Amara Organic's Vitamin C Serum Giveaway!
Monday, September 28, 2015
Friday, September 25, 2015
Review: Pur Athlete Power +
Adapting a healthier lifestyle also means including exercise in the equation. And in the beginning, that can be difficult. Your get up and go is not always there, you tend to putz out in the middle and afterward, you can feel very sore.
Over the years, I have found that using something before a workout can be very beneficial - to your energy during and to your body afterward. Pur Athlete Power + might not help too much for afterward, but it sure does get your body ready beforehand.
I recently started working out lightly after months of no activity (due to a lumbar spinal injury). And my energy was greatly depleted. This powder helped me along. It not only gave me a decent amount of energy, but it also helped keep my mind on the task at hand, rather than think about what else I had to do.
Power + helps replenishes the electrolytes that you lose when you work up a sweat, which is greatly beneficial. Those suckers are important!
All it takes is one scoop mixed in to 6 to 10 ounces of water about 15 minutes before your workout begins. The taste is not extraordinary in any way. It's not great, but it's not terrible. However, the ingredients ensure that it is healthy. No banned substances, gluten or diuretics are used. It's just creatine and magnesium.
You can find Pur Athlete Power + here on Amazon.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Over the years, I have found that using something before a workout can be very beneficial - to your energy during and to your body afterward. Pur Athlete Power + might not help too much for afterward, but it sure does get your body ready beforehand.
I recently started working out lightly after months of no activity (due to a lumbar spinal injury). And my energy was greatly depleted. This powder helped me along. It not only gave me a decent amount of energy, but it also helped keep my mind on the task at hand, rather than think about what else I had to do.
Power + helps replenishes the electrolytes that you lose when you work up a sweat, which is greatly beneficial. Those suckers are important!
All it takes is one scoop mixed in to 6 to 10 ounces of water about 15 minutes before your workout begins. The taste is not extraordinary in any way. It's not great, but it's not terrible. However, the ingredients ensure that it is healthy. No banned substances, gluten or diuretics are used. It's just creatine and magnesium.
You can find Pur Athlete Power + here on Amazon.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Review: Zahler Whey Protein Meal Replacement Powder
Being on a more plant based and raw diet, it can be challenging to find adequate sources of protein. Well, challenging in the way of palatability.
Zahler gave me an opportunity to review their chocolate Reach Whey Protein and I knew I needed more protein in my life. So, I gave it a go.
Upon opening the jar, the smell was pleasantly chocolate - like opening a packet of Swiss Miss. Thus, I assumed the standard chemical taste would not be as present in this product as it is in a lot of other whey protein powders.
And, as it turns out, my assumption was right. Go me!
The first day, I mixed it in my morning coffee. And it was like drinking a mocha. But, I had to put the mixture into a shaker, as there were bits of powder that did not dissolve through simple stirring. They floated to the top and stared at me! Not to be defeated, into the shaker it went and after 30 seconds of vigorousness, healthy mocha glory awaited me!
You can find this Stevia sweetened mixture here on Amazon. I recommend this. As it is protein, it does fill you up. And it is bursting with amino acids! Everyone loves amino acids! A serving size is one scoop and only contains 138 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates. As well as a wollopy 25 grams of protein.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Zahler gave me an opportunity to review their chocolate Reach Whey Protein and I knew I needed more protein in my life. So, I gave it a go.
Upon opening the jar, the smell was pleasantly chocolate - like opening a packet of Swiss Miss. Thus, I assumed the standard chemical taste would not be as present in this product as it is in a lot of other whey protein powders.
And, as it turns out, my assumption was right. Go me!
The first day, I mixed it in my morning coffee. And it was like drinking a mocha. But, I had to put the mixture into a shaker, as there were bits of powder that did not dissolve through simple stirring. They floated to the top and stared at me! Not to be defeated, into the shaker it went and after 30 seconds of vigorousness, healthy mocha glory awaited me!
You can find this Stevia sweetened mixture here on Amazon. I recommend this. As it is protein, it does fill you up. And it is bursting with amino acids! Everyone loves amino acids! A serving size is one scoop and only contains 138 calories and 5 grams of carbohydrates. As well as a wollopy 25 grams of protein.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Beware of Niacin (at least without an endo's supervision)
For quite a few days, I was experiencing blood sugars of more than 400. Yucky. At first, I thought it was solely my insulin. I was wrong.
One thing you have to learn with Type 1 diabetes is keeping track of your daily habits and when and how you change them. That can be difficult to do when your brain is cloudy with excess sugar, but it can be done.
After spending five days with extremely high blood sugar and not much change no matter what I did with my insulin, I began to think back about anything different I had done. I had begun taking niacin. And I never looked in to the side effects of said supplement.
Now, niacin can be used to reduce your cholesterol. Since my cholesterol is slightly elevated (107), I thought it would be worth taking it for a short period of time to bring me back to normal levels. However, niacin has a bad habit of raising your blood glucose levels at the same time. That is not a good thing for Type 1 diabetics. I can live with slightly elevated cholesterol. I can't live with extremely high blood sugars.
If you take niacin, please consult your endocrinologist, not a general physician.
One thing you have to learn with Type 1 diabetes is keeping track of your daily habits and when and how you change them. That can be difficult to do when your brain is cloudy with excess sugar, but it can be done.After spending five days with extremely high blood sugar and not much change no matter what I did with my insulin, I began to think back about anything different I had done. I had begun taking niacin. And I never looked in to the side effects of said supplement.
Now, niacin can be used to reduce your cholesterol. Since my cholesterol is slightly elevated (107), I thought it would be worth taking it for a short period of time to bring me back to normal levels. However, niacin has a bad habit of raising your blood glucose levels at the same time. That is not a good thing for Type 1 diabetics. I can live with slightly elevated cholesterol. I can't live with extremely high blood sugars.
If you take niacin, please consult your endocrinologist, not a general physician.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Review: JGOB Blending Sponge
For quite some time, I have relied on my fingers to apply my foundation. It's messy, but cost effective. So many makeup blenders soak up foundation that I view them as a waste of money. Sure, it's not as messy, but you have to buy
foundation far more frequently.
I was skeptical about the JGOB Blending Sponge at first, but it turns out, I was in for a surprise.
First of all, I love the vibrant neon green color of the sponge. It's a nice change from the dull beige that sponges usually are. Plus, it makes the foundation easy to spot. You know, just in case you take your glasses before you smear foundation all over and have difficulty spotting exactly where it is on the sponge. Or am I the only one?
I love the texture. It's super soft, which is surprising given how little it absorbs. It felt so soft against my face - almost like a baby blanket.
I also love the fact that it is washable and it looks as though you never used it. I wish I could comment on the durability of it, because all of my blending sponges have eventually fallen to pieces, but I have not had it that long yet.
This is a product I recommend.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I was skeptical about the JGOB Blending Sponge at first, but it turns out, I was in for a surprise.
First of all, I love the vibrant neon green color of the sponge. It's a nice change from the dull beige that sponges usually are. Plus, it makes the foundation easy to spot. You know, just in case you take your glasses before you smear foundation all over and have difficulty spotting exactly where it is on the sponge. Or am I the only one?
I love the texture. It's super soft, which is surprising given how little it absorbs. It felt so soft against my face - almost like a baby blanket.
I also love the fact that it is washable and it looks as though you never used it. I wish I could comment on the durability of it, because all of my blending sponges have eventually fallen to pieces, but I have not had it that long yet.
This is a product I recommend.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Review: Pure 5:2 Transformation in 21 Days
Raw and healthier foods has been a growing interest of mine and Tony's for a while now. We have a juicer. We both drink at least one vegetable and fruit juice a day. Some days that is all we consume. We also drink Soylent. If you haven't checked that out, you should.
So, because we are trying to do a lifestyle change, I love to watch documentaries and read books that give us more information and encouragement along the way. I was sent the ebook Pure 5:2 Transformation in 21 Days by Robyn and Geoff Randolph in exchange for an honest review.
And like the documentary Food Matters, this book really hits home on what exactly you need to put into your body to achieve optimal health. It is truly informative and gives you insight into what foods will help your ailments.
I also love the recipes included in this book. Eating raw foods and living a healthier lifestyle does not have to be relegated to juicing and nothing but juicing. There are several recipes that prove a raw and healthy diet does not have to be boring. It can be downright delectable!
If you are looking to lose weight, better your health or make a lifestyle change, I urge you to read this book! You can find it here on Amazon.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
So, because we are trying to do a lifestyle change, I love to watch documentaries and read books that give us more information and encouragement along the way. I was sent the ebook Pure 5:2 Transformation in 21 Days by Robyn and Geoff Randolph in exchange for an honest review.
And like the documentary Food Matters, this book really hits home on what exactly you need to put into your body to achieve optimal health. It is truly informative and gives you insight into what foods will help your ailments.
I also love the recipes included in this book. Eating raw foods and living a healthier lifestyle does not have to be relegated to juicing and nothing but juicing. There are several recipes that prove a raw and healthy diet does not have to be boring. It can be downright delectable!
If you are looking to lose weight, better your health or make a lifestyle change, I urge you to read this book! You can find it here on Amazon.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Review: Diamond Elite 15 Day Cleanse
Toxins have a way of gathering and remaining in your body. And if you want optimal health, you have to find a way to
flush them out. I recently watched a documentary about the importance of ridding your body of toxins and I wanted to go beyond the typical colon cleanse and find something more.
I did when Diamond Elite offered me their 15 Day Cleanse. You take two capsules before bed with eight ounces of water. You will feel the effects the next day. It certainly is not an urgent feeling, but it will happen frequently when you take it. If you regularly only have one bowel movement per day, be prepared to have at least four. Well, depending on how many toxins you have in your system.
What I like about the 15 Day Cleanse is, not only does it work, but it also has natural ingredients. There are MCT oils, senna leaf, licorice root, flaxseed powder complex and more. There are no ingredients that you will have difficulty saying.
I would recommend this cleanse if you're looking for a quick, short-term fix. But, the best way to cleanse your system of toxins is to make a lifestyle change - namely switch to unprocessed, organic foods.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I did when Diamond Elite offered me their 15 Day Cleanse. You take two capsules before bed with eight ounces of water. You will feel the effects the next day. It certainly is not an urgent feeling, but it will happen frequently when you take it. If you regularly only have one bowel movement per day, be prepared to have at least four. Well, depending on how many toxins you have in your system.
What I like about the 15 Day Cleanse is, not only does it work, but it also has natural ingredients. There are MCT oils, senna leaf, licorice root, flaxseed powder complex and more. There are no ingredients that you will have difficulty saying.
I would recommend this cleanse if you're looking for a quick, short-term fix. But, the best way to cleanse your system of toxins is to make a lifestyle change - namely switch to unprocessed, organic foods.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Bad Days
Bad Type 1 diabetic days do happen and they do suck. I've been having a bad day - four days running. My blood sugar is frequently more than 400 and the corrections drop me to around 50.
It all started when the Lantus I was on stopped working for me - again. I spent the day laying around the house, little to no energy, nauseous, cloudy thinking, muscle aches. A high blood sugar is kind of like the flu, except you have insane thirst on top of it. Tony brought me my new insulin Toujeo, which my doctor prescribed as a replacement for Lantus.
I was eager to get my blood sugar back down and gave myself a dose right away. I had some luck with dropping. But, the next day, I was high again. I broke down and called my endo, who advised me not to take any extra Toujeo and to check my urine for ketones. I am happy to report that my urine only had trace amounts of ketones. Certainly nothing to get too excited over.
Yesterday, I spent the first half of the day with high blood sugars. And then it dropped to and stayed around 110. I was ecstatic. But then this morning, I woke up to 389 and even with 14 units of Novolog to compensate, it rose to 400 without eating any carbs. So, I obviously need to play with the Toujeo dosage.
This is a common problem I have found. I react differently to different insulins. As a child, my mother and I discovered that beef insulin does absolutely nothing for me. I have better control with Novolog than I do with Humalog. And since Lantus reacts extremely to my body chemistry, I have not had very good control with that. The struggle here is to find the right dosage of Toujeo that I need. So, wish me luck to find that balance before my ketones get too high.
It all started when the Lantus I was on stopped working for me - again. I spent the day laying around the house, little to no energy, nauseous, cloudy thinking, muscle aches. A high blood sugar is kind of like the flu, except you have insane thirst on top of it. Tony brought me my new insulin Toujeo, which my doctor prescribed as a replacement for Lantus.
I was eager to get my blood sugar back down and gave myself a dose right away. I had some luck with dropping. But, the next day, I was high again. I broke down and called my endo, who advised me not to take any extra Toujeo and to check my urine for ketones. I am happy to report that my urine only had trace amounts of ketones. Certainly nothing to get too excited over.
Yesterday, I spent the first half of the day with high blood sugars. And then it dropped to and stayed around 110. I was ecstatic. But then this morning, I woke up to 389 and even with 14 units of Novolog to compensate, it rose to 400 without eating any carbs. So, I obviously need to play with the Toujeo dosage.
This is a common problem I have found. I react differently to different insulins. As a child, my mother and I discovered that beef insulin does absolutely nothing for me. I have better control with Novolog than I do with Humalog. And since Lantus reacts extremely to my body chemistry, I have not had very good control with that. The struggle here is to find the right dosage of Toujeo that I need. So, wish me luck to find that balance before my ketones get too high.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Review: Fresh Healthcare Pure Moringa Oleifera
Here is a supplement I had not heard of - moringa oleifera. I looked it up when I saw the offer and I found that it is a leaf extract that has been used for hundreds of years in the Himalaya region due to its immune boosting properties.
That, in turn, provides wonderful healing to various ailments.
I have noticed that I have a general sense of well being after being on this supplement for two weeks. Two things that I have not noticed is weight loss and an increase in energy - two things that are advertised on the bottle. However, even though those two aspects are not present, that does not mean this is a bad product. I do feel healthier and I do feel happier. So, it is a wonderful multivitamin.
And the instructions for taking the supplements are very simple - two capsules daily with or without food. I take them in the morning to reap the feel-good benefits all day.
I do recommend this supplement, but not for weight loss or energy increase.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I have noticed that I have a general sense of well being after being on this supplement for two weeks. Two things that I have not noticed is weight loss and an increase in energy - two things that are advertised on the bottle. However, even though those two aspects are not present, that does not mean this is a bad product. I do feel healthier and I do feel happier. So, it is a wonderful multivitamin.
And the instructions for taking the supplements are very simple - two capsules daily with or without food. I take them in the morning to reap the feel-good benefits all day.
I do recommend this supplement, but not for weight loss or energy increase.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Friday, September 4, 2015
My Vindicating Endo Appointment
I have received vindication!!!
For a while, I have been having some issues with the insulin Lantus. Some days it works great and other days, it seems to not work at all. I brought up the issues with general
practitioners and other fellow Type 1 diabetics and have been met, largely, with disbelief. The problem is not the insulin, they told me. The problem is my terrible diet and obviously poor control of my diabetes. The judgment poured over me. And for a while, I was beginning to believe it. If I was the only one in the world (it seemed) who was having this issue, then the problem must be me.
But then yesterday, I had an appointment with an endocrinologist. One of the best endos I have ever been to. Five years ago, he supervised my progress in a clinical trial for an insulin called SIBA (I've mentioned it before). He saw me every week for almost a year. And when he walked into the room yesterday, he remembered everything - the little nuances that come with me, as they do with every Type 1 diabetic. That is how I know he's good.
Anyway, I asked him about Lantus and if there are times when it does not work. Indeed, yes, he said. Lantus reacts with body chemistry, which changes on a daily basis, and that reaction will determine how well it works. That is one reason he told me I was under better control when I used SIBA during the trial. SIBA does not react as strongly to body chemistry. Now, it does react, but not as severely as Lantus.
Unfortunately, SIBA is not on the market yet. But, it will be next year! SCORE! He also told me it will be called a different name. It started with a D, but I do not remember the exact name at this time.
Those two bits of information - that my extremely high blood sugars upon waking up were due to something wrong with the insulin were true; and that SIBA will be available soon - made my diabetic day!
I am not the out-of-control, undisciplined, idiotic pig that so many others made me out to be. And the insulin that will give me better control will soon be in my eager hands! VINDICATION IS MINE!!!
For a while, I have been having some issues with the insulin Lantus. Some days it works great and other days, it seems to not work at all. I brought up the issues with general
But then yesterday, I had an appointment with an endocrinologist. One of the best endos I have ever been to. Five years ago, he supervised my progress in a clinical trial for an insulin called SIBA (I've mentioned it before). He saw me every week for almost a year. And when he walked into the room yesterday, he remembered everything - the little nuances that come with me, as they do with every Type 1 diabetic. That is how I know he's good.
Anyway, I asked him about Lantus and if there are times when it does not work. Indeed, yes, he said. Lantus reacts with body chemistry, which changes on a daily basis, and that reaction will determine how well it works. That is one reason he told me I was under better control when I used SIBA during the trial. SIBA does not react as strongly to body chemistry. Now, it does react, but not as severely as Lantus.
Unfortunately, SIBA is not on the market yet. But, it will be next year! SCORE! He also told me it will be called a different name. It started with a D, but I do not remember the exact name at this time.
Those two bits of information - that my extremely high blood sugars upon waking up were due to something wrong with the insulin were true; and that SIBA will be available soon - made my diabetic day!
I am not the out-of-control, undisciplined, idiotic pig that so many others made me out to be. And the insulin that will give me better control will soon be in my eager hands! VINDICATION IS MINE!!!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Win an iCoffee OPUS Giveaway!
Welcome to the iCoffee OPUS Giveaway!
Hosted By:
My Silly Little Gang
Co-Hosted By:
Deliciously Savvy
Tales From A Southern Mom
Amy & Aron's Real Life Reviews
Blogger Nicole
and Mom Knows Best
PLUS a Big Thank You to all blogs promoting this fabulous giveaway! Thank You!
This is my first joint giveaway! And I can't think of a better one to participate in!
Here is a fabulous giveaway that I'm sure you're going to want to enter! One lucky winner will receive an iCoffee OPUS Single Serve Brewer! (ARV $139.00)
Read below to learn a little more about the product:
- SpinBrew™ Technology*– Spins, steams & stirs right inside any K-compatible cup to brew coffee that always tastes Impossibly Smooth™.
- Dial-a-Brew™– From 4 to 12 ounces in ½ ounce increments
- Large 75 ounce water reservoir
- Energy Saver mode and automatic shut-off
- Removable drip tray allows for larger mugs, including most travel mugs
All iCoffee® single serve brewers are compatible with every K-Cup®, OneCup™, RealCup™ capsule, and all private label cups**.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Review: Pratico Outdoors Stainless Steel Cups
Tony is on a quest to get as much stainless steel in our kitchen as possible. I like the look of it, so I have joined him in this quest and accepted an offer to review two Stainless Steel Cups from Pratico Outdoors.
As soon as they arrived, Tony discarded two of our other
glasses and put these in a position of prominence in our cabinet. And they are used every day. Our poor glass drinking cups must be getting lonely by now.
The cups hold a decent amount of liquid - 16 ounces. Just enough to not have to get refill after refill and not so much that ice will melt and your drink will get warm. But, the best thing that I like about these cups is that they are dishwasher safe. As someone who despises washing dishes by hand, the more dishwasher safe dishes I have, the happier I am. And I know you're thinking about possible rust build up, but there has been no indication of any. Because each cup is electropolished, which leads to extra rust protection. No cases of lockjaw in THIS household!
I recommend these cups if you are looking to update your kitchen wares or as a gift or as just for whatever.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
As soon as they arrived, Tony discarded two of our other
The cups hold a decent amount of liquid - 16 ounces. Just enough to not have to get refill after refill and not so much that ice will melt and your drink will get warm. But, the best thing that I like about these cups is that they are dishwasher safe. As someone who despises washing dishes by hand, the more dishwasher safe dishes I have, the happier I am. And I know you're thinking about possible rust build up, but there has been no indication of any. Because each cup is electropolished, which leads to extra rust protection. No cases of lockjaw in THIS household!
I recommend these cups if you are looking to update your kitchen wares or as a gift or as just for whatever.
Full disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
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