Just Like June

"Hot" Summer Fashion with SwimSpot (up for grabs)

2012-05-30T00:56:00.000-04:00

Summer is a mixed bag for me. I love the warm weather, the chance to spend time outdoors playing with the kids and at the pool. No, scratch that. As much as I like to swim, I dislike wearing a bathing suit because I don't like the top of my legs. I usually wear a t-shirt over my suit that covers my legs, but this year I wanted to "take the plunge" and "wade out of the shallow end" with a nice bathing suit.

I wasn't sure what I wanted. I knew it had to be something flattering, something that covered the tops of my legs, and something that didn't look matronly. I began my search by browsing through the designs at Swim Spot. I could search by color, body type, style, price, designer swimsuits, hot trends or price. Then, I discovered the Bikini Builder option. I could match tops and bottoms from different brands, sizes and styles to create an unique look designed especially for me.

I chose a tankini top from the Good Kharma line and paired it with the Next Chiseled Swim Shorts. Chic, stylish, and covers the tops of my legs. I received tips for the perfect suit for my body type (pear) by reading the online style tips and watching a short video designed for pears, which suggested I go with wide necklines and solid colored bottoms.

Okay, I couldn't resist this two toned bottom, but part of it will be covered with the tankini top. If I hadn't been able to make a decision using the style tips I could have called or emailed for a one on one consultation with a personal fit specialist whose goal is to make sure I look good this swim season!

Since this suit is so versatile, I included some of the mix and match looks I could create (if I ever decided to bare the tops of my legs). I could any of these styles with the pieces above to take my suit in an entirely new direction.

Here's to the summer when I finally shed my t-shirt and enjoy wearing a "real" swimsuit. I'm not ready to take a picture of me wearing the swimsuit and posting it on my site but I can wear it at our neighbor's pool. She won't believe it is me!

Want to create your one of of a kind mix and match swimsuit creation? Visit SwimSpot or connect with them on facebook and twitter. SwimSpot also sells cover ups and cute suits for girls.

Win It!
One person will receive a $50 SwimSpot gift certificate.

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Disciplines of A Godly Young Man by A. Kent Hughes and W. Carey Hughes

2012-05-30T00:00:00.013-04:00

Raising teenagers in today's world is tough. They face so many challenges that I don’t remember facing when I was a teen. Sure, there were the “usual” teen temptations- alcohol and drugs, that would have been easily assessable for me. Today, things seem harder. With the internet and cell phones allowing people to connect to anyone, anywhere, and anytime, teens know more than I ever did! My oldest daughter is constantly explaining the new culture to her father and me. As a mom, I try to encourage open discussion and honest communication with my kids-even when it is topics I’d rather not discuss or things I don’t really want to hear.

As part of the Crossway.org children’s book review program, I was sent Disciplines of A Godly Young Man by R. Kent Hughes & his son, W. Carey Hughes. The book is divided into four sections, relationships, soul, character, and ministry and discussed Biblical viewpoints regarding these traits.

The character section caught my eye immediately, discussing the values of work, perseverance, and watching what one says. I’ve spent a lot of time over the years trying to teach my children, “If you don’t have something nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all.” It’s a lesson for the entire family. I slip up sometimes myself as my children are quick to point out to me! The section on friendship contains lessons for us all. To have friends we must be accepting of others, a good listener, be friendly, and offer affirmation to others.

Each chapter in the book includes a “Food For Thought” section with questions designed to help the reader mull over the information discussed and an “application” section asking questions on how the reader can apply the knowledge to their life. Interested in reading an excerpt? Read it here.

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

Snacking, Baking, or Breakfast with Honey Bunches of Oats (Up for Grabs!)

2012-05-29T00:58:00.062-04:00

"I don't want it." That's the statement my children usually greet me with when I try to tempt them to eat breakfast. Never mind breakfast is the most important meal of the day, never mind that children who eat breakfast perform better in school. "I'm not hungry" or "I can't eat this early in the morning," is their mantra. I've found the easiest way to get them motivated to eat breakfast is to keep a box of cereal on hand. It's fast, it's light, and it's tasty.

Bryan was the one who discovered Honey Bunches of Oats. Searching for something different for breakfast, he found a box of the Honey Bunches of Oats with Strawberries and was hooked. He asked me to purchase a box every week. Not being a fan of having strawberries in my cereal, I switched to a rotation of the cinnamon bunches,the honey roasted and the almond varieties. With ten different blends of Honey Bunches of Oats, we can switch them up and not grow bored.

Each blend of Honey Bunches of Oats contains 10 grams of whole grains per servings, and 0 grams of transfat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. For someone, like Bryan, who is watching his diet, this offers a healthy breakfast choice. While I've been discussing breakfast, Honey Bunches of Oats can be used as the basis of any meal or for snacks. Crush the cereal into pieces and use it as a coating for homemade chicken nuggets or fish fillets. Try it for a topping on pineapple or sweet potato casseroles. The list is endless.

Here's a money saving tip: Each box of cereal always has a small amount left that is not enough for a serving. Place the leftovers into a container and store in the freezer. Use it as a topping for parfaits or ice cream. Want to discover new ways to use cereal? Check out the recipes here.

Win It!
One person will receive 2 coupons for a free box of Honey Bunches Of Oats in the flavor of your choice.

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Cooking With June--Hashbrown Casserole

2012-05-29T00:57:00.032-04:00

In the South, the casserole is a staple at dinners with the extended family, potlucks, church dinners, and for casual entertaining. This Hash Brown Casserole is my Mother in Law's version. It's frequently requested by her sons and her grandchildren and often makes an appearance at family meals.

Ingredients
1 bag (26 -30 ounces) of shredded hash browns
2 cups of shredded colby cheese
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup of chopped onions
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Melt butter or margarine and mix in milk, broth, salt, pepper, and onion. Heat hash browns in a skillet and fold in shredded cheese until melted. Combine hash brown mixture with the butter mixture and pour into a greased baking dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until done.

Take Over Tuesday Social Media Hop ~ Gaining Followers In All The Right Places ~ #CMM

2012-05-28T22:54:00.003-04:00

Welcome to

Take Over Tuesday Social Media Hop

Gain Friends and Followers

In All The Right Places

Your Hostesses are:

Closer to Lucy

Have Sippy Will Travel

3 Princes and a Princess 2

Just Like June

That's What She Said

Southern Stay At Home Momma

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Add your link to any or all of the Social Media Follow Groups below! Follow as many people as you would like and be certain to leave a comment on their page to let them know you are a fan!

Please be certain to follow your hostesses. Your presence and participation is appreciated and we will always follow you back!

We'd love for you to grab the Take Over Tuesday button to display on your site!

The more the merrier!

Welcome to our Guest Hostess for this week's edition ~

Caitlin of

Southern Stay At Home Momma

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Get Unclogged with a Rubbermaid Clean & Dry Plunger (up for grabs US & Canada)

2012-05-28T00:55:00.088-04:00

Gurgle, gurgle, splash! When I hear that noise and looked up to see my sink and dishwasher overflowing with murky water I knew I was in trouble. Somehow the drain pipes connecting my washing machine, sink, and other pipes had became clogged. For two days, until we could resolve the problem, I would stand in the laundry room, leaving a kid positioned by the kitchen sink, and attempt to turn on my washer. This would inevitably be followed by shouts of, "It's overflowing again! Turn it off!" From this experience and other similar ones, I have had plenty of experience using a plunger.

Using a plunger is not a pleasant experience. It drips nasty water around the floor, which I have to clean. I don't even want to think about the germs and bacteria present in the water! I was asked to try the new Clean & Dry plunger from Rubbermaid. I was quick to agree since I was in desperate need of a new plunger. My old plunger had been borrowed and never returned. Bryan had picked up a cheap one that turned inside out when I tried to suction anything, leaving me fuming and with clogged toilets.

he Clean & Dry Plunger is covered with NeverWet coating, a protective shield water cannot penetrate. The water rolls off the plunger, similar to a car that has been waxed, preventing germ and bacteria buildup or water spilling onto the floor. One note- the coating will react to the natural oils found in skin and decrease its effectiveness. It's important not to touch the coating.

I haven't had any clogs (thank goodness!) since I received the plunger. Instead, I tested it to see if it lived up to its claims to repel water. I found the water rolled off the plunger and didn't drip onto my floor. My son spent some time attaching the plunger to various objects around the house and lifting them off the ground to determine its suction power. This was completely unsolicited by me, by the way, he decided it would be fun to try. My daughter was less impressed. "Is that plunger clean?" she demanded. From the amount of objects he picked up, the plunger seemed to have plenty of suctioning power.

Rubbermaid has products for every room in the home, garage, and outdoors. Need help organizing? Try their new Ask the Organizer for professional advice.

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Enjoy the Party with New Limited Edition Tostitos Thins

2012-05-28T00:54:00.066-04:00

Is there anything worse than having hungry teenagers swooping down to devour all the food in the kitchen? In case you wondered, the answer is yes. It's having hungry teenagers who plod through the kitchen, digging in the cabinets and complaining, "I'm so hungry! We don't have anything to eat!" I try to keep snacks on hand for when the munchies strike.

The kids love chips and salsa so I heard no complaints when we were offered a chance to try the new limited edition Tostitos Thins. We received four bags of Tostitos but I didn't get to them before the gang of teenagers descended like locusts, devouring chips in large quantities. (Note to self-make pictures as soon as the chips arrive in the future!)

The two new flavors are Lime & Salt Thins and Tex-Mex Thins. These are thinner than traditional Tostitos and work well for dipping. The Tex Mex chips were a kid crowd pleaser. They had a cheesy topping that would compliment bean dips, guacamole, and thick n' chunky salsa. The Lime & Salt Thins appealed more to the adults. The lime flavor was prominent and would be good paired with Pico de Gallo, or a freshly made salsa. If you enjoy margaritas this would be a good chip to serve with drinks.

Need a Pico de Gallo recipe to go with your chips? Here’s one I use.

Ingredients:

4 chopped plum tomatoes

½ cup chopped onion

1 chopped jalapeno pepper

¼ cup chopped cilantro

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

1 to 2 teaspoons lime juice, freshly squeezed is best

Directions:

Combine the tomatoes, onions, pepper, cilantro, lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill until serving.

These chips are only available for a limited time so pick up a package to enjoy today. They'd be great for Summer picnic, bar-b-ques, and lazy days by the pool. Just hide them from the teenagers so you can enjoy them!

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

From Drab to Fab with Allegra #Clearbeauty #Cbias #SocialFabric

2012-05-27T20:45:00.001-04:00

Sniff. Sniff. Snort. That's how a typical Spring day in our house sounds. Living in the 7th worst city in the country for pollen and allergies (we've dropped down two!) means stepping outside to a yellow world. Everything is covered with a coat of pollen thick enough to turn anything unlucky enough to be in its path yellow. The entire family has been lying low, feeling miserable and looking, to put it nicely, rough. Red, swollen, watery eyes and noses had given us a slightly haggard appearance. I spent most of my time trying to find a time when no one was looking to rub my itchy nose.

Definitely Drab

My daughter and I were about to leave for SheCon. We needed a mini makeover to camouflage our appearance and some allergy relief stat! We made a list of the items we needed- I wanted mascara and my daughter had a list that seemed to expand as we talked. "I need foundation! Oh, and nail polish! Maybe some eye liner. Lip gloss would be good too."

Since I am all about saving money, I couldn't leave until I printed out my coupon match ups and extra care buck deals to check out which makeup was on sale. Finally, list and coupons in hand, we headed out to the nearest CVS.

For anyone who's new to CVS shopping, here's a quick tip. Be sure to scan the extra care card at the red coupon machine located near the front of the store. The machine automatically prints coupons geared toward the individual cardholder. We received a $3 off of $10 cosmetics purchase. Score!

We found a super deal on Allegra that's happening during the month of May. The 30 count package was $17.99. Using a $5 off coupon I found in the Sunday paper brought my total down to $12.99. The clincher was the $3 extra bucks to be used on a future purchase offered for buying Allegra. The store brand had a 15 count package that was a couple dollars less than what I paid for an entire month's supply. Go me! Save money! (Yes, I'm doing the happy dance. Imagine me prancing around the house, waving my arms and singing.)

After my daughter sneezed loudly throughout the store-causing other shopper to practically flee from us in panic- I added some tissues to our beauty makeover kit. Although the Allegra package said it was non drowsy formula, I wanted until night time to try it. I didn't want to be stumbling around in the daytime, barely able to stay awake. I've had allergy medicines that were supposed to be non drowsy that had my looking for the nearest pillow.

Our Allergy Makeover Kit

We have tested the Allegra for several days. The package said we could see results in an hour, which seemed correct. I no longer stayed hidden, scratching my nose and hoping no one would see because it didn't itch and I no longer had the Rudolph look. What's absolutely adorable on reindeer is not cute on me!

I earned $6 in extrabucks on my shopping trip!

We experimented with the new makeup and came away looking polished and poised. Our one fashion don't was the buttercup nail polish. It looked so pretty in the bottle but looked like we had contracted a toenail fungus when we gave ourselves a pedicure. The yellow polish on the toes look was not for us!

Looking Fab

We finished our day feeling better, looking better, and saving money. It was a fairy tale ending for us all!
Want to learn more about allergy relief? Connect with Allegra on twitter and facebook or check out their Allergy Makeover Game.

See our complete shopping trip, how we earned extra bucks and went from drab to fab in our google plus story.

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. All opinions are my own. #cbias #socialfabric #clearbeauty

"Hot" Summer Fashion- Body Wrap Cinch & Lift Cami

2012-05-27T00:53:00.187-04:00

My must have "one stop" Summer Wardrobe staple is a camisole. They're great for layering and are incredibly versatile, making them essential for any traveler. Camis can be dressed up for evening , worn under a business suit with only the top peeking out , or mixed and matched with a casual outfit or jeans. I try to keep a black cami in my wardrobe year round.

The Cinch and Lift camisole from Body Wrap takes the Cami to a new level. It's available in two colors-nude and black and sizes small to extra large. Sizes are also available for fuller figures. The nude Cami, invisible under clothing, is great to wear under those thin white cotton shirts that invade my wardrobe each summer.

What's so different about this cami instead of a normal tank top? It has a seamless underwire bra built in that holds everything in place. The cami has a control panel in the front to smooth and flatten the tummy. The material, designed from 75% Polyamide and 25% Elastane, makes it stretchable, but the tension in the fabric prevents any bulges. Add adjustable straps and it not only fits great but it comfortable too.

This seamless shapewear line has been designed to offer today's women the support they need to reveal their assets and feel beautiful and desirable, whether it's for a night out or all day long. Body Wrap® will give you immediate visible results, creating the illusion of a slimmer, firmer, younger, sexier, well-toned figure.

Most shape wear requires special care, delicate hand washing and lying flat for drying. The time requirement required for care limits the amount I can wear it The Cinch and Lift camisole can be machine washed so I can wear it whenever I want.

Find out more about Body Wrap and their shape wear solutions on facebook and twitter. Do you have a favorite item of shape wear?

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

"Hot" Summer Hair with Global Keratin

2012-05-27T00:51:00.074-04:00

Summer is the most wonderful time of the year. There's picnics, family outings, lazy days spent with the family and swimming. While I love summer, the hot sun, humidity, and chlorine do a number on my hair. I fight the frizzies, combat dry lackluster hair, and try to convince myself that having hair that has expanded to the size of a hot air balloon is attractive. My stylish suggested I use a deep conditioner to cope with the Summer damage to my hair. Shortly after I received this advice, a jar of GK Deep Conditioner arrived on my doorstep. I have friends who swear by this product so I was anxious to experiment and rid myself of damaged hair.

The Deep Conditioner is part of their hair taming system and uses an ingredient called "Juvexin."
GKhair is the first and only company to harness the beauty benefits of Juvexin. Derived from sheep wool through an environmentally-friendly process, Juvexin is delivered to the hair in its natural state. Juvexin is GKhair's foundation in creating manageable, frizz-free, beautiful looking hair for all those who want it.
(Me! Me! I want beautiful hair!)

To use the deep conditioner at home, apply it to wet hair, distributing it evenly. Then, cover hair with a hot towel and leave hair covered for twenty minutes. One suggestion-if the roots of your hair become greasy, apply the conditioner on all the hair but the roots. Massage into the roots during the last five minutes. What can I say? My hair looked shiny and the frizzies were temporarily controlled. Plus, my hair smelled luscious!

My daughter was more interested in trying the GK C880 Professional Curling Iron. This iron uses tourmaline plates to lock in shine and has an adjustable heat range from 122 degrees F to 415 degrees F. The digital LED display let us know the temperature and allows me to see if she has forgotten to turn it off when she leaves.

GK Hair Care includes an entire line of professional hair tools and styling formulas. Use their Salon Finder to find GK Hair products in your area.

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

Chicken Soup For The Soul: When You Need A Pick Me Up

2012-05-26T00:59:00.044-04:00

Lying on the beach, sipping a cool, frosty drink, with a book in one hand. That's the way I would like to spend my summer. Instead, my summer is spent frantically attempting to corral kids, run errands, and accomplish my long to do list I don't have time to finish during the winter. During the (late) evenings, I sit down to catch my breath and relax with a book. It's my secret wind-down strategy for the day. I read books of all genres, but sometimes I am in the mood for something inspirational, a "pick me up" for when I've had a long day of things going wrong. I've received three new Chicken Soup for the Soul books to cheer me up when I am feeling down. Each book contains 101 short stories that can be perused in a few minutes, especially important since that is all the time most of us have!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stay at Home Moms contains stories from mothers who have made the choice to stay home, or work from home, while raising their families, These multi-tasking, high-performing women have become today’s power mom. Every stay-at-home and work-from-home mom will view this book as having been written just for her. It's a reissue of an older edition but still contains gems that occasionally move me to tears.

Chicken Soup for the Soul : Family Caregivers could have been written for me. This collection offers support and encouragement in its 101 stories for family caregivers of all ages, including the “sandwich” generation caring for a family member while raising their children. With stories by those on the receiving end of the care too. These stories of love, sacrifice, and lessons will inspire and uplift family members making sacrifices to make sure their loved ones are well cared for, whether in their own homes or elsewhere.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Magic of Mothers and Daughters is a must have for any mom. Mothers and daughters. They are, at the same time, very similar and completely unique. This relationship - through birth, childhood, teen years, adulthood, grandchildren, aging, and every step in between - can be the best, the hardest, and the sweetest. Mothers and daughters will laugh, cry, and find inspiration in this collection of stories that remind them of their shared love, appreciation and special bond.

These books help me maintain perspective when I am overworked, tired, and ready to snap at the next person who talks to me. What books do you want to read this summer?

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

Shop Online with "The Find" Catalogue App

2012-05-26T00:50:00.067-04:00

"Window shopping" has been one of my hobbies since I was a child. When I was young I would pretend I had a large amount of money I could spend on anything I wanted. I poured over the JC Penney and Sears Christmas catalog and found all the items I desired, clothing, toys, food baskets, and furniture. Then, I'd pretend to buy them. As a grew older, I still loved to browse through catalogs and search for items with my imaginary money. I also used catalogs to compare prices on items I needed or wanted. I realized, sometime over the years, my catalog collections added to the amount of junk mail produced each year.

The average person in the US receives 560 pieces of junk mail a year. This amounts to 4.5 million tons of junk mail yearly, of which 44% goes straight to the landfill unopened and unread. 100 million trees are cut down each year to produce junk mail.

I recently discovered a way to get my catalog "fix" and save the environment- the new Catalogue
app by The Find. Available for iPad, Kindle Fire, or Android Tablets, this app allows the catalogs of hundreds of my favorite stores to be downloaded and viewed whenever I want. Stuck in the doctor's office and settling down for a long wait, I can browse catalogs rather than reading the thirty year old magazines scattered around the waiting room. If I want a personalized experience, I can log in through facebook. Their app sync program allows me to save catalogs and browse them on my computer whenever I want.

My favorite feature is The Camera View. It gives me the option to see how items would look in my own living space, kind of like a "try before you buy" option. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten items home over the years and discovered they didn’t look as good as I had hoped in my living space.

Interested in trying The Find Catalogue App for yourself? It's a free download.

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

"Hot" Summer Hair with It’s A 10 Miracle Finishing Spray (up for grabs!)

2012-05-25T00:49:00.109-04:00

My daughter and I are "blessed", depending on the time you ask us, with wavy hair. Living in the South, this can be a mixed blessing. On Good Hair days, I can wash my hair, let it air dry, brush and go. On Bad Hair days, thanks to the high humidity, I can step outside to be greeted with my hair puffing up to twice its normal size and looking like it has been beaten with a frizzy stick. I can usually take this in stride, but my daughter, a teenager who is quite vain about her looks, believes her hair is doing this to make her life miserable.

Last summer she began using It's a 10 hair care products, formulated to deliver a combination of 10 benefits that used to take numerous products to achieve, including detangling, stopping split ends and smoothing and -the biggie for us-controlling frizz. My daughter swears by the It's a 10 miracle leave-in treatment. She rarely asks for a specific product, usually asking me to pick up this or that. Last week she brought me the bottle of It's a 10 leave in product and informed me, "It's the only thing that works on my hair to keep it from frizzing. Can you pick up a bottle for me, please?"

It's a 10 hair care products were inspired by the belief that an excellent multipurpose product that delivered salon-quality results was the answer to change hair care for the better. It took years of reformulation, testing, and trial and error before the creators, Carolyn and Scott, could say “this line is perfect – It’s a 10.” .

When we were given an opportunity to try the It's a 10 Miracle Finishing Spray, we gladly accepted. I rarely use hairspray because traditional formulas leave my hair stiff and sticky. This is the "next generation of hairspray," made from plant based ingredients and fragrances. Designed to add control, shine, and body, it's humidity resistant and quick drying. If I want to add volume, something I need if I straighten my hair, I can spray it onto my roots. Otherwise, I simply spray it directly onto my hair, in layers, until I reach the level of control I need. I like the "feel" of this finishing spray on my hair. I'm able to run a comb or brush through my hair after application.

Waves without frizzies!
It's A 10 hair care carries a complete line of products to help create beautiful hair and are available at salons across the United States. Connect with them on twitter or facebook.

Win It!
One person will receive a bottle of It's A 10 Miracle Finishing Spray.

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Curb Cravings with The Slim & Beautiful Diet

2012-05-25T00:48:00.040-04:00

Looking in the mirror, I am often discouraged when I see my “stomach pooch.” My husband and kids assure me it is not noticeable, but it is there, taunting me, and messing up my form fitting dresses. I read Dr. Aaron Taber, a graduate of the John Hopkins School of medicine, had developed a Slim and Beautiful diet whose motto was “Goodbye belly fat and hello gorgeous looking skin, hair and nails!” Who was I to argue? Having fingernails which broke easily, a patch of skin where I was pretty sure I had discovered an age spot, and a stomach pooch was getting old. No pun intended about my age!

Dr. Tabor believes that a woman’s external appearance is a direct reflection of her internal health, and he has made it his mission to develop effective products that contain ingredients that help women achieve total health, wellness, and beauty—from the inside out.

Dr. Tabor’s Slim and Beautiful diet line is developed to be rich in protein and antioxidants designed to be filling and prevent hunger. Clinically tested, this diet has been proven to work. I received several of his diet products to test, including protein meals shakes, three packages of “non-naughty nibbles”, and two meal bars.

The “non-naughty” nibbles looked like pieces of Chex cereal and were available in regular, bar-b-que, and cheddar. I tried the regular variety first. To me, they tasted too salty. I’m not sure if it was salt, but that’s how it tasted. The bar-b-que and cheddar flavors were better. The kids asked to try them too and all three varieties gave us heartburn. The bars, available in Chocolate Peanut Haute Couture and Yogurt Almond Allure, were better. Thick and incredibly chewy, these bars filled me up. I would eat the Chocolate Peanut Bar as a meal replacement.

I didn't receive enough samples to try the diet for a long enough period to see if my belly "pooch" disappeared. I'll keep plugging along, trying to shed it! To learn more about The Slim & Beautiful diet, connect with Dr. Tabor on facebook and twitter. If you would like to try Dr. Tabor's program use the code BLOGLUV to receive 15% off your entire order.

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

The Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook by Robyn Webb (up for grabs)

2012-05-24T00:47:00.078-04:00

Both of my in-laws and my father suffer from diabetes. My children complain they are cursed with bad genetics and tell me, "Thanks for making sure we'll have all types of diseases, Mom." I noticed that one of my in-law's problems was their cooking methods. My mother-in-law equates love to plentiful servings of butter and sweets. She enjoys plentiful servings of classic comfort food and encourages everyone in the family to eat their fill. The food tastes delicious and causes my children to complain, "Why doesn't your food taste as good as Grandmother's?" Before discovering The Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook by Robyn Webb, I thought classic comfort food had to be higher in fat and calories. Although I encouraged substitutions of low fat ingredients, the results were not as tasty as the classic versions.

Unfortunately, most people think that having diabetes means the days of enjoying these hearty classics are long gone, and that their favorite foods are a thing of the past. Author Robyn Webb shows that healthy eating doesn't have to mean giving up on favorite foods! Diabetes can be overwhelming, but it doesn't mean reinventing the wheel when it comes to cooking. Just a tweak here and there and familiar foods can remain favorites, guilt-free, and enjoyed every day.
The American Diabetes Association Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook creates a “go-to” collection of updated comfort foods for families that need to cook nutritionally sound and diabetic-friendly meals that will satisfy and soothe the souls of the member (or members) of the family with diabetes—and do the same for the rest of the family. No need to cook two meals to please everyone in the household. Now everyone can enjoy the same hearty and nutritious meals.

The Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook contains classics adored by children and loved by adults- Taco Salad, Bar-b-que chicken, double chocolate brownie, cheesecake, and more. There's over 100 recipes in every category from appetizers to desserts. Cooking tips, such as how to skim fat from soups and five steps to making a perfect salad, are included throughout the book, making it a useful teaching tool as well. Each recipe contains extensive nutrition information.

Most of the switches are simple-use turkey in place of ground beef in recipes or use low calorie sweetener instead of sugar. While some of the recipes called for exotic ingredients, most were commonly found ingredients and pantry staples.

Since my husband was diagnosed with prediabetes, this cookbook will be a staple in our kitchen. We don't have to give up dishes we enjoy and the recipes (mostly) require ingredients I have on hand. Plus, I don't have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing special meals. A win-win situation all the way around!

The Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook is available from Amazon.

Win It!
One person will receive a The Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook by Robyn Webb.

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Smart Shopping with June- Quick Couponing Tip #3

2012-05-24T00:43:00.016-04:00

To make room for the new products, stores must discontinue their old products. Clearance & Discontinued items will be deeply discounted. These items are unadvertised, making them a pleasant surprise find on a shopping trip.

#Quick Couponing Tip #3--Always take your entire coupon stash to the store with you. These discontinued and clearance deals disappear quickly. Having your coupons with you allows you to catch the deal.

This is a tip I learned the hard way by missing several great buys on products we used regularly.

Dave’s Gourmet Specialty Pasta Sauces=Tasty Baked Spaghetti

2012-05-24T00:01:00.051-04:00

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Pasta! That’s my children’s mantra. If they had their wish, we would have pasta dishes for every meal. I, on the other hand, was getting tired of having the same meal whenever we had pasta. We needed something new to spark interest into our diet. Dave’s Gourmet Specialty Foods had a collection of pasta sauces that tempted my taste buds and inspired me to enjoy pasta again.

What makes Dave's Gourmet special is the way they use fresh specialty ingredients, unique flavors and then add a slightly insane perspective to it. Dave's Gourmet has been featured in every major newspaper in the U.S. and on television shows and networks such as Good Morning America, the Today Show, Food Network, CNN, MTV and more.

When we received our sauce, the kids insisted we try the Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce. Winner of the 2009 New York Fancy Food Show Best Pasta Sauce, this sauce had an entirely different taste from traditional tomato based pasta sauces. A combination of Butternut Squash, garlic, onions, and roasted red pepper, we opted to eat this on tortellini. The entire family enjoyed the taste and my daughter declared it to be “A pleasant chance from tomato based sauce,” and commented, “I can taste the butternut.”

For our next dish, I used the Organic Red Heirloom pasta sauce to create Baked Italian Spaghetti.

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian Sausage

2 T. garlic

1 jar Organic Red Heirloom Pasta Sauce

2 cups cottage cheese

1 cup shredded Italian Cheese

3 eggs, beaten

1 cup parmesan cheese, divided

1 package (12) ounce pasta

Directions:

Prepare pasta as directed. Combine the Italian Sausage and garlic in skillet, cook until done. Drain sausage mixture and add spaghetti sauce. Mix well.

Stir cottage cheese and Italian cheese together until blended, set aside.

Combine the beaten eggs with ½ cup parmesan cheese, stir thoroughly. Add the mixture to the pasta.

. In a greased 9x13 pan, add the coated pasta.

Layer the cottage cheese mixture on top of the pasta. Cover with spaghetti sauce mixture

Bake for 25 minutes in 350 degree oven.

Top with reserved half cup of Italian cheese. Serve.

Dave’s Gourmet Products are available online or in select grocery stores and gourmet shops across the nation.

"Hot" Summer Fashion Sassy Steals Purse (up for grabs)

2012-05-23T00:54:00.081-04:00

"She's wearing my dress!" I enjoy dressing in trendy, chic fashions. The area I live in, however, doesn't offer a wide variety of fashionable choices. Inevitably, at any social function I attend, a couple of people show up in the same outfit. It's happened to me a few times over the years. The results aren't pretty. The awkward sideways glances at each other and the wanting to escape to change dampen the atmosphere. Shopping at boutique stores to lessen the chances of having someone show up in the same ensemble can be pricey.

Sassy Steals offers a solution. They offer daily "steals" on boutique and handmade items. Different items from an ever changing list of supplier are featured each day, at bargain prices, some as much as 90% off their regular price. A limited amount of product is offered, insuring that I won't show up at an event to find five other people wearing the same thing. I found this lightweight wooden earrings, regularly $6.99, for a 99 cents daily deal.

Each deal offers basic information about the item, including a description, colors available, shipping information, and the boutique, designer, or shoppe offering the item. I usually complain about the high cost of shipping and handling fees. I find that it is often cheaper to purchase a product at an area store because the shipping and handling costs negate the amount I save. I felt the fees on Sassy Steals were reasonable, with several items having free shipping and most offering low cost shipping.

My favorite feature is the weekly contests. Every Friday, Sassy Steals offers a giveaway featuring an assortment of their showcased boutique items. Sassy Steals can be found on facebook, twitter, and pinterest. Interested Boutique owners and designers can contact Sassy Steals to have their product featured on the site.

I'll be receiving this cute Chevron handbag from Sassy Steals. It looks to be a fun addition to my casual summer wear. I can't wait to try it out.

Win It!
One person will receive a Chevron handbag from Sassy Steals.

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SheCon Here I Come!

2012-05-23T00:09:00.015-04:00

Two weeks ago I received a last minute invite to SheCon. I am super excited! This is the first conference I have been able to attend. I had planned to attend Blissdom in February, but they ran out of tickets before I could purchase one.

I'm leaving a few days early to visit relatives who live near Disney that I haven't seen in several years. I'm also taking my oldest child-who's leaving for college soon- to "bond." My husband did quip, "It's a ten hour drive down there. You might bond your hands around her neck."

Because my daughter is not a blogger, she couldn't attend the conference, but is happy to be hanging out at the pool and the beach. The only thing she complained about was being stuck at McDonald's for breakfast while I get to attend three networking breakfasts. I explained she didn't have to go to McDonald's. I'm sure there is a Hardee's or Burger King in the area! She didn't find the humor in that remark.

I've gotten business cards, comfortable shoes, and even a Just Like June tote bag and pen. (Thrifty hint for conference attendees: I got a free Just Like June t-shirt, tote bag, sticky notes and pen from Vista Print. All I had to pay was shipping fees.) I'm looking forward to meeting some online bloggy buddies "in real life." I'm going to practice taking photos with my new camera. Maybe I will finally have pictures of people who still have their heads attached to their bodies!

Have you attended a conference? Do you have any suggestions for a conference newbie?

St. Croix Chocolate- Satisfy Your Chocolate Craving!

2012-05-23T00:04:00.088-04:00

Chocolate is one of the major food groups, at least that's what I think. After trying gourmet chocolates, I've become of a "chocolate snob." I'd rather have one piece of gourmet chocolate to savor, making it a special treat. St. Croix Chocolate Company was developed by Robyn Dochterman and Deidre Pope who believe every chocolate should be "bliss in a bite."

Robyn, originally a journalist, turned to developing gourmet chocolate when the recession brought an end to her former career. She learned fine chocolate techniques from internationally acclaimed chefs at the French Pastry School in Chicago, the Chocolate Academy in Chicago, and the San Francisco Baking Institute in California and began developing her beautiful chocolate creations.

I received the Signature nine piece gift box that I rescued from my son before he could begin to "sample" the chocolates. Wrapped in a lovely bow, it would make an excellent Father's Day, birthday or anniversary present. (For anyone who might buy it for a Father's Day present be sure he will share!) The designs on the chocolates made them almost to pretty to eat, but I persevered. My son's only problem was which one he would choose for himself.

These weren't the "normal" flavors I expected to find in a box of chocolates. While we did have some traditional flavors-raspberry, sea salt caramel, and 75% dark, we had flavors that provided an unusual or unexpected combination. Key Lime Pie, Maple Pecan, Apricot Almond, Fresh Mint & Lemon and Passion Fruit rounded out our tempting choices. These are smooth, rich chocolates that literally melted in my mouth.
I have to say a word about the Apricot Almond. Oh my goodness! Creamy white chocolate was drenched over a cream filling of sweet apricot bits mixed with chopped almonds. I could have eaten an entire box of these treats myself. I have hidden this box of chocolate from the prying eyes of my teenagers and their friends so I can indulge in these myself when I need a chocolate fix.

I checked out their facebook page and saw Robyn was developing new flavors of chocolates. I wish their Minnesota store was closer to my home. I would volunteer to be her "taste tester" for new creations. In my case, I'll simply have to rely on having them shipped to my home.

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

Balance Bar Father’s Day Gift Package (up for grabs!)

2012-05-22T00:33:00.043-04:00

Breakfast? Lunch? Those words sometimes seem unknown in my vocabulary. Speeding out the door to accomplish my daily activities, I have to either skip a meal, grab something on the go, or take along something quick. I keep a Balance Bar in my purse for when I need a fast snack. They’re much cheaper and healthier than stopping for a fast food break.

Balance Bare bars are designed to include a 40-30-30 balance of carbs, dietary fat, and protein, the needed caloric amounts to keep the body full longer and provide lasting energy. I feel full after I eat one and the feeling lasts for several hours.

If you love trail mix and whole grain, Balance Bare is the bar for you. Fiber, protein and 19 essential vitamins and minerals offer lasting energy, while a delicious dip in our sweet coating satisfies your taste buds.

We tried the assortment of Bare Bars for ourselves. My favorite was the Sweet and Salty Chocolate Almond. It had a sweet taste with a follow up of salty punch. These bars are thicker and more compact than a granola bar, but have much of the same texture. Each bar has 5 grams of fiber, 19 vitamins and minerals, 15g Protein, 6 grams of Whole Grain, and is an excellent source of antioxidants. The Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter Bars taste similar to the chocolate almond, with the difference that I could taste peanuts. Blueberry Acai has a sweet, fruity taste. I admit I liked the ones with chocolate better!

Balance Bars can be purchased in most grocery stores or online at the Balance website.

Balance wants to keep Dad’s healthy and happy for Father’s Day with their Balanced Father’s Day package. Included is an assortment of 15 Balance Bare bars in three flavors, Blueberry Acai, Sweet and Salty Chocolate Almond, and Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter, a Balance Water bottle, and a “Bare Hug” card. It can be purchased here.

Win It!
One person will receive a Father's Day Balance Bar Gift Pack.

Read more »

Cooking With June--Deluxe Coconut Cake

2012-05-22T00:04:00.032-04:00

My mother in law keeps the ingredients for this coconut cake on hand at all times for a "cheat" dessert that tastes like it is made from scratch but takes less time and effort. One of the secrets is the cream cheese frosting and substituting coconut milk for the water.

Ingredients

For Cake:
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/3 cups coconut milk
4 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts

For Coconut Topping:
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups flaked coconut

For Frosting:
2 teaspoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, water, eggs and oil. Blend for 4 minutes. Stir in 2 cups coconut and the chopped nuts. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes or until done. Allow to cool.

To Make Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting: Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add 3/4 cup of the coconut and stir until browned. Dry on paper towel. Cream other 2 tablespoons butter with cream cheese. Alternately add milk and powdered sugar. Add vanilla. Stir in remaining 1-1/4 cup coconut. Spread Icing on cake and sprinkle with browned coconut.

What's Your Sleep Number?

2012-05-22T00:02:00.023-04:00

I don’t know why I have never given much thought to mattresses. It’s an important purchase considering how much use it will receive. Having an uncomfortable mattress is a sure way to lose sleep and toss and turn all night. My family doesn’t enjoy dealing with me if I’ve gone several days with no sleep!

I took the Sleep Number challenge to discover my perfect “sleep number.” Finding a sleep number allows individuals to customize the bed to their level of comfort. The correct level keeps the back, spine, shoulders and head supported, decreasing pressure points along the body and allowing for more restorative sleep.

I began my search by visiting my local sleep number store. I recommend visiting the store when there are not many customers, as the process takes a few minutes. The sales associate had me lie down on one of the mattresses and evaluate how it felt before we began. He had a computerized image of my body on the mattress and showed me how my back and spine were not supported and the pressure this was causing my body.

The sleep numbers range from 1 to 100. He moved the level to 100, the firmest, and asked me how I felt. “Sort of like I am lying on a brick,” was my response. He began to lower the sleep number, making the bed softer, and asked me to let him know when I felt comfortable. I stopped at number 35. He asked me if he could lower the number to see if I was more comfortable. I could almost imagine myself as one of the three bear in the story, Goldilocks.” “This bed is too hard!” “This bed is too soft!” “This one is just right!”

We raised the number back to 35 and checked the computer image. My pressure points were supported and I felt relaxed. I might have been able to take a short nap if left to my own devices! The beauty of these beds is each side can be personalized to an individual sleep number. No more compromising on the firmness of the mattress with husbands who are (quite possible) a 100 on the Sleep Number scale.

Want to find your own Sleep Number? Visit the Sleep Number Site to find a store near you.

I was sent on a mission by Smiley360 and received a free product(s) in exchange for my time. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.

Take Over Tuesday Social Media Hop ~ Gaining Followers In All The Right Places ~ #CMM

2012-05-21T22:46:00.003-04:00

Welcome to

Take Over Tuesday Social Media Hop

Gain Friends and Followers

In All The Right Places

Your Hostesses are:

Closer to Lucy

Have Sippy Will Travel

3 Princes and a Princess 2

Just Like June

That's What She Said

Close To Home

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Add your link to any or all of the Social Media Follow Groups below! Follow as many people as you would like and be certain to leave a comment on their page to let them know you are a fan!

Please be certain to follow your hostesses. Your presence and participation is appreciated and we will always follow you back!

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The more the merrier!

Welcome to our Guest Hostess for this week's edition ~

Maria of

Close To Home

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Taxing Questions -Am I a Small Business?

2012-05-21T17:20:00.001-04:00

“Aren’t paying taxes fun? “ I’ve never heard anyone make that statement. When I was teaching full time my taxes were deducted weekly. At the end of the year I gathered my W-2 forms, handed them to my husband, and set back to listen to the moaning and complaining that inevitably followed as he did our taxes. After I cut back to part time employee, I began blogging as a hobby. I blogged about family life and received advanced reader copies of books for review. No problem. A little over two years ago I began writing product reviews. Imagine my surprise to discover the IRS considered me a “small business.” (Incredibly small, since it’s just me.)

Having to file taxes on my blog was confusing. I had a lot of accounting questions. Did I have to pay taxes on review items? Did I have to pay taxes if I didn’t make any income? If I had to pay taxes, could I deduct any items as expenses? I found articles around the web explaining I could deduct expenses for items like conference fees, business cards, internet connections, and a home office. Naturally, the articles stated certain restrictions applied.

This year my husband suggested we find a specialist in Small Business Tax help to give us pointers. Much of blogging is considered a “gray area.” Some of the items that people considered business expenses gave me pause. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t consider my dog necessary to “guard my work area” and write him off as a business expense. Highway tolls are probably out for me too. Domain hosting fees and copyrights seemed reasonable as long as they met my accountant’s approval.

Although I didn’t plan to consider my blog a small business, it’s been a lot of fun. Now if I could only find health insurance for self- employed people!

I received the above mentioned free product(s) for review purposes. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I was not asked to provide anything other than my honest opinion.