Thursday, April 30, 2015

Capture the Adventure with the VTech Kidizoom Action Cam! {Review & Giveaway}

VTech logo
Although I'm not always completely impressed with some of the new technological advances, there are always those that do peak my interest. Tablets easily made life more portable, touchscreens have provided access with (literally) one finger, and, most recently, action cameras provide a new and unique look at the world.

No matter if we're seeing life from the end of a surfboard or from the viewpoint of a family pet, action cameras are built to capture outdoor activities from a variety of angles. But, even though they're typically small, light, waterproof, and shockproof so that they can handle whatever activity is thrown at them, the idea of turning one over to a child is cringe-inducing.

Hundreds of dollars on a device that is then going to be attached to my kid's bike and, considering Big Sister E's steering capabilities, quite possibly driven straight into a bush, followed by the sidewalk? Or worn on Little Sister B's wrist when she manages to stumble on the grass and go rolling head over heels? I'm sorry, that just wouldn't be fun for me.

Fortunately, there is a new option for active children to get out and explore the world around them while capturing memories in an extremely safe, kid-friendly, dependable way thanks to the VTech Kidizoom Action Cam!

Kidizoom Action Cam

Durable, easy-to-use, and kid-tough, the Kidizoom Action Cam allows children of all ages (designed for 4+) to see and record the world in so many ways. Whether they're out on a bike ride, at the skate park, diving into the pool or simply having a backyard adventure, this camera is the perfect way to bring big technology to a new generation of active kids.

I have always been amazed at the way that VTech manages to take the latest and greatest (and highly expensive) devices and create a version that is perfect for children. What kid wouldn't love carrying this Action Cam or mounting it to their helmet, bike, skateboard, scooter or more?

VTech Kidizoom Action Camera

Unsurprisingly, Big Sister E and Little Sister B were extremely eager to open our Kidizoom Action Cam so that they could start using it. I couldn't blame them!

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam pieces

Right out of the box it was clear that everything we needed had been included: the Action Cam featuring a 1.4" color LCD screen, rechargeable battery, waterproof case for underwater adventures, two mounts and accessories, wrist strap, and a micro USB cable for data transfer and battery charging (not pictured).

The only thing that a child would need to start recording hours of fun is an outdoor adventure and a microSD card (as this device includes an expandable memory up to 32GB, which translates to 278,000+ photos and thousands of minutes of video). Then it is time to get active and start exploring the world!

It didn't take long before we had familiarized ourselves with the Action Cam buttons and controls and were ready to take it outside and give it a go.

Kidizoom Action Cam controls

This couldn't be much easier!

Photos or videos are taken by using the clearly-labeled buttons, while adding different effects to them only takes another few seconds. My kids immediately loved being able to select from the different colors, frames, borders, filters, and more to give their pictures and videos some added fun!

Kidizoom camera effects

But while my girls were happy simply holding onto the Kidizoom Action Cam and capturing their playtime and laughter...

kids action camera

...there was no doubt that we needed to put this to the test with even more motion.

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam bike

Attaching the camera to the holder, the mount to the bike, and the holder to the mount took a matter of minutes and it was immediately evident that it really was securely held in place. No worries about this falling or dropping when it was snapped in tightly (but also easily adjustable)!

Big Sister E couldn't wait to see what her journey would look like when she was done and, in a flash, was biking down the block with the Action Cam rolling.

VTech kids gopro

What fun! Ever since that first ride, both kids have had a blast with the Kidizoom Action Cam and absolutely love seeing the photos and videos that they can take on their own, whether they are moving or not.

As much as it has taken some getting used to turning around and finding this pretty much nonstop...

VTech camera

...I have to admit that it is pretty great to get caught up in their excitement seeing what they have captured on their adventures.

See for yourself!


I, on the other hand, am thrilled knowing that this high quality camera can keep up with whatever my kids put it through (it has been dropped multiple times already); that it saves power by automatically turning off after a short period when no buttons are pressed; and that it is so easy to connect to my computer to download the kids' files. Who doesn't need one more way to save and share about their awesome children?

At the same time, for such a small device, the Kidizoom Action Cam contains a wide variety of features that have kept my kids interested in playing with it over and over again. If they ever aren't in the mood to take standard photos or video, they simply use the controls to switch over to the three built-in games, stop motion feature, time-lapse options, and more!

Kidizoom Action Cam games

Overall, this is one tech toy created with a kid-durable design to withstand drops and bumps for no worries about everyday play, yet it can provide the detail and capabilities of adult video gear that costs hundreds more!

Retailing for $59.99 in two vibrant color options — yellow/black and the purple we received — the Kidizoom Action Cam will be available from Walmart.com on May 1st, in local Walmart stores May 11th, and elsewhere nationwide this summer. As well as heading to the VTech website to find out more about this incredible gadget, be sure to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter to discover all of their high quality products.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon get to see why their child will enjoy having the ability to capture their adventures big and small as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Kidizoom Action Cam from VTech!

VTech Kidizoom Action Cam - yellow


A big thank you to VTech for providing a Kidizoom Action Cam for me to facilitate my review as well as an additional Kidizoom Action Cam for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Three Great Reasons to Clean Your Car this Spring from WaterSavers {Visa Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway!}

WaterSavers logo
Now that winter seems to finally be over here in the Midwest (I just jinxed it, didn't I? If it snows one more time...), people everywhere are throwing open their windows, packing up their down jackets and turning their faces to the sky to enjoy the long-awaited sunshine.

However, while our homes and closets are often high on the list for a spring-inspired overhaul, it is just as important to remember that our vehicles also benefit from revitalization as the seasons change.

You put your vehicle through a lot this winter, so it's time to turn to WaterSavers, a consumer awareness campaign from the International Carwash Association (ICA), for all of their great tips to take care of any damage done by this year's harsh winter and keep your car in optimal shape for spring and summer.

ICA WaterSavers

WaterSavers is committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly car washes that use less fresh water and return clean water back into the environment. Who doesn't want to support that?

No matter if you live in an area that had a mild winter or you experienced the deep freeze and snow like we did, here are WaterSavers' three great reasons to clean your car this spring:

1. Your car is a reflection of who you are.

There's no question your car is a reflection on you. Whether it's all about horsepower, efficient gas mileage or four-wheel drive, your vehicle represents who you are, where you've been and where you intend to go. The design, form and function are extensions of your style and personality.

So, if you haven’t given it a wash in a while, what does that say about you? You wouldn’t walk out the door without a shower, a shave and a little spruce up. (Would you?) So why shouldn’t you show that same respect for your car?

From dirt and dust to grit and grime, give that car its reflective shine at a WaterSavers car wash. WaterSavers professional car washes use an average of 40 gallons of fresh water or less per car, according to the International Carwash Association (as a frame of reference, that 10 minute shower you took used 25 gallons of fresh water).

WaterSavers washes also recycle and filter the water to prevent harmful chemicals from entering groundwater supplies that feed rivers and streams. To find a WaterSavers car wash near you, visit WashWithWaterSavers.com!

eco-friendly car wash

2. Regular car washes protect your paint job.

That beautiful factory paint job will dull and begin to chip away if you don't maintain it. Regularly washing your car and waxing it will help keep your car looking as good as it did when you pulled out of the dealer lot.

3. Professional car washes help maintain the value of the vehicle.

You might be more inclined to spend money on engine issues than the car's exterior, but stains and rusting can drastically decrease the value of the vehicle over time. Especially after a long winter, exposure to the elements can cause damage. Professional car washes thoroughly clean the undercarriage of your vehicle, where there may be a buildup of road salt that could cause corrosion to the car's exhaust and muffler system.

Car Wash undercarriage

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home – it's a smart thing to do for your vehicles, too. A few simple steps can help boost your vehicle's integrity and beauty while maintaining its value, plus you might even regain that new-car smell!

For much more great information and tips on how to take care of your vehicle, conserve water, and more visit WashWithWaterSavers.com and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will be even more prepared to take care of their vehicle this month and beyond, because...

One lucky person will win a WaterSavers Prize Pack (total ARV $100)*!

WaterSavers Spring 2015 Prize Package
*Prize Pack includes (1) $30 Visa gift card, (1) auto kit with jumper cables, gloves, flash light, reflective cones and other must-have tools, and (1) sunshade for protecting your car from the blazing sun.


A big thank you to ICA for providing a prize pack for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Hallmark’s Request a Song Mimi Stuffed Animal {Review}

Hallmark logo
There is no question that stuffed animals hold a magical spot in the hearts of children (and, ahem, adults) everywhere.

Their plush softness, their extra huggability, their cute looks, the way that they are there for comfort when you're down or to celebrate when you're happy... stuffed animals have been, and most likely always will be, a child's lifelong best friend.

So, really, how can they be made any better?

Thanks to Hallmark, a fuzzy plush now has the ability to be more than just that. Because now a stuffed animal can provide an entertaining, interactive experience with the new Request a Song Mimi!

Request a Song Mimi

Arriving with a library of seven cheerful songs, Mimi works using iReply technology to recognize her human pal's voice. Simply request which of her positive songs you would like to hear (or say "Mimi's choice" to have her surprise you!) and she'll break into song.

As Mimi's songs are not only child-friendly but easy to learn, kids can dance or easily sing along just by listening to the lyrics a few times or by using the included songbook to get a jump start on picking up the words to each of the pop tunes.

What more could my rock star wannabe kids ask for? It was time to see just how much musical fun we would have with our own Request a Song Mimi!

Hallmark Request a Song Mimi

Little Sister B was understandably thrilled the moment she saw Mimi, commenting on everything from her plush fabric to her girly pink outfit to her large, sweet mouse eyes and ears.

As Mimi comes with batteries included, all that is needed to start singing and grooving is to turn her power switch to On and press the musical note on the bottom of her foot.

Request a Song Mimi power button

Mimi immediately comes to life in a cheerful way and asks which of her songs to sing. Once a song has been picked, the catchy music begins to play and Mimi happily keeps tune through to the end, where she asks what song to sing next.

I love that Mimi is so easy to control and that children young or old won't have any problems singing along and selecting from her playlist (she also turns off by herself if left on for too long). At the same time, the songs are easy to memorize, each have an original, toe-tapping tune with them, and are just plain fun! Titles included are:
  • Let's All Sing
  • I Heart My Family
  • Wiggle Wiggle Hop Hop
  • I'm Happy Because
  • I Really Like You
  • A Happy Birthday Song
  • Good Night Song
Request a Song Mimi songbook

My kids have had all sorts of fun singing along and performing with Mimi, whether putting on a show for the whole family or simply having some individual time with her in their rooms.

It's hard to listen to any of these happy songs without ending up with a smile on your face and Little Sister B has especially loved dancing along to just about every song Mimi has to sing!


The only aspect of Mimi that we have found missing is that she does not have a volume dial, which would make it possible to raise or lower the sound level of her singing and the background music. It can feel a little too loud when she is singing right next to you, so I wish that Hallmark would have included a way to control her with a virtual shhhh!

Other than that, however, Mimi has been a fun addition to our household and her original songs (which really are catchy and not annoying!) are a positive, cheerful way to bring more music to a variety of different ways to play!

Hallmark Request a Song Mimi review

Request a Song Mimi Stuffed Animal retails for $29.95 and can be purchased now at Hallmark stores and from Hallmark.com. There is also an accompanying storybook, Mimi Finds Her Song, that tells the tale of Mimi as a songwriter, and a Sing With Mimi Microphone to extend the Mimi love and stardom even further.

You can find out more about this and all of Hallmark's incredible cards and products by visiting their website and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Other than the Request a Song Mimi Stuffed Animal that I was provided by Hallmark in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Monday, April 27, 2015

Happy Mother's Day from Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus! {Multi-Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway!}

 downy_wrinkle_releaser_plus_logo
Although flowers, cards, candy, breakfast in bed, and more are thoughtful, wonderful gifts for Mother's Day, I think all us moms can agree that relaxation and less stress would be pretty amazing as well. But how can those be purchased and wrapped?

Thanks to the one and only Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus, they can be — in the form of a delicious beverage, shopping, dinner, and the knowledge that no ironing will need to be done for quite some time to come!

Downy Mother's Day giveaway

That's right!

Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus knows that you've earned an amazing day, so they want to reward you from morning until night!

Start off by treating yourself to your favorite beverage or snacks from Starbucks...

Starbucks

 ...followed by some shopping at Target...


...before heading to dinner with the family at Olive Garden.


Then it's time to return home to change into your Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus plush robe before a soothing soak in the tub with a good book and a nice glass of wine...

relaxing bath

...and the calming thought that you won't have to pull out an iron for ages and ages thanks to your large bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus! I have been a devoted fan of this miracle product ever since my review last year and completely agree that no mom should spend time ironing when the wrinkles can magically disappear with this instead.

Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus

For more information visit DownyWrinkleReleaserPlus.com and connect with Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will have a Happy (belated) Mother's Day in the best wrinkle-free way possible, because...

One lucky person will win an amazing Mother's Day Prize Pack
from Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus (ARV $125)!

Downy prize pack giveaway
*Prize Pack contains (1) $50 Olive Garden gift card, (1) $10 Target gift card, (1) $10 Starbucks gift card, (1) Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus plush robe, and (1) large bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus 


A big thank you to Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus for providing a prize pack for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Let's Go Places: 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid {Review}

Toyota logo
While I can pinpoint exact reasons why I like one cereal over another or precisely which features one brand of shoes offers that another does not, I've always felt as though automobiles instead simply provide the feeling.

It's that je ne sais quoi pleasantness that, while other cars can surely get me from point A to point B, certain ones have that make me all warm and fuzzy. I can't be the only one who has that, right?

One ride that has long been on that short list for me is the Toyota Highlander. I've never owned one, I've never ridden in one, I've barely even peeked inside one at a dealership once, but yet, the Highlander has always been one of my favorite vehicles around. Crazy, right?

I wondered if I wasn't a bit of a dreamer myself until I recently had the chance to put all of my preconceived notions to the test and find out the true awesomeness of the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited.

2015_toyota_highlander_hybrid

When making our plans to head down to Florida for a recent family vacation, I knew that having a reliable, versatile SUV would make life easier on so many levels. Room for seven passengers, a push button engine start, a powerful entertainment system, an easy to use navigation system, a rearview camera and much, much more?

Clearly I was already impressed (and a bit in love) with the Toyota Highlander, but then this gorgeous vehicle was mine for a week and all I could do was swoon.

2015 Toyota Highlander

Available in a variety of different colors, seeing the Highlander in this vibrant Nautical Blue Metallic (which is brighter than it appears in the above photo) was the perfect combination for the athletic look and flowing lines of this upscale automobile.

No matter which angle I chose, this SUV was giving off the impression that it was fun to drive and was ready to go anywhere and everywhere that I would choose. From the Hybrid Synergy Drive system to the 19-in. Chromtec alloy wheels to the Roof Rail Cross Bars — this car had it all!

Toyota Highlander exterior

And that was only the outside! Once I climbed in and had a view of the interior, I continued to be impressed with all that Toyota had included. The contrast of the Almond Perforated Leather (also available in black and ash) was sleek and attractive against against the black dash, chrome and trim.

At the same time, the Running Boards made it easy to get in and out of this larger vehicle and the extremely comfortable front seats were plush and soft. Plus, not only were the front seats heated (the second row Captain's Chairs were as well!) but ventilated! Here in the Midwest where it gets freezing in the winter and steaming in the summer, having the ability to cool or heat the seats would be amazing!

Highlander heated cooled seats

Plus, Toyota not only included just about every convenience possible, but I love that the Highlander has them all within reach.

The multi-level storage console/armrest opens various different ways to access its compartments; there is a USB port and handy shelf below the dash so that we can charge our tech with ease; a multitude of controls are located right on the (heated!) steering wheel so you never have to reach for them; all of the gauges are large, clear and easy to read; and more!

Toyota Highlander interior

Passengers in the second row are pampered almost just as much, as their Captain's Chairs provide spacious room (even with a car seat or booster seat), a center console/cup holder flips up and down for convenience, and they control their own heating and cooling.

Toyota Highlander second row

When you have more than four passengers, the third row in the Toyota Highlander is surprisingly roomy (although it gets a little tight when three adults are squeezed back there), particularly if the second row seats are moved forward a bit.

Or, by simply folding down the third row (all three or a 60/40 split), this SUV provides a huge amount of storage and transport space for just about any cargo you could find!

Toyota Highlander storage

Along with all this space and comfort, Toyota didn't skimp on quality, power and safety in the Highlander Hybrid. The overall ride is extremely comfortable and the steering is smooth and light. Even the hum of the engine is super quiet but still pleasing!

For help getting around, the navigation system gives you turn by turn directions, the backup camera aids in backing or parallel parking, and the Blind Spot Monitor (I adore this feature!) gives you an alert if there is a car hiding on either side when you go to change lanes.

blind spot monitoring

After a week of driving the Toyota Highlander around Florida, I had a difficult time saying goodbye to it. It provided great gas mileage for an SUV (27 city and 28 highway), kept my family very safe with a stellar Advanced Airbag System and ventilated disc brakes, and there wasn't a single complaint about lack of legroom or space.

Besides, who had time to complain when we were too busy reveling in things like having the weather right at our fingertips and the entire sunny sky right out the gorgeous panoramic moonroof?

2015 Toyota Highlander

In short, I couldn't have been much happier with the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited and being able to really give it a good test drive has only increased my love for it. I want to hop in for every upcoming journey!

No matter if you are running errands around town or piling in for an adventure cross-country, the Highlander drives well, looks amazing, and is a great choice for families. The Hybrid Limited model is at the very top of the line (with an MSRP starting at $49,990), but there are four other models that start at $29,665 to fit a variety of needs and budgets.

You can find out lots more about this incredible vehicle by visiting the Toyota website and connecting with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Other than the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited that I was provided in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about how much I loved driving this SUV and dream of owning one for myself.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

A Little Balance Makes a Big Difference: The Balance Project with Balance Bar {Prize Pack Giveaway}

Balance Bar logo
Did you know that while 98% of Americans believe achieving and maintaining balance in their life is important, only 14% report that they always feel balanced? Yikes!

To help bridge this gap, Balance Bar Company, makers of Balance Bar uniquely balanced energy nutrition bars, has launched The Balance Project, a multi-year, multi-platform program to open a dialogue that will aid in improving America's levels of balance.

Balance Project

While discussions both in the media and by the water cooler focus on the importance of balance, there's not much out there to help us share how we're actually finding balance... until now! The Balance Project is an online hub to share ideas, daily victories and challenges and even have some fun as we all embark on a journey to sustain balance.

According to the research, the most common ways Americans try to achieve balance is by keeping their finances in order (66%) and through activities that improve health – like getting enough sleep (68%), eating healthy foods (56%), and exercising regularly (48%).

However, just because it's important to find balance in certain areas does not mean it's easy to achieve. For example, when it comes to health and diet, roughly 2 in 5 Americans think it's difficult to actually find balance.

The Balance Project

Just check out these findings!

Balancing Act
Balance is a very fluid goal, as our levels of balance are always fluctuating, even day-to-day and season-to-season. For example, Americans report being the most balanced on Saturdays, and the least balanced on Mondays. They also indicate that they are most balanced during the summer months, and least balanced during the winter months, when 61% of Americans report feeling unbalanced.

Gender Wars
According to the survey, 70% of male respondents indicate that they are more likely to feel balanced, while only 63% of women indicate the same. What are men doing differently? Staying calm. When looking for balance, ladies should take the idea of "don’t sweat the small stuff" to heart. In nearly every area tested, women are more likely than men to admit something has a significant impact on throwing them off balance, including finances, sleep, health, and family.

Maternal Instinct
A mother’s work is never done, but at least she knows where to focus her attention to find balance. Nearly every single mom agrees that health (99%) and family and personal relationships (99%) are important to achieving balance in life.

How can the busy mom get to a Zen state of balance? For starters, get outside. Enjoying nature (67%) and taking vacations (66%) are the top actions that have a significant impact on achieving balance for moms. Spending time with a significant other (63%) was revealed as the next most impactful way for moms to try and achieve balance.

Steps Towards Balance
While it may seem daunting at first, it is possible for anyone to achieve balance. The first step is to make it a priority. Among those who consider themselves to be balanced, 70% say achieving and maintaining balance is very important to them, compared to only 55% of those who are not balanced.

Once you decide to make it a priority, achieving it could be as simple as heading to bed an hour earlier; 70% of balanced Americans cite getting enough sleep as one of the ways they achieve balance.

Do these results resonate with you? Are they making you wonder just how balanced your life is? Then head over to The Balance Project to find out more about your own work-life balance!

balanced life

As well as getting in tune with your own life's balance, The Balance Project's exclusive guide and coach, Gabrielle Reece, a worldwide celebrity fitness icon and wellness role model, entrepreneur, wife, and mother of three, is also providing advice, tips, videos and her personal insights for addressing and achieving balance in a variety of areas.

"One the biggest reasons I see people fail at achieving their health and wellness goals is because they don’t go into a program with a balanced approach," explains Reece. "I’m thrilled to share my perspective on balancing busy lives, families and work with healthy diet and exercise habits that anyone can incorporate into their lives."

If anyone knows about balance, Gabby is it! I've enjoyed seeing all of her great tips and advice on The Balance Project and she also has a wonderful article titled A Life with Balance: A Work in Progress that you'll want to check out for more.

Gabrielle Reece

Are you ready to get balanced with Balance Bar? Be sure to head over to The Balance Project today as well as stocking up on your favorite flavors of their awesome nutrition/energy bars.

We all know that their Original, Gold and Dark product lines are based on the 40/30/30 nutrition model (40% of total calories from carbohydrates, 30% from protein and 30% from dietary fat) and this proven formula can help us all enjoy lasting balanced energy and help satisfy hunger for longer!

I know I'm ready!

Balance Bars

You'll also want to visit Balance.com (and connect with Balance Bar on Facebook and Twitter) to find out more about the huge variety of flavors of these power-packed bars and see how they can help keep you balanced and organized this year. As well as at your local grocery store and health food store, you can also find Balance Bars at ShopBalance.com and on Amazon.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be on their way to creating their own organized, balanced life as well, because...

One lucky person will win a prize pack including a Balance Bar tote bag, notepad, iPhone card holder, and a box of (15) Balance Bars!

Balance Bar giveaway


A big thank you to Balance Bar for providing product for me as well as a prize pack for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Eight O'Clock Dark Italian Roast and Colombian Peaks K-Cup Coffee {Review}

Cross Country Cafe logo
In the same way that my kids get excited when we discover a new brand of toys, when I'm introduced to an unfamiliar company that offers delicious coffees, life is good. Can you ever have too many amazing coffee options? I think not.

Therefore, when I heard that the one and only Cross Country Cafe had debuted two new additions to their collection of Eight O'Clock Coffee, there was no doubt that I needed to give their Dark Italian Roast and Colombian Peaks K-cups a try!

Eight O'Clock coffee

Known for crafting their whole bean and ground coffees using only high quality, 100% Arabica coffee, Eight O'Clock has been serving up deliciousness since 1859 (making me wonder yet again how it took this long for me to hear about them).

It was time to brew up a mug or two to see just how much expertise Eight O'Clock master roasters truly do have!

Eight O'Clock K-cups

Right away I appreciated the rich aroma of the Eight O'Clock Dark Italian Roast and, as soon as my Keurig stopped, it was evident as to why Dark was in this coffee's title. You can almost taste how robust and strong this is just by looking at it!

Eight O'Clock Dark Italian Roast

I tend to be hesitant over many dark roast coffees, as I often find them a little bitter. But that wasn't the case with this Dark Italian Roast at all, as it instead has a smooth, robust taste that is full-bodied without being too strong to enjoy. I added my usual cream and sugar and couldn't have been much more pleased with the result!

On days when I am in the mood for a slightly less intense cup of coffee, however, the Eight O'Clock Colombian Peaks has quickly become my go-to K-cup. This medium roast coffee is a winner from start to finish!

Eight O'Clock Colombian Peaks

Full-bodied, medium roast, rich aroma, and a smooth, velvety flavor? I really couldn't ask for much more!

But, wait. How about winning some of this amazing Eight O'Clock Coffee so that it can be enjoyed for FREE? That's exactly what you can do by entering Cross Country Cafe's K-cup Coffee Giveaway... and not only will the winner receive one box of Colombian Peaks, but FOUR.

k-cup giveaway

What are you waiting for? This giveaway is only on through April 30, 2015, so go enter today!

If you're already a fan of Eight O'Clock Coffee, you'll love that their delectable coffee is available in K-cups for even easier brewing. Or, if you haven't tried these before but are a devoted Keurig user, I recommend picking up a box (head over to the fabulous Cross Country Cafe for a great deal!) to give them a try today!

As a Cross Country Cafe Ambassador, I have been provided with products in exchange for my continued work with their company and affiliate links are included in the above post. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.