Tag Archives: Reviews

The Uncolored Book for You to Color Review

The Uncolored Book for You to Color – Review and Giveaway

I am a proud child of the 1980’s and I am a fan of everything 90’s. I love this two decade block and often reminisce about my years spend in that decade. I am reminded of a phase I went through where I was under the false impression I was a skateboarder. My father, being the supportive parent he always was, got me a cost-effective, yet stable skateboard to live out my delusions/dreams. I would walk to the end of the street, put the board down, and then proceed to sit on the board for the ride down the hill never having the courage to stand-up.

Our driveway had a steep incline and I was always scared the bump from driveway to street would kill me, I mean every time I tried it I would fall. I never progressed past the point of knee boarding and sitting, but I always appreciated the talent of those that were able to stand. I saw skateboarding as part creativity and part talent, which I had but not in the sports.

I love that when you get a coloring book you are getting to see a piece of the artist’s creativity and talent. When I recently had the opportunity to review The Uncolored Book for You to Color by Matt French, I knew this would be a fun journey because it is a combination of the creativity and talent I so crave as a crafter.

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Hallmark Personalized Books Review

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

Hallmark Personalized Books – Review & Giveaway

There is a tradition in my husband’s family that stands to this day – each Christmas Eve one of the elder men read “The Night Before Christmas”. The best part of the story is the added sound effects that are in place of exclamation points, periods and pauses.

This tradition began long before I joined the family, and long before my husband has clear memories. This usually takes place shortly after the meal and before the younger ones go to sleep . The young kids gather around the reader for the best seat. After the reading, usually “Santa” makes an appearance and excitement ensues (or sometimes tears of happiness). I wish I could have seen the patriarch of the family, Grandpa Jack read the story. I have heard stories and I feel as though he is with us each year and I know he is thought of each year this tradition repeats itself.

I have wanted to get a copy of this book for a couple of years now as I thought it would be nice to have our own copy. I recently had the chance to have a book personalized by Hallmark and this seemed like the best choice. I decided to take a different angle with my personalization in that I made the book more general and it is personalized to “Henberger Clan” with a personalized ‘from’ line as well.

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Veeda Personal Products – Tampons Review

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

Veeda Personal Products – Tampons Review and Giveaway

As I get older and time passes me along I really realize the important of our impact on the earth we inhabit. This impact can be a small as using a napkin to wipe wet hands instead of a cloth to using natural personal hygiene products.

Veeda Tampons come in a few varieties; Applicator and Non-Applicator Tampons, ranging from regular, super and super plus absorbancy as well as sanitary pads. Veeda Tampons and Pads are 100% natural cotton and have no chemicals, no synthetics and no dyes.

I received a package of both the applicator tampons and non-applicator tampons. I will be totally honest and say that the tampons with the applicators have always gotten my attention before their applicator less counterparts. The hardest part for a woman, is on average we use a box or two of tampons a month, and that is a lot of plastic applicators entering the sewer and trash systems. While it takes some getting used to, the non-applicator tampons do have a positive. The environmental impact decreases and can make a otherwise negative time, a bit brighter.

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Hammermill Laser Print Office Paper Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Hammermill and Shoplet.

Hammermill Laser Print Office Paper Review

Paper is not something that is really given much consideration until it is needed. In this light most of the population grabs either a brand that they know and trust or on the opposite side of the spectrum, they chose a completely random brand and base the decision on price and not quality.

I am in a different category. I am a paper crafter and so I am acutely aware of weights, brightness as well as generally as being brand loyal. I am usually apprehensive to trying new papers because my printer like to eat paper despite keeping a watchful eye on it. I recently was sent a ream of paper from Shoplet and Hammermill. While they make many variations of paper, I received the Laser Print Office Paper to sample and test.

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Homegrown Collective August Box Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Homegrown Collective.

Homegrown Collective August Box Review and Giveaway!!

I remember my first foray into crafts – it went something like “here is $50.00 and go get a hobby”. These fateful words were said by my father during one of my many groundings as a teen. I was being particularly annoying, hoping that would release me from my punishment, and I think I was pushing all my worn out fathers buttons. I was only 16 and honestly overwhelmed by the different sections at the craft store and all the unknowns that lie ahead of me. I decided on materials to redo my childhood dresser.

Even then I was a fan of a good DIY project and love the opportunity undertake something new. I was given an opportunity this month to review the Homegrown Collective box. The theme for August was “Let Us Make Soap” – all the materials needed to make your own soap. Soap making has always been something that I have wanted to try (Jason was surprised this was a first time thing for me), but have been apprehensive due to the lye and the caustic nature of the ingredients.

Homegrown Collective took this common soap making fear into account when they curated this box. The recipes include were charcoal soap, cacao chocolate soap and rosemary peppermint soap. The included soap was a simple base of three soaps that only needed microwave melting, still allowing the addition of my choice of ingredients. The three soaps included were goats milk soap, a simple clear soap and a simple white soap. Each of these 3 melted easy in the microwave (in about 40 seconds) and hardened just as simply, making adding ingredients easy.

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Pet Gift Box – Cat – Subscription Box – August Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Pet Gift Box. This post may have affiliate links but this in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own. Prices listed are subject to change without notice.

Pet Gift Box – Cat – Subscription Box – August Review

The 1970’s were known for many things including and not limited to the invention of the walk-man (1978), 1st email was sent (1971), E-Commerce was invented by Michael Aldrich (1979) and the rise of disco (1970-1979). Disco took over, the music was infectious as was the lifestyle that accompanied it.

The disco craze was not limited to the music that was played but also the clothes worn, the plans for the weekend and your dance ability. There is no movie from the 1970’s that personifies the 70’s as “Saturday Night Fever“. This movie from 1977 tells the story of a man who spends his weekends at the local discotheque. This movie features the songs of the Bee Gee’s and made Stayin’ Alive what it is today. Given the cultural impact that this movie has had on society it seems appropriate that this months Pet Gift Box theme is “Caturday Night Fever”. The treats included in this months box had a disco and 1970;s theme and included the following:

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Sierra Nevada Soap Company Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge courtesy of Sierra Nevada Soap Company.

Sierra Nevada Soap Company Review and Giveaway

I originally came across Sierra Nevada Soap Company in the May Escape Monthly box (see review here). At that time I received the Rosemary Lavender and mentioned that it was the first thing in the box that I smelled. After this initial introduction I was curious if other soaps smelled as good so I reached out to the company and had the chance to review a couple more bars.

First thing I have to say is that I am happy to say that the smell the first time was not an anomole – it turns out other soaps by Sierra Nevada Soap Company smell just as good. I had the opportunity to review Lemongrass, Lemon Mint, Hawaiian Sea Salt and California Orange. I can not tell you which smelled the best because they all were beyond my expectations. On the back of each wrapper is not only the name of the scent, but also an inspiration quote.

All of Sierra Nevada Soap Companies soaps are made with fresh dried herbs and essential oils. Lye is never used, only 100% vegetable oils are contained in the soaps. Animals fats are not used and the scent with essential oils, color with fresh herbs and plant extracts – just pure ingredients.

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EcoStatic Office Products Review

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

EcoStatic Office Products Review

I have always been a fan of office supplies. This fandom of office products extends to all types of office products. I get lost in retail locations that sell office supplies and am always dreaming up new ways to utilize the many supplies that are on the market. I imagine how organized our files can be, with each car having it’s own colored folder. I imagine how easy it will be to find birth certificates and car titles .. then I wake up. This is unfortunately not how these trips end up, and while my intentions are good, I still love the process.

It probably goes without saying that I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review a new office product. I was sent EcoStatic Glue Free Whiteboard Sheets & SlickyNote Note Pad Beginner Kit and EcoStatic Recycled Glue Free SlickyNotes Note Pad from Shoplet to review.

I had never heard of EcoStatic prior to this interaction and when I dug in and did a little research I discovered that they compete with 3M in the sticky note market. Made with 100% recyclable materials and double sided electricity charged materials.

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The Spice Lab Gourmet Sea Salt Review

Let me start by saying that the products featured in this post were provided to me free of charge from The Spice Lab Gourmet Salt Collection. This in no way will influence the review to follow and all opinions are my own.

The Spice Lab Gourmet Sea Salt – The Chili Head Salt Collection – Review and Giveaway

When I was younger I was under the impression that there was only one type of salt, the traditional table salt that is found in almost every cupboard, restaurant and kitchen in the world. I, like many people, thought that there were limited variations on the salt widely available. I am still in the early stages of learning how to cook, and am beginning to branch out into the flavorful world of addition of flavors, enter The Spice Lab. I was given the opportunity to review their Chili Head Collection and thought this was a good way to play with a staple of cooking.

The Spice Lab is a woman owned business based in Pompano Beach, Florida and boasts over 180 different salts from over 30 countries and has the largest selection of sea salts available from a single source. The salts come in test tubes, in either 5, 6, or 11 sets, with a handcrafted wooden base that is American made from recycled shipping pallets, Colorado pine, sustainable bamboo bases among other discarded wood.

The items offered are plentiful, creative and include salt plates, wooden spoons, salt collections and even bath salts. The Spice Lab has received numerous awards including the Silver Sofi Award, The Gourmet Retailer’s Editors’ Choice Award, Scovie and Hot Pepper Awards, 2014 Suppliers Achievement Silver Award for Most Creative New Entry Designed for Business Gift Use, as well as becoming one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2013 (the Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses)

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GoodOnYa Bars and Drinks Review and Giveaway

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

GoodOnYa Bars and Drinks Review and Giveaway!

Health conscious is not a quality many of my family and friends would use to describe me. I generally avoid anything natural, always choosing the over processed counter part. In high school my friends recall stories of me bringing an entire box of chips in the morning to school and by afternoon the chips were reduced to only crumbs. As a teenager and young adult I was gifted with a high metabolism which made gaining weight nearly an impossible task. Somewhere in my mid to late 20’s my metabolism changed and all of a sudden I found myself gaining weight. As I creep closer to my 40th birthday I am finding that, not only can I gain weight, but also keep the weight I currently have. This usually results in a no loss/no gain situation which has made me start watching what I eat since it seems to stay with me for a while.

I happened upon GoodOnYa bars while I was strolling through my local Whole Foods store. While I was looking at the packaging I not only saw that they were Non-GMO, USDA Certified, Gluten-Free but had a new great taste! The packaging of the bars came in bright colors (brown, orange and yellow with a blue background) that immediately draws your eye. I also noticed that the drinks were also labeled with coordinating colors to the drink inside, also drawing the eye to the product.

When I reached out the company they were generous enough to send me a box for review. The box I received was heavier and larger than I anticipated. Once I opened the package I saw what attributed to the added weight, it was each of their drink offerings and bars. They also included 2 stickers reminding me “you matter” which is a wonderful reminder in a world that often forgets that everyone does matter.

The company sent me 1 of each of their GoodOnYa hydrate drinks and each of their bars to try: Organic Lemons – contains 10% juice, 1 gram of sugar from organic juice and the herb stevia to sweeten, Organic Berries – contains 14% juice as well 5 grams of sweetening stevia, Organic Oranges and Pineapples – contains 12% juice and 5 grams of stevia for sweetening. Each bottle is lettered in colorful attention-getting colors that coordinate to the fluid inside the bottle such as the orange pineapple was orange, the lemons were a pale yellow and berries come in a deep cranberry color.

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