Save Time and Cash with the RedLaser App - Never miss Out on a Good Deal Again!

I love to shop, but then again, what woman doesn't?  And I really love a good deal.  I despise going out shopping and feeling like I **could** be getting a better price.  (Like how I feel if I go out for a quick trip and don't bring along coupons!)  But I think my shopper anxiety has been calmed.  I was just turned on to a new phone application from Shespeaks (one of my favorite websites!!) called RedLaser.

Remember this logo!

RedLaser is a pretty awesome app that allows you to scan an item code and gives you product information, ratings, and price comparisons.  Plus you can put your scanned items into lists to keep everything organized.  I have already started a few lists:  One for Household items, one for groceries, and one for Christmas presents.  I love that when I see a potential Christmas gift, I can scan the item and store it for later so when I am ready to shop - and compare prices so I know I am getting the BEST deal! 

It is a FREE app (yay!) and is compatible with iPhone, Android, and Windows phones.  I recently switched from a Windows phone to an Android and I can personally say that I love that RedLaser is available for the Windows phone!  It is so hard to find good free apps for the Windows phone.

A couple of cool features that I really liked about this app:

• When you scan a food item it gives you ingredient and allergen information.  I scanned my Miracle Whip bottle for my grocery list and it has pretty much everything I would ever want to know about Miracle Whip from a product rating (B+) to how many calories per serving (40).  Pretty neat!

• You can buy right from your phone through Paypal, if you choose.  I love Paypal and use it often so this would be useful when I am (ahem) impulse shopping ;-)

• You can share your lists (or wish lists!) with friends and family via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, Google, instant messaging...etc....That will come in handy at Christmas too!

• Not only does the RedLaser app give you online prices, but you can compare local prices as well.  Unfortunately, every product I have scanned so far shows no local listings.  Maybe they are still working on that.  I do live somewhat close to a big city but not close enough to drive and shop for groceries or household stuff.

If you have a minute, check out this video to see RedLaser in action!

You can download the FREE app here.  I think it is definitely worth a try.  I had a lot of fun just looking for different items and scanning them to see what would come up!

Also, support RedLaser by following them on social media :-)

Facebook : RedLaser 

Twitter: @RedLaserApp

Lastly, I have a few suggestions that I think would greatly enhance my personal RedLaser experience:

* If applicable on an item, offer a link to coupon availability.

*Offer local sale prices or links to store ads.

*Offer the consumer an option to add a local price into the system.

Overall, I really am enjoying this app and have already gotten a lot of use out of it.  Thanks to Shespeaks and RedLaser for showing me something new!

**I was compensated for this post but that in no way reflects my thoughts of this application nor my willingness to recommend it**

Torani Syrup = Flavor Heaven

As a member of The She Speaks Blogger Society, I was selected to receive two 750 ml bottles of Torani Flavored Syrups to try out and review.  I was already a huge fan of Torani before applying to this program so to be able to try some new flavors is just great!  I have heard of Torani Flavored Syrups in the past but never really tried them until my mother bought me chocolate and caramel for Christmas last year.  She uses them to make flavored coffee drinks and flavored hot chocolate drinks for the grand children.  Now my whole family is hooked!

I received Peppermint Flavor and Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon to try.  I am not a huge fan of peppermint though.  I mean, I like it but it wouldn't be my first choice.  It is a good thing that Torani has a recipe section on their website!  They have some really great recipes for the Peppermint flavoring like Candy Cane Steamer and Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie.  I now really need to invest in a milk steamer so I can accurately make these awesome sounding recipes!  I am also thinking of ways that I could use the Peppermint syrup in food recipes.  Maybe Peppermint Mocha Brownies or Peppermint Bark!  When I come up with a mouth watering concoction I will post it on here to share!

The Sugar Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon was pretty good too.  I ordinarily would not purchase anything sugar free because I do not like the taste of artificial sweetener but I added this to my coffee and it was smooth and yummy.  My favorite recipe from the site was the Iced Sugar Brown Sugar Cinnamon White Mocha.  Good stuff!

 

My whole Torani package!

I was also sent FIVE coupons for FREE Torani syrups to use for myself or share.  I am using a couple for myself and giving my mom some since she was the person who originally turned me onto Torani Flavored Syrups!  There are a few flavors I really want to try like Pumpkin Pie (which I already bought!) and Salted Caramel.  

Oh the possibilities....All good drinks deserve Whipped Cream!

We also just ran out of Chocolate and Caramel flavoring.  My daughter loves to make decaf instant coffee and use the syrups.  I am hoping that I can find the Salted Caramel in store!  But, if not, I can buy it directly from the website for only $7.95 for a 750ml bottle.  I thought the syrups were more expensive than that but it was just a misconception.  And I also have a 10% off code so that makes it even cheaper!

 

Torani Flavored Syrups have been around since 1925 and are still going strong.  I think that is due to the high quality and great variety of flavors.  They have over 120 flavors!  I never knew until I looked at the website.  Some of the flavors sound A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  Like Bacon syrup.  I do not know what I would do with it but I love bacon and just the thought of a bacon flavored syrup makes me hungry!  They have some really unique flavors too like Hibiscus syrup and Cupcake syrup.  Oh, the possibilities!  I would buy them all if I could afford it!

Something else I noticed when I received my bottles is that they were both made in the USA.  That makes me proud to buy and to drink them.

Made in the USA!

Torani also supports the community and has partnered with Afterschool Alliance and they promote children's artwork on their bottles!  They also have sustainability practices in place and are consistent in their environmental actions.  

Torani Flavored Syrups are good to use in a variety of drinks, not just coffee.  They can be used to make Italian Sodas, Flavored Tea, and Sophisticated Cocktails.  On the website you can use the product locator to find where Torani is sold in your area.  Walmart sells them and you can purchase through Amazon.com as well.  Bonus - It looks that if you purchase through Amazon.com, the Torani Flavored Syrups are eligible for FREE super saver shipping!  Plus you can always purchase the flavored syrups directly from the Torani website.  They also make chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate sauces.  Yummmmmmy!

Show your love for Torani and join me and a whole bunch of other Torani lovers for a TWITTER PARTY on November 17, 2011 at 9:00pm.  Use the hashtags #HolidayFlavors and #SSTorani to get in and keep up on the action!  My twitter ID is @merrica30.  I hope to see you there.  If you have never been to a twitter party you should definitely come.  They are fast paced and fun!  Shespeaks.com will usually send out a link and all of the twitter party details as well as a chance to RSVP and a custom tweet grid.  If you "like" them on Facebook you will have access to all of this information as well as other exciting programs that are launched. 

Also, check out the reviews on Torani Flavored Syrups.  See what other customers have to say!  This way, if you are debating on which flavor to try, you can read these great reviews first before deciding!

If you have a minute, leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite Torani Flavors are.  Or, if you have a great recipe that uses the Torani Flavored Syrups to share, please do!  I love new recipes and experimenting with flavors!!!  Thanks for reading :-)

My Journey of Personal Growth with Cerra™ and Shespeaks!

Life is busy.

I am busy - my mind is running in a million different directions every second.

I just started my own small candle making business.  I have two wild children (ages almost one year (10/16) and seven years old) who keep me on my feet at least half of the day.  I have a three bedroom house to clean, food to cook, blogs to write, tv shows to watch, candles to make, networking to do, phone calls to those I love, birthday parties, organize the recycling, take a shower, change a diaper, tuck in my babies, go grocery shopping, clip some coupons, organize coupon binder, get the garden ready for winter, wash car....

Are you overwhelmed yet?  Tired just looking at this list?  I am sure it looks pretty familiar to many busy people out there.  Life moves so fast, sometimes it is hard to stop for a second (or three) and say "sigh".  When I was offered the opportunity to be a part of the Shespeaks  "Cerra Be Aware, Act, Reflect™" program, I knew it would be a positive influence in my life. 

Cerra™ is a website that promotes relaxation and "me" time.  Its goal is to help you de-stress and balance your daily life.  There are short exercises on the site called "moments" that are geared towards helping you regroup and refocus your mind.  I liked the "Easy on the Eyes" moment.  It is just a few minutes eye massage to help you center yourself.  What I thought was really cool is that you can enter your mood and Cerra™ will give you a "moment" recommendation. 

Cerra™ lives by the motto "Be Aware ~ Act ~ Reflect™".  To Be Aware means to recognize you own life as it is happening instead of worrying about everything else that is swirling around you (especially those dilemmas that are out of your control!)  To Act means to live with purpose and use that awareness to turn daily activities we do into mindful actions.  This, in turn, can lead to a more fulfilling life.  Reflect is just looking at our actions and ourself and making connections within the everyday world.

Along with the "Be Aware ~ Act ~ Reflect™" motto, the Cerra ™ journey also promotes the use of the seven intentions which are: Grounded, Creative Energy, Gratitude, Loving Kindness, Courage, Wisdom, and Inspiration.  The Cerra™ boutique carries a line of fragrance oils which correlates with each of these intentions.  The website does a great job of explaining each of the intentions and I strongly suggest that you check it out!


There is also a discussion board on the site where you can connect and interact with other members who are also on a journey to balance and relaxation.  


Lucky girl I am, I was sent a small kit with some products from the Cerra™ line to try out.  All of the Cerra ™ products are specifically designed to be used with the different intentions.  Right now if you sign up as a new member you get 10% off your first purchase.  I will say that I personally though that the products were bit expensive but if they help you gain a better balance on your life then they are "priceless".


I have enjoyed this program and the activities on the Cerra™ website and will continue to use them.  Let me quote the Bush Song, "It's the little things that kill..." but it can be the little things that make all the good difference if you take a moment to reflect and appreciate them.

Sensory Oil

Dissolving Notes and Marker

The Seven Intentions

Tea Bags for the Seven Intentions

Keepsake Notes - Gratitude