Thank you to P&G’s Have You Tried This Yet? program and Kroger for sponsoring my writing about trying new things and breaking out of my everyday routine. Click here to find great savings on high-performing P&G products at a Kroger store near you. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

So, on with the story!

"You want me to do what?  Yeah, right,"  That was my response when my wonderful friend Crystal asked me to audition for our local community theater's production of Music Man.  I didn't even know our community had a theater, let alone put on productions until Crystal asked me to come watch her daughter in their first production of Annie.  The production I saw was amazing!  The sets were amazing, the costumes were amazing, the actors were amazing!  And now Crystal wanted me to audition for the next show?  Had she slipped the bounds of sanity?

Let me give you some insight.  I love to play the piano, but get incredibly nervous when asked to perform for people (hands profusely sweating does not make for a good piano performance, just saying).  Add to that fact, that I may be a teensy bit overweight, okay... okay... more than a teensy bit.  So getting up on stage for all to judge my imperfections was not on my top ten list of things to do!

To this day I don't know how she convinced me but somehow I found myself at auditions.  I had to sing a song in front of strangers, I had to learn a dance and then perform it... in front of strangers.  I had to do a short reading from the script... in front of strangers.  I remember the director staring at me stony faced as I stumbled my way through the reading.  She gave one bark of laughter, then quickly dropped back into that scary stare.

I stumbled out of the audition room sure I had just made a complete fool of myself.  Though embarrassed, I was also proud of myself that I faced my fears, stepped out of my comfort zone and tried something new!

How did it end, you ask?  I got a lead role!  Can you believe it?  Overweight, insecure me, got a lead role!  I loved the experience of being on stage, and yes, the applause is such an overwhelming feeling of joy!

That was seven years ago.  Since then I've acted in many more plays.  I even got to be the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, and the Lion from the Wizard of Oz.  But it hasn't stopped there.  I've costumed entire shows, built sets, made props, music directed, produced and even directed several of our productions.  One of the  children's productions I directed had over 135 kids in the cast!

That one simple act of stepping out of my shell, and up onto that stage was life-changing.  I've discovered talents and abilities I never knew I had... and never would have known if I hadn't taken that step.  Most importantly, I've discovered self-confidence.  I discovered me!  Now my goal is to help others  take that first step... you never know where it will lead!

Places, everyone.... and, action!

Many of you know that I'm an avid reader.  If I had my choice my nose would be in a book... usually a good mystery or suspense novel.  So when I was offered the chance to review Code of Justice, I jumped at the chance!  I'm so glad that I did!


 From the back of the book: 
Her sister's last words shake FBI agent Heather Sloan to the core. They also convince her that the helicopter crash only Heather survived wasn't an accident. Sheriff's deputy Jeremy Latham is assigned the case—he's the one who can help Heather find the person responsible…once she convinces him they should work together. As they dig for the truth, they learn to trust and care for each other. Will they lose it all when the killer targets Heather? She's willing to risk her life to find her sister's killer—but her code of justice could cost her the chance to win Jeremy's love.
  
Intrigued?  I definitely was!  Okay, here's the thing... while I really enjoy a good mystery or suspense book, I'm not a big fan of romance books.  Plus, I'm always a little leery because of the content of some of the books.  The language is a big harsh, and there are things I just don't want to read about.  Here's the great part about this book, there is none of that!  I got to enjoy a great mystery and a little romance without all the trash that seems to come from some of these books!

I loved the tension between Heather and Deputy Latham.  I love the dialogue in the book!  It rings very true!  I love the story and how it kept me entertained through the whole thing.  I also liked the length of the book, not too long, not too short... just right!  I loved that the action started in the prologue of the book!

I also enjoyed that the characters in the book had faith, but it didn't come across as preachy.  It was nice to read a mystery where it's okay to pray when you're in trouble.

I'm not going to say much more than that.  I don't like when someone reviews a book and tells you too much about it.  It kind of ruins the suspense, and you know I love suspense!
Thanks Liz Johnson for writing a great book!  Now, get busy and write more (please)!  Everyone else... go out and read this book! 


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

Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque.... whew, what a mouthful!  But that's exactly what it is... a rejuvenating treatment masque.  So does it rejuvenate, you ask?  Oh yes, it does!

I had the opportunity to try this great product, and I really liked it!  It's easy to use, just apply it to your face and let it dry for about 15 minutes.  Then you can either peel it off or rinse it off with warm water.  I, of course, chose to peel it off.  (Yes, I was one of the kids in school who would put a layer of Elmer's Glue in my hand, let it dry, and then peel it off.  Don't tell me you didn't do it too!)  But I digress....

The masque feels very cool going on.  It stays cool as it drys, but I could also feel my skin tightening slightly as it dried (that's a good thing!)  I had a great time peeling it off, and my skin felt and looked wonderful afterward.  My skin looked smoother instantly!

I've used this masque several times now and with continued use I see a nice improvement to my skin.  The fine lines aren't as noticeable, and my skin feels firmer... it doesn't look so old!

If you don't believe me, here's more proof... Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque was voted as one of Instyles Best Beauty Buys Winner!  You can purchase Exuviance products here or I've also found it at Ulta.

I use this masque once a week and I feel like it's a mini spa treatment for me.  I do feel rejuvenated and my skin looks great!  (and yes, I admit it, I really like to peel it off.  It reminds me of elementary school!)   Try it for yourself!

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

I have always been plagued with incredibly dry skin!  I think I have five different bottles of lotion stashed all over the house.  I use a lot of lotion trying to combat my dry skin.  It's especially bad in the winter.  I know, I know, we don't have snow but the air here is incredibly dry and wreaks havoc on my skin.  So when Skin MD asked me if I'd like to try their lotion, I jumped at the chance!





I first tried it on my completely dry hands.  It went on smooth, not greasy.  It soaked in quickly and left my skin feeling absolutely wonderful!  Instantly smoother and much more hydrated!  I loved the feel of my hands!

Then I tried it on my legs (that's the ultimate test).  They are so dry they hurt! Well, all I can say is "Wow"!  My legs looked so much better and felt wonderful!  I like that I can put it on and it instantly soaks in!  I've been using this for about two weeks and my legs looks so, so much better!

So what is Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion?

From their website:  "Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is a new type of skin care product that becomes part of the outer layer of skin to restore this natural function. It helps damaged skin by preventing moisture-robbing irritants from entering its deeper layers and helps reduce moisture loss."

"Unfortunately, conventional lotions have one basic goal - to simply make up for the moisture that our bodies are losing by adding an artificial source of moisture. Many common household products including soaps, are absorbed directly into the skin, causing dry cracked skin and other skin disorders. Also, when participating in other activities from gardening to painting, furniture restoration to fishing, or exposure to harsh weather, you are further drying and irritating your skin. Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion helps to break the dry skin cycle by restoring skin's natural moisture and protection."


SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion can be found at your local pharmacy, or grocery store. You can also purchase is online at http://www.skinmdnatural.com/.

I highly recommend this lotion!  I think I'm going to replace all my bottles of lotion with Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion!  I better buy a case of this stuff!

Now here's the cool part... you have the opportunity to win a bottle for yourself!  One of you lucky readers can win a bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion!


Just leave me a comment...  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)

Extra Entries:
Leave a separate comment for each extra entry:

Follow my blog publicly on GFC
Follow me on Twitter
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Contest ends Monday, March 14, 2011.  One 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, ages 18 and over.  Prize will be shipped directly from the sponsor.

Disclosure:  The product was offered to me for the purpose of a review, and the sponsor has generously offered a giveaway.  The opinions expressed are all my own and free of charge! Ü

Contest is now closed and winner has been drawn.  Thanks to all you amazing readers!

Anyone who knows me, knows that if there is free time (and sometimes when there's not) I have my nose in a book!  I love to read!  I'm especially fond of a good mystery!  I tend to read through books quickly and nothing is more disappointing than looking for something to read, and there's nothing  around.  Yes, you can run to the library, or to the bookstore but that involves time, and with the cost of gas, money. 

Enter... Booksfree.com !  They are a book lending service that you can do all online.  How cool is that?!   Think, Netflix for books.  It is super easy to do.  All you do is go online and set up your account.  You can pick which  plan you want to be on, depending on how many books you want to have at one time, and your budget.  You set up your reading list and then Booksfree.com sends out the books to you. 


You can keep them as long as you want and then return them in the postage paid envelope that comes with the book.   Shipping is free both ways  How completely simple is that?


They not only have books for me, but they also have a children's book plan, and an audio-book plan.  There are over 228,000 titles to choose from.  Mind boggling amount, isnt it?  I liked that the books are sorted into genres, or you can search.  They will also start developing a recommended reading list for you, based on the type of books you are reading.  Booksfree.com also has reviews on the books, which really helped me with some of my selections.

My turn around time for the books was about 7 - 10 days from the time I sent it back, to the time I got the next book.

I was thinking about how great booksfree.com would be for the elderly, or the folks that spent so long snowed in this last winter, or if you live far away from a library, or like my sweet sister-in-law Jaclyn, who is also an avid reader, who's library flooded and had to be closed for repairs (I still shudder at the thought!)

I love this service and yes, I've had my nose buried in books lately more than usual!  Thanks Booksfree.com

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

I love where I live!  I live in the middle of a citrus grove and oh, the smell at times is heavenly!  Especially right about now... the citrus is just starting to blossom and I can't even begin to describe the heavenly scent of the blossoms!  I love all things citrus! 

Well, Crabtree and Evelyn has done it again!  They have come out with an amazing product line called Citron.

I love this stuff!  I received the Body Bar, the Body Souffle and two lip butters!  Did I mention that I love this stuff!  The scent is a mixture of Citron (lemon), honey and coriander.  Every time I use the Body Bar, the scent relaxes me yet refreshes me at the same time.  It makes the shower a wonderful sensory experience!

The body souffle is delightful!  It is rich, creamy and feels delicious going on!  My skin feels immediately softer and more supple.  I love that it doesn't leave a film on my skin but sinks right in. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids that are combined with sugar and fruit extracts.  This helps smooth and refine skin   And the lip butter... well let's just say that my daughter and I about had a wrestling match about the lip butters.  Good thing there were two!  I love the soothing feeling as it goes on my lips and then keeps them soft.  It has replaced all my other lip glosses, lip balms, chapsticks, etc.!

These amazing products are available at Crabtree & Evelyn.    I've been a fan of Crabtree and Evelyn but this new Citron line is by far my favorite!  Did I mention I love this stuff?

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)

Extra Entries:
Leave a separate comment for each extra entry:

Follow my blog publicly on GFC
Follow me on Twitter
"Like" me Facebook

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!