MY WILD CRAZY LIFE

Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief: Rght in Time for Allergy Season! #AdvilAllergyRelief

2013-05-16T14:09:00.001-07:00

It's that time again. My nose is red, my eyes are blood shot, and I don't even have a fun story I can't quite remember to go along with the look. It's allergy season at my house, and it feels like I have an elephant dancing the congo in my brain while millions of tiny ants tickle my eyeballs! It's a blast, let me tell you!

At our house, it seems like everyone is either sniffling, scratching their eyes, completely stuffed up, and just over all miserable. So, it was either appropriate or ironic that I was contacted to try the Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief on for size.

This is a four hour relief medicine that is designed to help minimize the misery of allergies. For me, it takes about 20-30 minutes to kick in, and it has been a great relief, especially when I want to simply breathe. So for all you out there suffering, or wanting to put your coworker with permanent snifflitis out of their misery, get yourself some Advil Allergy & Congestion Relief. You can now work in peace for 4-6 hours!

You can see by the picture that it definitely helps, since I have taken so much!

Learn more about Advil® Allergy & Congestion Relief
Like Advil® Congestion Relief on Facebook
Receive a $2 off coupon
Questions or comments regarding any Advil® products call toll free 1-800-88ADVIL or 1-800-882-3845 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST or ask your pharmacist, doctor or health care professional.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products listed above for review purposes through Smiley 360. However, I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions and home treatment suggestions listed are solely the owned by My Wild Crazy Life and honest!

Calling All Bloggers-Come Grow your Social Media!

2013-05-15T14:30:00.002-07:00

Famous Free Samples’ Apple TV Giveaway Event

Sign-ups are now open for Famous Free Samples’ latest giveaway event!

This event is free to join with an announcement post. If you don't wish to post the announcement, please send the $5 non-post fee to tiphero@gmail.com
You'll receive 1 free link for participating (either Twitter or Pinterest)
Additional links (RSS/Email, YouTube, Twitter and Pinterest) are available for $5 each
Sign-ups for this event end on May 20th
Event runs from May 22 - June 5
Prize: An Apple TV (in the form of a $100 Apple Gift Card)

Please send all payments to tiphero@gmail.com as a "gift" via PayPal. Sign up for this event here.

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2013-05-13T14:14:00.001-07:00

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Learn while Playing with Safari Ltd + G!veaway!

2013-05-11T06:28:00.002-07:00

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, then you already know about my love for educational toys and Safari ltd. They have been crafting hand painted replicas since 1982 that are so precise and detailed, you may think you are playing with the real deal.

We are huge collectors here at our house owning things like a gorilla, giraffe, elephant, monkey and baby and so many more. These figurines are a heavy duty quality that isn't going to tear up when "Demolition Mika" plays with them which has been every day lately. Every time he is playing with them, Mika has a million questions about his animals, and Mom is quite thankful that the Safari Ltd Website has an Educational section where I can find facts about each toy.

This is especially helpful when we are playing with the Dinosaurs (you can read my review here) because I have a hard enough time pronouncing the names that Mika just rolls off his three year old tongue like it's as easy as pie, much less remembering all the details of each dino!

Our latest editions include the Sea Turtle, Penguins, and an awesome Pirate, and the life like details on the pirate are really impressive. This is the first time we have brached out from animals into people, and they are so realistic, arggh! The great thing about playing with Pirates, we not only get to search for buried treasure, it's also a great opportunity for mom to discus morals and right vs. wrong.

Not sold yet?

Safari Ltd promotes:

* Green living

* using recycled paper products when possible

*recycling plastic, cans, and paper

* Providing information about how fragile the Earth's ecosystem is and endangered wild life

* Use 100% recyclable packaging materials, and so much more.

Don't say you don't love them now, because I may not believe it! As "toy stores" go, Safari ltd really is all that and a bag of chips and salsa!

Safari Ltd.

Want to win a Toob or Replica of choice for yourself, a child, or your classroom? I thought you might, and Safari Ltd. is generously offering the winner's choice of one! All you have to do is complete one or more options on the widget below.

Tommee Tipee: The Next "Breast" Thing for colic

2013-04-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Whether you breast feed, bottle feed, extend nursing, or do a combination of all, each baby's feeding needs are unique, and there is usually an adjustment period to this world and the milk they drink whether breast or formula can cause tummy troubles. Maybe the post name isn't as "punny" as I thought it was after all, but colic is no laughing matter. I have had the pleasure of four children, and I can tell you that the only thing in common with them all is that they all had tummy troubles from the moment they began breast feeding.

Three of my children were pretty cut and dry, even if it was hard on all of us at the time. Baby number one-Donovan "Max" Maxwell had severe colic for 8 months, but options were almost null back then (per his doctor) and we suffered through sleepless nights and days until it went away.

Baby 2-Suzannah Rose had throw up issues that were solved by stopping the breast and using formula.

I had to go back to work at 3 weeks with baby 4 since my husband lost his job the week after I got pregnant (he was blessed to stay home the whole first year), and my milk dried up immediately despite my uber industrial pump. Once the doctor landed on the right formula, his colic was a thing of the past.

Baby number three is my miracle child, and a totally different story. We named her Tara Grace and call her Grace because it is by "the Grace of God" that she lived and is so healthy. I developed the "worst case of MRSA ever seen" (per the specialist) in my stomach (thanks to a botched belly button hernia repair), and discovered the same day that "surprise" I was six weeks pregnant even though I was taking BC!

Thanks to the MRSA or all the meds to cure it, she was born with developmental delays that took years to diagnose, throwing up issues, acid reflux, not only was she unable to gain weight but she lost a lot. It was a scary first two years that resulted in me buying every bottle on the market, prescription formula, asthma prescriptions & nebulizers every four hours, acid reflux prescriptions, and eventually a monitor she wore that alerted me every time she stopped breathing.

She just turned 9 in March, and the only remaining issues are motor skill delays that affect certain aspects of her school work, riding a bike, and a few other things. We are incredibly thankful, but during those first dark scary years, I would have given my right arm for the product I am about to tell you about.

Tommee Tipee has designed a line of bottles called Closer to Nature. They are perfect whether you choose to bottle feed, or if you are like me and need a solution for colic. The nipples on the Closer to Nature bottle are shaped like your breast, and are easy to latch on to. They mimic the way a breast stretches and wrinkles during nursing which makes it a great bottle to use if you are nursing. The super sensitive anti-colic valve reduces air bubbles in the milk that can contribute to colic.

I think my personal favorite option is that the valve stem change colors if the milk is hotter than 98 ° which is the safe temperature for babies. Lastly, these bottles are BPA free which is super important. Anyone who has ever had a baby with feeding issues will agree that they will spend any price for a bottle that works, but these bottles won't break the bank! You can find them at Target, BabiesRus, and Amazon.

So tell me, what is your feeding story? Did your child have colic? Throw up like an errupting volcano? Or maybe they just had the picture perfect eating experience. Please comment and let us know! Let's support each other as mother's and don't make this an argument about breast vs. bottle feeding.

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the above mentioned products for review purposes only. All facts and opinions expressed are honest and solely the property of My Wild Crazy Life Blog. Please do your own due diligence when choosing to purchase a product.

What's a Mother to Do?

2013-04-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

I usually try to keep my blog posts pretty upbeat, because well, I like happy things! However, today I'm in sort of a mommy conundrum. Seriously, who stole the mommy manual? Did my mom just forget to give me her worn out copy?

All year I have battled with my darling 9 and 10 year old. You see, I'm not getting letters from the teacher. In one case, I was cleaning out an older backpack that broke by Christmas and found letters in March from November that I never received (yes, that's steam coming out my ears). Not only do they forget to give it to me, in many cases the teacher has to recopy and send home 3 times and then call me to tell me about something was due 5 days ago. Things like field trip is tomorrow, is my darling going, and oh, by the way, it costs xyz amount of money that was techinecally due a week ago but I paid for it and need reimbursed!

This hasn't happened once or twice, but has been consistent, and no amount of grounding, taking away things, etc has curbed this bad habit. My 10 year old daughter has an end of the year field trip that is big and honestly, quite costly. I have known about it all year, asked her at regular intervals for paperwork from her teacher to only be told he hasn't sent anything home yet, she doesn't know when it is or how much it is. She hands me a note THIS morning 15 minutes before the bus informing me that the money and permission slip for this trip was due on the 15th. Apparently he gave me grace extention which I didn't know about along with the first umpteen notes, and the stuff is due today at the latest.

Not only did she not show it to me, but she said she got moved to yellow yesterday (in trouble at school) for not having it for the 3rd day late. So, instead of saying she didn't give it to me a month ago when she should have to begin with, she told the teacher my husband and I were in a "conflict" and she didn't "feel like it was the right time". This is a bold face ~~lie~~ story. We haven't conflicted in weeks, and I even ask everyday when they get off the bus if they have anything for me. My husband also asked again at supper that night because he knows I have been having issues with getting information from them and was reminding them how important it is that I get info from the teacher.

I could probably write the teacher for a curtesy extention and garner up the rest by Monday or Tuesday, but my husband told her since this is at least the 10th time she has either forgotten her homework, field trips, and days she needs to stay late (finds out the day before but calls me from school at end of day to tell me she needed picked up in an hour) that she can't go. He thinks she had ample time to tell me, teacher has given her multiple notes/field trip information, and that this needs to be a learning experience especially since she blamed it on us instead of taking responsibility. My heart hurts thinking of her missing such a fun experience, but my brain tells me she shouldn't get to go because not only did she not give me multiple letters, but she lied and blamed it on us parents.

So, my fellow moms and grandmothers, what would you do? Do you think it's too harsh to keep her home from the field trip?

The Cat's Out of the Bag! Hurry to Claim your FREE Month of Conscious Box!!

2013-04-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

You read that right! For a limited time, Conscious Box is offering everyone a free month subscription of Conscious Box! All you have to do is pay the shipping, and you can enjoy a box filled with eco-friendly, healthy goodies. Don't forget, they even offer Gluten-Free and/or Vegan boxes as well.

All you have to do is ENTER THE CODE BELOW at checkout.

SECRETCODE

Also, don't forget that I am hosting a giveaway to win a 3 month subscription to Conscious Box, and you can ENTER HERE!

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post. I simply am sharing so my readers can take advantage of this great offer!

Are You Utilizing Your Hidden Skills?

2013-04-15T07:34:00.001-07:00

As a teenager, I decided to take cake decorating classes sponsored by Wilton at our local craft store, and I really enjoyed creating beautiful cakes. I made a few cakes once my first child was born, but over the years I just got "too busy" and forgot about my abilities. I even went to the local supermarket and bought cakes for birthdays every year even though they didn't really taste all that great.

A few months back, my mother in law brought me an extensive collection of tips and colors and I have taken every opportunity to make cakes or creations for people, and I am really enjoying it. So I am not talented enough to compete on Cupcake Wars, who cares? My children certainly don't when they are surprized with a beautiful cake, and neither do the people receiveing it since it simply brightens their day whether they ever eat it or not!

I have never made a cake for my parents even though they are the ones who funded my teenage whims, and I changed that this weekend with a super simple Sunflower Break Apart Cake. I didn't create anything elaborate or even earth moving, but my mother was beyond pleased seeing her hard earned money being used for good, and it is just a great way to let my creative juices flow.

Do you have any skills, whether learned or you were born with that you just aren't using? If so, why not change that. You may be surprised at how enjoyable it is, and how much you missed it!

I would love for you to share with us. What hidden talents do you possess?

Follow MyW1ldcrazylife on Pinterest for more inspirational ideas!

3 Month Subscription to Conscious Box G1veaway!!!

2013-04-11T05:29:00.002-07:00

It's no secret that I love Conscious Box, and I never pass up an opportunity to share this company with you! In my opinion, Conscious Box takes monthly subscription boxes to a whole new level because they fill each box with healthy, eco-friendly items for you to try.

You get a box full of surprises every month, and who doesn't love surprises? Also, you get to try out products that are great for you and the environment which helps you decide which ones you love enough to purchase lots more of.

Also, these aren't chincy portions to try either. As you can see by my pictures of past boxes, these are full size samples such as a lunch sized back of MixtBag or a nice sized bottle of Aura Cacia Sweet Orange essential oil!

Even though this box isn't necessarily geared for kids, my children get so excited when we receive one hovering around to see what's inside. They always negotiate who is going to try each product, and which ones they are going to share. Of course, mom always gets to taste each food item since I make decisions on purchases. One month included a small candle which my 10 year old claimed, and we enjoy some "candle light" moments talking togheter on a regular basis.

Conscious Box has such a realistic price that those of you who enjoy those decadent expensive coffees on your way to work, you can simply drink coffee at home 4 days a month to cover the cost. Also, you are going to want to keep up with them on Facebook because they offer promitions and giveaways on there all the time! The only thing better than an inexpensive Conscious Box is a free one if you ask me!

Speaking of inexpensive, you can order any Conscious Box subscription for 50% off!! Simply use the code below.

LOVELIFE

One of my lucky readers is going to win a 3 month subscription to Conscious Box, ARV $59 of their very own! All you have to do is complete one or more items on the widget below. Please note: You must complete the mandatory entry in order for optional entries to count. If you complete the optional entries without the mandatory, then no entries count.

BODY WORKS For Any Sitiuation You Need!

2013-03-25T07:11:00.001-07:00

It seems like there is a huge market for energy drinks in our society. I can go to the conenience store for a bottle of water and have two brands to choose from while there are two whole refrigerators of energy drink brands to select from.

Wouldn't it be great to have drinks for other needs? How about a shot to help you sleep, one to help you relax, or even one to help you when you are working out. Well, now there is! BODY WORKS is a company with a staff of doctors who help create functional shots to meet individual needs.

The great thing is these shots are non-alcoholic, ultizing herbs, vitamins, and other natural ingredients to help improve performance! BODY WORKS offers a good selection of shots including Relax, Sleep, Wellness, Sport, Perform and Energy. There is truly one to meet every need, and you can even order a mixed pack to include the options you need.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Finally: Beautiful, Luxurious Hair with nuNAAT Brazilian Keratin!

2013-03-13T16:03:00.001-07:00

I have a confession to make. I don't actually remember the exact hue of hair that I was blessed with. I know, that sounds a bit crazy. However, I have been coloring my hair at least 4 times a year since I was 18 years old, which is more than a few year even when you consider the fact that I have been 30 and holding for some birthdays now!

I have been blonde, a lovely shade of brunette, brown, and just this year I decided to go back to black (I think that's close to right) with strawberry blonde highlights. The next time it's time to touch up my highlights, I am going to have them bleached fully to a platinum blonde and I just can't wait.

The truth is that the recent coloring and bleaching that has been done left my hair, at least the bleached highlights, less than shiny and healthy. I have found a product that in a few short weeks has returned the luster and shine to my hair. I am not sure it's a miracle per se, but it is definitely close!

The nuNAAT Brazilian Keratin Daily Haircare System comes with five products. I don't usually like anything that requires that many steps, especially haircare, but I am willing to try most things once. I was expecting to try it and be ready for a regimen with fewer products, yet I have fallen in love.

The daily care shampoo and conditioner are pretty self explanatory and pretty much neccessary for most people, but it is the Intensive Hair Mask, the Liquid Keratin Leave-in Reconstructor and the Serum Ultra Shine that won my heart over to this system.

My hair is shiny, healthy, and just simply feels great. I love the thick mask that sits on my hair for 20 minutes which really helps heal the shafts of my hair. I have been so pleased, that I would recommend this product to anyone. Did I mention that it is great for hair of any ethnicity? So, really whatever the cause of your dry and brittle hair, nuNAAT has you covered! You can find out more about this product and more HERE, and don't forget to follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest promotions!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers

Get your Green on with Irish Party Tees!

2013-03-12T12:27:00.002-07:00

It's a not-so-secret fact that I am Irish. I am so Irish that there are establishments in Ireland that boast my original last name. It is important to me that I instill in my children a love for their heritage, and one way I do this is to discuss our ancestors and stories with my children on St. Patrick's Day.

Another way I do this is to make a fun party of it every year. We eat traditional Irish fare, and of course, it wouldn't be St. Patty's Day if each child (and adult) didn't get a great new shirt to boast our origin. So, I have to share with you my t-shirt for this year.

I have to admit that while I find most of their shirts funny, as a mom I just wouldn't be able to wear them. I do have to set an example and all that jazz. However, I am totally digging their line of Irish Tees! They offer everything from an Irish Skull, to a Veritas Aequitas shirt!

They truely offer everything from tame to not so tame to suit almost everyone's St. Patrick's Day shirt needs, so head on over and check them out! I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Alpha Hydrox Skin Care-Face Love!

2013-02-28T10:30:00.004-08:00

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall-who's the youngest looking of all (thirty-something's that is)? So maybe that isn't what the wicked step-mother asked, but it is certainly what she meant when she wanted to be told she was still the fairest! Trust me, if that silly mirror hadn't have shown her crow's feet in the first place, she wouldn't be worried about a younger, pretty something turning the King's head.

While I can't say you never see a man (or woman) going through a mid-life crisis and leaving their significant other of years for an older version; the truth is, more often than not, they choose a younger, more radient something to hang out with next, right? What's a girl to do when she discovers ~~wrinkles~~ laugh lines on her face? Accept reality, and live our her life in wrinkled bliss?

No, she is not-well, not the wrinkled part anyways. She is going to get on her computer asap and order some Alpha Hydrox Skin Care which happens to contain the highest percentage of AHA's available on the market without a prescription!! Why? I am so glad you asked.

Alpha Hydrox Skin Care not only exfoliates the skin, but it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone, and even unclogs pores! It does everything but clean the toilets for you! It must be expensive, right? I mean, to buy a cream that *just* moisturizes at the local store costs upwards of $20, and I am pretty sure I just saw some of you tighten your hold on your wallet. Never fear, a 6 oz. bottle is only $11.99! That's less than a cheeseburger and fries for my husband and I cost!!
You're not old enough to worry about wrinkles? Honey, let's face it: you are never too young to start taking preventative measures and taking care of your skin. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to the Alpha Hydrox Skin Care Facebook page and check it out for yourself. What do you have to loose?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Be the 1st to Win a Playstation 4 for Release Day!!!

2013-02-22T04:20:00.003-08:00

That's right! Soon to be released, the Playstation 4 is going to be so much fun to play, and don't you want to be one of the first to own one? You can enter right now to win a Playstation 4 on release day! Be the coolest mom or person in town. All you have to do is click the button below to be entered to win!

ENTER TO WIN

Microsoft Surface Giveaway!

2013-01-31T07:35:00.002-08:00

This is a giveaway for a Microsoft Surface and a $100 GC to the Microsoft store! All you have to do to enter is to click on the Click here button!

Click Here

ITO-EN Sencha Shot Giveaway 2/18

2013-01-29T16:19:00.003-08:00

I am not a huge energy shot fan, but I do love tea as you know by now. I want to share with you a product I recently discovered by IT EN, Sencha Shots. ITO EN is an environmentally and socially responsible company who upycles their used tea leaves to make things such as uniforms, pens, park benches, and much more. They also work with Whole Foods Non-profit Whole planet to help do away with poverty in developing worlds so you know I am already in love with them before I tell you about their product!

Sencha is unsweetened, and usually I don't care for unsweetened tea. I went ahead and went to bat for the team, though and gave this tea a try. Wow! This tea is strong! It's definitely for professional tea drinkers. I discovered that if you add a little Splenda or Agave that it takes on a very pleasant sweet tea flavor. Now, before ya'll start making Southern stereotypes I don't usually drink sweet tea. However, I do find it more tolerable than plain tea.

Either way, this tea definitely has a good amount of pick-me-up in it, and it's all natural, unsweetened, contains no GMO's, no added colors, and no added flavors. When you add in that it contains vitamin C, it's a well-rounded shot of healthiness! It's the perfect product to help you as you pursue your New Year's resolutions, too.

I am running a little behind on writing anything about New Year's Resolutions: part of that is intentional, part of it is because I was very sick until really last week. I normally don't discuss resolutions because I believe they are personal goals, and I just usually keep them private. However, I do believe there are definitely ways that we can better stay on target to achieving these goals and I would like to share some with you.

Don't forget to follow them on their Social Networks to stay up to date with the latest promotions: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest. Also, be sure to enter the giveaway so you can win some for yourself!

What is your best staying healthy in the New Year tip?

Write it in Red with Bic 4-Color Ballpoint Pen Giveaway 2/14

2013-01-29T12:49:00.003-08:00

I recently was given the opportunity to review one of these pens, and my first thought was "I had no idea they still made these pens!" You see, when I was a little girl (back in caveman days if you ask my children) I used to love to go visit my Auntie and Uncle's house across town for a week every year, and I remember what great times we had at her house playing games. One game in particular required writing down information, and we always used a Bic 4-Color Ballpoint Pen to write with. I am a little unsure as to why this pen is such a vivid and fond memory in my mind, but that pen is always forefront in my mind.

I recall that the pen wasn't always reliable back in the day, and we often had to scribble on a separate piece of paper to get whatever color we wanted to use working so I was curious to see how well today's version works.

Pen Features:

Blue, Black, Red or Green Ink
Medium Point
Refillable, so better for the environment

I have to admit I was dreading writing my New Year's Resolutions this year, but this pen made it a more colorful task! Of course, I had to use all four colors as I was writing my thoughts down, and here is what my real life experience was using this pen!

First of all, all four of the colors worked right away-no need for scribbling on a piece of paper. Secondly, there is no sticking when switching from one color to the next. I personally prefer a fine point pen a little more, but this pen does write very smoothly, and I love that it has four colors in one pen! As a former teacher, my favorite color to write with is red!

You can find out more about this and many more pens on the Bic website and Facebook. This is the perfect pen to write your Valentine's Day cards with, and you can win a pen of your very own here!

Did you have one of these pens growing up? Please share with us your fond memories of this pen!

Glow Crazy Distance Doodler Review and Giveaway 2/18!

2013-01-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

I don't know how it is in your home, but every single time a commercial comes on for kids toys here, one of my kids says "Mama, I want that for my birthday, Christmas, National Potato Day, or insert whatever excuse here. I usually take a second to look at the product, but I know that it's just something they want because they have seen it yet won't really use.

That's not the case with the Glow Crazy Distance Doodler. It has been a hit ever since we opened it up, and every night they want to know if we can play with it some more! What is the Glow Crazy Distance Doodler?

Glow Crazy™ Distance Doodler™ Product Description

With the Glow Crazy™ Distance Doodler™ from Techno Source, glow-in-the-dark play has never been more fun! The Distance Doodler™ light pen uses patented and safe laser-light technology that allows kids to draw, write and play games on special glow cling canvases from up to 15 feet away. Stick the removable glow clings to ceilings and walls, then doodle from a distance with the laser beam or use the wide beam to design up close and create fun silhouettes. Kids can let their glow creations fade or “glow over” them with the light wand to clear their canvas and start again. New for 2013, an illuminating light brush attaches to the end of the pen for creating brilliant strokes of light, glow-in-the-dark sparkles and more. Includes: dual-action light pen, 2 super glow clings, 2 crazy color glow clings and 4 stencil sheets. Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included). Ages 6+. MSRP: $19.99.

It's so cool to see the creations the kids draw that glow in the dark, and based on our experience, I would recommend it to anyone I know. It is definitely a great idea for anyone who has little Picasso's on their hands because it's great for creative spirits. My children range from age 3 to age 10 so I would say this is a great preschool or elementary aged product.

You can find out more about this product at the Glow Crazy Website, Facebook, or Twitter. You can also find them locally at stores such as Walmart and ToysRUs. Don't forget to get your entries in below so you can win one of your very own!

Entry -Form

Disclaimer: I received the product listed in the post above for review purposes. I am not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are solely my own and honest.

A Valuable Lesson for People of All Ages!

2013-01-21T14:47:00.003-08:00

Happiness is an elusive pursuit of people of all ages, or at least it seems to be to me. People think if they make more money, buy more things, get something bigger and better, etc that they will finally achieve happiness.

Mika recently received a book, Hugo The Happy Starfish The Secret To Happiness, which addresses this issue in the story. Hugo is forever unhappy, so he follows the suggestions of others in his pursuit of happiness. However, he discovers time after time that each time he tries something new to gain happiness, the feeling eventually fades, and he is back to feeling glum again.

Hugo eventually realizes that the true secret to happiness is doing for others. When he develops the attitude empathy and continues to do for others, he is no longer focused on how miserable and unhappy he is! Suddenly he feels happy and wants to do more and more for others.

It was a little ironic that my oldest son who is forever sad and "doesn't know why" was ~~listening in~~ sleeping beside us on the couch as I read this to my youngest son, but I know he heard the message of the story which I hope he takes with him through life.

Bottom line is this book and the rest of the series helps with educating children about character, their feelings, and how to treat others! You can find this book and other great works at My Starfish. We have really enjoyed this book multiple times already, so I can't wait to try out the other ones!

Do you agree that helping others is the secret to happiness? If so, what are some ways you help others?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Lunette Menstural Period Giveaway 2/3/2013

2013-01-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I shared with you a great new product that I am wildly in love with: The Lunnette Cynthia Menstrual Cup which has taken the headaches of leaking, boxes of tampons, and spending way too much money out of my monthly period!

You can purchase Lunette right online along with any other products that you need every month at www.BePreparedPeriod.com, and you even get free shipping on orders over $45!! Don't forget to stop by Lunette on Facebook and Twitter as well so you can stay up to date with their latest news and promotions!

Before I began using this cup, I was spending that for supplies for two of us every month, and I had to drive 30 minutes to buy it! Now I can order from the comfort of my home and have it shipped right to my door. Boy is that ever a win win for me!

I also love that BePreparedPeriod.com is offering a "Better Your Period" Webinar that you can sign up to attend and get great ideas from!

Lastly, Be Prepared Period is giving away an awesome prize this month: a private "fix your period" chat session with period specialist, Nicole Jardim, ARV $125 which I know we all really need! So, when you are done entering my great giveaway (hey, gotta give a girl some love, right?), you can head over HERE to enter to win this chat session!

This has been such a great product in my life, that I am excited to tell you that www.BePreparedPeriod.com is offering a menstrual cup for giveaway, and one of my lucky readers is going to get to try one for free by entering the widget below!

Arthritis Flareups soothed with Ateevia Botanica's PRIME Anti-Inflammatory Cream

2013-01-18T05:02:00.001-08:00

Today I want to share with you a new anti-inflammatory cream, Ateevia Botanica's PRIME Anti-Inflammatory Cream that I recently tried out. It is no secret by now that I have Degenerative Disk Disorder and Osteo Arthritis in my back which can literally keep me down during a flareup. So, I am always looking for different creams and ways to keep myself moving and active the way I want to be.

Attevia Botanica's PRIME is a blend of natural botanicals in a cream which treat a variety of things such as carpal tunnel, arthritis, tendinitis, and more. Because it is natural, it is perfectly safe to use it multiple times a day if need be, although, sometimes one application is all that is needed.

As always, I was a little skeptical when I tried this cream because it isn't often I find anything that works much at all on my pain. I have to say, this cream worked as well as most others that I have used in that it brought some temporary relief to my back pain. I did have to use it several times a day to maintain results, but that is perfectly safe and to be expected of most over the counter creams. Also, it didn't completely do away with my pain, but even the strongest prescription pain pills and muscle relaxers do little to ease my pain during a flare-up so I was just looking for something to ease the pain rather than obliterate it.

All in all I thought this was a nice cream, although like most natural medications, it is a tad pricey at $19.99 a tube. In my opinion it is definitely a great choice for anyone who wants to stick with all-natural pain relief, and a good cream that I will be using for day to day management in between flare-ups!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

From You Flowers: The Perfect Answer for Valentine's Day!

2013-01-15T11:03:00.000-08:00

We all know that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but I personally think that both chocolates and flowers come in a very close second and third place. Shucks, ask me on the right day, and I might tell you that chocolate is my best friend, family, and life line! However, if you want to know what will warm my heart and bring a smile to my face quicker than almost anything else (my darling husband and children aside), than I would have to say it's flowers.

I can honestly say I have only met one flower that I really don't like. If we have flowers growing in my yard, then you can trust and believe they are going to be cut and spend the rest of their days on my table! I love, love fresh cut flowers, the smell, the site just brings me such joy.

I know that Christmas is over, but I want to share a wonderful company I received Christmas Flowers from over Christmas. Hey, Valentine's Day is coming up really soon, and I know you are going to want options when selecting a florist for your loved ones!

Turns out that From You Flowers contracts out to local florists, so when you order flowers, it's actually someone in your area that delivers right to your door. I was ecstatic to find out that my flowers were being arranged by the local florist that my husband orders my flowers for our anniversary! As always, the flowers arrived in beautiful condition, lasted a couple of weeks, and they were just a joy to have.

From You Flowers has a lovely selection of just about any flower you could want: plants, special occasion, holiday, birthday, and much more! So don't forget to remember From You Flowers as you make you Valentine's Day Plans!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Suffer Through your Cold in Comfort with Advil Congestion Relief + Giveaway

2013-01-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

I should have known better than to agree to do a review on a cold medicine when I was perfectly well. It was like daring the gods to make me ill, and boy did they ever. It started with a little "food poisoning" but turned into full blown flu, followed up by bronchitis, and now a fabulous sinus infection. After completing my 10 day antibiotic the doctor prescribed, I woke up today with the right side of my face swollen because the infection simply moved from my forehead to my maxillary sinus glands under my cheekbone. So far it's only a lot of pressure rather than severe pain; however, I look like I have gained 10 lbs overnight on my right side.

I have decided that since this infection refuses to budge with antibiotics (likely due to the severe case of MRSA that put me on bed rest and iv's for several months 10 years ago) that I am going to now treat this naturally with colloidal silver, Echinacea, healing foods/herbs, but what will help relieve my discomfort while my body heals?

Home Treatment Ideas for Cold and Sinus Discomfort

Use a nasal saline spray or Netti Pot to clean out your nose and sinuses several times a day to help loosen and expel mucous
Steam is your friend: Think vaporizer, shower, even sitting over a pot of boiling hot salt water with a towel over your head will do wonders for helping you breathe better
H2O: That's right, drink up! The more water, the merrier, because water will help thin that mucous and get it moving!
Limit or cut out your caffeine and milk intake since both are said to make inflammation symptoms worse. Drink green tea instead! It is known for helping the body fight off sickness and overall great qualities.
Eat nourishing foods full of vitamins. Pump up those fruits and veggies! Don't feel like eating? Make a great homemade broth infusing it with lots of goodies like ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander all of which can really strengthen your body. Don't forget to add in Sriracha for heat to get those sinuses moving!
This one is the pot calling the kettle black, but get lots of rest! This is probably my biggest problem on getting well since I run on about 5 hours of sleep a night, and I do so much work. I am not complaining, just pointing out the obvious of all mother's everywhere: We take care of others and get run down!

Lastly, you (or me in this case) are going to need a good over the counter medicine to relieve discomfort. What to choose, what to choose! Isn't it overwhelming to run into a pharmacy to grab a medicine to help you breath? There is at least 30 different medicines, all of which cost an arm and a leg, and you are gambling by picking one because you never know if it will actually do what it claims to do! So here you sit at midnight, feeling like an elephant is sitting on your chest and face while the local middle school band drummer serenades your head to the beat of your heart. (Have to love those middle school bands, but they are often more dissonant than concordant to listen to; plus, both a cold and the band can cause a pounding headache!)

Well, I can attest that while Advil Congestion Relief won't heal you of whatever virus or bacterial infection plagues you, it will provide relief while your body heals, and you will be able to breathe a little easier. I have been sick with one malady after another for about a month now, and after using my review box, I have bought two more boxes of Advil Congestion Relief because it works so well for me, and it doesn't break the bank!

Don't forget to head on over to Facebook now and print your $2.00 off coupon! I know some of you Mama savers are going to really save with sale + coupon! Now how would you like to win some coupons to help towards the purchase of Advil Congestion Relief? Three of my lucky readers are going to win 3 coupons a piece. Happy Entering!

Have a Cold or the Flu? Bubbie's Soup Recipe To the Rescue!

2013-01-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

Alright, I admit it. I am not Jewish, I'm Irish, and I don't have a Bubbie. However, I recently had a case of the flu that made me wish for the Bubbie I never had. On top of having the flu which turned into a nasty case of Bronchitis/sinus infection which seems to always happen since I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 26, I had two sets of company back to back right at the Holiday time. Did I mention I had to travel 12 hours in a span of 3 days on top of it all? With four kids?

All I wanted to do was go to bed, and instead I was up until past midnight every night and up again at 5 am. To top it off, Dear husband (DH) worked 36 hours between Christmas eve and the night after Christmas. It was torture, I tell you.

I had exactly one day after my side of the family left to clean my house, so I did what any good Irish girl would do: I googled a recipe for the much talked about "penicillin" soup made my Jewish Grandmothers.

Here's my disclaimer: I am positive mine isn't like your grandmothers; heck, who does make food just like Grandma used to? Also, I couldn't find all the right products at my local food coop (I am a huge supporter of local products and companies), but I only had to substitute one product.

So, if you have a better, more authentic recipe, I will welcome it! Also, don't tell your Bubbie about my attempt at re-creating her soup, unless you are sending her over to my house to make it right and bring some Kugel! Otherwise, I am claiming I was delirious with fever upon writing this!!

My soup looked absolutely nothing like the soup pictured in all the recipes I looked up, probably because I pay absolutely no attention to amounts when I tinker in the kitchen, but it was so good! Honestly, I don't know if it was the ingredients, or if it was just that nourishing, but it is going to be my go to food to cook when someone is sick from now on.

Did it heal me immediately? No. However, it did strengthen me, and I am convinced that all the vitamins in Bubbie's Soup helped promote healing in my body. So whether you are sick, or not, this is just a yummy recipe to have on hand!

My version of Bubbie's Chicken Soup

2 parsnips
2 bunches of carrots
1 large or 2 medium onions
2 large sweet potatoes
1 head of celery (I used the whole thing, just cutting off the root)
Anise greens (WHAT is this???), but I used a Fennel Bulb
6 large clothes of garlic, peeled and whole
Salt and pepper
6 chicken thighs, bone and skin on. (I presume any part of the chicken would work fine here)
2 packages of Potstickers (I have no idea how to make Matza balls, and I wasn't in the mood to learn while sick)
LARGE Stock pot, or half the recipe!

STEPS

Bring 20 quarts of water and chicken thighs to boil.

Meanwhile peel and chop all the veggies into the same shape/size. I cubed mine into one inch cubes, but whatever works for you is fine.

Add in all the veggies, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to simmer.

Cook for about 2 hours, or until broth has reduced to the consistency you like (some people like lots of broth while I prefer a "stoup")

Add in Potstickers and cook for 5-7 minutes, and enjoy!

So tell me, what are your go to tricks for feeling better when you are sick? Do you have a special food, family recipe? Feel free to share with us!

A Happy Period? Never, But it's now Better Than Ever and Green!

2013-01-11T12:20:00.001-08:00

No matter what you call it: Aunt Flo, Mother Nature, That time of the month, Period, or as I like to refer to it "Don't mess with Mama week" it seems to be an uncomfortable subject. And don't even get me started on those ~~stupid~~ cute (we don't use the "s" word at our house, normally) commercials about having a happy period showing some teeny bopper frolicking around the beach in a white bikini. I don't care how nice your period is, it isn't that happy. EVER.

Why is this such a taboo subject? I mean, it's something that happens every month of your life from the time you are 10 (if you are me) until you are done with menopause (if I understand my mother correctly)! I say we should be able to be adults, and discuss this subject openly! I read somewhere a while back that over a billion feminine products are disposed of yearly in our landfills, and I was devastated realizing my part in this gross number!

How about leaks? Up until the last three months, I have never had a period where I didn't experience leaks. Of course, I am using products properly, but I have always had the heaviest and longest periods. I can use a super tampon, backed up with a plus sized pad with wings, and still experience an embarrassing leak. If the cramps, back pain, headache from Hades, and overall bloating/irritability weren't bad enough, a leak is definitely the straw that broke the camel's back, if you know what I mean!

Oh, and did I mention I should own stock in the tampon/pad companies? My period lasts between 7-13 days a month; I spend a minimum of $20 on period supplies, and that is on a 7 day month! I swear, Aunt Flo has gotten to be one costly unwanted relative, let me tell you!

I say no more! I have officially purchased my last pad, tampon, and pantyliner ever! You can take that one to the bank. I have discovered a nifty product known as a menstrual cup which. has. been. a. lifesaver. Period. Yes, all puns intended. I personally tried the Lunette Cynthia ,a medical-grade silicone "bell-shaped" cup that you insert in your vagina (or "pretty" as my girls call it) similar to a diaphragm.

You can wear it for up to 12 hours without emptying it, and I haven't had one single leak! Yes, I shouted that in relief.

Now, if you haven't been near a vagina in a while, I am here to tell you, it's a slippery sucker for sure! So, it might take you a minute to figure out just what fold and position for inserting the cup will work best for you. I personally love the C-fold.

How do you get it out? Well, I'm glad you asked. For me, I put a little pressure on the bulb portion and the suction releases. However, you can also, use the stem to help pull it out, or you can push it out the same way you do a baby, but with much less pain.

I wash and boil mine every month after I am done using it to make sure it is perfectly clean for the next use. The best part is for somewhere in the range of $40, you have a product that can last for years if you tend to it properly! I can tell you I will never use another product.

Lastly, I want to mention that if you have a daughter that is nearing or at puberty age, Be Prepared Period is an invaluable source of real life information and experiences to help you have a healthier, better prepared, conversation and period! As a matter of fact, BePreparedPeriod offers Tweet Chats, so check here to find the next chat session!