Far too long, my table has had the same salt and pepper shakers. Actually, let me rephrase that. It now has a salt shaker and a pepper grinder - the kind that you buy in the spice section of big box stores or grocery stores. Not exactly aesthetically pleasing. And I kept telling myself that I was going to get a couple grinders that match, don't look worn and are pleasant enough to look at.
But it never happened. It always slipped my mind - until I came across Kitchen Cookery's Salt and Pepper Grinder. These are perfect, I told myself. They are not too flashy and fit wonderfully into the look I am trying to convey - simple yet elegant. I already had peppercorns, which I poured into one right away. I went out and got salt to pour into the other one. I tested both and found them to work beautifully! And maybe it's a placebo effect, but fresh ground salt and pepper on your food is an improvement. The only issue I have is I could see some flaws in the glasswork, but only when I held it at an angle in the light. I certainly could not feel the flaws. The containers felt perfectly round in my hands. All in all, I am happy with these grinders. It's a small change in my big kitchen world that I am glad I made. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
For those unfamiliar with the term "diabully", let me enlighten you. It's a Type 1 diabetic that bullies other Type 1 diabetics. As if regular bullies were not bad enough, these "people" are a special type of douche. I mean, we have
enough jerks to deal with - neo-Nazis, soccer moms, political commentators. Does the world really need diabullies? Let me tell you what brought this topic up. I recently learned about the death of Kevin Houdeshell, a 36-year-old Type 1 diabetic who was unable to get his insulin due to an expired prescription. I wanted to learn more and I'm sorry I made the effort. I came across a lot of comments and posts written about how Houdeshell deserved to die because he was irresponsible with his diabetes. Let me say you diabullies deserve to be run over by a cement mixer. You have no idea what events led up to his lack of insulin. Neither do I, but I am certainly not going to judge him for it. Why not? Well one - I am not a repulsive douchebag; and two - I actually care about people. "We care about people, too. That's why we say these things." RUBBISH!! You are full of hate and bitterness and feel that nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around. Maybe your diabetes is out of control and are pissed off about it. Maybe you got it under control by cutting all carbs from your diet and snorting organic protein powder. Good for you. It worked for you. That solution will not work for everyone else. Each Type 1 diabetic is different and if you are so knowledgeable about Type 1 diabetes, you would know that. You know about your situation. You don't know about mine. You don't know about the little girl who was diagnosed last week. You certainly don't know about Houdeshell's. Do the world a favor and keep your meaningless, albeit incredibly irritating, opinions to yourself. To the normal Type 1 diabetics - do not engage diabullies. All that does is give them more confidence to go forward with whatever platform. Because usually, these parasites feed off of people wanting to know more about their solutions and they get pissed off when people stop listening. Which then leads to their disgusting judgments and behavior. It's best to walk away (and if you like, with your middle finger held high in their direction). Type 1 diabetics should be supporting each another, not combating. Each of us is battling a war and it is not with one another.
For the past 14 years, I have taken a multivitamin almost every single morning. It's just a small way for me to feel better about my health. Recently, I decided to give Women's Best Multivitamin by Evergreen Pure a try. This multivitamin provides 100 percent daily amounts of 17 nutrients and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, all of the vitamin Bs, folic acid (very important for pregnant women), manganese and much more. This supplement also has a focus on healthy skin, hair and nails. In my 30s, I'm not too concerned about those things being unhealthy. I've always had lots of thick hair. My fingernails have always been strong and I have yet to show signs of wrinkles. But, I know the years will go by quickly and the signs will show up before I know it. I would like to stave them off as long as I can. And I believe this multivitamin can help me in that task. The instructions accompanying the supplements are easy enough - two tablets in the morning before breakfast. Boom done. I love to keep it simple. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge, and received compensation, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a departure from what can usually be found on this blog, but a friend of mine recently asked me to write a piece on political commentator Tomi Lahren. It brings me back to my newspaper journalism days, but instead of expressing my opinions on news and government in an editorial, I will be expressing my opinion on someone who is now doing what I used to. I have watched many clips of her show and public appearances on YouTube. I have not watched them all, nor do I care to. It is not that her views differ from mine. At one point in time, I was a liberal Democrat. These past few years however, I find myself drifting more toward an Independent because the party politics have started to make me ill. Lahren is a conservative Republican - at least she has the leanings of one. She stated that she does not like to be put into a box, so she does not consider herself to be a conservative. Well, if she does not like boxes, she should jump out of the one she put herself in. I understand that someone in their early 20s who is trying to make a connection with the viewers may feel reluctant to label her or himself. People are either drawn toward or repelled by labels - depending on what that label is. But, there comes a point in time when you need to have the stones to admit and accept who or what you are. Lahren has not reached that point . . . yet. She has displayed opinions that are not Extreme Right, for which I commend her. That shows some bravery on her part, to go against what is expected. Now, the Big One: I have a suspicion that Lahren's opinions are not her own. In an interview (which can be seen on YouTube), she dodged questions searching for her opinion on a broad subject - distribution of wealth . She wanted to dwindle it down to a discussion of ObamaCare. The interviewer would not allow that, so Lahren backed down, stating that her network would not allow her to answer. She either is afraid to express an opinion that the network does not approve of, or she has none because her opinions are fed to her by a teleprompter. She has also had time to memorize those opinions. I suspect the latter. Lahren is also giving the same opinions that other conservative commentators - like Sean Hannity - provide. I would listen to Hannity every day as I drove home from work. Listening to Lahren is akin to listening to Hannity, but without the finesse of the more experienced host. The originality that Lahren is desperately trying to convey is not there. This can attributed to her age and her rookie status. But that might not contribute to her downfall. You know what might? Her arrogance. It oozes out of the screen. America does not like arrogance - unless it is in a entertaining and humorous form (a la Dr. House). She is to be commended for attaining what she has at such a young age, but it would do her good to keep some humility. If she can do that, I expect that she might make better connections with her audience. Granted, I will probably not be in that audience, but it will give her some stronger staying power.
My favorite supplements are gummies. Just because you're an adult does not mean you have to take boring, smelly supplements. You should be able to harken back to your childhood while taking better care of yourself. Nutrabear's Calcium and Vitamin D3 Gummies do just that. Granted, they are not a multivitamin, but they are loaded
with calcium and vitamin D3 - both good things. I am always happy to take calcium supplements since I have a history (and family history) of teeth problems. Whatever I can do to delay trips to the dentist is awesome! And calcium will help me in my quest. What I love about these supplements is the texture. They are almost like candy corn, which is my favorite Halloween candy! The taste can use a little work. They are lemon citrus flavored. They are not overly sour or lemony and initially the taste is pleasant. But the aftertaste leaves something to be desired. It's not incredibly bad or lingering, but there is a few seconds of strangeness. However, it is still worth it. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Fraud has always been a four-letter word . . . and for good reason. No one likes being deceived. But with the reality of social media, it becomes ever more difficult to detect fraud and scams.
In Fraud, Fraudsters and Scams, author Ian Leaf takes you through some examples of fraud that he has encountered on Amazon. Which I found to be rather confusing, because the subtitle of the book is What to Watch for on Instagram. I have always believed that it is in good practice to stick to the subject matter. I understand what Leaf was doing there, but it would have been much stronger with Instagram material. The steps provided in this 38-page book are simple and direct, but do not expect to become an expert in detecting fraud. The steps are basic and good for social media beginners. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge, and received compensation, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I love supplements that help me control my appetite. My love of food is constantly getting in my way on my weight loss journey. So, if I can control that, I know my journey will not be as rocky. When I gave RiduZone a try, I was a little apprehensive.
"Another supplement claiming it is a natural regulator of appetite, weight and . . . ooohhh . . . cholesterol. I haven't seen that one yet." Yes, that was my actual thought process. As a Type 1 diabetic, cholesterol can be an issue. It is not for me, yet and I don't want it to become one. Unfortunately, high cholesterol is also a family issue, so I got a double whammy. Yay, me! I am willing to try anything to make sure that my cholesterol does not become astronomical. Not long after trying this supplement, I noticed that my appetite was indeed controlled. I was not as hungry and the weight began to slowly melt off. So, the first two promises of the supplement were met. Now, as far as the cholesterol promise goes. Well, as I said, cholesterol was not really a problem for me, but it can easily become one. So far, my doctor is happy. Which always makes me happy. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
If you are like many women who have had children, hemorrhoids can be an uncomfortable and embarrassing aspect of reality from time to time. Unfortunately, I experienced this a few months after the
birth of my second child. Thankfully, that was a year and a half ago and I hope it never happens again. Since then, I have been conscious about taking care of myself to prevent such a thing. When I received an opportunity to review Hem Rid, a product I had never encountered, I thought why not? If it will help me from never getting that again, I will be happy. What I especially love about this product is that it is free of chemicals. It has horse chestnut seeds, witch hazel leaf powder, billberry fruit and more. The instructions accompanying the product are really easy, as well. Just take one to three capsules every day with a meal. The most important thing - I believe it is helping with the prevention of hemorrhoids. If you have experienced hemorrhoids in the past or you have them right now, I suggest giving this a try. #hemrid Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge, and received compensation, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Now for the giveaway! You can win a bottle of Hem Rid by entering the giveaway on the Rafflecopter form below. A winner will be chosen via Random.org and contacted via email. Experience A Life is not responsible for prize fulfillment. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Have you ever seen the movie Limitless? If you have, you know about NZT-48 - the miraculous pill that turns Bradley Cooper into a person with an IQ containing four numbers. Ever since I saw that movie, I have been obsessed with trying brain supplements. I mean, I consider myself to be a smarter-than-average human being (but who doesn't?). However, I could always use a brain boost.
Therefore, I decided to give Limidax a try - a natural supplement with nettle leaf, caffeine and green tea. Was I going to get NZT-48 results? Of course not, but anything that could improve my focus and memory throughout the day was a good thing. With that being said, I noticed a little bit more focus on the writing of my current manuscript, but little else. It certainly did not aid my memory. In fact, I missed my last writers meeting. It completely slipped my mind. Maybe that could be chalked up to this being December and thus, chaotic, but I can definitely say there has been no improvement to my memory. Since I started taking this, I have actually been waking up in a haze every morning - more so than usual. The haze dissipates about 45 minutes after taking the Limidax. Maybe it's a placebo effect. Maybe not. I leave this product up to you to decide. #Limidax Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge, and received compensation, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
When it comes to weight loss, I need all the help I can get. A better acting metabolism is definitely on my wish list. However, with a back injury, my activity is limited, so I try to eat and drink things that might aid it. I also take supplements. I gave Glory Feel's Metabolism Booster a try.
There are so many metabolism supplements out there and so many do not work. I believe this is not one of those. Now, I have not seen any dramatic weight loss since I began taking this supplement a week ago, but I have noticed an increase in energy. And I have to say that makes me happy. I have two kids to chase after during the day. I need all of the energy I can get. This are easy supplements to take - one pill twice a day 30 minutes before a meal. In the beginning, I had a tendency to forget to take my second supplement before my meal. I would take it afterward to see if I felt any differently. I really didn't, but I figured it would be best to stick to the instructions. This would be a decent supplement for you to check out if you are looking for a metabolism boost. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Have you ever slept in a hammock? It is one of the most relaxing things ever. You lay on a cloud of air and sway back and forth. You might as well be a baby in a bassinet once again. Live Infinitely's Double Camping Hammock provided me and my son with a supremely relaxing nap one afternoon. Since it is winter, we obviously could not set it up outside - at
least not in Minnesota, but we found a way to secure it in his bedroom. My son is not up for sleeping in the hammock without me. I think he needs to get used to it first, but I am sure once he gets more opportunities to sleep in it, he will want to trade in his bed. Right now, I think he is nervous about falling out of it since he seems to have developed a problem with heights. I really like that this hammock is not made of netting - as traditional hammocks are. There's less of a chance for my son to get his little hand or foot snagged as he tries to get out of it. The material is very smooth and soft for his toddler skin - and for my older skin. :) I also like that it is easily packed away in a compact bag. Very easy to travel with. This is a good, comfy hammock that deserves a check. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
If you were at all affected by the financial crisis of 2008, then this is a book that you should appreciate. Taking place in both the United States and Brazil, it shows the far-reaching effects of the financial crisis of the real estate plummet. The main character Ricardo is torn between making a
decent living in the financial industry and the ethical considerations of the hardships placed upon people. His wife, Carolina, is an architect who begins her own company. What we see with her is the underlying gender inequality that exists to this day. Like many people, I was affected the financial crisis of 2008. I lost my job shortly afterward (March 2009) when the company I worked for went out of business. It was a struggle to find work because so many people were unemployed. I really enjoyed how Cassitas was able to write this book in a thought-provoking way and make me realize that America was not the only country that went through this hardship. This book is not for everyone, but it is a good beach read. Full disclosure: I received this book free of charge, and received compensation, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Are you a fan of essential oils? I am. I've tried many different kinds in different ways during the past two years. One of my favorite things to do is add oil to my bath water and just linger, breathing in the smell that the oil gives off. Simply Earth Frankincense Essential Oil is a wonderful oil to use at this time of year. It gives off a wonderful woodsy
aroma, as well as the scent of Christmas! Maybe it's because the wise men gave the gift of frankincense to Jesus that it reminds me of Christmas. But, I could just lose myself in that smell. I also enjoy putting a couple drops in my humidifier. With cold weather comes dry air and a humidifier is an essential aspect of my home. This oil has health benefits such as cough reduction and opening nasal passages. I find that it is aiding my sinuses. Give this oil a try. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge, and received compensation, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
You can't go wrong with a good thriller - especially a psychological one. Anonymous by Christine Benedict is a good psychological thriller if you are looking for one. It has tones of The Shining by Stephen King - isolation, paranoia and psychosis. I was half expecting Jack Nicholson to show up in the book and declare he was home. But, Benedict is in no need of King to show her how to maneuver around a psychological thriller. She does it just fine. While some of the writing itself can get dull, Benedict manages to keep the story going. And when it comes to these types of books, you cannot let stagnation set in. So, a synopsis - Debra Hamilton lives in fear of inheriting the mental illness that is present in her family. When her husband moves her to an old farmhouse on 53 acres of land - a place her new neighbors claim is haunted - she begins to see and experience things. Is it really haunted? Is Debra finally going insane? Or is there a stalker involved? Read the book to find out. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge, and received compensation, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Now, this book is easy to read and is very short. At 40 pages long, you can practically read this in the waiting room of your doctor's office. And whether or not you like it depends on how particular you are about your reading material. While there are good tips, I found the writing to be rather condescending. The author kept referring to putting in tons of work in the beginning (which I completely agree with), so that you do not have to later because you will be living the life you dreamed. All if you follow this blogging plan. Don't get me wrong. The blogging plan is a good one, but I do not expect anyone to move from the middle class (which is where I am in) into the upper class without having some strokes of luck. Now, I do love and appreciate Zimmerman's concept of increased income only being life changing if you are able to avoid greater responsibilities and demands on time. I truly do love that. Right now, I have plenty of responsibility and demands (stay at home mom and blogger), but I certainly don't feel bogged down. However, I know timing, contacts and luck are also factors in achieving what Zimmerman envisions. I leave it up to you, the reader, to decide whether or not to pick up this book. It's a good starter read, but don't expect any real depth. Full disclosure: I was sent this book free of charge, and received compensation, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This is a product that my hubby decided to try out. And so far, he is happy with the results that he has seen from SKALD. For one, he has more energy. And with the job he performs every day, energy is important. When he comes home after a hard day's work, he is ready to play with the kids and help me out when I ask for it. So, the "intense energy" that this
product claims is apparent. I have also noticed that his appetite has decreased. Last night, I made stuffed burgers (a favorite in our household) and he was too full to eat one. After work, he grabbed himself a bite to eat - an appetizer - and he could not eat any more. I cannot comment on whether or not he has lost any weight. He has not mentioned anything to me, nor have I noticed a change. But, I am confident with his increase of energy and decreased appetite that weight loss has probably already begun, or is just around the corner if it has not. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
It has only been in recent years that I have started to truly care about scented soaps or moisturizing soaps. Before, as long as it got me clean, I was happy. But now, I truly appreciate soaps that leave my skin feeling better and smelling lovely.
The Fleur D' Extase Soaps give me an opportunity to sample different scents - to find which scents work best on my skin. Because this box comes with nine separate soaps, each a different color and scent. The scents are subtle. Upon opening the delightful box, you can immediately smell the soap. It is only when you bring each bar to your nose that you notice the underlying hints of scent. The soaps are small, so unfortunately you do not get a whole bunch of washes out of them, but your skin feels soft and smooth afterward. There is none of the clingy soap film - like you get with the regular soap bars. So, it makes for a refreshing wash. This would be a wonderful gift for mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, etc. There are not very many manly soaps in this definitely feminine box so I would skip putting it under the tree for Hubby Dear. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I am always happy when something actually helps me lose weight. The way I see it, I can use all the help I can get. I had never heard of forskolin prior to trying out Earthwell's Forskolin Extract. But, I saw that it had weight loss properties, so I thought "Why not?"
I am glad that I gave it a chance. I have been using this supplement for 10 days. The first five days, I noticed a few pounds difference, but it wasn't until this weekend passed and I got onto a scale that it really became apparent. I lost five pounds in three days! I know people say that it is not healthy to lose that much weight that fast, but trust me, I can stand to do it again. I have plenty of fluff to back me up. I really appreciate that this product is made with natural ingredients. There is nothing in these capsules that you cannot pronounce. The instructions are also very simple - take one capsule twice daily. Easy to remember. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
As much as I love to spend time in the kitchen, I am always aware when a tool is missing from my arsenal. For years, I was missing a zester. As a result, I would buy grated lemon and lime zests that were dry and very strong in flavor. This created citrusy and sometimes very bitter dishes.
There were times when I tried to mince the dark part of the peels with a knife, but I could never mince fine enough. I knew a zester was one thing that I needed. The Best Premium Zester Grater gave me what I was looking for. This tool is incredibly handy. As soon as it arrived, I put it to use, making a strawberry lemon cheesecake. This time, no bitterness was found in the dessert. The fresh lemon zest had the sweet citrus flavor that my desserts had been sorely lacking. I have yet to try it on a block of parmesan, but the next time I make spaghetti, you can be assured I will use it once again. It is dishwasher friendly, which is a huge boon for me. I do not relish the thought of washing this thing by hand. The blade has not loosened in the handle whatsoever, so I know it is well crafted. Recommended for all cooks and bakers. Full disclosure: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
