My husband is the ultimate BBQ'er.  I mean it, he is really good at it!  I love the creations that come off that BBQ (and to tell you the truth, I really like that he's doing the cooking sometimes, not me!)  So when I told him I got to do a review for Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce, he was pretty excited too!





Let me begin with... this stuff is really good!  My hubby used it on some chicken he BBQ'ed and it was delicious!  Now don't think this is regular BBQ sauce, it's not even BBQ sauce.  I don't know what I can compare it to, it has a very unique and delicious taste!

I've since used it on hamburgers, pork chops (that was especially yummy!) and used it in some chili I made!  It is really versatile.  Great... now I'm hungry again!

There are some great recipes on Country Bob's website.

 Country Bob's has lots of cool sauces including Spicy, Apple Chipotle, Honey Habanero, BBQ Sauce, and Seasoning Salt!


Now, here's my sadness... the closest store to me is over an hour away.  But there's a solution for that!  I can shop online and get this great stuff! 

So, is your mouth watering yet?  Well, I have a solution!  Country Bob's has generously offered two of my readers the opportunity to win two coupons for Country Bob's Sauce!  How cool is that!?

Please leave me a comment telling me how you might use Country Bob's sauce.  How easy is that?  Please include your email in the comment if it's not visible in your profile (jane smith at yahoo dot com)

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Contest ends Wednesday, March 2, 2011.  Two winners will be randomly chosen from all correct entries.  Winners will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This contest is open to residents of the US, ages 18 and over.  Prize will be shipped directly from the sponsor.

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

Contest is closed and winners have been notified!  Thanks to all you wonderful readers!

Parenting my son is... let's call it an adventure.  It is never dull, and needs all my attention, knowledge, wisdom, and sense of humor that I possess.  Let me share a glimpse....

We're are driving in the car and my daughter is applying mascara using the car mirror.  My son says, "Don't you have any common sense?  You shouldn't put on makeup in the car."  (He has a point, I myself have had a mascara mishap in the past while driving in the car.)  While my daughter is bristling at his comment, he turns his attention to the other passenger in the car, one of my daughter's friends.  He starts to tell her the ending of a movie that she hasn't seen yet.

Of course, my daughter jumps right in with "Don't you have any common sense?  You don't tell the ending of the movie to people!"  To which my son replies, "Of course I have common sense.  I just choose not to use it sometimes."  Truer words were never spoken!

Most of us have been blessed with a healthy dose of common sense.  Yet, we've met a lot of people in our lives that choose not to use it.  Yes, I've even been one of those people in my younger years.  (Okay, I admit it, there have been a few times lately too!)  Common sense tells you to go the speed limit.  Common sense tells you not to stick your hand in a dark hole, there might be something lurking in there.  Common sense tells you to stop, take a breath, and count to ten before you reply back to a stinging comment.

How much better would this old world be if we just chose to use our common sense more often.  Thanks, son for that bit of wisdom.  Now, please stop edging closer and closer to that mud puddle.  Common sense says.... sigh.... too late!

I know Valentine's Day is over, and we're all sated on chocolate, but what about showing some love to those amazing pets?  You know, those loyal animals that stand by you through thick and thin?  We have two rescue dogs that have been a part of our family for the past 9 years.  We love our dogs!   So, of course they need some lovin' too!  Enter PetAg...

 I received this generous package of products from PetAg.  Woo hoo, treats for the dogs!  The first thing we tried were the Rawhide chews.  My dogs loved them!  Every time I peaked out the dogs were chewing away with a satisfied look on their faces!

What's different with these Rawhide chews are they are marinaded with a patented process that allows the hide to absorb the flavor into the core of the chew, so that the flavor lasts as long as the chew.  They are also made with layers of Rawhide so they last longer than the average chew.

We also tried the Dog Slim treats.  While my dogs are not overweight they still loved the snack bites.  I liked that they are low-calorie, and low-fat!  All my dogs cared about it how good they tasted.  Their favorite was the Fruit and Veggie bites. (who knew?)

PetAg is available at PetSmart and Petco in my neck of the woods.  You can check here and find out where you can purchase them.  PetAg isn't just for dogs... they carry products for horses, cats, reptiles, small animals, exotics, and wildlife, and more!  Go check them out!

So yes, Valentine's Day is over but that doesn't mean you can't show some love to your pets!  Go ahead... they deserve it!

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

Like many of you, I renewed my commitment to eat healthier and exercise this New Year... oh yea, and lose weight, definitely lose weight!  I pulled out my sneakers and have been walking much more.  Though, my feet would always be sore afterwards.  I thought my shoes must be wearing out.  Enter Ortholite!

I was generously given a pair of Ortholite Insoles to review.  So I followed the instructions and pulled out my old insoles on my tennis shoes, used them as a template to cut down the new Ortholite Insoles (very easy to do, by the way... I used my kitchen shears) and placed them inside my shoes.

My shoes immediately felt better!  More cushiony (is that a word?)  Now for the real test... out to exercise.  I could immediately tell a difference.  My feet felt supported while I walked.  When I was done I noticed that my feet didn't ache... wahoo!  They also seemed to be drier when I was finished.  Ortholite also states that it helps with odor control, but I haven't noticed my shoes being particularly stinky.  Maybe I just haven't noticed... I'll have to check with my hubby!  Maybe he's secretly rejoicing that I'm using the Ortholite insoles!

Here's what Ortholite says:

• Breathable for a cooler foot – OrthoLite insoles are made with open-cell foam, allowing air to circulate around the foot, keeping your foot cooler inside the shoe.
• Moisture management – The unique open cell structure of OrthoLite also creates a moisture management system inside the shoe by moving moisture away from the foot leaving foot drier. When the foot is removed from the shoe any remaining moisture dries very quickly due to the airflow allowed by the open cell network in the foam.
• Long term cushioning – Our unique spring-back technology means your insole will retain over 95% of its thickness over time and won’t flatten out.
• Anti-microbial agents – OrthoLite contains a patented anti-microbial formulation to fight fungus, bacteria, and odor in the shoe. The EPA/FDA approved anti-microbial is added during formulation so that it is linked to the foam and will not wear off over time.
• Lightweight – OrthoLite is extremely lightweight providing optimum performance without adding weight to the shoe.
• Recycled rubber content – OrthoLite foam contains recycled rubber powder which allows everyone to do their share in helping our environment.
• Washable – Just throw your dirty insoles in your washing machine and they come out like new.
• Level Field Fund – We actively support our U.S. athletes. Please click here to learn more about the Level Field Fund.
• OrthoLite supports the sports – We are also the only insole sponsor of the American Trail Running Association.
• Comfort guarantee – OrthoLite prides itself on comfort. If you don’t notice an immediate difference between your new OrthoLite insole and the one you replaced, you will receive a full refund.

You may not have heard of Ortholite, but every year they are placed in over 100 million pairs of athletic and outdoor shoes.  Brands like Nike, Avia, New Balance, Adidas, Vans, Rockport,Ryka... to name just a few!

To sum up, I love my Ortholites!  My daughter tried to snag them for herself, but (hee-hee-hee) they are trimmed to fit my shoes!  I guess it's time to be a good mom and get her a set!  Thanks, Ortholite!

Disclosure:  I received a pair of Ortholite Insoles for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

Most of you know that my sweet son has special needs.  He has Sensory Processing Disorder which in many ways is similar to Autism.  He is an amazing boy, and it is quite an adventure parenting him!  When Laura Shumaker, the author of "A Regular Guy:  Growing Up With Autism" offered me the chance to review her book, you know I jumped at the chance!

From Laura's website www.laurashumaker.com , "This is not a book about a young man with a disability, but rather a story of love, adaptation, and acceptance." 

I loved this book, and identified with so many of the things the author and her family experienced.  The author takes you on the journey  from the birth of her son, the struggle of knowing something isn't right and trying to find a diagnosis, to raising a child with Autism.  She artfully shares how raising a child with special needs impacts the whole family.

What I loved about this book, is Laura didn't hold back.  She shared with us the overwhelming emotions that come with raising a child who's not a "regular guy".  The book brought me to tears at times as I knew exactly what she was feeling because I'd experienced it myself.  I understand the constant supervision, and the apologies and explanations, those "looks" from people that just don't understand, and even the feelings of isolation.

One of my favorite parts of the book is reading about the interaction of her sons.  All her sons love one another, and even though it was difficult (there's an understatement) having a brother with Autism, that love never failed.  I watch my daughter interact with my son and they have an incredible bond.  Now I'm not saying they don't know just how to push each other's buttons, and go around constantly pushing them... but I know my daughter is growing into a mature, loving, compassionate young lady because she has a brother with special needs.  She is one of his biggest allies and fiercest protectors.

I highly recommend this book.  It gives you a glimpse into the lives of families that grow up with Autism.  It would be a wonderful resource for anyone who is touched by Autism, or anyone with special needs, through schools, or church, or community.  I believe it will help you understand and be more understanding.

Thanks Laura for sharing your experiences and your wonderful son with us!  Now, if you'll excuse me... my son wants to talk about fighter planes... again.

Beauty is essential for the soul!  Everyone needs a little beauty in their lives.  Along those lines, I'm a firm believer that every woman needs to receive flowers at least once in their life.  When my hubby and I were dating, he brought me a single red rose.  He was handsomely rewarded!  He earned big time points for that romantic gesture.

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching.  I don't feel like it's just for couples anymore, I think it's a day to let those we love know we... well... we love them!  It's for moms and dads, kids, families, friends, neighbors to share the love!  My mom always made us heart-shaped sugar cookies with pink frosting on them, every Valentine's Day.  She still does!  What a wonderful memory!

For those of you who want to share the love the traditional way, let me tell you about Rosesource.com  They ship roses and other flowers directly to your door from their South American Rose farms, flowers that are on average 7-10 days fresher than any other flowers you can purchase in your local market.  Did I mention that their shipping is free?  Ah, you're intrigued, aren't you?

My flowers arrived in a big red box.  I was so excited to open it, and felt like quite the princess carrying it inside!  I paused a little for effect, just in case any neighbors were watching!
Here's what greeted me when I opened the box!  I could hardly wait to get all the wrapping and packing stuff off!
Then I set to work, clipping off the end of the stems (so the roses could drink) and arranging them in a vase.  Please note, as you can tell by the following pictures I am so NOT a flower arranger.  Yet, somehow that didn't matter because the roses themselves are so beautiful!





These are a beautiful bi-color rose! The picture does not do them justice.  The colors are bright and absolutely gorgeous!  There are two dozen of these beauties!  But wait.... there's more!



I got two dozen of these beautiful white roses also.  Yes, you heard right... I got four dozen roses.  Yes, I'm still a little light-headed from the thought of having four dozen roses in my home at one time!  Here's a close-up of the white ones so you can see the quality of the roses.



This is how they looked right out of the box!  You can imagine how gorgeous they are going to be as they finish opening!

My daughter came home from school, stopped short as soon as she saw the roses, gasped, and said, "Mom, who sent you all the roses?  Wow, someone sure likes you!  Was it Dad?"  I let her play the guessing game for awhile until I told her I got to review them!  She kept trying to take them to her room, but nope, they need to stay out where everyone can enjoy them!

Rosesoure.com has roses, rose petals, and even flowers for your wedding.  But don't delay, get those orders in now... after all, they need time to ship them!  I still can't believe I have four dozen roses in my home!  I stop and smell them all the time and love looking at them!   Okay, it's time to start dropping those hints!  These roses are stunning!

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

Cheeky Monkey... it's fun to say!  And fun to wear!  Tshirt printing sent me this cute Cheeky Monkey T-shirt to review!  It's a hit because it was very quickly confiscated by my daughter, and now SHE has a cheeky monkey T.   Hmph, I say!


The shirt was a very nice quality t-shirt and the printing was very well done!  We've washed the shirt several times and the monkey still looks just as cheeky, and the t-shirt has maintained its' shape, no shrinkage either!

If you're looking for a place for quality t-shirts with your custom info on it, please check out www.tshirtprinting.net  They print on t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, work wear, you name it!
My daughter would love this!  Maybe I'll get her this, so I can get my cheeky monkey t-shirt back!

 Wow.... I'll say it again... Wow!

I've had the amazing opportunity to review the ageLOC Transformation System from Nu Skin.  I love this stuff!
What is it, you ask?  Well, sit back and let me tell you!

The ageLOC Transformation System is a set of anti-aging products. This daily skin care system has been clinically tested to transform skin to a more youthful appearance after just seven days.  The results of this testing showed "100% of subjects showed improvements in signs of aging in only seven days.  Also, 100% of subjects showed an improvement in overall appearance, including fine lines, skin smoothness and radiance as determined by a clinical grade after 12 weeks of use."

Benefits include:
   Youthful Skin structure
   Smooth skin texture
   Even skin tone
   Reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles
   Radiant skin
   Reduced appearance of pore size
   Reduced skin discoloration
   Hydrated skin

The ageLOC Transformation System includes, ageLOC Gentle Cleanse and Tone, ageLOC Future Serum, ageLOC Radiant Day SPF22, and ageLOC Transforming Night.

Here's my experience... let me just start by fessing up and saying sometimes I'm a little lazy about my skin care routine.  Okay... sometimes a lot lazy!  Since I started using this system I haven't missed a day.  It feels too good.  I use the cleanser first thing in the morning.  It feels so soft and refreshing on my skin.  Then I use the Future Serum.  Wow...  I love this stuff.  My skin feels heavenly after this step.  But wait, there's more.  Then I apply the Radiant Day and yes, my skin feels even more hydrated and soft.  I almost don't want to put makeup on over this because my skin feels so wonderful.

I follow the same routine at night except I replace the Radiant Day with the Transforming Night.  I know this makes absolutely no sense, but all of me feels softer and more feminine after I'm finished.  I feel pampered!  The whole process on takes a few minutes and it is so worth it. My skin feels luxurious!  How fun, I get to even use the word, "luxurious"!

Did I see results in seven days?  Absolutely!  My skin tone looks more even, and those pesky fine lines aren't as noticeable.  My skin is much softer (as I'm typing this I keep reaching up and touching the skin on my face!)

Now here's the ultimate test.  My son has special needs and every night he will come and sit next to me and snuggle in before he heads to bed.  Every night he will reach up and stroke my hair because it's soft and he likes the sensory input.  Until last week.  Now my sweet boy reaches up and strokes my cheek.  Does that tell you how much better my skin feels?

Well, I hope you're sitting down.... because NuSkin has generously offered one of you amazing readers your own ageLOC Transformation System!  Yes, it really is true!  (try to remain calm, take slow, deep breaths!)


Visit Nu Skin and tell me another product you would like to try.Please leave your email in your comment if it is not visible in your profile.  (jane doe at gmail dot com)

Extra Entries:
leave a separate comment for each extra entry

Follow my blog publicly on GFC
Visit NuSkin and tell me something you learned about them or their products.
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Contest ends Tuesday, February 8, 2011.  A winner will be randomly chosen from all correct entries.  Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This contest is open to residents of the US and Canada, ages 18 and over.  Prize will be shipped directly from the sponsor.

Disclosure:  Nuskin generously provided me with the product for the purpose of a review and is sponsoring the giveaway.  The opinions expressed are all my own and free of charge!