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Monday, May 16, 2011

Mi0 - Water Flavor Enhancer



Mi0 water enhancers are little bottles filled with a flavored liquid that you add a few squirts to your water to give it a new twist. I tried these because I can't drink plain water...or at least I can't drink a lot of it. We all know "they" say to drink so much water a day. But I can't bring myself to do it until I found these.
You may have seen the Mi0 bottles in your favorite shopping establishment. They come in several different flavor options. I've tried the sweet tea, which is not exactly like sweet tea but it was suitable. It wasn't disgusting or undrinkable. I quite enjoyed it but not a lot of it.
The one I've been wanting to try was the fruit punch flavor. I'm a Hawaiian Punch kid from way back so I was hoping this filled that sugary void. Well it has.

The Fruit Punch flavor is strengthened by the amount of "drops" or "squirts" you add to your water. If you want it strong, you just add more to your water. Simple as that. Of course start with less. You can always add more along the way.

Above you'll find the nutritional facts. This is why I like Mi0 the most. I can use it and, unlike other water enhancers, this one doesn't have a lot of empty calories or sugar. Our diets won't be ruined. 


My biggest goal for this product was to help me to drink more water. So far it has worked quite well. I will try other flavors as well but for now this is my favorite. Try it if you need a little push with your daily water consumption.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Caramel Macchiato Coffee Creamer - International Delight

International Delight - Coffee House Inspirations - Caramel Macchiato - Creamer Singles

During my store run last night I saw a coupon for free coffee creamer if you bought their store brand coffee. I didn't care about the coffee because I don't normally brew my own coffee ever. It's just easier to go to a coffee house...and I'm lazy, even though I have a single serve Keurig coffee maker. Anyway, I picked up the small bag of coffee and debated on the coffee creamer options. Do I get the original and take to work as a "gift" to my co-workers or...then I saw it...the Caramel Macchiato creamer. I'm pretty sure it was surrounded by a halo. What you don't know is that until recently my signature coffee was the Starbucks venti soy caramel macchiato. It still just rolls off my tongue. So in my wisdom I decided I could easily make the reincarnation at work with this creamer.

The International Delight box contains 24 individual single serve containers. And no refrigeration needed is always a plus because I keep these at my desk or they would be gone before 9am. (Please see picture below for Nutritional Facts)

For my first cup of coffee this morning, I added regular coffee, 1.5 creamers and I think 6 sugars. Yes, I like it sweet. The aroma hits your nose first. The smell of smooth, sweet caramel steams out of the coffee mug. I think the first words out of my mouth were "oh man, this is gonna be good." And it was! The first sip combined strong, hot coffee with this creamy, delectable goodness.

Out of curiosity I decided to taste just the creamer itself to judge flavor and sweet intensity. The flavor profile is amazing. I like very sweet flavorings and this is perfect for me. You'll have to judge for yourself whether it's too sweet for you but if you want true Caramel Macchiato flavor you can find it in this little creamer container. I almost like the creamer more than I like the coffee and the creamer together. I've decided this afternoon I will try the creamer over ice and see how that tastes. I can only imagine that it will be Delight-ful!

This creamer isn't for everyone. But if you're looking for something different try it and add your own thoughts to this review.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Magnum Ice Cream

I've been seeing the ads for these new ice cream bars for a few weeks. What's better than chocolate and ice cream on a stick?! My diet, be damned...I went to the store today looking for this magnificent looking deep chocolate and caramel colored box. I saw them immediately in the ice cream freezer. I stared for several moments trying to decide between the 3 boxes. 


But then did I choose just one flavor or all three. My store had three flavors (Classic, Double Caramel, and Almond). Follow the link to the website to see all flavor selections (Classic, Double Caramel, Almond, Double Chocolate, White and Dark Chocolate). Your mouth will water just from seeing the boxes. So back to my dilemma. The price almost stopped me at one flavor - $3.98 for one box of 3 bars!! Yes, that's some expensive ice cream bars!! I decided to try Classic and Double Caramel. Stick with me here...I'm getting to the good stuff...literally.


It took me about 45 minutes after getting home from the store to decide to break into one of those boxes. I chose the Classic to try first as I know some people don't like caramel and I knew I wanted to do this review. The bars are packaged in shiny gold foil wrappers. They look classy even before seeing the actual bar. 


As you pull the bar from the packaging you see it has a smooth Belgium chocolate coating. If your mouth doesn't water at this sight then you're not a true chocolate aficionado. The Classic chocolate bar has no markings except for a lone M stamped into the chocolate on one side. The marking of a fine chocolatier. 


The first bite was almost beyond describable. The chocolate coating was thick enough to break off gently but not fall apart or down your shirt. The first thing I noticed about the inside was the creamy vanilla bean speckled ice cream. It was creamy and melted in my mouth but was not soft or melty. The thick Belgium chocolate coating melted ever so gently over my tongue. 


I don't know how many bites it took because I think I may have transported to some alternate universe. Yes, I like my chocolate and ice cream. It's *that* serious!


The Classic Magnum bar never melted or dripped or crumbled. On an ice cream bar scale, I'd have to put this ice cream at the top of the list. Yes, it's expensive but if you want a satiny vanilla bean ice cream covered in a silky, decadent Belgium chocolate covering then you should try this ice cream. Don't let the price scare you. It's very much worth it. 


Magnum Ice Cream bars are sexy. Follow them on Twitter : @MagnumIceCream


Added 5/15/2011: 




Double Caramel: If you like the taste of a smooth, creamy caramel then try the Double Caramel Magnum Ice Cream bar. In between two think layers of the Belgium chocolate you'll find a creamy caramel sauce. This isn't a thick layer of caramel but just enough of a hint. Sometimes the Belgium chocolate overpowers the caramel but for the most part the caramel is quite distinctive.  The combination of the caramel sauce, the vanilla bean ice cream and the Belgium chocolate shell melt together on your tongue for an explosion of sensual goodness.


Double Chocolate: Today I found this new flavor at the grocery store. So I picked up a box to review, of course! :-) I was immediately intrigued by the 'double chocolate' as I'm a chocolate addict like many other people.  Chocolate is my Achilles heel. Okay back to the ice cream bar. This bar is a chocolate lover's dream. Between the two thick, smooth layers of Belgium chocolate shells is a satiny chocolate sauce that is velvety and luscious. Once you break through the three amazing chocolate layers you find a Belgium chocolate ice cream that is delicately soft but deliciously rich in flavor.  This is the bar for you if you want everything chocolate. Try it. You will not be disappointed.


Added 5/16/2011:


Almond: For an extra crunchy ice cream bar, try the Magnum Almond bar. The same thick, Belgium chocolate coating that fabulously covered the other bars has chopped almond in it on this bar. And it's not just a few almond, it's a lot and you can actually taste the almond bits. The ice cream is the creamy vanilla bean. With this bar I tasted more of the vanilla bean ice cream. The chocolate wasn't as forceful. And the color of the bar was more of a milky chocolate than a darker chocolate.  

Monday, April 25, 2011

Santikos Silverado 19 IMAX - Tomball

We frequent this theater on almost a weekly basis. It's about 15-20 miles out of our way but it's well worth the travel.
Santikos Silverado IMAX in Tomball is one of the cleanest, friendliest theaters in the Houston area. It all starts in the parking lot. There's hardly ever any trash laying around which can't be said for many parking lost in Houston. The parking lot itself is spacious and well-lit. I don't feel any anxiety about parking and walking in the parking lot at 8pm or midnight. We always purchase our movie tickets thru the automated ticket machine which we find is fast and easy. I believe there are at least 5 for your convenience. I can't comment on the ticket booth or staff but I know there's never a long line so I can assume they are quite efficient.

Inside the huge lobby is of course the snack bar for your popcorn, pickles, etc. There's a gelato/Starbucks bar dropped right in the middle of the lobby. Which always has a steady stream of visitors. We've tried the vanilla bean gelato and the pistachio gelato. It was very smooth and tasty - not just your normal ice cream. The cup looked small but the gelato seemed to be never ending. We'll worth the approx. $5 cost. I haven't tried any of the games in the arcade but children and teens are always going in and out.

Rough Rider, the 2 story bar and restaurant, has an excellent food and drink selection. The appetizers are full meal portions. And the prices are very reasonable. We have already established a friendly relationship with one of the waitresses, Diana. She greets us with a smile and remembers our drink preference every time. Of course, we over tip her for being such a nice lady. When you stop by go to the upstairs bar and ask for Diana.
What we like best about Santikos Rough Rider bar is that there's a bar overlooking the lobby. It's perfect for people watching. This is theater that allows you to take food and drink (yes, even alcoholic) from Rough Rider into the movie with you. Or you can do like we do and take popcorn and drink into the movie. And speaking of beverages...

Santikos doesn't just have any fountain drink dispenser...no, it has the platinum drink station. The popcorn/snack attendant gives you your cup and you take it to the Beverage Room. This is a full room with several modern, touchscreen drink dispensers. You can choose from Coca-Cola then it gives you the option of flavors. Same with water and other brands. They also have a tea station where you can choose between unsweet, sweet, black or green teas. There are frozen Coca-Cola dispensers as well. You can get a frozen coke or wild cherry. My favorite is the frozen Dr. Pepper one. The refills are free....if you feel the need to step out of your movie.

We have tried the IMAX, 3D, 3D IMAX, and regular movies. We have it on our agenda to try the D-Box seats that are motion sensitive according to whatever movie is playing. All of the screens are clear and free of debris. The seats are large and comfortable with adjustable arm rests and a slight rocking motion which I enjoy. Every theater we've been in has been very clean - worth it in every way.

The ticket pricing is competitive with other theaters. We pay about $9.50 for a regular, non-IMAX or 3D ticket. For some this price may be high but for this theater and the experience you get...it's well worth it. I recommend Santikos Silverado to everyone.

Follow Santikos Theatres on Twitter : @santikostheatre

We'll Review It

This is slowly but surely coming together. After discussing for a few days, we decided to start a review site for food, beverages, stores, restaurants, products, etc. that we use. Many new products and establishments rely on word of mouth communication for promotion. As you know, the internet and social networks have become mainstream in self promoting. But sometimes there's little review or consumer data out there to make a good judgement. That's what we're here for.

We, obviously, can't review everything. But hopefully the reviews we post will benefit you in some way. If you have suggestions for things or places you want us to try, then post a comment or send us a tweet (@reviewsforyou1). We want to hear from you. Your feedback is essential in letting everyone know the amazing, the good, the bad and the ugly of something. (We will reject any and all comments that are vulgar, demoralizing, or personally damaging.)

So it's understood upfront, we are not paid or provided with products to test/try. We are doing this on our own to give an opinion that would help you in your decision making.