Mother of Pearl It Is

Get Moving with Unpakt

2013-05-21T11:47:32Z

Unpakt lets you find great movers, get exact prices, and book online.

Did you know May is National Moving Month? Moving to a new home can have you experiencing a whole range of emotions from nervous and stressed to happy and excited. You either love moving (like me) or loathe it. For me, I look forward to the fresh start – it’s a great time to purge useless, unwanted items and start anew.

If you are planning to use movers to care for your precious cargo, you’ll want to find someone reputable and fairly priced. Unpakt enables you to search for the perfect moving company for your needs. Simply choose your current home size from the drop down box on their homepage. You can choose to list typical furniture, box sizes and quantities for your size home, or you can add items yourself individually. You can even request pricing on such special handling items as assembly/disassembly, wood crating, or wall dismounting. For larger, more complicated moves, Unpakt recommends an in-home consultation to get on-the-spot quotes from movers.

Next step, you will be asked to enter the scheduled date and preferred time of your move, as well as, the address of your current location and where you are moving to. Once you click Continue, Unpakt will begin searching their database to give you several quotes from a variety of trusted moving companies. For each mover, you will be given the following information:

Name of mover, address, phone number, email address, and website.
How many years they’ve been in business
How many employees and trucks they have
How far they are from you in miles
Any customer reviews they’ve received
What services they provide
And your quoted price

You can also choose to purchase additional services such as renting storage prior to your move, professional packing which includes packing supplies, and ordering boxes to be delivered before the move. Then select the quote that best suits your needs and budget, and you will be presented with an itemized list of your inventory/boxes. Finally, it’s just a matter of confirming to lock in your price! You will be asked to register, and will need to provide your contact and credit card information to secure your spot. Your exact price quote will show at the top of the form, and your credit card will be billed 2 days prior to your move. No hidden fees, ballpark estimates, or hourly fees.

Your move plan (details of your move, inventory, and additional services requested) can always be easily accessed on Unpakt through the user account you create. It can be edited/managed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Change of plans? Login at any time to quickly change your move date, inventory, or add additional services. The price updates automatically.

Need a moving day checklist? Unpakt has a detailed list of awesome tips for making the most of your move.

Have questions? You can always check their Top FAQ’s section for helpful tips and guidelines to a great move.

Make your next move a safe, worry-free one – check out Unpakt for movers that are experienced, reliable, AND insured. Last thing you need during a stressful move is a surprise like this:

Several years ago, my mother decided to move back to her home town in Illinois from Atlanta, GA. She hired a moving company that came in and packed all of her things, loaded the truck, and left. They were to arrive within a few days to the new location … instead, they showed up a week and a half AFTER my mother had made the move to her new place. She was without furnishings, clothing, and other essentials for almost two weeks. She was given no reason or explanation as to the delay, and the worst part – when they finally did arrive to begin unloading, they dropped her dining room table and broke it. No insurance, no replacement, no apology.

Don’t spend hours on your next move making endless phone calls, filling out forms, and pulling your hair out to receive price quotes! Visit Unpakt and streamline your entire booking process to under an hour. Available coast to coast, and named one of The Next Web’s Top 10 Apps for Home & Work.

DISCOUNT: Receive 5% instant cash back on your next move! Enter promo code: MOP on Unpakt.com when booking and save. Must book by 7/31/13.

Have you used a moving service before? How did they rate and did your move go smoothly?

* I was compensated for writing a review for Unpakt moving services. All thoughts and opinions above are my own and were not influenced in any way.

Dunkin Donuts Introduces New Seasonal Flavors

2013-05-16T04:11:40Z

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Dunkin’ Donuts. I received a Dunkin’ Donuts Party Kit to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

LOVE ‘EM BEFORE THEY LEAVE

I am a major coffeeaholic… tis true. I do not function well in the morning until I’ve had a good cup of joe ~~or five~~! Dunkin Donuts has been my go-to brand for many, many years. I usually get the Dunkin Dark or the Hazelnut. Having 5 kids that love sleepovers, we can plan on having extra mouths to feed on the weekends. The kids know they can usually count on waking up to a couple dozen fresh-baked Dunkin Donuts, fresh fruit, milk and juice. And, of course, coffee for mom.

Dunkin Donuts has just introduced several new seasonal flavors – Coconut, Triple Berry, and Strawberry Shortcake. I invited a few of my neighbors over for a “taste-test” party to get everyone’s idea of their favorites. Hands down – the favorite was Coconut, with Triple Berry coming in a close second. The hubby’s favorite was Strawberry Shortcake – which also happens to be his favorite dessert.

Here’s your Dunkin’ forecast: a flavor heat wave! Find these Dunkin’ Donuts® Flavors of the Season — only in grocery stores for a limited time.

Coconut
Sometimes you feel like fresh coconut coffee flavor. And sometimes, you really feel like it.

Triple Berry
You know what they say, “Three berries are better than one.” That’s a saying, right?

Strawberry Shortcake
Just one sip of our strawberry-flavored coffee and you’ll agree: Dessert should come first.

Dunkin Donuts and Mom Central were kind enough to provide me with all of the tools and supplies needed to host my coffee party! I made a big pot of the Coconut, and then we all brewed individual cups in my Keurig for the other two flavors. Paired with an assortment of scrumptious Dunkin Donuts, mini croissants, and fresh bananas, grapes, and strawberries, we had a beautifully, relaxing breakfast party with good friends and great conversation.

My friends were excited to be able to take some of the party home with them as they were gifted with their own Dunkin Donuts tote bag of seasonal coffee, a tumbler, and coupons for future purchases.

I”m a huge fan of the beach and anything that looks, smells, or sounds like the beach. So the Coconut coffee was like heaven for me. Definitely felt like a bit of paradise in my coffee cup. I have to say … I would definitely not complain in the least if Dunkin Donuts were to offer the Coconut coffee all year round! Oh, did I mention you can only get these delicious seasonal flavors for a limited time? So, hurry and grab some up before they vanish!

Check out my own version of Dunkin’ Donuts Coconut Iced Coffee below. Would be awesome to take to the beach!

Coconut Iced Coffee

Ingredients

3/4 cup Dunkin' Donuts Coconut coffee (already brewed)
1-1/2 cups Zico (or other brand) coconut water
1/3 cup sugar (or favorite sweetener - I used Splenda)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or favorite creamer
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

Combine hot brewed coffee, sugar and almond milk in pitcher. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
Blend in coconut water. Chill until ready to serve.
Pour over ice in tall glass or coffee mug. Top with whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately.

http://www.motherofpearlitis.net/2013/05/dunkin-donuts-introduces-new-seasonal-flavors/

Guest Post: Giving Up Shampoo

2013-05-16T01:17:12Z

Giving Up Shampoo: A How-to Guide to a “No-Poo” Life

The thought of giving up shampoo and conditioner all together seems crazy. Using those products is so deeply rooted in our routine that we don’t even question it. But truth is, lots of commercial shampoos and conditioners are irritating your hair, stripping it from its natural oils, because of harmful chemicals such as propylene glycol, chlorine or sulfates. But thanks to two common, cheap and easy to find ingredients, nearly everyone could throw out their shampoo and conditioner for good. Here’s a how-to guide to a “no-poo” life.

Magic Ingredient Number 1: Baking Soda

An alkaline-based cleanser, baking soda – and not baking powder – will naturally clean your hair without stripping its oils. It’ll also clean your pores in the process and will help remove all the product residue build-up resulting from years of commercial shampoo and conditioner usage.

The method:

There are two different ways to use baking soda as shampoo. The first one is to mix it will a little water until you get a paste, and scrub that paste gently on your scalp and your hair. Once you are done, rinse thoroughly.

The second method – which I personally prefer, because it’s gentler – is to mix about 1 tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water in any container you find convenient: spray bottle, squirt bottle, a cup, etc. Then pour some of the liquid mixture on your scalp and scrub, adding more and more mixture as you go. Finish by rinsing thoroughly.

Just try and find the right method for you and for your hair. Experiment with different quantities and textures, and see what makes your hair look the best!

Magic Ingredient Number 2: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a miracle product. It will make your hair shiny and smooth, it’ll restore its elasticity and it’ll help keep it clean for a longer period. It will also rebalance your skin and hair’s natural pH level and act as a detangler. It does a better job than any fancy conditioner I’ve ever tried!

The method:

Mix about 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water and put the mixture in a spray bottle (you can double or triple the mix and leave the bottle in your shower for a few weeks). After “shampooing” your hair with baking soda and rinsing it thoroughly, spray some apple cider vinegar on the tip of your hair first, than on your whole hair and scalp. You can either massage it in and let sit for a few minutes or rinse right away. I personally let it sit myself. Make sure you rinse well afterwards. And remember: Although diluted, it’s still vinegar, so try and avoid getting it in your eyes.

Here too, experimenting with quantities is key. Try and find the right vinegar/water balance for you.

The Questions You’re Dying to Ask

Won’t My Hair Be Dry?

Possibly. Baking soda is still a strong product which, when not used properly, can cause your hair to dry out. That’s why you should always follow a baking soda “shampoo” with a vinegar rinse: Vinegar rebalances your hair’s pH, which may have been slightly disturbed by the baking soda. To really moisturize your hair, give it an argan oil treatment once or twice monthly. Pour argan oil in your hair, from roots to tips and massage it in. Wrap your head in a warm towel and let sit for a half hour, then shower.

Won’t My Hair Be Smelly?

No. Surprisingly enough, your hair won’t smell of vinegar if you rinse it properly. But if you really want to make sure you don’t smell like a salad (!), mix one or two drops of natural fragrant essential oil with your vinegar/water mixture.

Won’t My Hair Be Greasy?

Nope. It’s commercial shampoos and conditioners that make your hair greasy by stripping it of its natural oils. By rebalancing your hair’s natural pH, the baking soda and apple cider vinegar routine will, on the contrary, help keep your hair clean and natural.

Be Prepared for a Transition Period

Going for the shampoo and conditioner free routine does demand some practice; And be warned that you will go through a transition period during which your hair will adapt to this new, all-natural method. You might also need a few tryouts to figure out the right water/product balance that’s right for you. In order to allow your hair to adapt better, you can go gradually, by using baking soda once a week for starters, or by only doing the apple cider vinegar rinse, paired with your regular shampoo.

The “no-poo” routine has its deterrents and is not for everyone. But go on and give it a try! You might be surprised.

Mireille is a travel, music and theater enthusiast. She wrote for the stage and television, and is now working as a freelance blogger for Simons, a major Canadian retail store providing fashionable clothing and home decoration items like curtains and more.

Invisalign: The Cool Braces

2013-05-14T22:52:33Z

* This is a sponsored post on behalf of SITS girls for Invisalign. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I can remember as a teenager begging my mother to let me get braces on my teeth. Now, for one.. my single mother was not prepared to pay thousands of dollars for this procedure, especially when I was already blessed with rather straight teeth. But, OH how I wanted braces. At the time, I didn’t think twice about the possibility of being called “brace face” or “metal mouth.” All I knew was I wanted braces.. they were just SO cool!!

I mean.. back then, they were clunky metal brackets and you had to wear tiny rubber bands and sometimes even .. the dreaded headgear! Friends of mine that wore metal braces had to be careful what they ate for fear of breaking a wire, which could result in prolonged treatment time, and more money out for their parents pockets. They were restricted from indulging in the usual treats that most teens enjoy – corn on the cob, caramel apples, gummy candy, popcorn, etc. that could easily get stuck in their teeth – not a pretty sight!

Thanks to Invisalign, there’s now an effective, and less pronounced method of straightening our teeth. Braces are much more acceptable these days, and much LESS noticeable. Invisalign is a series of nearly invisible, removable “aligners” that are used to gradually straighten teeth without metal or wires for adults and teens alike. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks. During this time, the aligners gradually move their teeth until they achieve the prescribed final position.

There’s no longer any reason to feel self-conscious about having to wear braces. Subtle and virtually invisible, Invisalign does not alter your appearance, or interrupt your daily routine of brushing, flossing, and eating, as they are easily removable.

Whatever dental issues you may be having – overbite, widely spaced teeth, crowded teeth, etc., Invisalign is a viable option for anyone looking to effectively straighten their teeth, improve their bite and smile, and boost their self-esteem. Invisalign is also covered by most insurance companies and financial options are frequently available as well.

Visit their website to get more information about how it works, and while you’re there, take the Smile Assessment to find out if Invisalign is right for you or a loved one. Chat it up with them on Facebook and Twitter as well for any questions you may have, the latest updates, and more.

Have you had any experience with metal braces? Have you tried or know someone that has tried Invisalign? What are your thoughts?

* This is a sponsored post on behalf of SITS girls for Invisalign. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’m Doing the 5 Day Pouch Test

2013-05-03T11:46:47Z

If you’ve followed Mother of Pearl It Is for a while, you are probably aware that I made a life-changing decision to have Gastric Sleeve surgery for weight loss in August 2011. I was a thin chickadee most of my younger life, and ate what I wanted with no problem. Being a gymnast, dance team member, and active overall helped to keep me lean and trim – that is, until I graduated high school and the activities stopped. Then I met my chef hubby, who fattened me up even more with all his delicious cooking. Having 5 large babies did nothing to help my figure either, but honestly… I can’t place blame on anyone but myself. Nobody forced me to eat like I did.

A couple years ago, at my top weight of 286 lbs., I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Not to mention that I already had rheumatoid arthritis, and that extra weight was torture on my joints. After years of trying every diet in the book and failing, I decided my life was too important to play with. I still had 4 of my 5 children living at home and a disabled hubby that needed me, and 2 beautiful granddaughters to watch grow up. So, after doing my research for almost a year, I made the extremely tough decision to go ahead with bariatric surgery. Let me tell ya… it was honestly the BEST decision of my life!

Now almost 2 years later, I have lost a total of 80 lbs. At my current weight of 206, I have another 41 lbs. to reach my goal. The problem is I have been at an absolute standstill for the past 7-8 months. I am now able to eat much more than I could after my surgery. Although the majority of my stomach was removed, and will never go back to it’s original size, it can stretch by about 15%. And that’s what I’m worried about… that I may have “broken my pouch.” Even though I eat rather healthy for the most part, I have become complacent in much of my post-surgery routine. I don’t drink my water like I should, I skip breakfast many days, don’t remember to take my vitamins, and have pretty much cut out exercise altogether.

I was searching online when I started to feel crappy again and began having tummy issues .. bloating, tightness, gas, belly pains, etc., and I happened upon the 5 Day Pouch Test for bariatric patients that fear they may have stretched their pouch. So, beginning today, I will be following this diet to see if I can regain some of the training I learned during all of my pre-surgery counseling sessions, support group meetings, dietary classes, etc. I am hoping this test will help me to “jump start” my weight loss once again – not just to finally reach my goal, but to begin feeling good again.

These are the foods I will be dining on for the next 5 days. I can have as much of the prescribed menu as I’d like to satiate my hunger, without overeating, of course. I will also need to drink at least 64 oz. of water throughout the day. The program consists of the following:

Days One & Two: Liquid Protein
low-carb protein shakes, broth, clear or cream soups, sugar-free gelatin and pudding.

Day 3: Soft Protein
canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy.

Day 4: Firm Protein
ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut.

Day 5: Solid Protein
white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game

That’s it! There are no fruits, vegetables, starches, etc. for the 5 days, just proteins. I will truly miss my salads, but I will add those back in once the test is done.

OH.. and did I mention that I signed up with a bunch of gals at work for our very own Biggest Loser challenge? We are doing it from May 1st through July 1st. I am quite the competitive person, so this will really help me to get back on the ball. I’ve come up with my Top 10 Goals to help me reach my weight loss goal and to start feeling better again.

1. drink at least 64oz. of water daily

2. walk 1 mile at work during my lunch break

3. do a brief 10 minute workout each morning before work

4. eat my protein first

5. take my vitamins faithfully each day

6. make and KEEP my doctor visits

7. weigh in every week

8. chew slowly, eat clean, and allow yourself a “cheat” every now and then

9. don’t get upset when someone says I took the “easy” way out by having surgery – this is NOT easy.

10. stay motivated, enjoy the challenge, and help others along the way

WHAT TOUGH DECISION HAVE YOU HAD TO MAKE IN YOUR LIFE? WAS IT A GOOD OR A BAD CHOICE?

Fried Pickles with Ranch Dipping Sauce

2013-04-30T02:19:12Z

The hubby and I went to Texas Roadhouse back in February for our Valentine’s Day dinner, which also happens to be our wedding anniversary. They had a V-Day special going for couples, where you could choose one of several appetizers, one each of several entrees, and a dessert to share. We love their food, but had never tried their Fried Pickles appetizer, so we decided to give it a try. That was it.. I was HOOKED!!

I have obsessed over those Fried Pickles since that night. Not the worst addiction to have, but you probably don’t want to eat them every day either. Not at all healthy, but oh so tasty! Well, last night, I couldn’t take the craving any longer, and decided to try to make them myself. I made up a simple batter that I’ve used for fish or chicken tenders before, but added some of the pickle juice to the batter this time.

Sounds strange, I know, but if you like pickles and fried food (who doesn’t?), you will LOVE Fried Pickles!

Fried Pickles with Ranch Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

Dill pickles (I used 3 large pickles for a nice sized plate)

Batter

1-1/2 cups flour
1 cup milk
1/4 cup pickle juice
1 tsp cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste

Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup Ranch dressing
1/3 cup sour cream
2-3 tsp hot sauce

Directions

Add 1-2 inches of vegetable or canola oil to a skillet over medium heat. Allow oil to heat while you prepare the batter.
In a shallow bowl or pan, combine all batter ingredients. Whisk well to remove any lumps until smooth.
Slice pickles into chips, and toss 10-12 into the batter. Coat well.
Drop one at a time into hot oil without crowding. Allow them to cook for a couple minutes before flipping them over for another 1-2 minutes.
Once browned, remove them to a paper towel lined platter to drain. Continue this process until all chips are cooked.
Pat the chips lightly with a paper towel to remove any excess oil, and add salt and pepper as desired.
Combine dipping sauce ingredients and blend well. Serve in small dish with pickles.
Best served while still hot.

http://www.motherofpearlitis.net/2013/04/fried-pickles-with-ranch-dipping-sauce/

Avocado Veggie Omelet for Two

2013-04-29T03:30:13Z

Eggs are the perfect food in my book. They’re tasty, high in protein and other nutrients, and low in calorie. You can prepare eggs in a variety of ways too, but my favorite (when I have the time) is in an omelet.

This morning, I had a hankering for a delicious omelet stuffed with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of spice. I prepared an Avocado Veggie Omelet for Two – which my oldest daughter and I shared along with our morning coffee.

Very little prep time, and made with ingredients you probably have on hand. I opted for a healthier version, but you could also add bacon or ham slices, and even more gooey cheese.

Avocado Veggie Omelet for Two

Ingredients

5 large eggs
1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 ripe Hass avocado, sliced
2 tbsp feta cheese
3 tbsp Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies
1 dollop of sour cream
1 tbsp cumin
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Add 1-1/2 tbsp of the olive oil to skillet over medium heat. While waiting for oil to get hot, wash and thinly slice red pepper and onion. Chop grape tomatoes and cilantro.
In medium bowl, crack 5 large eggs. Add salt and pepper, and whisk until blended well. Set aside.
Cook red pepper and onion slices until softened slightly. Add in grape tomatoes and cook a few minutes longer. Remove from pan and set aside.
Add remaining oil to skillet. Pour in egg mixture. While allowing eggs to set, begin slicing your avocado.
Let the eggs cook (do not stir) until the bottom starts to set. Gently push the edge of the omelet toward the center of the skillet, while tilting the pan to allow liquid egg to flow underneath. Repeat until there is no liquid left.
Begin layering your ingredients on to one half of the omelet - veggies, 1/2 of the sliced avocado, feta cheese, and cilantro.
Nudge the other half of the omelet up with your spatula and fold over to cover the veggie mixture. Top with remaining avocado. Spoon diced tomatoes and chilies over top, and add a dollop of sour cream.
Gently remove the finished omelet to your platter, and serve with fresh fruit.

http://www.motherofpearlitis.net/2013/04/avocado-veggie-omelet-for-two/

Spring Medley: Chicken, Mango, and Chick Pea Salad

2013-04-23T05:01:49Z

Salads are probably my very favorite food. I love blending various flavors and textures into my salads .. the more colorful, the better. My daughter has decided that I should open my own specialty salad shop – LOOK OUT SALADWORKS! She will not make her own salad EVER.. says she can’t make it like I do. I think that’s just her way of manipulating me into making her salad, so she doesn’t have to.

This is my latest creation – there’s just something about the chicken and mango combination. So light, tasty and delicious! The hubby grilled boneless chicken breasts tonight for dinner. I was in the mood for something light, so I put a couple chicken breasts to the side to use in this yummy salad! Enough left over to have for lunch at work tomorrow! This salad has everything you could ask for.. sweet, savory, and crunch! Perfect for the spring and summer months ahead.

Spring Medley: Chicken, Mango, and Chick Pea Salad

4-6 servings

Serving Size: 1 cup

Ingredients

2 boneless chicken breasts, grilled
1 can chick peas, rinsed and drained
1 can sweet corn, drained (fresh corn on the cob would be better if available)
1 ripe mango, diced
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 small orange bell pepper, finely chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
3-4 leaves fresh basil, finely chopped
sprinkling of feta cheese (optional)
sprinkling of pepitas (small roasted pumpkin seeds-optional)

Dressing

2 tsp apple cider or balsamic vinegar
3 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 lime, juice of
salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp sweetener of choice (I used Stevia)

Directions

Season and grill boneless chicken breasts to your liking. Allow to cool.
Chop and prepare all salad ingredients and combine in a large bowl. Add cooled, diced chicken breasts.
Mix the dressing and pour over salad. Toss lightly with large spoon to blend all ingredients.
Chill for at least 1/2 hour before serving to meld flavors.

http://www.motherofpearlitis.net/2013/04/spring-medley-chicken-mango-chick-pea-salad/