A Game Changer in Oral Health - #SmartFloss

Disclosure: I received this item at a discount in order to facilitate an honest review. The experiences and opinions expressed below are entirely my own.

Dental health is a pretty important thing for me. I have been fortunate to go through most of my life with very little upset in regards to the health of my gums and teeth. I do suffer from recessed gums in a few areas, likely from my vigorous brushing, but that is about it. I have recently heard of water flossing and thought what a different idea it was. I was very interested in trying it, as I dislike flossing, and oftentimes feel as though it isn't the most efficient. I was stunned, nonetheless, when I heard the recent finding that flossing is not all that it's cracked up to be. I recently tested out the Smarson Water Flosser, and here I am to share my thoughts.

Water Flossing is the use of water to floss your teeth. The water flosser unit itself is filled with lukewarm water, and when turned on begins to rapidly pulse water through a narrow tip that can be placed between your teeth in an effort to remove any debris and plaque from in and around the teeth and gums. It is said that they can remove up to 99.9% of plaque from the areas it is used on, that they are twice as effective as floss alone at improving gum health. These are even better for those with braces, as they can really get in between the teeth and braces themselves. What's even more impressive is that water flossers seem to have much evidence-based support in their favor. I thought they were a relatively new phenomenon, however, the first one was developed in 1962, so they have had several decades worth of tweaking.

The Smarson Water Flosser itself is a nice size for keeping right on the countertop, as needing to take it out and put it away would be nothing short of annoying. This particular model holds the perfect amount of water in my opinion too. I am not sure how I would feel about leaving a ton of water in the "tank" over days and days. This particular model came with a multitude of heads for the flosser that can be stored right on the top (love the space saving aspect!). It comes with 3 jet tips, 2 tongue cleaner tips, a tooth pocket tip, an orthodontic tip and another one that is not listed, so I am not sure of it's purpose. This particular model does not run on batteries, so it must be plugged in. Once you turn the switch to "On", water will start pulsating from the currently attached head. On the handle of the pic, there is a control for the intensity of the water pulsing, and a "pause" button to stop the flow of the water if needed. This process can be quite messy, so it is essential to lean over the sink the entire time that the flosser is on. To reduce the spray I keep my mouth closed as I go around the inside of my teeth and spit out the water when I am done. My only complaint thus far, is the fact that the "pause" button only worked the first time I was using it, and now it will not work anymore. Therefore, I tend to get a mess when I take it out unless I turn the whole unit off. However, the kids are obsessed with it, and anything that gets them excited about the health of their teeth and gums wins in my book!

Overall, I give the Smarson Water Flosser 7 stars:

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If you are interested in purchasing one for yourself, you can do so HERE.

Dinosaurs Are So Much Fun!

Disclosure: I received this item at a discount in exchange for an honest review through Tomoson. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

While we were on vacation earlier this Summer, I stumbled upon the fact that my little 4 year old daughter LOVES dinosaurs. I had no idea! All of my cousin's old dinosaur toys from when he was a kid are currently residing in our family cabin, and while there early in July, she discovered them, and spent hours upon hours playing with them. Now, she is a very strong-willed an uneasy to amuse child, so these were a God-send for us, and I knew that she would need her own set for home. We currently own these Kids Imaginitive Dinosaur Toy Figures and she absolutely adores them!

This set comes complete with 12 dinosaur figures (T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Apatosaurus, Ceratosaurus, Spinosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, Pachycephalosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Brachiosaurus, Styracosaurus, Velociraptor, and Euoplocephalus) that range in size from 5-7 inches. These are the perfect size for toddlers, preschoolers, and all kids really, as they do not take up massive amounts of room. In fact, they come in a box that can second as a storage container for them! I am semi-OCD about "where things go" so this is one of my favorite features about them. Upon getting them I read the instructions which suggested they be washed with soapy water before using them and did that straight away, as my daughter was itching to use them. That being said, they are BPA and Lead-free which is a plus, plus for me!

We have been really loving this set of dinosaurs. There tends to be so much focus and attention on structure and order that we often forget the importance of imaginative and creative play for young kids. I enjoy listening to my daughter play with the dinosaurs and listen to the dialogue she creates between them. She remains very occupied when she is playing with them, and this is no easy feat. As I mentioned earlier, she is very particular and strong-willed so finding something that occupies her attention for any length of time, aside from an electronic device is priceless in my eyes.

I give the Kids Imaginative dinosaurs 10 stars:

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This specific set can be purchased on Amazon for their current price of $17.71 HERE.

{Book Review} (Un)Natural Mom: Why You Are The Perfect Mom For Your Kids by Hettie Brittz

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for an honest reviews. The opinions stated below are entirely my own.

I am highly interested in human behavior. It is one of the many reasons I completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and also the reason I pretty much devoured Hettie Brittz's book: (Un)Natural Mom: Why You Are The Perfect Mom For Your Kids. Unbeknownst to me upon receiving the book, is the fact that there is a companion website where you can take a simple quiz to figure out which type of parent you are. The book then explains the different types of parents, their strengths, their weaknesses, and what a typical day may look like in the life of that family. Having a background in Psychology and a real interest in human behavior made this read enjoyable for me. As a mother, this opened my eyes to how my particular personality plays a role in the way I parent, while pointing out which strengths I could try to sharpen, and the areas that I could work on to be the Supermom we all strive to be for our children.

Throughout this book Hettie Brittz describes the different "trees" of parenting styles. There is the Boxwood, the Palm, the Rose Bush and the Pine Tree. Also, you can be a combination of two trees. For example, my profile is the Box-Pine, meaning I have attributes of each of these parenting styles that characterize my parenting profile. When I initially took the profile I thought that my result was Box-Palm. As I was reading, I got to the description of the Box-Pine and I kept thinking, this is me! this is me! I took a look back at my profile and saw that yes, it was in fact me. It was eye opening to see how spot-on it truly was! Hettie Brittz also mentions the role that God plays in each parenting style, and makes some truly great biblical connections throughout.

I truly love the way this book is set-up, as each section dedicates ample description and detail to each "tree type". At the end of each section there are questions to guide your thoughts and reading as well. I believe that these help you to deepen your understanding of the kind of parent you are or the kind of parent other people are. Above all else, what I take away from this book is that we do not all parent our children the same way, and instead of being judgmental, we should embrace the differences and recognize that each parenting style brings a unique set of skills and enhancement to their family that the others do not. There seems to be this unspoken competition between parents about who is right or wrong in the choices they make for their family, and this book opened my eyes to the beauty in the difference within and between parenting styles. I am grateful for having the opportunity to read this book.

I highly recommend (Un)Natural Mom: Why You Are The Perfect Mom For Your Kids by Hettie Brittz with 8 stars:

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You can purchase a copy HERE. Also, be sure to read what others are saying about this book HERE.

{Book Review} When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of When Death Draws Near from Litfuse Publicity Group and Carrie Stuart Parks for the purpose of providing an honest review. The opinions stated within are entirely my own.

I have been chugging through books so far this Summer, and loving every minute of it! I'm not sure what it is about Summer that allows me more time to read than in the Winter when we are stuck inside the majority of the time, however, I have been devouring books at a previously unattainable speed. I recently read Carrie Stuart Parks' latest novel, When Death Draws Near, and it was downright phenomenal! I need more of her books in my life IMMEDIATELY! If you are looking to read a thrilling story with tid its of corruption, crime and religious sects, this is the perfect place to start! Plus, until August 22, you can enter to win an Artist Starter set! Details below:

Plunge into forensic artist Gwen Marcey's world, full of cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects. Add Carrie Stuart Parks' new Gwen Marcey novel, When Death Draws Near, to the top of your must-read list. Gwen accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before she can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?

Join Carrie in celebrating the release of When Death Draws Near by entering to win an Undercover Artist Starter Set.

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of When Death Draws Near
• A $30 Michael's or Hobby Lobby gift card (winner's choice)
• Colored pencils
• A sharpener
• A pencil case
• An eraser
• A coloring prayer book
• A coloring notecard set
• A lap desk

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 22. The winner will be announced August 23 on the Litfuse blog.

I finished this book in about 3 days. I could not put it down very often, as each chapter seemed to end with a cliff hanger that had you reading the first paragraph of the next chapter without thought. Laundry was put on hold, cleaning as well! These are my favorite kind of reads, however, they pose the problem of a book hangover. You know, when you can't start another book because you still aren't over the book you just finished. I am so there right now. Stuck in reading limbo, afraid to move forward due to the fear of the next book just not being as good. I highly recommend this book to any and all readers! The story flows flawlessly, and keeps your attention from the get-go. There was no "getting into" the book, as it hooks you from the start. The prologue was a little strange for me, and I am still scratching my head about the connection, so if you cannot get past that, just disregard it and read on! When Death Draws Near is third in a series, however, it can be absolutely be read alone (as I did), although I would be thrilled to read the other two.

I highly recommend When Death Draws Near with a whopping 10 stars:

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If you cannot take my word for it, read more reviews HERE.

{Book Review} - Murder Mezzo Forte by Donn Taylor

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group, in order to facilitate an honest review. The opinions stated below are entirely my own.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I am very fond of the Mystery genre when it comes to book reading. I love the fast-paced, heart-thumping effect I get from reading a good mystery. Now that it is Summer, I find myself seeking out good "beach reads", although I do not have any plans to go to the beach. We have had a bit of a heat wave here lately, and that has lead to much time indoors, which for me equals cleaning, or reading (I prefer the latter of the two). My latest read was a captivating mystery called Murder Mezzo Forte by Donn Taylor.

I found that this book started a little slow for me, but I am so glad that I pressed through it, as it turned out to be a truly great read! I found myself making time throughout my day to sneak in reading breaks. This book is the second "Preston Barclay Mystery", the first being Rhapsody in Red, however, it can be read as a standalone. It does reference the other book, so if you prefer, you can read that one first. This book opens to a murder on a University campus, where Professor Preston Barclay and Professor Mara Thorn (a former Wiccan) walk into the office of Mitra Fortier and find her dead. Having been the two that solved the last campus murder, this puts them in a bit of a situation. While trying to remain inconspicuous, but also wondering what happened to their fellow professor, Preston and Mara resurrect their mystery solving skills and dig to the bottom of this mystery. However, the path they have chosen proves to be littered with mobsters, obstacles, and close encounters with death. All the while, Preston Barclay has musical hallucinations that chime in at the most inopportune time.

I would definitely recommend Murder Mezzo Forte by Donn Taylor and already have to some family and friends! I found Preston Barclay, the main character to be a comical and highly like-able character. The flow of the book was very smooth as well, and certainly contributed to my holding on in the beginning when I was questioning whether I would enjoy the book or not. If there was anything that I could change, it would be that I could have a companion for book that had sample music for each of the musical hallucinations, as I was not familiar with all of the referenced musical pieces. That being said, it also took nothing away from the book for me to be unfamiliar with some of the pieces, and had I been more inclined to do so, I could have easily looked them up on my phone. I am tempted now to read Rhapsody in Red and look forward to more Preston Barclay Mysteries!

I give Murder Mezzo Forte 8 stars:

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You can read some more reviews of Murder Mezzo Forte HERE.

{Book Review} Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

Disclosure: I received an advanced reader's copy of Sister Dear from Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for the purpose of providing an honest review. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

If you cannot already tell by now, I am a lover of mysteries. I am not sure if it is the plot twists or the constant suspense, but I cannot get enough! My latest mystery, Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is a true example of just that. It is an enticing tale of family, deception and secrets that will rope you in from the get-go.

Allie, the main character has just been released from prison for a crime she did not commit. When she was imprisoned, she left behind her young daughter. Emma, her kid sister, took on the responsibility of raising her daughter for her while she was gone. Once released, Allie needs to navigate this world that has seemingly become foreign to her, while also trying to piece together the mystery of who really committed the crime that she did the time for. Caroline, her now teen-aged daughter wants nothing to do with her, and let's face it, there is nothing less cool than having an assumed convict for a mother. As Allie struggles to make the most of her life and the stigma she has attached to her, she also faces some serious challenges as she tries to prove her innocence. The suspicions and suspense build throughout this novel to the very last page.

In all honesty, I really like this book. It is one of those books that would be a great vacation read, or something you can bring with you as you travel. I personally felt that there was a great amount of time devoted to character development and the little details, which also leaves room for suspense. Some readers have said that it was "slow", and I would have to agree. To me, that is not a deal-breaker, as I simply just love the act of reading. I did find the book engaging enough, and there are little "secrets" that slowly seep out as the story is told. I also really liked that the story was told in different perspectives (Allie's, Emma's, Caroline's, Sergeant Gaines') to give the reader a bird's eye view, so to speak, of the situation.

Overall, I give this book 8 stars:

★★★★★★★★

Be sure to check out some of the other reviews HERE.

{Book Review} The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group. The opinions stated within are entirely my own.

I have always had a love for all thing mystery and Sherlock Holmes since I was young. I even took a class during my undergraduate studies where we discussed mysteries and read Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie books. It was great! I was thrilled when  had the opportunity to review The Bachelors Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan. With all of the crime shows on TV these days it is impossible to not get semi-interested and intrigued by this niche.

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder is a Fiction-Suspense novel based in Toronto, Canada, circa the early 1900s. There are accurate historical references in this entertaining and funny murder mystery. The two main characters, Merinda Herrngford and Jemima Watts are two bachelor girls whose main interest are solving murders, not changing their bachelor status. In a time period where it was taboo to see a woman doing a "man's job", they were not only fighting off the judgmental perceptions of the people around them, but also their own families, and a group called the "Morality Squad ". Throughout the twists and turns of the initial mystery, you have humorous and informational foot notes, romance and also the artistic design of the book which truly adds to the readability.

I found this book to be quite enjoyable. I love any good mystery, but to add a couple of female detective-wannabes to the mix and it gave me a truly unique read. I really love the design of the book, inside and out, and it added to the entire reading experience. This book is, informally, part of a series, so you can read more from Rachel McMillan that also has Merinda and Jem as the main characters. I found this to be a quick read, and would be something great for a rainy day, a long plane ride, or whenever you are pressed for time but would love to fit a book in.

I highly recommend The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan with 8 stars:

★★★★★★★★

You can read more reviews HERE.

{Book Review} - If I run by Terri Blackstock

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of If I Run through Litfuse Publicity Group.

A couple times a year I come across a book that I absolutely cannot pull myself away from. Lucky for me, this happened early in the year, however, I have been experiencing such a bad "book hangover" since reading it, and I am anticipating the next book in the series to come out so I can devour it the same way I did with this one. Since having my second child (almost 4 years ago), I have not found the time to read like I used to. Between work and family and chores it has proven difficult to find enough down time for me to dive into a book. However, I've been trying to make more time for myself, and one of my favorite things to do is read. While I was reading If I Run by Terri Blackstock, I MADE time to read because I could not stop. I finished the book in 3 sittings!

If I Run is about a girl named Casey Cox who stumbles upon the dead body of her best friend, Brent. In doing so, she leaves her DNA and evidence all over the crime scene. Knowing that the cops will come looking for her, she flees and remains on the run from the potential disaster this could turn into. Back home, the parent's of her best friend hire Dylan Roberts, a war veteran and Brent's good childhood friend, to use his investigative skills to find Casey Cox and bring her back to them for proper questioning in the death of their son. As Casey Cox runs, she learns more about herself and her past than she ever expected. She also finds herself in the middle of another unsolved case. The novel is told by Casey Cox and Dylan Roberts as they navigate the death of their friend. Terri Blackstock weaves an absolutely enthralling story that keeps you hanging on to the very end. It is essential to know that this is book one in a series so the end, while conclusive, does leave you slightly hanging.

As I mentioned already, I finished this book in three sittings. I likely could have finished it in one if I had not started it shortly before I needed to leave to run errands. This was my first time reading anything by Terri Blackstock so I had no idea that I was going to be s quickly roped into the story line. The book seemed to pick up and remain very fast paced, which kept me intrigued. It was an easy read and a fast read, and with how busy things have been for me lately, it was absolutely perfect. I can, and will, honestly recommend this book to anyone! I love mysteries, thrillers, psychological thrillers, etc... so this was right up my alley, but I truly believe that most people would devour this book the same way that I did. I am anxiously anticipating the release of the second book in the series.

I give If I Run by Terri Blackstock 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

Please read what other reviewers had to say HERE. You can learn more and purchase a copy HERE.

{Book Review} Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble

Disclosure: Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book through LitFuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated below are entirely my own.

Each year I plan to read a ton of books because it is one of my favorite things to do. There is nothing more inviting to me than an overly soft blanket, a hot cup of coffee and a good book. For some reason my "me" time always gets cuts short, and therefore, so does my reading time. I am happy that I have been actively making sure I make more time to read, and I have been very fortunate that some of my first reads of the new year have been truly fantastic! The first book I have finished in 2016 is Mermaid Moon by Colleen Coble.

Mermaid Moon is a book about a woman named Mallory Davis who is told by her dying father to find her mother. Considering her mother had died fifteen years earlier, this seems to be a bit of a mystery. In an attempt to figure out what truly happened regarding her father's death, and what he meant by his final words to her, she goes back to the town she ran away from as a young adult, Mermaid Point. While there, she is forced to face, head on, the exact thing, and person, that she ran away from years and years ago: Kevin O'Connor, her high school love, and the game warden. While delving into the mystery of her father's death, she is faced with many challenges including the reality of what happened, and the terrifying realization that someone is after her and information she isn't even sure she has. In the midst of all of this, she has to work closely with her past love, Kevin O'Connor, which brings up their unsettled past and emotions. With a little bit of clean romance and a mystery to solve, Mermaid Moon is the second book in the Sunset Cove series by Colleen Coble.

Author Colleen Coble

This was my first time reading a Colleen Coble novel, and I really enjoyed it. While I felt it took a little bit of time to get in to the "action" part of it, it read so easily that I wanted to keep reading. The characters were interesting and easily relate-able. Once it picked up, I had to continue reading to see what was going to happen. There were a few different things going on throughout the book, including Mallory and Kevin trying to solve the mystery of her father's death, uncovering the truth about her past, and also resolving circumstance between them that stemmed from their choppy past, all while avoiding constant threat from the villains in the novel. I have to say, this book kept me guessing from the get-go. This was one mystery I could not figure out on my own before the reveal in the book. While this is the second book in the Sunset Cove series, it can certainly be read on it's own (as I did),, however, now I have found myself wanting to read the first book in the series, and more!

I highly recommend Mermaid Moon with 8 stars:

★★★★★★★★

To learn more about Colleen Coble, you can explore her website, or visit her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

In all of the excitement around Mermaid Moon, you can also enter Coleen Coble's Mystery e-Reader Prize Pack Giveaway which ends TOMORROW, so get on that!:

Enjoying the Holidays With Blue Diamond Almonds

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds

I must say that I absolutely adore the Holiday Season. The smell in the air, the hustle and bustle in the stores, the beautiful wintery scene outside. Except for this year, we had a snow-less Christmas. In fact, we are still pretty snow-less here in NY even though by now we should be pummeled by snow. It has made the Holiday Season feel quite strange for sure. I mean we had a 70 degree day in December! To speak to it's rarity, it was a record-breaking temperature. That being said, the one thing that did remain constant this season was the food and snacks. This time of year is never a disappointment in that respect. Especially when I always have the deliciousness that is Blue Diamond Almonds to bring fun healthy and tasteful snacks to the ones I love during this time of year.

                     

Sometimes having visitors can be stressful when you are entertaining. When you have a larger group of people you need to consider many things like diets, restrictions and taste preferences, which can vary significantly across the board. In our family we have people who are gluten-free, low-sodium, low-potassium, vegan, vegetarian, etc... so there are several mouths and tummies that we need to please, while also keeping taste in mind too. Almost always, I keep a bowl of Blue Diamond Almonds out for people to much on. I much prefer the kids grabbing a handful of these then a handful of cookies, and with all of the sweets surrounding this time of year, I am glad that these help them fill up so they have less room for the less-than-healthy treats.

One of my favorite Blue Diamond Almonds to leave out for guests to snack on are the Honey Roasted Almonds. They are the perfect amount of sweet and nutty, while also providing support to Honeybee Research. Did you know that honeybees pollinate 1/3 of the world's food supply? We would seriously be in trouble without those little buzzers. This year I also put out the Lightly Salted Blue Diamond Almonds for my Grandmother who has to eat lower sodium products for her kidney health. Blue Diamond Almonds combine great taste with low-sugar and a healthy pop of protein. On top of that, research suggests that 1.5 ounces of most nuts, and in this case almonds, may reduce the risk of heart disease when paired with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. If it is important to start your New Year out healthy, I recommend grabbing some of your favorite Blue Diamond Almond flavors, and sharing them with the ones you love!

Polishing Up With Elba Naturals Micro Dermabrasion

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers.

When it comes to skin care, I have to stick to a relatively strict routine. I have tried sooooooooo many different skin care products, and I have found many that work beautifully for my finicky skin, and others that almost immediately break me out. I am truly envious of those who have naturally perfect skin. One important step in my skin care routine is exfoliation. While I have been advised against it, since it can be irritating to already easily irritated skin, it is one thing that actually helps my skin for some reason. Using gel or cream cleansers does not leave my skin as squeaky clean as something with a little bit of texture to it. Plus, because I have several scars and post-acne marks, I make sure to use a micro dermabrasion once or twice per week as well. Lately, I have been using Elba Naturals n.5 Micro Dermabrasion.

Elba Naturals is a truly unique company that has formulated a number of skincare products. While they have all these products in their arsenal, they introduce products, one at a time, based on what their customers want. They claim to cater to the "green urban lifestyle" with natural skincare products made from quality ingredients. They currently offer 5 products, although I suspect that they will be launching a 6th soon, as there is a live countdown currently on their website, claiming to reveal "a surprise". When ordering products from Elba Naturals, you know you are receiving products with mostly natural and organic ingredients in them. On top of that, their products are made in the USA and are done so with cruelty-free practices.

The Elba Naturals n.5 Microdermabrasion comes in a small 1 fluid ounce jar. As you can see, it is white and has a gritty texture. It works immediately at sloughing off dead skin and making your skin feel brand new. I always love using this because my skin feels baby soft right after. This product has a very clean smell and a little goes a long way. I keep this right on my sink to remind myself to use it, and it has been there for a number of weeks. For as tiny as the jar is, I would have expected to be through it by now, however, it's still around! It is only meant to be used once or twice per week in addition to your usual skin care routine. In my experience, I have found that it is helpful in changing the overall texture in your skin. Sometimes I use this more frequently by adding a small bit of it to my regular cleanser to take it up a notch. Like I said, my skin thrives when it is being exfoliated constantly, so this product has seamlessly been added to my skincare routine. It also makes me feel like my serums and moisturizers are able to work more efficiently when they are being placed on a smooth canvas, so that is an added bonus. My one and only complaint about this product is the small size. A 1 ounce jar that retails for $58.00 is just something that would never be in my budget. I would feel too guilty. However, it is something I would check on Amazon to see when there are price drops (for example, it is currently $29.00). Overall, I would definitely recommend this product for those looking for a micro dermabrasion product that they can use at home.

I give the Elba Naturals n.5 Microdermabrasion 9 stars:

★★★★★★★★★

You can purchase this on Amazon where it is currently 50% off HERE. 

Game Changing Flavors Featuring Blue Diamond Almonds

Discloure: This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. Ditch the chips and grab some Game Changing Flavors this football season! Enter for a chance to win the Ultimate Football Party Prize Pack, get great savings and ideas for delicious snack hacks at GameChangingFlavors.com.

Its that time of year again where it seems like family and friends are gathering each and every weekend. Whether it is watching the big game, gathering for celebrations or the Holiday get-togethers, 'tis the season for social-ness, and where there are people, you better have FOOD! However, considering this is the time of year known greatly for all of the high calorie meals and treats, why not offer your guests the convenience of a healthy AND flavorful snack to keep them coming back for more. You simply cannot go wrong with Blue Diamond Almonds.

They offer such a versatile line of Almonds with flavors that are sure to please even the pickiest of tastebuds. I recently had the opportunity to try the Wasabi and Soy Sauce flavor as well as the Smokehouse flavor, and they are sure to take your snacking to the next level. Instead of boring bland flavors, these flavor truly kick it up a notch. I LOVE spicy things, so the Wasabi and Soy Sauce almonds are right up my ally. When paired with plain crackers and a mild, spreadable cheese, they turn bland appetizers into grand appetizers! The Smokehouse flavor reminds me of a backyard barbeque, and is so reminiscent of Summertime. Each of these flavors can take your traditional snack mix, and put a bit of an "adult" spin on it. But most importantly, you can add these to snacks without the guilt!


I truly enjoy Blue Diamond Almonds, and purchase them on my own all of the time. I enjoy having the opportunity to experiment with new flavors, but I have been buying Blue Diamond Almonds for years on my own. I am always looking forward to the new flavors, and I have yet to get bored. Even more important are the health benefits. Almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, are suggested to reduce the risk of heart disease! They are chock full of the "good" fats, a decent source of protein and low in sugar, so you can even let the kids get in on the fun! An A+ snack all around!

I proudly give Blue Diamond Bold Wasabi and Soy Sauce and Blue Diamond 

Almonds Smokehouse 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

{Book Review} The Five Times I Met Myself by James L.Rubart

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book through LitFuse Publicity, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated below are entirely my own.

I truly wish that I had more time in my life to read. I would spend a significant amount of time curled up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and a delicious novel. I am so lucky that I have the opportunity to review books, as they are one of my favorite items to receive. Furthermore, when I get a book that I can take away from, I'm excited to share my thoughts and opinions. I recently read The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart, and was able to take so much away from the read.

In short, the novel is about a middle-aged man, Brock Matthews, who has found himself at a point in his life that is less than flattering. The coffee shop he co-owns with his brother, and his marriage seem to be falling apart right in front of him. He begins having dreams about his father, who had passed away earlier; Dreams that leave much to desire. So, when he was introduced to lucid dreaming, where you can control what happens in your dreams, he began a quest to change the past via his dreams. You see, Brock notices that the decisions he was making in his dreams were carrying over to his real life. It brings a whole new meaning to turning back the hands of time, and having your dreams become reality. It is worth noting that this book is Christian Fiction, so the overall message of the book does lean towards God and faith.

Author James L. Rubart

This book was one of those books that makes you think as you read it. You begin to wonder how different your life would be if you had made one different decision. I was very intrigued by the style of this book, and was easily sucked in to the characters and story line. The concept of lucid dreaming and then those dreams becoming reality was clearly a hint of science fiction, however, it was unique to me, and I thought that James L. Rubart did a wonderful job with it. This novel kept me up late reading, held my attention, and had me thinking on an even higher level about life itself, and my personal faith.

Overall, I give The Five Times I Met Myself 8 stars, and definitely recommend it:

★★★★★★★★

Read what other LitFuse members are saying about The Five Times I Met Myself, HERE. If interested, you can purchase a copy for yourself, or a copy to gift HERE.

Keeping Candida In Check With CandAID

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers.

I think we oftentimes take for granted how truly complex our bodies are, and the intricacies that make it function. I can't remember how old I was when I realized that we have bacteria in our body, and that some of it is actually good. For example, when we take a round of antibiotics, we knock out ALL of the bacteria in our body, good and bad. There are times when the good bacteria can get a little out of balance, and then it becomes bad. Candida, for example, is yeast that can be found in our body. This is fine at normal levels, and develops symptoms if there is an overgrowth. Due to the food and lifestyles of many people, this is very common. Luckily, there are supplements that can bring homeostasis back to your body, such as Zahler's CandAID.

Zahler's CandAID is formulated to flush out excess yeast in the body and bringing balance back to intestinal microflora, while building the bodies resistance to future candida over growths. This particular product is marked towards those who suffer from Candidiasis, Yeast Infections, Thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis. CandAID comes in a large bottle with 120 easy-to-swallow capsules. The directions on the bottle say to take one capsule with a meal 4 times per day. The instructions on Amazon say to take 2 capsules with a meal 2 times per day. Each capsule contains Caprylic Acid, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Oregano and Garlic to help your body rid itself of excess candida. These ingredients have been shown to be effective in combating candida.

Fortunately for me, I do not experience yeast infections frequently. That being said, my dog often gets yeast infections in his ears, as they are very cavernous, warm and will retain moisture. I have been using these pills with him, as I also read that another reviewer was doing something similar. My pup is very prone to these infections and gets them at least once per month. We clean his ears out constantly and are very careful when bathing him, however, they still are an issue. I have been giving him 2 pills in the morning and 2 pills in the evening (be advised that he is a 100 lb black lab). I am hoping that with continued use these issues will disappear or become less frequent. I have noticed that overall he is less itchy and shakes his ears less frequently, his ears do not smell and they are keeping clean. I will say that I also took these pills for a number of days before I gave them to the dog. I can be very skeptical of supplements because they are not regulated by the FDA, but fortunately, these ones are all natural, and produced in a GMP certified facility.

Overall, for the relief that these have provided my dog, I give Zahler's CandAID 8 stars:

★★★★★★★★

If you suffer from an over growth of candida, I highly recommend Zahler's CandAID, which can be purchased HERE.

{Book Review} A Chameleon, A Boy and A Quest by J.A. Myhre

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers.

I appreciate when I get the opportunity to review books, and especially when I get to review books with my son. He isn't always fond of reading, but when we do it together, it gives us something special to do one-on-one and gets his daily 30 minutes of reading homework completed, so it's a win-win. We recently read A Chameleon, A Boy and A Quest by J.A. Myhre, and it was a great read! What I found even more heartfelt about this novel, was that the author wrote this book for her four children as a Christmas gift while they were living in an African village. They began reading it together on Christmas Eve, and then each night throughout the Holiday season.

A Chameleon, A Boy and A Quest is about a young African boy name Mu, who is a slave to his family in the African village he lives in. One morning, as he is going to retrieve water for his family, he is approached by a talking chameleon, who informs him of a quest they must take. From there, Mu is brought on the adventure of a lifetime. From the danger and excitement that they encounter, children can learn about perseverance, good versus evil and humanity. The novel itself is thoroughly detailed and even contains pictures to bring the words to life on the pages.

Author J.A. Myhre

My son and I enjoyed reading this novel. It is relatively short (153 pages), which makes it less overwhelming for my reluctant reader. While it took a little while to get into it, once we did, we both looked forward to our reading time each night. The names and places are African, so we were always unsure of their actual pronunciation, however, it is those cultural details that give a nice lesson too. In the back of the book, there is a glossary that explains some of the phrases or unfamiliar concepts that kids may have questions about. What I really loved about this book was the lessons learned. Nowadays (and I say this as if I have been around for so long....), kid's books just lack the sustenance they once had, the lessons, the morals, the purpose. Now there is such a focus on getting kids to just READ that many books are written on interest based material versus with words that have true meaning. I always strive to find reading material that leaves us with a lesson learned and even better, with something to talk about, or issues that ignite a discussion. A Chameleon, A Boy and A Quest did just that! A great read for sure!

I give A Chameleon, A Boy and A Quest 8 stars:

★★★★★★★★

Read what other LitFuse members had to say about the book HERE.

Keeping My Hair & Scalp In Good Shape with Follicleanse

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers.

One of my favorite ways to relax and treat myself is getting my hair colored. I have gone to the same hair stylist my entire life, and we have a ton of fun picking out color combinations to use in my hair. Plus, I am never left displeased with the results. One of the most important things I like to remember before getting my hair colored, is using a clarifying shampoo and conditioner for a little while in order to "prep" my hair to take the color better. I am not a stylist, so I do not know the science or the specifics behind anything that has to do with hair, but it was a recommendation she made awhile ago, and that always stuck with me. Since I will be getting my hair colored in a few short weeks, I have been consistently using Follicleanse OS Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner.

Follicleanse is a brand that has been around since the 90's. In fact, the creator invented the line because he was suffering from slow hair growth and itching, flaking, and redness of the scalp. When he managed to work his way through everything on the market to no avail, he decided to do some research. Surprise! The very ingredients in the products intended to rid our hair and scalp of difficulties, can actually cause them! He created Follicleanse with gentle and effective natural ingredients meant to cleanse the hair and heal the scalp. The Follicleanse OS Shampoo and Conditioner are intended for use with normal to oily hair. This system uses Zinc, Fenugreek, Sage, Burdock and strengthening proteins to rid your hair of styling residue, build-up, oil, and irritation. They are available in 16 fl oz and 32 fl oz, and can be purchased individually or separately. Along with the Follicleanse OS products, they also offer the Follicleanse DS system which uses Emu Oil, and is intended for normal to dry hair.       

                                                          

                                                 

I found this to be a very helpful system for me. I have been using this duo on and off for a couple of weeks. While I am sure that it would be perfectly fine to use day to day for the entire family, I have chosen to use it here and there when I feel that my hair and scalp are in need of some deep cleansing, or special attention. As I mentioned earlier, I am getting my hair professionally colored at the end of the month, so I will continue to use this to really clarify my hair follicles to allow them to be the most "prepared" to take to the hair color. The shampoo is greenish in color, and watery in comparison to your typical shampoos that you find at the store. I think this is the reason the directions state to use a half dollar sized amount. The conditioner, on the other hand, is thick like other conditioners I have used. I really like the scent of these, and they leave my hair feeling cleansed and manageable, while my scalp feels refreshed and soothed. I am pleased with the majority of the ingredients used in each of the products, and love seeing so many natural things on the list. I really wish the 16 oz bottles had the pump tops like the 32 oz bottles, but I suppose I could buy some for relatively cheap if I really wanted to.

I am really enjoying the many benefits of the Follicleanse OS system and recommend them with 8 stars:

★★★★★★★★

You can purchase Follicleanse product on their website HERE. 

Hydrate Your Face!

Disclosure: The item(s) mentioned below were provided complimentary for the purpose of an honest review. The opinions stated here are based upon my personal experience with the product(s) and are entirely my own. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I feel would benefit my readers.

I love testing skin care products. I have found some truly amazing products that I otherwise would have never even known about. Hence the reason I share my experiences with the rest of the world that can find my blog. With the weather changing here in Upstate NY, I start using heavier moisturizers for my face, as my skin leans toward the dry side once the heat starts pumping in the house. There are a couple of moisturizers that I am VERY fond of that I have found on Amazon, and the SkinDaily Skin Care Solutions Active Hydration Moisturizer is one of them.

Skin-Daily is a company that focuses on creating skincare products that use only the highest quality natural and organic ingredients to create effective skincare that meets the needs of their customers. They make their products in small batches in their FDA-certified production facility, which fines tunes their level of quality control. The Active Hydration Moisturizer is an anti-aging moisturizer that uses hyaluronic acid to deliver an intense level of moisturization and amino acids to hydrate, repair and regenerate your skin to look more youthful. It comes in a sturdy 3.4 fluid ounce bottle with a pump top, and is formulated with only natural and organic ingredients.

I have tried a number of skincare products from Amazon, and moisturizers in particular. While there have been none that have been total duds, I have come across 3 that are my favorite of all time. I have a pantry full of health and beauty items (things I have stocked up on when they were cheap, things that I bought when I had coupons, and items I have received discounted for reviews). It takes me a long time to use up full sized products because I often switch them up, get something new to try, etc... but I have 3 moisturizers that are very similar to one another, and which are my absolute favorite ever. THIS is one of them. I LOVE this moisturizer. I have break-out prone skin, and come Fall and Winter, I also get dry patches that require deep hydration. I love that it is fragrance free, formulated with specific ingredients meant to be gentle for even the most sensitive skin, and the pump-top container makes this one very easy and mess-free to. I use about half a pump and rub it all over my face, day and night. This provides ample hydration to your skin without being oily, greasy or sitting on top of your skin. I'm impressed with this formula, as it never broke me out. I typically break-out with the introduction of new products into my skincare routine, but this never caused an upset. I love the way it makes my skin look and feel, and will be using this throughout the Winter for sure. A little goes a long way,so I anticipate it being around for quite awhile. I highly recommend this moisturizer and was pleasantly surprised when I saw that the price was also very reasonable.

I highly recommend this Active Hydration Moisturizer with 10 stars:

★★★★★★★★★★

You can purchase the SkinDaily Skincare Solutions Active Hydration Moisturizer on Amazon, HERE, where is it currently $22.97. You can also check out their website and Facebook to keep up with the brand and what they are up to.