I’m nutz for NuttZo!

I love nut and seed butters of all kinds.  I love almond butter.  I love cashew butter.  I love sunflower seed butter.  I love peanut butter.  I love coconut butter.  I love hazelnut butter.  Get my gist here?  Well, now I have something else to add to the list.  NuttZo.  I’m nutz for NuttZo! NuttZo contains seven different organic nuts and seeds and provides a variety of health benefits that are important to include in your daily diet.

About NuttZo: NuttZo is a 100% organic 7 nut and seed butter that is gluten and soy free and contains no added sugars, oils nor preservatives.  Available in 3 flavors: Original, Chocolate, and Peanut Free, each blend contains a unique mix of 7 different nuts blended with Omega-3 rich seeds, is high in protein and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. NuttZo was launched by Danielle LiVolsi in 2009  and deemed one of her favorite super nutrient rich creations she developed while super-boosting her two sons’ vitamins and minerals after adopting them from Ukrainian orphanages in 2002 and 2005.   NuttZo donates 1% of gross sales to the non-profit organization, Project Left Behind, that funds programs in orphanages around the world.

Nut / Seed Benefits:

• Peanuts provide over 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients and are a good source of niacin, folate, fiber, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese and phosphorus.
• Almonds are one of nature’s most perfect foods, offering high levels of magnesium as well as good amounts of potassium, calcium, and fiber.
• Hazelnut pieces exhibit the highest folate content of any tree nut.
• Cashews are high in manganese and magnesium which works to strengthen the digestion and improve flexibility, while manganese and selenium work together to rid the body of harmful oxidized cholesterol.
• Brazil nuts are the number one plant source of selenium which helps protect the body from infection.
• Organic flaxseeds have anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties.
• Sunflower Seeds are little burst of power as they are an excellent source of dietary fiber, some amino acids, and many vitamins and minerals.
• This information and more can be found HERE.

NuttZo is the perfect topping to everything plain Greek yogurt, chopped apples, a dash of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey!

NuttZo recently underwent several changes.  Their website and packaging got a redesign, but the best change is that NuttZo has switched to all glass jars!  This is extra fabulous because I love getting every last drop left in my nut butter jars.  I do this by making oats in a jar, but it only works with glass jars.  Can’t do it with plastic since you’re not supposed to put anything hot in plastic.  With NuttZo changing to all glass jars, this ensures there will not be a single ounce left.  The only thing better would be if NuttZo could magically refill the jars once itz empty.  Now that’s an idea!

Pancake topped with blueberries, chia seeds, and a scoop of NuttZo (best part!).

NuttZo Availability: NuttZo can be purchased online at www.gonuttzo.com or at Whole Foods Stores across the US, as well as many local gourmet food retailers. Prices range from $12.99 – $19.99.  Yes, that seems on the pricy side, but really itz as low as $0.92 per serving!  Not so bad when you put it in perspective.  And remember, itz organic!

Unfortunately, I don’t have any new NuttZo recipes to give you as the very best way to eat NuttZo is straight out of the jar with a spoon (or a whole hand finger) as shown in the first picture.  Speaking of a spoonful of NuttZo, did you know that you receive over 50% of your daily ADA omega 3 by eating just one spoonful?  All the more reason to eat it straight outta the jar!  Here are a few recipes by some of my fellow FitFluential Ambassadors:

• Chocolate Muesli Balls (NuttZo also comes in CHOCOLATE!) by Mommy Run Fast
• NuttZo Rice Pudding by Cotter Crunch
• Sweet Potato Brownies (yes, you read that right!) by The Lean Green Bean
• Nutty Chocolate Yogurt and Goin’ Nutz Protein Balls by Fitness, Health, & Happiness

What’s your favorite nut or seed butter?  Have you tried NuttZo before?

FitFluential and NuttZo provided me with the product for review purposes only.  All opinions are my own.

Strawberry Cream Protein Milkshake

Summertime is perfect for a lot of things.  Itz perfect for lazy days by the pool, walks at the park, Cardinal baseball games, and ice cold treats.  As a FitFluential Ambassador, I was invited to try Designer Whey’s new protein powder from their sustained energy line.  And hence, the Strawberry Cream Protein Milkshake was created.

Strawberry Cream Protein Milkshake

~makes one large serving

Ingredients:

• several ice cubes
• 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 scoop Designer Whey® Sustained Energy™ protein powder in Vanilla Bean
• 1 cup vanilla almond milk
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds (optional)
• few drops of vanilla sweetener

Directions:

• Add items to the blender in the order they’re listed.  Blend until desired consistency is reached.  Garnish with additional strawberries.  Enjoy!

Itz a deliciously creamy and filling treat that’s just perfect for summer.  Let me tell you more about the Designer Whey Sustained Energy protein powder.

Some key facts about the Designer Whey® Sustained Energy™ line from their website:

• ENDURANCE BLEND™ WITH SOY: Designed to give you balanced, sustained energy through a premium protein blend of fast-absorbing whey protein and slower absorbing soy & casein proteins, giving you a steady supply of essential amino acids while helping you control hunger with fiber.
• 100 GOOD-FOR-YOU-CALORIES: Ideal for the active woman who is watching her calorie intake.
• 5G FIBER: 20% Daily Value of fiber per serving to help control hunger.
• EXCELLENT SOURCE OF 19 VITAMINS AND MINERALS: B-vitamins to energize metabolism – help convert protein, carbohydrates, and fats into energy.  High in antioxidants, vitamin A, C, & E for fast workout recovery.  Rich in calcium & vitamin D to maintain strong bones.
• 16G PROTEIN: Whey, soy, & casein protein blend – 32% Daily Value per serving.
• GREAT TASTE… NATURALLY: Smooth & delicious, all-natural flavors and sweeteners and real cocoa or vanilla bean pieces.

Itz all so marvelous!  Linking up with Healthy Diva’s Marvelous in my Monday today:

I really like the flavors of both the Vanilla Bean and the Chocolate Velvet.  Itz the smoothest protein powder I’ve ever had and that’s saying a lot since I have reviewed my fair share.  I don’t love that they contain soy, but, since I eat hardly any soy, I think a tiny bit here and there is fine.  Jonny actually said the chocolate tastes like nutella.  I’m not sure I agree, but hey whatever! I’ve been loving making “protein frosting” with this protein powder since itz so smooth.  I literally just slowly add water (a tablespoon or so at a time) and stir it with a spoon until it becomes smooth like pudding or frosting.  I’ve dipped strawberries in it, I’ve topped pancakes with it, & I’ve smeared it between two waffles for a breakfast sandwich.

Check out this pretty masterpiece I created with the Chocolate Velvet:

Guess what?  I get to choose SIX wonderful readers to try the new Designer Whey Sustained Energy protein powder in the flavor of their choice!  To enter: leave a comment on this blog post telling us which flavor sounds most appealing to you: Chocolate Velvet or Vanilla Bean (mandatory).  For additional (optional) entries, complete one or both of the following: CLOSED!

• Follow Itz Linz and Designer Whey on Twitter and tweet this message: “I want to win @DesignerWhey Sustained Energy protein powder from @ItzLinz! http://wp.me/p2WMfo-1Io #FitFluential #DesignerWhey” and be sure to leave a comment here telling us you followed and tweeted.
• Follow Itz Linz (@itzlinz) and Designer Whey (@designerwhey1) on Instagram and leave a comment here telling us you did so.

Congratulations to #41 Alexandra, #104 Diana, #88 Leslee @ Her Happy Balance, #116 Claire Klein, #7 misszippy, & #55 Heather @ fitncookies! Email me ( itzlinz [at] gmail [dot] com ) within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.  Please include your shipping address and flavor preference!

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 8:00 pm CST.  SIX winners will be announced Friday, June 28th, 2013 and will have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.  (Open to U.S. only.) Good luck!

FitFluential & Designer Whey provided me with the products for review purposes only.  All opinions are my own.

Lock Laces Giveaway {CLOSED}

Let’s celebrate my parents for a moment, please.  Happy [belated] Mother’s Day to my amazing mom and Happy Birthday to my wonderful father!  I love you both!

Now, I’ve got a marvelous giveaway for you all today!  In fact, it makes me want to jump up and touch my toes!

Today I’m talking about Lock Laces.  Lock Laces are patented elastic shoelaces and a fastening system.  They are designed to save time and improve performance.  Laces stay locked and secure throughout the course of a race, game, practice, or workout.  Never tie your LACES again!

Check out Lock Laces on Facebook!

Lock Laces generously sent me three pairs to try out.  At first, all I thought was, “Wow, cool colors!” as they sent me hot pink (hello, favorite!), sour green apple, and imperial purple.  I quickly discovered Lock Laces are more than just a shoe accessory.  They are super easy to use, they stay in place, and they are a definite time saver.  I really like slipping my shoes on and off without untying my laces (not good for your shoes) since I’m usually rushing to and from the gym, so Lock Laces makes it very easy to do that without ruining the back of my shoe.

My mother-in-law is a personal trainer, so she lives in her sneakers.  I gave her the purple pair that matched perfectly with her Asics.  She loves them!

A couple of my students at school noticed I was wearing Lock Laces and proudly showed me how they, too, were sporting a pair!  They thought it was pretty cool their teacher was wearing the same thing they were! 🙂  Lock Laces are seriously perfect for EVERYONE: young, old, anyone.  It could help people who have difficulty with fine motor skills as tying laces can be tedious.  Plus, they have a ton of colors to match with any outfit or pair of shoes!

I ran the Girls On The Run 5k on Saturday and the hot pink matched perfectly with my Pro Compression socks and the race’s pink and green color scheme!

Best part?  They’re just $7.99 a pair or 3 for $19.99 – totally reasonable.  Lock Laces are water-resistant, so they hold up extremely well.  Want a chance to choose THREE colors for yourself?

Lock Laces is giving one lucky Itz Linz reader three pairs of their choosing!  All you have to do is visit Lock Laces and leave a comment telling us which three colors you would choose.  For an additional (optional) entry, follow Itz Linz and Lock Laces on Twitter and tweet the following: “I never want to tie my laces again & with @LOCKLACES I wouldn’t have to! I want to win 3 pairs from @ItzLinz! 🙂 🙂 http://wp.me/p2WMfo-1AA” Be sure to leave a comment here telling us you followed and tweeted.  Good luck! {CLOSED}

Congratulations #23 Heidi Nicole! Please e-mail me your color choices and shipping information!

(This giveaway will be open until Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 8:00 pm CST.  Winner will be announced Friday, May 17th, 2013 and will have 48 hours to contact me.)

*Lock Laces provided me with the three pairs for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Tropical Granola

My sweet tooth has been kickin’ lately, so I’ve really had no choice but to give in.  And when I heard about Kretschmer’s Granolapalooza, I knew instantly I had to create a recipe to contribute.  Since I was reviewing their wheat germ, I decided to combine the two tasks and created this unbelievably delicious (and sweet!) Tropical Granola.

Since this recipe does use wheat germ and itz not a super common ingredient, I’m going to give you a few brief facts about it straight from the Kretschmer website:

“At only 50 calories per 2-tablespoon serving, Kretschmer Wheat Germ delivers a protein-packed punch of vital nutrients, including:

• Vitamin E: This fat-soluble antioxidant helps to protect cells and tissues from damage and may ward off certain diseases.
• Folic Acid: A must-have for pregnant women—and a good idea for everyone else—this B vitamin helps make healthy new cells to protect against certain cancers.
• Magnesium: This mineral helps keep your heart, bones and immune system strong. Recent data also suggests it may even slash your Type-2 diabetes risk.
• Thiamin: This B vitamin helps convert carbohydrates into energy. It’s also essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system.
• Phosphorous: Working with calcium to build strong bones and teeth, this mineral is also necessary for the growth, maintenance and repair of all tissues.
• Zinc: Your body uses this mineral for hundreds of functions, such as fighting off viruses, helping wounds heal, DNA synthesis and proper cell division.

BONUS: Wheat germ is also a fiber-rich source of high-quality non-animal protein and only contains heart-healthy polyunsaturated fat. Extra bonus: There’s no sodium.” (source)

*Kretschmer provided me with the product for review purposes only.  All thoughts and opinions are my own (as well as the nutritional benefits from the wheat germ!).

Now how about the recipe with this nutrient-rich powerhouse, eh? #Granolapalooza

Tropical Granola

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup Kretschmer wheat germ
• 1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup dried tropical fruit (pineapple, papaya, mango), finely diced
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey

Directions:

1. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Pour coconut oil throughout and stir.  Add honey.
3. Evenly spread mixture on greased cookie sheet.
4. Bake at 300 for 25 minutes tossing halfway through.
5. Allow granola to cool and harden before enjoying!

If you’re worried that the wheat germ affects the taste, don’t be.  You can’t even taste the wheat germ (but your body still receives the benefit!), and I’m pretty sure Jonny has no clue this granola contains wheat germ. That is, until (if) he reads this post, of course.

This granola is definitely on the sweeter side, so feel free to cut back on the honey a bit if sweetness is not your preference.  Jonny and I can’t get enough of it, and have especially been loving it mixed with plain Chobani for a late night treat.

The tropical taste of this granola reminds us of our honeymoon in Jamaica.  While we’re not going back there anytime soon (unfortunately), we’ll settle for this granola.

What’s your favorite tropical fruit?  Are you a granola lover like me?

Shirley Temple Egg Recipe

Last week I posted about Shirley Temple Eggs and I was surprised how many other names these eggs have!  Shocked, actually.  Frankly, I always thought they were called “Shirley Temples” as that’s what my family went by.  When I first posted the photo on Instagram, I received seven different names.  After the blog post, there were six additional names.  So obviously I had to compile all the names and create a master list!

Take your pick!  Call ’em what you will; they’re delicious any which way!  I thought I’d provide you all with a step-by-step guide for today’s WIAW party.

Shirley Temple Egg Recipe

First, you start with a piece of bread and you cut a hole in the middle.  My family always used a shot glass to carve out the center, but Nicole at Fruit ‘N’ Fitness wrote that her mom uses a cookie cutter to make fun shapes in the center.  I love that idea!

Quick sidenote: Recently, I was sent a couple loaves of Ezekiel 4:9 Flax Sprouted Whole Grain Bread to review (no compensation – just my honest thoughts and opinion!).  I love, love, love super grainy, seedy breads, and this kind was no different.  From the Food for Life website, I was pleased to learn that the bread is: made with freshly-sprouted, certified organic live grains and sprouted flax seeds throughout. It’s a spin on their classic loaf is a powerhouse of nutrition, providing an excellent source of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids (EFAs), the “good” fats that are vital to our health and body function.

Ezekiel 4:9® Sprouted Flax Bread is 100% flourless and free of conditioners, additives, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. It is also made with filtered water and no added fat and is low-glycemic, diabetic-friendly, pH-balanced and kosher-certified. Each slice of contains 90mg of Omega 3, 5g of protein, 4g of dietary fiber and 18 amino acids from vegetable sources.

Lots of goodness right there!  Plus, the bread held up well for Shirley Temples, so itz automatically a WIN in my book!  Ok, back to normal programming the recipe now.

Grease your pan.  My grandma (and I’m sure most other people) use butter.  I threw a hunk of coconut oil in the pan and I’ll never cook them any other way now.  Plus, there are healthy benefits to using coconut oil and it adds just a hint of flavor (nothing too overpowering, no worries!).  Then, you add your center-less pieces of bread and the cut-outs, and crack an egg right in the middle.  After letting them cook for a short time, check to see if they’re ready to flip.  If they are, turn ’em over!

Yes, I use my hands to peek underneath.  If you like your yolks runny (like I do), then you’ll really want to be mindful of how long they’re cooking.  Obviously if you cook them too long, you won’t have dippy eggs.  If you’re not a runny yolk kind of person, leave them on the pan longer.  You can even pierce the center so the yolk spreads to the rest of the toast and then thoroughly cook them while in the pan.  Itz a preferential thing.  After I plate my Shirley Temples, I cut them in half to see if I’ve gotten runny yolks…

Runny yolks for the win!  Then I dip pieces of my toast in the yellowy goodness and lick the plate clean.  I mean, errr… finish my delicious breakfast!

Right now, right here: Tell me your Shirley Temple thoughts!  How do you like your eggs?  Did I miss any other names?!

ColorProof Hair Care

Happy marvelous Monday to YOU!  Check out my marvelous hair:

If only it looked like that every day!  On Saturday, I went to Preston Salon Spa to get my hair done.  I was due for highlights and a trim, but since Jonny and I had a wedding to attend in the evening I got it styled, as well.  It sure felt good to be pampered!  Following my hair appointment, I went and got my nails done.  Quite the beauty-filled day!

While I was at Preston Salon Spa, I was introduced to a new hair care line that they are now carrying: ColorProof.  Since my hair is obviously color treated, this new line peaked my interest immediately, but there ended up being many more noteworthy factors.

Highlights About ColorProof Products:

• Provide full spectrum UVA/UVB color protection
• Sulfate-Free, Salt-Free, Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, PABA-Free, Keratin-Free, & Carcinogen-Free
• Biodegradable Formulas
• 100% Vegan

The owner recommended the SuperRich moisturizing shampoo and conditioner since I use a lot of heat while styling my hair between the blow dryer, flat iron, and/or curling iron.  Itz proven that after 10 washes, 96% of the color is retained. (source)

• PlushLocks Leave-In Smooth: My hair is super frizzy, and I was promised this will help with the frizz.  I’ll be able to use it right out of the shower as an extra conditioner before I style my hair, or after to help tame flyaways.
• PureRelease Instant Detangler: This will certainly come in handy during the summer.  If my hair is not braided while I’m running or swimming it is almost impossible to brush through.  Itz because the long length and thick texture, but I’m sure humidity doesn’t help either!  This should make life easier.
• CrazySmooth Extreme Shine Treatment Oil: Who doesn’t like shiny hair?!  This will also control the frizz factor and can be used on wet or dry hair.

I seriously cannot wait to see how these products help save the color in my hair!  The protection against the sun will be excellent as I spend a lot of time outdoors when the weather is nice.  As always, I loved how my hair was colored, cut, and styled at Preston Salon.  I loved it so much that I took even more pictures of myself (shocker) on the way to the wedding. #dontjudge hehe

Not only did my curls hold up extremely well all throughout the Saturday night wedding, but all day on Sunday, too!  Even after I slept on my curls, worked out, and coached a soccer game my curls were still in tact!  (There’s a major slight possibility that I’ll let my curls fly on Monday, as well.  #dontjudge)  If this is any indication of how the products will work, I’m totally sold!  (My stylist used all ColorProof Hair Care products on me.)

What are your favorite hair care products? What’s marvelous about your day?

***Preston Salon Spa provided me with the ColorProof products for review purposes only.  All opinions are my own (as is the hair).

Balance Bar Dark Giveaway {CLOSED}

What does this look like to you?

Dessert?  Cuz that’s what I think.  Itz not (even though it tastes like it!).  Itz the all-new Balance Bar in the dark chocolate peanut flavor.

Spring is here and April is all about celebrating Mother Nature! In time for Earth Month, Balance Bar Company, maker of one of America’s original nutrition energy bars, is excited to share the new Balance Bar Dark line – the first nutrition bar line on the market to bear the well-respected Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal.

Available in three decadent flavors all featuring a dark chocolate coating – Dark Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Coconut, and Dark Chocolate Peanut – the Rainforest Alliance certification assures consumers that our cocoa beans are grown on sustainably managed farms that protect people and their surrounding ecosystems of water, soil, and wildlife.

The kind souls at Balance Bar not only sent me several bars in their new flavors, but other eco-friendly goodies, too.  (Check ’em out on Facebook here!)

Pretty marvelous for any diva life!  Can’t ever have too many notebooks, reusable totes, or healthy snack bars that are totally balanced.  Heh heh. 😉

#MIMM with Healthy Diva Life

The new Balance Bar Dark bars are high in protein, certified gluten-free, an excellent source of antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E), certified kosher dairy, and contain 4 grams of fiber per serving.

As with all Balance Bar products, the new Dark line follows the 40-30-30 nutrition principle – a proven formula developed by scientists to help stabilize blood sugar levels that represents the caloric ratio the body needs to enjoy lasting balanced energy and satisfy hunger for longer; 40% of total calories from carbs, 30% from quality protein, and 30% from dietary fat.

Now itz YOUR turn to win some tasty Balance Bar Dark bars!  Leave a comment on this blog post sharing how you will celebrate Mother Nature during Earth Month (mandatory).  Additional optional entries include:

• Follow Itz Linz and Balance Bar on Twitter and tweet the following, “I’m celebrating Mother Nature during Earth Month with a chance to win the new @BalanceBar DARK bars from @ItzLinz! 🙂 http://wp.me/p2WMfo-1uE” and leave a comment here saying you did so.
• Subscribe to Itz Linz by entering in your e-mail address and confirming your follow via e-mail.

One winner per household, email address, or home address. If you have won this prize on another blog you are ineligible to win again.  U.S. only (sorry!).

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, April 11th at 8:00 pm CST.  One winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, April 12th and will have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be selected.  Good luck!

Congratulations to #74 Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl!  Please e-mail me your shipping information.

*Balance Bar provided me with the box for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.

Bestowed Giveaway {CLOSED}

I hope everyone had an absolutely marvelous weekend!  I know I did; my brother-in-law and his girlfriend were in town, so we had lots of marvelous food and family time.

Last week I was sent a marvelous box from Bestowed.  What is Bestowed?  Itz a monthly membership for $19 per month that has 5+ products and include healthy food, amazing lifestyle, and nutrition items that are handpicked by celebrity nutritionist and author Heather Bauer.  In March’s box:

The goods:

• Oloves Hot Chili Mama Olives: I do like olives and I do like spicy, so I’m very interested to try these.  I’ve never seen olives in small snack packs; definitely a different idea, but great for any olive lover!  (Plus, 50 calories for the whole bag!)
• Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars: These, too, will make a great snack that’s naturally sweet.  Heather suggests warming the bar and pairing with fresh fruit, or spreading nut butter on top instead of a fattening pastry – sounds mighty tasty!
• Happy Family – Happy Squeeze:  I first learned of this brand during the Healthy Living Summit last summer, and fell in love!  I’m pretty sure these are intended for wee ones (I know my niece & nephew love them!), but I have no shame enjoying these.  I can’t wait to try this pomegranate blueberry pear flavor!
• iTrain $25 Gift Card: I’ve never heard of iTrain, but itz a way to bring fitness and training expertise into your own home.  Workouts are downloaded right to you, so you can customize your workouts; includes music.  Sweet – must check this out!
• Nature’s Earthly Choice – Easy Quinoa Lentil Soup Mix – This will be a great dinner when I’m in a pinch!  All you do is add water and boil and the best thing about it is that there’s not a lot of sodium (like most packaged foods), and itz loaded with protein and fiber.  Win win!
• Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts – I am still yet to try hemp hearts, but now I have no excuse.  With 18 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber in one serving, itz definitely a hearty addition to any salad, cereal, or yogurt.
• Artisana Coconut Butter – You know I love anything Artisana and anything coconut butter.  I’m sad there’s just one little squeeze packet because it definitely won’t last long with me!

Itz definitely a good value and a fun package to receive in the mail.  It reminds me of Conscious Box, but with a greater emphasis on food, and I think this would make a really awesome gift to someone.  (I love gifting non-traditional items.)  Plus, this is like the gift that keeps on giving depending on if you buy a three or six month or one year subscription.  Totally rad!

With each box, Heather writes notes that include “two tips” for each of the products.  This is fun because many of her suggestions are ideas that I would not have thought of on my own.  And guess what?

Itz YOUR turn to win a box courtesy of Bestowed!  There are three different ways to enter; enter one or enter all, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each additional entry!

Here’s how to enter the giveaway:

• Leave a comment telling us which marvelous item you’d most like to try from the March Bestowed box.
• Follow Itz Linz and Bestowed on Twitter and tweet the following, “I want to  #getbestowed with a @bstowed box from @ItzLinz! 🙂 http://wp.me/p2WMfo-1tu″
• Subscribe to Itz Linz by entering in your e-mail address and confirming your follow via e-mail.

This giveaway will be open until Thursday, April 4th at 8:00 pm CST.  One winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Friday, April 5th and will have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be selected.  Good luck!

Congratulations to #53 Carly @ Snack Therapy!  Please e-mail me your shipping information.  For everyone else, you may use the code 5OFFBSTOWED01 to receive $5 off your first Bestowed box!

*Bestowed provided me with the box for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.

Ray Ban Sunglasses

Tell me I look good.

Oh, yes. Itz due to the Wayfarersunglasses I’m rockin’, clearly.  You’ve probably noticed these snazzy sunglasses in many of my Instagram pictures as itz all I’m wearing lately.  (Ya know, in terms of sunglasses…)

My brother has ’em.  My sister has ’em.  I just had to have them and the Sunglasses Shop so very kindly provided me with a pair.  Now I could be as cool as them.

Mine is the Ray-Ban 2140 Wayfarer, to be exact.

My sister and I were browsing the Ray-Ban Sunglasses, and instantly she noticed that the price was lower than what she paid at a local department store.  I’ve also compared prices as they carry tons of name-brand sunglasses, and Sunglasses Shop is consistently less expensive.

I’ve worn these Ray Ban Sunglasses anywhere and everywhere.  Like hiking Squaw Peak.  Or doing the #99 WORKOUT.  And obviously posing by the pool…

Itz safe to say these sunglasses are the bombdotcom.  Sunglasses Shop is sweet, too.  Their prices are low and their shipping is super fast and they have a million different options and brands!  In my professional stylish opinion, I think Ray Ban’s look good on anybody.  Especially me.  🙂

Sunglasses Shop provided me with the sunglasses for review purposes only.  All opinions are my own.

The winner of the Good Earth Tea giveaway is #41 Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli.  Please email me: itzlinz (at) gmail (dot) com with your shipping information.

What’s your favorite brand of sunglasses?

Orange Cream Protein

Oh.  My.  Orange Cream.  Itz a protein powder flavor.  Yes, GNC has come out with a brand new flavor in their Total Lean line, and itz as amazing as it sounds.  Orange Cream protein powder.  I’ve mixed it with water, I’ve mixed it with milk, I’ve mixed it with fruit.  No matter which way itz mixed, itz totally awesome.  My favorite is most definitely one scoop mixed with one cup of milk, blended, and set in the freezer for a couple hours.

Itz like a dreamiscle – so simple, so easy, so healthy!  I’ve eaten this as pre-workout fuel, as a post-workout meal, as a snack, and as a dessert.  Frankly, I’m about to run out and I got it a week ago.  Itz that good and Jonny feels the same way.  (He’s such a sucker for Lion’s Choice Orange Freeze!  This is way better… and healthier.)

Plus, itz got killer stats:

The highlights as stated on the GNC website:

• Healthy meal replacement to support lean muscle tone and a healthy metabolism
• 25 grams of high quality protein
• 9 grams of fiber to help you feel fuller and satisfied
• Suitable for a low carb diet

Since I usually mix it with 2% milk or vanilla almond milk, I use just one scoop.  (The aforementioned information is for a two-scoop serving size.)  Itz so satisfying and filling and I love that there is fiber in it!  I’ve never seen a protein powder with added fiber.  Another perk is itz low sugar content.  I do like my shakes sweet and generally add honey, agave nectar, or NuNaturals, but honestly there is NO need to with this protein.

In the mix: 1 scoop of GNC Total Lean™ Lean Shake™ 25 – Orange Cream, ice, banana, frozen mango slices, vanilla almond milk, shredded coconut, and flaxseed.  Unbelievable!  There are so many different tropical combinations that would all be stellar with this protein powder.  Ashley made an Orange Julius Protein Smoothie with it.  Mmm!

Orange ya glad I told ya about GNC’s Orange Cream protein?? heh heh

How would YOU mix this Orange Cream?

***FitFluential & GNC provided me with the product for review purposes only.  All opinions are my own.