Friday, February 20, 2015

McFarland, USA

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!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Truly Radiant White - Right!

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!

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Purex Power Shot

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!