Happy cinco de mayo!

Now bring on the donuts! Today only, Krispy Kremes in Texas are giving you a great deal. 6 donuts, ANY, for only $5. 

Pentel Pen review via Shoplet.com

Shoplet.com has once again hooked me up with office supplies to try and write about. This time it was Pentel Pens. 

The Vicuna Retractable Ballpoint Pens ink ball point pens make a vibrant addition to my pen collection. If you are like me, organization is everything. These pens help for color coordination. Made from 66% recycled plastic, means you're reusing rather than wasting. They are super smooth. As advertised, the design is sleek and elegant. There's a grip for your fingers. The tip is designed for writing finer lines.

I also received the Twist-Erase III Mechanical Pencil. It's an automatic pencil with a jumbo eraser that you can twist up to use. It's supposed to be break resistant which is often a problem with automatic pencils. I love the comfortable latex-free grip it has though. It has a fine tip that leaves bold, easy-to-read impressions.

Lastly, there is the EnerGel Retractable Gel pen. I have a love for pens.

Always writing. Lists, creative pieces, and all things random! A metal pen is definitely one that makes for durability and come on.... You know it feels cool too. I love the design. And light blue color.

My favorite pen is the EnerGel. It's the smoothest and feels comfortable in my grip. My husband says the vicuña pens weren't as smooth as the gel pens we've gotten before. Pentel started a program called Recycology to help the environment by creating less waste while increasing recycling activity. They work hard to reduce the use of natural resources and follow safe environmental manufacturing. 
You can check out these and other office supplies at Shoplet.com. They also have promotional products, office stationary and medical supplies. 

Free Comic Book Day success!

I couldn't wait to leave work today. The thought of going to Heroes and Fantasies here in town, was driving me to get through the day. As I mentioned last night, today, May 2nd, is the Free Comic Book Day! Comic stores and even some book stores that have comics are giving away free comic books in celebration of reading and love of comics. The store I mentioned had so many to choose from. Everyone was given 2 comics just for visiting the store. Kids under 14 got another bonus one and anyone in costume got a bonus one.

My kids each got 4 comics while my husband and I got 2 each. Anything after that would've been only $1 each. As an added bonus, they had cosplayers you could have your picture taken with. 

From here on out, I've decided that I will ask off FCBD. The first Saturday of May is the day to mark each year. So be ready! 

What comes next this month? A day to celebrate Star Wars! May the 4th is Monday! And I can't wait to show my support of my favorite saga. 

Another great promo by Label Daddy!

Just in time for summer camps and in my case, school enrollment and organization! Get a great deal on wonderful, personalized labels.

Save 20% on Label Daddy labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others.

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including Disney and Marvel characters, MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.  

 Save 20% on your entire Label Daddy order - this is the best discount available anywhere. Use code USFAMILY20 at checkout. http://www.usfamily20.labeldaddy.com

I've done reviews for Label Daddy before and I absolutely love them!

March Bulu Box review

This months box had a lot more samples than the two previous boxes I've gotten.

The ad included had a scratch off for a discount towards ordering from Bulu.
The first thing I tried was Bean Fields Bean and Rice Chips. I got the ranch flavor.

They are a vegan snack, corn free, gluten free, all natural and a great source for fiber and protein. They have an interesting texture. Really love the flavoring. It's not overbearing. These chips are high in protein and fiber with less fat than leading brands. The beans used are farmed here in the United States. No sugar, gluten, dairy, peanuts, seeds  or corn. So whether you are a vegan or have peanut allergies, they make a great snack.
There is something called E-Hydrate packs that are supposed to provide natural energy. I tried using the orange flavor one but it just fizzed right out the bottle as it made contact with the water.

So the second try, I had to pour it slowly while letting it settle in between pours. It's made here in the US. On top of providing energy, it adds minerals and vitamins to your diet. They also donate 5% of their profits to benefit veterans and their families through IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America). I liked the lemon lime flavor. It does have a strong sweet taste though and feels slightly carbonated.

Then I started using these capsules that were included. Vivioptal capsules are a multivitamin and multi mineral supplement.  The good thing is, they are gluten free. The bad thing is, they have a bad smell at first with an aftertaste. 

There were a few other things in the box that I don't have a personal interest in. Not everything in every box is for everyone. But they do have some great things to try out before you buy.  

Free Reese's chocolate!

In case you missed this, there is a promo going for free Reese's chocolates. You can use their Facebook link here or their non-Facebook link. Put in your start up for what chocolates are your favorites and then fill out the information to get a coupon for a free product. 

Japan Crate subscription box review

Two things I have a passion for; all things Japanese and satisfying my sweet tooth. How better to accommodate both than with a subscription to Japan Crate?!

It is a monthly subscription box that will send you a smorgasbord of Japanese imported candies and treats to entice your taste buds as well as indulge your curiosity. I can barely contain my excitement and have been sad to see the goodies dwindling. I had a really difficult time picking what to try first.

First my kids and I dove into the Fujiya Milky Candy.

Its a semi hard candy, sorta like taffy. You have to suck on it before you begin chewing.

But it does have a milky flavor to it which is similar to sweetened condensed milk.

Then I split the Fujita Country Ma'am Vanilla.

It's a light cookie with a jelly filling and chocolate chips.

There was a parasol candy that was chocolate.

The top half tasted of strawberry. That was definitely a favorite! It's called Chocolate Umbrella.

They come in either milk or strawberry flavor.

Giant Caplico Panda is a non-frozen ice cream cone!

There's a wafer biscuit cone stuffed with chocolate cream and then topped with a layer of whipped cookies and cream foam.

The whipped chocolate and airy cream is light on your tongue!

Goes great with the wafer cone.

Look a la mode Chocolates is a pack of chocolate with 4 flavors; banana, almond, strawberry, and caramel.

The filling flavors are rich are and strong within the chocolate. Strawberry was definitely my favorite.

Fits Nightlife peach flavored gum was pretty good.

I like how they have the magnetic strips to keep the flap locked when closed.

I also love peach flavoring. So win-win. Just wish the flavor lasted longer.

My bonus item was a chocolate Super Mario Pop.

Who doesn't love Mario in detailed chocolate form?

I think the Kabaya Panda Cookie DIY kit was my favorite part of this box.

They were so much fun to make and tasty.

I saved the mold from this to make chocolate pandas with baking chocolate. Then I can embellish other things I make, like my brownies and cupcakes. You could even make them look like Mickey Mouse as that's what some people confuse them for. 

C. C. Lemon drink is like a refreshing,   light lemon soda. It's slightly carbonated. It's supposed to have 35 lemons worth of vitamin C without the super sour taste.

Glico Maccha Collon candy was like wafers with a sugary center.

Each item has a label in English that gives basic information. Nutrition and ingredients as well as where it's distributed from. There's also a list that tells you the name and a short description of each item included. Things that need instructions, don't have English versions. Personally, I like to figure it out with the pictures. It's just more fun to experiment!
This one I didn't try... Only because I read the description and saw squid on the list. 

This has been my favorite subscription box yet! Having a sweet tooth and loving all things with Japanese culture have made this an awesome experience!