Monday, March 31, 2014

April Fools Day Fun Lunchbox Ideas


Heheee...did you hear the exciting news? Dunkin Donuts just launched a brand new (teehee) line of ultra mini donuts just for kids.  I ran out and got some my little one could enjoy with her lunch. April Fools!

Since I had such a leisurely day LOL I thought I would bake a few of those luscious French style "macarons" too.  Used two mini pancakes from Whole Foods and put Hershey's spread in between the two and on the sides. Added some of the extra frosting to the top and sprinkles. She got one of those in her lunchbox too. 
Ready for my secrets: Donuts-Cheerios covered in homemade frosting and natural sprinkles. Used a toothpick to poke the hole back in after frosting. Macarons: Took two Whole Foods mini pancakes and filled with Hershey's Spread and used leftover frosting to frost it and sprinkles on top. Also opened bottom of single serving crackers and replaced with mini carrots. Gave Wholly Guacamole single for dipper. Healthy main meal included of course...special day=special treats

Enjoy your April Fool's Day!

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Chamberlain’s Leather Milk Liniment No. 1 to naturally clean and refresh all your leather goods: Blog Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. I received the product mentioned above complimentary for the purpose of this review.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the product. 


Let me start by saying I am pretty particular about my leather goods.  Shoes, purses, boots...I am a bit of a shoe fanatic.  I always bought the very best shoes and purses since I was old enough to start working.  In the early days I bought Coach and Dooney & Bourke purses...these days I prefer the quiet but well made Brahmin line.  My shoes and boots have always been leather from the tips to the soles whether they were hand sewn in the USA or Italy.  I like good leather goods.  My husband is the recipient of my leather goods fascination as well and don't you get any funny ideas. I know you are laughing now.  I am talking about his shoes.  I make sure he has well made shoes.  When you own good quality leather goods you do need to care for them properly.  If you don't you will be very sorry.  I am always searching for the perfect product to help me keep my beautiful leather goods in  perfect condition.  The biggest concern these days with a young child is finding more natural products.  I also like my fave Jimmy Choo black boots to stay looking beautiful.  See how fresh they look after a little bit of Chamberlain's Leather Milk?

I think I found a real winner recently in Chamberlain's Leather Care Liniment No.1. This is a modern product that comes in a old fashioned style bottle.  It is a milky, water-based natural leather care recipe containing some remarkable leather enriching ingredients.  It isn't oily, actually it is a water based product that also works as a gentle cleaner as well.  

The nice part about the light water based formula is that you can use it regularly without over-doing it.  Chamberlain's Leather Care Liniment is a perfect way to clean and refresh your leather purse, shoes, coat, tote bags, auto interior and even furniture.  Think about it:  I know my purse follows me everywhere it I always try to keep it off floors, but who knows what lurks on it?  I love that I can use Leather Care Liniment and lightly clean and refresh it anytime with no worries. I can do it quickly, effectively and get a refreshed look and feel in a flash. 

Justin Boots before 

The company shared with me that Chamberlain’s Leather Milk is for all things leather. If you purchase quality leather items like leather furniture, luxurious auto interiors, leather briefcases, purses or luggage you know you have to care for them.  Take good care of them and they last forever.  An example is my Justin cowboy boots above.  I love these boots. They are ancient but well made. I bought them on a business trip years ago in Texas. After this winter they are in need of some help.  You can see the amazing difference in the before and after photos above and below. The Chamberlain's Leather Milk Liniment No. 1 gave them a fresh, clean sheen.  I love the scent of Leather Milk too....clean and light, very natural.  The ingredients include natural oils and conditioners plus a few secrets.  It definitely works like a charm. I can't wait to try it on my leather blazer and coat. I have several other pairs of boots and shoes in need of love as well. Chamberlain's Leather Milk Liniment No. 1 is my new little secret for leather care. As Chamerlain's says, "Time to start milking the leather today!"

Justin Boots after

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and  believe would 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."  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.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Graze Healthy Snacking Subscription Box: 1st + 5th Box Free Plus Discount Code

Disclosure:  I received a graze box complimentary in order to review it. My opinions are my own.
I recently heard about Graze through a friend of mine.  You all know by know my mantra is "Move it or lose it!"  Along with moving your body regularly, you have to feed it healthy food and even snacks here and there. Just not a King Size Snickers bar. That is where graze comes in.  This subscription service is all about healthy snacking. Reasonable portions. Smart minds think alike. 
I tried the graze Nibblebox,  which is just perfect for one or two people. Graze has several size boxes to choose from to fit your needs. The Nibblebox has 4 different snacks. You can go to their website and personally rate each snack so that way graze can hear each box towards the snacks you really enjoy most. 
They have nut free options too just so you know.  I saw a variety of dried fruits and seeds as well so they really accommodate every kind of healthy  snacker.  They even have some snacks with a bit of shhhhhh CHOCOLATE in there too.  Graze knows...some days you just need it. Make sure you rate your faves either when you sign up or as you go. You can even nix options you know are just not for you right away. They even share the calorie counts either on the top seal or you can peek in the enclosed booklet. 
The first snack was Black Pepper Cashews. This was a slightly peppery mix if black pepper cashews, roasted cashews and redskin peanuts.  All good. Very yummy. My husband was a big thief and ate most of this one. 200 kcal for the whole thing. 
What could be yummier than Banana Shortbread with a dip comprised of delicious Caramel Sauce. That's right, nothing!  A perfect little mini snack which clocked in at only 150 kcal.  I think that is a perfect little snack. 
Cherry Fudge Sundae here...tiny bits of brownie fudge, cherries, cherry raisins, and almonds. Perfect when you need a bit of chocolate. 200 kcal for all of it. 
The last item is Mango Chutney. This includes adorable little black pepper dipping crackers accompanied by  a yummy mango chutney. Only 80 kcal for the entire serving. You cannot beat that. 

So now you want to check it out for yourself...I know. Graze has been kind enough to provide me with a discount code to share. When you use the code BETSYK2ZB you get your 1st and 5th box free. I get $1 off my next box. We are all happy snackers. 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and  believe would 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." 

Natures Best Vitamin C Serum Review

Disclosure:  I got this product as part of an advertorial.
If you have been noticing some fine lines and other signs of aging you can do something about it without resorting to over the top plastic surgery or more.  You can start simply with adding Nature's Best Vitamin C Serum from Mystelic Beauty to your daily facial care regimen.  Nature’s Best Vitamin C Serum contains C+E+Hyaluronic Acid.  This powerful combination has been shown to help improve those fine lines and reduce signs of aging.  

Lordy knows we all need a bit of help with that aging issue thing but some of us don't want to resort to surgery.  Or needles. Like me.  Buckkkk buckkkk yes, I am a chicken. But I have found that something as simple as Vitamin C serum can make a huge difference.  It takes one minute in the morning or at night and it dries in a flash.  Nature's Best is super easy to apply and it didn't irritate my delicate facial skin at all. No redness or itching...nothing.  What I did notice was a bit of a glow and a softening of the fine lines especially on my forehead and around my mouth.  My skin lost that dull look that had seemed to settle in during the winter.  I will keep this up since it is easy and I see an improvement.  I am not the only one either. 

Vitamin C serum has become a hot ticket especially after Dr. Oz mentioned that he uses it too.  That man looks amazing so he must be doing something right.  Nature’s Best Vitamin C Serum contains organic 18% Vitamin C Serum.  Nature’s Best shared with me that this powerful combination has been clinically tested and proven to stimulate collagen.  We all know that collagen is the key to the clock on aging. 
Organic Ingredients make this product perfect for all skin types whether yours is  dry, oily or even sensitive. Nature’s Best is manufactured in the U.S.A by a FDA Certified Cosmetic Lab.

Some of the benefits of Nature’s Best Vitamin C Serum for your skin:
  • Works for all skin types, dry, oily, sensitive as its made from pure natural organic Ingredients.
  • Can improve acne by removing toxins and boosting collagen for firmer, plumper, healthier skin.
  • Minimize redness of scars and acne by lightening pigment
  • Serum is the perfect consistency to easily apply and dries quickly
  • Smoothes complexion and tightens skin for a more radiant glow
  • Antioxidants reduce skin damage from pollution.
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Stimulate collagen making improving vibrancy of your skin

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and  believe would 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." I received the product mentioned above for $1.00 for the purpose of this review.  The opinions are my own, based on my personal experience with the product. 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.