Showing posts with label sponsored. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sponsored. Show all posts

December 11, 2014

Easy Off Oven Cleaner Product Review








gross roasting/broiler pan
I was sent a $5 Walmart Gift Card by Smiley360 in order to do this review. I had a choice between the different Easy Off Oven Cleaner varieties: Fume Free Trigger, Fume Free Spray, Heavy Duty, BBQ Grill Cleaner, and Cooktop Cleaner.

 My father pretty much lives alone so he cooks and cleans for himself. I know there are things that get neglected, one being the oven, so I decided I'd try and clean it for him. Well I don't know what I got myself into because wow, that oven was a mess! But before all this I had to head to Wal-Mart and buy some Easy-Off to try out. The $5 gift card was more than enough to cover the product and taxes. I can honestly say I don't normally shop at Wal-Mart. The lines are always horrendous and most times the cashiers are hard to work with. This is not a generalization of all Wal'Mart shopping, this is just about my own area store that I normally avoid like the plague.

Like I mentioned above there are 5 different varieties to choose from and Wal-Mart had all of them available. The first two are the same product just in different packages. Easy Off Fume Free comes in a trigger spray and regular can spray. This type of Easy-Off is better for every day use so your oven doesn't get bad enough for the Heavy Duty cleaner. The trigger spray can be used in more ways than the can spray and doesn't need gloves, but both are fume free and leave a light lemon scent in the air. The BBQ cleaner is obviously made specifically for your grill, and would be a must for summer time grilling. It is safe to use on all types of grills as well as stainless steal, and aluminum/non-chrome pots and pans. The cooktop cleaner won't scratch or leave a residue on your cooktop, and is safe for all cooktops. It also can be used on glass-ceramic, enamel, stainless steel and chrome.


inside back of oven, before and after
The last is Heavy Duty which is obviously for those really bad messes that you need a little oomph to clean up. Because it seemed like my dad's oven had never been cleaned I opted for this choice. Gloves are a definite must and I advise you to open up a window or door when you use it. Even with the door open the fumes were a bit intense. I can say I never really knew what the roast/broiling pan was. I knew there was a little handle at the bottom of the stove and some weird looking grill thing down there. By the way, that grill thing was filthy! It must had had years worth of whatever built up on it. I hadn't realized it was supposed to be blue-gray until I started cleaning it. One thing that wasn't mentioned is the time needed to clean anything other than your oven. I was left to estimate the time needed to clean the broiler pan. I sprayed it on and left it for 5 minutes and scrubbed it. I noticed it was still dirty so sprayed it again and left it for another 5 minutes. The results are fantastic, not really surprising, and so now I moved onto the oven. Again I can not stress the need for ventilation when using this. If you're oven is as filthy as my dad's was be prepared to use a lot of spray. Obviously that means you are going to have quite a bit of fumes in the air so take care so you don't breath it in. I covered my face while spraying the oven down and it was still pretty intense.
Oven door, before and after
It says on the can that all you need is 5 minutes for it to get to cleaning. Well I know that oven is going to need more than just 5 minutes. I feel like a horrible daughter knowing that my dad was essentially cooking in a death trap. That oven looks one step away from igniting on all the grease and going up in a big ball of flames. So this review couldn't come at a more better time for me. I knew going into this I'd be in for the long haul. I also wondered why the men in my family can't seem to find time to clean their ovens. My brother's oven is not as bad, but certainly was getting worse before I went by to clean it. I thought it would be a hard job, but thankfully with Easy-Off it was just that - easy! I sprayed the oven and left it to sit overnight. The next day I got a little hot water and started scrubbing. I was amazed at how dirty the oven was, and how easily the built up grease was coming off. I changed the water a few times and kept at it. The oven was looking great! There were just a few spots that had some build up still, but I can spray those down at a later time.

Overall, I'm totally impressed with Easy-Off Oven Cleaner. It definitely will continue to be used in my household and my father's house as well. I'm actually going back to get the fume free to keep at both houses to use on a regular basis. Easy-Off Oven Cleaners are all under $5.00 in my area and are totally worth every penny!



Disclaimer: I was sent a $5 gift card to Wal-Mart to buy this product for free. I was provided it by Smiley360 and Easy-Off for this review. All opinions are my own and no further compensation was given.


June 10, 2013

Sponsored: What's Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest






Budha - 11yrs old
When I was approached to do another sponsored post by Nordic Naturals I jumped at the opportunity. I have worked with them on two separate occasions and both were great experiences. They are a great company who sell products aimed at your health, your children's health, and even your pet's health! Who knew that omega-3s were also really great for your furry babies as well. 

So what exactly can omega-3s do for your pets and why is it important? Here are some questions answered by Jodi Ziskin - Holistic Nutrition and Wellness Specialist for Pets. 



Questions and Answers:
Q: Why is omega-3 fish oil important for joints?
A: Omega-3 essential fatty acids are considered essential nutrients for us and our pets because they can't be produced by our body naturally. That's why we need to supplement them through our diets or supplement pills. The omega-3 EPA is a companent of all cell membranes while DHA works to develop and maintain neural structures. Together these omega-3s help support optimal pet health and diet.

Q: What is the best way to add omega-3s to my pet's diet?
Beast when we first got him - pink is for real "men".
A: The answer is simple the same way it is for us - fish oil. Omega-3s are found abundantly in cold-water fish like sardines, anchovies, and cod. Fish oil from wild caught fish is optimal for safe and effective use. They should be independently tested and proven to meet the standards for heave metals, PCBs and dioxins. Also please only use fish oils specially formulated for pets as many marketed towards humans contain flavorings and preservatives that may not be suitable for animals.
Q:Can exercise really help keep joints healthy?
A: As important as exercise is for humans its just as important for our pets. The simple act of walking a dog (or a cat) helps to lubricate the joincts preserving flexibility, maintaining muscle mass, and keeps the blood circulating. For cats, its helpful to provide things to climb on, like kitty trees and towers. 
Exercise also alerts us to potential joint problems. Signs that a cat or dog might be suffering from joint inflmation can include stiffness, difficulty walking on stairs, jumping on their favorite spots, change in speed, and limping. If you notice any differences in your pets consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
Omega-3s EPA and DHA help support:
  • Joint Health
  • Heart Health
  • Celluar Health
  • Skin and Coat Health
  • Immune System Health
  • Brain development and maintenance
  • Eye development and maintenance


Nordic Naturals Products for Pets
For centuries, canine and feline diets consisted of unprocessed foods rich in EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids derived from algae, plants, and fish. However, most of today’s pet foods contain primarily omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils. Even the highest quality pet diets rarely contain adequate amounts of EPA and DHA. This results in an unbalanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 that can negatively impact the health of our pets.

Nordic Naturals offers two omega-3 fish oil formulas that are specifically designed to maximize the health benefits for pet companions. Purchase some Omega-3 products for your pets HERE.

What's Essential Rescue Pet Photo Contest


Bear - 2yrs old and little brother to Beast
So let's get down to why I'm posting about Nordic Naturals "What's Essential Rescue Pet" Photo Contest. With having many furry babies of my own I think its a great way to give back to a great organization: Paws For Veterans. With every vote Nordic Naturals will donate $1 to Paws For Veterans (Up to $5000)! So not only can you and your rescue pup win, so do many others who are in the Paws For Veterans organization. Isn't that fantastic!? I think all pets should be able to have a life with a loving caring family who will care for them. I also think that having a pet definitely helps you lead a happier life. If you're already a pet owner, congratulations you've been blessed. If you aren't then look at your local rescue organization or animal shelter because they have tons of dogs and cats who deserve a great family.

Now while none of my pets were rescue pets I did get my pup Budha from one of my brother's friends. He was the runt of the litter and really small. He was also a very sick pup, they didn't even take him to get any shots done because they figured he would just die. I took him to the vet and they said he was a bit sick, but with meds and some love he would be just fine. That was 11yrs ago and now he is my 70lb big boy who, for the most part, listens well and does what he is told. Beast was my second pup and was actually bought from my cousin. He was the only pup left because sadly his mom accidentally killed his 3 siblings. After 6 short months he was gone, we never knew what happened and the vet couldn't give us any closure. When my cousin told me her Chihuahua's had had another litter I told her I wanted another one. I know it wouldn't be like my Beast, but knowing they were related would help. So along came Bear, my 2yr old furry terror. He totally resembles his name as his bite is as mighty as his bark, with him being the alpha dog. Yup that little 13lb terror pushes around his 70lb big brother. I couldn't imagine my life without my dogs and I know when that time does come, I'll be burying apart of myself with them. They are like children and give you unconditional love - with no talking back! So do you want to win - want to know how to enter?

How To Enter:
  • Super easy just head over to Nordic Naturals Facebook page and upload a picture of your rescue pup! You can upload a photo from 6/28 until 7/18.
  • Don't have a rescue dog, well you you still win by voting.  Voting runs from 7/19 until 7/31 with the winners being announced on 8/1.

Prizes:
2 Grand Prize Winners will win .

  • A 3-month supply of Nordic Naturals Omega-3 pet products and human products – you choose from a list of qualifying Nordic Naturals’ products
  • Dog and cat goodies including collapsible water bowl, chew toy, doggie bags and a plush fish toy
  • The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know and The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know books by Tracie Hotchner
  • A custom canvas painting of your pet by beccavision.com
  • Mr. or Ms. Omega-3 Pet Award Certificate
  • Profile featured on the Facebook app


About Paws for Veterans
Paws for Veterans, Inc. is a community-based organization that provides service dogs, training, supplies, and therapeutic group sessions to Veteran and Active Duty men and women struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Physical Disabilities. As a 501 C 3 non profit, this organization rescues, rehabilitates, trains, and rehomes dogs as service dogs for injured Veterans.

About Nordic Naturals
Based in Watsonville, CA, Nordic Naturals is committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils to help provide the essentials of an extraordinary life. Distributing to more than 35 countries, Nordic Naturals offers more than 150 products in a variety of flavors and formulations, all in line with leading standards for safety, efficacy and sustainability. By providing omega oil supplements for adults, kids, athletes and pets, Nordic Naturals helps everyone do more of what they love. Further information is available at www.nordicnaturals.com. Nordic Naturals is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nordicnaturalsand people can follow the company on Twitter at @NordicNaturals.


Disclaimer: While this post is sponsored I definitely love the ideas and products by Nordic Naturals. All opinions are my own and I stand behind them.