US Art Supply Canvases

I was given the chance to review these canvases free in exchange for my unbiased review. We had a blast reviewing these canvases and working with them. Fall is starting to creep into Southern Oklahoma. Leaves are starting to fall and the ground is littered with acorns, walnuts, pecans... you name it. This morning my son and I took advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and went on a nature walk. After gathering walnuts, sticks, grass, and rocks, I decided to have him to test this product out, since he could put it through a more intense test.
Because these canvases are mounted and not stretched over a frame, they make it possible to paint with the rocks and stuff that could have tore a stretched canvas. This makes them so much better to use when working with children, especially smaller ones. They are durable as well, my toddler wasn't able to bend them, not even on the corners. I cannot stress how sturdy these were. While we had a blast with just one, I have lots of plans for the rest of them. They come in a pack of 24: 6 (5"x5"), 6 (8"x8"), 6 (10"x10"), 6 (12"x12"), each individually wrapped, making them perfect for everyone.
We love to paint and these canvases are great.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TOVNNQO?ref_=cm_rdp_product

Amazon and downvoting.

OK, I can understand if a person thinks my review sucks and down votes it. That's their prerogative. But to go through Amazon and consistently down vote everyone who posts a review on a product is absurd. I don't know if it's a competitive seller or a competitive reviewer. Either way, it's not fair and more so, it's WRONG. Overnight, I went from 89% helpful to 68% helpful with 5 down votes. Yesterday, I had 1 down vote. ONE. Anyway, that's my soapbox for the day. Time to clean a house and get some work done around here. It's MONDAY!

The Dead Sea... where all things beauty are made

I was offered the opportunity to review a Dead Sea Salt Facial Scrub by the Spa's Premium company.
At first I was thinking that there was no way it would make my face soft and supple. Boy was I wrong. First off, this stuff smells AMAZING. It's enhanced with Shea Butter, Aloe Vera juice, Chamomile Flower extract, and Jojaba Oil. Amazing probably isn't the way it smells, it's so much more than that. Because I use it in the shower, I put a small amount into a smaller, airtight container to keep in the shower so that the entire jar (12 ounces) doesn't get wet and ruin. After I wet my face, I dip my wet fingers into the container to get some of this salt and gently rub it all over my face and neck area. I even use it on the back of my neck and ears, all the way to the hair line. I take careful caution to keep it away from my eyes area because salt in the eyes BURNS!!! For me, the feeling of the salt exfoliating my skin feels amazing and makes my face feel so light and airy. After I gently rub the salt in, I rinse it off with water. It's important to note that I wash my hair AFTERWARDS because sometimes, the salt gets in my hair and scalp. While I am sure it won't hurt anything, it's just my preference. This salt leaves my face so smooth and soft and light feeling. I have always had random issues with acne and I've noticed less issues since I started using this scrub. Even better, I have been using this product for nearly a month (I ordered it August 6 and got 2 day shipping) and I still have nearly a full jar. It doesn't take a lot at all to cover the area that I cover. I'm not a beauty kind of gal. I'm actually sort of lazy when it comes to applying beauty products and my self appearance in general, but I DO take the time daily to use this product, every time I shower. It also works great to remove foundation makeup. I really enjoy this scrub and I hope that others will enjoy it as well.
Here 's the link. I received it at discounted rate but I would DEFINITLY pay the $19.95 to buy it again.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UJITMSE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

KUKPO Professional Grade Garlic Presser

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Strong and sturdy... that's what I like to have in my kitchen. As a busy mom, I don't have time or money to replace menial kitchen gadgets or to go by hand and do what it is the gadget is supposed to do. This stainless steel garlic mincer is strong and sturdy. I've reviewed other mincers and while they have been great, they have all had one thing in common that this one doesn't. With this one, my garlic is still in micro pieces. Not paste looking. This one is perfect for adding fresh garlic to any recipe for that yummy flavor. The pieces aren't so big that you would get an overwhelming taste of garlic but it's not so small that you can (well I guess if you WANTED you could), use it to add to butter for garlic bread. It's also really easy to clean. In fact, it's the easiest to clean so far. I hand wash it in soap and water and let it air dry, but I am sure if someone wanted they could put it in the dishwasher. It's also lightweight and small enough to fit in the drawer with all of my other gadgets and whatchamacallits. It's a great product that is guaranteed to last a while.
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Careful Gardner Garden Hose and Spray Gun

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I hate spiders. And wasps. Yet, the bottoms of my gutters and the eaves of my house is where they choose to make their homes. We live in a wooded area. It's to be expected. It doesn't mean I have to like it though. It also doesn't mean I have to let them colonize on my house. I've tried my smaller spray nozzle but it just didn't quite have the power to knock down these little critters' homes. Today, I tried my Careful Gardner Garden Hose and Spray Gun. Success. The front of my house is now critter free. It's also clean. My house was empty for 3 years before we moved in. Gods know when the siding and shutters were sprayed before that. I did that today too. This spray gun packs a mighty punch on the right setting, yet is gentle enough to water plants on a different of the 9 settings. I like it. It was very easy to attach to my water hose and came off just as easy. The handle was small enough to get a good grip. I've big plans for this little Spray Gun in the near future. From spraying down the rest of my house, my lawn furniture, and other odd and ends jobs. Not to mention watering delicate plants. In addition, also included with this Spray Gun is a nozzle designed to help regulate the amount of water is used. All in all, I gave this a 5 star rating because it deserves it and so much more.
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Reviewing for fun

Reviewing.... it's a game, an ugly, frustrating game. Only not really, it's not a game, it's an addiction. You join these sites, apply to review products, and wait. You stalk your inbox like a lioness hunting her prey. First thing in the morning, checking that inbox. Bedtime? Hah... not before you check that inbox. Every dang time your phone chimes with that email notification... checking that inbox. It's fun, stressful, and addicting. I wait ever so patiently for the mail, UPS, and FedEx. Waiting like a child at Christmas. The FedEx guy didn't realize until recently that the lone house on the left, which had been empty for 3 years, is now filled with a family, with children, and dogs, and laughter. I love reviewing, really I do. I've tried products I never thought I would, hell, I never even KNEW EXISTED. Occasionally, I am able to get something that my children can use. Things I can watch them wonder over and enjoy... all in the name of a review. Recently, I was given the opportunity to review a RC Firetruck. It has all the bells and whistles, lights and real firetruck sounds. My dog hates it. My 15 month old LOVES it. He chases it around excitedly squeals of laughter and patters of tiny feet. We control it but in reality, he controls us. For my 12 year old, it's the selfie sticks. She and her 12 year old friends have tested and retested them. Each has their favorite. Until yesterday, I didn't know that a wired one was preferred over a Bluetooth one as it takes less battery. Lesson learned, thanks my child. For my finance, it's iPhone chargers. He puts them through the ringer. Work, the car, and at home, he's got enough. I've even managed to score some BBQ gloves for my future father in law. Not only did those bad boys give me extra points, but a nice, juicy rack of ribs. #bonus
Sometimes, I get nothing. Days pass without an approval and it leads me searching my Amazon reviews seeing what it is that I can do to "fix" them. To attract more sellers... Other days, I feel overwhelmed with the responses. It's a game. I love it. I see women who earn money reviewing. Who get the opportunities to review awesome things for companies like Mattel. Those women are reviewing goddesses. Me? Sure, I'd love to be able to review the latest gadgets and gizmos and toys. But I am also more than happy to review the small stuff... kitchen, home, garden... things that I feel like I would actually use in my life. It's fun, and it's helpful. And it gives me purpose.

Dual Chef Professional Garlic Press and Silicone Tube

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I received this garlic press free in exchange for my unbiased review.
This is the first time I have ever used a garlic press. Before I hand chopped the cloves into tiny pieces. I LOVE this thing. It not only saved me so much time (I was able to mince an entire clove in less than 5 minutes start to finish) but the garlic is so small I don't have to run the risk of someone biting into a piece and get a garlic overload in my meatballs. Included with this garlic press is a handy silicone tube. I placed the unpeeled garlic into the tube and gently rolled the tube on the counter. As I did this, the outer shell stuck to the tube and was separated from the usable clove. Then I placed the peeled clove in the press and squeezed. The press also separated the remainder of the outer layer and released the minced garlic from the other end. I love how fast and efficient this process was. Cleanup was also easy. The instructions say to clean it with soap and water, so I wouldn't put either the tube or the press in the dishwasher. I simply placed both in the dish water, sprayed with my nozzle and set out to air dry. I cannot wait to use this product again. We eat a lot of garlic in my house so this press will definitely get used frequently.
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Selfie Sticks: A Selfie Queen's Personal Septor

I've gotten pretty lucky in my reviews. It seems every day, something exciting is being delivered. Sometimes, it's for me to test (serums, face scrubs, Dead Sea Masks..). Then there are other things that are perfect for someone else in my little family. Each delivery is met with a groan and the inevitable question if I got anything for so and so. Some days, it's a little aggravating. But then you get that one product that someone has been wanting and it's like I am the coolest mom on the block.

Selfie Sticks.... Man's invention to prevention. My 12 year old is a self acclaimed "Selfie Queen". Unfortunately this means that some times, the picture shows every pore and pimple that comes with being 12 years old. Thank GOD for the selfie stick. This little device is a lot of fun to use. It's practical for sure. Now she and her girlfriends can take their own group pictures and not have to worry if someone is going to run off with their phones. It's so simple to use once the user gets it set up correctly that several of her friends have used it as well. Small and compact, it's perfect to fit in one's pocket or bag and not be in the way. It also has the durability to stand up to constant use. All in all, it's a great, inexpensive purchase for the Selfie Queen or King in your life.

I love this company. They are always so friendly and great to work with. And their products are amazing as well. I've gotten 3 items from them and another is on the way. There are so many multi-uses for some of their products.

Orblue Kitchen Scissors: Not just any kitchen scissors, these come with a nut cracker, screwdriver, and a bottle opener on the handles. They also come in a handy little magnetic case that sits perfectly on the back of my refrigerator, hidden from the sticky fingers of children needing scissors to cut paper. I use these scissors quite a bit. I use them to cut my toddler's food into tot size pieces. I use them to open cereal and other misc bags. I use them for just about anything I would need a pair of scissors for, sometimes in place of a knife. These scissors also come apart so that every nook and cranny is thoroughly cleaned and bacteria doesn't have a change to grow.

Orblue Pizza Dough Docker: This is a super fun kitchen gadget. I didn't know what to think about this product based on the picture. To me, the hole punchers looked flimsy and left me wondering how this product would work. When the docker came in, I was pleased at the sturdiness. I laid my dough flat in a cookie sheet and used the docker. This ONLY works with thin crust. The purpose is to dock holes into the crust so that it cooks evenly and allows the toppings to cook as well without burning the pizza. When I was done with the docker, I hand washed it, and put it in the drawer. **Note: curiosity got the best of me. This also makes an epic back massager!

Orblue Pastry Scraper and Pizza Cutter: Yet another dual use item.  I bake... a lot. Pies, biscuits, rolls, you name it. This scrapper helps to separate the dough from the rolling mat easier and without tearing the dough or compromising the shape of cut rolls or biscuits. I used it to remove my pizza dough from the mat AND to cut my cooked pizza. This is one of those kitchen items that will get a lot of use in the near future, especially as the holidays come around. Sturdy and stainless steel, it's sure to last a long time, when taken care of.

Boy Bands and all things stupid

Being the mother of a 12 year old girl is hard. Sometimes, it's hell. Currently, I have 2 12 year old girls straightening their hair and making sure their outfits are just perfect. Why? 5 Seconds of Summer. What the hell was I thinking getting my daughter and her best friend tickets for their birthdays? Did stupidity overcome me? Or is it something deeper. Something more of a pissing contest of sorts, in strategic plan to out-do dad when it came to birthday gifts. In my moment of insanity, I did what lots of mothers would do when faced with the fact dad can afford better things than I can. Or was it just something I wanted to treat my daughter to? She deserves it. She's been through so much over the last 2 years and has come out stronger, wiser, and damnit, almost grownup. I love my daughter. That's why I am fixing to log off of my laptop, hop in the shower, and take these girls 2 hours away for a night they aren't likely to forget any time soon. I love her so much, that's why when faced with 105* temps, I am doing this. I am sucking it up and making her dreams come true, because it's not all about me. It's about her. My warrior, my blessing. Pray for me, as I am about to embark on a journey in which I won't come out the same. I am the "cool mom" for now. And that, makes me her favorite parent, if even for a little while.

Number 1 Nutrition Vitamin B12

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V3QAE92?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00 I have been taking these for a few days now and I can definitely tell a difference in my energy levels. No longer is it such a chore for me to get active and make something useful of my time. Fighting depression can leave a person extremely lethargic. These B12's have provided me with that extra umph that I am missing sometimes. My fiancé also takes them and he has noticed a difference at work as well. He says he doesn't tire as easily when he takes them. I received them at a discounted rate for my review but I wouldn't mind paying full price for them at all. They don't make me run around like a chicken with my head cut off but they are effective.

Orblue Kitchen Scissors

First off, let me say, how excited I was/am about this product. My kitchen scissors are forever getting borrowed and misplaced. Generally, they can be found in the crafts cabinet, dull and unusable in the kitchen. These kitchen scissors are equipped with handy tools such as a bottle opener, nutcracker, and a screwdriver on the handles. Stainless steel, they are sturdy enough to be effective in the kitchen for whatever you are doing. They also come in a nifty magnetized sheath so that they can hang on the refrigerator waiting to be used. Orblue knew what they were doing when they created these scissors. They even come apart for easy cleaning! I love these scissors. So much in fact they are hanging on the BACK of my refrigerator where no one else would even think to look!

Elusive Dreams Comfortable Sleep Mask w/ Earplugs

Talk about velvety soft and comfortable!! This sleep mask makes me wish I could sleep with it on. I had to rely on my daughter to try out this mask. I did put it on but I quickly determined that for me, it was a no go. She said she loved it. She likes to sleep longer than the sun so this mask is perfect for her. Also included was a pair of soft, cushiony ear plugs. The moldable type that we use at the gun range. She says that those are perfect so that her little brother's screaming in the mornings doesn't bother her "beauty sleep." While this product wasn't for me, it was great for her. I received it at no cost in exchange for my review.

iGot Tech Cable Clips and Cord Management System

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V3KM73E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 These clips are adorable. And brightly colored. Each clip holds 2 cords. My entertainment center is a mess of cords. 4 gaming systems, the dish box, and the sound bar leave a scattered mess of electrical and HMDI cords just laying around behind it. Never mind trying to sort through the cords to unplug that gaming system your child just insists on taking to the other room so she/he can play on a different TV. With these handy clips (which by the way come with "stickums" on the back, I was able to successfully straighten my cords. Six in a box, there were plenty to go around and some left over for the laptop and printer cords behind my desk. I received them free in exchange for my review, but at less than $10, they aren't expensive at all. I know these are described and geared towards use on a desktop, but I wanted to use them for something more, and for me, they worked.

Tweezty Tweezers

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P6SC8VA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00 These are great. Great for getting out splinters. Not so much for eyebrow tweezing. With it's needle sharp ends, one could seriously hurt themselves trying to pluck their eyebrows with these. But, that's what square tipped tweezers are for. The needle sharp ends help to get the splinters closer to the surface for easy removal. They come in a little envelope. For me, this means I can stick these bad boys in the drawer and they won't get bent back when I am rummaging around for something.

UV Stain Detective LED Blacklight

Be prepared to be thoroughly disgusted and horrified. I was. I'm a clean freak. I like things clean and organized. I also live in the country surrounded by woods. Mice are inevitable. Generally, I keep a tight reign on them, but sometimes, evidence of their late night scurries pops up in my cabinets, on my counters... You know the routiene. For me, this means hours spent emptying out the cabinets, washing all of the dishes, and using disinfectant wipes to clean up anything left behind. Good to go right? Ugh.. Not even. I got this product yesterday and could not WAIT to play Pee Detective. Now, somethings are just better off unsaid. It was nasty. The corners and crevices lit up like Tim Taylor's house on Christmas Eve. Gag. Mice nonsense isn't the only thing this light picks up. Any animal fecal matter will be detected, along with money watermarks, and scorpions and other things that go bump in the night. Small and compact, this blacklight makes for easy storage and comes with it's very own set of AAA batteries. The shipper ships fast, I got my light within 2 days with Amazon Prime.

M&M's and all things calming...

I hate weddings. Worse than attending a wedding is planning one... your own. As the bride, you stress on pleasing everyone and making everything do smooth. Give it up, it's not going to happen. EVER. You will forget things, you will get snubbed and talked about. There will always be that someone who isn't please, could have done better, blah blah blah. It's going to happen. I obsess over these same things, daily. Today, in fact, it's the cake serving/cutting sets. I cannot find them. Anywhere. Not in the 5,467 boxes of random stuff I have packed away "to be more organized". My home office is filled with boxes, baskets, and bags. All filled or waiting to be filled with wedding stuff. I know they are in here somewhere, but where??? Of course, I have a 14 month old that is MORE THAN willing to help me unpack and make a mess. He's good at that. Really good. Epic even. But isn't that the way it's supposed to be? Oh, and that pre-wedding diet? HAHAHA. That went out the window with the 3lb bag of M&M's I have ingested since yesterday, in a not so feeble attempt to calm my nerves. I'm freaking out, I know I need to stop. It's ok. It doesn't matter who thinks what, so long and CJ and I love it and love each other. But that doesn't stop help me obsessing over fine details, making list after list to ensure that I don't forget anything. It's how I do. It's all I know to do. No one else matters. Pinterest has been a god-send. Along with helpful friends and my amazing daughter. I couldn't do it without them.

REVIEWS... the actual reason I have a blog.

So, I do these reviews... I get free or heavily discounted stuff in exchange for writing a review and/or blogging about it. Pretty spiffy eh? I think so. Most of the time, I run into some neat things, sometimes things can be rather mediocre. It all depends on the object. The purpose of this blog is actually to write reviews on these products and reach out to mass audiences who may or may not be interested in what people are selling. Sometimes, my blog may be a review, others, it may be about what is going on in my personal life. I don't know how many or who will read this thing, but it's here.