Funny Irish TShirts Review

I'm Irish, and what better way to let the world know than to advertise this fact on a tshirt? I was given the opportunity to pick from an abundance of FUNNY IRISH T-SHIRTS, and while a bunch of them were awesome, when I saw the one below, I immediately thought of Kasi.

The shirt is made from 100% cotton, and Kasi loves it!  It's soft and comfortable to wear, and she has a thing for skulls.  She was thrilled when I told her she could have it.

If you want to show off your Irishness (look at me making up words!) this St. Patrick's Day, get a shirt from Funny Irish Shirts.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Prefense Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizer Review And Giveaway

As most of you know, I drive a delivery van.  I am on the road some days for 10 hours at a time.  This mean,s when I have to use the bathroom, I have to stop where ever I happen to be, and we all know that public restrooms can be less than sanitary.  I have become an expert at not touching anything that I don't have to, and I always carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with me.  I was thrilled when I found out I was going to review Prefense Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizer. 

I love the fact that this is a non-alcohol hand sanitizer.  That means it smells nice, and it doesn't dry out my hands.  I can apply it and it will last through 10 hand washings.  Though I don't have small kids myself, this product is great for kids because it is non-toxic, so you can put it on little hands and not have to worry about them putting their hands in their mouths.

You can buy this hand sanitizer directly from their website here, or if you would rather, you can get it here through amazon.  You can also follow Prefense on Facebook and on Twitter.  You can also enter to win an 8oz bottle of Prefense which offers 640 applications simply by leaving a comment on this post.

Unfortunately, this giveaway is open to US residents only.  You have until November 6th to enter.  Good Luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Halloween Smiley Cookies

I love cookies.  My kids love cookies.  When I was asked to review these adorable Halloween Cookies, I was thrilled.  Not only are they adorable to look at, but they are so yummy!

I love the little candy corn eyes and nose, though if I am going to be honest, I have to admit that I picked them off the cookie I ate and gave them to my daughter.  She enjoyed her cookie, too.  Check out her face:

She is actually smiling around the cookie!  I posted this picture on the Smiley Cookie facebook page.  You should go "like" the page so you can see her beautiful face over there.  Also, if you do like it, you can get
20% off on any of their Halloween Cookie Gifts and Halloween Gift Baskets.  I am thinking about ordering one of their Halloween Party Snacks for Ryan's party in a couple of weeks.  These mini cookies would be perfect for the kids to snack on.

Keep in mind that they have more than just Halloween cookies.  They have plain Smiley cookies as well as cookies for lots of other holidays.  In my opinion, every day is better when it includes eating a cookie.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Aloha!

Now that I am working, all I can think about is saving enough money to take the kids and I on some type of vacation this summer.  I know they are wanting to go to the beach, so I am hoping maybe one weekend we can load up and take a trip there.  I would love to be able to take off to Hawaii, but that just isn't possible right now.

Or is it?

Old London is giving away a four day, three night, all expense paid experience to the island of Oahu, and I really want to win.  You can find all the details and enter for yourself on their facebook page.  The experience includes a private cooking lesson at the award winning Chef Mavro restaurant.  I would love this. 

I am assuming that you all know about Old London, and the products they make.  My personal favorite is their melba snacks.  I was sent a bunch of different samples, but the whole wheat sea salt flavored melba snacks were my favorite.  I was also sent a bunch of Hawaiian recipes to try out, and while they sounded delicious, I made my version of bruschetta to go on top of the crackers, and it was delicious.  You can find all kinds of different recipes using their products here. 

The thing I like best about these snack crackers is that they can be a part of a healthy diet.  You all know I have recently lost 80 pounds, and I am trying to lose a bit more.  It is also important to me that I keep this weight off.  Having healthy snacks around the house makes it easier to stick to my diet.  The kids love them, too, which is great, because I prefer they eat something other than junk food.

Okay, I am off to dream about this Hawaiian vacation I plan on winning.  I can already see myself on the sandy white beach, relaxing in the sun with a good book.  Now if I only had a man to take with me...

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Old London and received product samples and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Paint It Purple

My kids love grape juice.  I love it, too.  I remember after having each of my kids, the doctor wouldn't let me have soda in the hospital because I had c-sections.  All I was allowed to have was water or juice.  I remember having people bring me grape juice, because that was all I wanted.  These days, I actually add the juice to my lemon lime soda, and it tastes so good.

I found this recipe, and I am looking forward to trying it out the next time I have some Welch's in my fridge.  (it's hard to keep it...the kids drink it pretty quickly!) You can find other recipes in Welch's Recipe Box.

GRAPE INFUSED FORTUNE COOKIES
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup sugar
pinch salt
1/3 cup canola oil
3 egg whites
1/3 cup Welch’s 100% Grape Juice
oil for cookie sheet
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat baking sheet with canola oil.

2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.

3. Whisk liquid ingredients together in medium bowl.

4. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk vigorously until the batter is smooth.

5. Spoon one tablespoon of batter onto the cookie sheet and pat the cookie sheet on counter gently to thin to a 4 inch circle. Repeat.

6. Set cookie sheet in the oven; bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies begin to brown lightly. Remove 1 cookie from oven with a spatula….leave other cookies in oven with door open until ready to use.

7. Flip it over and place a fortune in the center, fold in half then fold over edge of a bowl to make the fortune cookie shape. Set cookies muffin tin to keep their shape until cool (2 cookies per muffin section works well).

8. Repeat process with remaining cookies.

9. Enjoy!

Sounds good, right?  I am going to let the kids write some silly fortunes to go inside...maybe something Easter themed so we can serve the cookies to family.  When I asked the kids to write some up, my girls came up with a poem about the juice instead.  Check it out:

Grape juice is not the same
Without the Welch's name
It is so perfect
Every sip is worth it
It has a natural taste
By the time you're done, there is no more to waste
If you are sad
Welch's will make you glad

Not too bad, right?  My kids are pretty talented.  As you all know, I am now doing the day to day parenting stuff on my own since Bob left.  It's crazy and overwhelming at times, but they are worth it.  I like to think I am doing a good job, and I am pretty sure the kids will agree.  I have never given much thought to all the things I am passing on to them, from my parenting skills to my genes.  Yes, I said my genes.

I know there is heart disease in my family, but I am not sure to what extent.  Welch's can help me, and you,
trace our family's health history by using a tool called Welch's Family Vine Tool. With this tool, you can:

• Enter your family health history.
• Print your family health history to share with family or your health care provider.
• Save your family health history so you can update it over time.
• Use the health history you create to have more productive and proactive conversations with your physician.

Knowing your history, and that of your kids, can help you make changes now to prevent future health problems.

You can follow Welch's on twitter and also find them on facebook.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Welch’s and received a product sample to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream Review

I love lotion, especially when my hands are dry from cold weather.  Right now, they are dry and cracked from helping a friend of mine do deliveries.  I forgot how hard it is working with your hands, doing something other than typing on this keyboard.  I also have a million and one bruises, most of them appearing out of nowhere.  I seriously look and feel like I have been beaten down.  Gotta love manual labor.

I was sent a tube of Yu-Be moisturizing skin cream to review, and I am pretty happy with what it is doing for my skin.  I am not a big fan of the smell; it smells almost like menthol, which I hate.  But, that said, I will still use it because of how well it works.  My skin absorbed it nicely, and it didn't leave me feeling all greasy. 

About the cream:

• Use Yu-Be anywhere on the body - even the face and lips.
• Helps heal split cuticles and smooth rough, cracked and dry skin on hands, elbows, knees and feet.
• Absorbs instantly and works for hours. Good for all day or all night.
• Non-greasy formula contains NO artificial colors, fragrances, petrolatum or SPF.
• CAMPHOR soothes irritation and stimulates blood circulation to improve overall health of your skin.
• Mild camphor scent fades within minutes.
• Concentrated GLYCERIN moisturizer helps hydrate, soothe and smooth severe dry skin on the whole family - ALL YEAR LONG. (kids too!)

  
   I love that it can be used anywhere on the body, even the lips.  I have yet to try it on my feet, but I am sure it will work wonders on them, too.  Now that summer is coming up, I need to get my feet ready for flip flops and cute little sandals.
  
  You can find this cream at Sephora and Sephora.com. 

  
  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Shredding

As you all know, we are in the middle of tax season.  If you are anything like me, you filed your taxes in January and your refund is long gone.  I know we spend ours pretty quickly.  Looking back, I should have saved some, and maybe I wouldn't be where I am now, trying to figure out how I am going to pay my bills. 

Did you know that during this time of year, identity theft is pretty common?  There are steps you can take to help protect yourself.  For instance, you can:

·         Update personal computers with firewalls and security software, including antivirus programs.

·         Contact the IRS (800-829-1040) if you do not receive W-2 forms and other sensitive information by February 15, as this may indicate that an identity thief intercepted such documents.

·         Send tax returns from a locked mailbox/post office to ensure thieves cannot get to it before the postal service.

·         If sending in tax forms via post mail, make sure all forms, identification documents and enclosed checks are not visible from the outside. Try wrapping everything in an extra sheet of paper to disguise its contents.

·         Keep tax paperwork and other documents in a safe and accessible place, such as a fireproof box.

·         After filing taxes, shred any backup documents with a Cross-Cut paper shredder, like Fellowes’ P-12C, which is essential because it shreds a single sheet of paper into hundreds of tiny particles to ensure confidential information is destroyed beyond recognition.

I was sent a Fellowes P-12C shredder to try out for myself, and I love it.  I have been doing some decluttering of my life, and being able to shred the things I no longer want has been a blessing.  I have been shredding old files and pictures that I no longer want.   The shredder is so simple to use, too.  It can shred not only papers, but CD's and credit cards.  I like that it has a feature that stops the shredding if your hands or animals come too close.  Safety features are important, no matter what you are using.  

I plan on using the shredded papers to pack us for our upcoming move.  My mom did this when she moved, and she said the shreds work great between dishes.   I have lots of dishes, so I guess I need to find lots of things to shred.  

I don't think that is going to be a problem.

“I wrote this review while participating in a Mom Central Consulting blog tour on behalf of Fellowes. I received a Fellowes paper shredder to facilitate my review.”

The Message ~ A Review

I could not have received this book, The Message - A Guide To Being Human for review at a more perfect time in my life.  The first few pages talk about change, and how holding onto things gets you nowhere.

I have let go of so much here lately, and I am so much happier for it. I know some people are having a hard time believing me, but it's the truth.  When my husband left (it's been a month already...can you believe it?) I had no idea what I was going to do.  My entire life I have been afraid of change.  I like routines.  Facing an uncertain future scared me to death, for about two days.  Then I put on my big girl panties, and decided that I am a strong woman who doesn't need a man in her life.  I accepted change, and look at all that I have accomplished.  Today, I took a huge step and got my driver's license.  You all know how scared I was of doing that, and I conquered that fear.  I smashed it actually.  And it feels awesome!

This book is all about empowerment, and accepting life and all that it has to offer.  You can find out more information about Divine Arts here.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Culturelle For Kids

For the past few months, Brandi has been having stomach issues.  Mostly they stem from her not using the bathroom regularly.  When I learned of the opportunity to review Culturelle for kids, I knew she was the one I would test it out on.

The first time I asked her to use it, she was a little hesitant.  She was worried that it would taste weird.  I had her mix it into a bottle of water, and she said she didn't taste any difference at all, which was great, because I knew that meant that she would continue to take it.  I love that it comes in little single serve packets.  It really makes using them simple. 

We did see a difference in how often she was able to use the bathroom, which was great, because it lessened the degree of her tummy aches.  She was going every couple of days, and now she is able to go at least once a day, sometimes more. 

I have been hearing a lot lately about probiotics, and Culturelle stands apart from other probiotics by using Lactobacillus GG, one of the most clinically studied probiotics in the world.  Culturelle:

• Supports kids still-developing immune system
• May help reduce upset stomach
• Helps to reduce occasional diarrhea
• Helps reduce the length and severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Though these above claims have not been evaluated by the FDA, I can tell you first hand that Culturelle did help with my daughters tummy troubles.  That is no guarantee that it will work for your child.   

“I wrote this review while participating in a Mom Central Consulting blog tour on behalf of Culturelle. I received a Culturelle for Kids product sample and a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Fogless Shower Mirror Review & Giveaway

I don't know about you, but there are times when I am in the shower that I would love to look at my face.  You know, to make sure I get all my makeup off.  Most guys I know would love it as well, simply because it would make shaving in the shower a little easier.

This fogless mirror from ToiletTree Products is pretty awesome.  It attaches to your shower wall with a removable silicone adhesive, and has a built in shelf for your razor.  It is designed not to rust and comes with a squeegee to easily remove excess water drops.  It can be adjusted, so more than one person can use it.  I know I am a lot shorter than my husband, so if he was still here, he would be able to angle it to where it is comfortable for him to use it, and so would I. 

The makers of this mirror have graciously offered to let me give one away to a lucky reader.  Since I am not in the mood to list a bunch of ways to enter, let's keep it simply and all you have to do is leave me a comment saying you want to win.  I'll pick a winner (US only please) next Friday, the 18th of March.  Good Luck.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Wylie University

Check out Brandi's shirt.  Isn't it awesome?  It's actually my shirt, but she likes to sleep in it.  I like to clean in it, and lounge around in it.  It is extremely comfortable.  It is made from 90% cotton and 10% polyester, and it has been through the wash a couple of times and hasn't shrunk at all. 

YourNameUniversity.com has over 75 different products that can be personalized to fit your needs, but my favorite is definitely the personalized t-shirts.  They have men's shirts up to a 6x and ladies shirts up to a size 3x.  If you order before March 31, 2011 you can use the promo code Blog0311 to get 10% off. 

Make sure you check out their facebook page as well.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Monkey Shirt!

Kasi loves monkeys.  She feels about them how I feel about elephants.  Okay, maybe not that much, but when I saw this tshirt, I immediately thought of her.  It was made by a company that specializes in custom tshirt.

The shirt I received to review has a pink monkey, just like in the picture.  The shirt itself is 100% preshrunk cotton, and it is really soft.  The design has stayed in tact even after several washings, which is great because some printed shirts never make it through the first wash.

Tshirtprinting.net will make a custom tshirt to fit your needs.  They have many different colors and styles to choose from, and you can order from 12 to 100,000 shirts at competitive prices.  Keep them in mind for your future tshirt needs.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

I Love To Squash Bugs

Okay, not really.  I have kids for that.  I hate most bugs, though.  It all goes back to one day in my childhood that I will never forget.  I was watching television at my aunts house, where I spent a lot of time as a child, and there was a spider on the ceiling.  I pointed it out to my cousin, and she told me to just ignore it.  I tried, really I did, but I couldn't help keeping an eye on it.  As soon as it got over our heads, it fell to the bed, right next to me.  I seriously felt like Little Miss Muffet.  Ever since then, I have hated anything creepy and crawly.  I make it my mission to make sure to squash bugs at every opportunity.

Last week, I received a box of EcoSMART products to try, and I have to say, I love that they are made from 100% safe, all natural ingredients.  I don't have pets in the house right now, except for Princess (the hamster), but it is still important to me that the products I use be safe for the kids.  I was sent the safe home value bundle, which included:

-- Ant and Roach Killer (14 oz can)
-- Home Pest Control (24 oz spray bottle)
-- Flying Insect Killer (14 oz can)
-- Insect Repellent (6 oz bottle)

I haven't had the opportunity to try them all out yet, because at the moment, we are bug free.  We do have a wasp problem during the warmer weather, so I am looking forward to using the flying insect killer on them.  Last year we used bug killer that smelled awful, and I am sure it was full of all kinds of chemicals.  Tomorrow we are going to spend the day at the park, and I am bringing the insect repellent with me.  I am not anticipating there being a problem, but I want to be prepared just in case. I did spray the insect repellent, and the smell isn't bad.  I have an issue with smelly things, but I don't think this product will bother me.

The lovely people at EcoSMART have generously agreed to send the same bundle I received to one of my lucky readers.  I am sure you will find many uses for these products, like figuring out how to get rid of stink bugs or killing those annoying ants that always seem to invade my kitchen.  To enter, tell me your worst bug story.

For extra entries, do any or all of the following, just leave me a separate comment telling me you did.  (if you already do these things, let me know that, too)

• follow this blog publicly on GFC
• like this blog on facebook
• follow me on twitter
• follow with networked blogs
• blog about this contest
• tweet this contest
• facebook status this contest

This giveaway is open to US residents only (excluding Alaska and Hawaii...sorry =( ) and will run until 11:59pm on Friday, February 25, 2011.  Good luck!

They're Growing Up

The weather has been beautiful here the past couple of days.  This morning it was raining as we waited at the bus stop, but that quickly passed.  I think we ended up being close to 70 degrees today.  With the weather so beautiful, Brandi wants to be playing outside, which is fine, except that she doesn't really have anything to play with besides her bike, and she refuses to ride it around the neighborhood because of the dogs.

I remember when the kids were little, and we had lots of things, like backyard swing sets, for the kids to play on.  They would spend hours sliding and swinging, working off their energy.  Come bed time, they were ready for some shut eye. Now they are too big for swing sets.  We have graduated to board games and cards.  My youngest can hold her own in rummy and chess.  In fact, she can beat me in chess.  I just don't understand that game.

I am getting ready to do another review for CSNStores, and I'm thinking about trying to find a new game for us.  They have so many choices!  I know Brandi would love this puppet theater:

 And they would all love this croquet set:

I know we would have a lot of fun with this, and it's something we could use in our own yard.  I remember playing this at my grandparents house when I was a kid.  I wonder if I'll remember all the rules?

Veripur Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer Review

I hate hand sanitizer.  I hate the way it smells and I hate the way it burns my hands, especially in the winter when they are all cracked and dry.  Despite the pain and the smell, I always use it.  I carry a bottle in my purse at all times.  It comes in handy after using a public restroom, or after a coughing fit.  And we have been having a lot of those lately, thanks to this wonderful flu the girls and I have been battling. 

I was thrilled when I discovered Veripur Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer.  This stuff if amazing.  The tube I have is unscented, and there is seriously no scent to it at all.  You know how some unscented stuff is actually pretty smelly...this is not one of those products.  There is no alcohol smell because this sanitizer is alcohol free.  This also means there is no burning (yay!).  As a bonus, it even makes you hands all smooth, thanks to the added hydrating ingredients including avacado, jojoba, and grape seed oil.  

Here are the specifics:

• kills 99.9% of germs upon application
• protects for 4 hours after application
• non-drying and alcohol free
• contains hydrating moisturizers
• helps prevent the spread of germs
• tested and proven effective against 20 commonly found strains of bacteria and four viruses
• convenient size

You can buy this product exclusively at Walgreens.  The 3 ounce tube I have costs $5.99, and they also have a 13 ounce pump for $10.99.  You can also buy it online here.

My tube is living happily in my purse.  It replaced the alcohol based one I used to carry, and even the kids are grateful for that, because I have been making them use it all the time.  I not only want to protect them from germs, I also want to keep from spreading our germs.  As of right now, my son and husband have avoided catching the flu from us girls, and I want to keep it that way.

I wrote this review while participating in a Mom Central Consulting blog tour on behalf of Veripur Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer. I received a Veripur product sample and a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate

Brilliant Review And Giveaway

We all have dirty screens.  Computers, televisions, mp3 players, phones...that's right, we all own at least one of these things, and most of us own several.  And if you are like me, most of the screens on these electronics are in need of a good cleaning.  In the past, I have tried different ways of cleaning my screens, from glass cleaner to simply wiping them with a towel.  I always thought they did the job.

A couple of days ago, I learned I was wrong.  Just last week, my house was spotless because of the photo shoot.  Everything was dusted and clean, or so I thought, until I used a Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipe on my television.  I was shocked at how much dirt was on the wipe, especially since I had just cleaned it. First I used the wet wipe, which got off all the dust and smudges.  Then I used the dry wipe to make sure the screen was streak free. 

About the product:
Brilliant screen cleaning wipes with SR-8 provides gentle, superior  cleaning to any electronic screen and removes dust, dirt, finger prints and makeup while imparting an invisible, durable barrier that protects screens 50x more form scratching. Helps protect against re-soiling to keep your screen brilliantly clean!

Want to try them for yourself?   You can buy them here, or enter to win a five pack by doing the following:

Like them on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter. 

This contest will run until 11:59pm on Wednesday, February 23, 2011, and is open to US bloggers only.  Good luck.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Granola Gourmet Review And Giveaway

I have been trying really hard lately to eat better.  I not only want to lose weight; I also want to get healthier.  I know that the way I eat is horrible, especially when I snack.  I have lots of fruit cups and cheese sticks in the fridge, but instead of grabbing them, I will eat a few chocolate chip cookies.  I always feel horrible and guilty after I eat them, but sometimes, I just really need that chocolate.

When I received some Gourmet Granola energy bars to review, I was excited to see they had two different chocolate varieties, and that they are good for you.  They are 100% natural, with no wheat or dairy.  They contain no refined sugar, and they are great for diabetics.  They are vegan and kosher as well.

Now, I will admit that I wasn't expecting them to taste very good, because let's face it, most things that are good for you are kind of bland.  I was pleasantly surprised that I really did enjoy them.  My daughters ate the Ultimate Berry and the Ultimate Cran-Orange ones, and I ate the Ultimate Fudge Brownie and the Ultimate Mocha Fudge ones.  The girls enjoyed the ones they ate, and I loved the ones I ate.  The bars tasted more like candy bars than energy bars. 

You can find out more about these delicious energy bars by visiting Granola Gourmet's facebook page and following them on twitter.

Want to try these Energy Bars for yourself?  One lucky reader will win all four of the flavors I mentioned above.  To enter to win, simply do one or all of the following, making sure you leave a separate comment for each thing.

• follow this blog publicly on GFC.
• follow this blog on networking blogs
• like this blog on facebook

You can find the links for all those things on my sidebar.  This contest is open to U.S. residents only, and will run until 11:59pm on Friday, February 11, 2010.  Good luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.
Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Fiber Choice Chewables Review

A couple of weeks ago, I started taking Fiber Choice Chewables, the weight management version.  I think we all know that most of us don't get the recommended daily dose of fiber.  The average adult needs between 25 and 30 grams of dietary fiber each day.  I know I don't even come close to that most days, mostly because I do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.  I am a carb girl.  I could eat bread for every meal, every day, and be a happy girl.

So, knowing my diet is lacking, I was excited to see if these Fiber Choice Chewables would make a difference.  Each tablet has 2 grams of fiber, and the recommended dose for adults is two tablets every day.  I starting taking them last Monday, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they did have an effect on me.  I took them in the evenings, and they worked to fill me up so that I didn't snack my way through my favorite television shows, which is a bad habit of mine.  I was shocked when I got on the scale this morning and saw that I have lost 3 pounds since I started taking them.  I always heard you shouldn't eat (or snack) right before bed, and by cutting out that bad habit, I lost a little weight.

The tablets themselves are pretty good.  The ones I have taste like strawberries.  The only thing I don't like is that they are really chewy, and I always end up with some of them stuck in my teeth.  It's nothing that a toothpick can't fix, and it will not keep me from continuing to take them. 

Fiber Choice comes in four different varieties;   Fiber Choice Original formula, Fiber Choice Weight Management, Fiber Choice Plus Calcium, and Fiber Choice Plus Antioxidants.  They come in a variety of sizes, too.  I found the bottle I have for about $17.00, and it had 90 tablets in it.  That's pretty reasonable for 45 days worth of tablets. 

You can find out more information by visiting fiberchoice.com or by following them on twitter (@fiberchoice).

 “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of FiberChoice and received a coupon to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Heaven Is For Real ~ A Book Review

I have never doubted that there is a heaven.  I know that someday, when I die, I will be reunited with all of those who have passed before me, and I will be waiting patiently for those who come after I am already there.  I am sure a majority of my readers will admit that they believe there is a heaven as well.  But what would you do if someone confirmed that for you?

In this book, three year old Colton Burpo amazes his family with stories of heaven.  He tells them that during an emergency appendectomy, which occurred while he was seriously ill, he left his body and visited heaven.  He talks about meeting family members there who have never been mentioned to him before, like his Grandfather and his sister, a baby his mother miscarried before he was born.  He described heaven in detail, and all those details were confirmed in the bible.

This book is an easy read, and the story is quite amazing, if you choose to believe it.  I know there are skeptics out there, but I am not one of them.  I choose to believe this little boy, and I can not wait to someday see all the things he discovered during his trip to heaven.

***I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.