Wednesday, March 28, 2012

.Kleenex Share a Pack.

I don't know if you remember that my first blog about free samples was that of Kleenex Cool Touche tissues. If you never read that previous post, feel free to leave this one and go on ahead to read it! And then come back to read this one! This one is mostly aimed at the Share Pack I sent my boyfriend, which was how I got my samples. I sent him one, and in returned received 3 full sized tissues of the same kind. Basically, mine looked like this:
     When I signed up, I was given the option to "share a pack" with someone else! So, I kind of could not think of anyone outside my household who I could have sent this pack with other than my boyfriend, so I filled out his information, and I got an email verifying that a share pack was being sent on his way and would be in his mail within 4-8 weeks. I was eager to see what he got, but I was the first one to receive my samples first. I got the above, but while waiting, I thought I was going to get this:
This is actually the share pack that my boyfriend received; the one that I thought I was going to get as well. It's cute, right! I think so. And he got WAY more tissues, compared to the 3 that I got!
It came in this, cover, if you will. 

The length, about size of my palm.
     I am a weird person. Any little thing, I find cute and useful. That is why I sent my boyfriend a pack, besides the fact that I love him and that Kleenex are "Softness worth sharing." How are you not going to want to share something FREE either!? I know I would have been delighted if I had received something this cute and adorable!

     Unfortunately, the "Share a pack" offer does not exist anymore. I went to their website a while back and usually, the "share a pack" offer would be on their home page and so, but I could no longer find it anywhere on the website.

     Either way, Kleenex are a great brand. So soft and, obviously, useful cleaning up our messes and making us look presentable and clean!

The top, where you get the tissues.










You might have read this post and found it pointless, and I apologize. Keep in mind though, I kinda write everything that is on my mind, and seeing how these were free samples, I HAD to share with you! And they are adorable, and free. 

.Sample Reviews.

     I don't know if you read my previous blog, but if you haven't, go check it out. Or, you could keep reading this new post, and stay tuned to what I have to say about the samples I used! It's really up to you.
I wanted to use these products, so I took advantage when I actually had somewhere to go: school. So, I woke up, excited, just by the thought of knowing I would use my samples, and I already knew which I would use! Practically, my day, will be jotted down as follows:
I started my day by using a new shampoo/ conditioner. One that I received as a free sample and that I was so eager to try, mainly because of it's smell, but also because it promised not to weigh down my hair, leave it greasy, or puff it up. I must say, I was delighted with this product! I used the shampoo and conditioner of Pantene Aqua Light, shown to the left. It was so light, and foamed up just as any shampoo would, and with a little amount as well. I didn't have to use much, like I usually do with my thick and sometimes greasy hair, and the wonderful smell lasted me a long time!
     Before washing my hair with the Pantene, I went through a lot of shampoos. Exactly before this Pantene shampoo, I used Organix, a natural shampoo free of anything chemical. I liked the product a lot, mainly it's aroma as well, but I would notice that, it wasn't quite the shampoo for me, which sucked. It left my hair feeling a bit dry and it also left it feeling really puffy. Maybe it's because I don't straighten or blow dry my hair, which would probably eliminate the dryness and puffiness, but that's just how I treat my hair. Before Organix, my hair used to come out smooth, without having to blow dry it or straighten it, but the only thing I lacked was the shine, which my mom always wanted me to have. My hair would come out smooth, but dull, which saddened me, because I, not to sound conceited, think I have good looking hair!
     Having used Pantene, I felt the difference right away actually. Sometimes when I washout the shampoo off my hair, I can feel the instant weighing down of it. Believe it or not, once I rinsed off the Pantene, I felt it smooth, clean and light right away. I used the conditioner, only at the tips, of course, and felt the same results.
     The next thing I had to do was brush my teeth before leaving for school, of course. I used the Crest toothpaste that was sent as a sample. Honestly, I don't really like it. I didn't really feel a difference at the end of the day, like I usually do with the Colgate toothpaste. Yeah, I said it. I prefer Colgate! Oh well.
     Unlike Crest, I was also delighted by the Scope mouthwash! After having rinsed my mouth with this low burn mouthwash, every time I spoke, I could feel the freshness. My boyfriend and I left my house and headed to his to eat breakfast. We ate eggs with ham, and some torillas, which like always, were delicious. I was uber hungry, so you know I ate like nothing. I was worried though, that my mouth was going to smell of egg and what not, but even after having ate, I STILL felt my mouth was fresh! I was happy, throughout most of day. You see, one of the things I like about my toothpaste is that I can go the whole day without feeling plaque or any residues on my teeth, but with Crest, I didn't feel that. Oh well, maybe it was just me, but I know for sure I will still use the Scope Dual Blast mouthwash.
     But before I had left my house, I wanted to use one more sample, something that would add on to me smelling good! So, I used this perfume sample:
This is Orange, by BOSS. It had a delighting scent. If I can compare correctly, it slightly smelled alike Chanel #5, but that's just me. It did precisely what I want out of a perfume, and have been trying to find: it lasted! I have problems with finding perfumes which will last at least more than half a day, but I have had no luck! Gosh, until I have money, I will be able to buy any perfume I might want, just like this one. I really liked it. Definitely, must buy!

     So, to end it all, I will most likely use and buy full size versions of Pantene Aqua Light shampoo and conditioner, Scope Dual Blast mouthwash, and one day, BOSS: Orange. You guys should try and sign up for the P&GbrandSampler kit. It was through them that I was able to receive the 3 upper samples and plus, they come with coupons that are sure to save you money! These are great brands, too, and getting them for free is a plus!
     Hope you enjoyed this last blog. If any questions or suggestions, feel free to email me at jvargas0219@aol.com, or on my Facebook page which you can like and support! You reading this means a lot to me, and if there's anyway I can give back, let me know. ;) Enjoy!
-Yoshi

.P&G Brands Sampler.

     So, this is one of the posts I am most excited about. For one, the samples were more than I though. For another, I tried these, so will you stick around to hear my review? I hope so! By the way, I apologize if you notice any spelling errors, or other errors. As I am writing this blog, I am also watching/ listening to one of my favorite movies of ALL time: The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Now, it is not everyone's cup of tea, and I understand that. It was released in 1975, is wacky and a comedy, and a musical, but a GREAT one nonetheless! I love this movie, and I know you don't want to hear me ranting about the movie, but of my samples, so, now to do my job!
     This is the package I was the most happiest about. Why? Because it looked big! At least, bigger than the the Tide Pods that I was sent. Any who, I was sitting with my mom late at night yesterday watching TV, me on the computer multitasking, when my brother came in from outside and brought in the mail all late at night. The first thing I saw him put down was that big, nice, black box that you see to the left. I honestly had forgotten I had signed up for this P&G Brand Sampler kit, but was delighted at what I received. Not only was I happy, but so was my mom. She knew I was receiving samples, but I filled her in on this blog, that is meant to show you guys how samples that are sent look and are, and how awesome or bad the products might be. She, like always, supports me, and even told me to tell you guys to be patient with me if I'm late on reviewing the samples. Actually, on my next post, I'm going to review some of the products in this box, a perfume sample, and something else that I actually got in the mail today. :)
     So, what are the contents of this wonderful box? Well, see for yourselves!
Crest Complete toothpaste
 
 
    To the left, the first sample shown is the Crest Complete tooth paste. You would think that the bottom is the actual toothpaste, but no, it's not. The little pack in the middle is the actual sample. The toothpaste, like others, says it whitens, fights cavities, and has a deep cleaning power. The sample came in a little card stock paper, if you will, the size of a postage card, alike the perfume samples. On top it says, "Try a brighter white," and that's what I did, but more on that review later on.

Scope Dual Blast Mouthwash

 
    Again to the left is another sample. This time, it is a sample for Scope Dual Blast mouthwash. The sample is a little 44ml (1.49 fl oz) bottle sealed in a plastic bag and a safety seal wrapped around it. I also used this sample, so there will be a review for it along with the toothpaste.
Pantene Aqua Light Shampoo/ Conditioner




     Now, for one of the things I was the most excited for: Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Shampoo and Conditioner. You cannot begin to understand the wonderful smell this treatment has. That, and the best part about it is that it contains NO silicone, meaning, it has no residue to leave behind and it will not weigh your hair down or puff it up like other shampoos do. The size of these samples are of those sold in the "$1" isle at drug stores, who sell the travel size version of some products. This was definitely worth the wait, for they give you what seems more than you think!
Along with the samples, the box contained a little booklet that looked like the one to the right. As you can see on the top, it says, "P&G Have You TRIED This Yet? Great brands. Bright ideas." Me, being my weird self, was excited when I saw my name on the booklet! Saying that, I believe if you sign up for the samples, they customize the little book, and how awesome is that?! Any who, on the bottom of my name, it says, "P&GbrandSAMPLER brings you samples and savings on the BRANDS YOU LOVE." If you haven't caught on, this is what is inside of the booklet, which comes in handy real well if you wanna save a couple extra bucks!
$0.75 off of Oral B floss

$1.00 off coupons














The coupons on the left are for one Crest Complete toothpaste, one Oral B toothbrush, and one Scope Mouthwash. These coupons expire 5-30-12, meaning, I know FOR SURE I am going to use these, because, I actually liked these products!j
     Now, I know I took far too long writing the next blog, and I am sorry, but if I hadn't waited, I would not have been able to show you what I got the next day after the P&GbrandSampler! And the next sample was totally worth it as well. You might be like, "Gosh, you think too much of how much MORE you can get than what you actually do get," but you have to keep in mind that I'm broke, like free stuff, and want to let you guys know if they are worth it or not! And plus, what's so bad about getting much more, specially if they are little sized and not that much? :P Any who, here is what I was talking to you about:
Nescafe' Taster's Choice
I apologize for the darkness of the pictures and if I don't look okay. hahaha As I said earlier, I was watching Rocky Horror Picture Show while writing the blog, and not only that, but my boyfriend was playing video games as I was writing this. I didn't feel like turning on the light, so I just worked with what I had! Anyway, this is how the pack arrived:
My address and Company's
The presentation on the back.










I was rather surprised at the package, actually. I just thought they would send the samples in about the same size as the Breathe Right samples, but this pack was bigger. So, I opened the package and saw these:
Decaf House Blend Coffee


French Roast Coffee

House Blend Coffee









     Sorry if I looked mad in the last picture; I wasn't mad. :P Well, believe it or not, these are not only 3 samples, but 6. In the pack come 2 self serve packets of each flavor. Basically 2 Decaf House Blend, 2 French Roast, and 2 House Blend coffees. I LOVE coffee, and I just cannot wait to try these. Me and my boyfriend are going to try them together, maybe every day we go to school and have to wake up the earliest. Oh, and he got his too. Yes, same samples of this coffee. I kinda told him about free samples and every time I find a new one or something he might like, I tell him about it, that way he can tell me his opinion and I can share it with you guys as well. By the way, do you remember the Kleenex Cool Touch tissues samples that I received and told you I had shared a pack with my boyfriend? Well, next blog, I will show you what he got. Unfortunately, the whole "Share a pack" promotion Kleenex had is no longer available, but hopefully you read my Kleenex blog and were able to participate. If not, I'm sure they'll have something alike again, if not, other promotions for their latest product!
     Anyway, before I leave you to review more samples, here is the COUPON! that came with the cafe' samples. My uncle, dad and I love coffee' and I'm sure we'll find some new tastes to try. We've always drank Nescafe' products, but I just can't wait for these! :D

Well, once again, thank you for the time you took to read this blog. Is this the longest one I have written in a good while or at all? I don't know, but feel free to tell me. Any questions or suggestions, you can reach me at jvargas0219@aol.com. I am currently working on a way to share this page on Facebook, like in another Page, aside from using my actual Facebook account, but more on that, I will post when I am actually able to do so. Enjoy!

Monday, March 26, 2012

.Recent Samples.

     Okay. I haven't written on this for so long. I'm so sorry. And if I say I've been really busy, will you believe me? Well, it is true. Some catching up on homework here and there, doing some stuff around the house and elsewhere... Ahhh. So now, finally some time to spend time opening up some samples. Or... at least one.
     So, what would you like to see first? I received the perfume samples, as well as the Tide Pods. Iiiiiiiiiiiiii think I'll show you the perfume samples first.

Boss: Orange
Boss: Orange sample
Escada: Island Kiss

Escada: Island Kiss sample



     I have not opened these samples or tried them. I'm honestly waiting for a right opportunity to use them, so I can smell super! Fyi, if you did not notice, these samples come in postage card size. The cover picture is usually the picture used for advertisement. The back comes with your address and the "samples." They are usually a little wipe that comes covered with the perfume, but like I said, I'm waiting to use them. That and until the other samples come. 
 
     I'm not going to lie; I was a bit disappointed about the samples. I honestly thought I was going to get something much more like this:
     But, believe it or not, these little perfume bottles sometimes cost much more than the actual perfumes that you can get for a bigger quantity. Although, what's so bad about giving out these sized samples, specially if you are confident that people will buy your fragrances?

     Well, until I find the right time, I will not open these samples just yet. Although, you have to keep in mind that you have to keep these stored in a cool place, where no light hits them. Just like any perfume bottle. If these are exposed, the smell might go away quickly and it just might not be the same. Also, try to get perfumes that come mostly in glass bottles; not plastic.

Now, to the Tide sample. This is the Tide Pod sample:
Yeah, I only received one. How cheap, right?! hahaha I think I just say that because I'm ghetto and I want to receive more, but sometimes it's hard not to want more specially when these companies are the ones receiving the most money. Any who, enough with my cheap ranting! Sorry.


Washing machine package.





 This is the cute little package the Tide Pods come in. I thought it was a cute presentation, and that it made sense, seeing how it's a product for laundry. They should make all their presentations like this!

Below is what you see when you open the "lid" of the cute washing machine, which is your sample and a little info on what is inside.                                                            
Opening the "lid."
 You also   receive a little thank you from the company:





So pretty much, all these samples are still yet to be tried. I'm waiting to wash a couple of good looking clothes to use the Pod, so it can reserve their nice colors and they could smell great! And maybe I'll use one of the samples? If I remember correctly, I ordered a bunch more samples, and I just can't wait for them to get here soon! 

Friday, March 23, 2012

.Updating Posts.

I tend to try to write a blog a day whenever I can, but lately I've been going about 3 days without having written any and I apologize for that. If anything, I thought I'd let you know that I don't forget about what I'm aiming to do here and that is why I write this apology. Don't think that I'm not going to write anymore; I AM! I've just been a bit busy, yet still thinking of what new topics to talk about.

I have been receiving samples in the mail still and I know that I am going to be writing about that. I am just waiting on them to pile up to write something "blog worthy." I have actually been getting the perfume samples, and man... I get these perfumes are costly to produce, but why not send us trials we can actually use and brag about to others? Any who, later on you will be able to see them and hear more about them.

I guess I also did not tell you that a few days prior to having received my Kleenex samples, my boyfriend got his, huh? Well, his sample is much better than mine. He got what I actually thought I would get as well, but I am glad he still liked it; even though he was a bit surprised at first.

Well, I think that's all I'm going to write for today. Feel free to send me any questions or suggestions to:                                             jvargas0219@aol.com

I'll be posting soon, so make sure you check in every once in a while and once again, I apologize for not keeping too much up to date. Love you guys and thank you.
-Yoshilyn

"S" is for Song:

Song of the day: Lonely Boy by The Black Keys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV5OGh8D-ok

I've had this song stuck in my head all this time. If you've heard it, I'm sure it doesn't hurt to hear it again. If this is the first time you hear this song, try them out. They are a really great band.
Enjoy.

Monday, March 19, 2012

.Breathe Right Samples.

     Just like my previous post, I received my latest sample in the mail, but instead of kleenex Cool Touch samples, I received the breathe right advance nasal strips. I have never tried any of these before. I actually have no real use for them; I can... breathe right. Although, there are a few in my family that do have problems sleeping at night, they might be the ones to give these a try. Can't say I never think of them!
     Well, among all the things in the mail, my uncle brought in an envelope saying it was for moi. I actually thought it was just junk. When I looked closely, I noticed it was about a 6x3, a bit smaller than a regular picture. Then, as I got closer to it, I saw the bold black letters on the left, and of course, I got happy.
.My Breathe Right envelope.
I didn't wait long, so I opened my envelope. In there, I found my contents:
.Breathe Right strips. 
Opening the pack, I found this:
If I take a survey, I have a chance to "WIN $500" and who doesn't want that?
.Instructions to apply correctly.
So, these are the instructions on how to use the Breathe Right Advanced Nasal Strips. You have to wash your face and dry thoroughly. You place the Top band on the midline of the nose, and the Longer bottom band on the nostril flare. Then, when placed, it might lift up a bit, but that's because it is opening up the nose.
On the instructions it also says that one of the best ways to remove the strips is if you remove while washing your face with warm water or while in the shower. While doing this, one should remove the strip slowly because it could hurt or irritate the skin.
.There are 2 samples. 
Now, I have to find a candidate who will test these babies out and see if they recommend them. I know a couple of people who might use them, but if they do like these and they chose to buy them, they get to use this as well:
$1.50 off Breathe Right Advanced coupon. Yay!
This coupon doesn't expire until the end of the year, which is a good thing, because it saves money whenever we have to. But the most important thing is knowing if they work.
And that is the purpose of this blog and all the other posts of the samples I am soon to receive. It's all for you guys; to see for yourselves that these deals are not bad, and if it happens to you as it has to me, you start seeing deals EVERYWHERE you go.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

.Free Samples. Yay!

About a month ago, I decided to start looking for free samples on the web. What turned out into stumbling into a simple perfume sample on Facebook, turned out to me looking for sample engines on Google, and boy, what a turn out! I've found samples from everything for detergent, to teas, to food, to perfumes, to even condoms... and Kleenex! And who doesn't love Kleenex tissue?
     I actually received my sample of Kleenex tissue today in the mail. I know, I've been getting all these weird looks from my family when they saw what they were, but I am actually happy. For one, the whole samples deal was not a lie. They actually do send you your samples, but make sure you're on a verified web page! You know, not one of those, "Hey! Sign up for your sample, but answer all these never ending surveys to make you want to quit and not get a sample in the end!" I was about to make some mistakes like that and I'm glad I caught myself on time. That and I am scared of my laptop contracting viruses and all. Hell, I bought this laptop on my own! I want to keep it safe.
The anticipated envelope.

This is how my "package" arrived. It's basically about the size of a 6x4 inch picture and inside are my contents. In the corner you can see the company's address: 
Kimberly- Clark
1361 Waube Lane
Green Bay, WI 54304
Under, you can see:
NEW!
Kleenex

Cool Touch Facial Tissue
Samples Inside!
Under that, is my address which... well, I guess later on you guys will be able to see.
It's a light blue envelope. Can't wait!
So... What are the contents? I'm not going to lie, I wish the company could actually send full sized trials, but how many they sent are good enough for me! I'm going to save them, for when the time is right. Like, for when I get really sick and besides my boyfriend's kisses, the other soft thing I'll be able to feel will be these.

The cover. 

The contents of the envelope at first surprised me before opening them because it felt a bit hard. So when I opened the envelope, the answers to my questions were answered. Where the free samples come in is a cardboard cover, if you will. It's folded. The cover is as appears on the right. Apparently, the tissues I received come with Cool Touch, which as the picture to the right shows, are a soft and cool approach to use for when you are hit with something like sun burn.
Ouch!
According to the model, they are as soothing as ice to the face, a face with slight sunburn. Good enough to convince me because I love thee cold!

Inside. Is that... a coupon?!
The inside looks much like so. A little introductions to the new Kleenex Cool Touch Tissues, with pictures of the product and a descriptions which reads:
KLEENEX Cool Touch tissue is the only tissue that actively releases a cool sensation to soothe a sore nose on contact.


Visit http://kleenex.com/ to learn more. 
(By the way, now that we are on the subject, I was able to sign up for my sample by going to their website and clicking on "Send a free share pack ->" link under Share! Send a pack. Get a pack. Signing up is so easy and fast, and when you send your friend/ partner a sample, you can customize a bit. How awesome is that?!) Now, back to what I was writing.
The other side has a little yellow arrow pointing at the corner, saying, "Open here to reveal your FREE samples. Then feel the difference for yourself!" Of course I'm going to "open here" to reveal my samples, and this is what I got:
3 samples of the Cool Touch Kleenex!
Basically, I can't wait to try these. I love Kleenex, and to be honest, I thought they were going to send some of those little travel sized packs, the ones that look like this: 

Travel pack.
That would be good, right? I mean, that could be a more convincing sample. Yet, I am still happy with the ones that I have. And even better was that I was able to share it. I sent one to my boyfriend, who, as from what I know, still needs to get his. Either way, I can't wait to receive more samples. That and I got a coupon, which I need to use by the end of the month and that is $0.40. Not much, but who cares!

     Either way, just try looking for any deals you might find. And try something like I did. Go to some of your favorite product's website and look through the pages to see if you find "free samples" anywhere throughout the pages. Go to any search engine of your choice and type in "free samples," being as general as "free samples" or specific like "free detergent samples." In the search engine, when you type "free samples," there will be websites who specifically list free samples and their links. Some of these are:
http://www.mysavings.com/free-product-samples-section/
http://www.myfreeproductsamples.com/
Don't hesitate to fill out the forms to receive your samples. They may take up to 2 months, but it is totally worth it. I'll keep you posted on the rest of the samples I receive.
Enjoy.

Friday, March 16, 2012

.Favorite Episode.

     If there is anything that you need to know about me, or if you're reading this and you already know me, is that I am an emotional person. I mean, besides being a girl, I am also a Pisces. We're all emotional, and if we're not, tell me otherwise. Any who, lately I have been catching up on my episodes of one of my favorite shows, One Tree Hill. Now, now, I know what you must think, "You? A 19 year old watching a high school show?" Well, for one, I have been out of high school for about a year. Second, I KNOW this is going to sound messed up, but it is not my drama. That, and my high school years were boring. I mean, I love my friends; they meant and still mean everything to me. And I'm not going to lie, sometimes I was, and sometimes I still am, jealous of some of the lives those other kids had. Being able to go to parties, hang out with their "buddies," doing all that other stuff, which I'm not jealous about because I don't drink or smoke in the first place. But enough of my stupidity; on to my point! 
    
     I just recently watched my favorite episodes. Season 4, Episode 9 and 10. One of the things I love about the show, besides the awesome music and my favorite character, Peyton, even though she's kind of whiny, is how close the characters are. Through thick and thin they remain together. I guess it is cheesy, but I just wish people were more like that, you know? They do have drama, but they grow up! They don't get stuck in the trends, they focus on their friends, and even though tough things keep happening to them, they find a way to get out of it. 

     So, on season 9, the Ravens are to play the last game of theirs, which is also Whitey's last game. Nathan had borrowed some money from this guy named Dante, and so for Nathan to not owe $15, 000, he had to lose that game. A midst all the confusion, trying to debate if to lose to save his family and his friends, or to win and not care, Nathan decided to do the right thing and win. Unfortunately, that came with a cost. Dante, not believing that he had just lost a bet, decided to run Nathan over, but hit Haley, who is pregnant, instead. Turns out that Dante, who tried to run over Nathan, crashed his car and died instantly upon impact. After having seen his wife knocked out, Nathan ran to the car, took Dante out, and beat him. Dan, thinking Nathan killed him, decided to take the blame. The episode got to me, mainly, and yet again, because I am emotional, but also because the thrill of the game being played, the way they captured Lucas making the shot, the accident... Just the whole episode. 

     Episode 9 ended with Lucas and Haley being unconscious, on the floor, with paramedics working on them. Throughout the episode, Lucas is being guided through what happened by his dead uncle, Keith. Think of this as the Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri, though not completely through hell. Keith is Lucas' Virgil, and Lucas, Dante. He sees the might be and the could have been; basically a reflection, but it's all in Lucas' head and state of Limbo, if you will. He's not dead, even though he had a heart attack, he was just unconscious. Eventually he wakes up, and everything else is a bit better. 

     Things are revealed through out the episode, and Lucas and Peyton are doing a bit better, with her being a bit distant and safe to not, "give him another heart attack." Lucas visits Jimmy Edward's grave and Nathan and Haley are better than ever. Mouth is trying to get over GiGi, and Brook and Rachel join "Clean Teens," as an alibi for having stolen a test to save Brooke from failing Calculus and not graduating with her friends and class. 

Any who, just thought I'd write this down... Just another random thought and entry from yours truly. 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Mmmmm. Huazontles.

     I've asked people I know, "Have you ever heard or tasted of 'huazontles?' Almost 99% of the time I hear "No" as an answer and I start to think, "How have these people never heard of such delicious thing?!" It's not that I get frustrated... Well, I just wonder, that's all, how they've come to miss out on such a delicious plate.

Fresh huazontles...
     Huazontles are a plant. Think of their texture much like a broccoli, but instead of them being short and fat, huazontles are long and a bit narrow. Just like broccoli, to be able to make them in a really common recipe which I am about to go over in a little bit, you must boil this plant in salt and water; enough water to cover the tops of these.

     Probably the main reason why most people I've met have not heard of or tasted these delicious plants is because the recipe comes mostly from central Mexico, such as Tlaxcala, the state of Mexico, and south of Mexico City, which is where my family is from. Most of the people I know are from the outer states, like Durango, Jalisco, Michoacan, Sonora, Sinaloa, etc. The only dishes we all probably agree on are Mole, Chilaquiles, Birria, and Chiles Rellenos, which are made about the same way these huazontles are made. Just like any recipe, many people have their own interpretation, but I think you'll like the way these turn out.

     Just in case, I live in Los Angeles, not East Los Angeles. I honestly do not know if they sell these in East L.A, and I don't know of any other places where you might find them. If you were able to find them in a big store such as Food 4 Less or any other place not being a major store, feel free to say where you got them. In my case, I was able to find these huazontles at the Alameda Swap Meet. Now, these plants are not found year round! These are mainly found in times of Cuaresma or at the end of the year before or during Christmas.

Now, to get these babies started! 
       Alike chiles rellenos, the huazontles have to be dipped in batter. Now, above I stated we had to boil the huazontles and to know when they are ready, their color will change much like the broccoli and they will be soft. When my mother and I make them, we let them sit out to cool down, specially if we know we're not going to make them that same day. In that case, if you prefer on making them a different time, after these have cooled down, take them out of the water and seal them in a bag and stick them in the freezer, taking them out ahead of time the day of preparation. If you want to do them the same day you cook them, let them cool down, or you could go with the tempering method done to some green veggies which is, having a bowl with water and ice to stop the cooking. Remember that if you are going to do this, make sure they are nicely colored and soft.

     As they are draining, in a bowl with no residue, crack some eggs and only empty the egg whites, separating the yolk. The day I helped my mom I used 8 eggs, beating 4 at a time in separate bowls, eventually unifying them. (A quick tip for fluffy egg whites: Use a lemon/ lime and squirt a couple tears of juice on the bowl. With the lemon itself, spread the juice around the bowl and if there's extra juice, pour it out. Then add the eggs whites.)

Add egg yolks after egg white are nice and fluffy.
     Beat the eggs until completely white and fluffy. To know your whites are ready, try turning the bowl over slowly, and if the mix does not come rushing

out on top of you, and sticks to it's place, you've made fluffy egg whites. Now, take the egg yolks you separated and add them to the egg whites. You can beat them in or just integrate them with a spatula.

     While your huazontles are cooling down, you must get the cheese ready! What are some huazontles without their cheese? You can use either Queso Fresco or Queso Oaxaca, which is much like Mozzarella. Cut these in about 1/2 inch thick, 1 1/2 inches long.
     Take enough plants to form a base, squeezing them together like maza. Insert a slice of cheese and close the plants together. Try to make them as beefy as you can... about the same puffiness as a chile relleno. Keep doing this until all of your huazontles are completely gone. Remember to squeeze them tight enough so they don't break down while passing them through the batter. If they accidentally do break, just scoop them out with a fork or spoon to fry.


     When you've used all your plants and have formed them into shape, we must pass them through flour. While or before doing this, grab a pan that will be not too deep, but deep enough to put oil to heat up to be able to fry these huazontles. While the oil is heating up, pass the plants through the flour. Once your oil is hot enough, beat your egg mixture once again so the fluffiness won't go down and dip your floured huazontle, covering it thoroughly. Then, passing it to the oil, drop it carefully to start frying. You will notice how the eggs will rise in size, and honestly, they smell good! Mmmmm...
Keep doing this until you have fried all the huazontles.

     To give them even more flavor, and honestly, how I believe they taste the best and are the best, you must prepare a tomato soup. Yup, the same used as making red rice, which, would go perfectly with this. Any who, to make this, put about 4-5 round tomatoes or if using the thinner, longer tomatoes, 8-10, washed, in a pan, along with half or more than half of an onion and a couple of garlic teeth, 2-3. Add salt or a spoonful of   chicken flavored bouillon. (I use Knorr.)  Add a cup of water and boil this.

     After boiling, pass the mixture to your blender, handling this carefully for it is boiling hot. Liquefy.
     While the tomatoes are being liquefied, grab a pot and start heating it up. If you think your tomatoes are ready, turn the blender off and uncover it, allowing the heat to come out. Once you pot is hot enough, add a bit of oil to the bottom, and carefully add your tomato sauce, straining it while adding it to the pot. Be very careful because the pot will be hot and so will the oil. Adding the liquid will make steam and you could burn yourself! Allow the tomato to cook, adding and additional 2 cups of water to the sauce and more bouillon to your liking.

The sauce will be a bit less reddish after boiling and less thick. 
      After the sauce has started to boil, add the huazontles, making room for them, and letting them cook/ heat up. You can turn off the dish when you feel the huazontles have gotten enough seasoning in the salt. Now, it is time to take one out and try it.
Your final product! 
     This is how your huazontles should look like. If you notice, the plants have thickish, long stems on them, which are holding the little round balls which make them what they are. When eating these, grab the stems and suck the contents off the stem, pulling it out of your mouth. They should be soft and tasteful.
Enjoy with some tortillas, or alone!