Twinkle Tuesday 2--Minute to Win It Printables

I was so excited when I got the chance to review this product!  Mainly because my daughter is a huge fan of the show.  My daughter is eight years old, and if you were to ask her what her favorite show was, I am quite sure that she would say Minute to Win It.  My daughter also has a tremendous imagination, and these printables kept her occupied for at least a while.

The best thing about these printables is that you do not have to wait for the mail to arrive!  I sometimes get tired of waiting for things like this to arrive, and I also know that packaging can really be a waste.  As you can see from the picture, the printables are very high quality and well done.  I like the water bottle printables--I never thought about doing something like that.  And the games are quite entertaining.  My daughter's favorite was the "Skittle Scurry."  

I know for a fact that this theme is very popular amongst kids now.  I am a substitute teacher, and I have often been subbing on a day when there was a special assembly.  The vast majority of the games I saw in assemblies over the past school year were based on Minute to Win It.  And every time, the kids absolutely loved the activity!

I would highly recommend these printables to anyone planning a party for older elementary/middle school kids.  If you would like more information, check out their site.  You can find other themes there as well.  So if  you are looking for high quality party printables for any kind of party, check out their site!  I am fairly confident that you will find exactly what you are looking for!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Twinkle Tuesday--Burt's Baby Bee Dusting Powder Review

As I considered my next review, I thought it might be neat to pass along a review to you of a product that you may be able to use in a nontraditional way.  In this economy, I know that I am always looking for new ways to use things I already have on hand or more inexpensive products that will perform as well as the expensive products will.

About a year or so ago, I was flipping through a magazine, and I discovered some reviews for "dry shampoo."  I had never heard of this product before.  (I know,  I'm probably behind the times.  Where have I been?)  I don't wash my hair every day.  (I know, that is a shocking bit of news, isn't it?  My daughter barely showers once a week.  Even more shocking!!)  I like to exercise, however, and sometimes my hair gets oily.  Or I put so much mousse or hairspray in my hair that I cannot brush through it the next morning.

I decided to order some dry shampoo.  I found an inexpensive product on drugstore.com, and when it arrived, I gave it a try.  Not bad, I must say.  It worked.  But, unfortunately, you had to use so much of it, and I only had a small bottle.  That didn't seem too practical even if the cost was good.

I remembered reading in that same review that Burt's Bee Dusting Powder was a good substitute for dry shampoo?  Baby powder?  On my hair?  Were they serious?  But then again, Burt's Bee has fantastic products.  Quality products that are worth paying a little more for.

So I ordered some.  And was I ever impressed!  This product exceeded my expectations.  The same stuff that you could put on your baby's body to make it soft was a perfect dry shampoo.  It smelled so good, and I could easily brush through my hair.  It absorbed all the oil.  And it did not require you to use a lot.

Were there some drawbacks?  Only a couple minor ones.  If you have dark hair, the powder may lighten your hair when you first put it on.  I am a blonde, so it was no problem for me.  Also, if you do not rub the powder into your hair well enough, you may discover it leaving a residue behind on dark-colored chairs.  That only happened to me once.  I just made sure that I rubbed it in well.

On a side note, I found myself using this again on Sunday.  I used some herbal shampoo that my daughter gave me the week of Wolf Camp (I'll talk about that more this week).  That stuff absolutely fried my hair!  It was only Burt's Bee Dusting Powder that salvaged my hair before going out to church.

So the next time you use this powder on your infant, consider trying a little in your hair.  You may be pleasantly surprised!

Disclosure:  I received no monetary compensation for this review.  All opinions are 100 percent mine.

Twinkle Tuesday--Torani Sugar Free Coffee Syrup Review

Well, summer has arrived in the Pacific Northwest, and all I can say is make me a nice iced coffee now!  I usually have about 3 cups or so of coffee per day--2 in the morning, one in the afternoon/evening.  Since I have to watch what I eat and drink as far as calories go, I am so glad that they make sugar free coffee syrups!  We have an espresso maker,  and I know how to make a mean cappuccino and iced coffee.

This wonderful product from Torani is a staple for me year round. Notice that it is sugar free.  In fact, they have a whole line of sugar free syrups.  I have tried and loved the vanilla, caramel, and raspberry (believe it or not!).  The flavor is never compromised by the absence of sugar.  The flavor is sublime!

Until I visited their website,  I had no idea how many products they offer.  I knew they had more coffee syrup flavors, both regular and sugar free, but my struggle sometimes is finding them in the stores.  I am sure it is because I no longer live in a big city.  But as long as I have sugar free vanilla, I am happy!

I highly recommend you check out their website for recipes using their products, and of course, you can check out where to purchase their products.  I cannot recommend their products highly enough--especially for those who are carefully watching our sugar intake.

By the way, I was not financially compensated for this review, and all opinions are 100 percent my own.

Twinkle Tuesday--New Chapter Supplements Review

Earlier this month, I was asked to do a review of several New Chapter supplements.  Before I review each supplement individually, I would like to say that none of the supplements ever made me nauseous nor caused me any ill effects.  That is always important when it comes to supplements because some brands tend to cause me stomach issues.  For the purposes of the review, I was given about a week's worth of all the supplements I am reviewing.

Turmeric Force is considered to be the foundation for good health.  Since I only took it for a week, I cannot say that I noticed any positive changes.  I am sure I would have to take it for a much longer time.

Zyflamend was my favorite of these supplements.  I just turned 37, and while I am not a senior citizen yet, my bones and muscles are not what they once were.  I tend to get back pain when standing for a long time.  I was so excited to see that these help reduce inflammation.  And I am pleased to admit that these pills did exactly what they said they would do.  I had no pain in my back when I took these.  I was pretty happy, to say the least.  These are ones I would definitely be interested in taking long term.

Holy Basil is used to help manage stress.  I will admit that I  had not stress in my life when I started taking these.  I am just beginning my summer break, and so I cannot tell you if these reduced my stress, but I will say they were the smallest and the easiest of the pills to take (not that any of the pills were hard to swallow!). 

New Chapter Bone Strength Take Care was also a fantastic supplement!  I take calcium every day, but it is clear that this supplement has better quality calcium and Vitamin D than I normally take.  I would definitely replace my current Calcium supplement with this product.

New Chapter has a fantastic line of products, and if you get a chance, be sure to check them out!  Their supplements are certainly better than what you find at most drugstores.  It is definitely worth it to pay for quality where your health is concerned.

I was given free products for review in exchange for this review.  The company did not influence my review in any way.  All opinions are 100 percent mine.

Twinkle Tuesday--Click Espresso Protein Drink

I don't know about you, but I often feel so worn out and run down at the end of a busy day.  Up at 4:30, hour drive back and forth to work, daughter's swimming lessons at 6 P.M., and fit in dinner when you can.  And somehow I am supposed to lose weight and eat healthily.  When dinner is not until after 7 P.M. on these hectic days, what is a mom to do?

Well over a year ago, I discovered a magical drink called Click.  It is a fantastic protein powder that has espresso (caffeine) in it.  All you do is mix it with hot or cold water, and you have a fantastic drink that gives you a super dose of protein (15 grams per serving) and a low dosage of calories (120 per serving).  And you have your choice--vanilla or mocha.  They even have the all-natural yet which I have yet to try.

There is an area on their site which provides recipes to use with Click.  I have not tried one of their official recipes, but I love this in the summer with ice cubes or frozen berries.  Adding peanut butter and/or frozen/regular yogurt.  It is a very versatile protein powder.

I first learned about Click through a giveaway I won, and I tell you that I have not found anything else to tide me over.  I have used this to give me energy on long car trips, and sometimes it is just a sweet afternoon treat that gives me energy to make it through the rest of the day.  My mom (who is in her 60's) also know the great benefits of this drink mix.  (She often forgets about it unless I make it for her.)

Just so you know, all this review is completely my own opinion, and I have not been compensated in any way by anyone.

Check out where to buy your own Click.

Follow Click on facebook and twitter.

Twinkle Tuesday--Azo Yeast and Yeastgard Review

I have spoken about my yeast infection issues before on here.  I had a chronic yeast infection years ago that lasted a good nine months.  It was horrid--it went into bacterial vaginosis, and it just seemed that nothing knocked it out.  The weird thing is that is was only as I began to lose weight and eat healthier that I got a yeast infection!

I had a product that I was using to keep it away, but the company discontinued making them.  I found a substitute product, and the company quit making those, too.  So towards the end of last year, I went off any products to help keep them away.  I got one minor infection, but it was easily cleared up.

Major family stress entered my life.  I was still eating fairly healthily and working out, but I now was suffering from another yeast infection that would not go away.  It was maddening!  I would just about get over it, and it would come back.  I didn't want to have to go to the doctor because I knew it would still takes months to get over it.

I began my own investigation.  I discovered that there were plenty of natural remedies out there.  I don't remember which I first tried, but I decided to try the following products:

Now to review the products.   The Azo Yeast tablets are taken once a day to prevent an infection and three per day to help treat an active infection.  The price is good, and these are readily available.  I will say that I have been taking three per day,  and I know it has been helping.  I don't  know if they would work by themselves--I have read some reviews where people have tried to use this by itself, but it usually does not work without something additional.

And the yeastgard suppositories were the very thing to use in addition to this.  I had used every kind of suppository over the counter, and they were very messy and strong.  These are nice and easy, and you feel good about them because they are all natural.  I don't know about you, but the antifungal creams are so messy and sometimes burn.  I found that these natural suppositories cleaned me out better.  And you can use them as often as you need to!

At this point, I am just about yeast infection free.  It has been a good month of using these, but it is actually working.  And I feel good realizing I can use these as much as necessary.

By the way, neither company knows I am reviewing these--it is my own opinion.

Twinkle Tuesday--Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads Review

This is a product that has become a staple in my facial cleansing routine.  I cannot remember exactly when I discovered these tea tree oil facial cleansing pads from Desert Essence, but I know I first discovered them on drugstore.com.  I had been generally using facial cleansing pads in the morning to clean my face.  I needed something like an astringent but in a cleansing pad form.  And I preferred them to be pre-moistened.  I do not have a huge acne problem, but I do have occasional breakouts.  

I took a chance on this product ( I think it was on sale), and ever since then, I refuse to be without them no matter the price--and I am serious.  I try to buy at least one ahead.  I have never used a facial cleansing pad that keeps my face so clear of acne, and you can feel it working!  And all you need to do is to look at the pad to see that it is working.  You would think that if you wash your face really well before bed, there would be no dirt on the pad--wrong!

It has only been in recent times that I realized the benefits of tea tree oil.  I am currently recovering from a yeast infections, and when I realized that tea tree oil was used in the products I was using, suddenly it all made sense.  Tea tree oil has a variety of uses, and it promotes healing.  What an awesome natural product.

As I looked around the desert essence website, I realized that the product I buy regularly was not their only product.  They have a whole line of products.  I had decided that I must check out more of their items and try them out.  I plan to look the next time I place an order.

Just so you will know, I have not been asked to review this product by the company, nor have the provided me any form of compensation.  I am reviewing this product because I believe in it so strongly, and I would like to introduce my readers to this wonderful product if they do not already know about it.

VISIT DESERT ESSENCE

Twinkle Tuesday--Chobani Greek Yogurt Review

First of all, my new theme for Tuesday is "Twinkle Tuesday."  This gives me a chance to do weekly reviews of things that are important to me and to my family.  I will be sure to spotlight something special!

Chobani Greek Yogurt has become my yogurt of choice.  I first discovered it at Costco this summer, I believe.  I have only tried three flavors so far--blueberry, peach, and strawberry.  I had tried Greek yogurt before, but I wasn't too happy with it.  That all changed with this brand.  I love the thickness of the yogurt and the flavor.  It is not too sweet--which is nice for a change.  And it is very filling.

Which brings me to the nutrition facts.  Chobani has twice the amount of protein compared with other yogurts--14 grams per serving.  No fat--that's nice.  And while it uses sugar, the calories are only 140 per yogurt.  

I noticed on their website that they have a lot of recipes.  I have to admit that I have never thought of making anything with their yogurt, but I may just have to try a few.  I did not realize that this product can be found in other stores besides Costco!  Be sure to check out their list to find stores near you that carry the yogurt.  I would also suggest checking out their blog.  It looks quite informative.

Just so all of you will know, Chobani did not compensate me for this post--in fact, they do not even know that I am reviewing their product.  I plan to let them know!  All these opinions are completely my own.

Twilight Tuesday--I Have Come to the Realization

This is one of the books I am currently reading for review.  I have to admit that I really wasn't too into the reading of this book, and even as I crawled into bed last night, I was only reading it to fall asleep.

I guess God had other ideas.  I plan to fully review the book once I am done reading it, but God really left me speechless last night as I read (pretty hard for me to be rendered speechless).  In order to explain last night,  I have to go back in time a couple years.

When I still lived in Texas, Martin's and my relationship was truly blossoming and growing.  We had become physical.  We had discussed marriage.  I think we had even had our big blow up at this point that almost ended things between us for good.  I am not sure.

I can remember one very specific night when I was really feeling down about things.  In fact, I think I told God it just wasn't worth waiting for Martin to be saved.  He never was going to be saved, and loving Martin was just too hard.  I think I asked God if I could be released from loving Martin.

I did receive a response.  God told me that I was free to let Martin go.  I didn't have to keep loving him.  I could go on with my life.  God also said that if I did that, I would have to accept the consequences of my actions.  The consequences would be a true loss of the friendship, and the loss would be irreversible.  I had a serious decision to make.

I remember being tempted to walk away and leave it all, but after so many years and all that had happened between us, I really struggled to do that.  In the end, I made the right decision.  I can remember God reminding me of my decision and even giving me the same offer at a later time.

Fast forward a couple years.  Currently, things are not quite that great between us.  He is uptight, mad, and frustrated.  I can remember the same thoughts crossing my mind.  Was it worth it to wait?  Should I go on with my life?  Maybe I should stop hoping and praying.

As I read this book last night, I read about relationships suffering difficult times.  We so often think that if our relationships come to rocky times that we chose the wrong person or it was never meant to be.  We weren't really "in love" with that person after all.  God came to me and said that I no longer had a choice.  Okay, I suppose if I wanted to go contrary to God's will, I could walk away, but the choice God gave me two years ago was no longer valid.  And I couldn't be happier.

Yes, I am a single mother.  My daughter has an absent father.  My dad is in poor health and makes my life more difficult than most people could imagine.  I am only a month or two away from not being able to make a   mortgage payment on my home.  I am not married, not dating, and I have no prospects.  I have no full-time job, and  there are no prospects.  No woman in her right mind would continue waiting on a guy like Martin.

Well, here is what I say.  God's plans are always better than my own.  And I will say this.  My relationship with Martin is probably better than most fo the marriages in this world!

Thanks for listening to my ramblings tonight.  It really has helped me!

Twilight Tuesday--I Stopped Reading My Second Book...

I don't know about you, but I sometimes really get excited about a book, I wait to read it, and then, sometimes it is a great disappointment.

I remember reading this book.  It was a hard read, and I would not have persevered had it not been for the fact that I felt I needed to read it to understand my students. I once taught a student whose father killed his mother.  He was in foster care, and he had all sorts of trouble.  Unfortunately, this has become something that too many kids face in today's society.  I will never regret that I read this book.  It was one of my first reviews on this blog.







The other books I did not finish.  This was the first of those.  I was on a very long waiting list to read this, and when it arrived, I was ready to stop all my other reading and just devour this book.  Imagine my surprise when I was on page 70 and I couldn't get into it.  I was so disappointed, and I decided that I would not read it.  After all, with a classic book, I say it usually takes about 50 pages to get into it.  I gave this book till page 70, and I have enough interesting books to read that I didn't have time to invest in a book that I didn't enjoy.






Today I met the second book in recent times that I just couldn't get into.  I had started this book last week, and the premise was intriguing.  And it fit in with one of my challenges.  I will say that I enjoyed the two main characters, but I got tired of the senseless profanity and the other characters in the book.  I was around page 80, and I decided to set it aside.








Now, if I was reading these books for a publisher review or something like that, I would have persevered.  But what is the point of reading a book you don't like just to be reading it?  There are enough books in this world to read that I think setting a few aside that I don't like is not shameless.

I begin this book tonight.  Here's hoping it will be better!

Twilight Tuesday--I Am Being Tested

Yes, I realized that God was allowing me to be tested last week.  Something happened every day that should have caused me to go into a panic and become the worry wart that I am wont to be.

By the grace of God, that has not occurred.  I am not saying that I have come out completely smelling like a rose.  Where my dad is concerned, I still sometimes lose it.  It is so hard to see him sitting around doing nothing while my mom works with a serious eye issue and Martin works in spite of terrible stomach pain.

And the testing is far from over.  I could have panicked today when I couldn't find the school, but do you know what?  I didn't.  And I can say that it has nothing to do with what I am doing but all to do with God.  He is living through me.  It is not I that live.  I died, and He lives through me.  I can see that so clearly now.

I have even begun to pray about some things that continue to cause me to struggle.  Little, personal things, but they cause me to stumble.  Isn't it something how it's the little things not the big things that cause us the most trouble?

I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future!  Amen and Amen!

Twilight Tuesday--God is Good

I thought I would share tonight something that was (and sometimes is) a twilight moment for me in recent times.  And God used a wonderful book that I read recently--Redeeming Love.  I shared a little in my review, but I will share more here.

Those of you who have been following me know that my best friend, Martin, is here 6 months out of the year.  He is not saved, but I am trusting God that he will be.  And I am in love with him and joyfully anticipate the moment when he is saved and we can be married.  Our relationship is very complicated because we are best friend, soul mates, and yet he insists that is all we are.  Except that there is a definite chemistry and spark between us that everyone who has ever met us sees almost instantly.  We do have a bit of a physical relationship,  but it is kept within certain realms.  And he dismisses  it as nothing emotional.  I just follow God and make sure I don't let things go too far.

Things were fantastic when he came back this time--he treated me like a princess.  Then things were becoming rather regular between us.  But things got busy.  And Martin and my dad don't get along.  So Martin was often physically sore from clearing property and very mad at my dad.  So I normally kept silent and did not try for anything physical between us.

That was killing me!  All I could do was think about the physical.  I craved it to the point that it almost began to consume me.  And I  began to cry out to God.  My emotions and hormones  went wild.

It was just  about this time that I began to read Redeeming Love.  I immediately identified with Michael Hosea.  I understood his pain.  And when Angel left one time,  he cried  out to God.  God told him that Angel had made sex a god.  That kind of  stopped me in my tracks.  Wow. In a sense, that is what I had done.  I had gotten so into  the  physical that I had forgotten to pray for Martin's salvation.  I wasn't working on any other parts of our friendship.  It wasn't out of control, but it was headed that direction.

So I made a commitment at that point to let the physical go.  I don't spend every night hoping it will happen.  I am content to wait.  And I have.  Tonight, things turned somewhat physical--quite surprising under the circumstances--and I did not go crazy.  In fact, God had given me such insight  into things that I knew why Martin had not craved the physical.  He was too tired, and now he is sick.  I used to worry that I was not attractive enough and that Martin was losing interest.  God is opening my eyes to so many things about Martin because I have resolved to make God first and Martin's salvation the primary thing in my prayers.

Indeed, what has been a twilight time is now an early morning sunrise.  In time, I believe the sun will be shining down!