Battle Illness with Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer

January 16, 2013 By 9 Comments

exergenthermometer Battle Illness with Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer

When I was a kid, the digital thermometers that were used in the ear came out in wide release.  I have to admit, I thought that was the coolest thing ever!  You can take my temperature by sticking this in my ear for a couple seconds rather than holding this thing in my mouth for three minutes?!  SOLD! 

As an adult, I still thought the ear thermometers were a great idea.  Until I discovered the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer.   The Exergen thermometer takes your temperature by running it across the forehead. 

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Beam N Read ® LED 6 Deluxe Hands Free Light Review

November 30, 2012 By 1 Comment

beamnread 525 x 394 Beam N Read ® LED 6 Deluxe Hands Free Light Review

Sooo…you’ve got that one hard to buy for person on your list this year.  The person that does crafts as a hobby and they want craft supplies.  Where do you even start?  You don’t know what kind of widgets and gadgets they already have.  And a gift certificate is so impersonal.  How about a Beam N Read?

What’s a Beam N Read?  It’s a personal lighting system that you wear around your neck.  It’s designed for those that like to read, do crafts, or have other small detailed hobby work.  Needlework and fly-tying are perfect uses for the Beam N Read.

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Paper Culture for Christmas & Holiday Cards

November 27, 2012 By 2 Comments

holidaychecklistcards Paper Culture for Christmas & Holiday Cards

 

In the last few years, there’s been a proliferation of places to get customized printing done & stationery made.  One of the most popular things to get done is either announcements or holiday cards, usually with your own photos incorporated.  Paper Culture is one such company that I was totally unfamiliar with. 

While you can upload your photos to their cards to make them more personal, they have tons that you don’t have to upload a photo to, as well.  I’m going to admit it – I would feel weird sending out Christmas Cards that are a picture of me, since I don’t have kids!  And I’m sure people that were on the receiving end might think that was a bit odd too. 

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Filed Under: Eco Friendly, Product Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Marble Faux Finish Cigar Box and Frame

May 1, 2012 By 4 Comments

marblebox 400 x 380 Marble Faux Finish Cigar Box and Frame

Faux finishing has been around for a really long time now.  For some reason, I’ve never ever been able to figure it out.  I’ve always been one of those people that’s like “Uh, it only looks easy.  There‘s gotta be a trick to it that these experts just aren’t sharing.” 

When Giani  reached out and asked if I wanted to take their faux marble finish kit for a test drive, I was totally like “sure!”  Their kits are designed to redo the counters in your house.  However, I rent, and well, I would like to get my security deposit back. 

I decided I was going to use the kit on a table or another piece of furniture and set off on an expedition.  After looking for about a month, and not finding anything that really fit or was in my price range, I decided to go for the next best thing.  I chose a couple of accessories to add a faux marble finish – a cigar box and a picture frame. 

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Spice Up the Night with Lust Cosmetics

April 28, 2012 By 1 Comment

This review of Lust Cosmetics is a grown folks post.  While there's nothing in here that's particularly objectionable, it may be considered a bit risque.  Some readers may not like it. 

If that's you, just skip this post.  I won't be offended, and I don't want you to be either.  Cool? 

mothersdaygiftguide Spice Up the Night with Lust Cosmetics

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Make Recycling Easy with Rubbermaid

April 27, 2012 By 10 Comments

Rubbermaid has all kinds of products that make my life easier.  Storage totes? Check.  Plastic food storage?  Yup.  We even used to have one of those locking cabinets for our deck.  When they asked me if I’d like to check out their new Hidden Recycler, of course I said yes. 

The Hidden Recycler is a compact recycling system that fits under your counter, inside a cabinet.  It attaches to the cabinet door with hooks, or you can screw it in for a more permanent installation.  The fabric bag holds up to 36 12-oz cans.  You can even fit a plastic milk jug in it. 

How well does it work, though?  That’s the real question! 
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Noodle and Boo Luxury Baby Products

April 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Noodle and Boo is a high end baby care line.  Consisting of items ranging from shampoos, lotions, and body washes to stuffed animals, towels, and grooming sets, there’s something for everyone.   This is a line that has been used by many celebrities, including Jennifer Garner, Brooke Shields, and Alessandra Ambrosio.   

Their Super Soft Lotion is ahhh…mazing!  It’s very lightweight, so it soaks in quickly.  And it will leave your skin baby-soft.  Ba-dum-bump-ching! One of the features that I really liked is that there was no greasy feeling.  Just nice, soft skin.  And of course, that good baby smell!  It didn’t smell too much, though.  It’s just sort of sweet and gentle instead of overpowering. 

Noodle and Boo also sent along a Newborn 2 in 1 hair and body wash.  This is designed to gently cleanse baby’s hair and body without stripping the natural moisture from baby‘s tender skin.  I didn‘t notice a scent on this one at all – maybe a really really faint scent.  Admittedly, I didn’t try this one out. 

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Endangered Species Chocolate

April 20, 2012 By 8 Comments

Mmmm…Chocolate.   Personally, I prefer dark chocolate.  I like the snappier texture.  I also like that dark chocolate is generally not as sweet.   It’s not like I’m going to pass up lighter, sweeter, milk chocolate, either.

What’s better than Chocolate?  Maybe chocolate that gives back?  I recently received an assortment of chocolate bars from Endangered Species.  Their treats are gluten free and Kosher.  The dark chocolate is vegan, as well. 

First up was Dark Chocolate with Forest Mint.   I found this one to be okay.  The dark chocolate was alright, the mint flavor wasn’t really there.  At 72% Cacao, this is a strong dark chocolate flavor. 

Next up was Natural Milk Chocolate.  It was creamy, smooth, and sweet. 

Last, but not least, was my favorite of the group.  Dark Chocolate with Cranberries and Almonds.  It was the same dark chocolate of the mint bar, but with small pieces of cranberries and almonds embedded in it. 

Endangered Species Chocolate gives back, too.  They donate 10% of their net profits to conservation programs. All of their ingredients are sourced from ethically traded cacao farms ensuring fair trade, responsible labor practices and sustainable farming.  Pretty cool, eh?

Now if you'll excuse me, I've got some chocolate calling my name.

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Yummy Earth Eco Friendly Candy

April 18, 2012 By 1 Comment

I recently had the opportunity to try out a couple of new taste treats from Yummy Earth Organics.   Sour Worms and Sour Jellybeans. 

First up was the Sour Jellybeans.  I was a little concerned when they said sour.  I popped a couple in my mouth .  I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were tart, but not especially sour.  More like tart fruit.  I can dig it!  These were intensely flavorful, like high end jellybeans. 

I waited a couple days, then ripped open the Sour Worms.  I was really leery of these, as they had the citric acid crystals on them, like other kinds of sour candy.  They also didn’t feel very soft in the package.  Hmmm…these are gonna be kind of intense.  When I pulled them out, I was pleasantly surprised to find out the Sour Worms were really soft and fresh.  I ate one.  And then another.  A few more.  And one or two more.  These had an intense fruit flavor and weren’t sour at all. 

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Give Your Dogs a Break With Dawgs Footwear

April 17, 2012 By 5 Comments
In my younger years, I did some serious damage to my foot. I’m still not sure how it happened – everyone in the family has their own theory, and it’s become quite the running gag. Oh, you’re injured? Are you at least aware of how you injured yourself? Family members are soooo cute, aren’t they?
 
Because of this, I’m kind of selective about the shoes I wear. It’s not that I don’t crave to wear flippy, flirty little ballet shoes or sky high stilettos, it’s that unless they’re really well engineered, I simply can’t.   
 
When I was contacted by Dawgs Canada to review their shoes, I was a little hesitant. Until I went and really checked out their site, that is. Once I got there, I realized that their shoes were engineered for support and ergonomic comfort. Ooohhh…I could do that! After much comparison, and polling a random assortment of people in my office that day, I chose a pair of the Z Strap Sandals in Navy/Lime. 
 
Filed Under: Fashion, Product Reviews Tagged With: ,

Gifts for Moms, Dads, and Grads with Shutterfly

April 16, 2012 By 1 Comment
It’s that time of year again.  Not Spring.   Moms, Dads, and Grads time. As an only child, I’ve always had the hardest time picking something for my mom. Because, y’know, it’s all about MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus, it was really hard to surprise my mom, as I didn’t have the luxury of the internet way back when. 
 
Only children of the world can now rejoice! Shutterfly makes it easy to order personalized photo gifts for moms, dads, and grads. And as long as you get the mail first, your gift remains a secret! 
 
If your mom is a working mom, maybe she’d really like a calendar. And really, what mom doesn’t work?  She can look at your smiling face all day. Or you crying and the kids fighting. Whatever floats your boat. 
 
Wanna know what I think I’m getting my mom this year? Find out after the jump!
 
Filed Under: Mother's Day 2012, Product Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Krill Oil Review

April 15, 2012 By 24 Comments

I made asked my mom test this out.  This is her review. 

 

I am getting older, and in the past couple of years, I am beginning to feel my age.  I am a vitamin taker, and when I was given the opportunity to try Krill Oil, I thought it might be a good supplement to add to my  diet. Krill oil is made from an Antarctic crustacean similar to a shrimp. Although Krill Oil and Fish Oil are similar in characteristics,  Krill Oil is higher in Omega-3 acids and is high is the good fats that our bodies need.  Krill Oil is also claimed to promote heart and joint health, and is high in anti-oxidants. It is also used in treating PMS and painful menstrual periods.  It is also promoted for brain and memory health, and a treatment for depression.

I’ve taken Krill Oil for over a month now, and I really don’t feel any different.  I’m sure  there are things going in within my body that I’m not aware of – the reduction of the artery-clogging fats, raising my ‘good cholesterol,’ and improving my joint health, but I’m not feeling any of that. I don’t feel more alert, smarter, in a better mood.  I do believe I will continue taking it for another month, and see if I feel any differently at that time.

A word of caution - Krill Oil should not be taken by those with shellfish allergies, pregnant women, or those whom have had surgery recently as Krill Oil can slow down blood clotting; it may cause bruising or bleeding if taken with a variety of medications, including ibuprofen and naproxen.  If you have any health issues, please contact your doctor prior to taking any supplement.  Also, there is some evidence that Krill Oil will interact with Orlistat (Alli, Xenical).

hwyddisclaimer(13) Krill Oil Review

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