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Fruit Sparx Candy Review

Posted by Brande on October 7, 2013
in All Natural Products, Food and Treats, Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Organic, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Uncategorized

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Halloween is right around the corner and my daughter is already excited about all the candy. Sparx has a wonderful product! Recommended by dentist & hygienist, it is 100% Xylitol and tooth friendly! These all natural sugar free candies are also gluten free. They come in citrus, berry, & fruit flavors.

My first question was what is Xylitol? Direct from the Xlear.com site – here is the answer.

“Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from natural sources. It is also produced in the human body as a by-product of a normal metabolism. Our xylitol is of the highest quality possible. It is a pharmaceutical grade, meaning it must be more that 99.95% pure, and is made from non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) corn fibers. It does not contain any of the corn grain and it is tested to ensure that no corn allergens, mycotoxins, or corn proteins of any type are in the product.”

Fruit Sparx Candy Review

Sparx candies are tiny dot like goodies; they are on the hard side. I would recommend these for your older kids, just because you don’t want your younger kids swallowing a bunch of them at a time. My daughter and I shared a package and I really enjoyed them, she kind of wished they weren’t as hard to chew. You can get a great Halloween bag with all the flavors or order you favorite flavor directly from Xlear.com. They sell them in tubes and are only 1.49 each!

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The Long Awakening

Posted by html404 on October 5, 2013
in Books, Encouragement for Moms, Family Stuff, Gift Ideas, Pregnancy and Birth, Products for Mom, Reviews, Uncategorized

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

The Long Awakening by Lindsey O’Connor is a memoir dedicated to Lindsey’s youngest daughter, Caroline Aileen. This book is a story of Lindsey’s 47-day coma just after giving birth to Caroline, her journey of her recovery, and that of her family’s.

I have 2-3 pages of little bits from the book that touched my heart. After three pages I stopped because I would have an incredibly long review if I wrote about all of my notes. For the sake of this review, I will just touch on a few more important ones.

Let me start by saying I really enjoyed The Long Awakening and found myself reading faster to see what how Lindsey’s story ended.

First, I am always impressed when a family rallies around one another and does what needs to be done through difficult circumstances, such as the O’Connor’s 47+ day tragedy. For example, Lindsey’s oldest daughter postponed college in order to stay at home to take care of her baby sister. This is something no parent wants to force on their oldest child, but the fact that Jacquelyn decided on her own her baby sister needed to be in their family home and not “farmed” out to another home to be cared for showed her love, devotion and sacrifice to do what was in the best interest of not only Caroline, but the whole family.

Jacquelyn’s intuition about her sister Allison was amazing too. I loved reading about how she got her little sister to open up and showed her it was ok to cry, to grieve over what had happened to their mom. The O’Connor’s must have been so proud of her.

Secondly, Lindsey’s family had so much support, love and help that it was a sweet testimony to one nurse in particular, who said, “she’d never seen people come around a family like that.” They had a church that put love into action – for the long haul.

I’ve been taken to emergency surgery during a couple of my miscarriages, but I never uttered the words Lindsey did when she was being wheeled away:

“Please take care of me. I have five children now.”

Weird, but I felt guilty. Granted her situation was completely different but still. It’s amazing what another woman’s story can illicit from my own soul.

I could not have been as calm as Lindsey was when she found out she had an emergency hysterectomy. Listen to what her response was:

“Why does this matter? Uterus in, uterus out. A little rain. Get out the umbrella. I had no use for that body part anymore.”

Not having been in her situation, I can only imagine how I would have responded. I guess this was the least of her concerns at the time. More important matters had her attention, such as, communicating, moving, holding and bonding with her baby, getting her life back.

I could go on for another 500 words, but the last thing I wanted to share had a profound affect on me was when Lindsey spent two hours tapping a spoon against her bedside table only to be ignored. The reason they found out later was because this was a physical quality brain damaged people exhibited. Lindsey’s words were:

“I lay brain damaged and didn’t warrant a response.”

That made me so very sad. The hospital staff heard her but ignored her. Thank God she had her husband advocating for her!

I highly recommend this book. It will make you cry, but Lindsey’s story is a must read. Talk about triumphing over huge hurdles!

“Available October 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Alphie the Squid App Review

Posted by Brande on September 17, 2013
in Downloads, Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Techie Stuff, Technology/Electronics, Uncategorized

Alphie the Squid App Review

Help Alphie the Squid to grow up big and strong on this new app. Guide Alphie through the maze of the ocean floor, along the way you need to watch out for riptides, sharks and other obstacles. Alphie needs eat along the way to help him battle the riptides, there are little fish along the way for Alphie. You earn points by finding treasure and treasure fish!

The animation of this app is vibrant, inviting, & funny and the music is great! This app is addicting for adults, yet very friend for kids. This Alphie helps kids with swiping action as well as learning about fish.

Check out the Alphie Trailer on YouTube!

Alphie is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod, and android products.

Don’t forget to like Alphie on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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Moms.com is Live!

Posted by html404 on September 14, 2013
in Encouragement for Moms, Family Stuff, Miscarriage, Nursing and Breastfeeding, Parenting, Pregnancy and Birth, Pregnancy Loss, Products for Mom, Reviews, Uncategorized

A couple months ago I applied to be a part of a new beta moms forum called Moms.com. I thought it would be fun to be part of a new website for moms as well as earn a little extra money on the side. It has been a lot of fun getting to know the “beta” mom group as we have created content for the site, which is full of topics from trying to conceive to pregnancy, babyhood, toddler, preschooler, big kid to just for mom stuff. In just over a month of working together, I believe we have laughed, empathized and cried together/for one another through sharing our lives and experiences as mothers – from the first day of school memories to reminiscing about our children’s births and so much more. Unlike other mom type sites, Moms.com encourages moms to be themselves and enjoy the daily sharing of our lives without harsh words and criticism for individual parenting choices. All of the mom members so far come from a diverse background and are a variety of ages, yet we have come together to unite as we share our thoughts and experiences about motherhood, as well as encourage each other in the journey of being a mom.

The Site

The site does require you to join if you want to participate in the conversations. Otherwise the site is very much public, not private. Though I just learned they are working on privacy controls, to be released soon, so this is about to change. When you join you will receive an email confirmation with your login information.

The Moms.com site has different sections such as Mom Moments where we can share photos or animated images in a card form with a few words as a description or caption. This section can be used to share photos of family, write an encouraging or humorous note.

The Best of Mom section is a catalog of topics where there are questions broken down and sub-categorized according to the different stages of Motherhood.

The Find Moms search button on the site allows you to follow other moms, look for moms in your geographical location or for moms with children the same age as yours.

Join Now!

Moms.com went live to the public this week and is open to new members. You can join now!

Follow Moms.com on:

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Hope to see some of you there!

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Trapped by Irene Hannon

Posted by html404 on September 5, 2013
in Books, Gift Ideas, Products for Mom, Reviews, Uncategorized

Trapped by Irene Hannon is the second book in the Private Justice series. It is a romantic suspense novel about a woman named Laura Griffith and her half sister, Darcy, who runs away because her sister’s rules are too much for her to live with. When Darcy goes missing Laura not only contacted the police but also hired a PI (Private Investigator) named Devlin, to find her and bring her home.

I always enjoy Irene Hannon’s books. I like how she keeps me hanging and wanting to read more to find out what happens. I like that there are usually a few elements of surprise and suspense in her storylines.

However, the romantic interest always seems way too predictable. In Trapped and Vanished it seems that the main characters fall in love at first sight as much as they try to fight their attraction. I’m not one for love at first sight, neither is my husband, who says he believes in infatuation at first sight, I tend to agree with him. It must start out as attraction and infatuation, not love. How can you fall in love with someone you don’t even know anything about?

I do like that Dev maintains his professional relationship and does not pursue romance until his work on the case is complete. That is an example of professional integrity, something the real world is lacking.

Nevertheless, because Trapped kept me on my toes I give it two thumbs up.

For more information visit http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/trapped/338190

Irene Hannon’s website, twitter and facebook:

http://www.irenehannon.com/

https://twitter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irene-Hannon/426433004084567

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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On Distant Shores by Sarah Sundin

Posted by html404 on August 31, 2013
in Books, Girl Stuff, Products for Mom, Reviews, Uncategorized

On Distant Shores is the second book in the Wings of the Nightingale series written by Sarah Sundin. It is a historical romance set during WWII at a time in which pharmacists were not taken as serious on the battle field or at home for that matter, as their profession is today. This book is about the fear, indecisiveness and timidity of a flight nurse named Georgina and the pride of an enlisted pharmacist, named Hutch. It is also about their struggles within the system.

Did you know pharmacists were not respected by many during WWII? Did you know a pharmacist could not be an officer in the army, therefore could not fraternize with officers? I learned a lot in this book.

Georgina and Hutch were put in many crisis situations and had to know how to deal with them. Like anyone tested under extreme pressure, each of them struggled yet grew in character.

I liked how Georgina found a “new you”. She learned how to make decisions for herself and be the best she could be despite the opinions of close friends and family, which were quite the opposite of what God wanted her to become during her time as a flight nurse. She was able to face her fears and insecurities and actually conquer them. Ever have people you love doubt you and your decisions? Were you strong enough to advance forward in spite of their doubts? It takes a lot of strength and trust in God to do so, after all loved ones are people we trust and usually know us best. However, God knows us even better than they do.

Hutch also discovered a “new” person within himself, but he had to put away an uglier side of himself before he could fully become the “new” Hutch. God had to humble him to the point of a servant in order for Hutch to realize being in the Pharmacy Corps was a worthy goal but did not define who he was as a person. He had to learn to be all he could be in the position he was in and be content not to be in the Pharmacy Corps if that is what God deemed best for that time.

I liked the growth of the characters and learning more about the professions of flight nurses and pharmacists…but I found myself a little bored, whether that was because I didn’t get to read the book at a leisurely pace and felt rushed to get it read to get my review done on time or if it’s because I have read too many novels and am bored with the same old same old. I will say there were a couple of surprises in the storyline and overall it was a decent read but I’m not sure it’s a book I’d read it again. For that reason I only give it a thumbs up.

“Available August 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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Teespring.com

Posted by Brande on August 31, 2013
in Business, Children's Clothing, Clothing, Family Stuff, Fashion, Fun Stuff, Organization, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, SALES, Uncategorized

Raising money for an event or campaign is a tough job, especially when it comes to ordering shirts. Planning, collecting money, getting sizes, meeting with the designer, then making the time so everyone gets their product. Lots of time and effort, Teespring.com is here to help! How you ask? It’s simple.

Launch a campaign, design your own tee, pick the price you want to sell it for, choose a goal for selling, and an end date. Then spread the word via your own unique web link then post it it to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and email!

When people order their shirt, they click on the unique link, pick their size, pay for it and best of all, your shirt can be delivered right to everyone’s door! Then if you are a business you can withdraw the profit. If you did this for a fundraiser, the profits are paid directly to the organization! It’s that easy!

Consider Teespring.com for your next fundraiser!

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OMG Nail Strips Review

Posted by Brande on August 27, 2013
in Deals, Fashion, Fun Stuff, Personal Care Products, Products for Mom, Reviews, SALES, Saving Money, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping, Uncategorized

Imagine having great nails that look expensive BUT, without the appointment and expense! OMG Nail Strips bring that to you at a low cost and it’s do it yourself at home! Hook me up, right?

These super easy nail adhesives are so much fun with little effort. Pick your favorite design from OMG Nail Strips; rather pick 4 of your favorite designs. There’s a sale going on right now 4 designs for $20.00! Tell me where you can go to get your nails done 4 times for $20.00? Not where I live.

OMG Nail Strips Review

They come in a strip with 12 sized strips. You need to make sure your nails are clean, apply a small amount of hand lotion. Wipe the excess and start applying the nail wraps. File the edges and you are ready to go! Yes, it’s that easy.

I wore them out to a picnic and one of my friends asked… “Do they really last?’” My answer was yes. After I applied OMG Nail Strips, I peeled and canned tomatoes. The strips lasted through the scald, cold bath and peeling tomatoes.

The strips last up to 10 days and come off very easy and there’s no drying time. For a mom & wife on the go these are great and very fun!

Click Here to visit OMG’s Nail Strip Website or visit their Facebook page.

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Coppertone Water Moms Recipes

Posted by Brande on August 24, 2013
in Camping, Family Stuff, Food and Treats, Fun Stuff, Kids Stuff, Parenting, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Recipes, Safety, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping, Uncategorized

With the end of summer drawing near (sniff…. sniff), I wanted to share Coppertone Water Moms recipes for upcoming parties! Enjoy and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Coppertone Water Moms Recipes

Summertime Strawberry Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 liter of lemonade

1 cup of Strawberries, sliced OR 1 cup of Raspberries

½ cup of sugar

2 cups of water

Ice

Directions:

Combine sliced strawberries/raspberries and sugar in a bowl. Using a fork, mash the berries into the sugar, leaving some large chunks. Chill for 1 hour. In a large pitcher, combine the berry mixture, the lemonade and the water and stir. Add ice then serve!

Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes

2 tbsp. Extra-virgin olive oil

½ tsp. of sea salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice sweet potatoes into 1/8 inch thick slices, then coat slices with olive oil by tossing together in a bowl. Place slices on baking sheets in a single layer so there is no overlap and then sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, slipping once, until lightly browned and crisp.

Beach Sand Pudding Cups

Ingredients:

2 cups of Milk

1 (3.5 ounce) package instant pudding mix

1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (12 ounce) package of vanilla wafer cookies, crushed

Variety of candy topping to decorate

Directions:

Combine milk and pudding mix in a large bowl. Beat with a whisk until well blended, then let stand for 5 minutes. Add in whipped topping and half of crushed cookies and fold in. Place 1 tbsp. crushed cookies into each cup, and then fill each up ¾ of the way full with pudding mixture. Top with remaining crushed cookies. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Decorate with fun topping such as gummy worms, gummy snacks, gummy fish, paper umbrellas, or get creative and come up with your own!

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Fabio Viviani Comfort Mat by Smart Step Home Review & Giveaway

Posted by Brande on August 16, 2013
in Appliances, Home, Houseware, Products for Dad, Products for Mom, Reviews, Shopping, Uncategorized

What’s one of the worst things about washing dishes, baking, canning, or folding? Standing on the hard floor! By the time I get out the kitchen my back is aching and my feet are barking.

Fabio Viviani Comfort Mat by Smart Step Home Review

I was super excited to review Chef Fabio Viviani Comfort Mats by Smart Step Home. The first time I stepped onto the mat it was a dream to my feet. This nearly indestructible mat will not curl and is trip resistant. It is puncture, heat and stain resistant and is non-toxic. In addition it is super easy to clean and is non-skid.

In this picture you can see I do my kitchen work in heels. lol…….nah. I’m just showing you how thick this mat is. I’m putting my weigh into the heel of this shoe, the product did not puncture. When I got off the mat, it popped right back in place, you didn’t see when I dug my heel into it. I LOVE IT!

Here’s what Smart Step Home says about the comfort of their mats….

“Our proprietary polyurethane composite (STP) effectively suspends body weight and reduces the impact on the back, legs, and feet, while encouraging proprioception (rebalancing). The result is consistent comfort, improved circulation and less fatigue on joints, limbs and muscles.”

I have been using my mat for the past few days and my body doesn’t have the aches as it did last week. I highly recommend this Smart Step Home Mat for people who stand most of the day. I have a friend that owns a flower shop and she is planning on buying them for her shop.

It’s available in a few different colors and also comes in a 6 foot size! Click here to order yours today!