Nov 10 2017
Smile Brilliant Review and Giveaway

As most people know, I like coffee.  As in I drink it almost every day. As much as I wish coffee didn’t stain your teeth, it does. 

Recently, I had the chance to try Smile Brilliant. Smile Brilliant is an easy to use, smooth, custom fitted whitening system.  

Spoiler: They work well as my parents asked if I stopped drinking coffee and I have received multiple compliments on my teeth.

A bit different review than running shoes, or fitness products, but Smile Brilliant was kind enough to send me a complimentary system and who doesn’t want whiter teeth?

What is Smile Brilliant?

A professional, custom whitening treatment that you can use in your own home.  Prior to Smile Brilliant being on the market, a custom fitted tray system was only available at the dentist office.  At the dentist office, these systems can cost upwards of 500-1000 dollars.

How does Smile Brilliant Work?

To get a custom fit, Smile Brilliant sends you a kit that includes: Base and Catalyst Paste to make your impressions. 

Followed by all of the equipment you need to make it.  It reminds me of going to the orthodontist and getting your lifelong retainer.  After following the directions, it molds to your teeth, and you send it back so they can make your customized mold.

First, you mix the pastes together and then press them into the plastic trays. Like when you got a retainer made (if you did), you place them in your mouth, bite down for 2+ minutes and then remove.

You will make your own impressions, but if LOLZ can do it, believe me, it’s fairly simple.  Smile Brilliant also gives you an extra mix in case you mess up.smile brilliant teeth whitening

Then you just have to mail them back in the prepaid mailer and Smile Brilliant will create your molds and send them back to you.  For me, it took less than 2 weeks for my custom molds and get started.

Realistically it’s all about Results:

First and essential, the custom molds fit my teeth perfectly. I kept them in without noticing, and they didn’t fall out or irritate my mouth. I also didn’t feel as though I was forcing them to stay in or it was a burden to do.  Like anyone, I want whiter teeth, but I don’t want to feel hassled while doing so!  This was never an issue.

I’ve tried a few whitening systems where I felt like I was focused on keeping them in and was aware of the trays in my mouth. Smile Brilliant recommends keeping the trays in for a couple of hours, and I was able to do that with no issues.  Typically, I put them in in the evenings when I was relaxing.

smile brilliant teeth whitening

After using the whitening gel.  They also include a “desensitizing gel” to use for about 15 after your sessions.  The first few sessions, I definitely felt as though I needed it, but afterward, I did not.  While I still used it, I didn’t feel as though my teeth or gums were more sensitive to using the system!

Did I notice a change?  You Bet!  I had several people, including relatives, ask if I had stopped drinking coffee or gotten something done with my teeth.  I’m happy with my results, and it’s a system I will continue to use.  You are able to continue buying more gel when needed!

Posting extremely close up photos of my teeth is not what I dream of, but it does show results.

Smile Brilliant

If you are looking for something easy and simple to enhance your teeth, I would recommend Smile Brilliant.

Smile Brilliant sent the kit to use, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Plus, the photos are untouched, and results speak for themselves.

Deals and a Giveaway: 

I have a 10% coupon code for you: Fueledbylolz10

You can enter the Giveaway to win your own Smile Brilliant kit here. 
It’s open for 1 week and will end on Friday, November 17th.

Questions for you:
Have you ever used a Teeth Whitening System? 
Are you a coffee or tea drinker?


//www.smilebrilliant.com/widget-article/fueledbylolz

Hollie 8 Comments
May 28 2016
Silver Coin Diner (Hammonton)

Silver Coin Diner (Hammonton)

Last month I celebrated my 100th New Jersey Diner. While I’ve been to several diners out of state and even repeated a few, The Silver Coin Diner was my 100th different diner in the state of New Jersey.   I do plan to have a recap sometime later next week.

Both my parents and in-laws were in town and got to celebrate with me as well.  I didn’t wait for the Silver Coin to be number 100, it just happened that way!  Since it was late after work, we decided to meet at a more local diner, the Silver Coin Diner in Hammonton, NJ. A fun fact about Hammonton is it’s the Blueberry capital of the country.  It’s a beautiful local town.

Getting to the Silver Coin Diner wasn’t challenging.  It’s located right off the White Horse Pike and easy to get too.

Silver Coin Diner (Hammonton) Atmosphere: F

I should preface this with the outside of the Silver Coin Diner is a cute, old shiny metallic building.  It’s a picture-perfect stereotypical diner.

Silver Coin Diner

The inside of the Silver Coin Diner has the typical diner layout of a bar, multiple booths, and tables.  You’re probably wondering, how does it fail?

The tables were on top of each other.  They were so close both the waitress and host asked us multiple times to move the position of how we were sitting so they could get around the table.  It felt like they were trying to put ten tables in a space only three should have been.  What bothered me the most was the emergency exit door was covered by another table.  If there is an emergency, you wouldn’t be able to get out of the door.

Silver Coin Diner (Hammonton) Service: C
The waitress at the Silver Coin Diner was friendly, and she refilled our water, coffee, and food.  She made an ironic comment about “how much I ate” which I didn’t appreciate but other than the comment I don’t have any complaints.

Silver Coin Diner (Hammonton) Coffee: A
The Silver Coin Diner uses the local brew Lacas coffee.  I enjoyed my coffee and didn’t have any complaints.  The coffee was my favorite part of the experience.

Silver Coin Diner

Silver Coin Diner (Hammonton) Food: C
The menu at the Silver Coin Diner is smaller than most diners.  There are all of the typical breakfast options including pancakes, eggs benedict, Canadian bacon, and home fries.

I ordered a Greek salad with salmon and extra pita bread.  The waitress said the salad came with pita, but I was running the next day and wanted extra.  When the food came out, it came with a small plate of bread.  I assumed I would just receive two plates but didn’t.

The salad itself was mediocre.  The salad itself was small with watery lettuce.  I wasn’t impressed and still hungry afterward.  I felt like I could have eaten 2-3 more meals.  It was ironic because afterwords the waitress kept saying how impressed she was that I finished the salad.

What saved the salad from failing was the salmon which was cooked well.

Silver Coin Diner

If I come back, I’ll be getting just the salmon or something different all together.

Silver Coin Diner (Hammonton) Cost: $$$
For my coffee and salad, the cost was $16 which was expensive for the portion size and quality.

Summary/Would I come back to the Silver Coin Diner (Hammonton)?
The Silver Coin Diner was ok but not my favorite.  I was disappointed after hearing great things about the Silver Coin Diner, and I doubt I’ll be back.

Overall:
Atmosphere: F
Service: C
Coffee: A
Food: C
Cost: $8-15
Overall: C

You can see all of the diner reviews here.

Questions for you:
What’s the strangest restaurant layout you’ve been too?
Do you like blueberries?

Hollie 5 Comments
Sep 5 2015
The Wisdom Diner (Bordentown)

Wisdom Diner (Bordentown)

Last month my brother, Tim and I all decided to go to the Wisdom Diner in Bordentown, NJ.  I have driven by several times but never stopped.  It’s always been on my “diner to-do list.”  It’s much closer to my previous house so when we moved it got put on the back burner until we happened to be in the area.

Wisdom Diner Atmosphere: B 

The outside of the Wisdom Diner is clean and modern looking.  It’s a tall, white building on the corner of the road.  The building certainly catches your eye and makes you want to stop.  That is a good thing because there are about five other diners within 5 minutes of the Wisdom Diner.

From the Wisdom Diner Website
From the Wisdom Diner Website

The inside is festive and heavily decorated for the closest holiday.  Judging by several photos, it appears the Wisdom diner decorates for every season.  I like that sort of hometown feeling!

Wisdom Diner Service: C 

The service at the Wisdom Diner at the restaurant was one of the most awkward experiences I’ve ever had. I ordered a typical coffee with whipped cream.  The first waiter brought over an entire can of whipped cream.  The second waitress seemed very upset we had the container of whipped cream at our table.

Wisdom Diner Coffee

Wisdom Diner Coffee 1

We were the only ones in the restaurant, but the service was still extremely slow.  You would have thought it was a packed house!  At one point we saw every staff member behind the counter chatting and watching TV.

Wisdom Diner Food: C 

The Wisdom Diner menu but sticks with simple foods and menu items. There was honestly nothing too unique or to write to home about. They had breakfast options, lunch, and dinner.  There wasn’t anything unusual from the restaurant.

I ordered the large Greek Salad with salmon.  It was clear they gave a piece of frozen salmon.  The middle of the salmon was still slightly cold.  The salad wasn’t huge, and I finished feeling hungry.  Except for the frozen salmon, it wasn’t a bad salad, but I do wish it had been more substantial.

Wisdom Diner Salad

It looked and tasted like the food I could have made at my house.

Wisdom Diner Cost: $ 

For my salad, my brothers wrap and Tim’s burger, the cost was $35.

Overall thoughts/Would I come back to Wisdom Diner (Bordentown)? 

The service at the Wisdom Diner wasn’t excellent, and the food was just okay.  There are a few diners right down the road (such as Mastoris, Daphnes or Town & Country) that I would go too before the Wisdom Diner. It’s not a bad stop, but there are better choices down the road.

Cliff notes: 
Atmosphere: B
Service: C
Food: C
Price: $7-15
Overall: C

You can see all diner reviews here.

Question for you: What is the strangest experience you’ve had at a restaurant?

Hollie 5 Comments
Aug 22 2015
Green Eggs Cafe (Philadelphia)

Green Eggs Cafe (Philadelphia)

A few weeks ago, I went into Philadelphia to eat at the Green Eggs Cafe. I heard rumors Green Eggs have the best pancakes around.  Of course, I had to test it out. Green Eggs Cafe is very well known for its large square stack of red velvet pancakes.

I arrived to the Green Eggs Cafe around 11. It wasn’t crowded and I was seated immediately.

Atmosphere: B
The Green Eggs Cafe atmosphere is open and modern. There are plenty of seating and open tables. The entryway was a little strange and I felt like I was awkwardly standing in front of tables to wait.  The inside of the Green Eggs Cafe is spacious and I never felt like I was sitting on top of anyone.  The entry is just incredibly awkward.

From the Green Eggs Cafe website
From the Green Eggs Cafe website

Coffee: A
The coffee at the Green Eggs Cafe was excellent. The waitress went into a lot of detail to tell me they used homemade vegan whipped cream. I thought that was interesting and unique. I would have never guessed it was vegan, but honestly it didn’t matter to me either way.  (I forgot to take a photo of my coffee!)

Green Eggs Cafe Food: A
The Green Eggs Cafe menu has plenty of options from breakfast to lunch. Green Eggs Cafe had quite a few different egg selections, French toast and pancakes. The Green Eggs Cafe is best known for their French toast, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles benedict, and red velvet pancakes. I came specifically for the pancakes so I already knew what I wanted before looking at the menu.
IMG_3894

Red velvet cake is my favorite type of dessert so I was set in getting the red velvet pancakes. They were delicious and one of the best stacks of pancakes I have ever had. The red velvet pancakes at the Green Eggs Cafe were dense and had chocolate chips baked in.

Green Eggs Pancakes

 

The actual pancakes were square with the edges a little bit crispy. I liked the crispy edges a lot. It was topped with chantilly cream which it also had in the center. Honestly, it was one of the best breakfasts I have ever had.

Green Eggs Cafe Red Velvet Pancakes 1

Green Eggs Cafe  Cost: $$
For my pancakes and coffee, it was $20. Honestly, it was one of the best breakfasts I’ve had and completely worth it.

Overall thoughts/Would I come back to the Green Eggs Cafe?
I would come back every day if I could. The service and staff were amicable and the food was delicious. I want to try the cookie dough french toast next.

Cliff notes:
Atmosphere: B
Coffee: A
Food: A
Price: $15-20
Overall: A (top 5 overall)

Questions for you:
Where are the best pancakes you’ve ever had? 
Do you like red velvet?

Hollie 10 Comments
Aug 8 2015
The Trolley Car Diner (Philadelphia)

The Trolley Car Diner (Philadelphia, PA)

After the “Run For the Hill of It” 5 miler a few weeks ago, Kara and I decided to head to a local diner.  I heard the Trolley Car Diner was excellent and it was only 2 miles away on Germantown Avenue. If you

Atmosphere: A 

It’s hard to beat the atmosphere of a diner in an old train car.  There have been additions to the train car so the actual inside has plenty of space.  For a crowded Saturday, they had plenty of tables open.  We were seated quickly in the back of the Trolley Car Diner.

awkward trolley car photo
awkward trolley car photo

The inside is a throwback to the fifties, especially with the ice cream shoppe. It’s exactly what you picture a diner.  Everything about the diner from the outside to the inside to the menu is a throwback to the 50s.

Trolley Car Diner Coffee: A 

The coffee came in a cute personalized Trolley Car Diner mug.  I always enjoy coffee mugs that aren’t boring and plain white.  The Trolley car diner had their logo on the mug, which added a great touch.  The coffee itself was also delicious. The waitress gave me whipped cream every single time.  Even though they were busy, she gave many refills.

Trolley Car Diner Coffee

Trolley Car Diner Food: A

The menu at the Trolley Car Diner is overwhelming.  Like most diners, they have everything from pancakes and eggs, to nova lox, to salads and burgers. The Trolley Car Diner menu also includes an ice cream shop with treats and desserts.

The Trolley car diner is known for their donuts.  I don’t remember many diners known for donuts, but it made it unique.  I will say their donuts were some of the best! There were bite-sized and before I knew it, I had eaten a dozen…whoops…

Trolley Car Diner Donuts

To offset the donut eating, I ordered Judy’s salad with salmon a side of pita bread.  The salad consisted of roasted beets, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, and spinach.  I liked how fresh the spinach was. The dressing was a homemade dressing. It was tart which paired well with the beets and feta.  The salad was delicious, and I liked how tart the dressing was.

Trolley Car Diner Salad

Trolley Car Diner Cost: $

For my coffee, salad, and donuts it was 17.  That is inexpensive compared to many other diners.

Overall thoughts/Would I come back to the Trolley Car Diner (Philadelphia)? 

I will be back.  It’s close to a new park I want to run in frequently, and the quality of food was excellent.  In summary, the Trolley Car Diner in Philadelphia is a good stop for anyone.

Cliff notes: 
Atmosphere: A 
Coffee: A 
Food: A
Price: $10-15

You can see all of the diner reviews here. 

Questions for you: 
What is your favorite type of doughnut? 
Have you ever eaten in a Trolley Car? 

Hollie 13 Comments
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