Revamp Your Routine - Babble Box Review

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media

What are your healthy goals for 2016? I have a few but my main goal is have a healthier lifestyle while on the road. I recently took a new position at work which has me on the road more. This usually means eating out more, not getting to the gym as much and working late nights since you're in a city where you may not know anyone.

I received a Babble Boxx for review and the theme was revamping 2016. The box was full of ingredients that will help you start off 2016 on the right foot.

Stash Tea
I drink at least one cup of hot tea on a daily basis. It's got so many health benefits and can be a good pick me up, even caffeine free selections. I loved Stash Tea's Organic Gold Cup Chai w/ Turmeric. Turmeric is all the rage right now with runners - it can relieve pain and inflammation. Chai Tea is one of my go-to's (I love the sweet and spicy flavor profile) so Stash Chai with Turmeric is obviously a match made for me!

Another great option for an afternoon cup of tea is Stash Lavender Tulsi. This tea brings serenity and I need a lot of that in my life right now. Lavender Tulsi is a soothing organic tea that blends leaves from the tulsi plant, which has been revered in India for more than 5,000 years. According to folklore, tulsi is a healing balm for body, mind and spirit. .

There is a special discount code for Stash Tea through February 12th. Use promo code BABBLE15 to save 15% off entire online order at StashTea.com.

Stop & Drop Diet Book 
Who remembers the hit book "Flat Belly Diet"? I know many people who swore by Liz Vaccariello's New York Times bestseller. She's at it again with the Stop & Drop Diet book. I have not had a chance to read the whole thing but did a little homework on the book and this sounds perfect for my crazed lifestyle. This flexible diet plan teaches readers easy ways to STOP eating unhealthy versions of food they love and the simple, healthier substitutes you should START eating instead. Stop & Drop Diet helps readers drop the weight with a mix-and-match 21-day meal plan designed for fast weight loss and balanced nutrition.

What I love about this plan is the flexibility - because I need a lot of that in my life. Between this blog and my job, I am consistently out at events faced with foods and cocktails which would typically forbidden in most diets. Not with this plan - there is nothing forbidden.

How The Plan Works...For each phase, the Stop & Drop Diet offers a suggested breakdown of calories per meal. In general, you want to spread your calorie intake out roughly evenly throughout the day – so lunches and dinners should have about the same number of calories, breakfasts just a little less, and snacks about half the amount as your main meals. But the diet also allows you to customize the calorie breakdown to whatever works for you. (Some people, for instance, might prefer to eat 6 mini-meals throughout the day, instead of 3 main meals and 2 snacks.). The best part of the book is that they analyzed more than 40,000 products in the average supermarket, plus countless menu items at popular chain restaurants and ingredients in every day recipes to shave calories.

Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel On-the-Go Refreshingly Clean Towelettes

The number one thing I forget when I travel is face wash. The face bars in hotels dry my skin out and during the winter months, that can be a really bad thing. This is why I am in love with Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel On the Go Refreshing Clean Towelettes. They are the only individually wrapped towelette to utilize 100% natural witch hazel. Since they're individually wrapped, they are TSA approved and you don't have to take up too much room, they fit perfectly in my makeup or gym bag.

Cold-EEZE® Plus Natural Multi-Symptom Relief Cold & Flu lozenges
Oh Cold-EEZE how I love you so. The moment I start feeling the signs of a cold coming on (typically ear aches or an itchy throat for me), I take Cold EEZE. They recently came out with a new product, Cold-EEZE Plus Natural Multi-Symptom Relief Cold & Flu lozenges which shorten your cold PLUS help relieve cough, congestion and sore throat. They contain zinc gluconate which is the same effective active ingredient found in the original Cold-EEZE® lozenges.  These lozenges have a permanent home in my handbag.

Birch Benders Pancakes
This particular time in my life, I am only home one night over a two week span. This means my husband is also affected since he doesn't cook and ends up eating out way too much. One thing he can make is pancakes. Birch Benders Pancakes are a gluten free, natural, organic pancake that's made by just adding water. You would never know they are gluten free and you won't miss the wheat. Plus they are very easy to make. It's a blend of wheat-free flours mixed with Oregon hazelnut meal. YUM!

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Try the Delicious Convenience of Plated with a great deal for my readers

Right before we left for the wedding, I received an opportunity to check out Plated, a pre-portioned meal delivery service with fresh ingredients which arrive at your doorstep. The timing couldn't be any better since I knew we had to throw away pretty much everything in our fridge before we left for the trip. The last thing I wanted to do was come home after 3 weeks and go grocery shopping.

The process was simple, I chose my Plated delivery date for the Saturday we returned home, selected which two dishes we wanted to try out! We were able to choose from seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes. The two we selected were Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Braised Kale; Steak au Poivre with Spinach Potato Gratin. Both dishes paid honor to our recent life events, the Shrimp and Grits for the wedding in New Orleans and the Steak au Poivre for our Europe honeymoon.

We arrived back from the honeymoon with the box waiting for us. I was too jet lagged to think about cooking that night so I saved the items for Sunday and Monday night. I truly enjoyed cooking both dishes and loved that everything from the fresh spices to liquid ingredients were clearly labeled. The only items I had to use of my own were salt, pepper and olive oil.

Cajun Shrimp and Grits with Braised Kale

This dish was super easy to execute and full of flavor. I LOVED the addition of Kale and while it took a little bit of encouragement for Gabe to try it, he ended up liking Kale. The dish took 30 total minutes to make and the instructions were super easy to follow.

This recipe had 6 steps
Prepare Ingredients
Saute Kale
Braise Kale
Cook Grits
Cook Shrimp
Plate Shrimp

Cooking Tip - Stirring grits constantly prevents them from cooking too quickly or clumping up.



Steak au Poivre with Spinach Potato Gratin

This dish took a little more time to prepare since I had to thinly slice 6 small white potatoes and blanch them. My sauce also split, which didn't affect the taste but didn't look too pretty on the presentation. The dish itself was delicious. I loved the gratin and that it hid spinach (although Gabe called it the green stuff).

This recipe had 6 steps and took 45 minutes to prepare
Blanch Potatoes
Assemble Gratin
Bake Gratin
Cook Steak
Make Sauce
Plate Steak

Cooking Tip Don't have a baking dish handy? Bake the gratin divided in ramekins or even in a muffin tin.


I would absolutely use Plated again in the future. It was so convenient coming home to fresh groceries ready for me to cook. I see many Plated meals in our future, especially on those weeks we come home from Travel.

Right now, Plated is extending a great deal to my readers! As of publication date, they are offering 4 free dishes for new members. All you do is pay the $20 shipping. This is a limited time offer so make sure you Click here to sign up today. The deal may change based on demand so make sure you take advantage of this and let me know what meals you select!

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Fab Fit Fun Fall 2014 Box Reveal and Discount Code

When we arrived home from Europe, my Fall 2014 Fab Fit Fun box was waiting for me and I couldn't get into it fast enough. I was very impressed with this box, especially being there are two full sized products I actually use in there. The retail value of the Fall 2014 box was $232.42

You can still order this box by clicking here and use code FALL5 to save $5 off. The boxes come seasonally (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) and are $49.99. You can cancel your subscription at any time.

Dermologica Skin Hydrating Booster (retail $56)
This product right here is worth more than the cost of the box. I love this product so much and use it every day. My skin is awfully dry and the ultra-hydrating concentrate moisturizes better than any lotion. It has the consistency of a serum which you wear under your daily moisturizer.

Chi 44 Iron Guard (retail $14.50)
I have used this product (or similar from other brands) for more years than I can think back. It protects your hair from damaging effects of the hair straighter. I use my straightner on a daily basis, so having extra protection is a must. It's weightless and will not leave your hair looking weighed down.

Gramr Gratitude Co. Thank You Cards, Sealing Wax and Wax Press (retail $43)
I received 4 thank you cards, a stick of envelope sealing wax and a wax press. If I received this a year ago, I would have been singing from the mountain tops. However, when I did my wedding invitations, I had this grand idea that we would do wax seals on them. $40+ later, a cramped hand and 20 ruined envelopes, that idea went out the window. I do love the tHx stamp and will try out out wax stamping once more. If it is a success, this will come in great handy for all those thank you cards I have to write. These thank you cards are very expensive - a four pack for $14. The stick of wax is $4. This is where the value of $43 comes from. Kinda pricey for me.

Beauty for Real True Color Lip Cream (retail $22)
This product is awesome -it has a LED lighted mirror on the side of it so you do not have to dig in your purse to put on lipstick. While I generally wear nude colors, and this is a dark one, it did compliment my skin tone. It's a cream color that is long lasting.

Jessica Steele Apron (retail $32)
I received the brown and white retro polka dot apron in my Fab Fit Fun box. I love the print. This will mark my 15th apron, no exageration. I have a closet full and I never wear them! One could call me an apron hoarder. I love the feminine cut on this one and the design is too cute.

LaNatura Travel Size Body Butter (retail $18)
If I only had this product 2 weeks ago! I ran out of my travel sized lotion on day 5 and found myself disappointed in what the Europe hotels had for toiletries. I've never used LaNatura before and at the price of $18 for a travel size container, it better come to the plate. Each of their body butters heal, soothe and preserve your skin. I honestly thought this was a bonus item and was shocked at the $18 price point. But it does feel nice on the skin.

The Honest Co. Hydrating Shea Butter Cleansing Bar (retail $4.95)
I have known of the Honest Co. for quite sometime - It's Jessica Alba's line of products. My husbad Gabe instantly grabbed it and said, my soap! This soap smells AMAZING and is made with coconut, olive and argan oils.

Great Soles Pink Ribbon Ballet Barre Ped (retail $12)
These ballet inspired socks are amazing. They're perfect for barre, pilates, yoga and wearing around your house. I have them on as I type and they remind me of those cute socks you buy infants which look like Mary Janes.












FitFusion 3-Month Digital Subscription (retail $29.97)
While I was hoping for a little more actual fit products in this box, I am quite excited to have a 3 month subscription to FitFusion. There are digital videos from multiple fitness professionals, including Jilian Michaels, Tara Stiles and Cassey Ho.

Bonus Items (sample sized items not included in the value of the box)
Mary's Gone Crackers
Numi Organic Tea

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Fab Fit Fun VIP Summer Box Review and coupon code

I first read about the Fab Fit Fun box last fall - a box which features full-size, premium products. This box is delivered 4 times a year, so it is a quarterly subscription box vs. monthly. What's in this box? Over $225 Beauty, Fitness, Fashion, and Wellness products for only $49.99. At first the $50 price seemed steep for a box - as I was currently getting multiple others at $10 a pop. I was literally getting nearly 10 boxes a month, everything from food, fitness, beauty, fashion and even bridal.

The Fab Fit Fun VIP Summer Box is still available - save $15 with coupon code 3755546

I finally cancelled my above mention boxes and and signed up for the Fab Fit Fun Summer 2014 box. I waited anxiously, spying over the last few weeks on other blogs who were posting sneak peeks. It finally arrived last Thursday and I couldn't be more impressed with it.

The grand total of this box equals $245.77 in products, most of which I really love. Up first are my three favorite products from the box.

Sonia Dakar Flash Facial - Value $99 - OBSESSED. I couldn't be more impressed with this product. Dead skin literally came off my face in 2 minutes.
Pur-lisse SPF 30 Sunscreen - Value $55 - I use SPF moisturizer everyday. This is an amazing product which didn't leave my face oily.
Balanced Guru No Frizz Balancing Oil - Value $25 - An incredible hair serum - smells like lemongrass. Be cautious with the amount you use.

Up next Thursday Friday Mini Clutch/ Makeup Bag – Value $35, (the design I received is Diamonds Here Pouchette). This is a cute makeup bag. I will be bringing it with me on the bacherlorette cruise in 2 weeks.

We also received a FabFitFun Water Infuser BPA-free Water Bottle – Value $15, this says Grab Life by the Exercise Balls on the bottom - pretty funny! I've wanted one of these bottles for a while so this made me pretty happy.

KISSTIXX SPF 15 Lip Balm - Strawberry & Chocolate – Value $6 -Fun product, this is two lip balms you can use alone or together. Not a fan of the chocolate but the Strawberry is awesome - also the texture is great.
Zoya Nail Polish – Value $9 - Very pretty color but I will be giving this to my best friend Keri. I am a Shellac addict so no nail polish needed in my house.

Also in the box was some smaller items - Pop Chips, Skintimate Shave Gel, Slimfast Have Your Cake Meal Bar, and Always Xtra Protection Long Daily Liners

My overall verdict - I loved this box and would get it again. The first three products I showcased alone were well worth the $49 quarterly cost. My only let down is that I wish there were more fitness products. You can still get this box by clicking here and using Fab Fit Fun VIP Summer Box coupon code 3755546. Only 3 of those codes are available. If you missed out, you can still save $10 off a Fab Fit Fun VIP box by clicking here to save $10 off your box!

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July Kona Kase Review and discount code

It's time for another Kona Kase review! I received this Kona Kase complimentary for a review. I also didn't get to it before the subscription box monster got his hands on it, so I apologize for a few of the items being shown as opened. 

Kona Kase is a monthly subscription box that focuses on healthy snacks and fitness supplements. You will receive a mix of pre and post workout items. Kona Kase is $15 a month, including shipping

Now that you've seen what is inside the box, let's explore each item.

Caveman Cookies - Value $2

Garuka Bars Original - Value $3.50

Barbara Llewellyn Granola Granola - Value $?

The Caveman cookies shocked me a bit. I tried it without reading the description. I assumed it was a shortbread cookie -it was far from that. Caveman cookies are made with just honey nuts and berries. Once I read the description and took another bite, I decided I liked them.

The Garuka bar was a little on the tart side. Not my favorite item in the box.

The Granola was amazing. I was introduced to pumpkin seed granola last year and was ecstatic to find this small bag in my Kona Kase.

  

Pro Bar Bolt Energy Chews in Orange - Value $2.45

Body Glove Surge in Double Espresso - Value $2.50

I loved the Pro Bar Bolt chews. I prefer chews to gel and these tasted wonderful and did the job!

I had a flashback of the early 90's when I saw Body Glove Surge. Body Glove was one of my favorite brands back in the day. Now they are making energy shots! I was pretty impressed overall with the product.

Health Warrior Chia Seed Bar in Acai Berry - Value $1.90

Perky Jerky Turkey Jerky - Value $1.50

Enjoy Life Seed and Fruit Mix - Value $2.40

As you can see, this was the part of the box that the subscription box monster got a hold of. 

I loved the Chia seed bar. I consume chia in one form or another on a daily basis so this was a nice treat.

The Perky Jerky was consumed very quickly and got a stamp of approval. It was delicious.

The Seed and fruit mix was one of my favorite items in the box, once I retrieved it from the box monster. 

Overall, I was very impressed with this months Kona Kase. I am not sure what the price of the Granola was since but all of the items added up excluding the Granola comes to $15, the cost of the case. It introduced me to a few new items that I will look for next time I am at the store!

You can save $5 on your purchase of Kona Kase with the discount code "GIFTSUMMER". The August and September boxes are being brought to us by two expert athlete curators. August will be by Adam Bornstein and September will be by Nicole Branagh! Click here to sign up today!

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Kona Kase Review - Performance Fueled Monthly

I have a serious subscription box problem. I used to blog about the various boxes I receive but haven't done so in a while. I receive 5 subscription boxes a month - everything from beauty supplies to food products. Until I checked the mail a few days ago, I had yet to receive a fitness based box. 

That changed when I came home to a new box sitting on my doorstep. I was offered a chance to review a Kona Kase through Fit Fluential, a nutritional fitness box which monthly cost is $15 (including shipping). 

Gabe actually opened this box before I got home and read me everything in the box. While it took the element of surprise away, I was very excited to hear what was waiting at home for me:  Mamma Chia in Apple Cinnamon - Value $2, Half Pops in Butter and Sea Salt - Value $2.50, Osmo Nutrition in orange - Value $1.50, Clif Shot Turbo Gel Energy in Double Espresso - Value $1.75, Doctor ill Bar - Value $2, One Bar in Mango - Value $1, 18 Rabbits in Cheeky Cherry Chocolate - Value $2.25, KIND bar in Madagascar Vanilla Almond - Value $2.

I really enjoyed everything in this box. The Half Pops were amazing. The Madagascar vanilla Kind bar is my new favorite flavor. One item stood out above the rest and that was the Mama Chia vitality snack. I love chia and this was the perfect way to have a convenient Chia snack! Osmo nutrition, Doctor Will and 18 rabbits were new products in my life. Doctor Will was very filling. They will be perfect for my once a week commutes to Orlando. 

Kona Kase is a perfect way to introduce new healthy supplements and snacks into your life. Click here to sign up today!  Looks like I am adding yet another subscription box to my life! Sorry mail man.

Disclaimer: I was provided a Kona Kase for review. As always, all opinions are my own. 

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Love with Food December Box and coupon code

I cannot express how much I love my monthly subscription box, Love with Food. I was super excited to hear that Love with Food was featured by one of my favorite celebrity chef's Andrew Zimmern. I have never been disappointed with anything I have received in my previous boxes plus it feels good to give back to the community. I have been introduced to new foods and I have a lot of fun making Gabe's lunches with the different snacks we receive.

This month's box was the Holiday themed Love with Food box!!

The first thing that caught my eye in this box was the Fleur de Sel Caramel Popcorn from 479 Popcorn. That's right....salted caramel popcorn. I could eat bags and bags of this stuff. It was so delicious. 

Next up was the Belgian Milk Chocolate dipped nutter butter from the big chocolate dipper. I literally hid this from Gabe. This one time, I hope he doesn't read my blog on a daily basis because I don't want to hurt his feelings. The Honey Cinnamon Almonds from Nunes Farm were excellent. I used them in a spinach, egg and chicken salad for dinner the other night. The have the perfect amount of sweet and spice for salads.

I loved that this box had an assortment of different holiday candies. Both the Candy Cane Truffles by Kara Chocolates and the Chocolate Tasting Squares from Madecasse lasted all about 5 seconds after opening the box. I swear, Gabe is like a puppy when I open my subscription boxes. The Holiday salt water taffy from Taffy Town was a shocker. I didn't read the description, so when I thought I was eating a banana flavored taffy, it was actually eggnog. Delicious but was not expecting that. The other flavors I received were cinnamon rolls and spearmint snowman.

Finally, a Gingerbread boy with white chocolate from Nikki's cookies, which Gabe had in his lunch today along with Mocha Mint Cappuccino from Hills Brothers. Love love love!

Another successful box from Love with Food. For November and December, Love with Food donated two boxes of food for Hurricane Sandy survivors for every subscription box sent out.  You can sign up for January's box by clicking here. Also, Andrew Zimmern has a coupon code for $5 off by using AZVIP at checkout.

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November Foodie Pen Pal Revealed

It's Foodie Pen Pal reveal day!

This month, my Foodie Pen Pal was Rinnie from Rinnie Eats. When I received the box, I was amazed at how heavy it was. Here is why:

I was instantly intrigued by all the cans but my eyes went straight to the salted caramel butter cookies from Trader Joe's. Ironically, on our way home from Thanksgiving vacation, we stopped for our very first visit to Trader Joe's. Florida has two brand new TJ's (finally). I loved the store but only saw the salted caramel cookies on our way out. I didn't want to stand in line again and pouted the entire ride home as all I could think of was those cookies. I checked the mail upon returning home and Rinnie's package was there. I was ECSTATIC. It's like she knew I pouted for 3 hours on the way home. These cookies are AMAZING.

Now, back to the cans. Rinnie's note had a recipe from her mother in law for Taco Soup which she gave me all of the ingredients to make at home.

You cook 2lbs of ground beef (I used 90/10), sauteed with an onion, then include the ingredients above with a large can of water, and you have taco soup. It was SO good. Since I am traveling all week for work, I made a big batch so Gabe would have dinner in my absence  If I didn't do that, he would go to McDonalds every night. Sigh.

Another Trader Joe treat was the Wasabi Wow. This was one of the snacks we both were looking at but were in the hunt for the salted chocolate almonds I received months ago from a Pen Pal. They weren't in stock and forgot to go back for these.

Finally, Rinnie gave me Chile Spiced Mango's. I haven't had a chance to try these out yet but she said they were one of her favorites and I trust they will be delicious.

Thank you so much for an amazing box Rinnie! Also, thank you for that recipe. I will be making that again for sure.

Click here for more information on joining Foodie Pen Pals!

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Goodies Co. November Box

I will be honest, when I signed up for Goodies Co. box through a Facebook ad, I was a little skeptical. Especially when the monthly amount for this box is $7. After signing up, I received notification that I would be eligible for November's Goodies Co. box and I patiently waited. What was I going to get for $7?

I got my box in the mail and was more than impressed. I got an organic reusable Goodies shopping bag!

All of these products were brand new to me. The Biglow Pumpkin spiced tea was great for this stupid cold that I am fighting. The superstar of the box was Alter Ego Dark Quinoa Organic Chocolate. WHAT! This was amazing. Quinoa and chocolate=one happy girl.

I have heard of Biscoff spread but have not tried it yet. I do love their cookies which are handed out on flights! YUM. The chocolate souffle mix was a special treat and I am looking forward to trying it out. The cracker snacks made with real wine, shallot and cayenne were amazing and I strongly suggest serving them at your next wine and cheese party.

Of all the products, I was least interested in the Oogies Gourmet white cheddar popcorn, but it was very good. Gabe, who doesn't care of popcorn even stated this was great bagged popcorn. No trans fat, no cholesterol. Yay! Bobby Sues nuts are a great snack on the go.

Overall, I am very happy I was accepted in the beta version of the Goodies box. I am locked in at the $7 a month rate. I suggest signing up for an invite, right now!

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