Chili Tried

Fruity Cheerios

It doesn't take much to get me to review food. I'll pretty much try anything. The bonus in this case was that it was cereal and my kids could help me evaluate it.

I'll admit, too, that when I heard this product was a fruity version of Cheerios, I was already on board. We love Cheerios. All kinds of Cheerios. A new flavor of Cheerios was right up our alley and I couldn't wait to receive the free sample.

The day after the sample arrived in the mail I set it on the table before breakfast. When the kiddos came down, they couldn't wait to eat. How would it taste? Is it like Froot Loops? Hey! I want some too!

Everyone tried a bit without milk and decided it did not need extra sugar. Bonus! It wasn't that it tasted sugary, but it was just sweet enough that we didn't need to help it along. It wasn't as sugary as Froot Loops, but it wasn't as sugar-less as regular Cheerios. It was perfectly in the middle. From the marketing rep that contacted me: "Fruity Cheerios cereal combines whole grains and 100 percent real fruit juice for a cereal that has 25 percent less sugar than the leading fruit-flavored cereal." Those are all good things.

As I ate my bowl, I noticed the orange flavor seemed to be a bit strong. After a few more bites, though, I was used to it and basically enjoyed my breakfast. The kids, on the other hand, raved about it. In fact, that sample box of cereal (a regular-sized box mind you) was gone in two days.

When I had to go to the store for more cereal, both kids asked for more Fruity Cheerios. I was happy to oblige since it was less sugary than our usual fare.

My only concern is the price, but then, I'm annoyed with how expensive all cereals are, not just Cheerios or Fruity Cheerios. I just don't think it's necessary to pay so much for a box of cereal and the marketing that goes with it. That's my own little issue. You'll notice I still by it.

Fruity Cheerios, you've been Chili tried and recommended. I give you four chilis. You should try it as a less-sugary alternative to those Froot Loops.

Skin MD Natural Lotion

I have always had very dry skin. Part of it is  where I live, part of it is my thyroid issues. When I was contacted to try a free sample of Skin MD Natural lotion I was happy to oblige.

This is what one of the company representatives wrote to me:

Conventional moisturizing lotions only attempt to replace a lack of natural moisture with artificial moisture but the problem is it comes off every time you wash or touch something.

Until now, all one could do to alleviate a dry skin problem was to apply conventional moisturizing lotions. In order for any moisture to actually improve a dry skin condition it needs to get below the second major layer of skin. In reality the only moisture that is going to reach this level is your skin's own natural moisture.

Have you ever stopped using artificial moisturizers only to experience an episode in which your skin actually became drier than it was before you started using them?

When you apply any artificial moisture to the skin's surface you are often sending the wrong signal - that your skin is being adequately moisturized, when in fact it is actually dehydrated of natural moisture. This often results in reducing your skin's production of the natural moisture needed to actually resolve a dry skin condition.

Unlike artificial moisturizers, Skin MD Natural bonds with the outer most layer of skin cells to turn it into what works like an invisible shield.

This "invisible shield" keeps moisture-robbing irritants out while helping to retain your skin's own natural moisture, resulting in skin that is far better hydrated, over the long term, than what can be achieved by conventional lotions.

I was intrigued.

When I received my sample, I immediately began using it twice a day: right after my shower and before bed. The texture of the lotion is almost watery. It's not thick at all. After putting it on, though, I didn't feel sticky (some lotions will do that to you). I used it for several weeks and I did feel that my skin was less dry. I'm not sure it was any less dry than if I'd used another lotion twice a day, though.

Here is the catch: a 4 oz. bottle of Skin MD Natural lotion is $25. Ouch. The 4 oz. bottle will probably last six to eight weeks. I still haven't run out of my 4 oz. bottle and it's been about four weeks so far.

Although I think it works well, I am too cheap to pay that much money for lotion. However, if I had eczema or psoriasis I may have a different outlook since those conditions definitely warrant a more potent lotion. If the price were less expensive, I may consider buying it in lieu of my regular lotion.

The Skin MD Natural web site offers doctor reviews, clinical studies, information on ingredients, and lots of other pertinent information. There is also a place to request a sample of the lotion so you can try it before you buy it.

Skin MD Natural, you've been Chili Tried. I give you a solid three chilis. The lotion is good, but it is expensive. Unless you have a medical condition (e.g., psoriasis or eczema), try the free sample to see how you like it.

iPod nano: Mother's Day

Mother's Day is this weekend. You know want the mother in your life wants? An iPod. This iPod that is available exclusively at Best Buy (it's a special Mother's Day package).

Why this iPod? Because a) it's an iPod nano and b) it comes with chocolate so delicious mere words cannot describe it (think truffle, but chewy).

How do I know she wants this iPod? Because I received one for free to review and it's now permanently a part of every outfit I own. Seriously. I get dressed in the morning and it goes like this:

Watch? Time to get my iPod.

Earrings? Whatever, I'm wearing my earphones so I can listen to my iPod.

Pants? This nano is just the right size to fit in the back pocket. Excellent!

Shirt? Probably need that so I don't draw attention to myself as I'm dancing with my iPod.

iPod? Um, yeah. Essential.

Many a friend has pushed me to purchase on iPod. I resisted. I have Sirius radio in my car and in my house. I was fairly certain I did not need an iPod. I was wrong and I have the strength to admit it. I have joined their ranks and am now pushing you to purchase an iPod.I really don't think you'll regret it.

I have experienced immense joy just downloading songs and sorting them on my iPod. Even on Sirius I ran into times when I couldn't find something I wanted to listen to. With my iPod nano, my favorite songs are right there waiting for me! All the time!

I used to listen to podcasts on my computer, but I didn't always have time for that. Now I can just download and take them with me! I can listen to them on my own schedule. What a novel idea.

Of course, there's the obvious use for the iPod nano: working out. But I try not to think about that so let's move on quickly.

The gift set comes in silver or pink. I received the silver one. It's gorgeous. Very sleak. Shannon received the pink one and she loves it. Very chi chi, but not in an overly girly way. It's quite nice too.

As for setting it up? Here's the DL: take it out of the box, plug it in. That's. IT. The iPod will find the songs on your computer for you and transfer them to your new toy. Of course, you can sort the songs and decide which ones you want or don't want, you can download new songs from iTunes, you can download more discs, whatever you like! Every time you plug in your nano, it will sync up with the new stuff!

But that's not all. This iPod nano is not just for music. It can also download your calendar and contacts from Outlook. It can hold photos. It has games on it.

As I'm sure you other moms know, there are many times during the day when you're "hung up". In other words, you have a few minutes here or there while you're in the car, but not enough time to do anything before you're off to your next errand. Now I keep my iPod handy and I listen to it or check my calendar or play a game. Me time right there in the car! Who'da thunk?

Yes, iPods are pricier than other MP3 players. You know what? Worth it. Sometimes you just get what you pay for. For me, this iPod is worth the money. I can definitely recommend this product. You will not be disappointed.

iPod nano you've been Chili Tried and heartily recommended! You get five out of five chilis!