Category Archives: Reviews

BuddhiBox Monthly Subscription Review – January 2016 Box

BuddhiBox Monthly Subscription Review  – January 2016 Box

January 2016 Entire ContentsThe year was 2005 and an opportunity presented itself – a 2 week trip to Thailand. As history would show my traveling to a country in which a major tsunami had hit was cheaper than almost any other vacation destination. While in this foreign land I met the nicest people, went parasailing, rode an elephant and saw many temples. The temples ranged from gold, white and natural colors, but with one thing in common – the message conveyed.

The messages that are received are different for each person, but I felt love and acceptance.There are times in life that you look back on moments and wonder if that was really you that went through that particular moment. This can be running that 20 miles that you never imagines or flying over the oceans to travel to an unknown land. I believe that as much as these monks preach this message, it is the same of yoga – be yourself and be brave!

I recently received the January BuddhiBox and I am again pleased and thrilled. Earlier in the year, I had the opportunity to review previous boxes (click here) and they are always fun and an education in the yoga/healthy living lifestyle. The message is always one of compassion, and understanding and living a pure life.

This month I was pleasantly surprised to see a box redesign. The previous months boxes were a little thinner and placed in a larger box, this new box is sturdy and only one box is needed. I loved that a green crinkle wrap replaced the green tissue paper, but still retained the green theme. This month came with 3 cardboard information cards that are in full color and on thick glossy card stock. The first card was the Yoga pose of “Mountain Pose/Tadasana” that shows the pose in full color, as well as the benefits and directions about the pose. These pose cards are made especially for BuddhiBox by a company called Yogicards. There is a recipe for a “Roasted Tomato Soup” that is made using 9 fresh ingredients  The final information card included was a box manifest and on the other side the following quote:

Who knows, maybe the best hasn’t happened yet.  – Tristan Prettyman Continue reading →

NeoCell: Beauty Bursts Review

NeoCell: Beauty Bursts Review and Giveaway

Beauty BurstsIt is funny how one moment can not only change your look, but also your life – let me explain. For some unknown reason, about 6 months ago I decided it would be a good idea to cut my hair – no problem right? Wrong, I decided to take my scissors in the bathroom and grab a clump of hair and began cutting. The big problem is that I have no training, formal or informal, for hair design. What resulted was about 9 inches eliminated and my husband asking if we needed to go to the salon in the morning to repair the damage I had caused.

There have been few times in my adult life that my hair is short enough to sit on my shoulders. This has been an adjustment because I was fond of tying my hair up in an easy knot. My hair is growing back, but not at the speed or length I prefer. I am always looking for that added supplement to give my body the bump it needs.

Back in December of 2015 I had the opportunity to review NeoCell Laboratories Biotin Bursts, and I have seen such positive results that when I was approached for another review I accepted. I got the opportunity to review NeoCell Laboratories Beauty Bursts Chewable’s in Super Fruit Punch flavor.

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Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Cats Review

Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Cats Review and Giveaway

Stress Relieving CatsOften times when I am writing I hit a block – this can come suddenly and despite my best efforts becomes an immovable block. The one thing that tends to assist in removing the block are my cats and their rhythmic purring. I can place them on my lap and just listening to them purr is the antidote to writer’s block.

There is a calm and peace when a cat purrs and the most amazing part is that scientists are not even really sure where the purr comes from and why. I have my theory – I think when my Maggee or Murfee are really happy they like to express it to their humans and this is an automatic happiness reaction.

The one thing that can not be denied is that there is little as calming as a cat purring in your lap. If I was to think of one thing that is also relaxing, I would have to say coloring cats. Since my love of cats is universal, I was thrilled when I received the Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Cats.

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Crafted Gluten Free Monthly Subscription Review

Crafted Gluten Free Monthly Subscription Review and Giveaway – 1st Box

Crafted Gluten Free Upon OpeningOne of the things that I love about monthly boxes is the constant sampling of items and the opportunity to support a business that otherwise may go unknown.

The other thing that I really love about monthly boxes are that many times they are supporting the small businesses by providing product but may times the box itself is a small business themselves. I appreciate local items and the reason for this is that i live in a small town within a large city and to keep the appeal and the “funkiness” of our town, small business must prevail. Even my husband works for a small local business, and while part of a multi-location company, they are also supporters of other small business.

The way I see it, for the cycle of commerce to spin, all spokes must be turning at once. It takes companies and monthly boxes to assist in bringing awareness and support to other small companies and it takes consumers purchasing the boxes supporting the small companies. It all spins and all comes back together with the overriding theme of support.

I love when I am approached by a company or box subscription service that I have not previously heard of. I also love when I receive the box and it exceeds my expectations. I recently received the first months box from Crafted Gluten Free. Let me just say that this is not your typical box offering. The first box you will receive from Crafted Gluten Free will include 9 full size items that will range from snacks, to main dish to dessert.

Crafted Gluten Free was generous enough to send me the first  box that you will typically receive to sample and review.

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My Paper Pumpkin January 2016 Kit Review

My Paper Pumpkin January 2016 Kit Review and Giveaway

Cute Conversations KitI feel as though we are barely out of the holidays, and now we are approaching Valentines Day. I have mixed feelings about Valentine’s Day, and I will explain why. When I was in my early 20’s I worked for my local card shop, which happen to be known for a crown. I would watch as it crept closer and closer to February 14th, the amount of people looking for the perfect sentiment to share the things they were unable to verbally say.

I always wondered why it was only one day in which my loved one could declare my love to me. I a big believer in that love should be shown each and every day. I believe that love should be nurtured, and we always should appreciate the qualities in our loved ones.

As we embark on this day of love, this months My Paper Pumpkin kit is full of hearts and a way to communicate your love. Each month Stampin Up projects are date and time appropriate and  January was no different with the name of “Cute Conversation”.

The kit this month is an complete kit to make a garland with pockets, which is versatile for a party of two or a party of 20.

Contents of January 2016Each month I look forward to the 10 by 6.5 red box. The kit comes complete with the items you need to create the project for the month. Included in this months box was the following:

Included with each box is not only written instructions with full-color photos but there is an instructional video available (Online Instructions) to help you complete the project each month.

January 2016 Stamp SetThis months stamp choice is love themed and appropriate for any loved one from friend to lover. The flexibility and versatility with these 10 polymer stamps that are included makes this kit versatile birthday cards, scrapbooks or a simple love note.

Included was a stamp pad in Watermelon– this a red color that coordinates well with the paper included and is sharp and bright for the words to stand out. Included in the box was also paper in an assortment of stripe patterns. Also included is thread and sequin which adds a cute accent to each heart on the garland.

Heart StampedThe Cute Conversations theme of this month is a perfect way to show your loved one, you love them. This was a simple and easy project to put together and makes the perfect decoration fr the upcoming love day.

Good Morning SurpriseMy Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up boxes are available for $19.95/month, $59.85/3 months, $113.70/6 months and $215.40/12 months and the shipping is included in the cost. The 6-month is a total savings of about $6, about a $1 a month savings and the 12-month is total savings of about $24, about a $2 a month savings thus ends up totaling the amount of receiving one kit free.

Thank you from MPPClick here to purchase past kits!

For more information about My Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up, click here

You can also find My Paper Pumpkin by Stampin’ Up on Facebook and Pinterest

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of My Paper Pumpkin/Stamping Up, but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY: My Paper Pumpkin/Stampin’ Up is offering a box to my readers! (1) reader will receive the January My Paper Pumpkin kit! Open to residents in the US only. I will be randomly choosing 1 person on March 9th (3/9/2016) to receive one My Paper Pumpkin monthly kit!!  To enter complete the entries below! Winner will be notified by DealsAmongUs by email and prize will be fulfilled by Stamp’n Up! Remember you have 48 hours to claim prize, or I will choose another winner. GOOD LUCK!!!

Win a January My Paper Pumpkin Kit!

Mettle Energy Review

Mettle Energy Review and Giveaway

Mettle Energy DrinkI am not a morning person, and I really do not like to be woken up suddenly. I am lucky that I am generally a sound sleeper, which makes the alarm clock “alarming” when I hear it in the mornings. It takes me a while to wake up, and generally I am best avoided for the first 20 minutes after wake up. There is one caveat to this, and it is if a cat wakes me up – that I can handle and never snap at them, just cuddles.

On top of my poor wake-up habits I have a confession – I am an energy drink addict. Each day I follow the same routine which includes a lemonade flavored drink. Not only is this a daily need, but it is an expensive need. Each drink costs us anywhere from $1.50 to $2.00 per can, and on some days two are consumed.

Jason and I have had discussions about cutting back my drinking of these, and despite my best efforts I find I need the energy jump in the mornings. The problem is that most high energy solutions are expensive and there is little cheap options  – that is until now. I came upon a new powder based energy drink called Mettle Energy. Mettle Energy are drinks and shots, that are available online and for people like me who need many servings without the many price.

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Coloring Dream Mandalas Review

Coloring Dream Mandalas: 30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation Review and Giveaway

Coloring Dream MandalasI am a lucky girl, I generally remember my dreams. I tend to have vivid dreams and I remember them in the morning. I see my dreams as a peek into my subconscious mind, and I am fascinated by my dreams. Some days I am disturbed by my dreams and someday’s I wonder what depths of my subconscious they come from.

With the growing trend of adult coloring books I love to see a dream themed book. The book entitled Coloring Dream Mandalas: 30 Hand-Drawn Designs for Mindful Relaxation by Wendy Piersall takes our dreams and makes them into a dreamy hand-drawn image.

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Crickers Crackers Review

Crickers Crackers: Cricket Flour Crackers Review & Giveaway

Cricket Crackers TrioRegular readers will know that many times I get my review items from items I see on television (what can I say, the television is on a lot around here with me being a blogger). One night Jason and I were watching a show called Food Fortunes and saw a company that was making crackers from crickets. All of a sudden Jason began to give me random cricket facts.

I will be honest when I tell you that I know little to nothing about crickets other than their 150 decibel noise that the make, which is the males mating call for the female. I decided to do some research about crickets and I learned a couple more interesting facts. One of the things that I learned was that you can hear a cricket chirp up to 500 meters away and they can

I have noticed a trend that is leaning towards the sustainable food, and the renewable nature of certain ingredients. When we saw crackers made from cricket flour we knew we had to try them. Crickers Crackers come in 3 varieties and are surprisingly tasty.

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Hallmark Jigsaw Puzzles Review

Hallmark Jigsaw Puzzles – Ripe for Picking – Review & Giveaway

Ripe for PickingAbout 5 years ago Jason and I would spend our evenings doing puzzles and listening to the local police scanner (haven’t done it, I highly recommend it to you – no better way to know what is happening in your neighborhood). Jason would play computer games, and I would sit at our kitchen table putting together 1000 piece plus puzzles. I would let the puzzle sit on our kitchen table until completion and gluing. What has resulted is a different and colorful art collection that I pieced together.

When I recently was given the opportunity to review a puzzle of my choice from Hallmark, it seemed obvious that with my love of bright colors and labels I would choose “Ripe for Picking Vintage Fruit Labels” which was a nice size at 1000 pieces.

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Salba Smart Natural Products Review

Salba Smart Whole Seeds – Review and Giveaway

Salba ChiaOne of my favorite things about doing reviews is hearing Jason’s initial reaction because more often then not they are funny. I am happy to say that this review was no exception, but more mainstream than I expect normally. The first question that I was asked was if we could grow these into a pet of some variety, then the song that we all know was heard in his sarcastic tone.

While I had to break the news to Jason that these were not the chia seeds that could sprout green stems, these are the seeds that will replace our current supplements. Chia has been around since around 3500BC and the Aztec’s thought of it as a superfood.

I had recently tried a chia based drink and I was interested in a different delivery method of the chia since I could see the benefits. I was sent a 12.7 oz bag of Whole Salba Chia Seeds from Salba Smart Natural Products. Salba Chia is an amazing seed that contains so much goodness in each tablespoon.

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