Okay, can I just say that this juice is super yummy (not a very technical description, but very apt!)!  I had the opportunity to review Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals.  I tried Cranberry Raspberry, and Cranberry (and I got a really cool t-shirt too, but my daughter quickly confiscated it)! 

 Cranberry Naturals are the first reduced-calorie cranberry juice to be 100% natural and sweetened with Truvia.  That means there are only 70 calories, 17 grams of sugar, and 16 carbs per serving Those last two are pretty important to me, since my daughter has type 1 diabetes.  We are always looking for ways for her to get her fruit in without all the carbs!  Cranberry Naturals have almost twice the juice of leading diet juices, and 40 % less sugar.

We use a lot of cranberry juice around here because it really helps with the treatment of urinary tract infections, bladder infections, and kidney infections (all things my daughter deals with because of her diabetes).  Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals was really delicious, which not all cranberry juices can say.

My favorite was the Cranberry Raspberry, just the right amount of tart and sweet mixed together.  I'm heading to the store in a little while to buy some Cranberry Grape and Cranberry Pomegranate!


They come in a lot of different flavors, like Cranberry Blueberry and Cranberry Apple.  My son loved the straight Cranberry juice, and my daughter really liked the Cranberry Raspberry.

If you're looking for a great cranberry juice that is natural, healthy, and with a lot less sugar, Old Orchard Cranberry Naturals is the juice for you!  I give it a definite thumbs up!

Disclosure:  I received the product for the purpose of a review.  The opinions expressed are all my own, and free of charge!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love CSN Stores? They are so much fun to shop at! I've been dreaming of going on vacation with my family! It's been a long time since we've had a vacation. Then I started thinking about luggage and I realized that mine is from when I graduated from high school (yikes)! While I refuse to state exactly how old it is, let's just say that it has no wheels, is hard, and is a lovely yellow color. Well.... it was cool at the time!

So I decided to peruse some luggage stores and of course, headed straight to CSN Stores! Look at this cool set!


Then I decided to look at Lounge Chairs ....




Yes.... I definitely need a vacation! Wouldn't that be heavenly just about now! Okay... back to reality!

CSN Stores is generously offering one of you lucky readers a $35 gift code to their stores! How cool is that?!


Visit CSN Stores and tell me something you'd like to buy! How easy is that?

Extra Entries: Each one counts for a separate entry!

Like CSN Stores of Facebook
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Contest ends Tuesday, December 28th. The winner will be picked randomly from all correct entries, and notified by email. The winner has 48 hours to respond, or sadly, another winner will be chosen. The contest is open to residents of the U.S., ages 18 and older!

Disclosure: CSN Stores has generously offered the gift code.  The opinions expressed are all my own and free of charge!

Contest is closed and winner has been notified!  Thanks to all you wonderful readers!

Smart Mouth Mouthwash - clever name!  Now I can be accused of having a smart mouth... in a good way!


I had the opportunity to review Smart Mouth Mouthwash and I'm impressed.  To tell you the truth, I was a little worried because I really dislike the taste of those "other" mouthwashes.  They burn my mouth and the taste is really, really icky!  (go, ahead Valeen, tell them how you really feel!)

Smart Mouth is different!  It has a great minty taste to it, and there's absolutely no burning mouth involved!  I really enjoy using it.  Plus, it will work for up to twelve hours!  How about that?  So, I can use it in the morning and have fresh breath all day long, and then use it right before bed and not wake up with dragon-breath!

I feel a little bit like a scientist each time I use it!  I get the little mixing cup they provide and then squirt in four squirts from bottle number one, then four squirts from bottle number two.  Voila!  I now have great tasting mouthwash!


This is the FIRST mouthwash I have ever been able to use and continue using!  I am absolutely sold on SmartMouth Mouthwash!

If you have any questions, you can visit their website at www.smartmouth.com  They even have a $2 off coupon on their website!  I was strolling through Target the other day and discovered that Smart Mouth Mouthwash is available there!  Woohoo!

My kids have both tried the Smart Mouth mouthwash and they both like it too.  That's something for my son, who has the same aversion to burny mouthwash that I do!

I give Smart Mouth Mouthwash a big two thumbs up!

Disclosure:  I was given the product for the sole purpose of a review.  The opinions expressed are all my own and free of charge!

I was lucky enough to get to review Light Catcher Curtains.  Let me just say, I love these curtains!

They are  a new line of room darkening curtains that help create the perfect sleeping environment for your baby (or anyone else who needs or wants a dark room to sleep in).  LightCatcher’s revolutionary beautiful quality fabric helps shield out light, noise and drafts, keeping the room cool, dark and quiet.


While these curtains were designed with babies in mind, I see so many applications!  Like the person who works the night shift and needs to sleep during the day, or the person who suffers from insomnia and needs a dark, quiet room to sleep in, or the teenager who just likes to sleep past sun-up and doesn't want to be bothered by daylight, or the child with sensory needs (which is a big one for us!)

While I don't have a baby in my home, I definitely have a teenager and a son with sensory issues.  I wanted to order a pair for my son's room but we're still in negotiations for his room makeover, so I ordered some for my daughter's room and let my son sleep in her room a few nights.

I visited BuyBuyBaby.com and made my choice.  The only drawback I can see, is it's hard to see the actual patterns of the material on their website.  I wish they had a better close up of the curtains so you knew exactly what you were getting.  Now, that being said, when the curtains came I was pleasantly surprised!  I loved the pattern!  They had the room darkening material and on top of that a light gauzy material with cute light pink flowers on it.  They were even a bit fuzzy to the touch!  Very cute!


We got them hung and immediately her room was much darker!  Plus, they are way cute!  So, my daughter thinks they are the best invention since chocolate!  She loves a very dark room, and she gets that with these curtains.


Next, I let my son try these out.  Let me give you a little history.  My son has Sensory Processing Disorder and has had trouble sleeping since... well... forever.  He moves constantly and is really sensitive to his surroundings.  In order for him to sleep he wraps up like a coccoon.  I was really interested to see how these curtains would help him.  For the first time in... well I can't remember... my son slept through the night.  He actually slept through the night.  So, was it a fluke?  Nope, he slept through the night the next three nights.

Am I buying a pair for my son's room?  You better believe it!  These are amazing!  I'm anxious to see how well they work in the summer when it is so hot around here.

These are available at BuyBuy Baby stores or online at www.buybuybaby.com  I am truly grateful for these curtains, not because my daughter has a dark room to sleep in (though she's thrilled!), but because my son actually slept through the night.  That's huge....

Disclosure:  I was generously given this product for the purpose of a review.  The opinion expressed are all my own and free of charge!

It's that time of year again when our hearts turn to our loved ones!  Okay, I know they turn to our loved ones often, but definitely more this time of year!  So how do we let them know we're thinking of them?  How about Pear Tree Greetings?  They have personalized cards and stationery, which make fabulous gifts, stationary, invites and more at affordable prices.  They offer hundreds of designs and colors to choose from, in a price range from $.85 to $1.25 per card.  Here are some pictures of the samples they sent me:




These are some of their Holiday selection!  You can personalize them and add your own pictures!  Fun, huh!




These are really cute Valentines cards!  I know,  I'm sorry I mentioned another holiday when we're smack-dab in the middle of this one!  But they really are cute!

Peartreegreetings.com has some great gift ideas too.  Here are a few from their website:



I really like these cards!  I think they'd make a really fun gift!  I was focused on sending them out as Christmas cards, until I read some of their great gift ideas!  Now my head is spinning with the possibilities!

Now ready for your head to spin?  They are offering a $25 gift code to Peartreegreetings.com   How cool is that?!

Mandatory Entry:  Just leave a comment with your email address (if it's not visible in your profile).  For example (jane doe at gmail dot com)

Extra Entries:  Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Follow my blog publicly
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I'm making this a quick contest because I want you to have a chance to get your cards ordered.  So.... contest ends Wednesday, December 8, 2010.  Contest is open to US residents, age 18 and over.  Winner will be picked randomly from all correct entries and notified by email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:  I was provided samples and a gift code for the purpose of the review.  The opinions are all my own, and free of charge!

Contest is now closed and winner has been notified!  Thanks to all who entered!

When I was in my twenties I paid very little attention to all those advertisements about skin moisturizers and anti-wrinkles creams.  Now I'm glued to the commercials!  So when AcquaEssentials.com offered me some free samples, I jumped at the chance!  I tried samples from the Caviahue and the Modariz lines.  I loved them both, but really, really loved the Caviahue Anti-Wrinkle Cream!  The amazing folks over at AcquaEssentials let me try a full size bottle.  Yes, I'm hooked!

• 1 Caviahue Thermal Mud Sample (one application)
• 3 Caviahue Anti Wrinkle Cream Samples (three applications)
• 3 Caviahue Nourishing-Moisturizing Cream Samples (three applications)
• 3 Mondariz Hydro-Woman Cream Samples (three applications)
• 3 Mondariz Hydro-Man Cream Samples (three applications)

I definitely give AcquaEssentials.com a thumbs up!  I'm excited to see how much my skin will improve as I continue to use it!

Disclosure:  AcquaEssentials provided a product free of charge for the purpose of a review.  The opinions expressed are all my own, and free of charge!

I had the opportunity to review Zevia All-Natural Zero Calorie Soda.  This stuff is good! 

My daughter has type 1 Diabetes so we are always on the look-out for drinks without sugar in them.  This one has no sugar!  It is sweetened with Stevia, which is much sweeter than sugar and has no affect on blood sugar levels!  How great is that!

We tried six different flavors, my favorite was the Black Cherry!  Yum!  I expected an aftertaste like you get with some diet sodea and there absolutely wasn't one!  I liked all the flavors, though the Ginger Rootbeer was my least favorite, probably because I expected it to taste like regular Rootbeer and it doesn't.  My husband loved the Gingerale and my kids were nuts for the orange and the Lemon Lime Twist!

I bet you want to try it, don't you?  You can go to their store locator and find out where it is sold near you.  Can't find it anywhere near, then you can buy it online!

Zevia was recently featured in O magazine, which is Oprah's magazine.   She said, "You may try this Stevia-sweetened soda because it contains no calories, no sugar, no aftertaste, no artificial anything, but you'll stick with it because it's delicious."

Now here's the really cool thing... Zevia is offering one of you wonderful readers a mixed six-pack of Zevia soda!  I told you it was cool!


Leave a comment why you want to try All Natural Zero Calorie Zevia.  That's it... it's that easy!  Make sure your email is visible in your profile, if not please leave it in your comment (jane doe at gmail dot com)

Extra Entries:  Leave a separate comment for each extra entry

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Contest ends Wednesday, December 8th, 2010.  The winner will be picked randomly from all correct entries and notified by email.  The winner must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen. Contest is open to residents of the US, ages 18 and over.

Can I just say that I have the opportunity to try the coolest things around?  How amazing is that?  Speaking of amazing, sit back and let me tell you about this ultra cool thermometer...


The Exergen TemporalScanner is an infrared thermometer, that reads a temperature in just two seconds, with a simple swipe across the forehead!  I know... I told you it was cool!

It is so easy to use... just depress and hold the button and then lightly scan across the forehead.  A red LED light and soft beep let you know the scan is complete.  It is completely fast and absolutely non-invasive!  The thing I really like about this is I can take my child's temperature when they are asleep, which is a huge blessing when sleep comes so hard for them when they're ill!  I have to giggle though, now that we have this amazing thermometer my kids always want their temperature taken!  I'm happy to oblige!  I feel like Doctor McCoy on Star Trek with this gadget (oops, there's my geeky side showing!)


If you've been to the hospital recently, I bet you've seen one of these babies in action.  Now you can have one in your own home.  Wal-mart, Walgreens, Costco, Sam's Club, Babies 'R Us, and Toys 'R Us are currently carrying these (to name just a few places).

Along with all the fun things this season brings, are a few not-so-fun things... like cold and flu season.  How handy to have the Exergen TemporalScanner in your home.  We have already had the flu here (thankfully just a mild case) but this thermometer was wonderful to have.  My kids actually let me take their temperature with no complaining (like I said, they ask for it all the time), but more importantly, I knew I was getting an accurate reading.  Tests show that using the Exergen is a much more accurate reading than taking the temperature any other way, including oral, rectal, tympanic (in the ear) and under the arm (axillary).  Can't beat that!

This really is a wonderful thermometer and I'm thrilled to have one in my home.  Now, I hope you're sitting down because.... wait for it..... You have the opportunity to win one for yourself!  How completely cool is that?!


Leave a comment with a helpful hint or tip on how you deal with cold and flu season.  Please make sure your email is visible in your profile, or leave it in the comment (sunshiney daze at gmail dot com)

Extra Entries:

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Contest ends on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010.  Winner will be selected randomly from all correct entries.  The winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.  This contest is open to residents of the US, 18 years and older.  The winner will be notified by email and the prize will be shipped directly from the sponsor.

Congratulations to Cynthia, who is the winner of this giveaway!  Thanks to all who entered!

Disclosure:  I was generously given a product and offered a giveaway for the purpose of a review.  The opinions expressed are all my own, and free of charge!

I was given the wonderful opportunity to try Swanson Premium Chunk Chicken!  Now if you know me, I'm all about quick, delicious meals for those crazy days (which seem to happen more and more often!)  Well, Swanson has made that even easier to accomplish!  With a can of their delicious chicken, the possibilities are amazing!  Their chicken is already cooked and ready to use for quick and easy everyday meals, from sandwiches and salads, to soups and main dishes. Plus,  it's certified by the American Heart Association (AHA)—so you know it's the right choice for your family.  It’s 98% fat free, contains no preservatives and is all white meat.

Here are a couple amazing recipes from their website:


Chicken Pasta Alfredo

• Heat the cream cheese and milk in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat to a boil, stirring constantly.  Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.  Reduce the heat to low.  Cook for 5 minutes.
• Add the chicken, peas and fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat. Heat through. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve immediately.

Okay, tell me your mouth isn't watering now!

Or how about this one (my husband went nuts for this, as did my son!):

Buffalo Chicken Dip

RECIPE TIPS

• To make in the microwave: Use a microwavable 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Prepare the dip as directed above but do not bake. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH for 5 minutes or until the chicken mixture is hot, stirring halfway through the cook time.

Can I say, I love this chicken!  I think my pantry will now have several cans of Swansons Premium Chunk Chicken at all times!  It will definitely be a staple in my home!  It has really saved my bacon several times in the past couple weeks when I had to come up with a dinner fast, yet still healthy!  I made the most delicious (if I say so myself) Toasted Chicken Salad Sammies last night!  My family devoured them!

Now, here's the really cool thing... Two of you cool readers have the opportunity to win three full value coupons for Swanson Premium Chunk Chicken so you can try it yourself!  Woo hoo!

Mandatory Entry:

Leave a comment here with a way you might use Swanson Chicken.  How easy is that?  Please make sure your email is visible in your profile or leave it in your comment (jane doe at gmail dot com)

Extra Entries:

Leave a separate comment for each extra entry

Become a follower of my blog
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Contest ends on Wednesday, November 24th, 2010.  The winners will be picked randomly from all correct entries and notified by email.  The winners must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.  Contest is open to residents of the US, 18 years old and over.Winners will be notified by email and the prize will be shipped directly from the sponsor.

Contest is now closed and the winners have been notified!  Thanks to all who entered!

Disclosure:  I was generously offered this product for the purpose of a review and giveaway.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

So who's the crazy redhead behind this blog?  Hmmm, let's see.....

I'm a mom to two great kids!  My sweet daughter has type 1 diabetes and my amazing son has Sensory Processing Disorder.  Needless to say, we live an interesting life.  I have an amazing husband who not only puts up with the craziness around here, but actually enjoys it (most of the time)!

We are lucky to live in Sunshiney Arizona.  Yes, the summers are a tad hot, okay... really, really hot.... but we only deal with that for about 4 -5 months and the rest of the year is absolutely gorgeous!  We actually get to go trick-or-treating without coats each year.  No, we don't have snow for Christmas but we make up for it with Christmas lights!  The homes around here are very decked out!


I'm active in my kids' schools, our church, and our local community theatre.  I've had the opportunity to produce, direct, costume, music direct, and act in our productions.  I've made countless props and painted lots of set too. I sit on the community theatre committee and was the president for three years. Several years ago my friend talked me into auditioning for a play.  I'd never done anything like that before, but surprisingly I was cast in a great role, and things just kind of exploded from there!  It's been an amazing experience and I've had the opportunity to meet hundreds of wonderful people I otherwise wouldn't have crossed paths with.

I come from a big, happy family!  I'm the oldest of seven kids.  We're all grown now but still really enjoy being together.  I have lots and lots of nieces and nephews and love being around them.  They are all truly wonderful!  I'm lucky to have great in-laws too.  How many people get to say that?

I think I'm a bit of an adventurer.  I'm with Indiana Jones though, I really don't like snakes.... but I love to discover!  I love to travel, I love to discover little "out-of-the-way" places.  I'm always on the look-out for the "latest and greatest" and love to tell anyone who will listen about the things I discover.  I'm an avid reader, crafter, gardener, and shopper (notice, I said shopper, not spender... I love a good bargain!)  I'm like a child at Christmas time whenever I discover a new product, or a better way of doing something.  I can't wait to show everyone!

I love to sing (though I'm not sure if people like me to sing Ü ) , I love to play the piano, and I love to laugh!  So, is my life perfect.  No... whose is?  But... I'm perfectly happy with my life!

Interesting little fact my dentist told me.... Redheads have teeth that are a little more yellow than others.  Fascinating, right?  Not if you're a redhead, like me.  I've always wanted a beautiful dazzling white smile, but sadly genetics did not bless me with that trait.  Here comes Rembrandt and Reach to the rescue! (insert trumpet sounds here!)

I was generously offered products from Rembrandt and Reach to test and review... I know... how lucky, right?!  So review them, I did!

Did you know that Harlequin published books other than romance?  I didn't either.... but they do!  Harlequin very generously sent me two books to review and I really enjoyed both of them!

The first book is called A Homemade Christmas.  I love Christmas and all the it enbodies!  I love the spirit of giving and all the joy this season brings.  But, at times it can be overwhelming and expensive.  This book helps.  It has great ideas on how to make your Christmas more frugal and a little more earth-friendly.  I love the idea of gifts from the heart made with your own hands.

Author Tina Barseghian offers easy-to-follow how-tos for Christmas projects, delicious recipes, and tips to make this Christmas your most memorable yet.  The thing I enjoyed most about this book is it is divided into sections and is easy to read.  You don't have to do it in one sitting.  You can skip to the section you're most interested in and find some great ideas.  Though, I have to warn you... you'll get sucked into the book and find yourself perusing all the sections!  It's a great book, and I definitely recommend it!

This book touched my heart and really spoke to me.  Some of you know that we have two dogs that we rescued.  Though I would debate on who rescued who.  Last night I curled up in the big chair in our bedroom with this book.  As I was re-reading some of the stories in it, I heard our dogs outside.  Since it is finally cooling down at night, I had the bedroom window opened.  My dogs will come and lay just outside the window whenever I'm in the room.  They just like to be nearby, watching, and loving.  Our dogs love to be outside so it's the best of both worlds for them.  Outside in the cool air, but still near their "people".    As I read the stories in this wonderful book, it evoked memories of our wonderful dogs.  They are such a part of our lives, and a part of our family!  I swear my son has three mothers, me... and our two dogs!

The Dog Who Healed A  Family and Other True Animal Stories That Warm the Heart and Touch the Soul is filled with stores about not-so-ordinary household pets.  Like the German shepherd adopted by a teenager with terminal cancer who outlives the boy and becomes a "Good Shepherd" for many other children suffering chronic and life-threatening diseases.  There's the miniature pig named Pigger who helped its' owner conquer agoraphobia  (a fear of open spaces and crowds) and touch many other lives.

Be warned.... if you're a softy like me, this book will have you in tears.  Tears of warmth, and love, and gratitude not only for the animals in the book, but for the animals in my life.  Even that dang mutant goldfish swimming around in the big tank in the family room (that's a story for another day)!

Thanks Harlequin for these wonderful books.  A big "thumbs up" for both!
Now, everyone... get busy reading!

Disclosure:  Harlequin provided this books free of charge for the purpose of a review.  The opinions expressed are all my own and free of charge!

I love to cook!  I love to bake!  I love this time of year, especially because I can bake all those yummy things associated with the upcoming holidays!  (okay, I admit it, I don't like to clean up afterward though.  I'd rather just bake with abandon, then walk away!)

Crisco sent me this cool package with these cool products included!  Oh yes, it put me in a baking frenzy!




I'm embarrassed to say, I didn't know that Crisco had a baking spray.  I've always used the "other" brand in the past but I have a new favorite.  Crisco oil and shortening have always been my go-to when I'm baking.   Their quality is always consistent and always great.  Now I can add their Olive Oil baking spray to the list.

My sweet hubby made some homemade seasoned oven bake fries using the olive oil cooking spray.  He cut the potatoes into lengths, sprayed them with the olive oil and then seasoned them and popped them in the oven.  I would have included a picture of the yumminess but they didn't last long enough!

Did you know that Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk comes in a low fat version also? Me neither!  (and I call myself a baker, sheesh!)  They have the best recipe on the back of the can using the low fat version.  I am so there!

Perfect Pumpkin Pie

Doesn't that sound yummy?  If you have a moment go to their websites, either Eagle Brand or Crisco .  They have some wonderful recipes on their, plus some really cool contests!  If you are one of those amazing cooks that creates their own recipes, please check out Eagle Brand, there is a prize worth $10,000 for the winning recipe.  Check it out!


Well, I'm off to do some more drooling... uh, I mean browsing the recipes and deciding what to bake next!

Disclosure:  I was generously provided these products for the purpose of a review.  The opinions expressed are free of charge, and all my own!

Let me start with.... WOW!  I love this product!  I was generously given a Soda Stream and lots and lots of flavors to try and again... WOW!


We have had so much fun with our Soda Stream!  It felt like Christmas when we opened our package!  So many fun favors!  We got right to work making soda...

Soda Stream makes soda with water right out of your tap!  You just add some fizz (from the carbonator that Soda Stream provides) and some flavor and voila! delicious soda!  They have over 25 flavors to try including sparkling water flavors!

The thing that I love is that we now have soda readily on hand and for a lot less! After your initial purchase of a home soda maker package, you'll enjoy seltzer and sparkling water in reusable 1-liter PET bottle for just $.20 per liter and flavored sodas for about $.25 per can.

Now here's the thing I really love.  There is only an average of 9 carbs per serving compared to about 27 carbs per serving of regular soda.  If you count calories it's an average of about  35 calories compared to an average of 100 for store bought soda.

So it's less expensive and healthier, how does it taste?  Wonderful!  Every flavor we've tried has been amazing!  I love that it doesn't take electricity or batteries so it's very portable.  It is very easy to use also.  A couple helpful hints though...

Make sure you only fill the bottle to the fill line or you might have a bit of a mess.  Also, we discovered the hard way that you need to tilt the bottle a little when you add the flavoring or it might fizz over the top!

The carbonator bottles last a long time and they are refillable by either the Soda Stream exchange program online, or to a retail store that handles the exchanges.  I discovered the Kohl's right down the road from me can do this for me!

I highly recommend this product!  It really has been a wonderful thing to have.  It is quite a treat for my kids (and for me too) to make my own soda!  My personal favorite is Diet Pink Grapefruit, or maybe Coke Zero, or maybe Diet Lemon Lime, or Apple Mango or.... okay, I love them all!  My kids' favorite is definitely the Rootbeer followed by the Orange.  Though they haven't found a flavor they don't like.  I like the Sparkling Water flavors because now Matthew will drink water whereas before... not so much.

Thank you Soda Stream for this amazing opportunity to review this product!  I am a believer!  Now, if you'll excuse me it's off to make some soda!

Disclosure Policy:  Soda Stream generously sent me this product to review.  The opinions expressed are all my own and free of charge!

I have been having such a good time reviewing all these fun products and expressing my opinion!  (Who me?  Express an opinion?)   Ü  Well, here comes another one!

I had the opportunity to review Shampowder!.  What is Shampowder, you ask?  Do you ever have one of those days where you barely have time to throw some clothes on, let alone wash and style your hair.  (I have those days fairly frequently!)  Shampowder is a product that you can apply to your hair to help hide the fact that your hair isn't fabulously fresh.


Here's what the website says:
"Shampowder is the original pigmented dry shampoo with an all-in-one applicator. Shampowder hair powder allows you to have freedom between washings and will revive, volumize and deodorize your hair. By absorbing the oils that weigh down unwashed hair - lifeless hair is transformed into full, more manageable hair while the pigmented powder blends seamlessly, disguising the fact that you skipped a washing. The lightly vanilla scented powder comes in THREE shades and blends beautifully into an array of brunette, red, blonde, black and grey hair colors. This is the first hair powder with an attached brush applicator, so it's not messy when applied. To apply, dab - dab - dab the specially designed all-in-one applicator brush to generously apply powder directly to your hairline and scalp. Shampowder is perfectly purse-sized for women on the go and the handy all-in-one applicator is compact enough to drop into your handbag or travel bag."

Shampowder has been featured on The Today Show, has been highlighted in Shape Magazine, Us Weekly, InTouch Weekly, OK Weekly, InStyle Beauty Germany, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Page Six (NY Post), Teen Magazine, The Knot Magazine, Pregnancy & Newborn and All You Magazine.  CSI Miami uses Shampowder to refresh hair between takes in the sweltering Miami sun. Daily Candy picked Shampowder to be on their, “Great Gifts Finds for 2008”. Women are quickly catching-on to the benefits of Shampowder."


Here's what I say:  When the package arrived, it had clear instructions on how to open the applicator, removed the seal and start to apply.  Sadly, I struggled with getting the seal off.  I was afraid to twist the applicator too hard and break it.  (Yes, I've broken things before!)  I finally got the seal off and started dabbing my unwashed hair.  I will say that I love the smell of this stuff!  It smells wonderful!  I wasn't sure how much to use, so the first time I used it, it only made a little difference.  Though, my hair still looked better.

The next time I used it, I used more and this time it did help my hair look much better.  Now, does it look like freshly washed hair?  No.  Does it look better after using it? Absolutely!  My hair didn't look as greasy, and it definitely had more volume after I applied it.  The thing that I really liked is, you couldn't see it in my hair.  It blended in perfectly.  Plus, there was no mess!  Easy application and no mess, a great combination!  So, would I buy this?  Yes, I think it's a great product to have on hand for "those" days!  Plus, it smells fantastic!

Nice job, Shampowder!  Thumbs up!

Decadent doesn't begin to describe these!  I am officially in love with Duncan Hines, I admit it freely!

I had the wonderful opportunity to review Duncan Hines new line of Decadent Cake Mixes and Glazes.  I got to try the Triple Chocolate Decadent Cake Mix (are you drooling yet?), the Apple Caramel Decadent Cake Mix (yes, it is as good as it sounds), and both glazes, Chocolate and Vanilla.

We opened the box and right away my daughter begged to make the cake.  She is actually turning into a wonderful cook, so I let her help.  We started with the Triple Chocolate Cake Mix (of course!).


Ha-ha!  You didn't think I'd post this on here, did you?  My sweet daughter doing a little Vanna White impression!



This cake mix is incredible!  I was in chocolate heaven!  I can honestly say this is better than any cake mix I've used before.  It really is decadent.  There are real chocolate chunks and rich fudge in a separate pouch that you mix into the cake mix.  (Okay, now I know you're drooling!)  After it came out of the oven, we drizzled the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake.  The glazes are really easy to use.  You pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, shake it to mix it up, then pour over your creation!  Speaking of which.... here's ours:



Here were some of the family's reactions:  My hubby said:  "Honey, I love you!" (said with his mouth full of chocolatey goodness).  My son:  "Mom, can I have some more?  This is great!"  My daughter gave me two thumbs up since she couldn't talk with her mouth full!

A few days later I made the Apple Caramel Decadent Cake.  While it's not chocolate, this thing is delicious!  I loved that there were delicious pockets of apples and caramel.  So good!  I'm sorry there's not a picture of this one, but it disappeared too quickly!  My son didn't even wait for the glaze.  He was snitching it before it was even out of the pan!  Our home smelled amazing while it was cooking!  Helpful hint:  If you're selling your home, bake the Apple Caramel Decadent Cake right before someone comes to see it.  The smell is incredible!

I love these new mixes and glazes!  They will definitely be my "go-to" mixes now!  Way to go Duncan Hines!  Now excuse me while I have another piece of cake!

Disclosure:  I was provided with the above products for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own, and free of charge!