Colorful Silicone Baking Cups By Brengs Review

Gone are the days of me using a metal cupcake/muffin pans and cupcake liners ever since I discovered the perks and advantages of using silicone baking cups. I fell in love the first time I tried it and recently, I was sent a set of Silicone Baking Cups by Brengs.

Since we love, or should I say my daughters, love cupcakes, I always bake cupcakes at home so before discovering baking cups, I've used tons of cupcake liners for our cupcakes.

The Silicone Baking Cups by Brengs are perfect for baking cupcakes but can be used for other mini treats and desserts as well like chessecakes, as a fruit bowl, gelatin mold, chocolate lined desserts, mini pot pies, quiche and a lot more. They take a lot less space than muffin pans because they're stackable. Each set has 12 standard sized reusable cups which includes 4 vibrant colors. It's oven safe up to 450 Degrees Farenheit or 230 Degrees Celsius. It's made of high quality, 100% non-stick food grade silicone and is dishwasher/freezer and microwave safe.

So when the Brengs' Silicone Baking Cups arrived, I immediately noticed the 4 vibrant colors of the cups. The individual cups are very bendy but goes back to it's original form even if i tried crumpling them. My daughters "helped" (that means made the cupcake preparation messier and longer :)) me with mixing the cupcake batter and putting them on each cup. I had to help them after they each filled a baking cup because it took them 5 minutes each to fill up a baking cup. :)

Here's a photo of the empty Brengs' Silicone Baking Cups and an after photo of the cupcakes.

I had to test the non-stick feature of the silicone baking cups because this for me is very important. I don't like using extra grease to coat muffin pans or any other baking pans for that matter and I avoid to do it as much as I can because I don't like the greasy texture in the bottom of baked goodies. So for these batch of cupcakes, I skipped the grease and tested the non-stick capabilities of the Brengs' Silicone Baking Cups. When I turned the silicone cup sideways, the cupcake fell on my hand easily which is great! This means it really is non-stick and  I wouldn't have a hard time cleaning the silicone cups because there are almost no remnants of the cupcake in the cups.

So here are the things I loved about the Silicone Baking Cups by Brengs:
1. Reusable - No more cupcake liners for me.
2.Colorful - My daughters love the 4 colors available. They liked the pink and the purple one the most. :)
3. Non-stick - I hate pre-greasing the bottom of my pans so I love that it's truly non-stick.
4. Easy to Clean - Since they're non-stick, the cupcakes fall off easily so there are almost no remnants on the silicone cups. This means I can clean it easily.

The Silicone Baking Cups by Breng is a great addition to my baking tools and I love it because I don't have to buy cup liners again because they're reusable. Cleaning them is also not a hassle at all because since it's non-stick, the cupcakes doesn't stick on the baking cups so almost no remnant remains on the cups. I can't wait to try to make other treats here like cupcake molded Jell-O and cheesecakes. :)

You can purchase the Silicone Baking Cups by Brengs on Amazon for just $8.49 for a set of 12.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Custom Water Labels by ICustomLabel Review + Giveaway - 10/20 US/CAN

I've been to different parties, celebrations (holiday and the likes) and gatherings and I noticed a trend going on. The customized labels for party giveaways (samples are soaps, chocolate bars), water bottles and other party goodies are becoming more and more popular. I thought this is a nice idea because for celebrations and parties, it's a great way to make the celebration or party more personalized and well-thought. For gatherings and social events, it's a great way to promote a product or company.

iCustomLabel is a company that specializes in producing high quality customized and personalized labels. They use a professional series digital press allowing them to produce a very high quality label. They make labels for the following:

- Address Labels
- Beer Labels
- Candy Labels
- Food Jar Labels
- Water Labels
- Wine Labels
- Gift Tags
- Candles
- Cupcake Toppers
- Champagne/Mini Wine

iCustomLabel sent me set of their water bottle label which has 24 pcs. of labels. First, let me tell you how many designs there were to choose from! They have label designs for almost all occasions! Plus, if you have a custom design you created, they can do that as well. I spent a lot of time deciding what occasion and design of water bottles I wanted because all their designs are nice! After several minutes, I finally chose a Halloween water bottle label because Halloween is just around the corner. Their site allowed me to customize my water labels but I found it a bit hard to navigate through their customization page. I didn't quite figure how to use the customization page in their site which includes adding a picture or adding a text of your own. The customized text and picture can only be placed on specific parts of the labels which for me doesn't match the design I chose. So, I skipped with the customization and just ordered a very cute Halloween-themed label. This was enough for me since the prints are so cute and I know my daughters would love it.

When the labels arrived, I noticed how pretty and how high quality the iCustom water labels are. The labels have a 2" x 8" dimension and is glossy. It's made of Polypropylene and is 100% waterproof. The colors are very vibrant and even though I didn't get to customize it with my daughters' picture, I was satisfied with the design of the labels and how it looked. They were very easy to stick on the water bottles and the length was just enough to cover a bottle. The iCustomLabel water labels also stayed on the water bottles even when the water bottle started "sweating".

I wouldn't hesitate ordering water bottle labels from them again or to try other personalized labels in the future because they offer high quality printed labels. :) The set they sent me is priced at $14.99 but the more sets you order, the cheaper the price. :)

You can visit their WEBSITE to learn more about their other customized labels.

Now who would like to win a set of custom water bottle labels?! :) Just head on to the rafflecopter form below to enter! :) Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY: 1 Winner will receive A Set (24 Labels) of iCustomLabel Water Label Bottles. My giveaway would start October 4, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST and will end October 20, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST. This will be open to US and CAN residents only. The prize cannot be shipped to a P.O. box address. Winners will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. Mygreatfinds is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. No other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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.

SiliGuy: A Flexible Cell Phone Holder Review

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

HANDS-FREE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
- Relying so much on cell phones and never have enough hands available... If you are driving on-the-go, too busy to hold your phone, wouldn't it be great to have a simple solution for this? What if these stresses just went away?
- The SiliGuy - The most universally diverse car mount allows you to be hands-free, anywhere.
- As a car mount, the SiliGuy's got your phone, as it hangs from your rearview mirror, steering wheel... any place where you stay visually connected to your phone.
- Using the speakerphone or GPS... you can keep your hands safely on the wheel. 

FLEXIBILITY TIMES TWO:
- SiliGuy is made of top quality silicon, Flexibly & Securely fitting Innumerous Devices AND Provide the FLEXIBILITY To Use Almost Anywhere.
- Super flexibility allows for you to adjust hanging position.
- Easy-flex arms and legs puts control of position in your hands. 

CREATIVELY SOLVES LIFE'S PROBLEMS
-Great car mount, but more than just a car mount
-Secure to bike
-Gym equipment
-In the kitchen for eRecipes
-Hang while charging phone
-Secures power cord

The SiliGuy has got to be one of the simplest yet smartest accessory I've tried. It's very flexible and bend-y and at the same time durable. I can face the "feet" of the SiliGuy forward and it'll support a smartphone easily. The arms "hug' the smartphone snuggly so it wouldn't fall off. The handle bar fits almost any bar or handle and it stays in place.

The "feet" of the SiliGuy can be folded backwards so that the smartphone would stand on a table or any flat surface. Be careful not to lift it though or the smartphone would slide downwards because the "feet" isn't supporting the bottom of the smartphone. :)

I think the SiliGuy is a perfect smartphone accessory so you can be hands-free when driving or exercising in a machine. The SiliGuy can hold almost any smartphone and is flexible enough to be bended to accommodate the size of the smartphone.

You can purchase the SiliGuy on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are honest and my own and no other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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.

Smart Weigh 500 x 0.01g Digital Pro Pocket Scale Review

I've tried and reviewed different kinds of scales but honestly, this is the first time I got a pocket scale to review. When I received the Smart Weight 500 x 0.01g Digital Pro Pocket Scale, I couldn't wait to test it.

The Smart Weigh Digital Pro Pocket Scale is lightweight, accurate and reliable. It is sleek and portable with a 3.94" x 3.7" platform. It has a clear LCD screen with a bright blue back light for easier readings. Weight display can be changed to grams, ounces, OZT, dwt, GN and CT.  It can be used to weigh letters, jewelry and cooking ingredients up to 500 grams in 0.01 increments. It can also double up as a postal scale and the PCS function gives an accurate count. The HOLD function is used to lock weight readings. The 2 AAA batteries needed are already included and has a 2-minute auto shut-off feature. There's also a TARE function to provide net weight.

The Smart Weigh Pro Pocket Scale is enclosed in 2 clear plastic casings which I think can be used as a container when weighing products like powders, sequins, beads, and the likes. I had to pull the plastic tab before my initial use.

I tried weighing a bell pepper and tried the TARE function as well.

The Smart Weigh Digital Pro Pocket Scale is very easy to use. It is also very portable and light so I can bring it easily with me. The clear casings protect the scale from scratches and at the same time can double up as a container for smaller, harder to weigh items. The TARE function is a big plus for me because it zeroes out the weight of the container. This is not an experience from a pocket scale but I had an experience where I had to weigh my baggage (to avoid an over-sized baggage) and because the digital bathroom scale has no TARE function, I had to take my weight first then carry the baggage with me, then compute the weight of the baggage by subtracting my actual weight from the actual weight. Whew! Yes, that's a bit unrelated but for the TARE function, it kind of does because I don't have to compute anymore, and on a side note, I wish my digital bathroom scale has a TARE function too. :)

I haven't tried the PCS function yet but from what I read in the instructions, here's what I understood. Suppose you want to get 100 pcs. of beads for a project. Time consuming to count right? With the Smart Weigh, you can TARE the weight of the container, put 10 pcs. (or how many pcs you like) of the beads on the container, press the PCS button then enter the number of beads you placed. Now, add more beads and the Smart Weigh will count the number of beads you place. No more counting until a 100! :)

The Smart Weigh is very sensitive because it can weigh even an empty envelope. I love that because I don't have to guess how much my letter weighs and I won't have to deal with returned letters due to insufficient postage. :) This is a very useful tool for me and can't even imagine why I haven't thought of getting a pocket scale before.

You can purchase the Smart Weigh on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are honest and my own and no other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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.

The Hardest Peace By Kara Tippets Book Review + Giveaway 10/15 US/CAN

About the book:

Kara Tippetts knows the ordinary days of mothering four kids, the joy of watching her children grow…and the devastating reality of stage-IV cancer. 
In The Hardest Peace, Kara invites readers to see the grace of the everyday in all seasons of life and to live well even when the living is hard. This book is an invitation to join her in moving away from fear and control and toward peace and grace. Just as the thousands of people who read her blog know, Tippetts explores the hardest questions of life with rare beauty and honesty. Most of all, she draws them back to the God who is present, in the ordinary and the suffering, and shapes every life into the best story of all.

About Kara:

Kara Tippetts and her husband, Jason, have four children and are planting a church in Colorado Springs, CO. Cancer is only part of Kara’s story. Her real fight is to truly live while facing a crushing reality. She blogs faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com.

MY REVIEW:

I've always thought life was hard for my family (mom, brothers and sister) when we were growing up but after reading Kara's book, I realized that we were blessed because of our mom and grandfather. Similar to Kara's dad, our dad punished us with belt slapping (instead of a paddle) on our butts. I don't think it's wrong because we grew up into mature adults but I don't think it's right either. Kara's outlook in life is very admirable and I admire her on that. I try to imagine and put my shoes into Kara's shoes and I don't think I'll be able to live life the way she's living now. She's so strong, loving, full of faith and hope. Cancer for me is not something to be thankful about but in a way, she's blessed because there are a lot of people supporting and loving her. I love the questions at the end of each chapter because it makes me think and see how blessed I am in my life. The verses and quotes included are also very nice because it makes me reflect on the blessings I have. This book is a must-read for those who feels like life has been unfair to them. This book gave me hope, inspiration and made me realize that I should be thankful for a lot of things in my life.

Do you like to win a copy of The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippets? Just head on to the rafflecopter below to enter. Good Luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

DISCLAIMER: 1 Winner will receive a copy of The Hardest Peace by Kara Tippets. My giveaway would start October 2, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST and will end October 15, 2014 at 12:00 AM PST. This will be open to US and CAN residents only. The prize cannot be shipped to a P.O. box address. Winners will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. I am not responsible for prize fulfillment. My role is to give the sponsor the information of the winner and they will directly ship the prize to the winner. I have received a product/s mentioned above to in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own and are not influenced in any way. No other form of compensation was received. I do not share or sell information and all information shared with me will solely be used for prize shipment. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.

Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream From Body Merry Review

Do you have cellulite? Well, don't be alarmed because according to an article on the NY Daily News, 80 to 90% of women have some kind of cellulite on their body. I am part of that huge percentage and I try my best to keep my cellulite minimal as much as I can. I am bound to have cellulite and currently have them because it's in my genes so I love trying out products which might help minimize my cellulite.

I received the Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream. Here's a product description from the company:

Combat cellulite with our unique Caffeine + Retinol + Seaweed formula. This gel-cream has a strong caffeine content with the optimum level of retinol (0.4%), as recommended by experts. For good measure, we’ve also added potent natural and organic ingredients such as algae extract, kelp, coconut oil, japanese green tea leaf extract and cayenne. Like all our products, it is free from harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

The gel-cream consistency is designed to spread over large areas and it absorbs quickly into your skin. The cream is infused with a refreshing 100% natural ‘mint - green tea - lime’ fragrance, that barely leaves a trace once fully absorbed.

In a nutshell, Body Merry’s Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream is your ticket to visibly reducing the appearance of unwanted bumps and lumps and getting skin that feels and looks tighter, smoother and younger!

The Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream from Body Merry arrived in a white and red box. The plastic jar has is sealed inside to prevent the gel-cream from spilling. When I opened the seal, the gel-cream looks like a pudding/yogurt and has a cream color. The scent is a bit overpowering and for me, smells somewhat minty/menthol-y (sorry made up that word :)). Since I have cellulite on my thighs and buttocks, I tried applying the cream there.

The Body Merry's Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream is not as thick as it looks like once I dipped my hand in the jar. The consistency isn't actually as thick as it looks. It has a bit of a runny/condensed milk consistency. It is cool to the touch and once applied, it has this cooling effect on my thighs and buttocks. The scent of the gel-cream stays strong for more than 10 minutes before it gradually lessens. I like that it doesn't feel greasy at all and I can easily spread it. It also absorbs quickly and is light on the skin.

As far as the results, I haven't noticed anything drastic, that means buh-bye cellulite, but I did notice less dimples on my thighs. I do and have been exercising (squats for most of the time) for a few months now so I think both the exercise and the Body Merry Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream helped with my cellulite. I do like that I didn't have any skin reactions to the cream and will continue to use it.

You can visit the Body Merry Website to learn more about their products. You can also purchase the Cellulite Defense Gel-Cream on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are honest and my own and no other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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.

Children Picture Book : Animals Tails Review

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Animals Tails is not "JUST" a Book. It's really a good book.
This book describes animals and what they do with their tails. Join us and meet the Elephant, Giraffe, Fox, Cats and more. 
The book is a great book for kids to read alone or with their parents.
The book contains great animals tails pictures. 
Great book for KIDS.

MY REVIEW:

I have some ideas about the mood of dogs based on their tails because of my dog before. I know when he's happy, when he's upset and when he's angry just by looking at his tail. I also knew about peacocks, because of a story I read when I was younger, but that's about it. The Animal Tails feature 26 pages of Animal Tails and what their tails do. My daughters, who are 3 and 6, were so excited when I read this to them. This is a perfect book before bedtime and the pictures, which are photos of real animals, were nice. They easily understood the words when I read it to them although my 6 year old can't read most of the words yet. My 3 year old daughter loved looking at the photos. This is a simple book with simple facts for children.

You can purchase it on Amazon.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a sample for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I tried personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are honest and my own and no other form of compensation was received. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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.