December 31, 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: "Dot & Dot" Car Seat Protectors/Kick Mats for Cars (prevent damage from kids, wheel chairs, walkers, etc)

I received this free product from the company in exchange for writing a review on my blog.

I am not being compensated when you use the company's links at the bottom of this post.







This is a WONDERFUL product for saving the back of the car seats. It prevents kids kicking and damaging the seat with their shoes or food! I also noticed when I put a client's push-walker in the car, it prevented the wheels from grabbing the seat material when it rubbed against it during driving, which could have lead to an ugly mark, or unwanted dirt. 

I run errands for folks, and clean homes for a living, so anything that protects my car from the possible damage of brooms, mops, vacuums, etc, is a plus in my book!

If needed in the future, it can be used on the FRONT seat, and the 2nd one in the seat, for folks who do MUD RUNS or go swimming! :)





  • EXTRA-LARGE KICK MATS provide better coverage for your upholstered or leather car seats. Each car seat back protector is 47x60 CM (18.5x23.6 inches)
  • Made of high quality, durable materials that would LAST A LIFETIME.
  • EASY TO CLEAN. The water resistant and non-absorbent surface protects your car seat from moisture, dirt, stains, scuff marks. Easily clean dirt with wipes or wash with cold water and mild detergent.
  • EASY TO INSTALL. Easily fastens securely at the headrest and bottom of the seats using adjustable straps. Designed to fit most vehicles, even SUVs.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

  • Dot & Dot always has great sales and specials on their sites, so please check those out while you're there! 

    AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Auto-Seat-Back-Protector-Dot/dp/B00ME7AFWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418913172&sr=8-1&keywords=car+seat+protector

    WEBSITE: http://shop.dotdottravel.com/




    Disclosure: The above item was received in order to facilitate review. I have not been compensated for this post.





    I was asked to test and review this product,

    with no other promise of compensation,

    and give my honest opinion.

    PRODUCT REVIEW: "Compressions" Adjustable Velcro Neoprene Knee Support Brace


    I received this free product from the company in exchange for writing a review on my blog.

    I am not being compensated when you use the company's links at the bottom of this post.





    Truly the best brace my son has worn yet. Compared to other brands of braces we buy in stores, this one did not make his skin itch, the Velcro did not touch his skin and cause irritation, it breathes, it did not cause his knee to sweat, and did not cut off circulation. 
    The length is great (not too long up or down the leg). It stabilized his knee very well. While wearing it, he didn't notice his knee popping or feeling weak as it usually does. It did not reduce mobility.  Plenty of length of Velcro (for larger legs if needed), it wraps around well.









    *Is a cranky wheel stopping you from getting out and being active? Stop the madness with this Open Patella (relieves pressure), Adjustable Velcro (customize your size), Neoprene (it's breathable) with Spring Steel Side Stays (for more lateral support) knee brace for all activities.

    *What can you look forward to? This brace provides support and relief for Arthritis, Tendonitis, ACL and Meniscus tears. It stabilizes the knee to provide support even laterally.

    *One size fits 12" to 18" knee circumference with velcro fastenings to adjust the tension exactly where needed.
    Other benefits include silicon anti-slip strips to prevent slipping. Very comfortable compared to similar knee braces without being bulky. Light, breathable and flexible. Just the support your need to regain confidence while exercising.




    #compressions

    BUY YOURS HERE:
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P2R6BGS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1






    I was asked to test and review this product,

    with no other promise of compensation,

    and give my honest opinion.

    December 30, 2014

    I am IN LOVE with Krusteaz various muffin mixes...




    I make these quite often and I don't know why I have never posted about it before.
    I prefer "cake" or "bread" over muffins, so I make these, and banana bread 'muffins', in a bread pan or a bundt pan, and slice off what I want. The time is lower and I don't have to wait as long.
    I also reserve and add a little of the berry juice into the mix to keep it moister :) Sometimes I get very brave and add flavorings, but they are not needed at all, it's just something I do on occasion.

    Love love LOVE!!




    #krusteaz
    www.krusteaz.com

    December 29, 2014

    PRODUCT REVIEW: PB2 (peanut butter substitute, gluten-free) AND CONTEST/GIVEAWAY to be added very soon!!


    (GIVEAWAY TO BE ADDED SOON, SIT TIGHT...)




    I tried a few different recipes I found online throughout the week and we have really enjoyed using these PB2s!

    It has the consistency of powdered sugar so it works perfectly in things like cake icing, and it's a super-concentrated peanut taste so it gives amazing flavor!
    Other than that, you can add it to protein shakes, make protein balls, pancakes, add a little water & maple syrup for the best pancake topping ever!

    Here are the online recipes we tried:


    PB2 Popcorn

    Serves 2
    Ingredients
    1 Tbsp. coconut oil
    1/2 tsp. salt (or less)
    2 Tbsp. PB2
    1/3 cup popcorn kernels
    1 Tbsp. powdered sugar
    Instructions
    1. In a small bowl, combine coconut oil, salt, and a tablespoon of PB2. Melt in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
    2. Place the popcorn kernels in a large microwave-proof bowl, pour the oil mixture over top, and stir to coat. Cover with a vented lid, and cook on high until there’s a second or two between popping noises. If your microwave has a popcorn setting, go ahead and trust it.
    3. Immediately after removing the popcorn, sprinkle it with the remaining PB2 and the powdered sugar. Toss all together, and enjoy.
    Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
    Calories: 103
    Protein: 3 grams
    Carbs: 7 grams
    Fat: 8 grams
    ____________________________________________



    I LOVE making various banana breads, and this was pretty darn good!

    PB2 Banana Bread
    Serves 8
    Ingredients
    2/3 cup PB2
    1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
    1 scoop unflavored whey isolate
    2 tsp. baking powder
    1/2 tsp. salt
    2–4 packets of stevia
    1/2 tsp. cinnamon
    3 very ripe bananas, mashed
    1/2 cup egg whites
    1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
    1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
    Instructions
    1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a standard size loaf pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper, and then spray it lightly with coconut oil.
    2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the PB2, flour, whey protein powder, baking powder, salt, stevia, and cinnamon.
    3. Add the mashed bananas and the egg whites to a separate bowl, and beat together until smooth. Stir in the applesauce and vanilla.
    4. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, and stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, and bake for about a half hour. The peanut butter banana bread is done when a toothpick can be inserted into the middle without getting covered in uncooked batter.
    Nutrition Facts per Serving
    Calories: 109
    Protein: 9 grams
    Carbs: 19 grams
    Fat: 1 gram
    _________________________________


    I want to add this amazing article from a dear personal friend of mine who is a beast in the gym! :)

    Hello my Defiant Friends!
    As you all know, I love to cook, bake, decorate cakes, and just generally love everything about food.  I also love to create original recipes that work on a healthy nutrition plan.  On my training and nutrition program, I get one ‘Feed Meal’ every week, and I usually choose pancakes as my meal.  If I were given the choice of a last meal, it would probably involve pancakes.  I just LOVE them!
    You can easily make very healthy pancakes using protein powder alone, so they are low carb.  But for my Feed Meal, I need some carbs.  So here is the most amazing recipe I have come up with in a long time.  These pancakes turn out moist & hearty, more like an apple cake.  I have always loved peanut butter on fresh apples–something my mom taught me when I was a kid.  So I use a peanut butter ’syrup’ which I think goes amazingly well with the apples,  but you can just use maple syrup or honey if you don’t have the specialty ingredients lying around.  This completely satisfies my sweet tooth, while avoiding eating a damaging food like a carrot cake with white flour, sugar, etc.  This recipe uses no refined white flour, & you can even make it completely flourless if you’d like.

    Apple Pie Protein Pancakes Recipe

    -1 medium apple, sliced
    -1/2 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk (or water)
    -1 whole egg
    -1 tsp cinnamon
    -1 tsp apple pie spice
    -dash of nutmeg
    -dash of ground cloves
    -1 to 2 scoops Vanilla protein powder (I use Sun Warrior)
    -1/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill Pancake mix
    -1/2 tsp Baking Powder
    -Dash Himalayan salt
    -Stevia or Ideal Brown Sugar xylitol to taste
    -1/8 cup chopped pecans–optional
    -raisins–optional
    Syrup*

    Blend the apple slices with the liquid & the egg until the apples are completely blended.  Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl & make a well in the center.  Pour in the apple mixture & whisk very gently until blended. Do not over mix. If too stiff, add more liquid; if too runny add more protein powder. Fold in the pecans & raisins, if using.
    Heat a griddle to very hot–400 degrees. Pour or spoon mixture onto griddle. These will steam a lot  & create big bubbles on top as they cook.  Watch to make sure the bottom isn't burning, and turn over as soon as they are cooked enough to hold together.  They are very dense & moist, not fluffy & light like regular pancakes. I love the heavy apple-cake-like texture!
    Serve with PB2 ‘Syrup’* or use honey, Grade B maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, or your favorite pancake syrup.  Savor every bite!  And you may even want to lick the plate when you’re done!  Haha!
    You could also use oats instead of the pancake mix.  Just blend them up with the apple & egg.

    PB2 ‘Syrup’*
    -2 Tbs PB2 or other dehydrated low-fat peanut butter
    -Stevia or Ideal Brown Sugar Xylitol to taste
    -Water, honey or maple syrup to preferred consistency
    -Himalayan salt to taste
    In a small bowl or cup, place the PB2, sweetener & salt.  Add water, honey, maple syrup–or a combination thereof–slowly, mixing with a whisk until thoroughly blended.  It doedoesn'tke much liquid to get a syrup-like consistency.
    *******************
    PB2 is an amazing product by Bell Plantation.  It’s dehydrated, defatted peanuts that becomes peanut butter with the addition of just a few drops of water.   You can purchase it by clicking here or the sidebar to the right:  PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter.   For really amazing decadence, they have a Chocolate PB2!  This is NOT to be used in great amounts, but is a wonderful alternative to eating half a jar of regular peanut butter, as some of us can do if we get started on it & lose control!
    *******************
    Also, let me stress again that this is a Feed Meal, otherwise known as a Cheat Meal, for me.  It’s not something I can have everyday on a pre-contest or even Improvement Season nutrition plan.  For the average person who is not getting up on stage, though, it would be a great breakfast treat anytime, or freeze the pancakes for later & take them with you.  Very portable, & you can roll them up & munch on them even in the car–without the syrup of course!  But they are delicious on their own.
    See—eating healthy can be really easy & delicious!!!
    Be Defiant!  Fight For Your Health!
    Christy


    I hope you enjoy this if you make it! :)
    _______________________________________


    A tip from the company:
    Just a hint...sometimes if you start out with using a little less than a tablespoon of water and then gradually adding the water to the PB2 you can get it more to a consistency that you like. 

    PB2 is made with the highest quality peanuts that are slow roasted and then cold pressed to remove the fat and oil.  All that’s left is a delicious natural roasted peanut flavor.  PB2 with chocolate is simply PB2 blended with the finest cocoa beans to give you rich chocolate flavor.  Both are all natural, made with no preservatives and are gluten free.  If you have any doubts about the benefits of PB2 versus traditional peanut butter, keep in mind that PB2 is all natural without the fat or added hydrogenated oils of other brands.  PB2 and PB2 with chocolate have only 45 calories per serving (2 Tbsp) and 0 grams of saturated fat.  When compared to traditional peanut butter which is 190 calories per serving (2 Tbsp) and 3 grams of saturated fat.  
    AND HERE:
    http://www.bellplantation.com/

    While you're there, grab some of their snacks!!



    #PB2




    BOOK REVIEW: Ebook - Hippochondriac (for grown-ups)




    This is a very funny book for older kids and grown-ups!
    From the beginner hypochondriac to the seasoned one, you'll have hippo-belly laughs from reading this book!
    I ordered this book at first thinking it was for children, but it's for older kids who understand life, how people react to things like fears and name-calling, and body parts/problems, etc... because of certain subjects in the story (in my personal opinion.)

    Everyone around this hippo thinks all of his problems are in his head...
    I was surprised how the story ends so pick up a copy and check it out!


    "This is the story about a baby hippo that was called Hippochondriac. 

    He was ABSOLUTELY SURE that he was dying, with every little 

    thing that came in flying."



    #Hippochondriac 



    FIND YOURS HERE:
    US: http://www.amazon.com/Hippochondriac-Micky-Morag-ebook/dp/B00PHVIF0E
    UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hippochondriac-Micky-Morag-ebook/dp/B00PHVIF0E
    Germany: http://www.amazon.de/Hippochondriac-English-Edition-Micky-Morag-ebook/dp/B00PHVIF0E



    PRODUCT REVIEW: Merengue Dance DVD





    OK, yea, this was FUN!
    I didn't have a partner to practice with, and I have a bum knee, but this was such a fun DVD to learn to dance with and the music is great!

    The couple in the DVD work very well together, are easy to understand, and the flow is perfect for me. 

    I have not memorized this yet, but it's going to be great to use for weight-loss :)


    #merengue

    Its our Awesome and Fun Merengue Dance DVD!
    A fantastic DVD that teaches people how to dance merengue.

    East, step by step, Merengue Dancing!
    An awesome dance, far easier than Salsa & Bachata.

    It's a brand new dance dvd from SalsaCrazy.
    We'd love your review.

    This dance is fun, energetic, HOT, and EASY to learn!
    It's perfect for everyone, and the teachers are great.

    Woohoo!  You're going to LOVE This one. :)

    FIND YOURS HERE:  http://dancecrazy.com/merenguedancelessons






    December 22, 2014

    It's that time of year again! Reindeer Chow!





    Reindeer Chow {Muddy Buddies}
    Ingredients
    1. 14 Cups Chex cereal
    2. 18 oz holiday m&ms
    3. 12 oz semi sweet chocolate, bar or chips
    4. 1/2 Cup unsalted butter
    5. 1 Cup peanut butter
    6. 1 tsp vanilla extract
    7. 4-5 Cups powdered sugar
    Instructions
    1. Melt the peanut butter and butter in a microwave safe dish. Microwave in 30 second intervals until butter is melted. Add the chocolate a little at a time until all is melted into the mix. You might need to microwave one last time to make sure everything is melted and add the vanilla. Stir together.
    2. In a large bowl add half of the cereal.
    3. Drizzle half of the chocolate peanut butter mixture into the cereal in the bowl. Mix with a spoon.
    4. Place one large paper bag into another one. Add 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar and half of the mixed cereal into the bag. Close this tightly and shake vigorously. Add more powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time if needed until all the cereal is coated. Add 1/4 of the m&ms into the bag and toss. Place in an air tight container.
    5. Continue these step with the remaining ingredients.
    6. Keep stored in an air tight container. I personally love to keep it in the freezer, YUM!
    7. Enjoy!



    December 19, 2014

    FOOD REVIEW: Gluten-free Schar ~ it's what's for dinner! Pastas, Sauces, Breads




    I won this tasty Schar pasta prize pack a couple of months ago and I'm just now getting around to using it.



    I made the spaghetti and Vodka sauce for tonight's supper and paired it with the baguette sliced, buttered, herbed and slightly cheesy. It was also VERY easy to slice with a bread knife.
    My 17 yr old son said he liked it very much!
    IT WAS GREAT!
    I added salt, pepper, ground basil and parmesan to the top of the spaghetti.








    http://www.schar.com/

    PRODUCT REVIEW: A O Smith Water Heater (NOT a free sample LOL)

    This was NOT received as a free product in exchange for a review! HAHA! ;)

    This was actually needed when my other water heater went out on us a week before December.... but I didn't know it until my laundry room floor was leaking into the hall carpet!

    My parents are my landlords, so they had our plumber come out, he went and grabbed this new AO Smith, and installed it the same day. So far, so good!


    ProMax® 30-Gallon Electric Water Heater

    Model ECL-30

    http://www.hotwater.com/




    The ProMax® Lowboy Side Connect electric water heater is designed to take up as little room as possible and is the ideal choice for when installation space is limited to tight spaces such as under counters and in crawl spaces.
    With a 30-gallon tank and 1 element delivering 4500 kilowatts, the ECL-30 delivers a first hour rating of 40 gallons at an Energy Factor of 0.93. The Coregard™ Aluminum Anode helps protect the tank from the corrosive effects of water, and is accompanied by a 6-year limited warranty.

    My personal Cool-Jams Sleepwear item :)







    I currently own a KRISTI NIGHTSHIRT in the Lilac color, and I love it! (see below) It's soft, cool, and keeps me from having night-sweats! I was so happy to find out about this type of clothing and bedlinens because of suffering from perimenopause!

    It was SO comfy! It feels like really soft t-shirt material, but not hot. Comfy, like a boyfriend ;)

    And I love the length! (to the knees)


    DESCRIPTION
    Style #T3477 
    Cool-jams moisture wicking V-neck KRISTI nightshirt, features white lace at neckline and side slits is perfect for travel or temperature regulation. 
    Our quick drying, silky soft moisture wicking smart fabric wicks away moisture to provide stylish relief for warm nights and is perfect for travel and body temperature regulation. 
    Cool-jams fabric has a super soft cotton like feel with wicking ability that never washes out. 
    In fact, the wicking action is scientifically woven into the fabric itself. 
    Add our versatile Zip Hoodie Lounge Jacket or our PJ Topper With Pockets to create a sensational 2 piece set. 
    Or add our Wicking Lace Accent Robe for extra wicking warmth when needed. 
    Note on size chart: The most important measurements to use are hip and bust since the waist on this garment is not fitted.


    (...it was early morning when I took these photos so the lighting and color are slightly off.
    When I get new ones, I'll replace these!!)



    (I'll post a photo of me wearing it tomorrow.)



    GET YOURS HERE: http://www.cool-jams.com










    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free for exchange of a review on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”