I have a confession. My family has a fruit addiction. Like, seriously, we should buy stock in it. So, when I was given the chance to review a one pound bag of Bella Viva Orchards Mixed Dried Fruit, I was on that business like my kids on…well…fruit. When the fruit mix arrived it looked so
The Tombow Adhesive Tape Runner is a handheld glue tape dispenser that makes gluing paper and card stock super simple to do. There’s absolutely no mess and because it the adhesive is dispensed in a straight, even, clean line, it’s a precision crafting tool perfect for both adults and children. The dispenser fits into your
It’s time to give back to DAD! Sponsored by: Route 249 Mom Does Reviews Jackie’s Reviews, Mom Blog Society The giveaway will run May 15th, 12:01 until May 31st 12:01 and is open to adult residents of the US and Canada. 1 winner will receive: Choice of the gas grill or Paypal Cash Value 129.00
When it comes to feminine products, most women have definite preferences. We know exactly what we like and why. Ladies understand that not all girly products are made with the same quality; not to mention that there’s a distinct difference between tampons and pads. It’s a girl thing. And we take it seriously. Men, however,
While you’re out stocking up on your Cinco de Mayo goodies, don’t forget to stop by your local comic book store and snag one a free comic.
Free Comic Book Day happens on the first Saturday in May. And just as the holiday’s title suggests, comic book stores give a free comic to visitors on the day. Most comic shops across the nation are participating, so don’t worry you’ll miss out because you don’t live in Metropolis.
If you’re not sure, you can always call the shop ahead of time to make sure your local shop is participating or find the nearest participating store HERE. I checked my local store and even in my little Midwestern town they were joining in the free comic fun! Getchasome!
Here’s a little video about Free Comic Book Day.
One of the many truths of motherhood is the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy. Since I’ve gone through three pregnancies, I can say I’ve definitely been graced with my fair share of battle scars, especially around my mid-section.
I’ve recently had the chance to review Dr. Max Powers Stretch Mark Treatment. The cream is designed with vitamins and nutrients which are specifically formulated to promote elasticity and collagen production to reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks as well as help prevent them from occurring in the first place.
While the packaging and description suggest that the Stretch Mark Treatment is being more promoted towards those who may get stretch marks while buffing up at the gym, I figured its natural, organic ingredients would be just as beneficial to the mamas out there who received their badges of courage during pregnancy.
My Observations
The scent of the Stretch Mark Treatment is light, but does smell a bit like citronella. I wasn’t crazy about it, but liked it more than some of the heavy menthol based creams out there. Because the cream is designed more for body builders than moms, it’s easily forgivable. I’d rather be working out downwind from citronella fella than stale sweat guy.
Also, I feel it’s important that I point out that it’s not a lotion. I say this because it’s designed to stay on while you’re working out, so it doesn’t completely absorb into the skin. I could definitely still feel it on my skin over an hour later, but it wasn’t greasy and didn’t bother me at all.
After using the cream on my old stretch marks for a week, I didn’t notice much of a difference in the appearance of the lines, but there was a definite change in the softness of my skin.
Would I recommend it?
Because I didn’t test it for more than a week, I don’t feel comfortable claiming or disclaiming the efficacy of its potential to reduce existing stretch marks. I do however feel, given the noticeable change in how the tested area of skin felt, that it may be valuable in reducing the formation of new stretch marks.
Buy It
If you’d like to buy some Dr. Max Powers Stretch Mark Treatment, it’s on sale for $9.00 on their site.
Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Last year was a strong one for me. I found my love for blogging and was getting my life together by getting healthy. I was feeling great and my low self-esteem was slowly vanishing.
Everything felt like it was falling into place. My relationship with Jessi, which was already a great one, was growing stronger because we were supporting one another.
I felt good about myself and, in turn, felt closer to my husband. My children were eating healthy and getting out more.
Then things took a turn…
I’ve been off the health wagon for more than nine months. The weight that too me a year to lose, I’ve put back on.
I really felt good about the weight I’d lost because I didn’t rely some fad diet. All my success was from eating right, exercising, and doing little things to make myself feel good so I would be motivated to stay on track.
Now, unfortunately, because I have been off track so long, I’m sluggish, my family and I don’t eat right, and I push everyone away because I don’t like myself anymore.
And, as I’m sure you’ve also noticed, it’s been forever since I posted anything because I’ve also lost that inner spark where the inspiration to write came from. POOF! Gone!
On the positive side, I’ve come to realize my triggers and am optimistic that knowing these challenges ahead of time will help me now that I’ve made the decision to get back on track. It’s helpful for me to know what nudges me in the wrong direction, because it gives me the opportunity to put together a game plan before these eating triggers rear their ugly heads.
It’s going to be a long road, but I know from previous experience that when I’m living a healthier lifestyle, every aspect of my life is positively affected.
So, here I am back at the beginning, setting my goals and doing my prep work. I realize this is going to be anything but an overnight process. It’s all about planning and taking baby steps. I’m happy to report I’ve already made some big progress with getting healthy by quitting smoking! That was a huge win! So, with that major hurdle out of the way, I’m going to focus on what I did right and keep moving forward.
I’m extremely excited to be taking the time for me again and hope to take you all along on my journey. I’m also looking forward to sharing what I learn along the way and what helps, and in some cases, what doesn’t. I’ve missed all our awesome readers and am totally stoked to be back.
Photo: flickr.com/photos/ricksmit/9634834
I’ve been making some changes, like dying my hair back to brown and taking out my facial piercings. I guess that’s not truly changing, but perhaps more reverting.
You ever hear the saying the grass is greener on the other side? Well, I realized I have been so busy looking over the fence that I haven’t taken enough time to appreciate what I have.
Frankly I’m happy to see, and I mean truly see, what I do have and how amazing it is.
I almost lost it all myself, and frankly that’s what got me to thinking. I guess the truth is everyone wants for more, and for some people, wanting costs them what they have. Unfortunately, once it’s gone, it’s only then that some wake up…when it’s too late. I don’t want to be one of the ones who learns the hard way.
I’ve spent the better part of a year fascinated with the childhood I never got to have. Growing up was rough, and I had to be an adult before my time.
All I thought about for a long time was being a kid, and it caused me to be selfish and childish at one point in my marriage. I became withdrawn and wasn’t vocal about what I was feeling because I realized I couldn’t reverse the hands of time. I guess I was going through my own mini midlife crisis. I focused so much on trying to be younger any way I could, I was inconsiderate of my husband’s feelings. I didn’t realize just how it was affecting him.
To be honest, being like a child when you’re an adult isn’t as much fun as it sounds. I understand we all need dreams and to do things for ourselves, but fantasy and reality are two different things. While I’ve never really had the opportunity to be a child, I now realize being a good mother and wife has brought more meaning to my life than anything else ever could.
I also think magazines and television tend to be so hung-up on beauty and youth that it puts extreme pressure on both men and women to try to be something that is unattainable without an airbrush. Even knowing this doesn’t always relieve the pressure, so, many people still try to be someone they’re not instead of shaking it off and being inspired to love who they are.
I feel the dynamic is difficult for people who have been through trying times and lost out on opportunities in life they would have otherwise had, or even for many who simply miss a part of their life they experienced but let go of. I now realize, though, that life is always constantly moving forward, and I also understand that I don’t want to spend that life putting pressure on myself to do the impossible when I could have attainable goals that create a happy healthy life internally.
I’m a lucky girl that my husband is such a caring and understanding man. He has always stood beside his family, and so he forgave me for neglecting his thoughts and feelings.
No one person is perfect, and every marriage has its highs and lows. If you love yourself and accept who you are, it has positive effects on your relationships with your family. It takes a lot of work to be married, but when I look at what I have, it’s worth every stumbling block along with every happy moment.
The world simply wouldn’t turn without moms, so we’re celebrating Mother’s Day with a special giveaway!
The Appreciate Mom Giveaway is sponsored by How About Free and the winner will get his or her choice of a $50 cash, $50 VISA gift card, or a $50 Amazon gift card.
To enter on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
The Hunger Games has enjoyed amazing success and popularity since it hit the theaters, but have you read the books that started it all?
We’re giving away all three books in the groundbreaking trilogy by author Suzanne Collins: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Excited? Read on and enter to win this gripping trio of amazing books.
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Ready to win The Hunger Games trilogy?
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