Tis the season for great family movies!  Let me tell you about Norm of the North!



Sounds fun, doesn't it!  I'm excited to see it with my family!  I'm also really excited to offer you, my readers a chance to win a family four pack of tickets to see it!  If you're located locally (greater Phoenix area) I have the opportunity to give away 4, count 'em 4, family 4 packs of tickets to a movie screening on Saturday, January 9th at Harkins Tempe Marketplace!  I know, right!!

Just enter on the rafflecopter form below, but do it quickly!  This contest is over January 4th, 2016.

I'll see you there!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I was provided the opportunity to give away these tickets.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

I love Star Wars!  I can even tolerate Jar Jar Binks.  So when I was offered the opportunity to see Star Wars The Force Awakens, well I was all kinds of excited!

There has been so much hype and all kinds of products bearing Star Wars logos  that I was a bit dubious it would live up to all the press. Well, it did.... in a BIG way!



Oh..... My..... Gosh!!  What a movie!

Do you remember the first time you saw the original Star Wars?  The excitement, the wonder, the sense of discovering something entirely new?  That's exactly what this movie did for me all over again!  The minute the movie started with the familiar Star Wars logo and that amazing music by John Williams, I was swept away!  It's a brand new movie, but it manages to evoke all those emotions we experienced with the first Star Wars movie.

I usually do a quick synopsis of a movie when I review it, but not this one.  I don't want anything to spoil it for you.  There are amazing revelations, we get to see our old friends again, and make new ones! The battles are epic, the light sabers are completely cool, the villains are... well, pretty villainess. 

I was on the edge of my seat during the battles!  I laughed, I gasped out loud at times, I even shed a few tears.  I felt like I'd been on an adventure when the movie was over.  I almost didn't want to leave the theater... I didn't want the experience to end.

It is a long movie, over two hours, but the time passed so quickly.  I really was swept away in all the magic that is Star Wars!  I'm going back tomorrow and taking my family with me!  I'm excited for them to see it, and I'm really excited to see it again! 

 May the Force Be With You!

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to see this movie for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

Shadow Wolf... right away the title of this book draws me in!  It's capturing your attention too, isn't it?

So what is this book about?

From the book cover:

Elite tracker Kino Cosen is hunting for the drug lord who murdered his father. After a decade of searching, he's finally got the Viper in his sight—until a woman gets in the way. Now Kino has a new lead. Aid worker Lea Atlaha has seen the Viper face-to-face…and lived. 

But now Lea's a target. And while Kino thinks he's protecting her because she can help him get justice for his father, he soon realizes that she's not just another witness. As the Viper moves in for the kill, Kino has to choose between his need for vengeance, the traditions of his tribe and the woman he has grown to love.

Sounds good, doesn't it?  Well, I agree!  This book does not disappoint.  I'm an avid reader of mysteries and suspense and this book by author Jenna Kernan held my attention the whole time.  I loved reading a book set in my own backyard (southern Arizona) and loved learning about the Shadow Wolves and the Apache Tribe.  The suspense kept me turning the pages and I liked the interaction between Lea and Kino.

There is a subplot about a younger sister that Kino and his brothers thought was dead, but recently discovered she was alive.  I'm excited to read the rest of the series to find out where this part of the story goes. 

A big thumbs up to Jenna Kernan for a great romantic suspense novel!  I'm really excited to read the next novel, Hunter Moon. 

Disclosure:  I received this book for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all mine and free of charge. Ü

If you know me at all, you know I'm a fan of all things Disney!  Disney seems to sprinkle that old Disney magic on everything they touch.  So, when my son and I had the opportunity to see The Good Dinosaur I was expecting something... well... magical.  I was not disappointed!



So what is the movie about?

From Disney:


From the opening scene I was blown away.  Even something as stark as some meteors floating in space was done amazingly.  It felt real.  This movie is visually stunning!  The landscapes looked so realistic, and each one looked like a masterpiece.  Even without the story line, I was mesmerized by the scenery.

Speaking of the storyline, it was nothing like I expected.  It's a story about dinosaurs with a decidedly western feel.  I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that I got a big kick how they depicted the dinosaurs and the humans.  The story of Arlo and his journey tugged at a lot of emotions for me.  It was funny, sad, tragic, heroic. I seemed to be right there with Arlo as he learned so much about life, and about himself.  Even my son was enthralled.  We had an amazing chat on the way home about the things that Arlo learned.

I highly recommend The Good Dinosaur!  If you get the chance go see it in 3D, go for it!  Wow!  I'm definitely taking the rest of the family to see this movie!  Thanks Disney, it was truly magical!

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to see this movie for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all mine and free of charge!

Once September hits, we Arizonans start emerging from our air-conditioned caves , I mean homes and start thinking about all things fall!  For me, that includes one of my favorite holidays, Halloween!

My family are big Scooby Doo fans, so when I asked my son what he wanted to be for Halloween.. well, you guessed it!  So I went to Costume SuperCenter and searched around, and look what I found!  Yep, our friend Shaggy!

So, I ordered it and waited eagerly for it to get here!  It came very quickly and when I showed my son the package the first thing he said was "Zoinks!"  Funny kid!

So, we opened the package and my son tried it on!  It's a great costume!  I loved the shirt and pants, but my favorite was the little scraggly soul patch beard that was included!  Okay, I may need to take more time to style the wig, but it's a start!

Well, now the Scooby Doo theme has grown!  I think it will be a family themed costume year!  My daughter wants to be Daphne, I guess I'll be Velma, and of course, my husband will be Scooby Doo!  So, it's back to Costume SuperCenter.  If you're interested, you can follow them here.  They have so many great costumes, it's really hard to pick just one!

Hurry up Halloween and get here!  Now, if you'll excuse me I'm off to make some pumpkin bread!  Zoinks!

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

This is a little bit of a different school year for me. I'm still making school lunches every school day, but now only one.  My daughter is off to college.  Doesn't mean I don't think about what she's eating, just means I'm not the one in charge any more.

So, in my son's lunch I like to pack healthy, yet yummy snacks!  Enter ThinAddictives!  I love these things!

What are they, you ask? 

  They are easy to take on-the go crunchy almond thin cookies! They are  made with real, wholesome ingredients and come in  a variety of flavors, including Pistachio, Cranberry and Cinnamon Raisin.  They average around a 100-calories or less and are made with real ingredients, including fruit and California almonds. They are low-fat, low-carb and contain 3 grams of protein per serving.

How do they taste, you ask?  I think they are delicious!  They are just the right amount of crunchy and sweet.  I've tried several flavors, and my favorites are Cranberry.  Unless I'm eating Cinnamon Raisin, then that's my favorite.  But wait... if I'm eating Pistachio, that's my favorite.  I just can't decide.

These are great to put in my son's lunches!  There's just one problem... I keep eating them!  So I solved it, a box for him, a box of me!

So, what about my daughter at college, you ask?  Well, let's just say a nice big stash of ThinAddictives went to college with her!  Just because she's off to college and on her own, doesn't mean she still isn't my little girl! 

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

Yes, there is really a super hero named Ant-Man.  I didn't know that until I started seeing some trailers for the new Ant-Man movie.  I know some of you die-hard comic book lovers are shocked at my lack of Ant-Man knowledge. 

So, when I was offered the chance to see Ant-Man, well, I didn't know what I was getting myself into.  Sure, Marvel does a great job with the movies, and sure, I love all the Avengers movies, and sure, it was a chance to see Paul Rudd... so, I wasn't too worried.  But I had no expectations going in.

I can now proudly announce that I am a huge Ant-Man fan!  Okay, maybe I shouldn't use the word "huge" when referring to Ant-Man.  Sorry, little guy! 

What is it about, you ask?




I loved every minute of this movie!  Well, except when Scott Lang, aka Paul Rudd got punched in his handsome face... but I digress.  I loved the story development, I loved the journey Scott Lang took to discover his "inner hero". Add in great action sequences and you've got yourself a great movie.  Plus, this show was funny!  Really funny!  I loved when Scott Lang was trying to learn how to control the ants, very funny stuff (and a little creepy-crawly too!)

Evangeline Lilly and Michael Douglas were great and Corey Stoll was a great bad guy! I especially loved Ant-Man's human side-kicks! 

Go see Ant-Man!  I think you'll really like it, and maybe even get a new appreciation for ants.  Oh yeah, and don't forget to stay through the ending credits.  There are two surprises!

I got to see this in 3D IMAX and wow!  Wow!  let me say it again... Wow!  If you get a chance, I highly recommend seeing this in 3D.  It was incredible!

I believe I will be taking all my family to see Ant-Man this weekend!  It opens today, July 17th in theaters nationwide.  Have fun!

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to see this movie for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

I love movies!  I especially love fun, funny, family-friendly movies!  Shaun the Sheep seems to be all of those wrapped up in one big fluffy ball of awesome!

Shaun the Sheep is from the same guys that brought you Wallace and Grommit, and Chicken Run.  It's about a sheep named Shaun. 

So, like everyone, I'm busy.  Very busy!  We all are.  I seem to be running out the door, usually without time to grab something to eat, or a snack for on the road.  Then, when I'm hungry I reach for something not so healthy.  Several of my friends are very gluten sensitive so it's especially hard for them to find a healthy snack.

Well, let me tell you about Nogii!  They are high protein, gluten free bars.  They are a nice balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates and do not contain high fructose corn syrup, trans fats or hydrogenated oils.  Now, to the question you are asking.... how do they taste?

I like them!  The Nogii bar comes in several different varieties, including the high protein bar, the paleo bar, the super protein bar, and my personal favorite, protein d'lites (bite sized delites of high protein deliciousness)!  The flavors are great, chocolate mint, peanut butter and chocolate, chocolate coconut, and chocolate brownie.  If chocolate's not your thing try the paleo bars that are filled with berry and nut goodness!  The bars are a great mix of crunchy, chewy.  They are substantial so I feel full after I've had one.  They also feel like I've indulged myself, the taste is great! 

I really am a fan!  I keep a nogii bar in my purse at all times.  My daughter loves them too!  She uses them after she exercises to refuel!  My whole family likes these and our stock of them dwindles quickly!  I'm even prone to hide the D'lites!  I love those little guys!

You can learn more on the website nogii.com , or check them out on facebook,  and twitter.

Nogii is running a sweepstakes right now where you can win a trip to New York City to meet and have lunch with Elisabeth Hasselbeck.  Just visit facebook (you can from the link above) and enter the contest there. Hurry though, the contest ends July 31st, 2015.

Now, if you'll excuse me I need to go buy more D'lites.  I don't know WHO keeps eating them!

Disclosure:  I received this product free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog.  My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

If you've read my blog before, you know I'm a fan of THINaddictives!  I always have some on hand!  My personal favorite WAS Cranberry Almond Thins.  Mango Coconut Almond Thins has now replaced Cranberry Almond Thins.


So what are these delectable treats, you ask?  Let me tell you! They are delicious, thin, lightly sweet, crunchy Thins.  (They call them, Thins, I call them cookies!)  Here's the best part, they are low carb!

They come in convenient portion-packs averaging 100-calories or less. They are low-fat, low-carb and contain 3g of protein/per serving – helping keep hunger away between meals.

I think they are just the right amount of sweet and crunchy!  I always keep a box on my desk as I'm working.  It helps with my between-meal munchies and I don't feel guilty eating them!  My favorite has Mango, Coconut and Almonds, yum!   If Mango Coconut Almond isn't for you, try Nonni's other flavors, Cranberry Almond, Cinnamon Raisin Almond, Pistachio Almond, Blueberry Oat Almond, and Banana Dark Chocolate Almond! 

In celebration of the new flavor, Nonni’s THINaddictives will host a “Summer Giveaway” beginning June 1 on Facebook. 50 winners will be selected to receive a free box of the new Mango Coconut THINaddictives. Fans can also download a $1 off coupon of a box of THINaddictives on Facebook by selecting the  coupon tab.

You know I love giveaways, so how about one of you lucky readers can win your own box of Mango Coconut THINaddictives!  Woo Hoo!  Just enter on the form below!

Thanks THINaddictives, you've done it again!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I received the product and the opportunity to host a giveaway for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

Have you ever heard someone talk about the voices in their head?  Well, Disney explains it with their new movie Inside Out!  Don't worry, they are good voices!

My son and I had the opportunity to attend a preview of Inside Out.... Loved it!  I thought it would be cute, Disney does cute very well.  But it was more, I loved the life lessons subtly taught through the movie.

So what is it about, you ask?






Inside Out, grabbed me right off the bat!  I loved meeting all the emotions, Joy was my favorite, (though that really goes with my personality.  I might drive you crazy with my optimism!)  My son loved Anger (yes, my son's go-to emotion is anger).  Now here's the cool thing, my son and I had a great talk after the movie about how losing your temper doesn't end well.  It was a great teaching moment.  I was reminded that sadness is an important part of our emotions also.  It was not only a really great movie to watch... funny, poignant, thoughtful, cute... but also led to some great discussions.  In fact, we talked all the way home about it!

Thanks Disney for another wonderful movie!  Inside Out opens nationwide, June 19th. Go see it, I think you'll really enjoy it!

Disclosure:  I had the opportunity the see the movie for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

Have you heard of Xylitol?  Me neither... until now!  I've had the opportunity to try some great products from Xlear.  What is Xylitol, you ask?  What are these products, you ask?  Let me tell you!

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that has some amazing properties.  The company Xlear has used it in a great line of products that I'd like to tell you about.  I got the opportunity to try them through #MomsMeet.


Let's start with Spry Toothpaste and Spry Oral Rinse.  It has a pleasing peppermint taste, which is really important to me!  I can't brush with something that doesn't taste good.  I also really enjoyed how fresh my mouth felt after using the Oral Rinse.  Now, lets get to the health benefits:  Spry Toothpaste and Oral Rinse's ability to promote better oral health is backed by thousands of clinical studies, and all of the products in the Spry Dental Defense System include Xylitol. In addition to the immediate results, research has shown that effectively using xylitol for as little as a few months may have longer-lasting results that remain for years.  It helps mineral absorption into the enamel of your teeth. 

I also had the chance to try Xlear Nasal Spray.  It has been shown to help stop bacterial adherence in your nasal passages.  I gave it  a super challenge!  I was suffering from a monster cold, couldn't breathe through my nose and my sinuses were so plugged.  I used the Xlear Nasal Spray and it helped so much!  My nose cleared up so I could start to breathe better.  Plus it hydrated my very sore nasal passages.  I am a believer!  It helped me so much!

Now to my favorite part, Spry Gum and Spry Gems.  I love these!  Spry Gems are delicious mints that are sugar free and actually good for you!  Spry Gems are sweetened with 100% xylitol! Spry Gems combine the tooth-protecting properties of xylitol with a tasty, pH-balanced formula to maintain the health of teeth, gums and oral tissues. Xylitol actually promotes oral health and may reduce the risk of tooth decay.  I tried the mint and the cinnamon, both are great but cinnamon is my favorite!  I loved the Spry Gum also!  I tried the Peppermint and it was great!  It kept it's flavor for a long time and I loved that it was good for me!

I really like these products!  You can check them out at xlear.com  Now I have great news for you!  If you'd like to try them out, Xlear is offering a great deal!  You can try the products I tried for only $25, regularly $65!  Just go here and use the code SAVE50 .  But hurry, the deal is only good through June 30th!

I'm so glad I had the chance to try these great products from Xlear!  I'm definitely a new and devoted customer!  Thanks Greenmomsmeet.com!

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

I love scent in my home.... well, let me clarify that..... I love nice scents in my home! 

I have a teenage son, dogs, and a husband who loves bacon, so there are a lot of scents in my home, some not so pleasant.  So when I was offered the chance to review Renuzit Pearl Scents, well, I was thrilled!


First, I love how they look!  They are little jars that have a nice shape.  Inside are little "pearls" that are filled with scent.  You peel off the label and right away you are surrounded by wonderful scents.  I got to try "Sparkling Rain".  It was a pretty green color and I really liked the scent!  I can't say it necessarily smelled like rain, but it was a wonderful clean smell!

They are available in Blue Sky Breeze, Serenity, Sparkling Rain, Tranquil and Seductive Pineapple.  The colors of each scent are gorgeous!

So, I decided to give Renuzit Pearl Scents the ultimate test.  I had company coming and they would be staying in my teenage son's room.  It was clean, but it still had this lingering teenage boy smell.  I put the Renuzit Pearl Scents in his room. Voila!  Problem solved!  His room actually started smelling lovely!  It was very subtle, not overpowering, but it definitely did the job!  I'm a fan, and will be purchasing more Pearl Scents in other aromas!  I think I'm trying Seductive Pineapple next.... who can resist a name like that?!

Wanna try Renuzit Pearl Scents yourself?  They are available at your local retailer OR three of you lucky readers will each win a free product coupon to try it yourself!  Just enter on the form below.

Thanks Renuzit!  You conquered teenage boy smell, and made my home smell lovely!  Now, what do you have in the way of bacon odor eliminators?

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



a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm a big movie fan! Love to go, eat popcorn and escape into the plot for awhile.  When the movie is about the Avengers, I'm skipping to the theater in excitement!  This time I got to go with my teenage son.  He wasn't really thrilled to have his Mom skipping along beside him... so I just walked briskly!

We had the opportunity to see Avengers: Age of Ultron.  It's another installment in the Avengers movies!  What is it about, you ask?

From Marvel Studios:

Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.



So, was it good, you ask?  Oh yeah! 

First, we got to see it not only in 3D but in IMAX 3D.  What an experience!  I highly suggest you spend a few extra pennies and go see it at the IMAX!  Wow!  Again, I say Wow!

The first opening sequence is a major battle as the Avengers attack an outpost of one of the bad guys from Cobra.  It is so action packed, yet still had some very funny lines.  We are also formally introduced to two new bad guys.  They are pretty formidable!  Won't say who, don't want to spoil anything...

Avengers: Age of Ultron had it all, Action, Adventure, Funny, and yes, even some romance.  Can you believe it?  Plus, it's romance where I didn't expect it.  James Spader is the voice of Ultron, and I loved him!  Can't you just hear him waxing philosophical on the extinction of the human race?

The movie is actually about 2 and 1/2 hours long, but I had no idea it had been that long when it was over.  The time flew by! I got to see all my favorite Avengers, and learn some new things about them, plus we got to meet some new Avengers!  How cool is that! 

Avengers:  Age of Ultron did not disappoint!  In fact, we are going to see it again this weekend and take the rest of the family!  I'm so excited! I'll probably be skipping to the theater!

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to see this movie for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

It's no secret that I have a monster sweet tooth!  I love all the sugary goodness!  But all the sugary goodness isn't so good to me.  Insert frowny face and sigh....

Before you go feeling too sad for me, let me tell you that I'd much rather be healthy than munching on sweet stuff.  This is the year I've been re-teaching myself to eat healthier, and bringing my family along with me!

I've been making healthier eating choices and exercising, and seeing some results.  But let's face it, we all have those between meal hungries, or those crazy cravings..... Am I right?

Well, let me tell you about a great new product I've discovered.  It's called SnapFit.  It is a little packet with a big effect!  Snapfit is a drink that is full of fiber, 15 different fibers to be exact.  When mixed with 4 ounces of water, it helps you feel full.  Really!  Some of those fibers help you feel full immediately and some help keep you feeling full. It comes in Strawberry, Peach, and Lemon.  There are 10 grams of fiber, which is the equivalent of 37 stalks of celery.  I don't know about you, but I'd much rather drink a packet of SnapFit than eat 37 stalks of celery... blegh!

So does it work?  Oh, yes!  My first attempt was a bit of a failure.  I decided to not follow directions and added a packet of Strawberry SnapFit to 8 ounces of water and ice.  I thought it would be a refreshing beverage.  Nope.... the fiber immediately got thick and settled on the bottom of my glass.  So I decided to actually follow the instructions and mix it with 4 ounces of water.  I did, then drank it down.  It mixed very nicely and actually tasted great!  And yes, it definitely helped me feel full.

I've been using it for a couple weeks now, once or twice a day.  I even took it with me on a trip to Disneyland to help keep me strong in the face of those delicious Disney Churros.  SnapFit saved the day!  Now, try not to faint, but I actually lost weight on the trip to Disneyland!  I've lost weight, because I'm not tempted to snack.  Snapfit takes care of that.

Want to know more?  Check them out at SnapFit.com .

So, I give SnapFit an enthusiastic thumbs up!  Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to enjoy a Peach Snapfit, my favorite!

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

I'm all about fragrance!  I love body mist, scented shower gels, scented laundry detergent... all the good stuff!  I love burying my face in a towel that's just come out of the dryer, warm and smelling wonderful!

So when Purex came out with a new way to make my laundry smell sweet, well, I was all over that!

Let me tell you about Purex Crystals ScentSplash.  It is an in-wash fragrance booster.  You add it directly to your washer.  It is liquid, and fairly thick so it makes it less likely to spill (yeah, I'm one of those that spills all the time!) You can add a half-capful for full fragrance, or less if you'd like it with just a hint of fragrance.  I use a half-capful on my towels and they smell heavenly, though not over-whelming.  My clothes, I add a little less and that seems to be just the right amount of aaah!

Purex Crystals ScentSplash comes in Fresh Spring Waters, Fresh Lavender Blossom, and Fresh Mountain Breeze.  I tried the Fresh Spring Waters and really like the light, fresh fragrance!

I know it smells good, because I caught my teenage son sniffing a towel and smiling.  I know!  Maybe it will encourage my kids to want to spontaneously fold the towels.... nah, that's asking too much!

I am pleased to announce that three of you lucky readers can win a free product coupon for ScentSplash!  Just enter on the form below.

Thanks Purex for another Scentsational Product!  Get it?  Scentsational?  I am so clever!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

If you follow this blog, (I hope you do!) you know that my daughter has type 1 diabetes.  You also know that I'm usually trying to drop a few pounds (or more than a few pounds!).  You can probably guess that sugar is not our friend in this house.  I guess you could call it a delicious enemy!

So I was pretty excited to try SweetLeaf Organics products! I got to sample their Organic Stevia Sweetener, the Liquid Stevia Sweet Drops, and Sweet Drops for Water.  To sum up... I love it!

Let's start with the Organic Stevia Sweetener. It is certified organic by Quality Assurance International. This means that it has been fully verified that the highest organic standards are met in every phase of production.  I love that it is non-GMO, zero calories, zero carbs, and no artificial ingredients!  I use it all the time now.  I actually keep a few packets in my purse, so I always have it with me!  It does a great job sweetening and I don't detect any aftertaste!

Next, let's talk about sweet drops.  They are little drops of flavor that you can add to... well, anything!  SweetLife Organics has over twenty flavors you can try.  I tried some Peppermint Mocha in my hot chocolate... Yum!  I use the Sweet Drops for water all the time!  I add a couple drops to my bottled water or a glass of water and love the added sweetness and flavor!  My favorite is Valencia Orange.  Berry is very tasty also.  Again, no carbs, no calories, no aftertaste and no artificial ingredients.

We will definitely continue to use SweetLife Organics!  I think they are great products that I feel good about using with my family.  Thanks SweetLife!  You're so sweet!

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

I think we all have our favorite Disney princess.  Mine was Cinderella!  I loved when her Fairy Godmother came and transformed her dress!  (I guess even then I liked remaking clothes!)  I remember telling my mom when she told me to clean my room, "I'm just like Cinderella, doing all the work!"  Such a dramatic child!

Well, I have been waiting rather impatiently since I heard that Disney has making a live-action Cinderella.  After waiting and waiting (at least I thought so), it was my time to go to the ball... or at least the movie, Cinderella!

Let me tell you what it's about.  It's about Cinderella.... I don't think anyone doesn't know the story of Cinderella. 

Here's what Disney had to say:



Here's what I have to say:

I loved every single minute of the movie!  I loved the subtle little nods to the original animated classic.  I loved the scenery!  The actors chosen to portray the characters were amazing!  The whole transformation scene with Helena Bonham-Carter as the Fairy Godmother was priceless! I giggled out loud with excitement and anticipation!  And oh, that dress!  I need one!  Imagine how elegant I would look while vacuuming!  Of course I'd wear it to a ball, but since I've never been to a ball... I'd wear it all the time at home, or going out to the grocery store, or picking my kids up from school, or... Ü



Disney always does it well, and Cinderella is no exception. My daughter is heading out today to see it again.  It opens today, nationwide.  Go see it, I know you'll love it!

And if that's not enough excitement, Disney is holding a sweepstakes!  Oh yes!



Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to see this movie for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

I like movies.... a lot!  I like to go and escape into the plot and the scenery and forget my every day stresses.  Plus, can we talk movie popcorn? Yum!  So, I was excited for the opportunity to see McFarland, USA.  I knew it would be a feel-good movie, and Disney always does their movies well.

What I didn't expect was to be moved and inspired.  I didn't expect to talk about the movie all the way home with my husband.  I didn't expect to go home and re-commit to goals I had set.  I didn't expect to look at life with a different perspective.  McFarland, USA is the movie that did that for me.

Let me tell you a little bit about the movie:

Based on the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.



So, why was I so moved?  One of the things that inspired me is how the boys kept running no matter what.  They had incredible challenges in their lives, yet they overcame and kept running.  They found in each of themselves that spark that when ignited shows us we can accomplish greatness.... it's there in all of us.

I loved how the community encircled the White family.  It all started with a chicken!  There were cultural differences and  stereotypes and pre-conceived prejudices,  yet all that was put aside as they learned to embrace the differences and love... they became family.

I loved how Coach Jim White and the boys themselves changed not only the direction of their lives but generations that followed.  At the end of the movie you can see the actual boys (all grown men now) and what they've done with their lives.  So many of them returned to McFarland and continue to give back to the community, not only through the careers they've chosen but by their community support.

I left the movie wanting to re-ignite my spark, wanting to make a difference, with a renewed belief that one person's droplet of kindness can have a ripple effect that goes on and on.  I left the movie wanting to be a better me.

McFarland, USA opens in theaters nationwide today, February 20th.  If nothing else, you'll enjoy the movie, the story is entertaining, funny, and heart-warming.  But you just may, like me, come out a little bit better.

Disclosure:  I was given the opportunity to see this movie for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

Here's some interesting trivia.... Did you know that Redheads typically have teeth that are more yellow than others.  Yeah, great trivia fact, not so great for us Redheads!

I'm always on the lookout for something that will make my teeth whiter.  The problem that I run into is I've also been blessed with teeth that are sensitive, so most whitening products leave me with unhappy teeth! (sensitive teeth are unhappy teeth!)


ARM & HAMMER Truly Radiant Rejuvenating Toothpaste, and Whitening and Strengthening Fluoride Rinse promise to whiten your teeth in just 5 days and without the use of Peroxide... which for me means, no irritation.  Truly Radiant strengthens and repairs tooth enamel, love that!

So, what did I think of the stuff?  Well.... let me tell you.  Loved it! The toothpaste had a light mint flavor and had a cooling sensation when I brushed my teeth.  And yes, my teeth were whiter in 5 days!  In the past I have not been a fan of mouthwash or fluoride rinses.  Don't like the taste.  I used them, but thought I was being poisoned in the process.  Truly Radiant had a taste that wasn't over-powering.  My mouth felt fresh and no irritation!  Woot!

I almost got to try the Spinbrush Manual Toothbrush.  I set it in my bathroom to use that evening and when it came time to brush my teeth at bedtime, the toothbrush had mysteriously disappeared.  Right into my son's hand.  So, according to my son, the Spinbrush is "great, Mom" said in typical teenage fashion.

Truly Radiant is my new go-to toothpaste and mouthwash.  I'm a fan!  You can probably tell by my lovely smile with my sparkling teeth!

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

I know I've mentioned my amazing son before.  He has Sensory Processing Disorder.  So what does that have to do with Purex Power Shot?  Let me paint a picture....

My son goes through no less than four outfits a day  I won't go into details, but those are necessary clothing changes.  Now, add in that we live rural and my son loves being outdoors, living life with gusto!  Let's finish the picture with the fact that we are working hard trying to help our sweet son be as independent as possible.  It paints quite a laundry quandary.... hey, that rhymed!

Enter Purex Power Shot! It does the measuring for you!  You just open the top, flip it over, and it automatically dispenses the right amount of detergent.  No muss, no fuss!  The detergent is super concentrated so it doesn't take a lot to get your clothes nice and clean.  With my son's clothes we need all the dirt fighting power we can get!

I love the fragrances, Mountain Breeze (my favorite) and Natural Elements Linen & Lilies!

My mother's heart is so happy that my son can now do his laundry independently!  Plus he thinks it is super cool to watch the Purex Power Shot dispense the detergent, then refill itself for the next dose.  Who knew laundry could be fun?  Thanks, Purex!

Now, more good news!  Purex is running a sweepstakes, and you know I love a good sweepstakes! Three Grand Prize Winners will win a new Whirlpool Washer and Dryer Set!  I know, right!  300 runner-up winners will get a free bottle of NEW Purex® PowerShot™ Detergent!  Plus, everyone who enters will be emailed a coupon for $1 off Purex Power Shot Detergent!  You can enter here!

Speaking of contests, how would three of you like to win a free product coupon for your own Purex Power Shot?  Just enter on the form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:  I received this product and coupons for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all mine and free of charge!