Nature's Bakery Fig Bars Review

 

Welcome to A Sampling Bee! Today, I share with you yummy fig bars from Nature's Bakery! These Stone Ground Whole Wheat Fig Bars come in 9 yummy flavors (One flavor is not pictured). Nature's Bakery has also created gluten-free fig bars for those who cannot have wheat.

Nature's Bakery was started in 2010 by a father and son team. Their missions was to create delicious, on-the-go snacks and food that complements health conscious living and everyday active lifestyles. Nature's Bakery products are Non-GMO verified, and Vegan & Kosher certified.

Flavors available:

• Fig
• Blueberry
• Raspberry
• Lemon
• Peach Apricot
• Apple Cinnamon
• Strawberry
• Mango
• Pumpkin Spice (Not pictured)

Each individual package has two fig bars. Each fig bar is 110 calories and contains 10 grams of sugar. The twin packs are great for sharing with a friend or family member.

My Thoughts

These aren't your average fig bar. I'd take a Nature's Bakery fig Bar or a fig newton any day! These fig bars are delicious and wholesome. They are a good size. One fig bar is enough to fill you up.

I love how there are so many flavors available. There is a flavor for everyone. I personally love the lemon flavor and the strawberry flavor. They all taste delicious. Full of flavor and whole wheat. Nature's Bakery Fig Bars are moist. The outer whole wheat is not dry, at all! The center of the fig bars are loaded with fruit and fig.

These fig bars are great for an every day snack. Great as a breakfast, too. Pack some for a road trip, camping or hiking. Perfect to satisfy a sweet tooth!

I received Nature's Bakery Fig Bars in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Visit Nature's Bakery!

 

~Melissa~

Great Kids Snack Subscription Box Review

 

Welcome to A Sampling Bee! Today, I share with you a subscription box full of healthy snacks for your kiddos! The Great Kids Snack Box is it's name. Healthy snacking made easy is it's game! This subscription box is perfect for parents that are always on the go with their kids.

When signing up for the Great Kids Snack Box, you can choose from 3 different plans. Plans include: 20 snacks per month, 30 snacks per month or 30 gluten-free snacks per month. Have your Great Kids Snack Box delivered to your office, home or to distant relatives. This monthly subscription box allows you and your family to discover new, healthy snacks each month. If you find a snack that you like, visit their website and you can buy that snack in bulk! Every snack that is in the box is organic and contains all-natural ingredients. The snacks come in on-the-go kid-friendly packaging.

Some of the Snacks/Brands in my first shipment included:

• Nature's Bakery- Fig Bars 
• WowButter
• Justin's- Almond Butter & Peanut Butter Cups
• Pop Chips
• Go Raw
• Cosmos Creations- Salted Caramel Puffed Corn
• One Bar
• Honey Stinger- Waffle
• Matt's Munchies- Fruit Snacks
• Annie Chun's
• Emerald- Nuts
• Wow Baking Company- Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Yum Earth Organics- Fruit Snacks
• Nature's Path
• Pure Organic
• Santa Barbara Bar
• NII Bar

My Thoughts

The snack brands that I listed above are just a few brands that are in this box. This snack box if full of goodies! This Great Kids Snack Box is great to bring to your child's soccer or baseball game. It's also great for birthday parties and school functions. My sons were thrilled to look through all of the snacks. They really love the Matt's Munchies Fruit Snacks and the Yum Earth Organic Fruit Snacks. There is a great variety and there is a snack for everyone to enjoy. All of the snacks are healthy so I won't have to worry about what my kids are eating. I highly recommend Great Kids Snacks. I love this subscription box! Yummy snacks!

20 snacks per month- $29.99
30 snacks per month- $39.99
30 gluten-free snacks per month- $45.95

Visit Great Kids Snacks HERE!

 

~Melissa~

Massage Envy 90 Minute Massage Review

 

Welcome to A Sampling Bee! Today, I share with you my experience at Massage Envy in Hagerstown, MD. The lovely people at this Massage Envy gave me a complimentary 90 minute massage in exchange for my review :) Read more below!

Massage Envy Hagerstown specializes in Massages and Facials. They offer these services at great prices. Massages start at $59.99 (One hour) and facials start at $69.99 (One hour Murad Facial).

When I walked into Massage Envy Hagerstown, MD, I was immediately greeted by soft music and a male named Ben. He helped me get checked in and offered me water. I had to fill out a short form which went over basic information, medical history and problem areas that I wanted addressed during my massage. After I was done filling out my paperwork, Ben brought me back to the location's
Relaxation Room. The Relaxation Room contains cozy couches and chairs, a water machine, magazines, TV and soft music. Ben also gave me a quick tour.

My Thoughts

My Massage Therapist was Dianna. She was sweet and I could tell that she was a little nervous. Getting onto the massage table, I got onto a warm table. This was the first time where I have had a massage where the table had a heated pad! It was so nice and warm! I immediately wanted to fall asleep. Dianna gives a great massage. But I must say, boy, was I sore for the next few days! She has rough hands. So, if you like heavy pressure, Dianna is your girl :)

Although I was not able to take any photos in the back rooms, I was allowed to take photos of the lobby and of the outside of the building. This Massage Envy was spotless! Not a thing was out of place. Not one speck of dirt anywhere! The bathrooms were clean and was well stocked with supplies including mouthwash. The linens on the massage table were so soft and cozy. I believe that Ben told me that there was a total of 14 rooms at this Massage Envy location in Hagerstown, MD. Some of those rooms in which are used for facials. The staff immediately makes you feel at home.

Book your massage or facial today! There are Massage Envy locations pretty much everywhere!

I received a complimentary massage in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Always!

Massage Envy Hagerstown
12814 Shank Farm Way Suite D
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Hours of Operation:
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday-Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday

P: 240-513-6981

~Melissa~

Capresso Cafe PRO Giveaway

The Cafe PRO is the perfect machine for any mother this Mother's Day. So often we give flowers and chocolates as a gift, but wouldn't you like to make a more lasting impression on the Mother in your life? This year choose to get her a stunning Capresso Cafe PRO. The Cafe PRO makes both cappuccinos and espresso, giving her the caffeine kick she craves! Don't let another Mother's Day go by without stepping out of the box and going beyond expectations. Make her heart melt (and beat a tad faster!) with the Cafe PRO.

This giveaway is hosted by MamtheFox and co-hosted by Pharr Away & Deliciously Savvy

Capresso Cafe PRO Espresso & Cappuccino Machine Giveaway MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

 

~Melissa~

Dell Cove Spices Girl Grilling Gift Set for Mother's Day Review

 

 

Welcome to A Sampling Bee! Mother's Day is right around the corner. Need a gift? Why not get mom a Girl Grilling Gift Set from Dell Cove Spices for her special day! Add this gift set to a gift basket full of grilling gear for mom. Grab some steaks, chicken & a veggie, and have a Mother's Day brunch!

 

Graze Snack Subscription Box Review

Hi! Welcome to A Sampling Bee. Today, I share with you Graze! Graze is a snack subscription box that allows you to snack on healthy goodies. When you sign up to Graze, you’ll be automatically signed up to receive a box either every week or every two weeks depending on where you are based in the US. Boxes are delivered Monday to Saturday, every day of the year the USPS delivers mail. Drop the chips and get yourself a weekly subscription to this awesome, yummy box!

Graze was started by seven friends. They were tired of snacking on the same ole candy and chips. They invented Graze because they wanted something healthier to snack on. The team on seven friends quit their jobs and started the company that now has developed over 100 delicious snacks.

With millions of snack combinations including fruit, wholesome treats and dips & dippers, there is a snack for everyone. Graze is always inventing new items which means you'll always be snacking on something different. There are several different boxes to choose from. Some of those include:

• 8 snack variety box
• sweet treat box
• breakfast box
• carb count box
• flapjack box
• sugar count box

Pick the perfect box for you. :) Each snack comes in a portion controlled package. Choose a box of 4 snacks for 8. Graze is NOT suitable for people with allergies. As a lot of their snacks contain nuts.

 

My Graze box contained 8 snacks:

 

• Protein Cashew Kick- Chili lime cashews, spicy chickpeas & garlic sesame sticks
• Snickerdoodle Dip- with cinnamon pretzel sticks
• Honeycomb Almond Granola- oat & barley granola, chocolate coated honeycomb & soya protein crispies
• Triple Berry Smoothie- mini strawberries, blueberries, cranberries & chewy banana slices

 

• Apple Crumble- soft apple pieces, raisins & honey almonds
• Italian Herb Focaccia- basil breadsticks, rosemary crostini, roasted pumpkin seeds & smoked almonds
• Creamy Ranch Kern Pops- creamy ranch popped corn kernels
• Cocoa & Vanilla Protein Flapjack- rustic rolled oat flapjack with mixed seeds

My Thoughts

Graze is one of my favorite subscription boxes. The snacks are delicious and flavorful. The size of the individually packaged snacks is perfect to satisfy a craving. In the box, there were salty snacks and sweet snacks. A few of them, including the cocoa & vanilla flapjacks, were perfect for breakfast. The snickerdoodle dip was great for an afternoon snack. The honeycomb almond granola makes the perfect topping for yogurt. I added some of the triple berry smoothie to my cereal.

Out of all of the snacks, my two favorites are the Italian herb focaccia and the protein cashew kick. Both of these snacks were amazing! I know that these snacks are portion controlled, but I wanted more of these two! My family and I enjoyed every one of these treats.

Graze's snacks aren't your ordinary snacks. These are much healthier and tastier. They are snacks that you can't find anywhere else and they are made with love! I highly recommend this subscription box!

 I received a Graze subscription box in order to create this review. All opinions are my own. Always!

Sign up for Graze HERE  | $11.99

~Melissa~
 

*affiliate link

600lb Gorillas Frozen Ready to Bake Cookie Dough Review

 

Hi there! Welcome to A Sampling Bee! Today I share with you Frozen Ready to Bake Cookie Dough from 600lb. Gorillas! Each box contains 18 frozen, ready-to-bake cookie dough balls. Only want to bake 4 cookies? No problem! 600lb Gorillas gives you that option.

600lb. Gorilla Cookies are all natural and are made with real butter and brown sugar. Only premium ingredients are used when making these cookies. 600lb. Gorillas Cookies come in 2 flavors: Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin.

Allergy Information: Contains eggs, milk, soy & wheat. Manufactured in a facility that uses tree nuts & peanuts.

 Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with chunks of white chocolate.

 

Chocolate Chip Cookies with semi-sweet chunks & milk chocolate chips.

 

600 lb. Gorillas also make ice cream sandwiches. This one is homemade. I used 2 600lb. Gorillas Chocolate Chip Cookies and vanilla bean ice cream. A delicious after dinner dessert that can be made fast!

 

 

My Thoughts

 

 

I really love the convenience of ready-to-bake cookies. It's so easy to just throw a couple into the oven or toaster oven. The cookies only take about 10 minutes to bake. Which I great for when you need a last minute dessert. You're guests will think that these awesome cookies were homemade!

 

These cookies bake perfectly. I really love the Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are soft, chewy and loaded with flavor. After taking one bite, I could tell that these cookies are made with only the best ingredients. The chocolate chip cookies are loaded with gooey chocolate. The oatmeal raisin cookies are loaded with raisins and white chocolate. They taste like homemade cookies. My family loves them :) Serve a few of these cookies with a cold glass of milk and you have a perfect dessert.

 

The owner of the company, Paula, named her company 600lb Gorillas because she wanted a name that would stand out. I think the name is different and fits the brand perfectly. I highly recommend these cookies!

 

I received free products from 600lb Gorillas in exchnage for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Always! Thanks, Paula!

 

Where to Buy

 

~Melissa~

 



*affiliate link

8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids Book Review

 

Hi! Welcome to A Sampling Bee! Today, I share with you a book about 8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids! This book is written by Dr. Todd Cartmell. It's designed for busy parents. The book contains 8 chapter which are each broken down into 5 short chapters.

"I love my child, but parenting is hard."
 Whether you find parenting intuitive or impossible, we could all use a hand here and there. Let child psychologist and father Todd Cartmell walk you through the nuts and bolts of healthy, effective parenting.
Using examples from his home and 20 years of professional practice, Todd gives eight essential and practical tools to help you:

• Maintain a healthy relationship with your child
• Develop a nurturing home culture
• Correct behavior in lasting ways

208 pages

About the Author

TODD CARTMELL is a child psychologist who practices in Wheaton, Illinois. He received his doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary and is the author of several parenting books, including 8 Simple Tools. His parenting workshops have been enjoyed by thousands of parents throughout the country. Visit Dr. Todd's website at www.drtodd.net and follow him on Facebook.

 

My Thoughts

I really enjoy reading this book. It's very informative as to how to raise your kids. I know parenting can be tough sometime, but, this book reminds us that we need to slow down and be calm.

Each chapter is 3-4 pages long. I found that the book was real easy to read and is great for both mom and dad. As well as grandparents and aunts and uncles.

Throughout the book are tips and considerations. As well as questions. At the end of each chapter there is enough space for taking notes. At the very end of the book, Dr. Cartmell summarizes all of the tips. This is great to look back on.

All-in-all, I highly recommend this book. It's a great read! Use code GREATKIDS on www.8simpletools.com/purchase-with-offer and receive 50% off the price! Offer valid April 15, 2016 thru May 15, 2016.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

~Melissa~

Seafood Fra Diavolo Featuring Nello's Hot & Spicy Sauce

Hi! Welcome to A Sampling Bee! Has anyone ever had Seafood Fra Diavolo before? If not, I will be sharing with you an awesome recipe today! This recipe features Nello's Hot & Spicy Sauce. I must say, this sauce is perfect for this Seafood Fra Diavolo recipe! Let's get cookin'!

Seafood Fra Diavolo Featuring Nello's Hot & Spicy Sauce

 

 

Ingredients

 

1/2 pound of fresh, uncooked shrimp. Peeled & Deveined

1 bag (2 lbs.) Canadian Mussels, rinsed

1/2 pound fresh scallops or 1/2 pound fresh calamari tubes, cut into 1/8 inch rings(I used scallops)

2 tbsp. Italian Classics Hot Pepper Spread

4 cups Nello's Hot & Spicy Sauce (you'll need 2 jars)

1 package (16oz.) Linguine, cooked per package directions

 

Directions

 

1. Toss shrimp, scallops and pepper spread in a bowl. Marinate, covered, for at least 30 minutes in refrigerator. (Use 2 separate bowls. 1 for shrimp, 1 for scallops)
2. Heat sauce in braising pan on MED heat; bring to simmer. Add Shrimp; cook for 30 seconds. Add mussels; stir to combine. Cover; cook, about 6 minutes, until mussels begin to open.
3. Stir in scallops. Cover; cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat (discard any unopened mussels). Add cooked linguine; tossing to coat.
4. Enjoy!

Servings: 8

Serving Size: 1 cup pasta, 1 1/2 cup seafood & sauce

Active Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 420 per serving

 

Toss shrimp, scallops and pepper spread in a bowl. Marinate, covered, for at least 30 minutes in refrigerator. (Use 2 separate bowls. 1 for shrimp, 1 for scallops)

 

 

Heat sauce in braising pan on MED heat; bring to simmer. Add Shrimp; cook for 30 seconds. Add mussels; stir to combine. Cover; cook, about 6 minutes, until mussels begin to open.

 

Stir in scallops. Cover; cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat (discard any unopened mussels). Add cooked linguine; tossing to coat.

 

 Enjoy!

 

 

This was the first time I made this recipe and it turned out really well! I have to say, it was SO good. And, spicy. Which I love! I had 2 bowls. Haha! This recipe was super easy to make. I would definitely recommend using a large pot so that there is extra room for stirring. There was only one thing missing.. BREAD! C'mon, Melissa, how do you forget the bread! Oops!

 

I used scallops instead of calamari because Wegman's did not have fresh calamari on the day that I went. I think the recipe came out perfect with the scallops.

 

Nello's Hot & Spicy Sauce makes this dish complete. This sauce is so flavorful and spicy. If Nello's Hot & Spicy Sauce is not near you, visit the RETAILERS list. If you visit Nellositaly.com, you can also enter to win sauce!

 

I found this recipe via Wegman's. If you do not have a Wegman's near you and you would like to try this recipe, you should be able to get their Hot Pepper Spread on their website. If you have any questions, please ask! :)

 

I am a "mombassador" for Nello's Sauce. I received free sauce :)

 

~Melissa~

 

Slender Seven Cookie Dough Review

 

Hi! Happy Monday! Did everyone enjoy their weekend? Today, I share with you a yummy cookie dough from Slender Seven. Slender Seven Cookie Dough is made with organic chickpeas or black beans. It's unlike any other cookie dough! Read more below :)

Slender Seven Cookie Dough is made with 7 ingredients or less. It's healthy and completely eggless. Slender Seven's Cookie Dough is 100% natural and the company uses only organic and non-GMO ingredients. These ingredients provide a great source of protein, fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats. The ingredients are identifiable and completely free of hydrogenated oils, trans fats and preservatives.

Allergy Friendly

• No Gluten or Flour
• No Dairy (Vegan)
• No Soy
• No Peanuts
• No Eggs
• Low Sugar

Slender Seven Cookie Dough comes in 2 flavors: Choco-chick(made with garbanzo beans) and Choco-fudge(made with black beans).

 

 

I tried the Choco-chick flavor.

 

My Thoughts

With garbanzo beans or black beans being the primary ingredient, this cookie dough is super healthy for you. This choco-chick Cookie Dough is so good raw. It's creamy and tastes just like normal cookie dough. If I was handed regular cookie dough and Slender Seven's Cookie Dough, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference flavor wise. The chocolate chips melt in your mouth and are a good touch to the garbanzo beans.

You can bake this cookie dough just like you'd bake every day cookie dough. But, I recommend that you try it raw. It tastes a lot better that way. It's really great that it is nut-free, gluten-free and dairy-free. It's a cookie dough that everyone can enjoy. Bring Slender Seven cookies to a birthday party. Your kids won't know the difference!

I met the owner, Nikki, at Whole Foods one afternoon and she agreed to let me do a blog review. She is the nicest person! Nikki gave me a free sample in exchange for a blog review. All opinions are my own!

 Look for Slender Seven Cookie Dough in a store near you soon!

~Melissa~

db's Jerky Co. Beef Jerky Review

Happy Monday! I am a HUGE beef jerky fan. I contacted db's Jerky Co. on Etsy because the jerky looked amazing! Andrew immediately sent me 3 different flavors of his jerky to try. Each batch of his jerky is made from hand cut, fresh London broil.

The 3 flavors that Andrew sent me to try were Black Pepper, Mango Habanero and Sweet Thai Chili. The jerky is made to order so it'll be super fresh upon arrival to your home.

Mango Habanero- London Broil, Soy Sauce, Fresh Mangos, Fresh Habanero Peppers, Garlic Powder, Mesquite Smoke Flavor, Brown Sugar, Honey.

Sweet Thai Chili- London Broil, soy sauce, thai chili, brown sugar, mesquite smoke, garlic powder.

Black Pepper- London Broil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Mesquite smoke flavor.

My Thoughts

I was right. This jerky is amazing! Each one of these jerkies is full of awesome flavor.The meat is moist and not super hard to chew.  I love them all but I especially like the Black Pepper. My husband's favorite was the Sweet Thai Chili. He says it was "awesome" and the best he's ever had. If you are a jerky lover like me, I recommend this jerky. If you like a spicy jerky, go with the Mango Habanero. It's super spicy and delicious! It's by far the best jerky that I have had. db's homemade jerky is so much better than that store bought stuff. Shop local, shop small!

Visit db's Jerky Co. on Etsy! Do you like beef jerky? If so, tell me what your favorite flavor is in the comments below :)

I received jerky from db's Jerky Co. in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Always!

~Melissa~