Cross Pens BzzCampaign Review

I write a lot, maybe more than the average stay at home mom. I’m old school. I come from the last generation of humans that actually knows that the proper way to send thank you notes, invitations and letters is to hand write them and send via the post service a.k.a. snail mail. As I am sure you can imagine, because I write a lot, I love a good pen. For me, the definition of a good pen is one that is weighted properly, has the right length and thickness and glides across my paper effortlessly.

I was extremely delighted when BzzAgent.com invited me to participate in their new bzzcampaign for Cross Pens. Cross, well known for pens has been making pens for over 165 year. Their pens have a suggested retail value range of $25 all the way up to the 18 karat gold Classic Century which runs a whopping $1500. The pen I was sent to try is the modest Cross Advantage in the Black Mosaic style which has a MSRP of $42.

So what’s in the box? Well first of all the Advantage come in a very nice high quality cardboard gift box. Inside, you will find the pen, paperwork, a complimentary “Switch-it” converter which converts the pen to a pencil and 1 medium black ballpoint refill (8513) in the pen. The pen itself features a slim and sleek design, swivel action propel/repel tip feature, and uniquely engraved black and chrome mosaic finish. In addition, as with all cross pens, it is backed by a lifetime mechanical guarantee.

My take on the Cross Advantage: 4 out of 5 Stars

For me, I found the Advantage to have just the right amount of weight, it wasn’t too heavy or light. I personally prefer a much thicker pen and for me this one just didn’t measure up. Cross does offer other pen style though and I think one of their thicker versions may be better suited for me. I did however really like the way it writes. It glides effortlessly across the paper and delivers smooth, even pen strokes. I like the quality of the ink it comes with, it appears on the paper very rick and thick. Over all, I do think I will enjoy writing with this pen. However, because of it’s slimness, I would probably not be able to use it for any prolonged writing task. For me, this will be a perfect purse pen – pretty to pull out and write when I just need to jot a few things down.

Cross’s quality is definitely top notch and I will definitely be considering their pens for some upcoming gift occasions life graduations and Father’s Day. If you’re looking for a great gift idea, visit www.cross.com and browse their extensive selection. Use coupon code SHOPCROSS by 07/31/2011 and save 20% off regularly priced items and receive free shipping!

Playtex Sport Body Wipes Review

Recently I was offered the opportunity to sample and share Playtex Sport's newest product, the Playtex Sport Body Wipes though a program offered by Crowdtap.

There are two purchasing options for these wipes :

1 - Box of 20 individually wrapped cloths $2.99
2 - Resealable travel pack with 24 wipes $2.99

For my Sample and Share I received 12 individually wrapped wipes and after using and sharing them all I have bought several more packages. I prefer to keep the individually wrapped wipes in my purse and gym bag, as well as in my daughters backpack and softball bag. I keep the travel pack in the glove box of my car.

I have used them at softball games, soccer games, after walks, at the gym, while traveling, at the park, at a concert and I have shared them with friends at all of these occasions. Everyone that has used them including the men I have forced to try them, has enjoyed them and found them to be a quick and easy way to freshen up when a shower is not available or time is limited. I have really enjoyed trying this product and the opportunity to sample and share is much appreciated. I like these wipes a whole lot and will keep them handy from now on.

Here are a few things I would like Playtex to consider.

1 - Size - I do believe these could be a touch bigger without becoming too bulky. To me they are no bigger than a baby wipe, but my body is much bigger than a baby's. Yes, I can use two but then that defeats the purpose of an individually wrapped item. I actually think that you could make the actual wipe a few inches bigger and still fit them in the current packaging since when I feel them in the package there seems to be plenty of spare room.

2 - Scent - Again, I really enjoy the scent but I would enjoy an unscented even more. Sometimes I like to wear perfume and an unscented version would not interfere with my perfume. Also there are many people that are just sensitive to certain scents, or who have allergies and/or asthma who would have a hard time using these wipes the way they are.
In addition I think some people may enjoy other scent options. In addition a hypoallergenic version may be helpful as well.

3 – Sex – Right now, as they are, they are really meant for just us women. I understand that Playtex products in general are for women but I think this is a product could bridge the sex gap. My husband really liked the wipe but said he would never carry a package that looked like that. I see two fixes that could help. A – Playtex could redesign the packaging to have a black background (instead of pink), with the woman in pink and add a man’s body in green. If this was done though I think you would still have to make the word Playtex much smaller on the package. B – Introduce a similar line for men through a sister brand such a Schick. This would definitely make them seem more masculine but I don’t think they would sell as well as if Playtex adapted the original packaging.

Well these are just some of my thoughts on how Playtex could make their Playtex Sport Body Wipes even better than they already are. But just to be clear, I really do like this product! I have shared samples with many of my friends and family and they also enjoyed using them. Several of my friends have already bought them!

If you would like to join Crowdtap and have the chance to earn money for yourself as well as your favorite charity in addition the sampling products and interacting with brands you can join by click HERE.

To receive sample from Playtex Sport click HERE.

TRESemmé Color Revitalize Shampoo and Color Revitalize Conditioner Review

I have my hair colored and highlighted professionally about every 6 weeks so I was very excited when Bzzagent.com offered me the opportunity to try out the new TRESemmé Color Revitalize products. As part of the “Bzz campaign” I received a 15 ounce bottle of each the shampoo and conditioner to use and share my opinion on.

This is what TRESemmé says the products do for your hair:
Advanced Color Lock Technology uses specialized conditioning ingredients to keep your color looking vibrant 8X longer*
Helps protect your hair from environmental factors, which make your shade look dull and flat.
Green Tea, Rosemary, and Sunflower make your hair feel and look healthier while preserving your salon-quality color.
Preps your hair for optimal styling by leaving hair softer and more manageable.

My Review: 4 ½ out of 5 STARS



The first thing I always notice about a shampoo or conditioner is its’ scent. These products smell just wonderful. They have a light floral sort of fruity smell, though I can’t tell you the exact scent it is.
The shampoo is quite thick and I found that I was able to use less per use than my usual shampoo. It creates a nice thick and rick lather and once rinsed my hair felt squeaky clean. I did notice that my hair was VERY tangled after rinsing it out though.
The conditioner is also nice and thick and again I felt I was able to use a little less than I would with my usual conditioner. I smooth it through my hair, and then used a broad tooth comb to de-tangle my hair before allowing it to sit for about 3 minutes. After rinsing, my hair was very smooth. I should mention that my hair is quite curly and can be pretty unruly. After using this conditioner my hair stayed pretty smooth for styling.
As far as the claims that it protects you color longer than other shampoos, I can’t really say that I noticed a difference. But then, I never really notice a problem with my color not lasting. I will say that these are nice products, and they certainly did not hurt my hair so I would defiantly recommend them.

You can register for coupons from TRESemmé.