REVIEW - Attain w/CraveBlocker Shake (Strawberry)

I ordered this product in my second month with Melaleuca.  I had been using Lean 1 strawberry protein in my morning smoothie for well over a month now, and was interested to see how the Attain version compared.  I use these shakes to replace my breakfast meal in the morning.  I am short on time with trying to get myself and my son up and ready for the day, so a smoothie is my best option for getting the nutrition I need in the morning.

Here is my table showing how the nutrition & price compares between the two:
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	Lean 1        Strawberry	Attain w/CraveBlocker Strawberry	Attain w/CraveBlocker Strawberry
PRICE	~ $35 (Amazon)	$14.99 (Melaleuca)	n/a
PRICE per gram*	$0.045/gram	$0.049/gram	n/a
Serving Size	2-3 scoops (52-78g)	1 scoop (30g)	2 scoops (60g)
Servings per container	about 10 - 15	10	5
Calories	200	130	260
Calories from Fat	53	30	60
Total Fat	6g	3g	6g
Sat. Fat	0.7g	0.5g	1g
Trans Fat	0g	0g	0g
Cholesterol	3mg	0mg	0mg
Total Carbs	16g	15g	30g
Dietary Fiber	3g	3g	6g
Soluble Fiber	3g	n/a	n/a
Sugars	10g	8g	16g
Protein	20g	10g	20g
Vitamin A	33%	0%	0%
Vitamin C	33%	0%	0%
Calcium	14%	6%	12%
Iron	33%	2%	4%
Sodium	317mg	95mg	190mg
* More accurate price breakdown since the serving sizes & tub sizes are not exactly the same.

 I set it up this way to show you that they are roughly the same in price, IF you were to order the Lean 1 tub from Amazon.  Smoothie King also sells this product at a whooping $50/tub.  The Amazon price is approximate because it depends on who the seller is, if it's in stock at a lower price, shipping, etc.

On Day 1, I used two scoops of the Attain because I viewed it as a meal replacement, and wanted the 20g of protein.  I was extremely full for all of the morning using the two scoops - almost to the point of feeling bloated.  On Day 2, I moved down to one scoop, per the instructed serving size.  I was not bloated, and stayed just as satisfied up tp lunch.  I decided to stick with the 1 scoop serving size from then on.

With regards to consistency and taste, both are fantastic.  Lean 1 tastes more like a fruit smoothie, where the Attain reminds me of strawberry ice cream.  I use orange Fiber Wise with both, and that adds a nice tangy flavor, which I love.

CONCLUSION:
I will keep my remaining Lean 1 powder as my back-up, but I am now switching to the Attain shake as my full-time breakfast meal replacement.  The Lean 1 tub comes with 10-15 servings (depending on whether you use 2 or 3 scoops), and the Attain comes with 10 servings.  I get approximately the same amount of servings, regardless of which one I buy.  However, I will save $20 by switching to the Attain.  I will also cut out 70 calories by switching to one scoop of Attain from 2 scoops of the Lean 1 mix.

REVIEW - The Value Pack

For my first review, I want to go over the Value Pack.  This is what I mentioned in my Getting Started post.  It offers a variety of products at a deeper discount that what you already get.  Purchasing this in your first two months will also double your bonuses, should you decide to promote the Melaleuca line.  I'll go over each item that I received, what I thought about it and varying uses (if applicable).  You may receive slight variations if you were to purchase this pack, ex: different flavors.

So, let's get started!

EcoSense® CLEANING PRODUCTS:

• MelaPower 6x Fresh Scent (48 Loads) : This is one of my favorite products.  I love how fresh my clothes, towels, bed sheets, etc. smell & feel when I finish washing the laundry.  They feel cleaner, and smell amazing.  I have used this on brand new clothes, and they come out looking just as nice as when I bought them.  I have not been experiencing the "balling" or "pills" on my nicer new clothes that usually occur after a few washes.  This line has become a staple in our house.
• MelaBrite™ 6x Color–Safe Brightener (48 Loads) : I started using this a little later than the MelaPower.  This is your Clorox 2 replacement.  So far, I have noticed that the color of my new clothes have not faded after several washes, and my older clothes have stopped fading.  I haven't been using it for every wash, but will be now.
• MelaSoft Spring Breeze (48 Loads) : I love using this product on my towels the most.  I love soft, clean towels and this makes them feel wonderful!  I also have a new appreciation for my bed sheets after washing them with this product.
• PreSpot 4x Laundry Stain Remover : I have used this on several stains that seemed to be stuck in my older clothes, and a couple of times on new stains.  It works just as well, if not better, than Shout (what we were using), and it's saving money, so I will continue to purchase it.
• Diamond Brite™ Dishwasher Detergent : Another favorite product!  We had started experiencing streaking on our dishes, and I was starting to think we might need a new dishwasher (it's only 5 1/2 years old!).  After running it empty with this product, our dishes come out streak-free and cleaner than before.  My dishwasher also looks brand new on the inside!
• Sol–U–Mel®Three–in–One Cleaner (4 fl. oz./118 mL) : This product has many functions, but I use it primarily as my Febreze replacement.  I spray it in the air vent filter about once a week and on the couches.  I am planning to expand my uses with it, and will update more.
• Tough & Tender™ Wipes : LOOOOVE! But, will probably not buy the wipes again.  I plan to just order the concentrated formula to mix and use.  The wipes are convenient, though.  After an initial cleaning with Tub & Tile, I used a Tough & Tender wipe on the 5 1/2 year old make-up stain from Halloween 2006 in our shower.  After years of using everything under the sun, I was shocked that this removed it!  Our shower looks brand new again!
• Tub & Tile™ Bathroom Cleaner : Awesome product!  It cleans extremely well, and leaves my bathroom smelling fresh instead of like chemicals.  It is similar to scrubbing bubbles in that it foams up, but it is much easier to clean with than scrubbing bubbles - I don't have to wipe everything a dozen times to get the "film" off.

Bath & Body:

• The Gold Bar® : I don't use bar soap, so I'm waiting for Michael to use this after he runs out of his body soap.
• The Melaleuca Platinum Bar™ : same as above.
• Clear Defense™ Hand Gel (2.4 fl. oz./80 mL) : Perfect size for your purse or on-the-go.  It doesn't leave my hands feeling brittle and dry, but I don't use hand sanitizer very often.  I may or may not order this again in the near future.  More likely than not I will, simply because I have a son (i.e. a noise with dirt on it). :)
• Mint Antibacterial Liquid Soap with pump : This soap reminds me of Aveda's Rosemary Mint line.  I keep it at my kitchen sink, but plan to buy more for the bathrooms.  It's very silky, and leaves my hands feeling soft after I wash them.
• Exfoliating Mesh Sponge : Same as any other loofah out there!
• Whitening Tooth Polish w/Fluoride : Another staple in our house!  I'm not a huge fan of gel toothpaste, so this is right up my alley.  My teeth feel fresh and clean, and the cost is relatively the same as the Arm & Hammer we were using.  PLUS, it is a phenomenal ring cleaner!
• Body Satin™ Body Wash : Love it!  I was using Bath & Body Works, but I never felt completely clean if I had worked out or been sweaty that day.  This body wash leaves me feeling clean, and smelling like Bath & Body Works!
• Body Satin™ Antiperspirant & Deodorant : I'm a sweater, so I was skeptical of this product.  I have used Dove, Degree, Suave, Secret, you name it; nothing worked like it said it would.  So, imagine my surprise when I used this, went for a 3 mile run and didn't smell like a construction worker when I was done.  They use a plant-based aluminum in it, and that must make all the difference in what I need.  I won't be buying any other antiperspirants again.  And, it is $3 cheaper than the Secret Clinical Strength that I was using.

Nature's Medicine Cabinet™:

• T36-C5™ brand Melaleuca Oil (0.5 fl. oz./15 mL) : I have still not explored the many uses of this product, but I will say that it is an excellent bug repellent for Ethan and me on our bi-weekly runs!  A better review is forthcoming...
• MelaGel® (tube) : Have not had a reason to use this product yet, and will review when I have.
• Pain–A–Trate™ Cream : Have not had a reason to use this product yet, and will review when I have.
• Renew™ Intensive Skin Therapy Lotion (8 fl. oz./237 mL) : By far, my favorite product!  In the search for the perfect lotion (not too light, not too greasy), I have found my Holy Grail.  You may still use a scented lotion right before or after if you are just looking to smell nice.  However, if you deal with extremely dry skin, like I do, then you will fall in love with this product.  It is super moisturizing without being greasy.  I will be ordering this every.single.month!
• Sun Shades™ Vanilla Bean Lip Balm : Love, love, love this stuff!  I would have never thought to even consider it had I not ordered the Value Pack.  I put in on every night before bed, and use it occasionally through the day.  My lips have always been dry, and this has ended that.  I chew my lips out of habit because they are so dry, but that has now stopped!

Vitality for Life™:

• Vitality 4™ (choose Women's, Men's or 50+) : I received the Women's pack, and will continue to order these as well.  I was not too interested in vitamins, but here again, I am happy I ordered the Value Pack.  I feel a difference in my energy and focus each day (important for me, being a new mom).  Because I value the convenience, I will probably order the packets, even though they sell them cheaper in the individual bottles.
• ProvexCV® : I gave these to my parents to try out since I did not feel that I had a need for them.
• FiberWise™ Drink—Packets : Tried mixing in water and was disgusted.  Tried mixing in with my breakfast smoothie and was blown away!  I have been trying to get more fiber in my diet, but hate the powder options.  In the future, I will be ordering the tub (which is cheaper) instead of the packets.
• Simply Fit™ Baked Crackers—Harvest Grain : These are pretty yummy.  I put them out at get-together as a health snack option.  While I won't be ordering them again in the near future, I will probably find I do want them as Ethan gets older and moves up to eating crackers.
• Access™ Bar—Chocolate Caramel Kruncher (10–pack) : These are your pre-workout energy bars, and I had an eye-opening experience with them!  I would eat one 15 minutes before my runs or double-class gym days.  I felt great through my workouts, and thought, "They're nice, but I'm not sure if I will continue to need them."  Then, I had a run day after running out of them... Then, I had a double-class gym day without one...  I could not believe the difference in my stamina through my workouts!  There was  HUGE difference!  And, I had healthy snacks before both workouts!  These are now in my basket to order every month.
• Sustain Sport®—Orange Splash Packets : This is your Powerade replacement.  We've only used them once (after our "adult outing" to a friend's St. Patty's Day parade party), and they were great.  I like that I don't have to worry about the sugar content.  I will use what we have, but probably not order any again for a while, unless I get back into running more heavily.

Sei Bella:

• Timeless Age–Defying Serum : Smells like oranges, and feels nice on my skin.  Won't be ordering again anytime soon, since I don't normally use anything similar.
• Sei Bella Luxury Moisture Shampoo : I like the way it smells, but I think it makes my hair too soft - especially when it comes to styling.  I will try my old shampoo again before I make my final decision (I use Aveda normally).
• Sei Bella Luxury Moisture Conditioner : Same as above.

You also receive:
Pumps and Bottles

• Two EcoSense™ Drain-Back Caps
• Reusable Laundry Pump
• PreSpot™ Mixing Spray Bottle
• Sol–U–Mel®Mixing Spray Bottle
• Tub & Tile™ Mixing Spray Bottle

Business Building Material

• BEST Series Coupon
• Getting Started 2 CD Set

CONCLUSION - The Value Pack is $199 for $320 worth of products, and worth every penny.  It gave me a broad sample of the different Melaleuca lines, helped me see what I like and decide what else I would like to try. 
They also offer a Career Pack ($299 for $460 worth of products) which would convert your entire home to Melaleuca.  Either way you go, you can't lose.  All products are refundable if you decide that you are not satisfied, but I don't think you will!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions! Kristen.Hathcox@gmail.com

Getting Started

As some of you may know, I have partnered with a wellness company called Melaleuca. I'd like to share a little background on how I became part of this company, and why.

One random day, my friend, Jessica asked me if I had plans for the following Saturday at 10:30am. I was a little suspicious, but I truly had no plans, so I agreed to meet her for, what she called, "a wellness presentation". When I arrived at the coffee shop (an odd place, I thought), she explained to me that it was also a promotion for a wellness company, but to not feel any obligation to buy the products.

I was introduced to a woman named Suzy, who had just come from her morning run but looked like she had been enjoying a leisurely Saturday morning. I was impressed. Once everyone had their coffee in hand, she started the presentation. Melaleuca is a wellness company - they offer cleaning products, skincase, nutrition, etc. There were cleaning and nutrition products scattered on the tables. At first, I was apprehensive. I have sat through many different presentations - make-up, skincare, etc. But, as I continued to listen to Suzy, I was intrigued. What she was saying made a lot of sense. Her background added to her credibility (Master of Science and Registered Dietitian). Now, not only was I impressed with her as a person, I was impressed with her company. The research this company put into their products was incredible. When she said they had never had a product recalled, I was hooked. Where do I sign up? Oh, wait...how much does it cost? I go to Walmart often, but do I really buy that many cleaning products? I wanted to try the company out, but I was still worried. I hadn't even spoken to my husband about it. Suzy went through the pricing, and I was impressed yet again. One of Melaleuca's big selling points is that they do not ship water. Everything is concentrated so that you get the most and best product for your money. And, because they do not pay for commercials, celebrity endorsements, or share a profit with stores (like Target and Walmart), they are able to keep the prices extremely competitive and lower than your average household cleaners. Plus, if I liked the products, then I would get a few bucks on the side just for telling my friends about it. Hmmm..

So, I developed a little plan. Here is what I did:

I filled out the forms to sign up, and asked Suzy to hold them until my next paycheck that Friday. This gave me an opportunity to do a little research. I pulled up the Melaleuca website under one tab and Walmart under the other. I went "shopping" at Walmart for products I buy on a regular basis - Windex, Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol, etc. I added all of those items to my basket. Then, I went on the Melaleuca website and added the equivalent of those products from Walmart to my Melaleuca basket. Once I had a product-for-product equal basket, I checked the totals. My Melaleuca basket was $30 cheaper than my Walmart basket. So, I can save money AND avoid Walmart?  I emailed that to Michael, my penny pinching husband. He called me up and we spoke a little more about it - How often do I need to order? Will this really save us money? Could this truly become a side business for me?  We decided to switch stores, and to take this one step at a time. So, we ordered the Value Pack.

There are a couple of reasons that I ordered this specific pack. Mainly, I checked out the Melaleuca online store, and saw that I was a little overwhelmed with everything that was offered. I did not necessarily need all of the products at that very moment, but I wanted to try a few. The Value Pack gave me a nice variety, and saved me even more money than buying the products separately. I was also able to try out a few things I would not have thought to try, like the chap stick, vitamins and fiber packets. The other reason I decided to go with it was the fact that if I did decide to make this into a business venture, then I would double my bonuses along the way. Plus, if I didn't like the products, then I could send them back for a full refund. I saw it as a win all around.

The products arrived, and Michael immediately started separating them into items that we are saving money on, items that are relatively the same prices, items we may not need/buy again, etc.  It was kind of cute.  I did not throw my other cleaning products in the trash right away.  Instead, I just pushed them to the back and put the Melaleuca products up front for immediate use.

I will post other blogs with reviews of the different products, but for now, I would like to go into why I decided to go with this company, other than the above mentioned reasons.  Since giving birth to Ethan, I have been concerned with the safety of the cleaning products in our house.  Babyproofing is like a parent's right of passage, but shouldn't we also be concerned with our own safety?  Obviously, I do not want my son to down a bottle of Lysol or Melaleuca's Tub & Tile, but my mind rests much easier knowing that if he did ingest a Melaleuca cleaning product that he would be ok.  I could call poison control, and they would probably tell me to take a deep breath, give him a glass of water and watch him.  No trip to the emergency room would be necessary.  I feel confident saying this because I have investigated it.  No child has ever been hospitalized or died from ingesting Melaleuca products - I don't think Clorox can say that.

I realize there are lots of companies out there trying to "go green" and make safer products.  I am choosing to go with a company that has a proven track record.  I encourage you to do some research (honest research - you have to wade through a lot of crap on the internet), and find what works for you.