Knitting Zeal's two cents

Yummy Taco party with TOSTITOS® Artisan Recipes TM

As part of the SheSpeaks program, I had the opportunity to try out a new flavor of tortilla chip by Tostitos. TOSTITOS® Artisan Recipes^TM   offers two choices in new flavors.  We tried out the Roasted Garlic & Black Bean flavor.  I would say they were a hit!  Even my finicky three year old enjoyed a few of them (although he did ask for plain ones too.)  I thought they were good enough to enjoy without salsa even, since the flavor was so distinct. I really liked that they were made of a 9-grain whole grain blend and 100% natural ingredients.  The chips even have 8 grams of whole grains per serving.  I could actually see the real black beans in each chip.  The other flavor that is offered is Fire-roasted Chipolte.  I haven't had that flavor, but imagine they are just as tasty.  The only change in the Roasted Garlic & Black Bean flavor I would make is to reduce the sodium.  The flavors are so strong that I think they would hold up on their own with less salt.  

These chips must be popular already!  I had a hard time finding them in stock at my local market, who was selling them at 2 for $7 a bag. They definitely were a nice companion to our taco party and will be enjoyed again here.

For the taco party, I served turkey tacos (using ground turkey and taco seasoning mix from Penzey's spices) with soft flour tortillas, shredded lettuce, salsa, shredded cheese blend, and taco sauce.  On the side I made up my own recipe for Spanish rice.  I mixed two tablespoons of tomato paste in to the water with the rice while it was cooking, along with about a cup of fire-roasted corn from Trader Joe's. I then added chipolte pepper seasoning and salt to taste.  It was great!  Along with the TOSTITOS® Artisan Recipes^TM chips and salsa, we had a great, fun meal.

Disclosure:  I received one coupon for one free bag of TOSTITOS® Artisan Recipes^TM for the purposes of this review from SheSpeaks.  No monetary exchange was made and the opinions expressed here are honest.

Have you tried Purex Complete with Zout yet?

As a Purex Insider, I am given the opportunity to try out the latest laundry product from Purex.  Since half of my time as a SAHM involves doing laundry, this is a good thing to me!  You may recall that I had the chance to review Purex Crystals, a new type of laundry softener.  I'm happy to report that I still use Purex Crystals and have purchased all three scents! 

Purex Complete with Zout is a liquid laundry detergent that is boosted by the stain fighting power of Zout.  I have used Zout seperately for stains in the past, so combining the two makes stain fighting in the laundry a dynamic duo!  I typically use only clear laundry detergent due to having a family full of sensitive skin.  We are lucky to not have allergies to soaps, but I usually play it safe anyway and stay clear of dyes.  Purex Complete does have a free and clear version, I am happy to report!  Unfortunately the sample I received was not the free and clear version, but the regular Fresh Morning Burst scent.  I have to honestly report that after using this new detergent for two weeks, we have not had any skin irritations.  The only difference I noticed was the light, pleasant scent!  I can't tell you how relieved I was to discover this.  Since this version of Purex Complete is a blue color, I am sure to add it to the water in my washer before adding clothing.  Typically I do that anyway, but with clear detergent it doesn't seem to matter as much if I forget.  

Not only did I notice a nice, light scent to my clean laundry, I also noticed that it was brighter.  I usually add Oxi-clean to my washer with detergent, but I skipped it to test out the Zout power of Purex Complete.  I was pleasantly surprised to see how clean my laundry looked.  My three year old son is notorious for creating a mess, and Purex Complete got his messy clothes clean!  I haven't tested it on grass stains yet, since winter won't go away here yet, but that will be the next laundry test I give to Purex Complete!

So how does Purex Complete fight stains?   With Triple Enzyme Power!  It sounds so scientific, but it makes sense.  Protease, Amalyse, and Mannanase enzymes attack the stains, helping them lift out of the fabric.  

Purex Complete can be used as a pre-treatment for stains as well as a regular laundry detergent.  Pre-treating is great when you have a small child who uses his shirt and jeans as a napkin!  It's great on my clothing stains too, since a certain little boy is notorious for giving me a hug before he's been cleaned up!

Curious to try the new Purex Complete?  Visit FreeSamplePurex.com and request your free sample of Purex Complete with Zout!  Want to win a coupon to try Purex Complete with Zout for free?  Leave me a comment here with a great laundry tip!  Winner will be randomly chosen on or about April 10th, 2011 and contacted by email.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email or an alternative winner will be selected!

Disclosure: I am a Purex Insider. While I do receive complimentary sample products from the Purex® brand, my opinions are my own! No finacial compensation has been received.