Military Chronograph Stopwatch ... A Review

My husband loves watches more then some woman love shoes! The major problem with this is he has caviar taste in watches and we have Bologna budget ... lol!

When I ran across this watch by Binger I knew I wanted to gt it for him. I was so hoping it would look was good when it came as it did in the pictures. It really does look like a expensive from the Amazon review.

When it arrived I must say I was blown away! i am not usually that surprised when I get a item, but this item really took me by surprise. And I must apologize because I have taken literally fifty pictures and I can not get one good picture ... so I am really sorry. I hope my review will justify the greatness of this watch.

Let's start with the fact it is a Military Chronograph Stopwatch with large Luminous Numerals. The face is trimmed in silver and is a nice large size.  It is glass scratch resistant and water proof. My husband has not tested this factor as it is not the type watch he would swim or shower in, but there is a guarantee on this. There are three Sub-Dials ... A Minute ... A Second ... and a Date Display. All are very easy to set and run very accurately. The band is a rich alligator and made to be worn and you can tell it is going to hold up.

The watch itself comes in a very nice Jewelers Box and comes wrapped on a pillow setting. It is a perfect gift giving box. Fathers Day is coming up and this would be a perfect Fathers Day gift.

I know my husband did not know how much this watch cost and thought it was a high end watch ... so do yourself a favor and don't tell them!

I would highly recommend this watch to any watch collector!

RATING: Five Stars

This can be found at :

 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DU1XUCK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00&pldnSite=1

A Cool New Children's Author ... Two New Children's Books For Your Shelf

(Penny and her Grammy)

I grew up in a family of readers ... my husband grew up in a family of readers. We though for sure we would raise a daughter that we would love to read. However, reading in our house with her is going down that different path. Penny is eight, but reads on a Kindergarten level. With Neurofibromatosis there are so may struggles in life, but some of the biggest come in the early years with school. Reading is worse then having teeth pulled for our daughter. She enjoys being read to and Audio Books, but you say it is time to read to her and you would like I wanted to pull teeth out of her mouth.

It is really hard to find books as well that she will sit through . I know what type of books she should be reading at her age however sadly we are not there at this time. What is really great though is when you find a book that your daughter loves and connects with. I recently came across the first book by, Dominic Lodato by accident.

MUSTARD MAYHEM is on of those books that you find yourself reading without your child just because it is that darn cute!  It also just so happens that are family loves condiments and mustard is one of my little girls favorites. This book is only available in hard cover right now, but the hard copy is so worth it. The pictures are so bright and cheerful. The characters just seem to jump off the pages at you. Personally, I want to hug the little brother. Anyway, I do not want to give the whole story away, but it is a about a older brother that loves his hot dogs. Of coarse her has to have them with mustard on them, but when he goes to get he mustard it is gone. What follows is big brother going around asking his whole family if they have seen his mustard. No one has ... but right after little brother walks into the scene and that is where the fun begins! 

I love this book as it is just so cute ... maybe part of it is because I was the little sister

Night after night of this book I knew I had to get Mr. Lodato's second book. Now, while we are NOT having another baby in this house ...  my daughter has had to get use to me babysitting two younger ones. I say babysitting, but it is no longer that these two have captured me and my husband's heart and them along with their parent's are a part of our family. However, she has been use to being the one and only in this family so she has never had to relate to a sibling or things that go along with having a sibiling. But still the same I wanted the book ...

I THINK MY LITTLE BROTHER IS AN ALIEN is about a big brother that is pretty sure the little brother his parents brought home from the hospital has to be a Alien. Again, the pictures are brilliant and so colorful. The book is so funny and I am sure a lot of children can relate to having a little "alien" brought home from the hospital.

These books are so super cute ... don't miss out on this great author! Dominic Lodato is truly a fantastic writer and I hope he is busy writing some more books!

You can find both of these books on Amazon and two of his other books here:

http://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1?ie=UTF8&text=Dominic+Lodato&search-alias=books&field-author=Dominic+Lodato&sort=relevancerank

RATING: Five Stars



I received this product on a promotional discount for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the seller in any way.



 

CHALKTASTIC MARKERS ... A REVIEW and a DISAPOINTING CUSOMER SERVICE REPLY!

This is the definition I could find on the word POROUS:

Simple Definition of porous

• : having small holes that allow air or liquid to pass through
• : easy to pass or get through

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

I was pretty sure I knew what it meant, but I thought I better double check after I wrote I review of a AMAZON product and got a not so nice follow up COMMENT from a Company in response to the RATING I left.

When you leave REVIEWS of products regardless of rather you leave them as a REVIEWER or as a CUSTOMER if you leave a less then perfect review you are always subject to the backlash from a company I guess. However, as a former Internet Business person myself and a Restaurant Owner myself I guess I myself would handle situations differently. It saddened me greatly to read the Customer Response to my Review Follow Up. I had to think before I decided to do a Blog Post on this ...

I was given the opportunity to REVIEW a product called: Fantastic ChalkTastic White Chalk Markers.Here is what they advertise as being able to be used on:

• VIBRANT WHITE COLOR - ChalkTastic Bright White Liquid chalk markers use a high-quality, super-concentrated liquid chalk that provides bright, vibrant colors each and every time. These eye-catching color give you the ultimate in creative expression! Great for Menu Boards, Bistro Boards, Black Dry Erase board, LED Board, Window markers, Car Windows, Kids art, School work, Marking dates on food Containers
• AMAZING VERSATILITY GREAT ERASABLE MARKERS FOR KIDS - ChalkTastic White chalk Pens are Non Toxic and Odorless and will out last ANY other White Chalk Pens with there huge capacity. The White Glass marker Pens allow you to turn any ordinary NON-POROUS surface - including chalk labels, mirrors, storefront windows, Black Dry Erase board, metal and more - into your very own canvas!

I DID read this part VERY closely ... 

The White Glass marker Pens allow you to turn any ordinary NON-POROUS surface - including chalk labels, mirrors, storefront windows, Black Dry Erase board, metal and more - into your very own canvas!

I am a home school parent and we have a hug NON-POROUS Chalk Board in our home school room. We also have several NON-POROUS mini chalk boards we use. We have been using them for four years now with various chalks and other brands of chalk markers and never had any issues.  As always though I test products like this on my mini boards first. It is just a given as well as directed by companies usually. 

I did this with the CHALKTASTIC MARKERS and I am so glad I did as it was a complete FAILURE! The chalk paint did not come off. I tired to wipe it of with water and it did not come off. I even tried to let it soak with a wet paper towel on it for while and it did not come off. 

The CHALKTASTIC MARKERS are nice markers. They write well... they flow nice. The write on windows nice and they do come off of windows and mirrors nice. But as far as coming off of CHALK BOARDS that are POROUS ... at least mine that I know are in fact porous they failed. 

RATING: 2 STARS ... I gave them this because on some  surfaces it did work.

I appreciate being allowed to review this product and I do not want another product sent out or to be compensated in any other way. However PRO GRADE as a company I do feel there is a better way to follow up.

Pro Grade Products says:

Hi, we are very sorry to hear that you have experienced some problems with your chalkboard. The chalk markers, just like all other chalk markers are designed to be used on any non porous surface and we have tried to make this as clear as possible on both the product listing and product packaging but also understand that this can sometimes get missed. Unfortunately with chalkboards some are porous and some are non porous which is why we always advise on testing on a small area first.

We pride ourselves on providing both great products and excellent customer service and respond promptly to any emails or messages received. We have double checked all email messages and have not received any messages from yourself so we can only assume that for some reason your email didn't reach us. 

Really this is Good Customer Service?

*Pictures will be added ... having some camera issues:<

MyTinyHeroes Super Hero Costumes... A Review

Super Hero's do not have to come in any special size ... at least not in our house!!! When you walk in our house you never know what you may find. You know what? I am more then ok with that! When I was growing up I don't ever remember  our house being a mess ... or really that loud ... BORING!

It for sure was not ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXA6CLTDekw

In our house there is pretty much always a mess .. .and it is always quite loud!

Anyway back to the CUTEST Little Super Hero's ...

 

These costumes are made by a fairly new company called MyTinySuperHeroes. Boy, have they done it right. They currently have seventeen costumes to choose from. 

The costumes are well sewn and made from high quality fabric. I can sew ... somewhat so I have bought my fair share of fabric. The silk on these capes is unbelievable. It is  soft, shiny and silky. I don't see it fraying easily as so many silks that are used on costumes do when kids snag them. The felt is high quality felt that the pieces are made to. They are not attached by glue, but carefully sewn on with great detail. 

Each costume comes with a reversible cape that can be worn on the side to match the costume with the emblem. Or it can be worn on a plain colored matching solid colored side. The cape is made with kids safety in mind. It has a Velcro closure, but a very wide neck. I can not even get it wrapped around my neck.

There is of coarse a Super Hero Belt that has the emblem of the chosen Super Hero. A Super Hero needs Power Cuffs right? They are adorable and Velcro on with again the emblem of the chosen Super Hero. The mask is my favorite part! It fits with a elastic strap, but kid friendly and totally safe. There is so much detail in the masks!

Shh .. .don't tell Grandma, but these costumes are way better then what she can whip up. Better then what this Momma can whip up to!

You simply can not beat the price of $21.99.

These are great for playing dress-up, Halloween or even if you are doing a theatrical play perhaps.

RATING: FIVE STARS


You can find MyTinySuperHero Costumes here :

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=w_bl_sl_s_ap_web_7141123011?ie=UTF8&node=7141123011&field-brandtextbin=MyTinyHeroes

These rather scary looking Darth Vader is eight years old and still loves dress up and as you can see  fits her just perfect! In fact ... shhhh I have tried on all the costumes too and I can wear them!

EPIC PETS REVITA JOINT TREATS ... A REVIEW

We have two aging dogs in our house. One is a Black Lab, Lucy (ten years old) that is just over ninety pounds and one is a Schnauzer Terrier Mix, Ginger (nine years old) that is just over fifteen pounds. Both are slowing down with age and both are showing signs of hip and joint problems.

 I have had them into our Vet and looked into medications, but they are very costly. And while I love them dearly it is just not in our budget.

I had started looking into other holistic and herbal alternatives and we take a lot of these ourselves. I ran across EpicPets RevitaJoint Treats and did some research on them ... I am big on research ... it is a home school parent thing I think. I checked with our Vet and she could find nothing in them that was not safe for them.

I was super excited to start trying them. I decided that we would try them out on Lucy, first (aka the Guinea Pig and will eat and try anything). I can easily see why she wanted to gobble these up ... they have a great bacon smell! They are soft and shaped like a heart.

For a dog her size she gest two treat a day two times a day. She has been on them now for a little over two weeks and I have notice a significant change already in her movement. She use to have a hard time in the mornings getting up and moving around. She is now able to get up and move with our younger two dogs. Her coat is also looking much better.

RevitaJoints are filled with Glucosamine. Chondroitin, MSM, Flax Seed Meal, and Omega 3's. All of this are great for your dog's joints and swellings that occur due to aging.

Each bag comes with 65 threats. For our dog this is a 16 day supply. At $23.97 this may sound expensive, but it is not when you look at the cost of shots that the vet would charge or prescriptions! And these are better then steroids and other chemicals you would be putting into your dogs body. Four our smaller dog that we will be starting on next month we will get a 32 day supply for $23.97!

I HIGHLY suggest this for all dog owners with aging canines!!!

I received this product on a promotional discount for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no additional compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the seller in any way.

RATING: FIVE STARS

If you would like to order these they can be found at:

RevitaJoint Glucosamine for Dogs - Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplement Treats for Small, Medium and Large Dogs

Itchy Scratchy Dog ... Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil ... A Revview

Let me introduce you to Lucy our Black Lab/mix of something who is eleven years old and has had severe allergies for eight of those years. We have tried everything to help this poor itchy... scratchy dog. Nothing works. We have even thought of sending her to a Dog Naturalist, but we would have to sale off our child and they kind of frown on that kind of thing. I had heard that Fish Oil tablets would possibly help her, but getting her to swallow them would be a task I really was not sure I was up for every day... not to mention the side effects that the smell would cause.  However, I knew we had to do something her skin allergies, were getting worse she was constantly itching, licking and biting herself to the point where she would draw blood and cause bald spots. She would get "hot spots" so bad that she would not want to go outside because she feared the grass and the outdoors in general.

I did a lot of research on liquid Salmon Oil and found out there were numerous proven benefits on the effects that Salmon Oil had on dogs with severe allergies. I did not want to keep giving my dog steroids as I know the harmful effects they play on their body. 

After much research I found ALASKAN WILD SALMON OIL by EXTEND PET HEALTH on Amazon to be the highest rated by Vets the most economical. I love my pets as part of the family and we always make sure to research what we give them. We want their food and supplements to be as safe and  natural as what we put into our bodies. Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil provides levels of Omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids not commonly found in pet foods. This 100%  pure oil is made only from wild, non-farmed Alaskan salmon. It supports healthy skin and glossy coat it will also help support skin and coat health for more shine and less dry skin and shedding. You can also give this to your cats! And as family that has four dogs and two cats this is great to know!

It has now been two weeks since Lucy has been on ALASKAN WILD SALMON OIL and we are starting to notice a difference. it is not a fast change you are going to see in a dog that is this bad, but we are seeing results!!!! We have been putting 3 pumps of it on her food 2x/day. There is just a slight odor to it, but Lucy does not seem to notice the smell or the added taste. 

It is early Spring her now and allergy season is just starting to really show itself. I am excited to see what our results will be when we get into the hot mid-west Summers!

I will continue to up date you with Lucy's progress.

If you ever have any questions on using this that you may want to know before then ... feel free to message me or leave me a comment at anytime!

You can find ALASKAN WILD SALMON OIL by EXTEND PET HEALTH here:

http://www.amazon.com/Extend-Alaskan-Salmon-Natural-Liquid/dp/B01DE5J1SY?ie=UTF8&keywords=Extend%20-%20Alaskan%20Wild%20Salmon%20Oil%20for%20Dogs%20and%20Cats%20-%20100%25%20Pure%20Natural%20Food%20Grade%20Liquid%20-%20EPA%20and%20DHA%20Fatty%20Acids&qid=1461448180&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

RATING: FIVE STARS

 I received this product on a promotional discount for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the seller in any way.

Mice are Not Nice ... A product Review To Help You Rid Those Not Nice Mice!

 See this cat? He looks ferocious right? HA! Bandit is anything, but ferocious. Bandit is 15 (yes FIFTEEN) pounds of loving. This guy loves everyone and anyone and anything! Even our birds! And if you come to our house and ignore him and he wants petted ... he will get you to pet him because he will smack you till you do. This is Bandit's favorite thing to do ... lounging! He thinks this is his Throne!

So, a couple of weekends ago we were doing my favorite thing (not really) cleaning the garage when I was sweeping and moving around boxes I noticed a lot of little black droppings. GROSS! And nesting material! Hmmm ... Not good at all. I HATE mice! The are dirty, nasty little creatures. You would have to ask my eight yer old about the time we had one get in our house and I whacked it with her play vacuum cleaner and killed it. She was three and still remembers it and the "Mommy broke her vacuum!" Yes this really is a true story I could not make this one up! Anyway, back to the garage. I know almost all garages probably have mice, but that does not mean I have to like it I wanted to kill those little varmints. I remembered when I was looking for something else on Amazon someone recommending a MICE DEFENSE so I went searching and found it!

http://www.amazon.com/Defense-Repellent-Deterent-Spray-Natural-For/dp/B01BLNEJZQ?ie=UTF8&keywords=Mice%20Defense%2032oz%20Repellent%20Deterent%20Spray.%20All%20Natural-For%20All%20Types%20of%20Mice&qid=1460902998&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

is a all Natural Mouse Defense Spray. Meaning it is safe to use around people, small children, and pets. The one Con to using this spray is it does have VERY strong odor, but if you can get past the odor or you are hopefully just using it in a outdoor open area you will not be overwhelmed by it. The key ingredients in this product is Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil, Vinegar and White Pepper all of which mice do not like. These are all things that professional exterminators are known to use too.

We drenched the main area where we saw the droppings and the opening to the garage where we figured they were coming in. We made sure the are was all cleaned firs so we knew if there were new mice running threw this area.

It has now been three weeks since we have sprayed, Exterminators Choice, Mice Defense and I am happy to say we have seen little to none tell tell signs of new friends!
 
  I received this product on a promotional discount for my honest review and they are 100% my own opinions. I received no compensation for this review and I am not required to give a positive review. I am also not associated with the seller in any way.

                                        This is the only mouse this Big Boy is gonna get!

A INDY CUPCAKE REVIEW ...

I love cupcakes! I am not much of a cake person, but there is just something about cupcakes. Yes, a know that cupcakes and  cakes are basically the same thing, but there is just something that is different about a sweet little cupcake!

One of my Bucket List items for this Summer is to to around to as many cupcake places as I can. I started early and went on Wednesday to check off my first one. I choose one close to home that I had passed by a million times and just somehow never stopped.

It has no real signage and I think that is one real reason a lot of people probably miss it. I was not even sure of the name till I took a business card home with me. The place is sorts of a hodge podge of things inside. You walk in and to the left is a huge children's play area. I am thinking the owner's must have kids which is no biggie to me since I have a child myself just a observation. Down the center is a Yogurt set of sorts. They advertise that the sell Yogurt and Sandwiches. I saw as I walked in on the door Chalked Marked on the Door something about Chicken Salad Sandwiches, but I did not really pay much attention to it since I was there for the cupcakes. I was there right at lunch time and I did notice there was only one other "customer" there and she appeared to be more of a friend.

 On the right side was the cupcake display. Nothing special really just your average cupcake or donut displace I would say. There were nine varieties to choose from ( Carrot Cake, Red Velvet, Tiramisu, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Chip, Lemon, Peanut Butter Bomb, and Dad's Favorite). Then there were your  two different sizes one is a smaller size then your average cupcake size  and then there was your larger size cupcake. I was baby sitting this day two wee ones so the little ones got the smaller ones ... no way was I going to get into trouble with another momma! The stuck with the basic ... Chocolate Chip of coarse mine choice the bigger one and the Peanut Butter Bomb! Me ... of coarse the Tiramisu and if your gonna eat the calories might as well go all out I went for the big one! I got my husband the Red Velvet one ... this was a hard choice as he loves chocolate so I almost got him Dad's favorite, but it seemed like a little over kill chocolate cake, chocolate filling, chocolate icing, and chocolate candy on top. Then there was the Carrot Cake that sounded good too, but i went with the first thought and the big one of coarse!

We took them all to goo so we good all share them at home and compare what we had gotten ... half the fun is sharing right? Well, we will see how the two little ones feel about that... mine know sharing cupcakes is expected.

                                             So ... here are our goodies 

First up ... the Red Velvet. Now, not only is Red Velvet one of my husbands favorites, but I have to say it is in my top five favorites too. We cut into it and the first impression was the icing seemed "dry". It did not seem creamy and soft. The taste ... I let hubby go first and the look on his face said it all. Disappointment! His first comment was again "Dry" Then "There is just ... no taste." I had to agree with him on this one there was not that true Red Velvet taste and no softness that a cupcake should have. I hate to say it, but it tasted more like a box cake. And the icing was rather "gritty".

Next up ... the Tiramisu. I have never made Tiramisu cupcakes, but I do make a mean Tiramisu. I have been to Italy and I learned there how to make a really great one. I am really critical when I do try other people's Tiramisu. Cutting into this one was better... it was soft and the knife went through it easily. opening it up you could see a could coffee soaking through the middle. I went first on the taste this time as I am the expert on this one! It was soft and had a good coffee taste ... not overly sweet, but still really missing that WOW factor. And the icing was the same as the Red Velvet. Personally I would have liked to have seen a change up.

Next up was the Peanut Butter Bomb ... some how we did not take pictures of the insides of the last two cupcakes. I think we were busy feeding little mouths by then. The Peanut Butter Bomb was rich in Peanut Butter taste the way a peanut butter cupcake should be. It has some kind of peanut butter treat on the bottom. I want to say it was a peanut butter cup maybe, but I am not real sure? Again though we go back to the cupcake being dry. Even my eight year old with out hearing us say anything said it was "kinda dried out" and not "squishy". The icing seemed the same just with peanut butter added to it and some Reese's Pieces on top and a Mini-Reese's.

Lastly, where the Chocolate Chip Cup Cake's. These were plain white cupcakes with chocolate chips inside of them. Most of the chocolate chips had sunk to the bottom and it was more like a white cupcake with a chocolate chip bottom. The icing was again the same and there was a mini Chocolate Chip cookie in the top. I snuck a little bite of the kids and again .. I just can't say there was anything that wowed me about this cupcake. I could taste no vanilla or richness ... and no real sweetness creaminess.

This was a hard review to write as I have had my own restaurant business and I know how bad reviews hurt. They SUCK!!! However, jut like my Amazon and product reviews ... I don't feel like it is ok to led you down the wrong road either.

Kraycsi's Cakes is open 24 hours a Day (next to Rookies Bar) their https://www.facebook.com/KraycsiCakes/?fref=ts says maybe I got their that day before they put out new items, but it was afternoon when I got there. It really tasted more like the cupcakes had been made a prior day and stored in the freezer maybe and brought out and decorated. I have tried this before and I know this is not a good taste. Maybe, I should give them another try, but at $18.00 I am just not digging that right now!

My Rating: Cupcake Fail

Kraycsi Cakes
8336 West 10th Street, Suite D
Indianapolis, IN 46234

A Bag For Inside Your Bag? ... A Review

Ok ... have I confused you? Have I made you think I have been drinking one to many Best Damn Root Beer's (nope but have had a mighty fine glass of wine ... review on that this weekend)?

Haven't you ever gone somewhere and you weren't expecting to buy something and you did and you could have really used something to tote it home in? Or been on a trip and on the return trip home used a extra care on bag for all those souvenirs? Well, if you have keep reading I have the perfect bag for you!

It's the RovEasy Light Weight Backpack by Rov. It is one fantastic little bag that is a great find and my newest find I am a bag person as I think I've said before and I like to be prepared when I go places. I tend to be somewhat of a Pack Rat at times too (hey you never know when your can need that Pug's Rule Ruler). The Rov Bag is more then a Backpack it is a light weight bag that folds up into a convenient little square pouch and forms a case of its own and can be tucked away into your purse or another bag you are carrying (or your suitcase). Yo can fold this bag up into this tiny little pack, throw it into your other bag and it takes up little to no room and adds no weight.

When your ready to use your bag it snaps open and you just simply shack it out. There are 3 compartments, so you can keep everything organized easily. The front outside one appears to be small, but is actually very deep it is great for things you want to keep close at hand. The large main compartment is the one where you keep your main items. There is plenty of room here for so many things. I can get a complete change of clothes in here if I roll them just right. There is also another smaller pocket inside the inner area. There are also two outside side pockets that are great for carrying water bottles.

This bag is a light weight vinyl material. It wipes of clean so if it gets messy there are no worries about wiping it down and getting it cleaned. It is a light weight bag though and I do stress this ... I have read some peoples reviews on Amazon and I have scratched my head... did they not read the Seller's description that this is a lightweight bag?! So with that I say again ... this is a LIGHTWEIGHT material bag. Yes, you can stuff it full and get a lot in it, but no this bag is not made to laptops, school books, etc. 

I do highly recommend this bag if you are wanting a bag to take with you to the park, the zoo, on a trip as a extra bag ... those type of outings. You will not be disappointed! 

I must disclose that I did purchase this bag at a significant discounted price in return for a fair and hones review. However, all reviews are always tested and written as if I paid full price and 100% my own opinion!

You can find the Rov Bag here: 

http://smile.amazon.com/RovEasy-Lightweight-Backpack-Packable-Ultralight/dp/B019MGXGAI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 

MY RATING: Five Stars

A M&M's TASTE TEST ... CAUSE SOMEONE HAD TO DO IT FOR YOU!

 Anyone who truly knows me ... knows that I am not a big fan of sweets. Of, so I do have a donut addiction, but that's bread right? Anyway, in November I gave up soda and carbonated drinks. Then in December I tried, but failed at giving up Equal. Now as April rolls around I am trying once again to give up Equal. But coffee does not taste the same with sugar in it.
YUCK! I have done great with the soda ... not had one since November. And the only carbonated beverage I have had was in the hospital when I had to drink that nasty stuff they make you drink to go ... let's leave it at that.
But since giving up Equal I have developed this horrible sweet tooth! I think I better go back to the Equal.

So .. have you seen the ads or these in the store yet? I think M&M's is trying to compete with Oreo's in coming out with flavors!

Friday, Penny and I were shopping and the kid spied them.Penny:  "Look Mom the new M&M's" Me: No, we don't need those they are probably gross!" Penny: "But Mom you need to review them then so people know and don't waste their money." The kid's right ... in the cart they go.

We like to do blind taste tests and of coarse I just had to twist her arm to help.

Honey Nut ... Both of us agreed it was good and could easily tell what it was. There was a slight hint of extra sweetness.  For me though it was lagging a little in the honey department. The kid thought it was really good.

I give it: A Sideways Thumbs-Up

Coffee Nut ... It was ok, but again it could have been a little stronger.If you did the melt in your mouth test there was not much flavor when you were half way through it. I would have liked it to taste more like a chocolate covered coffee bean. The kid ... liked, but not loving it.


I give it:  A Sideways Thumbs-Up

 Chili Nut ... Now this one ... you have to wait for it and for sure do the melt in your mouth test. Wait for it .. wait for it ... there it is that subtle hot spice and then that slight Tabasco taste. Not to over powering, but for sure a kick! For me, this one is the winner!!! I liked the heat with the chocolate and nut taste. The need to keep this one around, but I am not counting on it ... every time I like something new that comes out it disappears. The kid liked it too!



I give it: Two Thumbs up


Don't forget if you pick a package or two to VOTE for your favorite. And let us know too what one is your favorite!!!


https://www.facebook.com/mms/?fref=nf

VOTE HERE and VOTE OFTEN!

"BEST DAMN ROOT BEER" ... A REVIEW

Ok ... I am not a beer specialist or whatever it is they call themselves, but let me tell you right up front this is the BEST DAMN ROOT BEER! I usually drink whatever light beer me or my husband pick up. I am for sure not a fan of dark beer ... I prefer blonde's usually.

Evidently, this beer use to come in cans (maybe it still does), but we picked it up in bottles. It was $9.00 for a 6-pack at Wal-Mart. Normally, I would not pay that for a 6-pk, but I had heard so much hype on this beer I had to try it myself. I had walked by the display a ton of times.

Best Damn Root Beer,is made  from Best Damn Brewing Co., based in St. Louis, which also makes Best Damn Apple Ale (which just doesn't sound good). The company's site says its a  5.5. percent alcohol rate. The beer is dark, but it's root beer so ... go figure! It gives of the smell of root beer too with a very rich vanilla taste. I would not classify it as a heavy beer ... another thing I don't like in beer. It is very smooth and taste much like a regular root beer. Luckily, I don't like soda so I am not going to chug these down one after the other.

If you like trying new and different beers ... I do highly suggest giving this one a try. Just make sure you don't leave it laying around where your kids could mistake it for a root beer!

This review is my own opinion ... I did not receive and compensation of anytime to do this review.

GARDEN TOOLS ... A REVIEW

I love Spring and Summer! I am so not a winter person. My nickname is WannaBBeachGirl .. if I could live in flips flops, shorts and tank tops I would be in heaven. But no I live in Indiana and we have a weather that changes more then stop lights do.

This year I plan on getting my yard in shape ... last year due to health issues last year I couldn't and it has suffered horribly! I was so excited to be able to review these GARDEN TOOLS from URBAN GRANGE LIVING. First off ... their Customer Service is excellent. This is something you don't get anymore... if you send them a e mail you will get a response. Now ... Mother nature just get your hormones in gear so I can plant somethings!

I took advantage of my "babysitting day" and put the kids to work. Now don't go reporting me ... the kids loved doing this.  First off ... these are heavy duty tools. They are not your cheap tools that may get you through the season. I love the grip on them! They are soft and comfortable with a cushion like handle. First off ... there is the Garden Trowel that is perfect for starting your garden area. My husband will tel you I can break at least two a year. These I will beat him on I won't ... they are heavy duty towels, but yet light in your hand. I had no problem digging up the hard dirt that was literally like cement. Even the three little 'squirts" helping me could dig up the dirt. The next was the weeder. My Little Man Helper was in charge of this ... we mixed the old dirt and some new dirt into our planting area. It was excellent at pulling some of the weeds up that we had missed. It is for sure one of the best tools I have used! Next we need to dig the holes for the seeds. I had two great helpers with me on this task and both could get right into the dirt. We had so much fun using the tools. After using them we got them all rinsed off and put them back into our Garden Bag. I knew from the description that they were not going to rust. That is something I usually always have problems with. I really love my new set of Garden tools for their durability and comfort in using. I know that may sound weird, but I have arthritis and these were so easy on my hands.  So now ... I have no excuse for getting my yard in shape. STAY TUNED!

I would highly recommend these GARDEN TOOLS to anyone that is going to be out in there yard this year!

MY RATING: Five Stars

YOU CAN FIND THESE GARDEN TOOLS HERE:

http://smile.amazon.com/Premium-Garden-Tools-Set-Cultivator/dp/B00Z88Y1V8?ie=UTF8&keywords=Premium%20Garden%20Tools%20Set%20-%203%20Piece%20Durable%20Gardening%20Hand%20Tool%20Set%20%28Weeder%2C%20Trowel%20%26%20Cultivator%29%20-%20Ergonomic%20%26%20Rust%20Resistant%20-%20High%20Quality%20Gift%20For%20Women%20%26%20Garden%20Lovers.&qid=1459337343&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

I must disclose that I did receive these at a discounted price in return for a fair and honest opinion. I depend on honest reviews to and I review all produts as 100% my opinion.
 

RESURRECTION EGGS ... A REVIEW

Two years ago, I heard about Resurrection Eggs for the first time – and I thought it was a neat idea, but Hannah seemed too young to understand the Resurrection of Christ, even with the visual aids that the eggs supplied. Lat year, time got away from me and we were working on our home school project THE DAYS LEADING UP TO EASTER (I really liked doing this last year and even thought about redoing it). This year, I I saw the book The Story of the Resurrection Egg's BENJAMIN'S BOX and decided it was time to revisit doing the Resurrection Egg's.

There are numerous ways to use Resurrection Eggs to help teach your children the story of Easter.  They sell them at almost all Christian book stores or on-line, at Amazon, or you can make your own (our set is pictured below along with our review).  You can also make your own and fill the eggs with visual aids from the actual story from the Bible or from any number of Easter books. Next year ... if I can possible remember in time I would like to make a set for two little cuties I know!!

My REVIEW OF:  The Story of the Resurrection Eggs BENJAMIN'S BOX (by: Melody Caslon)
This is the  story about the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The young Jewish boy, Benjamin tells the story of Holy Week from his perspective. As he encounters Jesus through the week, he collects items for his treasure box that his grandfather, a Shepard present in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth, had given him. His grandfather had included "hay" from the manger of baby Jesus.  We follow Benjamin on his journey through Jerusalem, as he wants to see who Jesus really is! At the end of the story child both young and old will be delighted to learn the good news!
This is a wonderfully written book with beautiful pictures illustrated by Jack Stockman.
I give this FIVE STARS ... if you buy just one Easter book ... make it this one!

MY RATING: FIVE STARS

Here is where you can get the RESURRECTION EGGS:

http://www.amazon.com/Resurrection-Booklet-Stickers--Tells-Easter/dp/1602006512/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459262686&sr=8-1&keywords=resurrection+eggs

MY REVIEW OF:  12 Resurrection Eggs with  Religious Figurines Inside (Sold By: Resurrection Eggs)
One of my favorite things about this set is they come on a hard plastic egg case. Not a Styrofoam one that will get easily torn up through the years. The Set comes with it's own book telling the story of Easter. The eggs are meant to help children learn the story easier by small trinkets that goes along with the story. Each egg is a different color and holds a trinket to represent the day leading up to Easter. the trinkets include: a donkey, silver coins, the cup, praying hands, the whip, the rooster, the crown of thorns, the nails in the cross. the spear, the linen cloth, the stone and finally one empty egg. There is also a small booklet included to tell the story of the Resurrection Eggs (both in English and Spanish). These Resurrection Eggs follow very closely with the book Benjamin's Box. Some critic's will say the egg's do not completely match the story .. it may be off a tad, but not so much you can not figure it out on your own! And some Catholic's will say there is a part of the book that does not go along with their religion ... it is a few small words. You can switch them out or skip them. This story and using these eggs are something to beautiful if you are raising your child up in the religious world to miss.


MY RATING: FIVE STARS

Here is where you can get BENJAMIN'S BOX book:

http://www.amazon.com/Benjamins-Box-A-Resurrection-Story/dp/1576731391/ref=pd_sim_21_16?ie=UTF8&dpID=511MQFT8PQL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR158%2C160_&refRID=11MVQS8BDYQCBZ753YJR

THE MASSAGER STICK ... MASSAGE ROLLER ... Review

My daughter and I both suffer from Neurofibromaosis (NF1). One of the conditions of this disorder is painful aches and pains all over the body. Penny currently goes to therapy once a week for two hour sessions. After she is done she often complains that she is more sore and tired. I wanted to try and find something that would benefit both of us.

The Massage Stick ... Massage Roller was one of the products that I cam across that would be a good massager I hoped, but also something that my eight year old could learn to use. It is a 18" long roller that allows you to massage a 9' area at a time. It is a metal pole type bar that holds seven plastic roller beads for massaging painful areas of your body. The handles are a nice size and have a slip resistant grip to them. It is light in weight and could easily be stored in a gym bag to take with you for your after work out massage.

I have been using this particular purple massager for a little over two weeks now. I have tried using it myself on areas that I can reach and it is a very natural feel. There is only the amount of pressure that you put on it. My daughter has been using it on my back and it is very easy for her to use both on me and herself. My back feels less sore and beat up then it was feeling a month ago. I have also been using it on the bottoms of my feet to help with diabetic nerve pain. it has been easing the stinging pain. As for my daughter. it is gentle, but yet strong enough to use on her.

I would recommend this product for others to try out if the suffer from stiff and sore muscles.

I did receive this product at a discounted price in return for a fair and honest review. As with all my reviews these are 100% my own opinion. No product or discount ever sways my opinion.

You can find this product here:

http://www.amazon.com/Massager-Stick-Recovery-Myofascial-Guaranteed/dp/B00QH96JQC/ref=sr_1_6_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1459019747&sr=8-6&keywords=purple+massage+roller


RATING: 4 STARS

SILENCE ... BOOK REVIEW

WHEW! This was a whirlwind of a read. It is classified as a: YOUNG ADULT book, but I found it to be a great read at worth REVIEWING. It is one of those books that you don't want to believe that "these things" happen, but in all reality we know they do. It doesn't make it any easier to read about, but the author Natasha Preston as done a great job with it and makes our heartbreak for the main character Oakley.

The underlying "secret" of this book is a dark subject. Unspeakable things that have happened  within the family. Oakley is clearly a girl who is haunted by something in her past, but we don't know what that was for much of the book. The hints were subtle and that made the reveal that much more shocking and upsetting. The  twist to this story was the fact that Oakley doesn't speak. At all. For that matter, she has virtually no communication with anyone of any kind. Though she has a cell phone that she could text on she still finds herself not able too. We find Oakley making a friend he Cole and although they become inseparable she still can not find a way to communicate with him. Every night he sends her heartfelt texts. She writes messages back to him, but will never push send. Cole is relentless in standing by her side.

This book will make you sad for Oakley ... cheering for Cole ... and hating the person who took the ability for Oakley to speak since age five.

As a mom I can not come to grips with the knowledge that parents ignore situations like this. That they do not see it or rather cover it up. Her parents seem like the All-American family that you would want, but that is what makes the book even better. You will find yourself hating and loving them all at the same time.

I read this one on my KINDLE and was offered it for FREE for a honest and fair review. As with all my other items I review this does not sway my opinion. I was offered nothing else in return for writing this review.
Ms. Preston has written a for other  books in follow up and I will be reading them as well.

You can get your FREE copies if you are a KINDLE reader too. Offers change frequently so please check when ordering.

http://www.amazon.com/Silence-Natasha-Preston-ebook/dp/B009SV1YCU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1459000145&sr=8-5&keywords=Silence+a+book MY RATING: FOUR STARS

MY RATING: FOUR STARS

MUSHROOM TEA ... REVIEW

I admit when I first read about this tea ... I was a little scared to try it. I mean MUSHROOM TEA? What is mushroom tea? And better yet why does it look like tree bark? But in our family ... we drink a lot of tea and we have a rule you have to try it at least once before you can rule it out.

When my Zen Principle Tea arrived I have to admit again I was even a little more scared ... it even more looked like tree bark. But again ... the family rule kicked in.  I had to wait till the next morning to brew some because this tea takes EIGHT HOURS to brew. The next morning, I got the water boiling and dropped three mushroom chunks in as directed into a pan of boiling water... I then turned it down to a simmer... cover he pot and the rest was up to the mushroom chunks. A friend came over later and she knows me pretty well and asked what I was up to. We looked at the tea and after five hours it seemed pretty dark so we decided for this batch we were going to try some of it. I strained the three chunks out of the tea and pour us some tea half way into large cups and filled the rest with semi-cold water. We like ours a little on the sweet side so I broke off our favorite raw honey chunks. The tea had a wonderful earthy smell. Before we diluted it down it was very dark in color more like a coffee color, but once diluted down it was a nice golden color. The taste was wonderful ... not like a tea you gt from a tea bag. It was a whole new experience. Something very clean and rich taste. It did have that mushroom taste of richness it you have ever had a true earth mushroom. Both my friend and I really enjoyed our tea. I saved the mushroom chunks as the bag said you could use them three times. I actually used them just one other time because like our tea a little on the strong side. They are great brews a second time. I diluted the pan I brewed into a two quart jar. You can also drink this tea hot... we just prefer it cold.

My suggest ... Do not add sugar into this tea as it does greatly effect the taste. IF you need to have it sweet add in RAW honey or RAW honey comb.

**I did receive this at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. Compensation of any kind is never accepted in exchange for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and not edited by any companies mentioned.**

RATING: 4 STARS

http://www.amazon.com/Harvested-Antioxidants-Sustainably-Harvested-Cultivated/dp/B019PI3JUU/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1458918709&sr=8-4&keywords=chaga+mushroom+chunks

JEWELRY BOX ... REVIEW

Looking for something unique and different for that hard to buy for person? This just may be it... I was asked to review this unique jewelry box and what I received was something way more then unique ... this is a stunning work of art. Round Rich ... has outdone themselves.

To start with you will not find many jewelry boxes in a high lacquer finish like this. It is stunning and without any imperfections. You can tell this is a handcrafted item. The box itself measures 9"x5.9"x3.2" and weighs about 2.2 pounds. If you are worries about space for displaying this piece it is the perfect size. There is a metal lock that you push to open and you will see the gold colored hinges to keep your box open. There is a full mirror the size of the box that is just the right size for viewing. The inside is divided into four sections for keeping your jewelry items separate. There is a separate compartment to hold your rings. Also included is a soft, velvet pillow the will hold a watch nicely and a small velvet drawstring bag to hold items of your choice. You will find plenty of room to hold all your special gems.

This is a great item for graduations, Mother's Day or just because! They will for sure will treasure this gift. 

This item can be found on AMAZON:

http://www.amazon.com/Round-Rich-Lacquer-Jewelry-Storage/product-reviews/B01989C7W2/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=recent

In addition to this design there are seven others to choose from!

I must disclose that I did receive this item at a discounted price in return for a fair and honest review. I depend on trustworthy  reviews too and no discount will  ever sways my opinion.


RATING: 5 STARS

PUFFER VEST ... Review

I did not read any reviews on this Puffer Vest before I ordered it. I had been looking for a long time for a super cute, everyday Puffer Vest. I saw this one and I liked the look and the price. I expected a light weight vest so I ordered a size larger so I could wear a hoodie underneath it on colder days. What I got was not at all what I expected!

When I received my, WOMAN'S PACKAKBLE QUILTED LIGHTWEIGHT ZIP FRONT HOODED OUTWEAR PUFFER VEST, I did not even realize when I was unpackaging what it was. I thought maybe I'd forgotten something I ordered? The vest comes in a pouch for carrying. It is all rolled up in the carrying bag when you get it. To tell you the truth when I was opening it, it looked like a giant roll of trash bags. Upon unrolling it it only got worse. To say it is a light weight vest is a understatement! It says it is "high quality and insulated". I am not sure what they "insulated" it in, but from feeling it and squishing it, it does not have any in my opinion. I ordered a large as I did plan to wear something under it. II tried it on and it was very form fitting and very short in length. There is no way anything, but a thin shirt was going to go underneath this. I am a not a large person and I sure do not have a full size chest. I tried it on my eight year old and it fit her better! The quality is nothing like the picture. The material is thin and looks as if it is" made from recycled trash bags" as my husband said. If you compare the picture on Amazon it does not match with what you are getting. Even though it is not stated in the description in the picture it looks like the hood is detachable. The collar is also much different then the vest... maybe because it does not "puff up".

I am not one to return many products, but I felt like this one was just to much of a difference to keep. I contacted Customer Service and they said they would allow me to "exchange the vest for something else on their website". Well, if you look at the website there is where it all goes wrong. The clothes they have on their website I would say is not the type you could possibly wear to many places in public. I did finally find items to order after a good 45 minutes of searching. I had to send them a e mail as to what I wanted and this only caused more complications. The individuals there have no Customer Service" skills. I had to return the vest which was fine, but some how in all the e mails the Return Postage tag was lost. When I asked for help in getting another one I was told it was in ... such and such dated e mail and it could be found there to use.  After another wasted 25 minutes I did find the postage.

I ordered the vest on February 11th. Here it is March 19th and I am still waiting a Exchange. I don't feel like it is going to get any better from here. But when I get the exchange items I will update.

I would not recommend this vest or going through this company unless you like less then quality clothing and horrible Customer Service.

I did receive this vest and a discounted price in return for a fair and honest review. This is 100% my fair and honest review. 

If interested in this vest it can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AKGNBM2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

RATING: 1 Star ... because ratings can not be a zero!

It does look "puffy" in the picture, but it is as flat and as thin "as a pancake"!

8 CAMPFIRE ROASTING STICKS ... REVIEW

Remember when you were a kid and roasted marshmallows over a open flame? You had to go get your "marshmallow roasting stick" from the woods before you could enjoy your treat.

Not any more ... gone are those days. Gooey Sticks has come out with the best invention to take along with you camping or in your own backyard. I guess you could also follow what we did and had a "bonfire " right over our gas stove.

This set of Roasting Sticks by Gooey Sticks comes with its own storing pouch and a handy Instruction Booklet of Recipes and Campfire Stories. I love the fact that they come with this zip up pouch that allows you to store them and keep them all together. There are eight stainless steel roasting sticks each with a different color. No more fighting over whose stick is whose. The sticks are 12 inches long, but are  telescopic and extend out to 32 inches to keep little ones safe when roasting their own. The ends of the prongs are blunt so no worries there either. They are easy to wash off and sir dry. Since they are stainless steel there will be no worries over rusting either.

I know we had a really fun time testing them out. The only thing better would have been if we were outside instead of inside on a cold winter day!


These can be purchased through AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Camping-Marshmallow-Roasting-Sticks-Set/product-reviews/B016J79G2U/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_2?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=recent&pageNumber=2

**I did receive this at a discounted rate in exchange  for my honest and unbiased opinion. Compensation of any kind is never accepted in exchange for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I depend on honest reviews from reviewers too and I always give my honest opinion.**



These can be purchased through AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Camping-Marshmallow-Roasting-Sticks-Set/product-reviews/B016J79G2U/ref=cm_cr_getr_d_paging_btm_2?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=recent&pageNumber=2

**I did receive this at a discounted rate in exchange  for my honest and unbiased opinion. Compensation of any kind is never accepted in exchange for a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I depend on honest reviews from reviewers too and I always give my honest opinion.**