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!

I admit freely that I'm a huge fan of musical theater!  Name a play and I can probably sing a song from it!  So when I heard "Into The Woods" was being made into a movie, well I was thrilled!

I was giddy with excitement on the way to see this movie and it did not disappoint!  I was enthralled from the opening to the ending credits.  Though, I did have to giggle... on the way out I overhead another movie goer exclaim that there was entirely too much singing in the movie.  Someone should have warned her that a musical involves singing.  So be forewarned, this is a musical and everyone sings. 

So what is "Into The Woods" about?

From Disney:  "Into the Woods” is a modern twist on several beloved fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy), all tied together by an original story involving a Baker and his Wife (James Corden and Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the Witch (Meryl Streep), who has put a curse on them."




Some of my favorite moments were Johnny Depp as the wolf.  He did an amazing job!  Watching Chris Pine as Prince Charming.  Not only a feast for the eyes, but he did an amazing job portraying a charming prince.  The song "Prince's Lament" was probably my favorite part of the movie!  It was hilarious!  And of course, Meryl Streep as the witch!  She was flawless!

Into the Woods was gorgeous visually!  Here's some fun facts about the set.  Did you know that the set was built on Stage H at Shepperton Studios, and made up of 2,000 tons of soil, over 600 ferns, acres and acres of ivy and countless pallets of moss and turf.  95% of the trees used on the Wood set were real trees, including 30-foot pine trees and hundreds of 25 foot oak tree branches.  The leaves were removed and replaced with artificial ones so they would last longer.  Oh yeah, and Rapunzel's hair in the film is 20 feet long and made with real hair!

So, to sum up I loved this movie!  Loved the acting, loved the story, loved the singing and loved the moral... Be Careful What You Wish For.

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 Christmas Eve Eve... yes, that's a real thing (at least in my world!) Ü  It's officially last minute!
 
Still searching for a few stocking stuffers or just need a little sweet to get you through the last push to the finish line?  Well, let me tell you about Mike and Ike Candies!  Most of us have heard and hopefully tasted Mike and Ikes!  They are delicious!  Well, right now they have some seasonal varieties!
 

They have a Merry Mix that is green and red colored, perfect for those holiday parties.  The flavors are Cherry, Lime, and Holiday Punch.  I particularly liked the Holiday Punch flavor.  Is it rude to pick out all the dark green ones?
 
How about Mike and Ike Minion Mix?  There are three different box designs all featuring those cute minions.  The flavors are banana and blueberry.  My son liked blueberry the best, I went bananas for banana!
 
Is spicy more your thing?  Then how about Ho Ho Ho Hot Tamales!  a 5 oz box of sizzling sweetness!
 
Want to do some holiday baking?  Well, add in some Mike and Ike for a new twist!  How about some Mike and Ike Crispy Rice Cereal Treats?  Here's the recipe:
 

Servings: 8



 

Turn the mixture out into the prepared pan. Let cool, then cut into squares.

Sounds delicious, right!

How would one of you lucky readers like to win some Mike and Ike candy of your own?  Sweet!  Just enter on the form below!


 Thanks Mike and Ike for all this holiday sweetness!

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