Brand new variety or Hot Pocket going on here, and they are yummy! From the outside, a Twisted Stick looks like a normal bread stick, but inside lives a cheesy pizza filling.
I was surprised the Twisted Stix were not just original Hot Pockets in a different 'container.' The crust is a lot softer, reminding me of the Hot Pocket Subs. Soft and chewy, in a good way.
Twisted Stix also eliminate a complication I've encountered with every other Hot Pocket variety I've sampled, and it's one I'm glad has been dealt with: I can bite in to one end, and the filling doesn't squirt out of the other! Even if there is a bit of a breech in one side, I can sink my teeth in without fear of a molten mess pouring out somewhere. Yay! for that.
5 to a box, I usually eat 3 for a meal, saving 2 for a snack later that night. Though I'm sure it's promotional pricing, these rang up dirt cheap at $1.49. Very recession friendly! These are a 'win' all the way around!!!
No Official Site As Of Writing
--Jeremy Hobbs
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hot Pocket Twisted Stix
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del.icio.usTuesday, July 21, 2009
BluFrog
BluFrog is an exciting new energy drink, and one that promotes a healthier way of consuming these beverages. BluFrog supplies a lot of it's energy to your body in the form of vitamins and supplements, rather than straight sugar. This should go a long way in helping to reduce the effects of 'energy crash,' and extra vitamins in your diet is almost always a good thing! One step above that, there are no artificial colors, or flavors. People like me with sensitivities to food coloring will definitely appreciate that.
On the vanity side of things, BluFrog contains about half the sugar per serving as most of the other mainstream energy beverages (Red Bull, Monster, Amp, etc), so they wont hit you around the waist nearly as bad. Might be a good start to a work out, or night out!
At the moment, the BluFrog contest is going on, offering you the chance to win some really cool prizes, like a video game package, or a trip to New York for New Years Eve. Also up for grabs is a trip to the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Orlando, Florida. What is a better way to spend a day than to knock back a BluFrog, strap into a fast car, and go racing? Sounds like a blast to this blogger!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Twisted Grandma
A product title that truly reflects what is in the bag; ‘Buttery Garlic Goodness’ indeed! During these last couple years writing consumer reviews, I have had dozens of food product samples arrive on my doorstep. Most are decent, a few found their way to my garbage can with a quickness, but I don’t think any were ever as well loved as Twisted Grandma pretzels.
I’ve always enjoyed a good bag of pretzels; they’re kind of a secret ‘diet’ food. Low in calorie, fibrous, very little if any fat, very filling. Relatively guilt free, I think. Being the simple fellow that I am, I’ve never steered far away from your basic ’salted’ variety. The flavored versions of my favorite brands haven’t did anything for me, except make my fingers feels gross. I was expecting the same out of ‘Twisted Grandma,’ but I was oh-so-pleasantly surprised.
Everything was just perfect. The garlic was just zingy enough, but not over powering. The salt and butter simple made my mouth water. Delicious, every which way you look at it. One of the most addicting snacks that I’ve ever tried. The ten ounce bag wag devoured in relatively short order. When I reorder, I’ll definitely be picking up the ‘Pounder!’
Hits you in the tummy a bit (well a lot), more than the average twist. A one ounce serving, or a good handful, nets you 140 calories, 7 grams of fat, and 380 mg of sodium. Health food they ain’t, but if you’re going to ‘cheat’ on a diet, you can’t really go wrong here.
The price is bit steep, but this is a product that could be considered a ’boutique’ item. The quality and flavor is just heads and shoulders above what can be purchased on the mass market. I wholeheartedly recommend these. I certainly can’t wait to get my hands on another bag or two!
–Jeremy Hobbs
Monday, April 06, 2009
Charter
Cable companies have been getting a bad rap the past few years, some of it deserved, some of it not. Now if you're fortunate enough to live in an area that is served by Charter cable systems, they're making a good faith effort to turn to perceptions around.
Every day during April, Charter is giving someone the chance to get in on the HDTV action, by giving away 22" wide screen sets. On top of that, one incredibly lucky winner is going to receive a grand prize package that includes a 52” LCD flat screen HDTV, a Home Theater System, and one year of free Charter Digital Cable service with HD programming.
On top of that, they offer other giveaways and contests that include prizes ranging from Xbox 360's, all the way to hybrid cars. Again, nice to see someone giving just a little bit back to the people that keep them in business!
--Jeremy Hobbs
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Alzheimer's Memory Walk
I would really like for all of you loyal Consumers out there to consider donating some of that disposable income to charitable organization; it feels great to know you're making a difference in someone's life.
Alzheimer's is of course a terribly debilitating disease that takes that lives of a great many people every year; it's the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Someone is diagnosed with the disease ever 71 seconds.
The good news is that new treatments are on the way, and research is constantly moving towards a cure. Want to help? Consider joining over together with 200,000 people nation wide, and participating in an Alzheimer's Memory Walk. These walks are fairly short, usually two or three miles, and take place in early fall. Can't handle the walk? There are many other volunteer opportunities available to you. Click on the little box above to get all the information you'll need. I hope you'll all consider taking part!
--Jeremy Hobbs
5 Hour Energy
Lately, it has truly amazed when I find some truth in advertising; most companies marketing their goods these days seem to offer a lot, but end up delivering very little. Thankfully, that's not the case with 5 Hour Energy, and their line of energy shots.
After trying the 'Jolt' brand energy shot, I was a bit apprehensive (if not down right scared) to tip this bad boy back. The 'Jolt' versions certainly worked, maybe a little too well. But that was part of 5 Hour's promise; it wouldn't make me jittery, and it wouldn't cause me to crash. I'll be the first to back up both of those claims; 5 Hour Energy worked precisely as described.
The boost was significant, but it wasn't as if I'd been struck by lightning. Kind of subtle, but definitely noticeable. And it wore off slowly (I got about 7 hours of 'energy' actually), and when it was done, it was just done. No sluggish drag left behind.
Taste? Ehh, not so great, but it's just 2 ounces. Shouldn't gag you or anything, but it wont be high on your list of great tasting products either. Think 'cough syrup;' that's what went through my mind. Thankfully, it didn't leave much of an after taste, and what there was wasn't anything a swig of water or soda couldn't take care of.
Price seems a touch high, $2.99 a bottle, but you can get it cheaper if you buy multi-packs, or find them on special. Overall, I recommend them, especially if you can find them at a price point closer to $1.99 a piece. Try it out and let me know what you think!
Official Site
--Jeremy Hobbs
Monday, July 28, 2008
Cisco Learning Center
The economy today keeps getting tougher and tougher; and it's definitely a major consumer issue. This trend doesn't show many signs of reversing itself anytime soon. With wages down, and jobs becoming harder to find, the fact that we have less to spend means that we'll consume much less, which causes higher prices, more job loss, and so on and so forth. Can be a bit of a nasty cycle. If your industry is beginning to dry up, or you're looking at starting down a new career path, have you considered becoming an IT professional? The fact that the planet runs on computers now, and those with the necessary skills are in high demand and limited supply, that career is almost recession proof.
Getting Cisco certification would be a major step forward if you would be interested in entering that field of work. They're one of the biggest names in the industry, without question. Cisco systems are used all over the country. All over the world, actually. This would offer you tremendous job security; you could find work almost anywhere you might move.
Cisco's learning network offers you a social network that will help guide you on your way to becoming an IT professional. There are guides, blogs, even games that provide you with ample material to help you hone your craft. IT jobs can be quite lucrative, your days will be spent in doors, and most of all you'll be a very appreciated piece of your companies' puzzle of employees. When their networking system goes down, you'll be the toast of the office when you have things up and running again. Before long, you'll appear indispensable!
Check out the Cisco link, and any IT pros who'd like to comment on the pro's and con's of the industry would be greatly appreciated!
--Jeremy Hobbs
Fizzy Lizzy
The wonderful folks at 'Fizzy Lizzy' were kind enough to send me over a few samples of their beverages. These drinks are like fruit sodas in the truest sense of the word; fruit juice and 'fizzy' carbonated water. The juice is the real thing, too; you even need to lightly shake up the bottle before opening it to distribute the pulp. Pulp! Isn't that cool?
In terms of a review, I'm going to give Fizzy Lizzy a 'pass' on this one; it was unfortunate that the varieties of sodas that they sent me to sip on were made from fruit juices I don't particularly care for, mainly grape. Not there fault though, I could tell it was a quality product ever though it wasn't particularly palatable to me. The pineapple flavor was pretty tasty though! Check out the site, and see if they offer an option that would appeal to your taste buds.
If you're a typical fruit soda fan (Fanta, etc.), these may or may not be your thing. If you're a juice drinker, Fizzy Lizzy may offer you something special. Much healthier than traditional sodas (no sugar added), versus all the empty calories in typically found in 'sparkling' beverages.
Give them a try if you can find them in your area; wasn't necessarily my thing, but I'm sure a lot of you will enjoy them.
--Jeremy Hobbs
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Charter Internet
Just letting everyone know about an amazing deal on Charter internet service. If, for whatever reason you've been holding back on bringing broadband internet access into your home, now is the time to make the jump if Charter is available in your area.
For a limited time, you can get a 5.0Mbps (pretty fast!) connection for just $14.99 a month. Better yet, you get a free $25 Shell gas card, and a risk free 30 day guarantee. Other benefits include virus protection, exclusive content, free web space, and a reliable 'always on' connection.
So, if you've been holding back on getting a broadband connection, this will be the deal for you. No risk, and free gas! What else could you want?
--Jeremy Hobbs
DiGiorno For One
DiGiorno is now moving in on the 'single serve' pizza market. It’s basically a full flavored DiGiorno pizza, shrunk down to single serving size. I must admit that I was pretty impressed with this offering; ‘Thin Crispy Crust’ Pepperoni.
Toppings were a tad sparse, but there was definitely enough to offer a good flavor in each bite. There was definitely more cheese than I was expecting, and the crust was a bit more substantial than I thought a 'thin crispy' crust would be. Preparation was simple, just as it should be; a few minutes in an oven pre-heated to 425 degrees. The microwave is an option, but I don’t think any pizza, even left overs, should be submitted to that kind of punishment. Try that one at your own risk.
Nutritional information is linked below; not bad, not great. Not for dieters! I recommend these over their competition; most single servers are of poor quality. This meal is the real deal. The quality versus cost is definitely worth it; especially if these kinds of products are not an ‘every night’ thing for you. Enjoy!
–Jeremy Hobbs
Monday, July 07, 2008
AccuCharge Stick Vac
Dirt Devil has a new hand held vac, the AccuCharge. What's so special about it? It the first hand held power vacuum that meets the standards required to earn the Energy Star seal of approval. The AccuCharge uses 70% less energy, and does 100% of the job. Those are some great numbers.
Is an energy conscious vacuum going to be able to save the world from impending doom, and reverse the carbon crisis? I kind of doubt it. But it's a baby step; it took us a hundred years to become addicted to energy, so it'll take a little while to wean off. As we add more and more products like these to our daily lives, it will allow us to lower our individual carbon footprint, and maybe save us some money on our electric bills.
If you're in the market for a new stick/hand vacuum, I'd definitely take a look at the Dirt Devil AccuCharge. Dirt Dvil, as you know, has a strong reputation that they're willing to stand behind, so I'd be willing to give them a shot. Get clean and green at the same time!
--Jeremy Hobbs
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Ski
Ski probably wont be new to many of you, apparently it has been around for quite some time in various parts of the southeast U.S.A. I'll be reviewing the sugar/syrup sweetened, original version. There are diet, as well as cherry varieties available as well, though not at the location where this was located.
Categorically, you could try to lump Ski in with various other citrus beverages, like the original Mountain Dew and Vault. But this beverage really does have a very unique taste. According to the label, it's flavoring consists of concentrated orange and lemon juices, and it's very light and refreshing.
Ski is a quality drink as well. Upon first glance, my first thought was 'store brand knock off;' but that's why I actually sample the products before I review them. Ski surprised me, and left me wanting more than just a sample. It may have found it's own little niche in my regular beverage rotation; especially if I can find the diet version (and a reliable supply).
The excellent, unique flavor, and all around quality has me interested in trying other beverages produced by 'Double Cola.' I recommend giving these a try if you're able to locate them; it's nice to try something every now and then that isn't a 'me too' product. Enjoy!
--Jeremy Hobbs
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
They're Missing Out
It literally pains me every time I see on of my favorite companies using services like Adsense, and other Pay Per Click advertising companies to do their online marketing. There is no heart, no soul in those little tiny boxes, and you can not deliver much of a message to your end users in the hand full of words that you're allowed to use in your ad block.
Why not use services like SocialSpark.com instead? Take a few minutes, find sites that are passionate about the products that you're trying to sell, and let them go to town. Afraid they may not like your product? Offer a sponsorship instead. It's targeted marketing at it's best. This site has a TON of energy drink reviews; and I know that a lot of people end up here just to read about those products. This site would be a great place for a company like Monster, or Rockstar to advertise a new item.
As bloggers, freelancers, citizen journalists, whatever you'd like to call us, we offer advertisers of all sizes a great opportunity to have your product seen by hundreds, even thousands of people. The chances of a good return on your investment is much higher with a detailed, dedicated article versus a tiny little ad block. I know which medium I'll choose when I start advertising.
--Jeremy Hobbs
MarieLynn Boutique
Here is an article targeted towards our more feminine audience; Mom’s! You fashion conscious Mommies anyway. Your little one deserves to look just as good as you, right? Well, MarieLynn Boutique has got you covered, and then some.
The site offers a wide range of baby/toddler products, mostly designed for little girls, but there are a few boy’s products available as well. The designs are amazing as well; very neat looking items. You'll find something that will work with just about any style! For my more picky readers, they do customized items, so your purchases can be personalized to fit your needs and specifications.
Prices really shocked me; you’re going to be getting great deals on just about anything you will be purchasing. I've did some shopping around for products like these, and MarieLynn is more than competitive.
Right now, MarieLynn Boutique is having a sale on diaper bags, and they were already affordable. Plus, as a regular reader of The Consumer’s Corner, you’ll entitled to an extra 10% discount (for the whole store); just use the code PWS*10 when prompted! How cool is that?
I’ll go out on a limb and say that the products are top notch; the site has a return policy (that's quite fair), but boasts that no one has ever returned a product. So if you’re interested in making your youngin’ the most fashionable kid for miles around, give MarieLynn Boutique a look. Remember, the trick to making a better world for your kids is to make better kids for your world!
Friday, May 02, 2008
SocialSpark
A while back, this blog had a much higher ranking (in Google's eyes) than it has now; sites/pages are ranked on a scale of 1 to 10. As bloggers, we work very hard for these rankings; they help us to monetize our sites, earn recognition in our niches, and at the very least let us know that our work is not going unnoticed.
Those of us who chose to earn a a few dollars from our blogs by writing paid reviews had our PageRank stripped by Google. This of course made me incredibly angry; every paid review that I have ever composed was my true and honest opinion. Many of the products could have ended up being reviewed by me regardless, the only difference being that I received a small bit of compensation at the end of the month.
My paid-review service of choice was PayPerPost, but since being 'slapped by the big 'G,' my opportunities to post with them slowed to a crawl. This affected my disposable income, which in turn affected my ability to buy products to review independently.
Recently Izea launched a new service, SocialSpark, that has been designed to be much more search engine friendly, and hopefully prevent future bloggers from experiencing the wasted months of productivity that I did.
The interface is slick, intuitive, and gives the blogger more opportunities to create content (paid or not, sometimes we just need an idea), a unique social experience where we can meet other bloggers who write about similar topics, integrate sponsorships, and many other features. All links are now 'nofollowed' (a term that will only make sense to site owners), and that is the biggest difference maker of all.
I will be using the SocialSpark for the foreseeable future, it looks to be a service that I'll really enjoy. My hope is to provide you valuable reading material, while subsidizing the costs of running The Consumer's Corner. If you blog as well, click the link above and give them a look; I'm sure you'll like what you find!
--Jeremy Hobbs
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