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The Maple Family Official Blog

12 Steps To Writing A Great Affiliate Marketing Review That Will Make You Money

When we first started our business online 15+ years ago, the first thing we did was promote other people’s products.  Without a product of our own, it made sense to promote products that we liked and used in exchange for a commission.  

Over the years, affiliate marketing has been a huge part of our blogging success.  

By simply promoting other people’s products over the years, we have made hundreds of thousands of dollars in affiliate commissions.

Even after graduating into creating our own products, affiliate marketing is still a good part of the income we bring in each and every single month online.  In fact, some of the products we promoted years ago still make us a monthly recurring commission each and every month – that in itself is extremely powerful.  

If you are new to blogging, and learning how to use your blog to make sales, just starting to build your email list, then affiliate marketing should be part of your income-making strategy.  

Contents hide
1 Affiliate Marketing Networks
2 #1 – Product Intro
3 # 2 – Add Images
4 # 3 – Explain Who The Product Is for
5 #4 – Stories Sell
6 #5 – Use the “Before and After” Concept
7 #6 : Make A Pros and Cons List
8 #7 – Recommendation for The Right and The Wrong User
9 #8 – Summarize The Review
10 #9: Your Affiliate Link Strategically Placed Throughout The Review
11 #10: Use A Link Tracker To Track Your Links
12 #11: Bonus For Buying
13 # 12: Use an Affiliate Disclaimer.

Now before we get into how to write a great affiliate marketing review, I want you to know that there are many places to find good quality affiliate marketing opportunities.  

Affiliate Marketing Networks

Since this article is mainly dedicated to writing a good review, I will simply name a few affiliate marketing networks, like Commission Junction and ShareASale where you can look at the various different niches and products that might appeal to your audience.

Things to look for in a good affiliate program are:

  • Commission Rates
  • Countries Accepted
  • Join Link (use 2nd tier if possible)
  • Description of product brief
  • Category
  • Tags
  • Performance Bonus (yes/no)

Now with that, here are 12 powerful tips to make writing an affiliate marketing review easy, simple but most importantly builds trust, has a high perceived value, and makes you money.

The idea behind affiliate marketing is simple: You promote other people’s products and for every sale you make, you get a commission. 

For bloggers, the best way to promote affiliates is to write a blog post reviewing their product or service.

To get started, find products and services to promote that are related to your niche and will be of interest to your audience. To brainstorm, look around at the products and services you are currently using, that you enjoy and that you can speak about with experience and confidence.

This could be anything from an app that you are using, to a particular course in a certain niche, to a simple ebook.   

Once you’ve identified a few affiliate products (let’s say 3 or 4 you’d like to promote) the next step is to write a blog post which reviews the product or service and sprinkle your affiliate link throughout. When a reader clicks through to the affiliate's website using your link and makes a purchase, you will earn a commission.

Below are the 13 things I cover in every review that I write.  Use the steps below as a checklist when writing your own review.  

#1 – Product Intro

Introduce the product to your readers by explaining what it is and what it’s useful for. To get the relevant info, look at the company’s sales page and summarize the product description in your own words.

If there is a section from the product creator, be sure to include “what” the creator says about the product, why they created it, its key features, and what and who it was designed for. 

# 2 – Add Images

If you have access to images of the product you are promoting, by all means, use them!   

Visuals are a key piece to any review and people are more likely to buy if they can see what they’ll be getting.  If it’s a physical product be sure to include a few different views, images of people using the product.  

If it’s a digital product, be sure to use screenshots to show people about the product.  For example, if it’s software, use a few screenshots of the back office to show them what they’d be getting.  Show them the dashboard.  When doing screenshots of digital products we use the desktop product Snagit.

# 3  – Explain Who The Product Is for

Once you’ve introduced the product to your reader, you need explain what type of person would benefit from using this product. 

You need to make sure that you are painting a clear picture – say exactly what you mean.  Sometimes people make the mistake of writing a review and “implying” versus stating so as not to be so direct – don’t make that mistake.  By identifying your target audience, they will see themselves.

By explaining exactly who the product is for, makes the right person sit up and pay attention.  By identifying the right people, you will make your reader feel like you are talking directly to them.

#4 – Stories Sell

You’ve heard that stories sell, right?  Well now is the time to tell the readers your story.  

Share your experience with the product.  

Explain how you found it, why you decided to buy it, and how it’s helped you personally.  Be specific with your examples.  

By sharing your story, you are making a very powerful endorsement for your reader to buy it themselves.

#5  – Use the “Before and After” Concept

Have you noticed that the concept of “Before and After” is so powerful in marketing?

This concept is used in every industry from weight loss, to decor, you name it, all industries use it for marketing purposes.  The bottom line is, people are moved by before and afters.  Use this concept in your reviews.

Since you’ve just shared your experience with the product, now is the time to explain explicitly what life was like “before” the product and what it’s like “after” using it.  

By painting a before and after picture, you create a clear demarcation line of how your life has improved since you started using the product.  

This helps people envision themselves using the product and gaining the benefit from using it.  

Again be specific when you explain the before and after difference.  

Did you save time?

Were you more efficient?

Did you lose weight?

Did your relationships benefit?  

List each and every single way the product improved or changed your life.  

#6 : Make A Pros and Cons List

Every honest review includes something you didn’t like. 

A perfect review is unbelievable.  

Be sure that your review includes a section on the pros and cons of the product.  

Talk about the positives and negatives.  And just a note about the negatives – it doesn’t have to be a “terrible” negative – it can just be something small that you didn’t like – maybe something small that could be improved.  

For example, you might be reviewing a great video editing software and for the most part you love it except that you don’t like where they’ve placed the button for “detaching audio from a video clip.”

If you go on to explain that you find it hard to find and a little un-intuitive (you would rather have them placed it somewhere more prominent) this goes a long way in lending credibility to your review.  

#7 – Recommendation for The Right and The Wrong User

Make a recommendation for who should and shouldn’t use the product and who would gain the most benefit from it. This is similar to identifying who this product is made for in #2.  But this is a little more detailed.  

If this were a weight loss product – you could say this is for people trying to lose weight but was made specifically for the metabolic changes experienced by pre-menopausal women.  Explain why this is and explain how this relates to you in your own life.  Again, this part of the affiliate review is about making someone see themselves as the end user for this product.

#8 – Summarize The Review

Summarize your review by listing the most important points you make throughout the review. Here expound on what is included when you buy the product, key features, costs, refund policies, how quickly they should get result, how hard it is for beginners etc. 

This section is good for readers who just want the key points and don’t bother reading the entire review. 

#9: Your Affiliate Link Strategically Placed Throughout The Review

When writing a blog review, you need to give your reader ample opportunity to click on your link to buy.  

Many people make the mistake of only putting an affiliate link at the beginning and at the end of a review.  

You need to give the reader several chances to click through to the product while they’re reading. Having your affiliate link throughout the blog post allows the reader to click through whenever they feel inspired to take the next step.

#10: Use A Link Tracker To Track Your Links

Using a link tracker does a number of helpful things.

First, it measures how many people click through to your affiliate promotion through that particular review.  By knowing these numbers it provides you with the data with which you can use to improve your metrics.  For all of our link tracking we use Linkalytics

The other bonus is that it makes your LONG affiliate link, look less like an affiliate link and gives it a more professional appearance.  

#11: Bonus For Buying

This is one of the first things I ever learned as an online marketer – always offer people an irresistible bonus for buying through your link.

Bonus can be anything from a free coaching session, to a free training or even a simple ebook or printable.  

By offering a bonus you give your buyer added value and it sets you apart from others who may be promoting the same thing.  

# 12:  Use an Affiliate Disclaimer.

With all of your reviews, it is good practice to use an affiliate disclaimer.  Here is the one that I use:  You can change it to reflect your own purposes but here is a template for you to make your own!

This post contains affiliate links to products. We receive a small commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons.

We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for yourself.  The views expressed here are my own and my true feelings about this awesome product.

———

So now that you have my tried and true steps for writing an affiliate review on your blog, go out and write one!

If you want more specific coaching and guidance to get your blog business to the next level, be sure to check out my “Blog Coaching Coffee Zooms”  It’s a real joy to work one on one with many of our Blog Lab students and watch their blog businesses take off!

And again, if you have any questions, be sure to reach out!

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🇨🇦 Fam of 4 + 🐶 Internet marketers | Travellers | Foodies | Organic | Lifestyle | Soccer Obsessed | Downtown TO -> Rural NS | Follow our adventures!

Low key Easter with my 3 beautiful boys! . . Have Low key Easter with my 3 beautiful boys!
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Have to say, I’m loving the Amish Butterprint Pyrex on the table.  It’s a happy day when we use it!  How was your Easter weekend? 
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#easter2021 #easterweekend #easterwithkids #amishbutterprint #amishbutterprintpyrex #amishbutterprintpattern #amishbutterprintmixingbowls #amishbutterprints #vintagepyrex #vintagepyrexlove #vintagepyrexlovers #vintagepyrexcollection #vintagepyrexcollector #vintagepyrexbowls #pyrexcinderellabowls #pyrexcinderella #pyrexcinderellas #easterdinner #easterdinnertable #easterdinnertabledecor #easterdinner2021
Happy Easter! 🐣 . . This is my favourite Easte Happy Easter! 🐣 
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This is my favourite Easter centrepiece.  Used many, many Peeps and pink tulips.  Love the way it turned out!
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#happyeaster #happyeaster🐰 #happyeaster🐰 #peeps #peepsmarshmallows #peepscenterpiece #peepscenterpieces #eastertable #easterdecor #easterdecoration #easterdecorating #peepsmarshmallowbunnies #peepsmarshmello #peepsmarshmallowbunny #easterweekend #easterpictures #eastermood
Our orchid is in full bloom! 🌸🌸🌸 . . #suc Our orchid is in full bloom! 🌸🌸🌸
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#suchabeauty #orchid #orchidsofinstagram #orchids #orchidlover #orchidflower #bloomingorchid #bloomingorchids #orchidbloom #orchidblooms #orchidbloomsofinstagram #newtoorchids #flowers🌸 #flowersofinstagram #flowerdays #takingcareoforchids #orchidcare #orchid101 #orchidmom #orchidmoments #orchidmomma #orchidshare #orchidlove #orchidlovers
This past year during lockdown, we started using t This past year during lockdown, we started using the meal kit service, Chef’s Plate.
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We love to cook in our house but despite our love to cook, getting the meal kit was more of an “event”. Sort of like eating at a restaurant; eating something you wouldn’t normally cook but with all the convenience of eating at home. 
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Check out the blog, because on it I wrote an article on the “ Top 10 Reasons We Use Chef’s Plate” and it’s been a lot of fun, especially for the kids!
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So if you’re looking to break the monotony of weeknight dinners, let me know.  I’ve got $40 off coupons to share and occasionally a FREE box, too!
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Read the blog post and watch the video when the kids get involved and cook the Bavarian Pork Chop meal - such a great experience for the little ones and so delicious!
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#chefsplate #chefsplatemeals #chefsplaterecipe #chefsplaterecipes #chefsplatemenu #mealkitservice #mealkitservicecanada #mealkits #mealkitdeliveryservice #mealkitdeliveryservices #mealkitdeliveryservicediscountcode #mealkitdeliveryservicevouchercodes
My Majesty Palm. 💗💗💗 . . I’m all about My Majesty Palm. 💗💗💗
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I’m all about my plants recently, so you’ll have to excuse the obsession!
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I can’t stop taking pictures!  It must be spring in the air! 🪴🌱🪴🌱
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#majestypalm #majestypalmsofinstagram #beautifulpalms #houseplantsofinstagram #houseplantsofinsta #majestypalmplant #majestypalmtree #indoormajestypalm #tropicalplantsofinstagram #tropicalplants #iloveplants #kidsandplants #plantsofinstagram #indoorplantsdecor
I’ve become the mother of houseplants. I just l I’ve become the mother of houseplants.  I just love my plant babies so much!  What are your favourites? 
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#houseplants #housepanthersofinstagram #motherofhouseplants #houseplantbabies #plantbabies🌱 #plantbabies #bostonferns #bostonfernlover #inamemyplants #inamemyplantsokay #thisisgeorgia #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantsmakemesmile #plantsmakemesmile🌿
Boys went tobogganing today! . . #outdoorfun #out Boys went tobogganing today! 
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#outdoorfun #outdooradventures  #winterfun #wintersports #getoutsideandplay #getoutsidemore #getoutsidemoreoften #toboganning #toboganningfun #toboganningtime #sledding #sleddingfun #letssled #canadianwinters #canadianwinter #canadianwinters🇨🇦 #winterinnovascotia #winterinnovascotia2021 #wintersunshine☀️
So my husband just did it - he put up his first co So my husband just did it - he put up his first course on the Outschool platform:  Blogging for Kids 101!

Teaching our children online marketing skills is big for us - it's what made it possible for us to both work from home full-time for the last 16 years (we built our online business while we were still in University, so we have never had a “traditional” job outside of the house.)

During quarantine the past 6 months, our then 11-year-old, started his own blog.

He is such an avid soccer fan and plays elite-level soccer, so that's what he decided he was going to write about.

Little did we know that in just a few short months his blogging passion would see him:

👉 Interview more than 20+ professional players on his own YouTube show and podcast
👉 Be interviewed by CBC Sports about his blog
👉 Have him nominated for an award by the Canadian Premier League for his reporting 

It’s certainly been a whirlwind!

Andrew and I have had so much fun teaching him how to blog and if your child is interested in blogging, Andrew has a class for kids who are interested in learning how to start a blog, even if they have zero experience! 

You can check out the class using the link in the BIO.

What I love about blogging is that it is such a beautiful way for your child to express their inner passions and thoughts. It gives them a voice to provide feedback and value in the world that they live in and is a great way for them to explore new ideas.

Do your kids blog?

What do they blog about? 

Feel free to drop their links in the comments section, my boys are always looking to connect with other kid bloggers!

#kidblogger #homeschooling #homeschoolinglife #homeschoolingrocks  #homeschoolingbyheart  #homeschoolingfamily  #homeschoolingmama  #homeschoolingideas  #homeschoolingboys #homeschooling2020 #homeschoolingfun  #homeschoolingadventures  #homeschoolingmoms101 #homeschoolideas #homeschoolidea #virtuallearning #virutallearningplatform #virtuallearningforkids #virtuallearningforkid #outschool #outschoolclasses #outschooleducation #outschoolteacher #outschooler #outschooling #outschoolclasses #outschoolclass
As he was getting dressed to play outside, Henry w As he was getting dressed to play outside, Henry was struggling to put on a glove and he said to me, “Mommy, I don’t think I have enough fingers for this.” 😂
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#snowdays #playinthesnow #thisis5 #5yearolds #lovethisboy💙 #lovethisboysomuch #outdoortime #novascotialife #christmassnow #whitechristmas❄️ #mybabyboyforever #thingskidssay #funnythingskidssay #funnykidstuff #kidssaythefunniestthings #kidssaythefunnieststuff #lovewhathesays #lovewhathesaid
As I mentioned the other day, I have been making t As I mentioned the other day, I have been making these "Name Word Art" boards, and someone asked me to make them a slight variation of that and requested a "Goals for 2021" board.
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I thought it was such a brilliant idea because in our house, Andrew and I have always had a practice of creating vision boards, and it's something we taught to Jack and Henry at a very young age.
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The vision/dream boards are something that we build with the kids quite frequently as their goals change, albeit they are built on bristol board or on their cork boards, but with the New Year coming up, in addition to our own, I decided that I would offer a personalized vision board for people who wanted a "visual" reminder of their goals for the New Year - Bring it on 2021! 
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If you're interested in having one of these made, pm me. I am having an absolute blast building all these boards! Check out my newest board below!  Plus, if you’re coming from this post, pm and I will give you one of my Etsy shop coupons for being friends here on Insta!! 
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#newyearsresolutions #newyearsresolutions2021 
#goalsetting2021 #custompersonalizedart #goalsettingworks #visionboards #dreamboards
✨New Announcement✨ I’ve been making these li ✨New Announcement✨ I’ve been making these little personal visual boards for friends and family for awhile, and just recently someone said I should look into opening an Etsy shop, which is what I’ve just done...eeeek!!!!
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Can’t even explain how excited I am for this little store as making these little graphics make me so happy 🥰!
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I can make these cute little graphics and all you need to do is provide the details for the person it’s being made for!
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Also, no need to ship as I provide the high quality digital file that can be printed at any shop for less than $5.00 (or at least that’s what it is for us) at any local shop - we went to Staples.
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So since I’ve just opened my new shop, I’m offering a special! 
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They are normally $15 for one as they have quite a bit of customization (all part of the fun) but now for the Holiday season I’m offering my Insta friends 2 for $25. 
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They are a great little present 🎁especially if you’d like one for each child - and they make great stocking stuffers! 🎄✨🎅
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If you have any questions, let me know.  I’m so excited and yes, slightly giddy about my mew shop - ShinesDarlingDesigns, and I’d love to make one for you and your loved ones a personal and surprising gift! 
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#etsyshop #newetsystore #mynewetsystore #digitalprintsgiveaway #stockingstuffersideas #personalgiftsarethebest #christmasgiftsforkids #christmasgiftsforher #christmasgiftsforhim #personalizedgift #customgiftservices #etsyspecial #etsyspecialoffer
Looking for something to get the soccer player in Looking for something to get the soccer player in your life? ⚽️✨
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As many of you know my son Jack, is a brand ambassador with RIOBOL, the size 2 Brazilian ball (weighted like a size 5 that improves precision, touch, and control) and from November 27-30th RIOBOL has everything in their shop for 40% off. 
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Use Jack's link: http://www.CPLFever.ca/riobol and enter "BLACKFRIDAY" at checkout to get 40% off! 👍
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#riobol #ballmastery #rioboltraining #rioboltrainingball #soccerskillstraining #soccerballkids #improveyourtouches #1000touchesaday #improveyoursoccerskills
Can’t get over how sweet these pj’s are, Star Can’t get over how sweet these pj’s are, Star Wars themed with storm trooper gingerbread men! 😍 
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They came from a lovely package sent by my cousin all the way from California.
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Do you have Christmas pj’s that you  love?  Tell me all about them!  Our house is all about the Christmas pj’s! 😂😀🎄✨🎄✨
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#starwarspj #starwarschristmaspjs #stormtroopergingerbread #stormtrooperpjs #hestoocuteforwords #thisis5 
#christmastimeintheair
✨✨ The boys made some Linzer sandwich cookies ✨✨ The boys made some Linzer sandwich cookies the other night as we decorated our first of the Christmas trees for the holiday season! 🎄🎄🎄
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They made these sweet little cookies all by themselves as they listened to their Spotify Christmas playlist made by our tween! 
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Love these 2 little boys with all my heart! 🥰
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Scroll through to see their finished product!! I think the cookies turned out pretty perfect and they tasted amazing!  Our doggo was pretty excited about them too - look at him eyeing Henry 🤣🐶
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Of course we ended up eating them as we took in the Netflix premiere of the “Switched Again” which was fun and by the end of the movie, they were all gone.
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I’ve been informed that after our eldest’s soccer practice tonight, we’ve got more of this on tap for tonight!  Love this time of the year!
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#christmastime #christmastree #christmasiscomingtotown #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear🎄 #christmascookiesfordays #christmasbakinghasbegun #christmasbaking #netflixchristmasmovies #christmaswithmyboys #linzersandwichcookies
Made a crustless pecan pie the other day, and it t Made a crustless pecan pie the other day, and it turned out really well! 
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We are gluten free in our household, and lean paleo, but had a huge craving for pecan pie.  Not enough GF flour meant I needed an alternative crustless pecan pie it was!
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#pecanpie #crustlesspecanpie #pecanpierecipe
Callum, Mage from “The Dragon Prince” 🎃👻 Callum, Mage from “The Dragon Prince” 🎃👻
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#halloween2020 #halloweencostume #halloweencostume #halloweendiycostume #callumdragonprince #thedragonprince #dragonprincecosplay #dragonprincecallum #dragonprincenetflix
Courtesy of my 4 year old. . . . #dresserdrawer #d Courtesy of my 4 year old.
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#dresserdrawer #dresserdecor #stickersonfurniture #noahsark #animalstickers #dadolddresser #antiquefurniturelove #4yearoldart #thisis4 #4yearoldinthehouse #inlovewithmylife #momofboysonly #thesweetestboyintheworld #thesweetest
Today I picked up these yummy, non-dairy ice cream Today I picked up these yummy, non-dairy ice creams for the kids!  Made by @yellofruit I’d never heard of the brand before but was thrilled to find them.
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I’m a person who loves to read labels, so I was happily surprised at the clean, organic ingredients, and was thrilled that they were both so delicious! 
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I’ve got a picky little 4 year old at home and when I pulled the ice cream out of the freezer his eyes lit up - I think judging from the packaging he thought he was going to eat something delicious!
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I’m happy to report that both flavours were eaten eagerly, the strawberry was lovely and the chocolate was a big, big hit! 👏👏👏. 
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#nodairyicecream #nondairyicecream #nondairyicecreamforthewin #yellofruit #yellofruitsummer2020 #yellofruiticecream #yummyicecream #nondairyalternatives #nodairynoproblem #nodairyneeded #nodairynoglutennoproblem #nodairynogluten #nodairydiet #nodairyproducts #nodairylife #soyummythough #lovethis #nodairydesserts #nodairydessert
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