Some helpful websites

So today I'm not sharing a review. Instead, I have some helpful websites you might be interested in checking out. Recently my mom shared an article with me that came from Family Circle. They were talking about making purchases online. Here are some that you should check out:

https://lish.com/ by Payvment creates a storefront based on feedback for hundreds of thousands of sellers. It uses social medi/a like Facebook to advertise by posting on people's Timeline about items they like and bought. You use PayPal for a secure transaction.

https://www.zaarly.com/ is like an online yard sale for goods, services, and experiences.

https://www.taskrabbit.com/ has a service that allows you to hire trusted folks to run errands, do household chores or perform repairs for a fee. The "taskrabbits" go through background checks and video interviews before being approved.

http://www.swap.com/netcycler.html is a service that you have to sign up and provide a valid payment method in order to use. Once you do that, you can then search for things you want and list things to "swap". Only payment expected in the swap will be shipping. In return, they ask you swap things of equal value.

Remember to look for https in the address bar and certificates such as the Norton Secured Seal!

DaVinci Gourmet review

Everyone may not be gourmet in the kitchen. But with a little help, they can still make a gourmet treat. DaVinci Gourmet provides specialty syrups to add that yummy element to so many things.

Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, deserts and even entrees can be transformed into something to excite your taste buds with just a little something extra. They have tons of recipes you can check out on their website. For those looking to keep on the healthier path they offer the sugar-free syrups.
DaVinci Gourmet sent me several flavors to try. Sugar-free Caramel was so good in my hot chocolate! It adds a rich flavor and I only put about a teaspoon in my cup. My kids and husband were drinking up my hot chocolate as soon as I finished stirring it! The delicious smell that rose with the steam drew them in.

Then for breakfast one morning we decided to make pancakes. As a treat, I added about a tablespoon (or two) into the mix. We had yummy caramel pancakes that my boys wanted seconds and thirds... and fourth and fifth helpings of.
They also sent Vanilla, Hazelnut, Sugar-free Chocolate, Zero calorie Kahlua. They have so many flavors to choose from! I plan to dazzle up my brownies next... So check them out and tell me what you think about the products and recipes.

Sonic Alert review

Being married to a deaf guy, I've spent the past 6 years or so learning about and seeing different products that deaf people use. The technology they have made for deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) devices is getting better all the time. One of the most notable devices is a signaler.
I was given the chance to test the USS360 Universal Sound Signaler from Sonic Alert. It's a small device that you plug into the wall then you plug a lamp into it. Put it in a room you spend a lot of time in and any time there is loud sound - knocking on the door, baby crying, alarms, etc. your lamp will begin flashing. This is so helpful for our family. I have hearing issues as well but I'm able to hear my daughter cry or someone knocking on the door. However, when I'm not home my husband needs to be able to know what's going on too. This USS360 works with all other Sonic Alert receivers. Once plugged in, this device will submit a signal via the power lines in your home to any other Sonic Alert Receivers you have plugged in as well. 

Devices like these are great not only for deaf but also for those who have other degrees of hearing loss. Or maybe for those who tune everything out and drift into their own minds and need a reminder to come back to realty...

There is another awesome thing I should mention about this device; it has various degrees of sensitivity to sound. It catches my son whispering across the room just as easy as my daughters cry depending on the setting we pick.
Now as a warning, you should not use power strips or surge protectors with the Sonic Alert Signalers or Receivers because they block the signal that is transmitted from the signaler to the receiver. They must be plugged directly into a working outlet without any adapters getting in the way.
They have other things as well. Alarm clocks, other types of signalers, amplified clocks and phones as well as listening devices.
Want to learn more about their technology? Check them out on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonic-Alert/ or at their website http://www.sonicalert.com/.

This technology is called X-10 technology. I found a link where you can get a little more info about what that means.  http://www.smarthome.com/about_x10.html

If you are looking for more specific information about this particular signaler, check out this link: http://sonicalert.com/products-signaling-systems-USS360.html

The other receivers they have available can be viewed here: http://sonicalert.com/signaling-systems-receivers.html

I'd love to hear what you guys think about this. So leave me a comment below!

Emerson Creek Pottery review and giveaway

As I've mentioned in some of my other reviews, I love companies that make and sell products right here in the United States. I also love pottery. My grandmother had a beautiful set of pottery dishes on display in her china cabinet the always impressed me. I found a company that not only sells pottery but they are made and sold here in the US. Emerson Creek Pottery makes some beautiful pieces and sets. With the holidays here, these pieces are even more appealing for all your holiday gatherings and family sharing. They have so many things that make great gift ideas as well.

I was sent a Peony Pitcher in the Copper Clay color. It's so cute. I love the deep, rich color (that goes so well with the ranch theme we have) as well as how smooth the surface is. It's the perfect size for a small bunch of flowers to make a centerpiece. I'm sure too when my daughter is old enough to have "tea parties" this is will be something she goes for first. It reminds me of a miniature size of a pitcher my mother used to have. Remember the pitcher and bowls households would keep in the rooms of their farm house so guests could wash their hands and face? Just like that!

Emerson Creek Pottery also has some lovely appetizer plates, dinnerware, bakeware, baby dishes... The list goes on. They have various colors and designs to choose from as well. You can check out their website http://www.emersoncreekpottery.com/ to see everything they have to offer. My favorite design they offer is the Field of Iris. I like that they make pottery that is not only beautiful, reminiscent of antique-like pieces, but its also made for modern life.

These dishes are safe to use in your microwave as well as your dishwasher. There is no lead in them and you can cook with them in your oven. Being heavy duty and made to last everyday makes them worth every penny compared to the cheaper imports most folks buy that break or shatter or might even develop cracks over less than a years worth of handling. As a bonus for those who love historic facts, the building that houses their showroom has a rich background going back to the 1800's.

So now for the fun part! Enter below to win a Peony Pitcher in your choice of design. As a bonus, they are also giving my readers a coupon code 867, good for 20% off, $25 or more, until 1/7/13. So check them out, enter to win, and happy holidays!


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Mediterranean Snacks review and giveaway

I'm still researching healthy products. And I've come across another bunch of goodies to tempt you with. Mediterranean Snacks sent me some things to try and write about. They provide gluten free, no trans fat, and 30% less fat than regular potato snacks in their snack foods. They sent me the Original Veggie Medley Straws, Rosemary Herb Lentil Crackers, Organic Popcorn, and the Original Veggie Medley Chips.

The Straws were a huge hit with my family right off the start! My picky son and even my husband would have devoured the whole bag in one sitting if I didn't limit them both. They are a potato snack-like chips but shaped like square straws instead. So light and airy in texture, not drenched in some salty flavoring - they make a great snack.

Then we tried the Organic Popcorn. Normally the only popcorn I like eating is covered in cheese or caramel. But I really enjoyed this! It’s so light and fluffy. They are air popped with a hint of sea salt and olive oil. My husband even LOVED them. He usually complains if he doesn't have his absolute favorite brand name popcorn, saying that everything else just "isn't as good" or "tastes so-so". And since popcorn is always on hand in our home, this is a snack I truly appreciate having around.

The Original Veggie Medley Chips tasted the same as the straws, but were shaped just like a normal wavy chip. Again, very light and airy in texture. Not drenched in high sodium content. You don't end your snacking with colored sticky fingertips.

Rosemary herb is an interesting taste. I’m not used to it, but these lentil crackers were actually pretty good. It’s a very strong herb and it was good with my moms homemade salsa.  

The prices are comparable to most other store brands you might go for, so if you're paying that much anyways, why not get something much healthier for your family? They also have Hummuz Crispz, Baked Lentil Chips, and Multi Grain Chips. So many different flavors to choose from, great prices, and they may even have a store that carries them near you! Just check the Store Locator here: http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/store-locator/. And to see more about them or what they offer, just go here: http://www.mediterraneansnackfoods.com/. You can also follow them to see what's new: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MediterraneanSnackFoods, via Twitter @medsnax. They also have store fronts on Amazon and Alice.com.

They are supposed to have a $1.00 off coupon on their website, but I was unable to get it to work on my computer. You can still give it a try and perhaps get it to work on yours.  http://www.couponfactory.com/share/71d858a9deef8c71486a972810f7bb05ed3d3364/

I foresee a trip to the store in a couple days when my boys run out of these good snacks!

***I was not paid anything for my reviews. They sent me the product in return for my honest opinions.***

Now for the fun part! A GIVEAWAY!!! That's right, one lucky winner will receive a mixed case of the Mediterranean Snacks Baked Lentil Chips (full size products). Just get your entries in below and good luck!

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Leading Lady discount and Bra Fit tips

I got some interesting info to share with my female readers recently. And I also have a discount for you all from Leading Lady http://www.leadinglady.com/ . Below I have given you a copy of the tips they share in finding your perfect bra fit. And they have kindly given me a code for you (my wonderful readers) to use should you choose to purchase a bra from them. It gives you 15% off your purchase. The code is MCBLOG1950.

BRA FIT TIPS

The three most important factors in selecting a bra are: Fit, Comfort and Support.

Proper fit is essential to the health of your breasts. The right fit will help prevent sagging, chafing and keep breasts dry, supported and comfortable in even the most strenuous conditions.

So, how do you achieve the perfect fit? Leading Lady’s fit-conscious designer shares her tips for achieving the ideal fit, maximizing comfort and ensuring proper support.

Here are some common signs you may not be wearing the correct size:

If you can see part of your breasts sticking out of the neckline or the underarm, your bra cup is too small for your breast.

If the bra cup looks wrinkled on your breasts, it is probably too large.

You should not be using any of the under-bust elastic as part of the cup. If you are, it means the cup is not big enough for your breast.

Your bra should sit down on both your front and your back. If it is pulling up, the band is most likely too large for your frame and you will not get the correct amount of support.

How can you achieve your ideal fit, support & comfort?

Fit

Look at yourself in a mirror. Your breasts should appear supported and sit up on your chest.

Remember that many women are between sizes, so you may need to try a size up or down to get the best fit.

Read the fit guide. Every company has their own idea of what represents the best fit so this is a great way to make sure the cup and band sizes are correct for you.

Comfort & Support

Make sure the shoulder straps of your bra stay in place when you are in motion. If they slip off the shoulder or cut into the shoulder, adjust the straps or try a different size bra.

Wider and padded shoulder straps will help to keep weight stress dispersed over a larger area for greater comfort.

Adjustable shoulder straps will accommodate your individual needs, depending on your height and the weight of your breasts.

Remember

Replace your bras when they are worn out and no longer provide the support you need.

Consider the use of the bra. You should have a wardrobe of bras for various activities.

Whether you’re shopping for an everyday bra, want something pretty for a special occasion, need a good workout bra, or are looking for a leisure or sleep bra, consider the following:

Wirefree Styles

Make sure that the center front of your bra has some “sink in,” which means the cup sinks in toward your chest.

Look for a bra that gives you added support on the side of the cup. Styles with side slings help keep your breasts lifted for a nicer silhouette.

Wirefree bras are often more comfortable for a full figure bust or a woman who has experienced irritation from an underwire bra.

Underwire Styles

A properly fitting underwire bra can enhance the shape of a breast but make sure the wire sits correctly on your chest. The wire should not sit on your breast but should form a frame around your breast. Be sure the wire does not irritate your skin or breasts.

Make sure the side height is correct for your size. The wire should fit comfortably against your body at both the underarm and the center front. If the wire is too high under the arm, you will be uncomfortable and it may cause irritation. If the wire is too low under the arm, your breast will not be completely covered. If the wire sticks out between your underarm and your arm, your breast is likely pushing the wire out because the cup is too small.

Front Closure

Whether your front closure bra has hooks & eyes or clasps, make sure the closures feel comfortable and support your breasts. Some may have too many hooks, while others may not have enough.

Front closure styles are designed for easy dressing and are especially great for women with mobility issues who are unable to reach to the back to secure bras.

Look for a style that has a slightly wider plush section on the eye half of the closure, to avoid irritation from the hook & eye connection.

Back Closure

Make sure the back closure has at least three closures. Four closures will give you more flexibility with the bra as your size may fluctuate. However, it is always best to wear your bra on the first or second row of eyes. If you consistently use the third or fourth row, you may need to increase your band size.

Make sure the closures have enough padding for comfort.

Wear bras that are best suited to your individual needs.

Full Figure Bras

The fuller the breast the more support is needed, so look for a bra that has both encapsulation and light compression so that you still have full range of motion but have less strain and sagging.

Great support means a bra that encapsulates the breasts.

Compression is helpful to prevent your breasts from bouncing. Remember -- breasts move in more than one direction, up and down as well as side to side.

          Maternity or Nursing Bras

It is even more important to have support at this time because the breast changes size with the advance of pregnancy and when it is either full of milk or not – when nursing, your breast can change size many times a day!

Look for just the right amount of compression so that your breasts do not bounce. Too much compression will not be comfortable because breasts are more sensitive during pregnancy and nursing.

Stay away from cups that have added material or features that can cause irritation on sensitive breasts or nipples.

 

A little info about Leading Lady:

Leading Lady is a premiere intimate apparel company dedicated to creating comfortably functional, remarkably affordable, stylish and easy-to-wear bras, camis and sleepwear. A family owned and operated business, Leading Lady has been expertly tailoring nursing and full figure bras for top brands and retailers across North America for more than 70 years. Leading Lady’s comprehensive line of nursing and full figure intimates – including sexy stretch lace wire-free and underwire bras, supportive and seamless sport and yoga bras, and cozy sleep and leisure bras – can be purchased directly on LeadingLady.com.

Leading Lady is proud to celebrate “Leading Ladies” everywhere through its products, programs and philanthropic activities. Leading Lady is dedicated to arming new moms with the support – physically, intellectually and emotionally – they need to nurture their babies through breastfeeding and committed to supporting a variety of organizations and issues relevant to women across the country. Follow Leading Lady on Facebook,Twitterand Google+.

 

***I was not paid to post this. Nor was I given anything in exchange to post this.***

ChopSaver review - For People with Lips!

If you're like me, you need some kind of lip balm on a regular basis. Whether you play a wind or brass instrument, live in a hot climate (like Texas!) or even because of the medications you may be taking - your lips might get dry and sore. I always have to keep 2 on hand. One on my dresser for easy access inside and one in my bag that I carry when I go out. But I haven't found one that truly lasts long and keeps my lips really moisturized. I also don't like many of the flavors I've tried. Recently I contacted Chop Saver. They make a gluten-free, 100% all natural botanicals and organic lip balm. I thought, no way it can be all natural. Somewhere in there has to be one of those long worded chemicals that no one can pronounce. But I was pleasantly wrong!

So why am I now in love with Chop Saver?
1. All natural ingredients means its healthier for me. Less chance of "catching cancer" and all that jazz.
2. I love citrus tastes and smells. Since Chop Saver uses citrus oils and extracts, you can smell and taste it as soon as you put it on.
3. Long lasting! Even my husband tried it and could still taste some lingering the next day. My lips feel moist much longer than they ever did using name brand lip balms.
4. Made in the USA!! I'm a proud American who loves a homegrown product.
A little background info about Chop Saver:
It was originally invented by a musician. Trumpet player to be exact - Dan Gosling relies on his lips for a living. So they need to stay moist and comfortable as he plays. He began experimenting in his kitchen with herbs and extracts. From his search for the perfect lip balm came ChopSaver. There are two kinds: Original and Gold. Original is for everyday use while Gold has SPF 15 for outdoor use.

This is also great for patients taking Isotretinoin which is used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne (a certain type of severe acne).
Or even for people who suffer from Cheilitis (a medical condition involving inflammation of the lip).

You can request a free sample to see for yourself how wonderful it is by contacting ChopSaver in the following ways:

Dan Gosling -

Call 877-346-0951 ext. 300

Email dan@chopsaver.com

　

Rhea Newman -

Call 877-346-0951 ext. 301

Email rhea@chopsaver.com

　

Check them out at  www.ChopSaver.com And on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/chopsaver?fref=ts
***I was not paid to say anything about this product. I was sent these items free in exchange for my honest opinions in the form of a review.***