Giveaway: SKINNY CLEANSE

So, tomorrow is my birthday, but I want to give one of my readers (BECAUSE YOU'RE ALL AWESOME!) a present - a bottle of Skinny Cleanse from Skinny Jane.
   I was sent a bottle of Skinny Cleanse in return for an honest review. I have taken the all natural detox supplement for

almost three weeks. And I have to say, I am sold on it! Not only did it work great as a cleanse, but it also kept my cravings at a minimum and gave me an extra level of alertness. With a 7-year-old and 18-month-old, I need all of the alertness I can get.
   If you are considering implementing a cleanse into your weight loss, or just want an opportunity to detox, check this product out! And you might be lucky enough to win a bottle right here!
   Just enter on the Rafflecopter form below. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and contacted via email.
   Experience A Life is not responsible for prize fulfillment. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Trying the Skinny Cleanse

Part of experiencing life is trying the little things. I had never done a detoxifying cleanse before, so when the opportunity presented itself from Skinny Jane, I grabbed it.

   I was skeptical at first. I cannot tell you how many diet pills, programs and supplements I have tried since high school. I've tried appetite suppressants, fat burning pills, energy boosters. The latter definitely worked in giving me extra energy, but my fat deposits certainly did not melt off. But, a cleanse? I had never tried one and it was only in the recent years that I heard a cleanse was very beneficial in the weight loss journey.
   When the bottle of Skinny Cleanse arrived in the mail, I was anxious to try it out. Anxious to see if there were any results and anxious to see on how effective the cleanse would work. I'd heard about some people doing cleanses who were unable to stray too far away from a bathroom. I still had a life to live, kids to take care of, a house to maintain.
   But, as per the instructions, I took two pills before I went to bed with a glass of water. The next morning when I woke up, I felt the same, but not as hungry. I also felt more alert, like I couldn't wait to get my day started! It wasn't until an hour after Bee had gone to school and Tony had gone to work that the cleanse kicked in. I was pleasantly surprised to find that staying close to a bathroom was not necessary.
   And the get-up-and-go feeling I had continued throughout the day. My desire to eat was also reduced throughout the day. I'm a boredom snacker and I found that I didn't really want to find anything to eat.
   The only problem I found in the Skinny Cleanse product was remembering to take the pills before bedtime. There was a day when I just didn't remember to take the pills. It was a big, busy day and I was just exhausted at the end of it. The alertness was still present the next day, but I felt a few hunger pangs and the cleanse did not occur. So, it is very important to remember to take the pills before bedtime so you can continue to experience the same results day after day.
   If you are looking to try a cleanse, I would recommend Skinny Cleanse. 
Full disclosure: I was given a sample of Skinny Cleanse by Skinny Jane for the purpose of writing a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Diabulimia - A Growing Problem

Diabulimia - a combination of Type 1 diabetes and a specific eating disorder. To sum this condition up in one word - DANGEROUS!
   If a person has diabulimia, he or she purposely gives less insulin in an effort to lose weight. It works. You can lose a lot of weight in a short period of time . . . and even more. You can lose your eyesight, your kidneys, your limbs. When a diabetic purposely takes less insulin to supplement the carbohydrates consumed, the blood sugar gets too high. When the blood sugar is too high too long, serious diabetes-related complications arise.
   One of those complications is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is very common among those with diabulimia. DKA is caused by lack of insulin and the body's attempt to find an energy source due to that lack. Acids are released into the blood, sugar is ejected through the urine, putting an excessive strain on your kidneys. The resulting symptoms are excessive thirst and urination, dehydration, vomiting and nausea, hyperventilation, fatigue, weight loss and muscle pain. DKA is a painful and miserable thing to go through. If the condition is not caught soon enough, it will progress to coma and death.
   To me, that seems like too high a price to pay to lose a few pounds.
   Type 1 women tend to have a higher BMI than non-diabetics. Insulin and carbohydrates have long been linked to excess weight, but those play an integral part in a Type 1's life. Insulin is a necessary hormone to keep us alive, but it is also a weight-gaining hormone. Our thyroids are also put at risk because of diabetes. But, developing a habit of going out and eating a cheeseburger with fries and then taking an insufficient amount of insulin because you're afraid of what pounds that might pack on - you're playing a dangerous game, Type 1 Russian roulette. The only way you will survive is if you get help before damage is caused.
   We are a nation that is obsessed with weight and losing it. As the numbers of those suffering from bulimia and anorexia rises, so does the number of those suffering from diabulimia. It is a way to lose weight without putting forth much effort and you can indulge in your cravings.
   It is tempting to lose weight by not taking enough insulin and eating foods that make other dieters jealous - chips, cookies, donuts, burgers, pizza - basically anything with a high carb and sugar content.
   Trust me, I know the temptation to cause weight loss by manipulating my insulin intake. I've been in DKA twice and the weight I lost both times was intense. I even considered it a couple years ago and I gave it a go for a couple of days. I don't know if I lost any weight and I honestly don't care. I felt miserable. Because of the nausea caused by excessively high blood sugar, I would look at foods that had plenty of carbs and almost vomit. As a result, I could only drink broth. And a vicious cycle ensued during those days. Broth has no carbs, so I didn't have to take insulin. My blood sugar crept higher and higher. I finally decided that the weight loss experiment was not worth it. I took some extra insulin to get my blood sugar down to normal levels and then I grabbed some saltine crackers. I felt better before the end of the day, but I did not feel 100 percent until a couple days later.
   If you are a Type 1 diabetic and looking to lose weight, the best thing you can do is exercise and lessen the carbohydrates you consume. You will take less insulin because you are eating less carbs. As a result, your blood sugar will not go sky high. The weight loss will not be as significant in a short period of time. You will not lose 30 pounds in two weeks. The weight loss will be gradual, but it will not kill you. Just remember to monitor your blood sugars very closely if you go with less carbs and insulin. Make the appropriate adjustments that are needed in order to meet your goals and keep yourself healthy, happy and alive.
  

Review: VERITAS INSPIRED

If you are anything like me, you struggle with finding the

perfect accents for a room in your home. I can find plenty of cute things, but I don't want to know that my neighbor three doors down has the same one and I don't want to pay a butt-load for it. When I found Veritas Inspired on Etsy, I knew that it would get a lot easier. Here was a store with exactly what I was looking for - cute quality at the right price!
   Owner Anna has been working with metal décor a few years ago and opened her Etsy shop in 2012. Having moved to the

United States from Krakow Poland in 1994, she draws her inspiration from old European houses and churches dating back to the ninth century. As well as the narrow streets, flea markets and market squares found overseas.
   Her customers appreciate that inspiration, especially in her skeleton key holder. "It is so classic, timeless yet functional," said Anna. "My husband keeps begging me to make one for us to hang keys by the entrance, but I am simply too busy making them for my customers."
   Understandable, since Anna estimates she sells hundreds of them every year.
   Anna does do custom orders. Her most memorable request was for various colors of owl hooks for a gentleman who worked for the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. She also gets requests from boutiques for custom hooks for dressing rooms. So, you just might see her work while you try on that awesome pair of jeans!
   I plan on ordering a skeleton key hook for our entrance. I need a hook to hang my purse. I have a one-year-old boy who loves to dive into my purse when I place it on the floor as I take off my shoes. The hook would solve that problem and look very stylish with the décor I have going on!
   Please visit Veritas Inspired and order something for your home!

Review: SEVEN MILES PER SECOND

Do you love finding that perfect T-shirt that is not seen on everyone else? One that is not purchased from a box store? One this is made right here in the U.S. of A.? Look no further than Seven Miles Per Second, an Etsy store owned by Patrick and Annie.
   Featured on Buzzfeed, this store not only has T-shirts, but also baby onesies, backpacks, cards and more. One of their T-shirts, a Roots T-shirt, was featured in the Under the

Rainbow giveaway hop here on Experience A Life. The Roots T-shirt features each U.S. state so you can proudly proclaim where you originate from.
   "Our inspiration for the state T-shirts came from the fact that Patrick was born and raised in one state and Annie in another," they said. "Patrick (the one no longer living in his birth state) was always looking for products that displayed his 'roots.' We added the 'made' designs soon after because we believe where you're born has a great influence on the type of person you become."
   That 'made' aspect has generated Patrick and Annie's favorite piece - the 'made' baby onesies. "Customer tell us

they use them as a way to announce to family that they're expecting, to bring their newborns home from the hospital or as a unique shower or new baby gift for a loved one," they said. "We were thrilled when a celebrity ordered two of them!"
   The customers side with Patrick and Annie in favorite piece, even though  it is tied with one of their Mother's Day cards - 'Mom, Thanks to you I'm a Bitch' - which was featured on Buzzfeed and TrendHunter.
   While the items already in the Seven Miles Per Second shop are awesome, you can request custom orders. The most memorable order Seven Miles received was two different Susan G. Komen 3-Day T-shirts for a team that was participating. "We had fun following the FB postings during the event and cheering them on."
   So, they not only fulfill their customers wishes, but they also lend their support! Awesome!
   I urge you to check out Seven Miles Per Second some cute additions to your wardrobe, or for gifts for your loved ones.

Review: HORSEPLAY PRODUCTS

Buying recycled products gives me an awesome feeling - a feeling of purity that comes from knowing that materials were not wasted. Shari Bradstream, owner of HorsePlay Products, makes everything from recycled materials. She takes items that people no longer want and turns them into works of art! Talk about living the green life!
   "I have always wanted to do recycled crafts and have thrifty products that others would find fun, yet functional," said Bradstream. "I am very conscious of waste and seeing that we are a country that has gotten to used to 'throw away', I felt it was time for me to make my own personal statement about recycling. So, here it is."
  Quite a statement. I love the way she transforms discarded items into fashionable pieces for your self and your home. I personally love the Blue Jeans purse. It's fun and funky. I'm getting into acquiring purses and this would go perfectly with my growing collection. The purses found on HorsePlay Products are made with a lot of love and time and Bradstream's proclaimed love can be found in each stitch. Her customers seem to love them just as much. Her felted wool bags and purses have drawn the most interest.
   Bradstream also takes custom orders. She described custom orders as a very important aspect for customers to express their preferences. Her most memorable piece thus far was a

small wool backpack. The customer who requested it gave it to her daughter, who Bradstream said LOVED it!
   If you have an appreciation for fashionable, recycled material, I urge you to check out HorsePlay Products. Bradstream has objects for your home and accessories for your wardrobe. Each is one of a kind and proudly made in the USA!
   Bradstream opened her Etsy shop in the last six months and was a sponsor in the Lucky March giveaway hop.
Full disclosure: The owner of HorsePlay Products is my mother-in-law.

10 Foods To Try Before You Die

One of the easiest ways to experience something different in your life is to try different foods. I'm a big believer in it, but I'm not looking to go overboard. I know in some countries, they dine on knee cartilage. I don't think so. But, I can still have culinary experiences without getting the heebie-jeebies. And so can you.
   Here is a list of foods that everyone should at least try before they die. Give it a shot and you might open yourself up to a new favorite.

1) Sushi. Obviously. Everyone should try this at least once.

There are many different kinds of sushi. If you are leery about eating raw fish, start with a sushi roll that has a mixture of crab and vegetables. I love to dunk mine in soy sauce. Tony loves to drench his in soy sauce and wasabi. But beware the wasabi. It will burn your sinuses.

2) Rocky Mountain Oysters. Bull balls. Mmmmm. I've had plenty of opportunity to try these, but I have been too chicken

to do so. However, I know of a place in Rapid City, SD that serves them. You can bet the next time I go, I will order some and split them with my husband.

3) Haggis. Again, one I have not tried, but really all I have to do is attend a Celtic festival and it will be there. The thought

of eating internal organs stuffed in a stomach has never really appealed to me, but Tony said it's really not that bad. He said it's very savory and has a nutty flavor.

4) Pheasant. Yes, it's a pretty bird. PRETTY TASTY! Pheasant is a white meat. It almost tastes like chicken, but it has an extra zip that is difficult to

describe. It can be fairly expensive if you buy it in a restaurant or in a grocery store, so it's best to shoot the bird yourself and then eat. Be careful cooking it, though. The meat is delicate and can easily dry out.

5) Gumbo. This southern Creole dish can be made many different ways. It is a thick soup that I love to serve over rice. I usually make mine with crab, shrimp, okra and sausage. I have two varieties - mild and nuclear.

6) Peach Pie Juice. Technically, not a food, but this is probably the healthiest item on this list. And it's really easy to make . . . if you have a juicer. Juice three carrots and one peach. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix it all together and VOILA!! It's my favorite juice - flavorful and nutritious.

7) Baklava. The king of the Greek desserts! Although the origin of this crispy, flaky, honeyed delight is debatable. The

layers of phyllo dough melt in your mouth and the honey coats your tongue. The nuts are cooked perfectly, not being too crunchy or too soggy. If you're a diabetic, take extra insulin.

8) Indian Taco. The crowning jewel of this dish is the frybread. Moist and flavorful, all of the taco meat and fixings are piled on top of it. If you attend an Indian taco feed, try to get a piece of frybread that is a lovely golden brown. If it's too dark, it will be a little tough to eat. If you make Indian tacos at home and you have leftover frybread, it can be used for breakfast in the morning. Stick the frybread in the microwave, slap some jelly on it and you're done.

9) Crickets. I was so close to trying crickets at the Tulsa Fair this past year, but I couldn't find the vendor that had them. I finally worked up the nerve AND I COULDN'T FIND IT!! I was disappointed. From what I hear, they are delightfully crunchy and nutty. And a good source of protein.

10) Kuchen. The German word for cake, there are different varieties, but the one that I love the most is the official dessert of South Dakota. It is a pie with a thick crust and a custard-like filling. There are varieties to try. A very popular one is rhubarb. I prefer the cheese kuchen. A lot of people love the peach and also the apple.

Anti-Anti-Vaccine

The anti-vaccine movement is going strong. So strong that measles has reared its ugly spotted head again. The disease that was wiped out in the US in 2000 is back because people are refusing to vaccinate their children. I pray that none of these unvaccinated children are Type 1 diabetics. 
   It is extremely important for Type 1 diabetics to get their vaccines. I get a flu shot every year, without fail. Because if I get the flu, I guarantee it will knock me on my ass and let me tell you why.
   A Type 1's immune system is already compromised. The faulty immune system is already killing off the insulin cells in your pancreas. The last time I did not get a flu shot was several years ago. I got struck with the flu which then turned into underlying pneumonia and bronchitis. Because of the illness, I went into DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). For those unaware, DKA is one of the suckiest things you can go through. It is caused when your blood sugar is excessively high for a period of time. It puts tremendous stress on your kidneys, causing you to pee . . . a lot. And because your blood sugar is high, your body is going to try to expel the excess sugar in your system. So, you're exceedingly thirsty, which makes your trips to the bathroom even more frequent. 
   Then, your muscles begin to ache and you lose your breath. After that, the abdominal pain sets in and all you want to do is sleep. This is not a short-term condition. It will continue painfully until one of two things happen - you get your blood sugar down (which is difficult to accomplish when you're struck with another illness) or you die. 
   I ended up hospitalized. All because I did not get a flu shot.
   And I know with the anti-vaccine movement becoming more popular, some Type 1 parents might be tempted to not vaccinate. DO NOT DO THAT! If you do not get a Type 1 vaccinated, that Type 1 is compromised. You might think that if the Type 1 becomes ill with a disease that has a vaccine, and then that Type 1 develops DKA, that you will be able to just take him or her to the hospital and all will be well. 
   Maybe - if you catch it in time. And even if you do prevent DKA death, you might have to deal with kidney failure. All because you didn't get vaccinations. 
   There is a book written by Markus Heinze that claims vaccinations gave his daughter Type 1 diabetes. There is absolutely no scientific research to back that claim up. Type 1 is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. He said there is no history of Type 1 in either his or his wife's family. Every family that has a Type 1 child - it started somewhere - either with that child or with an ancestor. It had to start somewhere. The scientific community does not know exactly what causes Type 1. They do not know what the factors are or what the triggers are that set those factors off. This book is biased and dangerous. 
   So, please - if you are a Type 1, get vaccinated. If your child is a Type 1, get him or her vaccinated. It will prevent serious illness and perhaps death.
   But, as always, the choice is yours. Just remember, every choice has consequences. You need to determine which consequence you and/or your child will deal with. 

Under the Rainbow Giveaway Hop: KEY HOLDER AND T-SHIRT

Welcome to the [3rd annual] Under the Rainbow Giveaway Hop Event, hosted by the Lindsey Blogs & Viva Veltoro.

   Who doesn’t love finding gold under the rainbow? I’ve joined with a group of bloggers who will be offering great prizes for you, just waiting to be found under the rainbow! So, hop along to all in the giveaway hop linky below to find your gold! Don't miss the Grand Prize too - if you have 1 or 2 children, you'll find the gold under the rainbow in the form of an amazing Fold N Go Double Stroller from Combi USA! Enter the Grand Prize here.

   Here at Experience A Life, I am giving away a Skeleton Key Holder/Wall Hook ($16.99) courtesy of Veritas Inspired. The winner will get to choose the color! This will look wonderful in your entryway or kitchen!

   And an All States and Washington DC Roots T-Shirt ($22.90) courtesy of Seven Miles Per Second. The winner gets a choice as to which state. Perfect gift idea for either a man or a woman. Or keep it for yourself. 

   Just enter on the Rafflecopter form below. The winner will be chosen via Random.org and notified via email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before another is chosen. Experience A Life is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway