icRKphJXQm-ezth8lntKydifkDg The Loose Screw: 2014

Monday, December 15, 2014

Save Big on Purex at Target!!



It's the season of giving, and Purex is giving us a great deal at Target!  Through December 27th, get 25% off any Purex detergent with a #Cartwheel coupon. 

If you haven't used Cartwheel before, its super easy to get started.  Just go to http://cartwheel.target.com/ and follow the instructions. 

To get your 25% off on Purex, just click here.  Happy Savings!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Book Review~When Mercy Rains by Kim Vogel Sawyer



About the Book: If you are looking for a book that grabs your attention from the beginning, keeps your attention until the very end, and sends you on an emotional roller coaster in between, When Mercy Rains is for you! It is the first book in The Zimmerman Restoration Trilogy.  This is the story of Suzanne Zimmerman, who was Old Order Mennonite.  When she discovers she is pregnant at age 17, her mother sent her away from their community in Kansas.  Ashamed, and with a broken heart, Suzanne moves to Indiana, became a nurse, and raised her daughter all on her own. 

Twenty years later she is contacted by her estranged family back in Kansas, with a request for her to return home and care for her ailing mother.  Can Suzanne face her family and community?  Can they let go of the past and offer forgiveness, and can she forgive her mother?

What I Thought: If you've read my blog for any amount of time, you know I'm an Amish fiction addict!  So when the chance came to read a story centered around the Mennonite, I was excited for a change.  I'm so glad I did, because When Mercy Rains was incredible!  I could not put it down and read it in record time.  It was full of twists and turns and so much emotion!  I loved the characters of Suzanne and her daughter Alexa.  They were so real and deep.  The only negative is it left me wanting to read the next installment of the story-When Grace Sings-due out in Spring 2015.  I'm counting the days until I get my hands on it!



About the Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author highly acclaimed for her gentle stories of hope. More than one million copies of her books are currently in print and have garnered awards including the ACFW Carol Award, the Inspirational Readers Choice Award, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Kim lives in central Kansas, with husband Don and their four feline companions. She enjoys spending time with her three daughters and ten grandchildren.

You can get more information and purchase your own copy of When Mercy Rains at Waterbrook Multnomah. 

I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Product Review~ Dr. Song's Teeth Whitening



A nice, white smile is something everyone wants. There are so many products out on the market now to help us achieve that.  But most of the over the counter products aren't strong enough to do much to make our teeth whiter.  Dr. Song Medical has a Professional Teeth Whitening Kit that contains 44% Carbamide Peroxide, the same strength used by dentists!

After I ordered my Dr. Song Professional Teeth Whitening Kit from Amazon, I received it very quickly and it was packaged securely.  It contained 8 pre-filled syringes (enough for 50 applications), moldable teeth trays, an LED blue light accelerator, and a gel applicator brush.  The teeth trays were very easy to mold per their instructions, and the entire process was very easy.  The LED light works great, and the applicator brush was very helpful to get the gel everywhere. 

Dr. Song Medical is a medical cosmetic laboratory that originally manufactured products for professionals, doctors, and medical facilities. Their products are made in the USA and  FDA compliant. 

I've definitely noticed a difference in how white my teeth are since I started using Dr. Song's Professional Teeth Whitening Kit.  I used to use the strips, but this is a much stronger product.  I do want to point out that because this is the maximum strength, you should be careful if you have very sensitive teeth.  I'm looking forward to seeing how much whiter my smile is after I use all of my Dr. Song Teeth Whitening Kit!

You can purchase your own Dr. Song Professional Teeth Whitening Kit at Amazon.


Friday, December 12, 2014

Book Review~The Bachelor


The Bachelor, by Stephanie Reed, is the second book in the Plain City Peace series.  I read the first book in the series, The Bargain, and really enjoyed it.  In this story, Betsie Troyer is back at home, away from the Englisch world she was working in.  She continues to be distraught over her parents leaving the Amish church.  Now its just Betsie and her sister living in the house, barely making ends meet. 

Betsie's boyfriend Charley has told her he wants to spend his life with her, and she is counting on that promise.  But when the Englisch family she worked for comes to her door needing her help, she can't turn them down.  Because she helps them, most importantly a little girl who needs love, she is in trouble with the Amish community.  She also has a deep friendship with Michael, the English family's son, which is threatening her relationship with Charley.  Betsie doesn't know which direction to go with her life. 

What I Thought: Another great story in the Plain City Peace series!  The Bachelor was easy to get caught up in and quick to read.  I really like the character Betsie-she seems real and down to earth.  I felt for her-she feels abandoned by her parents.  She also can't turn down someone who needs help, even if her Amish community does not agree.  Betsie is torn in many different directions-between two men and two communities. 

Right now The Bachelor Kindle edition is only $1.99 on Amazon.


*Disclosure: I received this book free from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. 

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway~An Amish Second Christmas


I love curling up with a good book any time of year, but especially in the cold weather.  An Amish Second Christmas is perfect for lovers of Amish fiction and those who love Christmas!  It contains four separate novellas, each around 100 pages.  The four authors are some of the best authors in Amish fiction, in my opinion. 

A little about each novella:
*When Christmas Comes Again, by Beth Wiseman: Katherine and her family have recently lost their husband and father, so this Christmas will be difficult.  When a stranger gives her pictures of her late husband, she wonders what this Christmas will have in store. 

*Her Christmas Pen Pal, by Ruth Reid: Joy has had her heart broken by her beau Henry.  When she sends a letter to her cousin about her heartache, it accidentally ends up in the hands of a young, single Amish cabinetmaker.  They begin corresponding, and sparks fly!

*A Gift for Anne Marie by Kathleen Fuller: Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were young.  There has been no romance between them.  When Anne Marie learns she must move to another state, she realizes she has feelings for Nathaniel.  Does he feel the same?

*The Christmas Aprons by Tricia Goyer: Esther is new to the Amish community in Montana.  When she gets her mother's prized recipe for Vanilla Crumb Pie, she quickly learns that it is 'bachelor bait.'  She doesn't want to stay in Montana, but what if she finds true love?

I loved each of these novellas-they were wonderful, and very quick reads.  What was unique about this collection was the stories centered on the Amish tradition of second Christmas-the day after Christmas for visiting with friends and loved ones.  Along with the wonderful stories, also included in An Amish Second Christmas is yummy recipes from the stories and a Reading Group Guide.  You can purchase An Amish Second Christmas at Amazon.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Author Tricia Goyer has graciously offered a copy of An Amish Second Christmas to one of my readers!!  To enter, leave a comment below letting me know your favorite Christmas tradition.  I will accept entries through 12/14-this is a quick one!  I will draw the winner on 12/15 and notify via email.  So-you MUST leave your email address in your comment!!  Good Luck!



Product Review~Ozeri 3x Tower Fan with Passive Noise Reduction Technology


Here in Utah, many older homes don't have air conditioning, and we are in one of those older homes.  We do have a swamp cooler in one window, which works wonders for that room, but not so much for the rest of the house. We also don't run the swamp cooler when its humid. So, when the hot weather hits, we get out the fans.  We have a few box fans that we've had for years, but they are big and cumbersome, and last year we got a small Ozeri fan that we love-here's the post on that fan.  Well, we now have a new fan from Ozeri-Ozeri 3x Tower Fan with Passive Noise Reduction Technology.


We love this fan too!  The picture at the very top is the front view.  Its tall (44") and narrow, making it look more like an electronic piece or stereo speaker than a fan.  The next picture just above is the side view-it's amazing how thin it is!   Here is some of the basic information on the Ozeri 3x Tower Fan, from the manufacturer:


*Boasting unrivalled technology, the 3x Tower fan is engineered with 3 independently controllable fans and 3 fan speeds, offering up to 9 levels of cooling and customized airflow.
*Defining the latest in stylistic innovation and digital decor, the 3x Tower fan is among the world's thinnest fans at less than 3 inches thick and boasts a visually arresting design with an elegant reinforced glass base stand.
*Features 3 preprogrammed airflow patterns designed to foster sleep, relaxation and comfort with 90 degree whisper-quiet oscillation for optimal air circulation.
*Extended range remote control and the touch sensitive LED control panel provide easy access to all features, including a 7.5 hour timer that can be programmed in 30 minute increments.
*Upgraded with canted fan blades that utilize the physics of blade curvature to generate opposing sound waves to reduce blade noise and isolate the soothing sounds of the airflow itself.                    


There are tons of features on the Ozeri Tower Fan that I've never even heard of before-like cool airflow patterns to mimic nature.  The remote control is small and tucks into a space on the back of the fan perfectly.  The Ozeri 3x Tower Fan is stylish and works well with very minimal sound.  This is definitely the fan to get if you are in the market for one!  You can buy your own Ozeri 3x Tower Fan at Amazon. 

*Disclosure: I received this product free in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. 
                                                                                                                                                

Monday, December 8, 2014

DVD Review and Giveaway~Susie's Hope


I have a wonderful movie to tell you about, and you have an opportunity to win your own copy of the DVD! 

About the Movie: Based on the true story that successfully passed Susie’s Law in North Carolina, which seeks stricter punishment for animal abusers, Susie’s Hope brings to life the inspirational relationship between pit bull attack survivor Donna Lawrence and Susie, a pit bull-mix puppy found beaten, burned and left for dead. Recognizing reflect and abuse were to blame for the tragic attack that nearly claimed her life 10 months earlier, Donna resumes the battered animal and accepts her as family. Together, they learn to heal, love and forgive as they lead a historic effort to seek justice and protection, not only for Susie, but all animals. Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer (40 Days and 40 Nights), Burgess Jenkins (Remember The Titans) and Andrea Powell (Ender’s Game, The Twilight: Breaking Dawn Saga: Part 2), Susie’s Hope is an incredible story of love, loss and redemption.



This is a heartwrenching movie that is wonderful, but also hard to watch at times.  Get your tissues ready!  You can visit the Susie's Hope website to learn more about this incredible story. 

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Product Review~Deluxe Shaving Cream Bowl with Lid


SimplyBeautiful's Deluxe Chrome Shaving Bowl with Lid is an attractive addition to any bathroom.  It is perfect for keeping and mixing your shaving soap, with a nice goblet shape that makes it easy to grasp.  It has a nice chrome metal finish, and has just enough weight without being too heavy. 

Using this shaving bowl helps cut down on mess by being able to store shaving soap or crème between shavings.  The lid stays on securely.  I think this bowl would make a nice gift, and even better with a brush and some soap wrapped up with it.  I think it is so pretty I can also see storing cotton balls or anything else in it! 

You can purchase your own Deluxe Chrome Shaving Bowl with Lid at Amazon.



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.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Product Reviews~InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask and Argan Oil Hair Mask


 
 

I recently had the opportunity to try a few products from InstaNatural.  This company has natural products for the face, hair, and body.  The first product I tried was the Dead Sea Mud Mask.  This mask can be used on the face and body for healthier, radiant skin.  It is an all natural detoxifier and purifier from the Dead Sea.  The Dead Sea is full of beneficial minerals like magnesium, sodium, bromine, potassium and calcium.  As an at-home spa treatment, the mask will absorb excess oils, toxins, and dirt from the skin.  It will leave you with a smoother complexion and more even skin tone.  You can also use the mask as a body treatment to relieve aches and pains. 

My experience with the Dead Sea Mud Mask was great!  It is easy to apply, and does not have a scent.  It dried fairly quickly (about 10 minutes), and washed off easily.  Immediately afterward, my skin felt clean and tight.  More importantly, it didn't feel dry!  I've had lots of masks really clean my face but also dry it out.  I've been using the mask once a week and definitely notice a difference in my complexion. 

To find out more information and purchase your own Dead Sea Mud Mask, visit the InstaNatural website.

I was also able to try InstaNatural's Argan Oil Hair Mask.  It contains Argan Oil, Japanese Green Tea, Amino Acid Complex, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Vitamin B5 so this mask is packed with natural goodness for your hair.  It works to penetrate your hair deep down at the roots to deep condition, nourish, and strengthen your hair.  It hydrates and improves texture and shine, as well as protects against heat damage. 

I love this hair mask!  It smells great, and even after my hair was dry I could  still faintly smell the scent.  After using, my hair is very easy to comb out, and looks great when dry.  It is SO soft and manageable.  Using this hair mask is like giving your hair a big drink when it is thirsty.  It is gentle enough to use every day if you wish. 

To purchase your own Argan Oil Hair Mask, visit InstaNatural's website. 

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.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Product Review~Natures True Medicine Vitamin D3



Vitamin D3 is a vitamin many people are deficient in, and research in recent years has shown how vital it is to our health.  Natures True Medicine has produced the #1 best vitamin D supplement available online today.  Their Vitamin D3 2000IU Supplement is 100% pure and premium quality.  It has 100% natural ingredients-no fillers, artificial colors or flavors, preservatives, or GMOs. 


Did you know that Vitamin D is actually a hormone?  It triggers certain actions in the body including the most well known one, which is bone protection. Vitamin D3 is a vitamin that is critical to keeping both phosphorus and calcium in balance and being used properly. There are so many benefits to taking Vitamin D, from protecting your bones to fighting colds, flus and infections.  A "good" level of Vitamin D in the blood is 50 ng/mL or more. Almost 90% of people actually have less than 50. And 50-70% of people have less than 30 ng/mL! 

 I was very run down a few years back and found out I was Vitamin D deficient.  Since I started taking Vitamin D, I feel like a different person! I have my entire family taking Vitamin D too. Natures True Medicine Vitamin D3 is a quality product that I trust to give to my family.   There is no unpleasant taste or aftertaste, and they are SO easy to swallow.  The picture above that I took is one capsule next to a dime-tiny, right?  Even people who have trouble swallowing pills can swallow this one. 

To learn more about Natures True Medicine Vitamin D3, check out their website.  You can purchase your own bottle of Vitamin D3 at Amazon.  Satisfaction is guaranteed or you get your money back.  

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.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Product Review~I Love My Dog Shampoo


Our dogs are part of our family.  They give so much unconditional love, and I want to make sure they are as comfortable as they can be.  Although we don't have fleas where we live, our dogs can still get dry, irritated skin.  Have you ever tried to sleep while your dog is scratching?  Not fun for either of you!

We have a purebred Schnauzer, Tulip, and a half Schnauzer/half Maltese, Java.  They seem to go through periods of itchiness, and I've used some shampoos that seem to make it even worse.  Many dog shampoos are very hard to rinse out, and often they are itching after a bath because they still have shampoo on them. 

I Love My Dog Shampoo by Lovely Fresh is a high quality, natural dog shampoo that is free of soap, detergent, and alcohol.  It contains oatmeal and neem, to clean, moisturize, and relieve irritation.  It also nourishes the dog's coat so it will be thicker, shinier, and healthier looking.  It is biodegradable and comes in a recyclable bottle.

Here is Java trying out I Love My Dog Shampoo for the first time. First of all, let me tell you it smells heavenly!  I can't quite distinguish the scent, but it reminded my of orange creamsicle.   The scent lasts long after the shampoo too!  It got sudsy into a rich lather quickly, and did not irritate Java's eyes.  Best of all was how easily it rinsed out.  Java is not a fan of baths, and by the time you are at the rinsing stage of the bath, he is scrambling to get out of there!  So a quick rinse was very helpful. 

I was completely pleased with I Love My Dog Shampoo.  It works great, and I love that it is natural.  You can purchase your own bottle at Amazon.  Lovely Fresh offers a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase! Check out Lovely Fresh at their website.




 
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.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Children's Book Review~A Star for Jesus


A Star for Jesus is an adorable board book for ages 4-8 written by Crystal Bowman and illustrated by Claudine Gevry.  It is published by Zonderkidz.  The book is die cut to have a star shape on one side, which my grandson liked.  It is a sweet, rhyming story that tells about the star shining on Jesus when he was born.  The illustrations are bright and colorful, perfect for young kids.  My grandson is 3 and loves this book, so I think it is great for younger than the suggested ages as well.  It is very sturdy and made to last through many readings. 

A Star for Jesus will be a book we bring out during the Christmas season every year.  It would also make a wonderful gift for little ones and their parents. 

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed are my own.



Children's Book Review~The Legends of St. Nicholas


The Legend of St. Nicholas is a beautiful hardcover book written by Dandi Daley Mackall and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey.  It is published by Zonderkidz. 

The story begins with Nick going Christmas shopping with his Dad.  He knows he should buy gifts for the family and friends on his list, but he really wanted to get something for himself.  In the store, he overhears a story being told to children about the legend of St. Nicholas.  St. Nicholas was a wealthy boy whose parents had taught him about the greatest gift ever given-the gift of Christ.  After his parents death, he began giving to the poor to celebrate Christ's birth.  Hearing this story made Nick realize he had forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. He buys gifts for everyone on his list, and with the money left he bought gifts for the poor.  It felt so good to give to others and remember the true meaning of Christmas. 


What I Thought: The picture above is of my son Nick reading The Legend of St. Nicholas to his son, Daniel.  I love this picture, how Daniel is snuggled into his Dad and obviously engrossed in the story.  The pictures are absolutely gorgeous- bright and beautiful.  There is just the right amount of text that a school-age child could read it, and not too much that a young child like Daniel (3) will lose interest.  It is a beautiful, well written story, and will be a keepsake in our house for this special time of year. 

You can purchase your own copy of The Legend of St. Nicholas at Zondervan.


*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Friday, November 21, 2014

Children's Book Review~Look Inside the Time of Jesus


Look Inside The Time of Jesus is a sturdy hardcover board book with lift-the-flaps inside on every page.  The text is by Lois Rock, with illustrations by Lorenzo Orlandi.  It is geared toward the 5-7 age range, but my 3 year old grandson and 12 year old son both really enjoyed reading it and lifting the flaps. 

The Time of Jesus covers Jesus' birth to his resurrection, and places he went in between.  A few of the topics are 'By the Shores of Galilee', 'The Temple in Jerusalem', and 'A Roman Trial.'  Each page has several flaps of varying sizes that are easy to locate and open.  I really thought the text on each page was appropriate length for this age group-just enough to teach them but not lose their interest.  The illustrations are bright and entertaining. 

Lift the flap books are a great way to engage and teach children.  Look Inside The Time of Jesus accomplishes this, and is very well made, making it able to last through multiple children.  It is published by Lion Children's Books. 

*Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Wordless Wednesday~Nap Buddies


Book Review~Promise To Cherish

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Promises to Cherish
Howard Books (October 7, 2014)
by
Elizabeth Yount


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.



ABOUT THE BOOK

As World War II draws to a close, nurse Christine falls in love with roguish Amish boy Eli and must choose between a new, uncertain life in the Amish faith or face the judgment of a conservative postwar American society for her past mistakes.

It’s 1945, and Christine Freeman is a nurse at Hudson River State Hospital, where she works alongside members of a Civilian Public Service unit. Eli is one of the conscies—conscientious objectors to the war—and he is doing his best to become a man of character instead of the immature heartbreaker he used to be back home in his Amish community.

Christine and Eli are friendly, but when an old acquaintance, Jack, returns home from the war, Christine’s world is violently turned upside down. Eli, heartbroken to see his friend so hurt, offers her an escape within his Amish community. Despite her misgivings, Christine is fully embraced by Eli’s community. She slowly begins to feel valued and loved as she learns the Amish way of life.

Christine finds herself falling for Eli. But soon, the abusive Jack discovers Christine in her Amish hideaway and starts causing trouble for the quiet community. Christine can’t see herself becoming Amish, and she knows that if Eli leaves the church to be with her, he will be shunned. Will she escape Jack and possibly have to give up the one thing she holds most dear, or will she follow her heart and promise to cherish the Amish man who loves her?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Promises to Cherish , go HERE.

What I Thought: I just received my book in the mail yesterday, so I will have to share my thoughts later, after I have a chance to read it!!

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Book Review~Where Treetops Glisten


I love curling up with a good book while its cold and snowing outside!  A Christmas themed story makes it even better.  If you are like me, I have the perfect book for you!  It's actually three stories, by three different authors, and they are all intertwined with the same characters. 

White Christmas, by author Cara Putnam, is the first story in the book.  College student Abigail Turner is from a loving family, but her heart is broken from losing her boyfriend in the war.  World War II has taken its toll on everyone, and Abigail is afraid to get close to young men again.  When a troubled young man enters her life, will she be able to open her heart?

In Sarah Sundin's I'll Be Home For Christmas, Abigail's brother Pete is home from the war, where the fighter pilot was a hero.  The war has greatly affected him, and he yearns for the peace and hope he used to feel.  A widow and her little girl enter his life-will they help him find what he is looking for?

The third story in Where Treetops Glisten is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, by Tricia Goyer.  The main character in this story is Meredith Turner, "Merry", who is Abigail and Pete's sister.  She is a combat nurse in the war and is stationed in the Netherlands, working on the frontline.  She couldn't wait to get out of their small town in Indiana, but now she misses her small town and her family.  Her heart still broken after the betrayal of her boyfriend David, she immerses herself in her work to try to forget. 

What I Thought: All three of the stories in Where Treetops Glisten were outstanding.    I enjoy historical fiction, but have only read a few books from this time period.  I'm especially interested in this time in history as my parents were pre-teens during WWII.  During a recent visit they told me all about their memories from this time.  My Mom even got out her ration books to show me.  They were fascinating!

 The Turner family portrays the average American family in the 1940s that is impacted by World War II.  What a scary time for all Americans, but the Turners still held onto their faith in God and cherished their family.  I enjoyed that each of the three stories had some romance, and that each of the stories focused on a different Turner sibling.  The stories all pulled me in, making me feel like I had been transported back to this important time in our history. 

The Authors:

Tricia Goyer: website,, Facebook,  Twitter
Cara Putnam: website,  Facebook, Twitter
Sarah Sundin: website, Facebook, Twitter

Visit Litfuse for more information and reviews on Where Treetops Glisten.  You can purchase your own copy at Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.



Thursday, November 13, 2014

Product Review and Giveaway~Purex Crystals Aromatherapy


If you've read my blog in the past, you know I'm a big fan of Purex products.  I'm also a Purex Insider, so I get to try out new products before they come out on the market, share my opinion, and then share some great coupons with all of you!

Purex's newest product is Purex Crystals Aromatherapy.  Purex Crystals have been around for a few years now, and I think they're great!  Now, you can express your mood with soothing new aromas:
*Energy
*Well Being
*Serenity
Purex Crystals are in-wash scent boosters that leave a long lasting scent in your laundry, long after its folded and put away.  New Purex Crystals Aromatherapy are citrus and floral scents blended with essential oils. 

When my new Purex Crystals arrived in the mail, the weather had just become chilly.  It was perfect timing as I was getting my flannel sheets out of storage.  I tossed them in the wash with my new Well Being Purex Crystals Aromatherapy, and loved the results!  A nice, clean floral scent that is not too strong.  I especially like to use Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in my linens-there's nothing better than wonderful smelling sheets and towels, even after they've been stored in the linen closet!

Here's a picture of the pretty pink crystals in the Well Being scent.  You don't need much in the wash to make a big impact.  I look forward to trying out the other scents available too! You can learn more about new Purex Crystals Aromatherapy at the Purex website and on Facebook.

GIVEAWAY!!!!
Purex has provided me with two coupons for a free 18 ounce bottle of new Purex Crystals Aromatherapy!  Winners will be contacted via email the day following the end of the contest. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Product Review~Body Merry's Hyaluronic Dew Serum and Pro-A Serum




I'm at an age where I've really noticed differences in my skin the past few years.  It is getting so dry, especially in the dry winter months.  It also has a different texture, and of course I'm seeing new little lines every day!  I was excited to be invited to try out two great products from Body Merry.  I received a 1 ounce bottle of Hyaluronic Dew Serum and a 1 ounce bottle of Pro-A Serum.  These two products can be used separately, but really work well together, with the Hyaluronic Dew  Serum in the morning and the Pro-A Serum used at night. 

The Hyaluronic Dew Serum is an intensive hydrating formula that gives you an invisible veil of moisture for your face.  It is professional grade, plant derived Vegan Hyaluronic Acid that is supported by powerful natural and organic antioxidants.  Not only will your skin be nourished and moisturized, the ingredients will help tackle wrinkles and fine lines.  It is free from fragrance, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.  The key ingredients are plant derived Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, wildcrafted Green Tea, Aloe, Jojoba Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, and Vitamin E. 

I found the Hyaluronic Dew Serum to be very nourishing.  The moisture seemed to last long into the day, and I felt my skin looked healthier, but not shiny/oily. The natural scent is not unpleasant-just a neutral, mild aroma.  Definitely a great way to start the day.

The Pro-A Serum has the maximum potency of 2.5% Retinol.  I think we've all heard about the great effects of Retinol on skin.  Pro-A Serum helps improve the texture of your skin, while working hard to fight the fine lines, wrinkles, and spots.  Along with Retinol, Pro-A Serum contains plant derived hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and minimize irritation.  Other key ingredients are Green Tea, Aloe, Jojoba Oil,  Vitamin E, Witch Hazel, Wheat Germ Oil, and Wildcrafted Propolis.  The formula does not contain any parabens, sulfates, phthalates, fragrances or alcohol.

With the Pro-A Serum, since I used it just before going to bed, I couldn't tell how my skin felt while I slept :)  But, I do know that the two products together-Pro-A Serum and Hyaluronic Dew Serum, have made my skin look and feel better.  I'll continue to use this dynamic duo!

Visit the Body Merry website at www.bodymerry.com .  Click on the following links to read more about the products at their website, with links to the products on Amazon. 

Hyaluronic Dew Serum
Pro-A Serum



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.

Product Review~Super Bright Glow Stick Bracelets




All kids like glow sticks, and I bet a lot of adults would admit they do too!  I recently had the opportunity to review a set of 100 Super Bright Premium Quality Longest Lasting Glow Stick Bracelets.  Of course, when the package arrived, I had my 12 year old son wanting to get into it immediately! 

These glow sticks are 8" long premium quality, long lasting glow stick bracelets.  They are non-toxic and CPSIA compliant.  They are guaranteed fresh from the factory, and have a two year shelf life if not activated.   They will glow super bright for 8 to 10 hours before starting to fade out.  Once they start fading, they may continue to emit some light for up to 36 hours.

The sticks come straight, so you can create more than bracelets if you wish.  We received blue, green, yellow, orange, and pink.  They come with 100 connectors, so you can use your imagination to create all sorts of things! 

First, my 12 year old son and 3 year old grandson tried them out.  They had so much fun making bracelets, necklaces, hats and connecting several to make a long whip.  The next week was my son's birthday party.  I brought out the Glow Sticks when it got dark, and those boys were entertained for hours!  They made all sorts of things!  They were all covered with them on their arms, necks, heads, ankles, and waists!  They had a battle with whips too!  Here is a picture from the festivities:


I found the glow sticks to be durable and long lasting.  When activated, the colors were bright and lasted many hours. If you want to keep your kids and their friends entertained, order your own pack of 100 premium quality glow stick bracelets at Amazon.



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.