Category Archives: Reviews

Sock Club – December 2015 – Review

Sock Club – December 2015 – Review & Giveaway

When you think of California, the first material that comes to mind is generally not wool. People in California tend to live in shorts, bikini tops. and flip-flops – and that is in mid-December. I am not one of these people, as I run cold all the time. I get cold while going through our local grocery store. Since I have this temperature issue, I plan accordingly – I have sweaters in the car and I always wear socks around my house at night.

Despite the warmth factor, I tend to shy away from wool due to the added weight that wool sock provide. I can honestly say that my opinion of wool socks has forever been changed from this months SockClub sock selection for the December sock.

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Pet Treater December 2015 Monthly Box

Pet Treater Monthly Subscription Box Review and Giveaway – December 2015

When I was in my early 20’s we had a family dog named Poco (short for Pocohontas). Poco was a black lab with some retriever in her – she was a smart dog. Sadly, on Easter weekend in 2006 it was discovered she had a tumor and she quickly went downhill. It began with her not knowing how to jump into the back of the car and ended with her making circles upon circles with no break. She ended up being carried outside in the sun, and while my father held her, I held her snout, and we said our goodbyes. The next thing I remember is being asked if we wanted her paw print for posterity, and that was that – our family dog was gone. It was sad, and sudden – she is missed to this day!

Given the sudden way my father lost his beloved dog, I was unsure he would ever get another dog. Then about 2 months ago he mentioned that he might be ready, after all it has been over 9 years since we lost our beloved Poco. My father decided he wanted a puppy and for it to be a Australian Labradoodle. While surprised it took him so long to get another animal, I am thrilled to officially announce that we again have a dog in our family – Meadow.

Meadow was 9 weeks old on her arrival into my father’s life, and I can honestly say 6 weeks later they are the best of friends. Since she is a puppy and there is a lot of trial and error in her preferences towards toy and treats, I thought a monthly box might be a nice solution. I reached out to Pet Treater to inquire about a possible box for Meadow, and they were generous enough to send me their December box for review.

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Stunning Braids Review

Stunning Braids Review and Giveaway

When I was young, the only thing I wanted in life was long hair, but it was the one thing that was a constant no in my house. Many people thought that the reason I was not allowed long hair was that my single father would not know how to braid it. Of all the reasons that existed, this was not one of them and in fact my father was quite adept at dealing with longer hair.

When I finally had the opportunity for longer hair, I was in Jr. High School and wanted to look like my friends. I decide perm my hair for the next 5 years, and rarely adding braids to the style directory in my head. I would attempt to braid my own hair, but it never looked quite right. I was in my early 20’s when I finally figured braiding out, albeit a simple french braid is the most that ever was done.

Now that I am an adult, I ride that fine line of looking silly in braided pigtails but not looking together enough, and I think I finally found a book that will help me not cross that precarious line – Stunning Braids: Gorgeous Hairstyles for Any Occasion from Work to Weddings.

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Newman’s Own Product Review

Newman’s Own Organic: Product Review and Giveaway

I have a confession – before I started this blog I had an aversion to “organic” products. I believed that they were somehow inferior to their non-organic counterparts. Through the past 12 month of blogging I have discovered that there is nothing “inferior” or “less” about organic products. In fact, many times the thing that makes a product stand out from competitors.

Back about 7 years ago I went to the San Diego Zoo with my now husbands sisters. This was very exciting, as the plan was to drop Jason off at work and meet up with sister #1 at the local park and ride. The plan was to ride with sister #1, and meet up with sister #2 and have lunch and walk around the San Diego Zoo. The first stop was lunch, as none of the accompanying children had eaten yet. The 3 of us had all brought lunch, and sister #2 had brought a bag of “Newman’s O’s” to share with us all. At the time I politely declined because I was happy with my non organic chocolate creme cookies.

Since that day I have gotten to know both my sister-in-laws much better and not only are they wonderful mothers, and family members but they also know their food. Prior to meeting these two, I had not really considered reading the ingredients of packaging. I learned early on that to be in this family, label reading and ingredient awareness matters. This is not a negative in any way, but rather a way that all mothers should adopt.

A brand that was brought to my attention as a good positive company was Newman’s Own Organic. While I was a little bewildered and confused as to why she was such a fan, as soon as I began reading on my own, I realized that Newman’s Own goodness extends beyond just food and into the charitable world.

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Victoria Fine Foods: Pasta Sauce Review

Victoria Fine Foods: Pasta Sauce Review and Giveaway

The holidays are approaching and this is the time of year for company coming for meals, pot luck meals and traditions. I have mentioned in past reviews about Jason and his Italian heritage. I hear stories of holiday of his youth that include many meals, and many variations of pasta with sauce.

Since Jason remembers these meals so fondly, he is very specific in his wishes for sauces. The ideal sauce for our house is made of all natural ingredients such as his Grandma made – he watched the ingredients go into the sauce, ensuring the freshness at a young age. The other quality of an ideal sauce is few ingredients, so that the flavors become distinct and individual. When Jason was young his Grandmother would quiz him on what was in the sauces – he usually guessed in the 90% range.

As an adult he has searched for a similar sauce, since the experience is one in a million in one lifetime, the sauce is the settler. As a review blogger we get opportunities to sample different items, and sometimes those items include pasta sauce. This was the case a couple of weeks ago when we had the opportunity to sample Victoria Foods Pasta Sauce.

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ColorMetrics: Touchback and Streekers Review

ColorMetrics: Touchback & Streekers Review and Giveaway

I have mentioned in the past how I put my hair through a lot of abuse, due to dying and getting a permanent whenever legally allowed. I have sense calmed that abusive action and now when I do color my hair it is with natural dyes, and no ammonia or peroxide.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I am a San Diego Charger fan, and a proud fan. I love wearing my jersey on game days, and I have scrunchies and ribbons galore to adorn my hair with. I decided long ago, that despite my love, I would never dye my hair a blue or yellow (blond is yellow isn’t it?). I have always thought it would be fun to show my pride via my hair.

I am always on the lookout for new or different products that can change my hair and I have discovered two such products from ColorMetrics – Touchback Instant Temporary Color and Streekers: Wild Weekend Hot Colors for Cool Hair.

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The 1990’s Coloring Book Review

The 1990’s Coloring Book Review and Giveaway

I have a confession – I love the 90’s. I got my driver’s license in 1991, went to my first prom in 1992 and watched my friends graduates high school in 1993. Finally in 1994 it was my turn to graduate high school, in 1995 through 1998 I was a little lost and finally in 1999 found myself and began college. I even met my current husband in 1990! The 1990’s were when I came to age and began becoming the person I am today.

The 1990’s are also a pop culture treasure trove. My favorite piece of the 90’s still lives on in syndication – Beverly Hills 90210. There is something about this show that even 25 years later can still stop the channel surfing. The show tackled issues that young people were dealing with and we grew with the characters – we were invested in their lives.

Naturally, when I had the opportunity to review and giveaway a 90’s themed coloring book, The 1990’s Coloring Book, I had to accept. The 1990’s Coloring Book: All That and a Box of Crayons – Psyc! Crayons Not Included by James Grange is exactly what you think it would be – a trip back to possibily the greatest decade of our lives!

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Medline Remedy Phytoplex Skin Cream and Protectant Wipes Review

Medline Remedy Phytoplex Skin Cream and Protectant Wipes Review

When we are young we do not consider that the hands, hair and body we have is the only one we are given, and this must make it last in the best condition possible.

I am a crafter, and as a crafter I end up washing my hands many times, and this can cause them to dry and crack. It also happens when I do not drink enough water. As I have approached the age I am currently (almost 6 months into 40) I realize that keeping my skin and hands healthy is paramount next to my internal health.

I have done previous reviews for Shoplet in the past and each time I discover a useful item and this product review is no different.

I was sent Medline Remedy Phytoplex Nourishing Skin Protectant Barrier Cream Cloths and Medline Remedy Phytoplex Nourishing Skin Cream – Moisturizer.

The Medline Remedy Phytoplex Nourishing Skin Protectant Barrier Cream Cloths are thick and soft clothes. The clothes come or pre-moistened but that they are not sopping wet, but rather nicely moistened. The clothes leave skin feeling clean and moisturized and the cloths are non-irritating, non-sensitizing and have been pediatrician and dermatologist tested. The only precaution is that these are NOT flushable, so keep that in mind when using them. Each package has 8 thick pre-moistened cloths per package.

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Castile Soap Monthly Subscription Review

CastileSoap.com Monthly Subscription Review and Giveaway

Back in the early 2000’s I was having issues with adult acne, and other blemishes on my otherwise flawless face and while searching for remedies, Castile Soap was suggested to me. At the time, I had never heard of castile soap or where to even locate it. As luck would have it, there was a small supply at our local retail store.

I purchased a simple bar of castile soap and within a couple of days of use, I discovered that my blemishes cleared up and my skin overall looked healthier. I continued my daily use of this new “wonder” soap and as time passed it was as though my face went back in time. As I have aged about a decade since that discovery, I am now finding those old issues cropping up.

Since these issues are cropping up again, I began looking for a comparable castile soap to replace my formerly beloved bars. In my searching I came across a company by the name of CastileSoap.com. CastileSoap.com specialized in only castile soap based soaps. while utilizing other natural and essential oils to add benefit to each bar. Castile Soap is not only bio-degradable but also organic, and contains no harsh elements, and it is safe to use on children and pets!

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BuddhiBox Monthly Subscription Review – November 2015 Box

BuddhiBox Monthly Subscription Review – November 2015 Box

The truth of the matter is that we humans are only on this earth for a short time, and unless we make a impact or a change generation ahead are going to be in a worse world then now. My husband was taught a lesson in camping, that I believe applies to life – Leave the campsite better then you found it. I think that this is really a lesson that applies to everyday life, not just once a year.

If we continue our destructive and somewhat careless lifestyles, then we are leaving a worse world for generations to come. We need to continue the kindness to others, continue to learn about things we do not understand, and pass on the good in human nature then things are going to get worse. That is one reason I look forward to my monthly Buddhi Box – these are messages that are important in the yoga world.

I recently received the November Buddhi Box and I am beyond impressed. Earlier in the year, I had the opportunity to review previous boxes (click here) and they are always a fun adventure in the yoga lifestyle. The message is always one of compassion, and understanding and living a pure life.

After the breast cancer theme of last month, we are back to the familiar bright green tissue paper. 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 “Scale Pose” that shows the pose in full color, as well as the benefits about the pose. These pose cards are made especially for BuddhiBox – click here for a interview with their creator. There is a recipe for a “Pumpkin Spice Cashew Cups” that is made using only 5 ingredients that creates pumpkin spice cashew cups that are similar in shape to cupcakes. The final information card included was a box content listing and on the other side the following quote:

You have no cause for anything but gratitude and joy – The Buddha

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