Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream

 
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I received this cellulite defense gel-cream from a promotion on Tomoson.

 When I received this cellulite defense gel-cream by Body Merry, the smell was strong, but not as strong as some other cellulite creams. It was very minty.

 This cream does have a more gel like form until you touch it, then it’s more liquid and slightly runny. Other cellulite creams are extremely runny that I’ve tried.

 Not a lot of the cream is needed to put on. Small amounts spread far. The cream absorbs into the skin quickly, and tingles a bit when it’s on. It’s not a bad tingle, it just tickles a little bit for the first few minutes for me.

 The way the smell opened up my sinuses (which was a bonus) and how cool it felt on my skin reminded me a lot like Biofreeze to help with muscle aches.

After a few weeks of use, I did notice that my skin did look and feel smoother. It wasn’t a huge difference, but it was enough that I noticed. I mostly put this on my stomach and my thighs.

Check it out on amazon.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free usingTomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Texture by Rusk


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I got Texture by Rusk as a promotional item on Tomoson.

 I don’t always use hairspray, but I love trying different kinds. Usually, they leave my hair feeling stiff or sticky.

 I sprayed Texture in my hands just to see if it’d make them sticky. At first, it just felt like water or something wet in my hands. After about 30 seconds, my hands started to feel a bit stiff where I sprayed the hair spray, but it did not make my hands sticky at all.

 As normal, I sprayed the hairspray or “finishing spray” further away from my hair, so the spray would hit evenly, rather than juts one spot. It smelled really good.

 I could tell that my hair texture was different with using this spray. My hair wasn’t as soft, but not stiff like other hair sprays. I didn’t notice any added volume to my hair until I whiped my hair back and forth (yeah, I had to say that.)

 Texture by Rusk smells pleasant and added volume and texture to my hair. It didn’t leave it a sticky mess like some other hair sprays. My hair still had movement with this spray, which is great.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free usingTomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Thirty Scary Tales (ebook)

Thirty Scary Tales (ebook)
 
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 I received this ebook as a promotional item on Tomoson.

When I first saw this book was up for promotion, I applied right away. I was so excited when I got approved. This book wasn’t as scary as I thought it’d be, but I loved that it was made up of short stories that the author had created based on real life experiences with a twist.

The stories had real life experiences with an added creepy or scary twist that many people have had their imagination scare them with. I loved how relate-able these stories were. I’ve had my imagination run wild and think of similar scary moments or ideas like some of these stories had.

Some of my favorites include:
Scruples - Alditha and John are at the house where John works. A terrible storm is brewing. John wants Alditha to tie him up and steal the riches. Then together, once John is free, they’ll be rich. The house splits due to the storm and being on a cliff. John is in trouble and wants Alditha’s help. Alditha has other plans. (I loved this one because of how this could truly happen. It wasn’t Alditha’s behavior that creeped me out. It’s the fact that the house was on a cliff, it split, and part of the house went into the water. Houses on cliffs have had that issue before during storms. Perhaps I’m just weird and have a fear of houses on cliffs.)

Through the Tunnel - Allie had her boyfriend leave her at a train station. A young man, Steve, comes asking if the train has left yet, but there’s no train on the weekends. They decide to take a short cut into the next town by going through the tunnel. When Allie gets to the pub in the other town, she finds out who Steve really is. (I love reading ghost stories, but this one had a nice twist. Still, who would want to go in a dark tunnel in the middle of the night. Creepy!)

Black Karma - The main character, who has Hindu beliefs, is being followed by a black, stray dog. The dog looks scary, but hasn’t tried harming her. After a few nights of being followed, she finds out who or what the dog truly is and it’s intentions. (I love ready stories about other religions if they’re written well. This one had a very pleasing twist with the Hindu belief of reincarnation based on how the person behaved in that lifetime.)

Four Bony Hands - Estelle is practices wiccan and has recently come across a little boy and girl in the forest. They have run away from home, so Estelle takes them in to take care of them for the night. The boy believes she’s a witch based on what he’s seen on tv or in movies. The boy and girl try to protect themselves from Estelle, even though Estelle is only try to help them. (I love that this story is a different point of view on Hansel and Gretel. Many people know the story of Hansel and Gretel. This story basically shows that just because we have heard of Hansel and Gretel’s version of the story, it doesn’t mean that it’s 100% what truly happened.)

I couldn’t sit down and read this book all in one go, but it was a book that I kept wanting to go back to to read a few more stories out of it. There were many of the stories that I wanted to go on, to know what happened to the characters or how the story could continue.

Check it out on Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Keurig 2.0


I received this product as a promotional (got it for free) item from Influenster to try test out and share my honest opinion regarding this product. 

 I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but I love hot chocolate and the specialty drinks that Keurig offers. Others in my household love coffee, so this machine has a perfect balance for us. I love that I can make hot chocolate, apple ciders, and lemonade without having to take a lot of time to do it. 

All I really need to do is make sure there's water, I have a cup underneath the nozzle, I stick the K-cup in the machine, put the lid down, press the button, and let the machine do the work. I run water through the machine afterwards to make sure that the jets don't get clogged. All that takes much less time to do compared to if I made it by hand myself.

 I love that the machine has a carafe or a single-cup option. It makes it easy to brew a carafe if multiple people want the same drink. I do find the machine to be noisy when it's brewing, but it's not too bad. The machine can be difficult to clean because there are lots of small areas or corners.

The only other downside I have with this machine is that it's really big. It takes up a lot of space on the counter top.

U by Kotex

I received some #SaveTheUndies U by Kotex Sleek sampling from Crowdtap

I've used tampons before, but I can't recall if I have ever tried U by Kotex before. I know I have tried the pads of U by Kotex, but I don't believe I have with the tampons. 

Anyways, when I first got the samples, I thought the packaging and the colors of the applicators and such were adorable! I loved the cool colors. 

I usually don't flow heavy (tmi, I know), so the regular size was perfect for a few hours. It wasn't uncomfortable at all. It provided amazing protection. 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Silicon Cupcake Molds

Silicon Cupcake Molds by California Kitchenware

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I received these adorable silicon cupcake molds from a promotion on Tomoson. 
When I first ordered these molds, I figured they’d be thin and flimsy like the paper cupcake molds that you can only use once. Of course, you’re suppose to be able to use the silicon molds more than once. I wasn’t sure how well the silicon molds would work, since I’ve only used paper molds. 
When I finally received the molds and opened up the packaging, I was surprised at how thick and heavy duty they were. 
I tested on this molds with my niece, her friend, and my nephew. We had a little more batter than molds, so we filled up the molds to the top, almost overflowing. (Only one cupcake actually overflowed from the mold when baking.) 
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These molds can be placed in a standard metal or glass muffin pan or they can be placed on a flat cookie sheet. The silicon molds are thick enough that, even with the cupcake batter in the mold, they are able to stand up. 
Once the cupcakes were done, we weren’t sure how to get cupcakes out of the mold. We were all so used of just pulling the paper molds down and apart to loosen it up. These silicon molds seemed a lot more complicated to get off. At least, that was until we finally figured out the trick of pulling one side slightly away from the cupcake and pressing up on the cupcake to pop it out. Worked like a charm. 
The cupcake was a lot more moist in the center with these silicon molds than what you get with the paper molds. The cupcakes were amazing!! 
On the down side, cleaning these silicon molds kind of sucked. I had to wash them more than once to try to get the remaining parts of the cupcake out. The indents on the cupcake mold makes it hard to get it all the way clean quickly. (Though, California Kitchenware does say that these molds can go in the dishwasher. I’m not sure how well that works, since I only tried washing them by hand.) 
Even with the troubles cleaning, these silicon cupcake molds beat having to go out and buy paper cupcake molds that you can only use once. 
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Check out the product on amazon
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Vacay Water Enhancers

Vacay Water Enhancer by Vacay Beverages

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I received this Vacay Water Enhancer as a promotional product from Tomoson. 
I was skeptical when I first applied to the promotion thinking that it might not do what it claims it’s suppose to, but I figured it was worth the try.
When I open the packaged, I got a whiff of lemonade. It wasn’t overpowering, but it made me wonder if the drink would be really strong. I followed the directions with adding 1/2 tsp of the powder to an 8 oz glass of water. I mixed it up, and it became the yellow color in the picture. (Note: One package is up to 10 servings.)
It reminded me of Kool Aid with the slight sugar after taste, but it was no where near as sugary as Kool Aid. The lemonade flavor was very pleasant. It wasn’t too strong or too weak. On the downside, it did make me really thirsty after drinking it. It made my mouth dry. 
I had a headache before I drank this, and I noticed some of the headache pain went away a few minutes after drinking the 8 oz mixture. About ten minutes to a half hour, I felt more relaxed. My muscles didn’t feel as tense. I can tell I’m a bit spacey after drinking this though, but I am any time I’m relaxed. 
This product performed far better than I expected. I’m very pleased with how it worked. 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sports Armband

Sports Armband by IArrow

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I received this iArrow Sports Armband for the iPhone 5 as a promotional item from Tomoson. 
This armband fits pretty good, and it’s not too bulky. I still don’t feel as protected without my actual case on my phone with this. 
The phone slides in at the top, so it doesn’t slide out while working out or running. 
All the buttons are accessible with this armband and case. It’s pretty comfy too. 
Check out on amazon
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Bellemain Madeleine Pan

Bellemain 12-Cup Nonstick Madeleine Pan

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I recently received the Bellemain Madeleine Pan from a promotion through Tomoson. 
I had never made french butter cakes before, but I have heard they’re really good. I was excited to try to make them using the Bellemain pan. 
When I first tried making these cakes, I got a reciepe off the internet. I ended up making the cakes too done, but not quite burning them. The next few times I’ve tried making these cakes using this pan, they turned out very well.
The cakes the Madeleine pan makes are small and a perfect serving size cakes. They’re very moist and soft. They’re also shaped like a seashell. 
The pan is very durable. My nephew was pretty rough on the pan one of the days we were making the cakes, and the pan didn’t dent or get a scratch. 
Bellemain wasn’t joking when they said this pan was nonstick. Once the cakes cool, it’s so easy just to slide them out of the pan. You don’t even need to use any utensils to get them out. It’s perfect. Plus, there’s no grease required. 
Even with the design of the pan, it’s extremely easy to clean. The spaces between the patterns are large enough it’s easy to use a brush or towel to get the pan clean. Not to mention, the cakes don’t get that messy to begin with. 
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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Konjac Facial Sponge

100% Natural Konjac Facial Sponge

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I received this pureSOL Konjac Facial Sponge as a promotional item from Tomoson. 
When I opened the package, the sponge was rock hard. I wasn’t sure if the sponge would be as “soft” as the company claimed it would be. 
After getting it wet, the sponge was very squishy and soft. It was very gentle on my face. It removed the make-up I had on without any additional make-up remover or facial cleanser. I was surprised. My face felt a lot cleaner, less oily, and smoother after using the product. 
The sponge is hard to ring out, though. pureSOL recommends to try to ring out the sponge using two hands, which doesn’t always get all the water out. 
BONUS: This sponge is eco-friendly. It can be composted after use. 
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Check out the product on amazon.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Garcinia Cambogia Supreme

Garcinia Cambogia Supreme

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The Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract is something I have been trying recently. I’m impressed with how well it works so far. I just started taking this product a few weeks ago, and I can tell I’m not as hungry as I used to be.It’s certainly reduced my appetite, so I haven’t snacked as much. I also don’t eat as big of portions during meals.
I have lost a few pounds, nothing major, after I started taking this product. I haven’t changed much of my eating habits besides not eating as much. I haven’t worked out while taking this, though I’m sure I’d lose more weight if I did. I can tell I have more energy throughout the day. This product performs better than I thought it would. The only problem I have with this product is that it’s giant “horse pills” that can be hard to swallow.
Check out the product on the Life & Food site.
Check out the product on amazon.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Garcinia Cambogia

Dogpark Pet Training Dog Relief System

Dogpark Pet Training Dog Relief System

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I received the Dogpark Pet Training Dog Relief System as a promotional item from Tomoson. 
This product became a promotional item at the perfect time. I have a six month old puppy who is currently in potty training. She has one area in the house where she has accidents. She doesn’t use the Dogpark Pet Training Dog Relief System often. She does like laying on it though, but she’s always had an obsession for laying in grass.
My sister and her family had one-month old puppies (Teddybear) who were just beginning to go potty outside when I received this product. The first time they used this training mat, we were camping. The rocks were hard, so they decided to use the mat as a bed and play area. They were constantly climbing onto the mat. 
The one-month old puppies have used this mat a lot more than my six-month old puppy. The one-month old Teddybear puppies tend to potty on the Dogpark Pet Training Dog Relief System more than they have on the floor, blankets, or their bed. The puppies all seem to love it for one reason or another.
The mat isn’t too hard to clean up. No matter how they went to the bathroom, the mat can be taken apart in three different sections to be rinsed off and cleaned. 
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(Note: this product is not made of real grass, but a synthetic surface that is similar to grass. It doesn’t feel as soft as normal grass. It is similar in texture.) 
Check it out on amazon.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Eco at Heart Stainless Steel Straws

Eco at Heart Stainless Steel Drinking Straws

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I got these stainless steel straws as a promotional item on Tomoson. 
I have never used a stainless steel straw before I got these. I’ve only used plastic that you can keep and wash or the ones you throw away.
These straws have a good size opening, so they’re great with smoothies. Only thing is they can get really cold after awhile. In the summer time or on a hot day, it’s perfect. You can even store these straws in the freezer to keep drinks nice and cool when you drink them through the straws. Sounded weird to me when I first read that on the promotion site. I tried it, and it really works. 
Do not drink hot drinks through these straws. You could end up burning your mouth or lips. 
I love that these straws come with a little, adorable cleaning brush. It’s made to fit these straws, so you can easily clean the inside of these straws compared to some of those twisty, fun plastic ones. 
I also like that these straws are dishwasher safe, but it’s just as easy and quick to wash them by hand. 
I just wish that there was some bend to these straws to make it easier to drink out of, but then storing the straws and cleaning them would be harder. 
Check out on amazon.
Participate in giveaway/contest
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

ECO Heart Stainless Steel Straws



Derma Roller

1.00mm 540 Needles Derma Roller by Pertunia Skincare

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I recently received the 1.00mm 540 Needles Derma Roller by Petunia Skincare from a promotion. At first, I wasn’t sure how well this item would work, if it even worked at all.
When I first tired it, it didn’t hurt. It was as if you were scratching an itch. It did leave red marks where it was used, just as if you were scratching. The red marks didn’t last long. It tickled in some areas.
The first few times I use this product, I did not see a difference on any stretch marks or scars. The first thing I noticed a difference was on the size of my pores, especially on my face. 
After about a week and a half, I did notice some of the stretch marks faded slightly. There wasn’t a major difference, but there was enough change that I could see it. I didn’t use the product every day for that week and a half. I used it about every other to every two days.
The longer the use, the more likely to see a difference.
Check out this product on amazon or on Petunia’s website
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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Madeleine Pan

Made Madeleine cakes with the Bellemain Madeleine Pan. It’s so easy to make and get out of the pan. #MadeleinePan #GotItFree
Made Madeleine cakes with the Bellemain Madeleine Pan. It’s so easy to make and get out of the pan. 

Stretching the Borders

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I recently read this story. It’s a confusing book with characters being introduced without really knowing who they are or their background story. Majority of the characters are all apart of the main charactor’s (Naomi) life. 
The story reminded me of a diary or letters written by Naomi to her friend Jude or Judy. Jude/Judy used to be a childhood friend of Naomi who she would always talk to to help sort out her thoughts and issues in life. 
Naomi always thought she lived a peaceful life with her husband and children, until she meets her new neighbor.
Her neighbor happens to have a wife dying of cancer back home, who he is taking care of. The story switches between Naomi and his point of view.
Naomi starts to become curious about her neighbors’ lifes and starts spying on them through the window. She beings to have emotions and urges that she didn’t have before. Secrets from the past merge with ones from the present, but she’s not the only one who is keep secrets.
This story isn’t like normal books I read. This one seems more realistic, as if you’re inside Naomi’s head and watching her world through a window.
Check out this book on amazon.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

TRUE SOL Garcinia Cambogia

TRUE SOL Garcinia Cambogia

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I got the product for free through a promotion on Tomoson.
The Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract is something I had never tried before. I’m impressed with how well it works so far. I just started taking this product a few weeks ago, and I can tell I’m not as hungry as I used to be.It’s certainly reduced my appetite, so I haven’t snacked as much. I also don’t eat as big of portions during meals.
I have lost a few pounds, nothing major, after I started taking this product. I haven’t changed much of my eating habits besides not eating as much. I haven’t worked out while taking this, though I’m sure I’d lose more weight if I did. I can tell I have more energy throughout the day. This product performs better than I thought it would. The only problem I have with this product is that it’s giant “horse pills” that can be hard to swallow.
Check out the product on amazon.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ice Pop Molds

Ice Pop Mold Maker by Bee Sili Gadgets

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I received the Ice Pop Mold Maker by Bee Sili Gadgets as a promotional item from Tomoson.
When I first received this product, I wasn’t sure how well it would work. I figured the ice pop molds would leak all over the place because of the design. After washing the ice pop molds, I decided to test it out to see if the molds would leak. 
The first time I used the ice pop molds, I put strawberry soda in them about an inch to half an inch from the top. That way I had enough room to put the lid on without causing it to overflow. I tilted the ice pop mold on it’s side and upside down. It didn’t leak at all!! I was amazed. I found the only way the ice pop mold would leak was if I squeezed it, which caused the lid to pop off. 
Within hours, I had a popsicle made from strawberry soda. Yum! It wasn’t too cold to hold either. 
The mold also cleaned up easy with water and soap. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe. 
The only problem I had with the mold was since they were still new, they smelled like rubber or silicone. I felt like some of the popsicles I made tasted that way too, but that could have been my imagination. Others who tried it in my household didn’t notice any odd taste with theirs. 
Check them out on amazon.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Bee Sili Popsicle Molds

Making homemade popsicles with Ice Pop Molds. #BeeSiliPopMolds #Yum #GotitFree
Making homemade popsicles with Ice Pop Molds.
Brewed some Caramel Apple Cider with my Keurig 2.0. Thanks @influenster #HelloKeurig #GotItFree #Yum
Brewed some Caramel Apple Cider with my Keurig 2.0. 
Got my new Keurig 2.0. Thanks @influenster Can’t wait to try it out. #HelloKeurig #GotItFree
Got my new Keurig 2.0. Can’t wait to try it out. 

Skintimate Shaving Gel

Skintimate® Mandarin Burst Moisturizing Shave Gel

I received this Skintimate product from Crowdtap for free to sample. 
I’ve used Skintimate shaving gel before, and I liked how it felt and moisturized my skin. I wasn’t sure if I would truly like the scent of this sample. 
When I use the sample, I don’t need a lot to put a lot on. It spreads easily and evenly. I’m able to have a close shave without cutting my leg. It allows the razor to glide smoothly. 
I really like how well this shaving gel moisturizes. My legs are left feeling extremely smooth, and it eliminates the need for me to put on lotion after I shower and shave. 
I really did like the scent. It smelled fruity, like mandarin, but not overpowering. 

Made with Code

Made with Code Bracelet by Google

Made with Code 3D bracelet project is pretty neat. The creator can see how a bracelet can be created with codes. It may be made with a hard material that may not be comfortable to wear, but the ability to customize your own bracelet for free is fun. You can still use this bracelet as decoration. 
“If girls are inspired to see that Computer Science can make the world more beautiful, more usable, more safe, more kind, more innovative, more healthy, and more funny then hopefully they will begin to contribute their essential voices. As parents, teachers, organizations, and companies we’re making it our mission to creatively engage girls with code.” - Made with Code

BakeitFun

BakeitFun baking mat makes it super easy to get cookies off the pan. The cookies can be moved around right out of the oven. No sticking, scrapping, or mess. #bakingmat #baking #bakeitfun #cookies #food #yum
Check it out on amazon. 
BakeitFun baking mat makes it super easy to get cookies off the pan. The cookies can be moved around right out of the oven. No sticking, scrapping, or mess. 
Check it out on amazon

BakeitFun

BakeitFun Baking Mat

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I received the BakeitFun baking mat as a promotional item on Tomoson. 
I never really used a baking mat for cookies before getting this item. I wasn’t sure how well it would perform or that it would do as it said. I was a bit skeptical, to be honest.
When I first received the mat, I opened it to see how it looked and what it felt like. It was like a silicon or rubbery feel. It was really smooth to the touch. 
I really like how the mat has the circles on it for cookie placement. It gets the mat an interesting design and helps you figure out where to the put the cookies without having them end up cooked together. 
My niece, her friend, and I used the baking mat for the first time together. My niece’s friend was in charge of putting the ingredients together for the cookies. We got the dough onto the pans and put them in the oven. Within minutes, we found out that she forgot to put in some of the flour into the dough. We had a huge mess. 
The mat was super easy to clean, even with that mess, compared to the pan without the mat on it. The mess just slide right off. There was no need for scraping or scrubbing to get it clean. 
We tried again with another batch, which was mixed correctly this time. My niece and her friend wanted to try scraping or moving the cookies around. My niece had the pan without the baking mat, and she couldn’t move the cookies without having to scrap them and risk breaking them.
My niece’s friend had the pan with the baking mat on it. She just barely touched a cookie with a spatula, and it moved on the mat with ease. The cookies were not stuck down at all, even though they just came out of the oven. 
The mat performed far better than my expectations. The BakeitFun company has created a fantastic product. 
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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Apple Certified 6 Feet Lightning Cable

Apple Certified 6 Feet Lightning Cable

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I received this Apple Certified 6 Ft Lightning Cable as a promotional item from Tomoson.
When I first saw pictures of this product, I figured it’d be like most Apple charging cords that are poor quality and break very easily.
Once I got the product, I was surprised with how thick the cable is. The cable has a great quality, and it doesn’t seem like it’d break after a few weeks of use. 
This product has exceeded my expectations with it’s quality! 
Check out this product on amazon.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.