundry. It would be easier to just add the sheet and clothing all at once.
Aside from the price (around $9 per pack of 24), this is a product I would use again. However, compared to traditional detergents, this is still much more expensive.
You can get more information and a coupon here.
13 July 2010
Pure Fitness Crystal Light (Lemon Lime)
Ratings:
Lemon Lime- 10
Strawberry Kiwi- 8
Grape- 7
The wonderful folks over at Vocalpoint sent me samples of each flavor of the new Pure Fitness Crystal Light to try. I was excited for this sample! I work at a day camp, so I'm outside all day. The fact that the new Pure Fitness Crystal Light has added electrolytes for hydration can help me stay at my best for my campers.
I tried all three flavors and decided that my personal favorite was lemon lime. It tasted just like lemonade- my favorite summertime drink- but contained much less sugar. In fact, Pure Fitness Crystal Light is sugar-free but is instead sweetened with natural sweeteners- so no aspartame or other artificial sweeteners. I was glad to discover that I could enjoy my favorite drink and have it do something good for me in return! Drinking Pure Fitness Crystal Light helps me feel refreshed throughout the day. When I need something to drink that is more flavorful than water, this is what I pick up.
I found the Strawberry Kiwi and Grape flavors to be too sweet; I enjoyed the tartness of the Lemon Lime.
Thanks to Vocalpoint, I received three $2 off coupons and have been enjoying Pure Fitness Crystal Light in Lemon Lime for a few weeks! You can buy boxes of Pure Fitness Crystal Light. They contain 7 packets, each suitable for use with a 16.9 fl oz water bottle.
Lemon Lime- 10
Strawberry Kiwi- 8
Grape- 7
The wonderful folks over at Vocalpoint sent me samples of each flavor of the new Pure Fitness Crystal Light to try. I was excited for this sample! I work at a day camp, so I'm outside all day. The fact that the new Pure Fitness Crystal Light has added electrolytes for hydration can help me stay at my best for my campers.
I tried all three flavors and decided that my personal favorite was lemon lime. It tasted just like lemonade- my favorite summertime drink- but contained much less sugar. In fact, Pure Fitness Crystal Light is sugar-free but is instead sweetened with natural sweeteners- so no aspartame or other artificial sweeteners. I was glad to discover that I could enjoy my favorite drink and have it do something good for me in return! Drinking Pure Fitness Crystal Light helps me feel refreshed throughout the day. When I need something to drink that is more flavorful than water, this is what I pick up.
I found the Strawberry Kiwi and Grape flavors to be too sweet; I enjoyed the tartness of the Lemon Lime.
Thanks to Vocalpoint, I received three $2 off coupons and have been enjoying Pure Fitness Crystal Light in Lemon Lime for a few weeks! You can buy boxes of Pure Fitness Crystal Light. They contain 7 packets, each suitable for use with a 16.9 fl oz water bottle.
11 July 2010
Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste
Rating: 8
As a person who tends to HATE mint-flavored toothpaste (personally, i use orange-flavored), I was very happy with the Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste I received as a sample. My teeth felt cleaner than usual, and my mouth felt refreshed.
The mint flavor was not overpowering; it was just enough to clean my mouth without leaving a lasting taste. I liked this, since I don't want to be tasting mint when I am eating my breakfast! Plus, since the toothpaste is all-natural, I knew that I was using a product safe for me.
The only issue I had (compared to the brand of toothpaste that I normally use) is that the Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste felt very thick- it was almost hard to spread it onto my teeth. The physical texture of the toothpaste in my mouth was pleasant, but I had a difficult time at the beginning of brushing getting the toothpaste spread around.
Overall, this is a product that I would definitely consider purchasing in the future; however, I am not prepared to get rid of my current toothpaste and replace it.
You can get a $1 off coupon for Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste here.
As a person who tends to HATE mint-flavored toothpaste (personally, i use orange-flavored), I was very happy with the Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste I received as a sample. My teeth felt cleaner than usual, and my mouth felt refreshed.
The mint flavor was not overpowering; it was just enough to clean my mouth without leaving a lasting taste. I liked this, since I don't want to be tasting mint when I am eating my breakfast! Plus, since the toothpaste is all-natural, I knew that I was using a product safe for me.
The only issue I had (compared to the brand of toothpaste that I normally use) is that the Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste felt very thick- it was almost hard to spread it onto my teeth. The physical texture of the toothpaste in my mouth was pleasant, but I had a difficult time at the beginning of brushing getting the toothpaste spread around.
Overall, this is a product that I would definitely consider purchasing in the future; however, I am not prepared to get rid of my current toothpaste and replace it.
You can get a $1 off coupon for Burt's Bees Natural Toothpaste here.
23 June 2010
Dunkin' Donuts Strawberry Coolata
Rating: 8
What a perfectly refreshing treat for a hot summer day! I'm a huge fan of fruity-flavored things, and this drink was delicious!
The strawberry flavor is not too sweet, but sweet enough to still be really yummy. Unlike a lot of fruit-flavored drinks, the Strawberry Coolata was not sticky-sweet or too sugary, which I was very pleased about. The flavor is complemented perfectly by the slushee-like consistency of the drink, which cools you off while still tasting great. I got my Coolata topped with whipped cream (one of my favorite foods =] ), and that just added another level of refreshing flavor.
I got my Coolata as part of my breakfast, and I am happy to say that it successfully took the place of juice (or whatever other cold drink you'd have with that meal). So, it's perfect any time of day!
The one problem I did have was that as I got to the bottom of the cup, there was a lot more ice and a lot less strawberry flavor than in the rest of the Coolata.
However, I ordered a medium and it was HUGE- so DD is definitely doing their part to make the price worthwhile. Yum!
What a perfectly refreshing treat for a hot summer day! I'm a huge fan of fruity-flavored things, and this drink was delicious!
The strawberry flavor is not too sweet, but sweet enough to still be really yummy. Unlike a lot of fruit-flavored drinks, the Strawberry Coolata was not sticky-sweet or too sugary, which I was very pleased about. The flavor is complemented perfectly by the slushee-like consistency of the drink, which cools you off while still tasting great. I got my Coolata topped with whipped cream (one of my favorite foods =] ), and that just added another level of refreshing flavor.
I got my Coolata as part of my breakfast, and I am happy to say that it successfully took the place of juice (or whatever other cold drink you'd have with that meal). So, it's perfect any time of day!
The one problem I did have was that as I got to the bottom of the cup, there was a lot more ice and a lot less strawberry flavor than in the rest of the Coolata.
However, I ordered a medium and it was HUGE- so DD is definitely doing their part to make the price worthwhile. Yum!
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