Wednesday, February 29, 2012

SodaStream Review and GIVEAWAY!

The entry window for this drawing is closed. Congrats to lucky winner: commenter #19, CT!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I am a soda addict. And while Cherry Coke Zero is my current fave, I just flat out love soda. I swear it's the bubbles. I can go back and forth between sodas with or without caffeine with no withdrawal symptoms. But if I switch to just water or iced tea I miss the dance of carbonation on my tongue.

This is a bummer for a few reasons:
  1. Sodas are known for containing some not-so-healthy ingredients. GMO-laden high frustose corn syrup among them.

  2. Most soda bottlers use cans or bottles that contain hormone-disrupting BPA. Yuck.

  3. Soda is not budget friendly. Even less so if you live in a state (like I do) that requires a mandatory deposit on beverage containers....a "deposit" that you don't get back if you utilize curbside recycling. Boo.
It's enough to make you give up soda entirely. Except for that addiction bit I mentioned earlier.

These are just some of the reasons why I was really excited to be able to try out an at home soda maker from SodaStream. AND I also get to share the at home soda love with you because SodaStream is going to give a Fountain Jet Starter Kit away to one lucky Carissa's Creativity Space reader!

This post is brought to you by SodaStream USA. I received compensation including free product for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and 100% mine.

So let's get started...
Before I partnered up with SodaStream to do this review and giveaway, I had actually been considering getting an at home carbonator for about three years. No joke. Three. Years. What held me back? A few things. And if you're thinking about an at-home soda maker, I know these thing might be holding you back, too, so let's address those up front:

I wasn't sure if the flavors would be any good
In addition to being sent the carbonator, SodaStream generously sent me 10 soda flavors as well as a three pack of MyWater flavor essences. And I have to tell you: I liked most of them. Their Cola Free flavor (a knock off of Coke Zero) was spot on....and like I said: Coke Zero is one of my fave beverages so I'm kind of picky on that front. The Diet Cranberry Raspberry and the Diet Pink Grapefruit were my two non-cola favorites. I also liked drinking the soda water plain with a lemon and lime wedge and just a kiss of simple syrup. Dr. Pepper fans will want to know, though, that their Dr. Pepper knock off, which they call "Dr. Pete", isn't bad but it doesn't taste like Dr. Pepper. Conclusion? There are plenty of tasty flavors available. If you're a die-hard Dr. Pepper fan, though, skip Dr. Pete.

I wasn't sure about how the carbonator refills would work
One thing I had worried about was what I would do once I ran out of CO2. Would I have to drop a lot of money at a specialty store? Pay a lot for UPS shipping? Luckily, none of that was the case. When we finished off our first bottle of CO2, I used SodaStream's retailer finder to find a store near me that would enchange my carbonator cylinder. I found about 5 stores within a 5 mile radius of my house and popped into a local Bed, Bath and Beyond to trade in my old carbonator for a new one for a little less than $15. Conclusion? Trading in my cylinder for a new one was super duper easy.

I wasn't sure if I'd actually save money
Not being sure how far the flavors would stretch and how much soda each cylinder made, I wasn't sure if this gizmo would even save me money. But now that I've got one (and have already worked through my first CO2 cylinder and a couple bottles of flavor), I've got the inside scoop. The soda maker I have, takes a 60L cylinder, which will make about 60 liters of carbonated water. My replacement cylinder was $15 (so $0.25 per liter). So if you just drink club soda, you'll save about $0.75 per liter (before bottle deposit). If you want to add SodaStream flavors, you'll pay $0.41 per liter for flavoring if you don't opt for the more expensive Sparkling Naturals line. If you've been drinking 2 liter bottles of soda, this will pretty much match regular store prices. Of course, you can make your own soda flavorings like Ginger Syrup or Lemon Lime Soda for even less. Don't forget that you won't have to pay your bottle deposit anymore, too!

What else do I love about SodaStream?
  • Because I reuse the bottles that come with the maker, there's no more lost money on bottle "deposits" ("deposits" in quotes because while I could return the bottles to get my nickel back, it's a huge hassle. I just curbside recycle them, which means my "deposit" turns into a five cent donation to the state)
  • It has a small footprint - it does not take up much space at all on my counter. It doesn't need access to electricity, either. Really, I can put it anywhere!
  • Making soda in small batches keeps it fizzy longer. No more half-drunk bottles of flat soda from the store.
  • I can make my own flavors to have 100% control over what goes into my body.
  • My son loves (and frequently requests) plain "bubble water". Anything that makes food more fun for a toddler is a plus in my book!
  • The bottles are BPA and phthalate free (most cans of soda contain BPA so this is a great alternative).
  • None of SodaStream's flavors contain High Fructose Corn Syrup or Aspartame. 
  • My favorite SodaStream flavors were: Cola Free, Diet Pink Grapefruit, Diet Cranberry Raspberry, Diet Green Tea Pomegranate Peach. 
Any down sides?
Overall, I am really happy with my soda maker. There are, however, a few things that I'd love to see improve:
  • I wish SodaStream made glass bottles that worked with my model. SodaStream does have two models that use glass bottles, Penguin and Crystal, but their bottles are not compatible with the less expensive soda makers like the one I have.
  • Because the bottles are plastic, they need some extra special love. You should never put them in the dishwasher, use detergent or a bottle brush on them. Scratches (as from a bottle brush), heat and detergent will make the plastic start to break down. Because of this, you should not drink straight from the bottles and should always pour into a glass or drinking container first. Once you've finished drinking a bottle of soda, simply rinse it with water and fill it with tap water. Keep the bottle with tap water in the fridge until you're ready to carbonate.
  • While I love that the Sparkling Naturals line of flavorings contains no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, the caps on the bottles are messy and the syrup does not dissolve into the  carbonated water as easily and the standard flavors. At the very least a re-design of the bottle would make these more user friendly.
  • I would love if they expanded their energy drink flavors to have more than just a Red Bull knock off. Maybe a Monster or RockStar flavor? Double brownie points if it's the pink RockStar flavor.
Even though there are a few points that SodaStream has room to improve on, overall I am delighted with my soda machine and see it continuing to get plenty of mileage in my house.  And now....

You Can Win One, Too!!
What's Up for Grabs:
Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit including:
- Fountain Jet in the winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
- 1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
- Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
- Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
- 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

How to Enter:
Leave a comment on this post telling me what kind of soda you would want to try to make first (official SodaStream flavor or otherwise) if you win.
(make sure to include your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. I'd hate for you to miss out on your prize because I couldn't reach you)

Get Bonus Entries
You can also earn up to seven bonus entries for doing any or all of the following. After you do each one, leave a separate comment letting me know which thing you did to earn your bonus entry. 
Don't forget your e-mail so I have a way to contact you if you're a lucky winner!
  • LIKE Carissa's Creativity Space on Facebook (or tell me if you already do)
  • SUBSCRIBE to Carissa's Creativity Space via e-mail or with Feedburner (or let me know if you already do)
  • FOLLOW ME @CreativeCarissa on Twitter (or tell me if you already do)
  • FOLLOW Carissa's Creativity Space with Google Friend Connect (that's the box that has the "join this site" button on the right side of any blog page underneath "My Fabulous Followers") or tell me if you already do.
  • FOLLOW ME on Pinterest (or tell me if you already do)
  • LIKE  SodaStream on Facebook (or tell me if you already do)
  • FOLLOW  @SodaStreamUSA on Twitter 

Other Contest Details and "Small Print"
This is a sweepstakes style giveaway. No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. Sweepstakes entry period is 7:40am (PST) on February 29, 2012 through 11:59pm (PST) March 7, 2012. Each person may enter a maximum of eight times and win only once. One winner will be chosen at random using random.org. Winner will be notified via e-mail provided in comments on March 8, 2012. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to e-mail with a valid US mailing address to which the prize pack will be sent. If winner does not respond in time, an alternate winner will be chosen, also by using random.org. Dollar value of prize pack is approximately $99.95. Entrants must be above 18 years of age and have a United States of America mailing address. I have received compensation from SodaStream for posting this review and hosting this sweepstakes. All opinions expressed in the review are 100% mine.

    76 comments:

    1. orange mango would be my flavour choice of ones they have. but they should make a cherry lemonade flavour. thecraftingfiend@gmail.com

      ReplyDelete
    2. I would love to make the lemon lime. That's my daughters fave!
      I follow you on twitter, I like your fb page, we are pinterest friends and I follow you on google plus.

      ReplyDelete
    3. I would love to just make the diet cola version!

      ReplyDelete
    4. I'd definitely make the green tea strawberry kiwi! Yum!!

      ReplyDelete
    5. I follow you with google friend connect!

      ReplyDelete
    6. I'm a sparkling water girl but DH likes cola and root beer so either of those would be a hit. We don't drink a lot of soda but we wind up throwing half of every 2 liter away because we don't drink it fast enough. Being able to make a smaller size would be a big savings. And we never cash in bottles either! Bobbie_Wallace@Comcast.net

      ReplyDelete
    7. I would like to make a Vernors equivalent. Can't buy that stuff in Texas :-)

      ReplyDelete
    8. I would absolutely try the Diet Cola one! I am a Coke Zero fiend as well!

      ReplyDelete
    9. I follow your blog on Facebook!

      ReplyDelete
    10. I've actually been looking at these for awhile! I keep seeing them every time I pass through Sears at the mall. I would definitely make ginger ale! It's my favorite. And I totally know what you mean about losing the bottle deposits. I never have time to return them, either. I will also admit that I try to avoid soda like the plague, unless it's more "natural" soda (without aspartame or HFCS), but I love it so it's hard. Sometimes I buy frozen concentrate juice and reconstitute it with soda water. It's also very tasty, but I think the soda stream is probably more convenient, because the pitcher tends to go flat if you don't drink the whole shebang of carbonated juice within two days. (and this is on an air tight pitcher). Finishing off a pitcher of juice may sound easy, but it really isn't. :)

      Oh, and I follow you on google and blogger, facebook, follow sodastream,, and both you and sodastream on twitter.

      ReplyDelete
    11. I would want to try the diet cola version... I am sort of a diet cola snob and I want to see if their version can compete with the real deal!

      ReplyDelete
    12. I would definitely go for root beer first <3
      bhevarri @ yahoo.com

      ReplyDelete
    13. I Liked Carissa's Creativity Space (anneliese chittock)
      bhevarri @ yahoo.com

      ReplyDelete
    14. I subscribed on My Yahoo reader
      Bhevarri @ yahoo.com

      ReplyDelete
    15. I followed on Twitter as Bhevarri!
      bhevarri @yahoo.com

      ReplyDelete
    16. I Like sodastream on facebook (anneliese chittock)
      bhevarri @ yahoo.com

      ReplyDelete
    17. I follow sodastream on twitter (bhevarri)
      bhevarri @ yahoo.com
      Thanks so much for the giveaway!

      ReplyDelete
    18. I would want to try to make the diet energy drink and then root beer for my kids.

      ReplyDelete
    19. I like you on Facebook as Melissa Ochoa

      ReplyDelete
    20. I follow you on twitter @purplemommi

      ReplyDelete
    21. I follow Soda Stream USA on twitter @purplemommi

      ReplyDelete
    22. great review, even though i am a Dr. pepper fan, I think i'd still like to try Dr. Pete to compare! Let's win this thing! :)

      ReplyDelete
    23. Got you on google friend connect too!
      -natalie

      ReplyDelete
    24. Already following you on pinterest
      -natalie

      ReplyDelete
    25. Following @SodeStreamUSA on twitter too!
      -natalie

      ReplyDelete
    26. Liked Carissa's Creativity Space on FB as well.

      ReplyDelete
    27. i like just soda water, but i'd have to try a root beer and lemon-lime flavor!

      i "like" your page on FaceBook.
      i "like" Soda Stream on FaceBook.
      And, i like you in general!

      -alexander myhill

      myhill@orderbodybyvi.com

      ReplyDelete
    28. This looks like an amazing machine!!!! I would love to try the Cranberry Raspberry flavor!

      ReplyDelete
    29. I have LIKED Carissa's Creativity Space on Facebook

      ReplyDelete
    30. I SUBSCRIBE to Carissa's Creativity Space via e-mail

      ReplyDelete
    31. I LIKED SodaStream on Facebook

      ReplyDelete
    32. I follow SodaStreamUSA on Twitter!

      ReplyDelete
    33. Hi Carissa! I can't believe I've only now just found your blog! Nothing like a giveaway to add to the faithful followers :). Anywho, I haven't done any research, but I think I'd like to try a fruity flavor :).

      ReplyDelete
    34. I like your blog on FB!
      merealan@gmail.com (oops, forgot to put that on my last post :)

      ReplyDelete
    35. I subscribe to Carissa's Creativity Space on email!

      ReplyDelete
    36. I already follow your Pinterest boards :)

      ReplyDelete
    37. I'm a Fabulous Follower via Google Friend Connect!

      Okay, I don't think I could stalk you or SodaStream anywhere else now :). I'm covered! It's in God's hands now... ;-)

      ReplyDelete
    38. I'd definitely have to use some of my homemade ginger syrup a go. Strong ginger ale is my delightful sin, unfortunately schwepes and canada dry don't fit the bill. My favorite - Red Rock - isn't available around here, and even if it was at $6 for a 4-pack I wouldn't buy it very often.

      ReplyDelete
    39. Just subscribed via Feedburner for yahoo (my.att.yahoo)

      ReplyDelete
    40. Following @SodaStreamUSA on Twitter now too.

      ReplyDelete
    41. And last but not least... I'm now 'following' you via Google Friend Connect... yes that IS a picture of me.. 'Dooky Creek' ;) Because that's usually where I find myself, and no paddles in sight ;)

      ReplyDelete
    42. hi, i am really trying, i think i am on blog, if so, great i did good. i really love the soda stream, and am so excited to get this far. vicki

      ReplyDelete
    43. hi, i just liked soda stream on face book, and left a message, if did it correctly. vicki

      ReplyDelete
    44. hi, i love coke flavor best, but want to try the others, i do subscribe to your email post and love it. "oh my" i have learned so much doing this, i dont usually do give aways with multible entries, but this one is worth it.and gives me confidence to do more. vicki

      ReplyDelete
    45. Diet Cranberry raspberry or rootbeer (we love floats!)
      craiganddi@comcast.net

      ReplyDelete
    46. I like soda stream on facebook
      craiganddi@comcast.net

      ReplyDelete
    47. I already like Carissa's creativity space on FB :)
      craiganddi@comcast.net

      ReplyDelete
    48. I already follow you on Pinterest :)
      craiganddi@comcast.net

      ReplyDelete
    49. Okay, okay. I give. These machines have fascinated me for years too. Mostly I would be interested in using the soda water option to create weirdo drinks from my imagination. I love the ginger syrup idea you suggest in your post and I can see expanding on that with other syrups.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Oh and I found your contest via your Twitter feed which I follow as "TheGuiltyCrafter."

        Delete
    50. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      ReplyDelete
    51. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

      ReplyDelete

    Comments make me happy! Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

    Wednesday, February 29, 2012

    SodaStream Review and GIVEAWAY!

    The entry window for this drawing is closed. Congrats to lucky winner: commenter #19, CT!

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
    I am a soda addict. And while Cherry Coke Zero is my current fave, I just flat out love soda. I swear it's the bubbles. I can go back and forth between sodas with or without caffeine with no withdrawal symptoms. But if I switch to just water or iced tea I miss the dance of carbonation on my tongue.

    This is a bummer for a few reasons:
    1. Sodas are known for containing some not-so-healthy ingredients. GMO-laden high frustose corn syrup among them.

    2. Most soda bottlers use cans or bottles that contain hormone-disrupting BPA. Yuck.

    3. Soda is not budget friendly. Even less so if you live in a state (like I do) that requires a mandatory deposit on beverage containers....a "deposit" that you don't get back if you utilize curbside recycling. Boo.
    It's enough to make you give up soda entirely. Except for that addiction bit I mentioned earlier.

    These are just some of the reasons why I was really excited to be able to try out an at home soda maker from SodaStream. AND I also get to share the at home soda love with you because SodaStream is going to give a Fountain Jet Starter Kit away to one lucky Carissa's Creativity Space reader!

    This post is brought to you by SodaStream USA. I received compensation including free product for this post. All opinions expressed are 100% honest and 100% mine.

    So let's get started...
    Before I partnered up with SodaStream to do this review and giveaway, I had actually been considering getting an at home carbonator for about three years. No joke. Three. Years. What held me back? A few things. And if you're thinking about an at-home soda maker, I know these thing might be holding you back, too, so let's address those up front:

    I wasn't sure if the flavors would be any good
    In addition to being sent the carbonator, SodaStream generously sent me 10 soda flavors as well as a three pack of MyWater flavor essences. And I have to tell you: I liked most of them. Their Cola Free flavor (a knock off of Coke Zero) was spot on....and like I said: Coke Zero is one of my fave beverages so I'm kind of picky on that front. The Diet Cranberry Raspberry and the Diet Pink Grapefruit were my two non-cola favorites. I also liked drinking the soda water plain with a lemon and lime wedge and just a kiss of simple syrup. Dr. Pepper fans will want to know, though, that their Dr. Pepper knock off, which they call "Dr. Pete", isn't bad but it doesn't taste like Dr. Pepper. Conclusion? There are plenty of tasty flavors available. If you're a die-hard Dr. Pepper fan, though, skip Dr. Pete.

    I wasn't sure about how the carbonator refills would work
    One thing I had worried about was what I would do once I ran out of CO2. Would I have to drop a lot of money at a specialty store? Pay a lot for UPS shipping? Luckily, none of that was the case. When we finished off our first bottle of CO2, I used SodaStream's retailer finder to find a store near me that would enchange my carbonator cylinder. I found about 5 stores within a 5 mile radius of my house and popped into a local Bed, Bath and Beyond to trade in my old carbonator for a new one for a little less than $15. Conclusion? Trading in my cylinder for a new one was super duper easy.

    I wasn't sure if I'd actually save money
    Not being sure how far the flavors would stretch and how much soda each cylinder made, I wasn't sure if this gizmo would even save me money. But now that I've got one (and have already worked through my first CO2 cylinder and a couple bottles of flavor), I've got the inside scoop. The soda maker I have, takes a 60L cylinder, which will make about 60 liters of carbonated water. My replacement cylinder was $15 (so $0.25 per liter). So if you just drink club soda, you'll save about $0.75 per liter (before bottle deposit). If you want to add SodaStream flavors, you'll pay $0.41 per liter for flavoring if you don't opt for the more expensive Sparkling Naturals line. If you've been drinking 2 liter bottles of soda, this will pretty much match regular store prices. Of course, you can make your own soda flavorings like Ginger Syrup or Lemon Lime Soda for even less. Don't forget that you won't have to pay your bottle deposit anymore, too!

    What else do I love about SodaStream?
    • Because I reuse the bottles that come with the maker, there's no more lost money on bottle "deposits" ("deposits" in quotes because while I could return the bottles to get my nickel back, it's a huge hassle. I just curbside recycle them, which means my "deposit" turns into a five cent donation to the state)
    • It has a small footprint - it does not take up much space at all on my counter. It doesn't need access to electricity, either. Really, I can put it anywhere!
    • Making soda in small batches keeps it fizzy longer. No more half-drunk bottles of flat soda from the store.
    • I can make my own flavors to have 100% control over what goes into my body.
    • My son loves (and frequently requests) plain "bubble water". Anything that makes food more fun for a toddler is a plus in my book!
    • The bottles are BPA and phthalate free (most cans of soda contain BPA so this is a great alternative).
    • None of SodaStream's flavors contain High Fructose Corn Syrup or Aspartame. 
    • My favorite SodaStream flavors were: Cola Free, Diet Pink Grapefruit, Diet Cranberry Raspberry, Diet Green Tea Pomegranate Peach. 
    Any down sides?
    Overall, I am really happy with my soda maker. There are, however, a few things that I'd love to see improve:
    • I wish SodaStream made glass bottles that worked with my model. SodaStream does have two models that use glass bottles, Penguin and Crystal, but their bottles are not compatible with the less expensive soda makers like the one I have.
    • Because the bottles are plastic, they need some extra special love. You should never put them in the dishwasher, use detergent or a bottle brush on them. Scratches (as from a bottle brush), heat and detergent will make the plastic start to break down. Because of this, you should not drink straight from the bottles and should always pour into a glass or drinking container first. Once you've finished drinking a bottle of soda, simply rinse it with water and fill it with tap water. Keep the bottle with tap water in the fridge until you're ready to carbonate.
    • While I love that the Sparkling Naturals line of flavorings contains no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives, the caps on the bottles are messy and the syrup does not dissolve into the  carbonated water as easily and the standard flavors. At the very least a re-design of the bottle would make these more user friendly.
    • I would love if they expanded their energy drink flavors to have more than just a Red Bull knock off. Maybe a Monster or RockStar flavor? Double brownie points if it's the pink RockStar flavor.
    Even though there are a few points that SodaStream has room to improve on, overall I am delighted with my soda machine and see it continuing to get plenty of mileage in my house.  And now....

    You Can Win One, Too!!
    What's Up for Grabs:
    Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit including:
    - Fountain Jet in the winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
    - 1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
    - Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
    - Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
    - 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

    How to Enter:
    Leave a comment on this post telling me what kind of soda you would want to try to make first (official SodaStream flavor or otherwise) if you win.
    (make sure to include your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win. I'd hate for you to miss out on your prize because I couldn't reach you)

    Get Bonus Entries
    You can also earn up to seven bonus entries for doing any or all of the following. After you do each one, leave a separate comment letting me know which thing you did to earn your bonus entry. 
    Don't forget your e-mail so I have a way to contact you if you're a lucky winner!
    • LIKE Carissa's Creativity Space on Facebook (or tell me if you already do)
    • SUBSCRIBE to Carissa's Creativity Space via e-mail or with Feedburner (or let me know if you already do)
    • FOLLOW ME @CreativeCarissa on Twitter (or tell me if you already do)
    • FOLLOW Carissa's Creativity Space with Google Friend Connect (that's the box that has the "join this site" button on the right side of any blog page underneath "My Fabulous Followers") or tell me if you already do.
    • FOLLOW ME on Pinterest (or tell me if you already do)
    • LIKE  SodaStream on Facebook (or tell me if you already do)
    • FOLLOW  @SodaStreamUSA on Twitter 

    Other Contest Details and "Small Print"
    This is a sweepstakes style giveaway. No purchase is necessary. Odds of winning are based on number of entries. Sweepstakes entry period is 7:40am (PST) on February 29, 2012 through 11:59pm (PST) March 7, 2012. Each person may enter a maximum of eight times and win only once. One winner will be chosen at random using random.org. Winner will be notified via e-mail provided in comments on March 8, 2012. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to e-mail with a valid US mailing address to which the prize pack will be sent. If winner does not respond in time, an alternate winner will be chosen, also by using random.org. Dollar value of prize pack is approximately $99.95. Entrants must be above 18 years of age and have a United States of America mailing address. I have received compensation from SodaStream for posting this review and hosting this sweepstakes. All opinions expressed in the review are 100% mine.

      76 comments:

      1. orange mango would be my flavour choice of ones they have. but they should make a cherry lemonade flavour. thecraftingfiend@gmail.com

        ReplyDelete
      2. I would love to make the lemon lime. That's my daughters fave!
        I follow you on twitter, I like your fb page, we are pinterest friends and I follow you on google plus.

        ReplyDelete
      3. I would love to just make the diet cola version!

        ReplyDelete
      4. I'd definitely make the green tea strawberry kiwi! Yum!!

        ReplyDelete
      5. I follow you with google friend connect!

        ReplyDelete
      6. I'm a sparkling water girl but DH likes cola and root beer so either of those would be a hit. We don't drink a lot of soda but we wind up throwing half of every 2 liter away because we don't drink it fast enough. Being able to make a smaller size would be a big savings. And we never cash in bottles either! Bobbie_Wallace@Comcast.net

        ReplyDelete
      7. I would like to make a Vernors equivalent. Can't buy that stuff in Texas :-)

        ReplyDelete
      8. I would absolutely try the Diet Cola one! I am a Coke Zero fiend as well!

        ReplyDelete
      9. I follow your blog on Facebook!

        ReplyDelete
      10. I've actually been looking at these for awhile! I keep seeing them every time I pass through Sears at the mall. I would definitely make ginger ale! It's my favorite. And I totally know what you mean about losing the bottle deposits. I never have time to return them, either. I will also admit that I try to avoid soda like the plague, unless it's more "natural" soda (without aspartame or HFCS), but I love it so it's hard. Sometimes I buy frozen concentrate juice and reconstitute it with soda water. It's also very tasty, but I think the soda stream is probably more convenient, because the pitcher tends to go flat if you don't drink the whole shebang of carbonated juice within two days. (and this is on an air tight pitcher). Finishing off a pitcher of juice may sound easy, but it really isn't. :)

        Oh, and I follow you on google and blogger, facebook, follow sodastream,, and both you and sodastream on twitter.

        ReplyDelete
      11. I would want to try the diet cola version... I am sort of a diet cola snob and I want to see if their version can compete with the real deal!

        ReplyDelete
      12. I would definitely go for root beer first <3
        bhevarri @ yahoo.com

        ReplyDelete
      13. I Liked Carissa's Creativity Space (anneliese chittock)
        bhevarri @ yahoo.com

        ReplyDelete
      14. I subscribed on My Yahoo reader
        Bhevarri @ yahoo.com

        ReplyDelete
      15. I followed on Twitter as Bhevarri!
        bhevarri @yahoo.com

        ReplyDelete
      16. I Like sodastream on facebook (anneliese chittock)
        bhevarri @ yahoo.com

        ReplyDelete
      17. I follow sodastream on twitter (bhevarri)
        bhevarri @ yahoo.com
        Thanks so much for the giveaway!

        ReplyDelete
      18. I would want to try to make the diet energy drink and then root beer for my kids.

        ReplyDelete
      19. I like you on Facebook as Melissa Ochoa

        ReplyDelete
      20. I follow you on twitter @purplemommi

        ReplyDelete
      21. I follow Soda Stream USA on twitter @purplemommi

        ReplyDelete
      22. great review, even though i am a Dr. pepper fan, I think i'd still like to try Dr. Pete to compare! Let's win this thing! :)

        ReplyDelete
      23. Got you on google friend connect too!
        -natalie

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      24. Already following you on pinterest
        -natalie

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      25. Following @SodeStreamUSA on twitter too!
        -natalie

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      26. Liked Carissa's Creativity Space on FB as well.

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      27. i like just soda water, but i'd have to try a root beer and lemon-lime flavor!

        i "like" your page on FaceBook.
        i "like" Soda Stream on FaceBook.
        And, i like you in general!

        -alexander myhill

        myhill@orderbodybyvi.com

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      28. This looks like an amazing machine!!!! I would love to try the Cranberry Raspberry flavor!

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      29. I have LIKED Carissa's Creativity Space on Facebook

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      30. I SUBSCRIBE to Carissa's Creativity Space via e-mail

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      31. I LIKED SodaStream on Facebook

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      32. I follow SodaStreamUSA on Twitter!

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      33. Hi Carissa! I can't believe I've only now just found your blog! Nothing like a giveaway to add to the faithful followers :). Anywho, I haven't done any research, but I think I'd like to try a fruity flavor :).

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      34. I like your blog on FB!
        merealan@gmail.com (oops, forgot to put that on my last post :)

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      35. I subscribe to Carissa's Creativity Space on email!

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      36. I already follow your Pinterest boards :)

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      37. I'm a Fabulous Follower via Google Friend Connect!

        Okay, I don't think I could stalk you or SodaStream anywhere else now :). I'm covered! It's in God's hands now... ;-)

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      38. I'd definitely have to use some of my homemade ginger syrup a go. Strong ginger ale is my delightful sin, unfortunately schwepes and canada dry don't fit the bill. My favorite - Red Rock - isn't available around here, and even if it was at $6 for a 4-pack I wouldn't buy it very often.

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      39. Just subscribed via Feedburner for yahoo (my.att.yahoo)

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      40. Following @SodaStreamUSA on Twitter now too.

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      41. And last but not least... I'm now 'following' you via Google Friend Connect... yes that IS a picture of me.. 'Dooky Creek' ;) Because that's usually where I find myself, and no paddles in sight ;)

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      42. hi, i am really trying, i think i am on blog, if so, great i did good. i really love the soda stream, and am so excited to get this far. vicki

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      43. hi, i just liked soda stream on face book, and left a message, if did it correctly. vicki

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      44. hi, i love coke flavor best, but want to try the others, i do subscribe to your email post and love it. "oh my" i have learned so much doing this, i dont usually do give aways with multible entries, but this one is worth it.and gives me confidence to do more. vicki

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      45. Diet Cranberry raspberry or rootbeer (we love floats!)
        craiganddi@comcast.net

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      46. I like soda stream on facebook
        craiganddi@comcast.net

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      47. I already like Carissa's creativity space on FB :)
        craiganddi@comcast.net

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      48. I already follow you on Pinterest :)
        craiganddi@comcast.net

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      49. Okay, okay. I give. These machines have fascinated me for years too. Mostly I would be interested in using the soda water option to create weirdo drinks from my imagination. I love the ginger syrup idea you suggest in your post and I can see expanding on that with other syrups.

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        Replies
        1. Oh and I found your contest via your Twitter feed which I follow as "TheGuiltyCrafter."

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      51. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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      Comments make me happy! Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

       
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