AmazingGrass

Isn't that name so catchy? Amazing Grass. Makes you wonder what it is. Are you intrigued?! I was and lucky for me, I was selected to give this product a taste test. It arrived in a pretty fancy box. The fancier the box, the greater the goods, right? But first, let me take a selfie. haha

So, what is Amazing Grass? It's a product that is honestly grown and simply enjoyed. Amazing Grass greens are USDA organic, Non GMO, kosher, vegan and gluten free. Containing a plethora of vitamins, minerals, plant based protein and phyto-chemicals, leafy greens assist the body in maintaining healthy organ function, detoxification and immunity. You can mix the greens into juices, smoothies, or anything you're in the mood for.

Sounds pretty good so far, am I right?

Check out what they have to offer here: https://www.amazinggrass.com/store/. I had the privilege of trying out their Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Superfood. Honestly, to me, you can't go wrong with a chocolate peanut butter flavor and when I first tried it, I kept it simple with just a scoop from the jar and water. Not bad, I thought. So, the next time, I decided to change it up and made it with 1 scoop and almond milk. It was even better! The next time, I decided to get fancy and add a banana. Oh my gosh, my taste buds were dancing with joy! I found my recipe -- almond milk, 1 scoop of protein superfood, 1 banana, and ice all blended perfectly in my blender. I took this magical drink to the backyard to enjoy every last drop. I even went all out and drank it from the awesome mason jar cup they gave me with a fancy-schmancy Amazing Grass sleeve.

So, this stuff is good, like really good. I'd totally buy it! So, where can you buy it? Good question. Well, you can definitely purchase it from their online store or you can check out their store locator (all you need is a zip code). I was pretty stoked to find out that GNC, Vitamin World and Target sold their products. I just happen to have these 3 stores within minutes from my house. That's great news!

Now, their products aren't just for smoothies or drinks. You can bake with them, too. Say what?! They even offer you a few recipes on their website.  I went straight for the cookies and brownies. I may have a slight sweet tooth -- but hey, it's healthy so there's that!

As if their product wasn't already badass, they've given me a discount code to share and it's not a measley 10% -- it's BIGGER than that! 30% OFF! I love savings and I love sharing them. So without further ado, go to their website www.amazinggrass.com and browse around their products and then when you're ready to check out, plug this code in: SWEATPINKAlissa16 (a little tip, you must register to use the code at checkout (meaning you can't checkout as a guest)) Discount code expires on 05/31/16.

What are you waiting for? Go check them out and if you buy it and try it, I hope you love it just as much as I do!

Follow them on social media!
Website: https://www.amazinggrass.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amazinggrass/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amazinggrass/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greensuperfood

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amazinggrass

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDOzF3WAoWndhy6O8Chn7tg/videos

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#BeFitAllYear

Fitness is a big thing right now. It's like the IT thing. You can do workouts in gyms, at home, in hotels, anywhere really. You can access free workouts online -- one in particular is BeFit. Heard of them? Check out their BeFit 30 Day Burn Calendar and watch their introductory video:



Their workout series are short, but intense (and challenging)! If you're limited on time, this is a great way to quickly work up a sweat. They are roughly about 10 minutes long. What's intimidating about 10 minutes?! EXACTLY! Give yourself no excuses and just give it a go! I enjoyed them and I'm sure you will, too!

Speaking of BeFit, they have their own BeFit Nutrition Supplements. Pretty cool since so many of us are on a fitness journey. I was chosen to try 3 of their products out for a month. When my wonderful box arrived, I opened it to find these three products...

• BeFit Pre (pre-workout Energy and Endurance Booster (flavor: fruit punch))
• BeFit Whey Protein (Whey Isolate and Casein Combination (flavor: vanilla))
• BeFit Burn (fat burner without the jitters)

Needless to say, I was pretty excited for a 30 day supply from BeFit!

Now that BeFit nutrition is here, let me explain what each is.

BeFit Pre: This is a fruit punch flavored pre-workout energy drink. My favorite of the three. There are three key elements required for a good workout: energy, endurance and focus, and that's what you get with this supplement. It's delicious and when you workout super early, a tasty pre-workout drink is a HUGE help!

BeFit Whey Protein: This product helps to support muscle recovery by combining two types of protein, whey and casein. It comes in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla which are also GMO, sugar and gluten free. Mix this with almond milk, a banana, peanut butter and ice cubes and you've got yourself a delicious shake! That's how I enjoyed mine!

BeFit Burn: This product helps your body create thermogenesis (heat), which helps metabolize, or burn fat. It helps to manage cravings and curbs your appetite. You don't get jitters with this one, but to be honest, I've never taken a fat burner before, so to be able to compare it with another product -- well, I can't. It says you don't get jitters because it doesn't over-stimulate your nervous system. I can confirm that I never did get jitters while using it. I'm not sure this product was a good fit for me.

If you'd like to purchase any of their products or if you simply want to check out what they are all about, head on over to www.befitfitnessnutrition.com 

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Hemp Heart Bar? Yay or Nay?

Manitoba Harvest... the first time I had heard about their name was when I tried their Hemp Hearts and honestly, I fell in love. It was so delicious and I could use their product on so many different kinds of food. When I was selected to be a part of trying a new product of theirs, I was totally on board.

A couple of weeks ago, I was sent two Hemp Heart Bars in two different flavors: Chocolate and Apple Cinnamon. Off the bat, I wasn't thrilled with having to sample anything apple. It's just not a flavor that I'm typically drawn too, so I opted to try out the chocolate first. Sadly, I was disappointed in it. (wah! Not the reaction I was hoping to have after taking my first bite.) It's a chewy bar which is nice and simple to eat. Nothing crunchy at all about it, but the taste just wasn't anything to brag about. Ugh... I felt that giving my honest opinion was, in a way, letting the company down. Needless to say, I procrastinated on sampling the other flavor.

Well, the day had arrived and I was in need of a snack and this apple cinnamon Hemp Heart bar was just staring at me (I can just imagine little beady eyes looking at me -- or perhaps I was just THAT hungry I was envisioning my food having eyes.) Anyway, Apple Cinnamon was quite delicious. I was pleasantly surprised. I'd definitely have another if I had one. And this... this is coming from someone who is not an apple flavor lover at all. I hate apple pies, apple cobbler, apple anything unless it's an actual apple, so me liking this bar was definitely something to brag about!

Now that you have my review of Hemp Heart Bars, you might want to know just exactly what they are, right?! Well, first, they come in THREE flavors: Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon & Vanilla and they are crafted with simple, minimal ingredients and of course the goodness of hemp!

Each Hemp Hear bar has 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of omegas. They are the perfect pre-workout snack, mid-afternoon snack or on the go snack. They'll be sure to help fuel your day!

If this is a bar for you, head on over to www.manitobaharvest.com and fill your cart. When you're ready to check out use this PROMO CODE: hhbarlaunch1015 to save yourself 15%. This code will expire on March 31, 2016. Enjoy!!

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I heart Hemp Hearts

Hemp Hearts... such a simple added ingredient to meals or snacks. I heart Hemp Hearts. Ever had them? They taste great. Some people say Hemp Hearts taste like a sesame seed or a pine nut and I agree. They are so easy to use. Open up the bag and sprinkle away. Literally... on anything you can think of. Yogurt, eggs, spaghetti, inside banana bread (yup, I baked them into the banana bread), sprinkled on top of apples & peanut butter (that was my favorite!!!) They are nutritious, too. They pack 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of omegas per 30 gram serving. They are lower in carbs than flax seeds and chia seeds and they are raw, vegan-friendly and non-GMO!

I even had my toddler eating these with her meals. She absolutely loves eggs, so I would sprinkle them on top of her scrambled eggs every morning. She devoured her food before I even sat down to eat mine and then of course, she was eating off of my plate next. Happy, happy toddler!

There are so many ways that you can enjoy hemp hearts and recipes all over the internet (Pinterest, for one). Here's a link to a search that I did on Pinterest: Hemp Hearts Recipes (<< click there)

Hemp seeds are only grown in Canada and manufactured in their own hemp-dedicated facililty in Manitoba where nothing else gets produced but hemp food.

And no, these are not drugs, nor will they get you high (for you uneducated people reading this) These are good for you, I promise! You can find them at your local grocery store (I buy mine from Shop Rite)

Go try them and get fueled by hemp!

Want to stay connected with the company? You can find them on many social media channels...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/manitobaharvest/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manitobaharvesthempfoodsandoils/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/manitobaharvest
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/manitobaharvest/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ManitobaHarvestHemp

If you head to www.manitobaharvest.com you can save 20% off their entire web store with promo code: HHSP1015 (promo code expires on December 31, 2015.)

Comment on this blog post for a chance to win a bag! One LUCKY reader will receive a 2oz bag of Hemp Hearts. All you have to do is comment on this post. The contest will end on Friday, November 13, 2015. Good luck and I'll announce the winner either Friday or Saturday, so stay tuned!

Avocado, cheese & Hemp Hearts on toasted bread. Delicious!

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6 Ways I Stay Balanced

6 ways I stay balanced

If you forgot to join me last week for the #BOSUStrong challenge or just weren’t up for the cardio, make sure you join me this week as it’s all about the balance! We’re standing on one leg, lunging, and BOSU squatting our way through the week.

But balance means more than just being able to stand on one leg, it also means being able to do what you love while making healthy choices at the same time. It means putting in the work and still finding time for playing with my toddler. Or eating the oreos but balancing it out with organic milk. (<-- bahaha because that's a total balance, right?) Or a stroller run with my tot and squats, pushups & handstands (because they're fun to do) at home when you can’t make it to the gym.

Here are the 6 ways I stay balanced - what are yours?

I make time for myself by setting my alarm before the rest of the family wakes up.

My favorite me time is when everyone is sleeping.

My rule when it comes to a balanced diet is MODERATION. Eat that cookie, just not the whole bag.

I make fitness a priority by not giving in to excuses.

When I get stressed or overwhelmed, my go to is to get outside and get some fresh air.

I do outdoor acitivities with my kids (walks/bikerides/runs) to help my family stay balanced.

Bonus:

Here are my fave 6 moves to help improve your balance:

1.  handstands
2.  hallow back (against a wall)
3.  drop it like a squat
4.  tree pose
5.  standing still on two feet (haha i kid i kid)
6. balancing on one foot while holding the other to the side

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HempHearts and ME!

I feel like it's such a special moment when I open my email and it's not spam, but an email saying that I've been selected to do a product review!

Hi Alissa!

CONGRATS! You’re in for the Manitoba Harvest #HempHearts Review & Giveaway. 

Seriously, it's a highlight of my day. 

I've tried Hemp Hearts before and I absolutely loved the product, but now I see that there is a green bag (you can see a sliver of it on the photo posted above). The orangish/gold bag is what I've tried already and I la-la-loved! 

But you know, if I get the same bag again, maybe I'll try cooking with it this time. I didn't get the chance to do that last time. Hmmm... I see lots of scrolling through Pinterest for recipes in my near future!

AND... this review also has a giveaway so one of you might win a bag! How exciting!

But you may be wondering what the heck Hemp Hearts are, right? Check out this cool image that I snagged from the Manitoba Harvest website... it explains it.

Once my HempHearts bag arrives in the mail, I'll try the product (a handful of times) and then give my review. Stay tuned!

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BosuBaby

5 THINGS THAT MAKE ME #BOSUStrong Today I am embarking on a 4 week challenge with BOSU and Sweat Pink to prove to the world that I am #BOSUSTRONG. Being #BOSUSTRONG means I make fitness part of my everyday life, at home, out and about, and with my friends and family. I will squat, mountain climb, plank, push-up, lunge, kick and punch my way to a stronger and fit-tastic body.  And I will encourage anyone and everyone to join me on this fun journey because we are one big, happy #FitFamily. Being #BOSUStrong is not just about movement, sweat, or even owning a BOSU, it's about being a leader, an inspiration to others, and sharing my own fitness journey with others. It’s about not letting excuses and laziness stand in my way of sweating and getting strong! The 5 things that make me #BOSUStrong are: My strong drive. My ability to just get it done. My love for staying fit (but keeping it fun). My healthy life. And showing my family & friends that taking care of yourself is important. So I want to know - are you #BOSUStrong? Copy and paste the above, fill it in and make it your own and then tag me in it and share with your friends! Let’s all be #BOSUSTRONG. The daily prompts are below. You can also follow along HERE.

DAILY PROMPTS! Monday, 9/14: It’s #MOUNTAINCLIMBMONDAY! Show us your favorite way to climb that mountain whether it be with hiking poles, in plank position or….? Tag #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad Bonus: Y’all know we love to #jumpjoymonday! Show us your BEST jump shot and tag @BOSU_Fitness @FitApproach #BOSUStrong #FitFamily #SweatPink #ad Tuesday, 9/15: Happy #tempotuesday we want to see how you’re getting your heart rate up today. Tag @BOSU_Fitness @FitApproach #BOSUStrong #FitFamily #SweatPink #ad Bonus: Show us your favorite tricep workout and tag #triceptuesday and #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad Wednesday, 9/16: Drop down and give us some #BURPEES! Even better if you can make them #BOSUBurpees! Tag  #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad Bonus: #workitwednesday, show us how you’re workin’ it this Wednesday and tag #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad Thursday, 9/17: It’s #totalbodythursday. Show us your favorite total body cardio move! Tag #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad Bonus: Give us a #tbt of the most extreme cardio workout you’ve ever done! Tag #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad Friday, 9/18: #FreeFriday. Show us your favorite way to get your cardio on! #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad Bonus: Put those forearms to work. Show us your BEST cardio move for #forearmfriday. Forearm plank mountain climbers, dolphin push-ups, forearm plank toe taps...something else? Tag #BOSUstrong #FitFamily #SweatPink @Bosu_Fitness @FitApproach #ad

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7 Day Stretch Challenge

Last week, I participated in a 7 Day Stretch Challenge with FitApproach & prAna. I love these challenges. They are short, simple and get you motivated to keep moving forward!

Prior to the challenge starting, we received our assignments. Each person who joined in would have the same assignment, however the beauty of these challenges is that everyone is different and has a different idea of how they'll share their #7DayStretch. Check it out...

Monday, August 24: It’s Monday, make sure you get up and stretch ‘dem legs! Show us your favorite quad and / or hamstring stretch(es)! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

It's Monday Monday Monday and a new 7 day challenge begins!
Favorite leg stretch is this one... I remember when I couldn't even grab my feet. It still hurts, but I hold it for as long as I can, break, then do it again.

Bonus: We want to see you JUMP it out. Give us your BEST #jumpjoymonday! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

I'm jumping for joy today, are you?

Tuesday, August 25: Backbends. Any backbends. All backbends. #benditlikebackbend Show us how you get bendy! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

I'm not the only one participating in this shot.

Bonus: It’s #transformationtuesday y’all, whether you’re bendier than you used to be, more adventurous, or even faster, we want to see! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

It’s #transformationtuesday and I just want to say what an amazing thing the human body is and what it is capable of doing. This picture to the left was my 3rd pregnancy and I was 35 weeks along. The picture on the right is a current photo of me. My kids are 8, 6 & 1. As my daughter said, "Mommy, you're wearing a belly shirt." Yes, yes I am... 3 kids later and I feel so comfortable in my own skin!

Wednesday, August 26: It’s our mid-week stretch it out, show us what’s getting you through your hump day? #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

What gets me through the day? My morning cup of ☕ coffee, of course!
It gives me super powers... like being able to function!

Bonus: It’s #workoutitwednesday. Show us how you worked it today! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

It’s #workoutitwednesday. The camera may not have been focused, but I certainly was focused on my workout. I truly feel like a superhero when I do back/bis (and wearing a Captain America shirt does help)

Thursday, August 27: Show us a #tbt to a time when you stretched outside of your comfort zone. #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

A #tbt (but with a recent photo) my daughter has stretched out of her comfort zone a lot lately and now wants to workout with me. I remember wishing she was more open to the idea of fitness. I'm so glad that she wants to do what Mommy does ♡

Bonus: Show us your favorite stretchy pants (shorts work too)  #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

My favorite stretchy shorts are these 6! Best part, they are from Walmart, very comfortable and cost me under $4 for each pair. As much as I would love to say they are some super, fancy, expensive brand, they aren't.

I can't afford things like that.

Friday, August 28: Happy #freefriday y’all! We want to see what  makes you feel the most FREE?  7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

Beautiful #NJ weather for a morning walk!

Chilly in the shade, but perfect in the sun!

Bonus: Show us how you are celebrating #forearmfriday! Forearm planks, dolphin pose, forearm stands or maybe just forearms on the table? ;) #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

Let's celebrate #ForearmFriday! Forearm planks on a wooden floor aren't easy, but meh... I do it anyway, because I'm badass like that! ;) haha

Saturday, August 29: Saturday side stretch! Show us your fave side stretch(es!) #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

Saturday Side Stretch

Bonus: #sunsalutesaturday. Show us how you are saluting the sun today! #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

Sunday, August 30: What are your favorite ways to restore your mind, body, & soul? #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna

One of my favorite ways to restore my mind is a bike ride.

When we first moved here, I saw this view and fell in love.

It's always so pretty... no matter the weather.

Bonus: Show us your favorite zen space. Where do you find peace & tranquility? #7daystretch #liveinprana #sweatpink @FitApproach @prAna #sundayzenday Although I missed 2 bonus posts (hey, life does get in the way of instagram sometimes) I feel pretty good about my participation. I look forward to the next challenge!

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BuluBox Review

I got this pretty, orange box in the mail with some pretty cool typography on it (that's the graphic designer coming out in me - so I give you a thumbs up to your box designer!) I was so eager to open it up, but of course, I had to take a picture of it in my fancy, schmancy mailbox.

Prior to receiving it, I thought the box would be bigger. I didn't expect it to fit in the little slot opening of my mailbox, but ehh, no biggie. Size doesn't matter, right?!

So, what's inside the box???  Calm down, first let me tell you what Bulu Box is. Bulu Box is the first health, nutrition and weight loss discovery box designed to help you feel your best. Each month, you'll get a custom box filled with a new mix of 4 to 5 premium samples from top brands to try. Every sample is sufficient enough to decide if the product is right for you.

Okay, NOW, I'll share with you what 5 samples my box contained.

• Quest PB Protein Powder  • Yerba Prima Daily Fiber Formula • Movit Energy Gummies • Mediterra Bars • Earth's Care Anti-Itch Cream

First off, pretty stoked about the Quest packets and I'm a HUGE, HUGE, HUGE PB lover and this was the one flavor that I was dying to get my hands on. The other four items -- never heard of. So, onto the reviews, shall we!

Quest Protein Powder:
Quest makes amazing products so I wasn't surprised that this one was pretty good. Strong peanut butter flavor, but if you're as big of a peanut butter lover as I am, then you'll love this. I made a shake out of the first packet. I kept it simple with almond milk and ice. Delicious. I even shared it with my 1 year old daughter and she loved it, too!

(This amazingly delicious protein powder is more than your traditional shake. Quest Powders work as a hunger-stopping shake or as a high-protein baking alternative to traditional flour. Cheat clean with Quest Protein! $54.99/30 servings)

Yerba Prima Daily Fiber Formula:

Open packet and pour into an 8oz cup of water. Pretty simple. The flavor was citrus, not my favorite, but I decided to not judge a product by it's flavor. To my surprise, it wasn't a strong citrus flavor, so that was good. It was a little gritty. It didn't mix too well. I had to stir it halfway through drinking it and even when I got to the end of the cup, there was a lot of stuff left in the cup to finish. I've tried other products before (from other companies) and this same thing happened, so maybe this is normal? I don't know. This is not a product that I would need in my life and would probably not purchase it, however, if you need a daily dose of fiber, you may want to give this product a try. 

(Yerba Prima Daily Fiber Formula helps improve digestion to rid your body of excess waste and keeps your system running smoothly. Plus, this fiber formula is sugar free and sweetened with stevia! $14.64/12oz bottle)

Movit Energy Gummies:

Gummie Bears! Well, not really, but they look and taste just like that! I've been known to steal a bag or 5 from my kids stash and devour them. It's a weakness - don't judge.  These Movit Gummies were citrus, but really didn't taste citrus-y to me, but they were tasty. Now, here comes the skeptical part. I don't know that I believe these things work. Personally, I think it is a mind game. You take these gummies 20 minutes before you start your workout, so that gives you 20 minutes to psych yourself up for giving it your all (or 20 minutes to stall prior to pushing play) I didn't feel any different. That's just my 2 cents.

(Movit Energy Gummies use power-boosting ingredients like guarana, CoQ10, and folic acid to combat fatigue and help you perform your best! Movit Energy Gummies contain just 60 calories per serving. $15.00/12 packets)

Mediterra Bars:

At first glance, I notice that the flavor of this is Sundried Tomato & Basil. Sure, it's sounds good for a bag of chips or, I don't know, something else, but I was a little iffy on it being the flavor of a granola bar, however, I gave it a go and took my first bite. It was certainly a different kind of taste. The smell is certainly tomato & basil and it takes some getting used to. On the last bite, I thought it wasn't bad. It was different than what I'm typically used to eating, but I felt that I was eating healthy and I would certainly give the Mediterra Bar another shot. Plus, it's all natural, non-gmo and gluten-free. 

(Mediterra takes all-natural nutrient rich ingredients and packs them into a delicious and filling bar. Mediterra bars use real fruits and vegetables paired with fiber-rich grains and seeds to create a healthier snack option. $23.95/12 bars)

Earth's Care Anit-Itch Cream:

How convenient for this product to arrive as we are dealing with mosquito bites?! Perfect timing as we need to put an end to the itch, itch, itching going on. First things first, where is the safety seal? Most products have a seal that you must open after taking the lid off... this one did not. (I like safety seals. It gives me the satisfaction of knowing that someone else didn't use this product before me.) Anyway, I used the product first on my bug bite. It smells somewhat like Vicks Vapor Rub and when rubbed on the bite, the need to itch was gone. I also tried this on my 6 year old son and 8 year old daughter and they immediately stopped itching. Good job, Earth's Care! We like your product!!

(Relieve pain and itching associated with skin irritations such as poison ivy, sunburn, and minor cuts and scrapes. Earth's Care Anti-Itch Cream contains no artificial colors or fragrances and is petroleum free. $11.99/2.4oz tube)

Overall, I think the idea of the BuluBox is a fantastic one. Not every product is going to be a fan favorite and that's perfectly fine. What works for me may not work with everyone else and vice versa. I think it was pretty cool that 4 of the 5 samples were brands that I had never heard of. Ordering a monthly subscription to BuluBox is a great way to see what products are out there at an affordable cost.

Does this sound like something you'd like to try?

Want a discount to get you started? If you use the code SWEATPINK you'll get 50% off a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription on BuluBox.com

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