Saturday, November 17, 2012

Soda Stream Review



THE AMAZING SODA STREAM!!


 
I had really been looking into getting a Soda Stream. I did a lot of research on how to use the product, customer reviews of it, and the cost of the system. Everything was so positive. Now I have experienced it for myself and this skeptic knows it is all true!!

First of all, it is so easy to set up. The instructions take up about 2/3 of a page. I intensely read the instructions because I was expecting a complicated process. That little bit of instruction is truly all you need to get it set up and going. Here is how easy it is to set up: pop the back off, screw in the CO2 bottle, put the back on, and make soda. No tools are required!!

Second, it is so easy to use. I thought I was going to have to be careful not to mess the machine up or not to cause spills. It really is a breeze. Here is how easy to make the soda: put water in a bottle, screw the bottle onto the machine, press the top button a few times, remove the bottle from the machine, add syrup. It helps if you let the soda settle after gently swirling it around to mix in the syrup. It seems to get a little sweeter if you wait about a minute before tasting it.

Third, it is so much fun. I am always mixing in unusual flavors into my Sonic drinks. I am doing this at home now. The first soda I made was raspberry ginger ale. It was delicious. This machine allows you to make whatever drink you want. The carbonation is impressive too. You can adjust how fizzy you make your drink. Your drink can get very fizzy if you like it that way.

I am having a problem with storing the soda so I can make another flavor. I need to buy another Soda Stream liter bottle. I will tell you that if you store the soda in a soft plastic bottle (it was an empty disposable water bottle), the lid shoots off when you open it. It doesn’t make a mess. It is just surprising. I had a hard plastic reusable water bottle that I tried also. It did not work well either. The soda went flat. Maybe I just didn’t have the lid on tight.

Now about the flavors being like name brands. I do not agree with this whole heartedly. My teenage son really liked the energy drink. He said it was just like Monster. I am a diet cola expert. The diet cola that you make with the Soda Stream is sweeter than Diet Coke but not as sweet as Diet Pepsi. It also has a spiciness to it that tastes a lot like Best Choice Diet Cola (the local generic brand). Don’t get me wrong. This is NOT a bad thing. It is just different than the name brands. I like the flavor of the diet cola very much. I am not an expert in any other flavors of sodas but I am enjoying all of the flavors so far.

I am looking forward to trying carbonated juice. My son loves sparkling grape juice. I am going to try adding juice concentrate to the carbonated water. I have heard good things about that.

I cannot review the long term use of the machine since I just got it. I really want to know how long the CO2 bottle is going to last as well as the hard plastic bottle that I make the soda in.

Overall, my experience with this machine has been great. It is easy and fun. It is green since I don’t have to buy soda in cans and bottles. As far as cost, once you buy everything you need to get it going and maintaining it, I don’t think one would save money going the Soda Stream route vs. the traditional soda buying route. Cost doesn’t change my mind about this machine though. It is really appealing to be able to make whatever drink I want whenever I want.

Here is how easy it was to make the energy drink (I purchased an extra small bottle for the energy drink)

      1)    First place the bottle filled with water into the machine

  
       2)    Then carbonate the water


       3)    Remove the bottle with the carbonated water


       4)    Then add the flavoring, in this case I used the energy drink


          5)    Shake and enjoy!




   


*Disclaimer: I was given this product for review. However, the opinions are honest and my own.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Black Friday Links

Hello everyone. There are so many great Black Friday Deals out there I thought I would share a few links to help you out. I will add more as I find them!


Black Friday Ads all in one place



Wal-Mart's Black Friday policy


I Heart Wags Black Friday Ads/Discussion


Totally Target Black Friday Ad


Kmart Deals



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Christmas In Branson Getaway Giveaway




Christmas in Branson Getaway Giveaway
Brought to you by Saving In Branson and Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog

Christmas is just around the corner and we want to give you a chance to relax. Branson, Missouri is a wonderful place to visit, full of entertainment. In Branson Christmas is the 4th season. The sights, the sounds, and the lights are breath taking. The view is certain to relieve some of the stress I am sure you are feeling with Christmas coming up so soon.

Being from the area I know how expensive it can be to visit and keep entertained in Branson. To help out and get you that vacation you need, Saving In Branson and Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog have put together an awesome getaway package.

We would also like to thank our Co-hosts A little bit of Everything At Home Take 2 & Plum Crazy About Coupons!!! Without them, this giveaway might not have been possible.


1 lucky winner will receive:
2 day stay from December 14th – 15th
2 Tickets to Dixie Stampede
1 Gift Certificate for a Manicure and Pedicure
1 Gift basket full of all the goodies you need to stay fresh during your stay

 
The 2 day stay is provided by Best Western Branson Inn & Conference Center. Best Western is a well known hotel chain dedicated to quality and comfort. This one is even more special as it sets within sight/sound of Silver Dollar City and the customer service is phenomenal. When staying at Best Western Branson Inn & Conference, visitors have the ability to take a free shuttle to Silver Dollar City and purchase discounted tickets at the Inn. Best Western Branson Inn & Conference features an indoor pool with hot tub and an arcade room. The lucky winner of this giveaway will be receiving 2 free days in one of the most popular rooms at the Inn, a Double Queen Non-smoking Room. This giveaway is tailored to 2 people, but you can always bring more and have plenty of room (at no extra charge)! 

The 2 tickets to Dixie Stampede have been generously purchased by participating bloggers. Dixie Stampede is a wonderful dinner and show here in Branson. The show is filled with live entertainment that even the wait staff gets into. The meal is sure to fill you up and features ‘hand’ foods so silverware is not necessary. I have not been this year, but I can tell you last year’s show was awesome and everyone says it just keeps getting better every year.

My favorite part of the giveaway, the gift certificate for a free manicure and pedicure, is brought to you by En Vogue Nail & Spa. En Vogue is the BEST nail salon in Branson and I am not just saying that because they are participating in the giveaway, I use them exclusively for my nails & feet.  The prices are low & you will walk away feeling pretty and relaxed! Even their manicures come with massages, you will love this place guaranteed!

The Gift Basket will contain:
1)    Full size Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner
2)   Full size Man’s Body Wash
3)   Full size Woman’s Body Wash
4) Woman and Man's Razors
5)  And a few extra surprises (Think Coupons) :)
6)   Show tickets & salon gift certificate will also be in the basket

Now for the Rules:
1)    This given away will run from 11/15 – 12/01
2)   Winner must be a resident of the USA
3)   All dates are set and final, changes are not possible
4)  Winning entry will be confirmed before email is sent
5)   Winner has 24 hours to respond to email notification or an alternate winner will be chosen (add savinginbranson@gmail.com to your contact list to make sure you get your email)
Now enter in the Rafflecopter below! Good luck to everyone!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas In Branson Facebook Like Pages





















Litte Tikes Cook 'n Grow Kitchen Giveaway 11/15 - 12/3



Little Tikes Cook 'n Grow Kitchen Giveaway
Sponsored by Little Tikes

You will have an inspiring
little chef with this realistic kid's kitchen playset that grows with
your child.  When this Little Tikes kitchen is opened it is the perfect
height for toddlers.  When the kitchen is compacted it is now the
perfect size for your preschooler to cook your dinner.  There are 50+
accessories included!


Your children's imagination can grow and this great toy will grow with them! It features adjustable height, realistic sounds, and tons of accessories!

Features:

 
• Kitchen has 2 age grade configurations
     1) Kitchen is expanded and the height is just right for toddlers
     2) Compacting the kitchen makes it just right for preschoolers
  • Electronic cooking sounds
  • Hooks for hanging cups
  • Molded in slots to hold plates
  • Oven, refrigerator and microwave doors all open and close
  • Shape-sorting lid for pot helps develop fine motor skills
  • 50+ accessories included
  • Requires 2 "AA" batteries (not included)




Read Coupon Gator Mommy's Little Tikes Cook 'n Grow Kitchen Review.



Want to enter more Giveaways including an iTikes Piano and other toys, click HERE



One lucky winner will receive a 

Little Tikes Cook 'n Grow Kitchen. 
This giveaway ends Dec. 3, 2012 at 11:59pm EST. 
Open to US residents.
Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway





A special thanks to all the amazing bloggers who are participating in this giveaway!


~Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product to review for my honest
opinion. This blog is not responsible for shipping prize to winner, nor
did I accept any compensation for this promotion.~

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Koret Giveaway Sign-up


BLOGGERS WANTED!

Koret Designer Handbag Giveaway hosted by Diva Fabulosa

FREE Event with paid options

Event date: November 20- December 20

Sign up here

Please say Saving In Branson sent you

Amazon Giveway Blogger Sign up


Hosted by: Happy Home and Family

Sign up HERE

Please mention Saving In Branson referred you.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Shopkicks 50 free kicks

Do you Shopkick

 

If not you are missing out! Shopkick is an app on your phone that earns you 'kicks' for visiting stores. 
Why would you want kicks? Because kicks = free gift cards!! 

Here is just a small list of the companies you can earn gift cards to:
Target
Best Buy
Coach
Lowes
Tiffany and Company
Starbucks
iTones
Old Navy
Toys R Us
CVS 
aeri
SpaFinder
 

Want 50 kicks to get you started? Use the link throughout the post or below!

Get Shopkick