Category Archives: Original Content

The World Needs More Love Letters Book Review

The World Needs More Love Letters Review

The title of this book can not be more accurate to the world in which I believe we should live in. The applicable title being “The World Needs More Love Letters“. I believe in the art of stamps, the art of writing and sending snail mail notes to those we care about. When I was a young child I got many, many awards for penmanship (the art of writing). I am often told, even now, that I have beautiful handwriting, which works well for my traditional thoughts.

We live in a technological world, there is nothing we can do to change that fact. The thing that we can change is how we communicate with those we love. Text messages, email and Snapchat have replaced the art of sending a card with a note included. I believe when there is a death in a family, text is not ok, it is proper to send a card to be bereaved. When there is a birthday, it is proper to send a card – it is tangible and a great memory to keep. I keep all cards we are sent, no matter what the reason as we have found they are a nice keepsake as well as decoration for celebrations that they were sent for.

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Perky Jerky Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Perky Jerky. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Perky Jerky Review

Confession: I love energy drinks and the extra boost they provide. I decided that on my trek to 40 years old, I would abandon some of the unhealthy habits of my 30’s. I decided that the easiest and possibly healthiest decision I could make would be to get rid of the weekly/every other day energy drinks I had come to rely on. I think the current levels of caffeine in the drinks can be high and honestly a bit dangerous for those with known or even unknown heart conditions. I often say to Jason that I wish I could get the energy boost without the dangerous heart implications – enter Perky Jerky.

Perky Jerky is an all natural ultra premium beef and all natural ultra premium turkey jerky that contains Guarana (a natural source of caffeine).

The beginnings of this jerky company are almost comical in nature. After a night of drinking energy infused cocktails a couple friends embarked on their day long ski slope adventure. While reaching for a snack, they discovered that as luck would have it, their energy drink spilled into their jerky and Perky Jerky was born. The most amazing thing about this serendipitous occurrence is that the jerky retained it’s original flavor but the meat became very moist.

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GeekFuel Monthly Subscription – March Box Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of GeekFuel.com. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Geek Fuel Monthly Subscription – March Box Review

My name is Jennifer and I am a geek, what is worse is that I am married to a geek. Jason and I own this title proudly and agree it is one of the qualities we love in each other. I have always thought it would be nice to get gaming related items in the mail on a monthly basis. After all these gaming years, my geeky gamer dreams have finally come true.

Geek Fuel’s Monthly Subscription Service launched in December 2014 and is a monthly gaming/geek themed subscription box service. The box is mailed monthly, around the 20th, in a red box labeled with the Geek Fuel logo. Each box contains a t-shirt that you can only get from having a monthly box subscription.

For the month of March the exclusive t-shirt was a “Thrones of Games” t-shirt which I found to be a clever play on the popular show “Game of Thrones”. The shirt featured 6 individual gaming character “Throne” references including Mario from Super Mario Brothers, the Master Chef from Halo, Link from the Legend of Zelda, Sonic from Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man from Mega Man and Cloud from Final Fantasy VII. I was a big Mario fan, so seeing him represented on a shirt made my gamer heart happy.

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The Honest Kitchen Cat Food Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Nicks Sticks. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

The Honest Kitchen Cat Food Review

The word Honest has been used a lot recently with its inclusion in company names. I think that this is because the word “honest” evokes trust, warmth and a feeling that, despite being totally different people, you are friends. I think that at times, with the wrong intentions, this can be used to take advantage of the consumer. As regular readers may already know I am a skeptical person by nature and do not easily trust, especially companies. The Honest Kitchen has began to earn my trust, and replace some of the skepticism I currently have against pet food companies.

I love my cats, Maggee and Murfee, they are my husband and I’s buddies and we want them to live the best life they can, for as long as they can. With my advancing age and my own current awareness to what my food is made of, it got me thinking about what my feline family eats.

I had heard about The Honest Kitchen’s cat food while I was at the local family owned pet store while chatting with a fellow animal lover. I wanted something that was made from human grade ingredients and contained no chemical preservatives, which I thought did not exist. I was wrong, The Honest Kitchen cat food is made from 100% FDA human grade ingredients, they use Organic products when they are able to and they use ZERO ingredients from China. Many ingredients are imported internationally such as the chicken they use is a free range variety from Petaluma in California, they use line caught wild Haddock and kelp from Iceland, the quinoa is fair trade from Bolivia, the Organic coconuts are from Thailand and the basil and parsley are grown and imported from Egypt.

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The Adventures of Pajama Girl Book Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Propeller/FlyByPromotions. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

The Adventures of Pajama Girl Book Review

Let’s be honest for a moment, is there anything better than a comfortable pair of pajamas? I think that my loved ones can attest that I love pajamas of all types! If I am really being honest, my nickname for a period of time in my life was Pajama Girl. Reading a story titled the same as my previous moniker was an easy choice.

The Adventures of Pajama Girl and the Coronation of the Cupcake Queen by Sandra Hagee Parker (#PajamaGirl) tells the story of a little blond girl named Ellie, whose nickname is pajama girl. Basically the story takes place when Ellie goes to sleep at night, her dreams are determined by what kind of pajamas she wears. So, if she wants to dream of the wild west, she would wear her cowboy pajamas and so on. On the night the story takes place, she wants a sweet adventure so she chooses her cupcake pajamas. Once they are asleep, the adventure begins. The bulk of the story takes place within her dreams, and in the land of cupcakes. The coronation of the queen is put in peril when the sprinkles for the celebration are stolen. Ellie and the Cupcake Queen set out to look for the sprinkles and Ellie’s sister, Sis. Upon finding them, it is discovered that the sprinkles were stolen by the Cupcake Queen’s little sister. Her reason for the theft was that she was sad that she was not playing the part she thought she would in the coronation festivities. As the Cupcake Queen and thief of sprinkles make amends, the sprinkles are returned to the cupcakes, thus ensuring the coronations success and allowing Ellie and Sis to attend before they wake up.

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Badia Spices – 3 Varieties Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Badia Spices. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Badia Spices – 3 Varieties Review

I love a good American Dream story, and Badia Spices might have the best one you have heard in a while. Started in 1967 by a Cuban exile who moved to the Little Havana area of Miami and wanted to open a spice company. As the community grew, the little spice company grew. This brave immigrant reached out to the hispanic market as well as his fellow Cubans and as the two communities grew, again this immigrant’s company grew. Today his son runs the company and competes with other spice companies like McCormick Spice for customers and is pushing the hundred of millions in annual sales. This seems like what the American Dream is made of, but I learned they are much more than just a dream, they are very rooted in community while always expanding their reach.

As the days plug away I often think of all the things that I want to do before I turn 40 and increasingly cooking becomes forefront in my mind. I have always been hesitant toward using spices, partially due to a severe case of acid reflux, but mostly because I do not know what spices to use for what food. I am often plagued with the worry of ruining the food rendering it inedible, although my husband claims this has yet to happen. I promised myself that I would “spice things up” as I approach July, so given Badia’s reputation for spice I reached out to them for some review samples.

The package I received from Badia Spices contained Black Pepper, Complete Seasoning and Holy Smokes Pork and Meat Rub. The first one that got put into the rotation for cooking was the Black Pepper. This was a crisper and fresher version of the black pepper I am accustomed to using – this sharper pepper had a wonderful almost lemony finish. The Complete Seasoning was like nothing I have tasted before. The ingredients for the Seasoning explained why It was a new taste and they included dehydrated garlic and onions, salt, spices (that includes cumin), herbs. The first flavor you taste is the onion, and finishes with a mild spice flavor with a even milder after taste.

I would have to say I had the most fun with the 3rd spice they sent me, the Holy Smokes Pork and Meat Rub. The rub is made of smoked salt, paprika, brown sugar, dehydrated garlic, chipotle chili peppers, cocoa powder and spices.

I also learned that the Holy Smokes Pork and Meat Rub was inspired by a mix made by a recent college graduate from FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Not only did this lucky graduate get bragging rights, she won a $5000.00 scholarship and a percentage of US and International sales from this rub goes to the school in perpetuity (in other words, forever).

Spices are a fun thing to add layers of flavors to otherwise plain food. Badia Spices keeps their prices low, which allows for constant experimentation with little financial guilt. You can find Badia Spices in many grocery stores in the spice isle or you can purchase Badia Spices online, click here or on Amazon, click here

To visit Badia Spices online, click here

A Nice Little Place on the North Side Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of BloggingForBooks. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

A Nice Little Place on the North Side Review

I have never been a beer drinker, I have never been fond of the taste or after taste. When I was 20 years old my brother took me into Chicago, I was unaware at the time why we made this trip from his home in Naperville. We parked, walked a couple blocks and I patiently waited as he spoke to a gentleman at the gates and got us two tickets – I was about to enter the famous Wrigley Field. My brother bought me a beer, and although it was still 30 days until my 21st birthday I accepted it. I was never a fan of beer but this beer was special – maybe because I was sharing a moment and beer with my older brother, or because I knew I was standing amongst history.

When I had the chance almost 19 years later to read George F. Wills new book A Nice Little Place on the North Side, I wanted to learn more about this institution in Chicago. According to the subtitle, this book is “a history of triumph, mostly defeat, and incurable hope at Wrigley Field” and this is an accurate description of the books contents. This New York Times Bestseller covers the 100 plus year history of Wrigley Field and of the Cubs in Chicago. This book has many stories about the Cubs and the many possible reasons for the lack of wins. The Cubs have not had the most winningest record in history, rather the opposite spanning a 105 year streak with no World Series wins and despite this they have sold out games more often than not.

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Gorton’s Smart and Crunchy Review and Giveaway

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Gorton’s. This in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Gorton’s Smart and Crunchy Review and Giveaway!

I have never been a big fan of fish sticks. I have vivid memories as a child knowing when I saw the fish sticks come out, my father wanted a no fuss dinner for me that I would probably not enjoy. Most fish sticks are made of cod and haddock, thick breading and lacking the crisp to hold them together. I really did not start eating other varieties of seafood until I was in my mid 20’s and largely avoided fish sticks during that time. Since I met my husband and he is a lover of all fish, I have begun the process of acceptance and sampling my least liked meal.

I was given the opportunity to try Gorton’s new Smart and Crunchy Fish Sticks and Fillets. I am open to trying anything at least once, so off I went to the store to redeem the coupons I was sent. Worst case scenario, Jason would have a meal he normally would not have. When I reached the freezer section of the store I commented to Jason that I was unaware of how many products Gorton’s makes. This included a couple of varieties of the recently released Smart and Crunchy product line in addition to their old favorites.

I chose the Breaded Fish Fillets that are made of 100% wild-caught Alaska Pollock. I had never tried Pollock before and thought that maybe that would affect the taste of the fish fillet. The Smart and Crunchy Fish Fillet and Stick products have less fat than Gorton’s regular fish sticks and are only 180 calories a serving due to them not being fried. The panko breadcrumb coating gives them a nice crunch and a fresh taste. I added a little salt and lemon pepper on the top to give it a little more flavor.

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Hyland’s Homeopathic Menstrual Cramps Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge in consideration of a review from Hyland’s Homeopathic . This in no way will influence the review to follow & all opinions are my own.

Hyland’s Homeopathic Menstrual Cramps Review

“I get knocked down but I get up again” are not only lyrics to a popular 90’s song but really the story of my life 2-3 days a month. As my chronological age has progressed, the severity of my monthly menstrual cramps have as well. For that 2-3 days a month I am held hostage by cramps to severe to function. I have tried many remedies for these over the years including heating pads, ibuprofen, hot showers, chamomile tea and wishful thinking.

I am always open to trying something new to relieve the discomfort that I feel each month. I was given the opportunity to review Hyland’s Homeopathic Menstrual Cramps tablets. I figured no matter the result a little relief is better than none at all. There are 100 tables in the bottle, and it is recommended to dissolve 2-3 tablets under your tongue every four hours. It takes very little time to dissolve the tablets, less then 20 seconds total.

The idea behind the homeopathic tablets is that they assist by stimulating the body to safely heal itself. Instead of suppressing the symptoms like many over the counter medicines do, Hyland’s tablets uses natural ingredients to help the body do what it wants to do naturally.

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Dead Sea Mud Mask by Pure & Essential Minerals Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Pure Essential Minerals. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

Dead Sea Mud Mask by Pure & Essential Minerals Review

As a Californian my entire life I have heard that “the big one” is coming, nobody knows when this event will occur or what the damage will be. I worry about this from time to time, but really as unpredictable that life is it is important to not dwell on random events like “the big one”. The one thing that I am starting to dwell on is my own looming “big one”, my 40th birthday coming up in July. With this looming shake-up of my own it has made me more aware of my beauty routine or my lack of as the case may be.

I was given the opportunity to review Dead Sea Mud Mask by Pure & Essential Minerals. I am not usually one to try anything other than a simple soap for my facial care, but have been wondering how I can “shake-up” my beauty routine and a facial mud seemed like a safe and easy way. I really did not know what to expect and went in with little to no real expectations, so I was pleasantly surprised by the process that lie ahead of me.

The Dead Sea Mud comes in a circular 6 oz jar, with a convenient screw top. When I opened the jar and removed the sealed covering, the first thing I noticed was the wonderful eucalyptus smell. I decided to look at the ingredients and noticed that they were all organic and included the following: pure dead sea mud, organic Shea butter, organic sunflower oil, organic Aloe Vera juice, organic vegetable glycerin, organic jojoba oil, hickory bark extract, organic Calendula oil, eucalyptus oil, filtered water and xantham gum.

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