Full Face Snorkel Mask Trend
Why doesn’t everyone who lives near the sea try snorkeling? It looks so simple, but there are a few hurdles to overcome. Unless you are fanatical about everything to do with water, you and your kids could be put off by the two-piece format: mouthpiece and mask. Salt water gets into the snorkel and the mask leaks. Plus, the mask is usually secured by a tight band, like the ones on goggles, and that pulls at your hair. It’s even worse when hair is wet. Putting a big breathing piece into one’s mouth isn’t very comfortable either.
New Idea
Why not combine both parts of a snorkeling system into one mask? The immediate objection would be that breathing into a mask would cause it to fog up so you can’t see anything anyway. As for leaking, how would a mask solve that problem, or the issue of water getting through the tube? Salt water makes you gag and it gets up your nose. If a child was too comfortable, he would venture far out in the water anyway and be hard to keep track of.
Changing Expectations of Snorkeling Comfort
As of right now, all of those objections appear to have been overcome by the makers of several full face snorkel masks. They cost anywhere from $60 and up, come in sizes for all ages, and feature numerous colors. You might look like a space man dipping below the surface, but your experience of the ocean and its wildlife close to the shore will be far more enjoyable than it was when you were still using the uncomfortable two-piece system. Although the trend is relatively new, it’s taking off quickly anywhere snorkeling is a common activity. Copy-cats are already taking advantage of the popularity of full face snorkel masks so check for authenticity, quality, and warranty.
What Has Changed?
Now that the full face snorkel mask has been released, and by so many companies, customers are discovering that it’s actually easy to see through the visor. There is no fog, thanks to a simple design tweak which draws air away from the visor. A snorkeler doesn’t even have to put a mouthpiece between his teeth; the mask enables him to breathe without it the way he would above water. Okay, that’s an exaggeration; it’s going to feel weird, but not as strange as before.
A number of companies proclaim the wonders of their new snorkeling top pieces, the parts that stick out of the water. They talk about excellent visibility from the shore, an accurate tube length to prevent water getting inside, and some systems will even prevent water entering the tube if it drops below the surface.
Manufacturers of the new full face snorkel masks you can find online and at sporting good stores come with a number of features that will be attractive to individuals and families who would like to spend more time under the water exploring wildlife and talking about nature but haven’t been able to locate a comfortable system. You can go crazy with the cost, but even the most affordable ones are a big improvement over old-fashioned snorkeling equipment.
Brands of Snorkel Mask
Some of the brands you will see include Tribord, SeaFun, and Das Leben. I’ll talk about each one in a second. They mostly come with the same features except that several masks are either GoPro compatible or even come with a GoPro camera attached. In other words, they can be used to take underwater video and pictures. The small amount of research associated with this product so far suggests that people snorkel more with a mask than traditional equipment. More people try the sport and they stay in longer. You will likely see an increase in underwater video in your personal experience too.
These items are still secured to the face by a band, but it’s a three-part band rather than the sort that tugs, so it stays in place better too.
Seaview 180°
Enjoy the hassle-free design and several color choices plus something called “Dry Tech.” Dry Tech keeps salt water out of your mouth, plus the Seaview 180° is leak-resistant. Saying that, if the mask lets in any water, it is easy to release from around the pointed chin area without removing the mask. The breathing chamber is separate from your visor to prevent fogging.
Tribord EasyBreathe
Again, kids and adults alike will love this mask and can select from assorted shades so everyone knows which mask belongs to whom. The snorkel top was designed to be highly visible by parents watching their kids from the beach. The visor is made from polycarbonate, a durable synthetic material which will not shatter but provides superior visibility. Breathing is supposed to feel natural.
Sea Fun GoPro Compatible Mask
Maybe you don’t have a GoPro yet or you do not want to use it all the time, but it’s good to have the option. Choose the Sea Fun Snorkel Mask, buy your camera separately then decide whether you want to take pictures or not. The Sea Fun mask features a Dry Top Seal and Draw function which lets water out without taking the mask off. The visor is made from polycarbonate.
Das Leben 2nd Generation 180°
This is another GoPro compatible system in all sizes and several colors. The tube length is perfect for preventing water from getting inside at shallow depths. Air is drawn down and away from the mask to prevent fogging. Attach your GoPro if you like and capture images of a beautiful underwater world. Visibility is supposed to be at least as good if not superior to that provided by other models. The rest of the mask is made from tough plastic and the lining/seal is silicone.
H2O Ninja Mask
Breathe the same way you always do without a mouthpiece and without fogging using this stylish mask. The makers say it is easy to put on and use and comes apart so you can use the mask alone. With Dry Tech, as above, you won’t get salt water coming through the tube or seals around your face. This mask is particularly spacious, but also more expensive than most.
Meal Time Box: The Timely Choice
Add up the expense of eating out on a regular basis or buying take-away and frozen dinners. Financially, there are costs associated with the inflated price of eating out. There is the cost of getting to a restaurant, even if you drive, plus an ever-present temptation to eat badly.
Most fast-food is sugar and fat-laden, nutritionally lacking, and leaves you feeling hungry minutes after you finish, so it is expensive to your wallet and your health. Frozen dinners are often no better; full of preservatives such as sugar, salt, and chemicals. It’s not diet food you need to stave off health problems like Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease; real food will do. What other options are available to busy families or to people who are dining alone and can’t be bothered to eat sensibly besides eating out?
Meal Time Box Remedy for Hunger
Here is the answer you have been waiting for: professionally cooked meals prepared that arrive at your door, ready to heat and eat. There are almost 40 of them featuring US and international recipes plus protein that covers the gamut. Meal Time Box chefs use fish, chicken, beef, and pork. There are recipes from Asia, Europe, and South America, some of them household favorites or childhood classics; others trendy additions from food trucks and modern restaurants. Right now, there is no nutritional information available, but this young company is working on the details and you will soon know the fiber count, sodium, sugars, protein, and other details relating to your meal.
Many Mouth-watering Menu Choices
Picking out just a few of the options, the variety is impressive though it lacks one thing: vegetarian food. If you are a vegetarian, there is only one source of protein and that is tofu. Also, menu pictures suggest a meal will lack the appropriate amount of vegetables. If you are going to add a salad, these meals could feed two people or last for two meals if images are accurate. Stretch one out to cover lunch and dinner. Some entries include Jambalaya, Bacon Mac N’ Cheese, Beef Cabbage Rolls, Chili Potato, and Roast Beef.
How It Works
Customers have two choices: order a set number of boxes or arrange for a subscription. When you buy a box of 5 or 10 meals these come just once until you order again. Arrange a 10 or 20 box subscription and they arrive every month. The largest subscription is the cheapest and also arrives with free desserts, although no menu choices are indicated in that regard. This could be a hit-and-miss feature, but remember: the desserts are free. Who would complain about free sweets?
Although dessert is a bonus in its own right, the fact this feature is made by a company in Brooklyn sweetens the deal. Consumers these days are keenly aware of the value of sticking with local companies when they can and since New York is home for Meal Time Box, Brooklyn is close to home. Deliveries can be fulfilled in many states but not all; check to see if yours is on the list. I don’t see anywhere on the Pacific Coast listed so perhaps Meal Time Box will branch further west and north soon. They deliver to states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New Hampshire at the present time.
Ready Upon Arrival
An obvious concern is what state food will be in when it arrives. Will it have spoiled in transit? How long will it last? What if a client is not home to receive the box? All of these are sensible questions and Meal Time Box answers them. Food arrives packaged according to FDA-approved and BPA-free methods. Break the vacuum seal to microwave a dish, pop it on the stove, or stick it in the oven according to directions. You will have to take food out of its package if you aren’t using a microwave.
Arrange a place for the courier to leave food when he comes if you can’t be there. You might ask him to drop it with a neighbor, leave food in a cool area under the carport, or even supply a large cooler outside the door. Get food into the fridge or freezer as soon as you can and don’t fret if deliveries are a little late since 8pm is the latest delivery time. Meals last in the refrigerator for a few days but can also be frozen for up to 6 months.
Is This a Diet?
Meal Time Box is not a diet company. They don’t supply low-calorie meals or foods that follow a trendy meal plan. If you are trying watch your weight or avoid certain foods, select dishes carefully. Meal Time Box asks clients what sorts of proteins they want and allergy/restriction information. For example, if you can’t eat wheat, dairy, or egg, let them know. These foods will be avoided. Eventually, each client develops a profile which the company follows carefully as they package each monthly box. You won’t know exactly what is coming each month unless your diet is extremely restricted. At the subscription station online viewers can see what common allergens can be found in each dish so they are easy to avoid.
This Is Expensive; or Is It?
How much are you currently spending at restaurants and burger places to dine out? Does it work out to about $10 per person? If so, then you are spending too much. The cost per meal with Meal Time Box could be less than $8 per time and there is no shipping fee either. You didn’t drive somewhere and were not tempted to buy food you didn’t come out for. Plus, add a few raw veggies or a bagged salad and you have supper for two. Really, this is not as costly as you think. Only someone who makes food from scratch would consider the Meal Time Box poor value, and she would not need to sign up anyway. If you’re not convinced and would rather not spend $60 trying something new, order a 5-meal one-time kit but sign up for Meal Time Box’s electronic newsletter and receive 15% off. You aren’t obligated to continue ordering after that time.
Introducing MouthMonsters Oil Pulling for Children
MouthMonsters children’s mouthwash is an interesting new oil pulling product for children, made from organic coconut oil and other ingredients. The company has offices in both the UK and Australia.
Oil pulling has its roots in Ayurvedic medicine (3000 years old) and is well-regarded for the potency it offers. Tooth decay is not a new problem and has been around for centuries which is oil pulling has often been used to resolve this issue and enhance protective measures.
This process entails the use of natural oils to rinse the mouth of underlying toxins. It draws them out and eradicates any harmful bacteria.
MouthMonsters is a new product providing a modernized oil pulling wash children can use to rinse their mouths and eliminate toxins.
Key Features
1) Mild Oil Pulling Wash For Kids
2) 100% Organic
3) Centuries Of Proven Testing
4) Includes Vitalock Virgin Coconut Oil
5) Flavored With Natural Mint And Strawberry
6) World’s Only Safe Children’s Mouthwash
7) Provide Worldwide Shipping
8) Comes In Sachet Form For Easy Use And Disposal
This is a power-packed mouthwash children can use to have squeaky clean mouths. It is time to brighten their smile and encourage the utilization of this high-grade mouthwash proven to deliver results.
Benefits
What are the advantages of using this oil pulling wash? What does it bring to the table for a child? Numerous scientific benefits are making it a necessity for appropriate oral hygiene.
Here are the main advantages:
1) Removes Sugars From Oral Cavity
2) Protects And Strengthens Baby Teeth
3) Helps Prevent Toothaches
4) Removes Plaque Build Up
5) Fresh Breath
6) Eliminates Parasites And Bacteria In Mouth
7) Whitens Teeth
8) Reduces Toxic Load On Teeth
These are some of the main advantages associated with MouthMonsters and what is provided using this solution. It is a must to include this in a child’s routine to better their smile and increase the health of their teeth.
Why not include this as soon as possible to provide a meaningful solution that works in the long-term?
Buy MouthMonsters HERE!
Simple Use
How does one go about using this mouthwash? It comes in sachet form and is easy to pull out and use.
It is a four-step process for a child who is going to be using this mouthwash. These steps are going to include:
1) Pour Warm Water Over Sachet (Closed)
2) Tear Off Top Of Sachet
3) Pour Contents Into Mouth And Swish For 5-15 Minutes
4) Spit Into Bin And Brush Teeth
It is something a child can do without having to think long and hard. It is easy and adds tremendous value to their long-term health.
Vitalock Method
This is a patented method used for extracting coconut oil. It maximizes the quality of MouthMonster’s ingredients.
The best oil pulling product can only provide results when its core ingredients are organic and of the highest quality. With the “Vitalock” process engaged, MouthMonsters can maximize its ingredients and provide full value with every sachet.
It ensures consistency and enables adults to understand what they are providing children when putting in front of them.
This is a well-tested process and provides 100% organic results every single time. Only the best ingredients are used, and it begins with this patented process.
Adults Can Use It Too
What about adults? Is this reserved for children only? No, it can be used by everyone!
This is the magic of a natural solution such as this. It is made for all humans who want natural, high-quality teeth.
This is mouthwash that can replace any solution on the market and provide excellent results. The flavor is excellent and can provide a new twist to what is being done for oral hygiene purposes. It is safe enough for pregnant women to use as well.
This is the perfect compliment to any brushing routine a person has during the day.
The company also sells an “adult” version which is stronger named MintyCoco. More on this below…
Coconut Oil From Sri Lanka
Where does the coconut oil come from? It is harvested in Sri Lanka from the best farmers in the world. World-class processes are employed to make sure things run in a consistent manner, and the oil pulling remains efficient every single time.
There are regular tests done ensuring quality control.
Combined with the “Vitalock” method, this is a powerful ingredient which is not only authentic but potent at the same time. It is the number one oil pulling solution for those who are expecting nothing but the best.
MintyCoco
What else does this brand have to offer those who are looking to maximize natural ingredients? The company has also released a product named “MintyCoco”.
This is an excellent product, which goes along with all other oral hygiene products. This is made for the purpose of adults. It is a stronger mouthwash using the same methods employed for MouthMonsters.
MintyCoco is a great addition to one’s routine and will prove to be equally effective. No additional ingredients are added to this mouthwash ensuring optimal results every single time. Adults who want quality will know this is the mouthwash to go with.
Buy MintyCoco HERE.
The Rainbow Centre In Sri Lanka
What makes this company unique? Is it the products alone? No, there is a lot more going on behind the scenes ensuring the world is a better place for everyone.
The company has donated its time and money to improving “The Rainbow Centre” in Sri Lanka, which is a registered charity supporting children living in extreme poverty. The charity helps children receive food, shelter, clothing, and educational resources.
The company prides itself on going the extra mile to assist those who provide it some of the finest coconut oil in the world.
If it is time to change an oral hygiene routine for children and adults, this is the option to go with. It is a power-packed mouthwash and provides world-class protection against plaque and bacteria. Why let these things fester on for long periods, when corrective measures can be taken?
A simple 5-10 minutes with this mouthwash is going to be significant in the long-term. It will provide meaningful value to those who want to have healthier, beautiful teeth. This is the option to go with for children and adults alike because it is safe, organic, and proven.
See our listings and any MouthMonsters coupon codes HERE!
Wow! VaporFi is on a ROLL!
Hey all! Thanks for tuning in to our brand spankin’ new VaporFi review! This is about as current as it gets given all the changes in the vape industry lately. Anyway, as many long-time vapers know, VaporFi began operating online a few years ago as VaporZone, but changed their name a short way into the firm’s history. They also run several physical stores. The Miami area is home to the firm, but stores started popping up in other parts of Florida before they spread their net into adjoining states. That physical presence is augmented by a strong online community. People shop at VaporFi from around the country using their internet commerce site and they also connect with one another socially using various social media links like Twitter and Facebook.
Connected
VaporFi has been one of the foremost companies in the area of virtual socialization and communication. They use their Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram pages to stay abreast of what their clients are talking about, what they say about the brand, and what they want from VaporFi.
These channels are also useful for disseminating information about upcoming products and have been used effectively to develop hype about new models or upgrades of old models like their Rocket, Pro, Rebel, and VOX series (for example, as you can see in the picture at left, they are promoting the VOX Built-In Battery TC Vape MOD collection). As a result, each product is launched swiftly and successfully. By the time it’s available for purchase, customers know all about it and VaporFi knows they are offering what vapers are looking for.
Top Customer Service
Being accessible to customers is one thing; the ability to communicate warmly and effectively is another. VaporFi gets full marks most of the time in this department. Their customer service team can be reached by holding a live chat on the website during business hours, calling the toll-free phone number, dropping by a store, or emailing the company using their online form. A lot of negative comments found in reviews of products have been addressed quickly and the response is featured below a customer’s original comment so that other shoppers can see how VaporFi politely dealt with a customer’s concern. This strategy goes a long way towards endearing the firm to vapers and their loved ones looking for an e cig company that can supply a smoker with this effective smoking alternative in a desperate attempt to end his urge to puff on killer cigs.
Product Range
If you could go back in time and see the VaporFi website as it was in 2012 then compare it side-by-side with today’s catalog, you wouldn’t recognize the two sites. Well, the style has not changed. Products, however, have gone through many transformations and others have left the scene. Do you remember the Air, Pulse, or Jet? Each one of these was an innovation in the way e cigs appeared but they fell to the wayside with even better innovations. Whether customers disliked them, sales were not good enough, or they were victims of progress, those three are gone.
The Pro has been upgraded twice so that customers are now looking at Version III. The Rebel and Rocket must have been crowd pleasers because VaporFi has launched third versions of these items too (Note the Rebel 3 Advanced Vaporizer kit to the right).
The Express has stayed in spite of a decided leaning towards advanced modes and VaporFi has developed a sturdy reputation as the advanced vaper’s friend. Most of their catalog is dedicated to supplying mid- or high-level, sub ohm vaping. Although new vapers definitely belong here as much as the next person, they will be encouraged to ditch that less-economic means of vaping and head for loftier post-smoking heights.
VaporFi added the Orbit, an herbal vaporizer for people who prefer to vape dry materials rather than e juice. Consequently, VaporFi has enjoyed cross-over success in both the e cig and vaporizer markets.
E Juice Changes
This part of the company has changed a lot too. Firstly, VaporFi offered a series of pre-made flavors and the custom juice blending service. They even launched the latter of these using a controversial television commercial which was subsequently banned, and for good reason. It was in poor taste but got the message across (it was the now famous VaporFi Super Bowl commercial). With custom flavor building and their extensive range, the possible options topped 30,000.
The original line was ready for FDA approval pretty much from the get-go. VaporFi took a highly professional and measured approach to this side of the business, perhaps anticipating the problems that would face e juice manufacturers. They opened a regulated lab, hired chemists and other professionals to supervise mixing and bottling, selected approved ingredients (approved for the food or pharmaceutical industries as there were no e cig standards at the time), and were able to reassure clients of their purity and quality.
When the firm released APVs, changes were happening in the background. But with the launch of their VOX box mod, VaporFi also devised a new sub ohm group of products. Their Reserve line is now also being phased out, but it was replaced with an even better high-VG Grand Reserve. The result of their tweaking and attention to detail is that some companies carrying only artisan e liquids do not feature VaporFi Grand Reserve next to other top-shelf offerings. Few American e cig brands have managed such a feat, Halo being the notable exception.
Company History
VaporFi was started by people who wanted to bring customers the high standards they were lacking early in the history of this industry. When they started, a lot of cheap stuff was on internet and physical shelves. Prices were exorbitant. VaporFi entered when the three-part e cig was a thing of the past and felt like a fresh new face in the crowd. They soon overtook their competition.
The owners talk about being in this industry for a long time, although there is no such thing as a “long time” where e cigs are concerned; only relatively long. Let’s just say they have experience and are deeply invested in what they do.
Let’s Talk Competition
Who is competing with VaporFi in today’s e cig market? Closest rivals are probably V2 and Mig Vapor. Both of these companies like to innovate, introduce new products regularly, and Mig Vapor in particular lists a huge array of products. VaporFi wins out over Mig Vapor, however, in reviews, sales, and professionalism. We’ll talk more about the value of a good website, but VaporFi excels at keeping their site organized and being ruthless will old designs.
VaporFi and the Competition
Someone at VaporFi (or the website designer they hired off-site) has an eye for crisp, easy-to-read font and design. They chose bright colors but judiciously chosen contrast makes them easy to read. Images show healthy-looking but ordinary people enjoying vaping. Green and white motifs, clean and green, provide a sense that VaporFi sees itself leading from an environmental standpoint while also addressing the question of health. How will vaping help a smoker? Is vaping healthy in its own right?
Drop by the site here and you will develop a sense of well-being before reading a single word simply on the basis of web design. Actually, because we really are SO impressed by VaporFi, we created one of our MyFavDeals.org Exclusive “Quick Look” Videos to introduce you to the website, and point out just a few of the highlights that this forward-thinking company is doing. After you check out the video – it’s only about a minute and a half – our VaporFi review continues below…
–>CLICK HERE<– for Current VaporFi Coupon Codes and Promotions!
VaporFi Website Organization
Why does this matter to the success of a company? Your landing page makes a first impression and the impression VaporFi creates, as noted above, is positive on several counts. Right away their professionalism struck me. This is a young industry, and to create a confident, business-like persona without losing sight of the fun and benefits of e cigs is a tremendous feat. VaporFi pulled it off.
Their site is organized so that consumers are able to quickly find what they are looking for in electronics, starter kits, accessories, and e juice categories. They sell so many products there is even a Clearance section and I always come away impressed with their selection of goodies. VaporFi is almost an all-purpose site like MyVaporStore or Beast Vape.
Extensive extras give consumers insight into general industry-related news as well as items of interest to VaporFi consumers exclusively. They post a blog, social media links, testimonials, education, videos, and more. The FAQ section is fairly good. There are numerous ways to earn points, all of them clearly explained, and the affiliate marketing scheme at VaporFi is among the most successful of all e cig affiliate programs.
Main Competition
By the time VaporFi showed up on the scene, firms like Halo, V2, NJoy, and South Beach Smoke had already become popular. Blu, Bull Smoke, 777, NuCig, Bloog: the list was pretty long and it didn’t feel like the industry needed yet another contributor to the commercial chaos. V2 had held the top position on many lists; Green Smoke sometimes took their mantle. A benefit of all this competition has been the lowering of prices. Another has been improvement in quality. Why has VaporFi lasted and gone from one strength to the next? Who is competing most strongly against them?
Firms like Eonsmoke do not usually rank all that highly against VaporFi because, though their range is similarly impressive, the site is not as professionally done. It has the air of a business run from someone’s basement. They need to provide more in-depth descriptions of items like e juice as well and get into the details of how and where it is made.
Halo is a stronger competitor, established and sophisticated, with 4 electronic cigarette models and one of the nation’s best-loved brands of e juice. V2 has just released a new type of e cig for beginners set to compete in the mini cig market, not come face-to-face with mods. Their Pro Series 3 and 7 nudged VaporFi, but more in the market for herbal and oil vapes rather than e liquids. They have their niche. South Beach Smoke happens to be a sister company and their line-up is diverse, but not as advanced as the one at VaporFi. Volcano E Cigs is perhaps the one American e cig business that has truly embraced exciting innovation in advanced mods.
Chinese Competitors
VaporFi’s strongest competitors, however, are probably Chinese manufacturers such as Innokin, Sigelei, SMOK, and Joyetech. These companies have placed considerable emphasis on providing high-tech products for advanced vapers including box mods, tube mods, TC devices, and sub ohm tanks. VaporFi appears more interested in this side of the industry than most other American firms. They saw where the trends were going before most other firms did, having sat back and entered a little late. This gave them time to process what was happening, where it was going, and to enter the market strongly.
Graduated Program for Vapers
Shop VaporFi! Click the image to proceed directly to the VaporFi website.
Their Express E Cig and Pro III are nods to a less experienced market, but the loyal customers who start here can also graduate step by step through the more complex devices until they reach the VOX without going to Sigelei or SMOK to buy the next level of e cig.
As a result, vapers keep their loyalty points, enjoy the familiarity of VaporFi’s reputation and quality, and they can apply points towards discounts. They support an American company and feel like part of a conversation; a community no less. Customers at VaporFi directly influence what comes next by sharing their experiences.
Personal Touch
It’s not just the online market that makes VaporFi such a popular company. They pair their internet success with a personal touch, running street-level stores in the Southeast of America. Obviously, Chinese firms are not able to do that; Halo does not run any dedicated shops; and most of the other brands are available online unless some firm decides to become a distributor of the brand. Several brick-and-mortar stores carry starter kits, but they aren’t solely Halo or Green Smoke vendors.
The Future for VaporFi
Florida’s VaporFi shows no signs of letting new regulations slow them down. They are big enough to weather the financial hardships coming to all e cig and e juice manufacturers. VaporFi will not have to go through a lot of transition at the vape juice lab, thanks to the proactive measures they took. Much of the protocol they would need to establish to remain online and in stores and to legally function at their current level of success is in place already.
Consumers can anticipate continued innovation at VaporFi, more promotions, contests, new models of electronics and tanks, and additional flavors of e liquid. Unlike customers with some companies, VaporFi members won’t be rushing to use up points, cut their losses, and make a transition to some other brand. That’s good news. Clients at VaporFi are fortunate enough to enjoy consistency in every aspect of their vaping involvement, thanks to the size and forward-thinking of this major US e cig business.
Thanks so much for reading this up-to-date and in-depth VaporFi review!
To see ALL the deals we have here on MyFavDeals.org for VaporFi coupon codes or sales: CLICK HERE!
Our Fun Sunbasket Review – YUM! Best Organic Meal Delivery Service
Hi! It’s Kathy and Martin from MyFavDeals.org, and we just had a wonderful opportunity to review the popular Sunbasket meal delivery service. This is something we hadn’t been able to do earlier since they weren’t yet on the east coast (at the time we originally wrote this review).
But the great news, as you may have read about elsewhere on MyFavDeals.org, is that Sunbasket expanded a couple of months ago and now DOES serve the eastern seaboard! (Here’s our post about their expansion: https://myfavdeals.org/sun-basket-meal-delivery-has-expanded-to-the-eastern-u-s/)
What is Sunbasket?
Sunbasket is an organic food delivery service that packages everything you need to prepare a delicious, complete, healthful meal at home. All the ingredients are natural and organic, and are delivered to your home packed in ice. In each “basket” (or box, as you can see in the photo), you will find everything you need to create a gourmet and organic meal in your own kitchen (with the exception of utensils). The contents of the box includes:
- All proteins/meats/fish
- All the fruits and veggies (including garlic, onion, etc)
- Sauces and/or spice blends and herbs (including fresh herbs like cilantro, parsely, etc)
- Complete instructions on the Recipe Card, including a color photograph of how the meal should look
How much is Sunbasket?
Apart from any specials or promo codes, Sun Basket typically breaks down to approximately $11.49 per person per meal (plus $5.99 S/H for the week) – and you would get 3 meals. There are a variety of ways to order, including by subscription that you can pause (e.g. for vacation) or cancel anytime. You can also order as a gift for someone. So, it might look like this:
- 1 Person: $40.46. Breaks down to $11.49 per person x 3 meals per week (+ $5.99 Shipping & Handling).
- 2 People: $74.93 for 3 meals each (+ S/H) – Note that if you subscribe, S/H for the first week is free.
- 4 People: $143.87 for 3 meals each (+ S/H) – Note that if you subscribe, S/H for the first week is free.
We are huge fans of organic foods, and when we were offered the opportunity to do a Sun Basket review, we jumped at the chance.
In this article, we’re comparing our notes as we’ve both now finished our respective “Baskets.” And, we are also able to provide a different point of view since I just LIKE to cook, and Martin actually IS a trained chef.
In this Sunbasket Review, we share our ENTIRE experience!
How We Chose Our Sunbasket Meals
Kathy: This will be interesting! So, for me and my husband, I ordered the Paleo Sunbasket to try, and they sent 3 meals. Each meal was definitely enough for the 2 of us. What about you?
Martin: I ordered the Chef’s Choice since I wanted to be surprised, and I’m not that picky. And yes, I have to agree that there was enough in each meal to feed 2 people. So, let’s compare notes: the 3 meals I got were Summer Vegetable Paella, Turkey Tacos with Roasted Red Pepper Salsa, and the Chicken wings with Barbacoa Salsa Verde. You?
Kathy: I also got the Chicken with Barbacoa Sauce, then I had a Brazilian Seafood Stew and a Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon meal – the Thai-Style Salmon with Peach-Cabbage Slaw. As it turns out, I wound up filming the entire unboxing, which I’ll upload to YouTube. Once I have a chance to do that, I’ll post the video here as well.
But my initial impression of the entire Sun Basket presentation was very positive. I loved how it even LOOKED when I opened it – the paper bags of all the non-protein ingredients looked perfect, and there was enough ice, too. Then, they had it well separated from the next layer with the ice and cardboard.
Sunbasket Overview: We are balancing Pros & Cons
Kathy: So, I only have a couple of teeny weenie “criticisms” about the packaging if that’s even the right word – because frankly, I’m having a tough time coming up with any “cons” since a balanced review is supposed to have both “pros” and “cons.”
The exterior of the box itself didn’t say “Perishable” or “Open and Refrigerate” anywhere on it. I had mentioned in my order that I live in bear country, and that the delivery driver would need to put the box inside my back vestibule to make sure it didn’t attract wildlife. He (the driver) said he didn’t see anything on the delivery about that. But nonetheless, they know me, and probably would have put it inside anyway if I hadn’t been home. How did the delivery and first impressions go on your end?
Martin: I came home around 10pm after a night at the dragway to find the box on my porch. I believe you told me the date Kathy, but I didn’t remember.
Kathy: Oh right – it was the 23rd… August 23rd.
Martin: Anyway, to my surprise, after sitting on my porch on a 90 degree day, for however many hours (I am guessing at least 6 hours), it was still good.
They did a nice job packing it all up, and it is in a very insulated box, with plenty of ice packs at the bottom. There was a bit leftover with packaging, yet there were simple instructions how to recycle everything, and it is suggested to keep and reuse the freezer bags.
Having an eye always on sanitation, with my culinary background, I would recommend rinsing off the ice packs if you keep them, since they are in direct contact with packaged raw food. Even though it is packaged, better to be safe than sorry.
Sunbasket Packaging
I liked how it was packed, in 3 brown bags, and with the raw stuff at the bottom. I hadn’t taken the time to research what exactly a Sunbasket box would look like ahead of time. So I was excited to see the extensive ingredients included, where literally everything besides things like cooking oil are included, with neat little cards telling you how to prepare each meal.
Sunbasket Recipes and Prep
Kathy: Oh my gosh… I love the cards! Here’s a photo of one of them… next to all the ingredients that I had pose for the picture. So, I guess it’s time to talk about the food! Want to go first?
Martin: Sure. Okay, first up was the Vegetable Paella. This was more than enough for two people. I had three decent sized portions of it, and it was very tasty.
It is a unique dish, as there is some creativity added (not your typical run of the mill type of meal – very much California-style; I have cooked in Napa Valley in the past so I know), and I saved the rest after my first meal, and it reheated beautifully. Even the rice wasn’t overcooked or soggy (they included a ‘Paella Rice’ which I have not seen before).
Sun Basket Vegetable Paella
It was a great meal, and simple to prep, though for someone who’s not experienced with knife skills etc., it will take them a few minutes to prep all the vegetables. I added salt and pepper, which they call for, and it was actually quite delicious.
I just needed to slice the pepper into strips, slice the shallot, and dice the tomato that was included. Then there is a bit more chopping for the finishing ingredients (olives, artichokes, parsley and almonds).
Quality and Quantity of Ingredients
They were reasonably fresh for having been shipped, so I assume they are at least 2 days old, and nothing was spoiled.
The Paella Spice had spilled inside the bag, but there was still a good amount left in the container. The spice was tasty, though it did get a bit all over everything, no huge deal though. I was grateful to have so much of the meal pre-thought out for me, and I understand what it takes to prepare and transport perishable foods.
Kathy: In one of our bags, the cumin spice also spilled, but there was plenty left in the container – So maybe one note that we can point out to the folks at Sun Basket is that the little containers with the snap-on lids might need to be taped shut. But like you said, it was no big deal.
Sunbasket – Brazilian Seafood Stew with Mashed Yucca
Choosing our first meal: For us, because I felt that the shrimp might not last long enough, the Brazilian Seafood Stew is what we made first. In that photo above, to the left, on my kitchen table – those are the ingredients for the Brazilian Seafood Stew.
We really enjoyed it – and what John really liked about it besides it being good was that he got to try a traditional international dish that there’s no way we could find in a restaurant up where we live. Now, if we were to go to a Brazilian restaurant and saw this on the menu, we’d know it’s something we like!
I’d never tried Yucca either, and that took on the flavor of the sauce in the stew. Just wonderful! And, I should note that John burns a ton of calories during the workday, and he felt there was enough… and trust me, he can eat a lot of food!
Tip on Maintaining Quality and Freshness of Ingredients
Martin: That sounds delicious, my kind of meal. BTW, shrimp doesn’t typically go bad too fast, for one because it is infused with a natural preservative – sea salt (not all fish is like that, but shrimp has an OK shelf life). And you can always poach it briefly in boiling water (like 20 seconds), and then drop it in ice water, to extend the life a little more 😉
Kathy: I knew I should have asked you! Thanks for that – TOTALLY noted for the future!
Martin: The next meal I tried was the Turkey Tacos with Roasted Red Pepper Salsa. This was even more unique of a meal than the Paella. It is definitely another Californian style meal, and definitely for those who enjoy creative, healthy meals.
Sunbasket – Turkey Tacos with Roasted Red Pepper Salsa
As was the case with the first meal, I was again very pleased with the overall flavor, and the cool choices of ingredients. You essentially make turkey meat with black beans for the inside of the tortillas, a tomato-cucumber salsa on the side, and have Queso Fresco cheese, a Mexican/South American cheese similar to a mix of Feta and Goat’s cheese. It is a nice subtle cheese for a dish like this.
For prep, it was probably 5 minutes for me of actual prep, and I think I was eating it 20-30 minutes after starting to get it ready. Here’s my photo of the meal… (to the right)
Once again, very straight forward directions ( I love how they send the cards, which you can of course use again if you decide to make your own, or collect as recipe cards), and I very much enjoyed these as well.
The tortillas are corn tortillas, and they have that slightly pungent flavor that comes with an organic corn tortilla, so that definitely adds an additional flavor (unlike traditional flour tortillas).
They also had lime and cilantro to finish, which I love on these types of dishes. By the time I cooked this dish, it was maybe 2-3 days later, and the cilantro had gone bad, not a huge shock, and the rest of the ingredients were good.
Tip: Consider cooking those dishes with ingredients that are more perishable first.
I’m not sure if there could be a recommended order of cooking the dishes, for stuff like that, but my last meal had cilantro, and that bunch was useable.
Kathy: We had a few containers of cilantro too, but ours held up well. Actually, all our ingredients held up well. We totally had the “order” in mind, since 2 of our were seafood based.
Our next one was the Thai-Style Salmon and the Peach-Cabbage Slaw which was very tasty. The best part of this meal – and I think John agrees with me, is that the slaw was phenomenal! The flavors were absolutely perfect, and I actually went out and bought cashews so that I can make this again.
Of course, the fact that I have the recipe card now is great because I can just refer to that so I can make it again.
Okay – so the only thing about that meal is that there was SO MUCH cabbage that it made enough slaw to easily feed 4 people, which was fine because we both had it for lunch the next day. Man, that was good!
Oh – I have a note here about prepping the hot pepper for the Salmon meal – actually, probably for any of the meals that include hot pepper. We thought it would be a really good idea to chop those really finely so that you don’t get any “surprise” or large hot chunks of pepper – unless you like that.
The instructions were to thinly slice the Thai chile (if using it – it wasn’t required), but we found that chopping them really finely helps incorporate the flavors more so you don’t get a mouthful of heat.
Anyway, that was a darned good meal too.
Martin: Ha ha! Yeah, I can see where that could be a surprise if you aren’t used to the heat. That salmon sounds tasty, I love salmon. That also goes to show that not only are people in for some very selectively picked ingredients (most of mine also had organic labels, which I like), but also, these are not your run of the mill typical meals.
So anyone looking for unique, tasty, organic, healthy meals will be in heaven, as everyone of mine were well thought out, and all ingredients went together well.
The ingredients held up over a few days…
Okay, so my next meal was the Chicken Wings Barbacoa with Salsa Verde. I believe I cooked this the following Thursday (6 days after having received the Sunbasket Box), and they were still good!
This meal could have served two people, although it may not have entirely filled up two famished individuals. The Paella would have made a nice side though, with the one portion left over 😉
As with all the meals, I cooked this exactly as instructed to get an authentic experience, as opposed to adding my own spin on any of the preparation techniques.
I very much enjoyed this dish. It was quite spicy, which is cool with me, but definitely on the spicy side!
Kathy, if I remember, you did something alternative with the Barbacoa sauce, as opposes to coating the wings with it. I actually did as suggested, and tossed the wings in it, with the sweet potatoes laid out on the same half-sheet pan, and roasted away.
I was rather hungry with this meal, and I ate almost all of it myself. It takes quite a few chicken wings to fill someone up. It was once again, quite unique, and I enjoyed the Salsa Verde drizzled all over everything. I used all the lime and cilantro and used all of that, which may have been a little too much, but I enjoyed it.
Prep for this once again probably took me around 5 minutes, and I would say for the untrained person, maybe 15 minutes of prep are needed, depending how they are with a knife. (All meals took around this long).
They recommend 20-25 minutes for this. You could perhaps go a little longer, and cooking time will also depend on your oven’s calibration, and also whether or not you use convection, so check the sweet potatoes and wings to see if they could use a little longer. I could have cooked this for another 5 minutes; it was cooked enough, though I would have enjoyed the wings just a bit crispier (you don’t have to worry about over cooking chicken wings too much either, as they can go a bit longer, and some people even prefer them that way).
Kathy: Incidentally, I like the way you served yourself – nice presentation!
For our final meal, we had the Chicken Wings Barbacoa with Salsa Verde too! Now, THIS was a combo I never would have thought of, but those sweet potatoes and red onions were delicious! And that salsa verde really did add to that.
I have to say though, that I thought the Barbacoa sauce was pretty spicy! I was able to eat it – and I absolutely loved the flavor – but I think it might be pretty spicy for some folks. What did you think, because you had this one too…
Martin: Yeah that was tasty, and a bit spicy for sure! It may be a bit hot for some people. It was a great flavor also, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Kathy: Martin, your photo of the meal was almost exactly how their photo showed it. We weren’t able to really prepare the meal exactly the way that the instructions called for because:
- our kitchen doesn’t have a sheet pan large enough (check out my photo of my largest sheet, which is a cookie sheet that was completely loaded with the veggies – so there was no room for chicken there), and
- I was squeamish about baking chicken in the same pan as the veggies.
What was your take on that?
Martin: I found they all did fit, but not lots of room to spare. Like I mentioned, I could have cooked mine a little longer, and actually, had I spaced put the sweet potatoes more, I think they would have cooked a little better. I slightly stacked them, and you don’t really want to stack something like sweet potatoes to roast them, at least not too much.
Kathy: Nonetheless, the flavors were amazing, and while we didn’t have any chicken left over – I can eat wings all day I think! – we did have veggies left over which we had for lunch the next day. I’ll be making that again, you can bet on that! I’d love to know how to make that Barbacoa sauce too…
Martin: Yeah, that was good for sure! And, from a professional perspective, one thing I really like and would definitely put in the “PROs” column here about Sun Basket is the way they package the sauces. No guesswork! And wow… they were all really tasty sauces.
Kathy: I totally agree. Now, there is a little more guesswork, in my opinion, about measuring a few ingredients – for example, with the cilantro-lime sauce for the Thai style salmon, the directions just say, “juice the lime,” and combine the sauce base with the juice – they don’t say how much juice. The lime we got was awesome!
But we had no idea whether or not to use the whole lime. It was huge – and so there was a lot of lime in that particular sauce. What if another Sun Basket meal gets shipped with a small lime? So, it might be helpful to say, “Add 1 tablespoon of lime juice,” or whatever the ideal measure is. What do you think about that, Martin, coming from your professional point of view?
Martin: Yeah good point, I used the whole thing because I am familiar with lime juice and similar dishes like this, but for someone uncertain, I think a rough portion size suggestion would be helpful, or just specify to use the whole lime. I was fine with it all, but someone with little cooking knowledge could use those tips so it is less confusing for them.
Kathy: I know what you mean, so it’s just something that people might want to keep in mind when they get their Sun Basket. In other recipes, they did specify, “chop enough garlic to measure 2 teaspoons,” for example.
But anyway, I was looking at my notes about the whole process – and I can see how Sun Basket is a really fun way to introduce organic and gourmet cooking to someone who may be a little nervous about trying something like this. It was so much fun!
If someone is looking for a very fast, pop-it-in-the-microwave meal, that’s not what you’re going to get with Sunbasket, because they aren’t about that. This is about preparing healthy, organic and gourmet meals at home with pretty much all the guesswork removed since they have done everything except send someone over to actually cook it for you.
But, even beyond that, the meals were truly healthful and nourishing, and you could FEEL how high quality every single ingredient was!
Martin: Yes this is definitely not for someone deciding whether to break out their Sunbasket meal, or head over to McDonald’s. It is for someone who enjoys a very thought out meal, with a very hand-picked feel, that wants to do a little of the preparation, and perhaps learn a few cooking ideas. Cooking skills are not absolutely essential, but a little cooking knowledge will help, and you will need to cut a few vegetables 🙂
Sunbasket Review: Wrapping it Up – Overall Summary
Kathy: At this point, if I had to give an overall summary, and do a star-rating, I’d honestly have to give it just about 5 stars across the board, with perhaps a 4 for clarity of instructions. 5-stars for quality, no doubt. 5-stars for ingenuity, too. And I’d have to say that because of how high quality the ingredients are, 5-stars for overall value too. One more thing I wanted to mention about how easy it is to order, is this: I noticed one of their meals this week included chick peas. While I love hummus and tahini, I’m not wild about whole chickpeas, so I can EASILY choose a different selection if I didn’t want that one!
So, that pretty much wraps it up. Martin, any final thoughts on this? Would you use the service again? I know I would…
Martin: I absolutely would, and I just might. Going forward, I would want to prepare to cook 3 nights in a row, or at least 3 out of 5 nights. I may also glance through to see what may spoil fastest (like cilantro), and use that meal first.
It is very easy to see what is in each meal, so that would be very quick, but yeah otherwise, for someone looking for a unique, healthy meal delivery service with delicious meals, and a little bit of prep needed, I would highly recommend it (I am pretty sure all these types of things will need some prep anyways; this is my first experience of it, and I am a big fan.
It adds a whole level of convenience, as it is a bit of work, and time consuming, to shop for meals this specifically, and most of the time, you forget something.
Kathy: I’ll be leaving for the winter fairly soon, and already see another Sun Basket in my near future. To the folks at Sunbasket – if you’re reading this: Thank you SO MUCH for allowing us to try the service. We truly do appreciate it!
Martin: Oh, for sure! Thanks so much guys – it really was a lot of fun to try Sun Basket, and I have a feeling that a lot of our readers will agree that it’s got to be about the best organic meal and grocery delivery service out there.
To our readers, thank you so much for taking the time to read this Sun Basket review!
Hison Jet Surfboard: The New High-Speed Water Experience
I live on the beach for half the year, and I’m guessing that this season I’ll be seeing the Hison Jet Surfboard more often! This is the coolest new water toy we’ve seen in a while! I see this all the time – men and women of all ages are drawn to the sea because they love to surf. They love the freedom they feel riding a wave or skimming the ocean’s surface, defying gravity and picking up speed.
It’s a thrilling sport to watch and to take part in, but how does a person get that experience where the waves are not very high or the weather does not suit surfers? What if your only body of water is inland? Perhaps you just want to try that surfing feeling but you are prepared to manage it the motorized way. That’s where a jet surfboard can take you higher.
Watch the Videos
Images of surfers gliding over blue water do not do the jet surfboard justice. Call it a jet ski or jet surfboard – either way, jet surfing is an active, high-speed sport. Play the videos and feel wind whipping through your hair, catch sea spray in your mouth, and listen to the powerful roar of water matched by your motorized board. Finally, consumers can harness the power of a jet ski but stand up on it as if they were surfing, combining their love of speed with the feel of their favorite pastime in the water.
Here’s a fun video from when these were just released (this is from the 2013 model!) – yeah… that would be like me the first time I’d be on one of these. I don’t feel so bad now… (scroll below the video to continue reading)
Attractive Boards
The Hison Jet Surfboards are a fairly recent addition to motorized water sports since this is, after all, considered to be the early days for the jet surf industry, but it’s likely that designs will start to become artistic, whacky, and colorful. So far, red and black are favorite. The board looks somewhat like a regular surfboard but with one difference: manufacturers add a motor and a control stick. Regular surfboards have become a sort of canvas and the same phenomenon is likely to occur with these new water sport machines.
Control the Surf (uh… sort of! 🙂 )
This control stick is like an elongated stick shift on a car. It stands up at the front and you grip it tightly while using the other hand for balance. Foot braces keep you in place while you take corners and manage shallow waves that jiggle you like speed bumps. A 4-stroke engine gives you more than 30 knots and 25 horsepower (for the Ultimate Hison Jet Surfboard. If you go with their Extreme model, (330cc 2 stroke) it’s faster and more powerful – see the Extreme Hinson JET Powered Surfboard here – it’s currently priced at $11,179.99) Jet propelled kayak canoe wakeboard ). There’s no idling or dawdling on these boards. You’ll see from a variety of videos that if you aren’t moving right along, you are probably sitting on the board.
Buy the Board
This is not a sport for anyone who lacks cash: a few thousand dollars-worth. Save up, ask for money this Christmas, say no to little indulgences until small sums add up and you can buy yourself the Ultimate Hison jet surfboard for just over $6,000. The Hison Extreme is just under $11,500. Perhaps by winter there will be some used ones on sale for less than that, but right now that’s the going rate.
$6,380.00 –> The Ultimate JET Powered Surfboard Power Ski (HERE at Amazon) (Includes Free Shipping)
$11,179.99 –> Extreme JET Powered Surfboard (HERE at Amazon) (Includes Free Shipping)
Buy the Experience
Another way to go is to purchase a jet surf experience. Tour guides will take you to a popular surfing location where you will use one of their jet surfboards for a period of time. Receive instruction before tackling waves surrounded by scenic views of some exotic country. There are many tour packages located in dozens of countries. Here’s one from Tinggly via Amazon.
Racing the Waves
Surfing has always been a competitive sport. Audiences turn up to watch their favorite surfers in places like Hawaii, Australia, and California where they perform sometimes dangerous feats with tremendous skill. They compete against each other and sometimes perform tricks on the waves. The jet surfboard allows riders to synchronize their machines and perform in ways that were much harder to achieve with a regular surfboard. Watch these boarders jump over or spin around obstacles with perfect control of their machine; couples who have trained together, transferring personal harmony to athletic unity. The sea is still a dangerous medium, so riders must always be aware of the risks they are taking with or without a motor keeping them upright.
Jet Surfing for Fitness
Putting an engine in something should take an element of fitness out of the sport, but there are still many benefits to taking up jet surfing. You still need to have balance to stand on the board as it will not always be moving along a flat surface and people fall off all the time. It will still be pushed around a little bit by the ocean’s power which is a beautiful feeling when you’re not in as much danger of being thrown off. As you take corners, the board will certainly tip onto its side a little or a lot depending on the extremity of that curve. Putting balance into action activates numerous muscles, particularly those around the core such as your back, buttock, and abdominal muscles. Arms get a workout controlling the joystick and your leg muscles are also active. Jet surfing is a total-body workout.
Compare Jets to Other Water Sports
In terms of speed and lightness in the water, two sports compare strongly. One is jet skiing. Your movement over the water’s surface is similar but without a seat between your legs and not as much power. Jet skis give a water user almost too much power they don’t have to work for. Riders are passive participants, whereas the Jet Surfboard requires active involvement and effort on the participant’s part.
Water boarding (water skiing on a board) requires similar movement but power is provided by an auxiliary source. You aren’t in charge of that, but if you have tried water boarding, that has prepared you for what motorized surfboarding feels like. Boarders still fall over and lose their balance. They have more control, however, when a boat is not involved.
Getting into the water is also simpler without a vessel to launch. Exhaust isn’t flying in your face. Noise is not as big a factor, messing up the enjoyment and disturbing viewers. The quiet of regular surfing is perhaps the one thing you will miss most, but jet surfing is not as noisy as firing up the engine of a speedboat.
Snow boarding is similar to surfing in a sense, so maybe one day there will be a winter-sport equivalent. Innovators would motorize a snow board, add a tall stick shift, and give boarders a chance to transfer the tropical surfing experience to the glaring surface of snow on the white mountain tops of European and Canadian ranges.
A Growing Business
Entrepreneurs: there’s a retail opportunity here for you. With a burgeoning sport there will always be special shoes and clothes for men and women; a marketing wave to ride.
$6,380.00 –> The Ultimate JET Powered Surfboard Power Ski (HERE at Amazon) (Includes Free Shipping)
$11,179.99 –> Extreme JET Powered Surfboard (HERE at Amazon) (Includes Free Shipping)