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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Ebook Review: Friendship Takes Courage

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I love the messages and morals that come across in Friendship Takes Courage. The book was longer than I anticipated but worked great as something we read several nights in a row. The pictures were lovely and kept the children's attention while I enjoyed the humor and style of writing. Friendship Takes Courage seemed very appropriate in subject, length, and style for my two older children (6 and 7) as they are navigating the first few years of schooling.

Here's the Amazon link if you'd like to explore this book for yourself: http://www.amazon.com/Friendship-Takes-Courage-Ofir-Mor-ebook/dp/B00J2RJQ1G/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

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 & GIVEAWAY: Belitae Organics FRESH-C Vitamin C Serum

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Belitae Organics Fresh Vitamin C Serum is said to restore, refine, and brighten skin of all types. I feel the product definitely makes my skin look more youthful and it evens out my skin tone. I really appreciate that the Belitae products are not tested on animals and are free from harmful chemicals, parabens, phalates, synthetic colors, fragrances, and unnecessary fillers.

It didn't take many applications (2-3 drops twice daily) before I saw results. My laugh lines were less pronounced and I found myself wearing less and less makeup because my skin tone looked more 20something than 30something. Thanks Belitae! I also appreciate how weightless the serum is and it had a fresh odor instead of being perfumey!

And if you'd like some for yourself, here is the Amazon link: http://amzn.to/1jFqZc2  OR enter our giveaway:




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.

A Quick Read - Flash Fiction: BOXES

It's been a while since I wrote much of anything...so be gentle with your critiques but please leave some feedback. I'm considering using this piece for an upcoming flash fiction contest.

Hugs,
~Crystal

Boxes
By Crystal J. Casavant-Otto

I didn’t read the directions as carefully as I should have, but nonetheless the lifeless plastic stick is lying flat on the vanity in front of me. I’m still sitting on the toilet with my pants around my ankles. Yup, leader of our church youth group, preacher’s kid, most likely to friggin’ succeed. No one would suspect I’d be worried about anything sexual, much less teen pregnancy. Daddy is one thin wall away. He’s working on his fire and brimstone sermon. (I can hear the tap tap tapping of the pencil while he ponders just the right words to say.) If only he knew. This is seriously the longest three minutes of my life. Wipe. Flush. Wash. Wash again. This hand soap stinks; what was my mom thinking? Dry. Close lid. Check teeth. Brush teeth. Check hair…unruly and curly as usual. Check clock.
Thank God, it’s time.

Oh shit…

“What honey?” questioned Daddy as he stopped tapping just long enough to worry.

“Oh nothing, I just stubbed my toe, Daddy. I’ll be out in a minute, gotta find the bandaids.” I reassured him as the tears trickled down the side of my nose onto my upper lip.

“Stop in here before you head to the library. I need to run something past you about this Easter sermon.” Daddy requested as the tap tapping continued.

I cleaned up a bit, shoved the test into my backpack and headed in by Daddy. I couldn’t concentrate on what he was asking about. Good thing he is the sort of person who likes to talk to himself with an audience. I didn’t have to say much.
“You are always such a big help Martha. Study hard tonight and tell Jacob he’ll need to usher on Sunday.” Daddy said with a smile as I left the modest parsonage headed for the library.

Step on a crack…trying to remember the rest of the song. Parishioners and passersby might think I’m enjoying the budding trees and singing birds. I bet they think everything is just fine. They have no idea what’s on the inside. They see what they want to see. Truth is, I don’t want to see Jacob. Ever again. I know it’s not Jacob’s fault. He isn’t the first and won’t be the last. Daddy says it’s a sin but I enjoy sex. I don’t look like one of ‘those girls’ the Ladies Aid always talk about. No short skirts, no heavy makeup, and my swimsuit, a one piece. I play the organ and sing in the choir on Sundays. Not sure which is a costume, the good girl or the whore? Jacob once said I remind him of the song Nasty Girl and I’m a lady on the street but a freak in the bed.

“I guess we’ll get married.” Jacob said hesitantly when I gave him the news.

“Seriously? I don’t even love you.” was my realistic response.

Everything was happening so fast. I didn’t want a baby. I really didn’t want Jacob for my husband. Daddy was so angry we just did what he said. It was really difficult to tell him I lost the baby. By that time it was too late though. My miracle came too late. I was already Mrs. Jacob Langley and Daddy made it very clear I would be Mrs. Jacob Langley until the day I died, baby or no baby.

Here I am pants around my ankles again. If there’s a kid, I don’t know if it’s Jacob’s or not. I do know I don’t want it though. Positive? Damn! Time to put away my tight sweaters and grab baggy sweatshirts again. As long as no one notices I’m pregnant everything should be okay. I’ll put this one with the others. All the little children can play together up in Heaven. It’s a much better life than they would have in this miserable town, with such lousy parents.

“What’s for supper? Are you almost done in there?” Jacob asked as the kitchen chair groaned from his weight.

“Almost done dear. There’s a meatloaf in the oven. Do you want mashed potatoes or fried potatoes?” I responded cheerfully.

“Mashed is great. Hey, are these new work boots for me?” he asked

“Sure are. Just save the box please. I’ve got something in mind for it.” I said as cold eyes stared back at me from the vanity mirror.




Sunday, May 25, 2014

Product Review - Dead Sea Mud Shampoo by Adovia Mineral Skin Care

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


 I wasn't sure how I felt about using a mud shampoo. I sort of thought it might feel gritty or smell funny but Adovia Mineral Skin Care Dead Sea Mud Shampoo proved me wrong on both accounts. I have terribly dry hair and since our youngest was born (8 months ago), my hair has been falling out in clumps and has felt very unhealthy. After the first wash with Adovia Mineral Skin Care Dead Sea Mud Shampoo I could already feel a difference. By the end of the first week, I was in love. I just received the conditioner and can't wait to see how the two products work together. If the shampoo is any indication, you will certainly find this combination in my shower from this day forward! Thank you Adovia Mineral Skin Care for creating this fabulous product and making my hair feel beautiful again!

Here is the Amazon purchase link in case you want to try this one for yourself: http://amzn.to/RqQqFZ

P.S. I'll be reviewing the conditioner in the next few days, stay tuned for more!


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: Garcinia/Cleanse Weight Loss SYSTEM!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Thank you to Team Innovations LLC for this great new product - Garcinia/Cleanse Weight Loss SYSTEM! I can certainly say I lost a few pounds, but more importantly I felt like I had more energy! Since having our third child last September I have felt like a walking zombie and it is about time I feel like my old self again. Thank you Team Innovations for giving me my life back (at least my old body...the clothes are still covered in drool and my hair is still grey).

Try this for yourself - here is the Amazon purchase link: http://amzn.to/1ojYsyQ


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, May 19, 2014

Insta Natural Emu Oil - Might As Well Buy Stock - It's Simply Amazing!!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

When I get excited about a product, my husband will say "might as well buy stock". For example, when our youngest came home from the hospital, I was using coconut oil for nursing relief, chapped lips, dry hands, after bath baby moisturizer, dry hair, on boo boo's for the older children, as eye make up remover, as a butter substitute for flipping pancakes and making cookies, and honestly...the only thing I couldn't do with it was the gargling trick to detoxify but that's another story. When I started using Emu Oil he was quick to notice it was a similar love affair to that of coconut oil. And can you guess what he said? Yup..."might as well buy stock".

Hello, I am Crystal and I am absolutely in love with Insta Natural Emu Oil !  Our youngest is 7 months old and has dry patches so I began using the Emu Oil after his bath. It worked so well I started using it with every diaper change. Then I noticed my hands felt younger, so I stole a few drops for myself. I ran out of leave in conditioner for my hair, so I used it for that too...and a drop on my finger worked great on my lips as a quick mid-day hydration treatment. Our older children got sunburnt and it worked on that...I can't say enough about the variety of uses! (and for you cloth diapering mama's it doesn't seem to affect our diapers either)

Insta Natural Emu Oil has replaced most of the products on our changing table. I no longer need baby lotion, diaper cream, and chapstick, now I just have one bottle of the wonderfully smooth and delightfully unscented Emu Oil! Thanks Insta Natural!!

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 & Giveaway - Safety Products for Parents - Dreambaby®'s Furniture Anchors

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I was super excited to participate in a product review for Dreambaby®'s Furniture Anchors and I'm even more excited to offer a giveaway for my readers. We've all read the horror stories (thanks Facebook) about children being injured or killed by household objects tumbling on top of them. I somehow raised two children without anything happening, but with our youngest now learning how to pull himself up, I was terrified something might happen. I wasn't quite sure what we could do other than maybe wrap everything in bubble wrap and get rid of anything over 3 feet tall. Fortunately Dreambaby® was a step ahead of me. The products were easy to install and have given me peace of mind. As I watch my son creep and crawl around the room, I know when he pulls himself up he will be safe. Thanks Dreambaby® - Definitely 5 stars in my books - and absolutely priceless!


Pictured above are the products we tried and are giving away. They are as follows:
Dreambaby® Furniture Straps - 2 pack (L199) US$6.99
Dreambaby® Furniture Anchor (L830) US$10.79
Dreambaby® Flat Screen TV Saver (L860) US$10.79

Leave a comment on this blog post and let me know which product you'd like and be sure to like Dreambaby® on FB! Good luck!!! (www.facebook.com/Dreambabysafety)


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 - Best Nail Clippers by Simply Essentials

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP1c09c5c4a7466ab306066925e6112b4a" rel="nofollow">http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png
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It is my pleasure to tell you about Simply Essentials Best Nail Clippers. Our family had an opportunity to test drive the Extra Large size - they lived up to the packaging and product description. They certainly are strong, sharp, and wonderful for thick nails. These are my new favorite toe nail clippers. The Best Nail Clippers are well made and easy to handle.

You can purchase your own clippers by following this link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Extra-Large-Clippers-Fingernails-Toenails/dp/B00GRDHIKO

And here's the official product description: Large Stainless steel nail clippers for thick nails. The cutting edge is ultra sharp and ensures nails are easy to cut. Good for precise cutting. Great new style with satin matte finish, includes catchall for clippings and a edge guard. Professional nail clippers. Heavy duty design. Includes one year guarantee.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM1c09c5c4a7466ab306066925e6112b4a" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com
. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, May 16, 2014

A 5 Star Children's Book: Cann Family Desserts

 
 

Cann Family Desserts is a fabulous book for the entire family. But don't take my word for it...here's what my 7 year old daughter had to say:

Book Review: Cann Family Desserts
Review By: Carmen Jeanne Casavant

I really like Cann Family Desserts. It was a good book for teaching about what desserts are good and bad. The pictures were really interesting because food doesn't really talk, so the pictures made me laugh. I like grocery shopping with my mom so I liked the part about making smart choices at the grocery store and at home. I'm going to make better dessert choices too, just like the Cann Family.





Carmen Jeanne Casavant is 7 years old and lives in Reedsville, WI with her two younger brothers
(Andre who is 5 and Breccan who is 7 months) and her parents. Carmen enjoys helping on the family's dairy farm and she is an avid reader. Carmen loves fiction and non-fiction books and is happy to help her mom review books appropriate to her age.

Learn more about the Cann Family here:



 

 

Book Details:

Written by Kathy Carniero

Illustrated by Dana Pierson

 

The Cann Family  is a series of children's books about overcoming life's challenges. With each book in the D series the Cann family is faced with a life challenge. Together, the family comes up with creative and fun ways to overcome these challenges. At the end of each book there is a family project for you and your family to do to help overcome these challenges.

"Big or small if the Cann family can get through it so can your family." -Kathy carniero

 


 


 

Monday, May 12, 2014

A Sweet Product Review - Yacon Syrup (distributed by Life Food Pros)

 
Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP5ee9a954561df69856934dd763eb0116" rel="nofollow">http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png
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Yacon Syrup
It's pretty typical around here to hear my husband say "did you want a little coffee with your creamer" and yes...I'm the girl who ate two candybars on the way home from the store. I suppose you could say I have a sweet tooth, but truth be told, I have sweet teeth - there isn't a single one in there that doesn't love something sweet and delicious! It's too bad I don't crave broccoli or beansprouts, but I just don't. When I was given an opportunity to try a natural sweetener I jumped at the chance!

Yacon Syrup by Life Food Pros is a raw organic syrup that comes from the roots of naturally grown Yacon plants in Peru. Yacon Syrup is low calorie, low glycemic, and it is wonderfully sweet (and perfect in my coffee). Better yet, it has been shown to improve metabolism (...and those candybars and coffee creamers I was eating in the past cannot claim the same...) and lower blood pressure. I don't know for sure about anything long term, but I can tell you there is no need to buy coffee creamer as long as you have Yacon Syrup in the house. It really is sweet, and as you can see from the label, it's low in calories and gulten free. This just may be the most perfect sweetener YET!

Product Links:
http://www.lifefoodpro.com/store/products/100-pure-raw-all-natural-yacon-syrup-8-oz-low-calorie-sweetener-organic-fos-weight-management/

http://www.amazon.com/Sweetener-Metabolism-Certified-Preservatives-Additives/dp/B00GNU6MFI/

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM5ee9a954561df69856934dd763eb0116" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com
. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Pink Paisleys - Review & Recommendation **Fleece Baby Items Made to Order !!



Yesterday I had an opportunity to tell you about a fabulous business making wool diaper covers and baby/toddler pants. Well, today I want to tell all you fleece lovers about a fabulous business making fleece diaper covers and baby/toddler pants as well as other made to order items. I happen to love fleece just as much as I love wool and Pink Paisleys fulfills my fleece orders!

You'll find exactly what you're looking for at Pink Paisleys and if you can't find it, just explain it and they'll make it for you! My little guy fell in love with his new shorts - they were so cuddly he fell right to sleep! Fleece is a great option to stop leaks and of course we all know how cuddly soft fleece is against even the most sensitive skin.

If you don't happen to be from Marshalltown Iowa, You'll find Pink Paisleys on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pink-Paisleys/369093256565049

Reasonable prices, quality baby items, unique prints!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Product Review & Recommendation - Little Addy's Attic

I have in NO way been reimbursed for this post. This product review and recommendation was totally unsolicited and will be completely unexpected for Little Addy's Attic.

Let me start at the beginning. I cloth diaper our little guy who is now 7 months old. He is a happy baby and a fabulous sleeper. He sleeps 12-14 hours and though he wakes to eat he does NOT want his diaper changed. He's much like his mother and prefers to keep his eyes closed until after his morning coffee (well, bottle for him and coffee for me). Of course, he was leaking through even the most expensive diapers. I started using fleece soakers and then learned about the benefits of wool. Unfortunately, we are not in a financial position to pay $50 for a wool soaker and/or $80 for wool pants. I was searching for a local and more reasonable alternative. That's when I found Little Addy's Attic!  (find them yourself on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleAddysAttic )

Little Addy's Attic is right here in Wisconsin (Racine to be exact) and they have been making our wool soakers and longies. Since we started buying from Little Addy's Attic, we have had no leaks. We special order items and receive them quickly and they are exactly what we want. They ask for measurements and we have never been disappointed with fit, quality, price, or turn around time.

If you are looking for a great value on a fabulous product, I can highly recommend Little Addy's Attic. But don't take it from me! As you can see in these pictures, this little man is highly satisfied!!!!


Product Review & GIVEAWAY - Vitamin C Serum by La Beaute Pure

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. http://www.tomoson.com/?code=TOP81bc67658809ec869d9a619433e6c540" rel="nofollow">http://www.tomoson.com/images/front/pixel.png
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I have been loving the La Beaute Pure Vitamin C Serum for younger skin. The product is light and absorbs quickly. It is not adding any time to my beauty routine and yet my skin feels healthier and looks brighter. This is a great product for a busy mom who wants to look good without spending a ton of time or money. I am very happy with the quality of La Beaute Pure Vitamin C Serum and feel it is a fabulous value.

Find it on Amazon!

LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS POST TO BE ENTERED IN A GIVEAWAY FOR YOUR VERY OWN BOTTLE!!! COMMENTS MUST BE MADE BEFORE NOON (CST) FRIDAY, MAY 9TH AND A WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS A COMMENT TO THIS POST!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using http://www.tomoson.com/?code=BOTTOM81bc67658809ec869d9a619433e6c540" rel="nofollow">Tomoson.com
. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Pro-15 The Perfect Probiotic! (Product Review)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I've been taking probiotics for years. My children have all been taking probiotics since birth. I can say wholeheartedly I believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I am proud to say my 7 year old has been on antibiotics twice and our 6 year old only once (the 7 month old - never). I fully think we owe this to a healthy diet and the probiotics. In addition to keeping us healthy, here's a quick run-down of why Pro-15 is our probiotic of choice:
**No artificial flavors or colors
**Better absorption
**Easy to swallow and no yucky flavor or odor
**Improved mood and energy levels (THIS IS MY FAVORITE PART)

Like most of you, I am busy and wear many hats throughout the day. I tended to get cranky and short with people toward the end of the day. I also found myself getting tired. That was all BEFORE I started taking Pro-15. They don't just claim to improve mood and energy levels, THEY DO IT!

I can't say enough positive things about this probiotic in particular. Please take a look for yourself and give Pro-15 a try!


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.

WOW! Women on Writing Blog Tour, Giveaway & Book Review for David Kalish

I am happy to participate in another great WOW! Women on Writing Book Blog Tour for a fabulous
author! Today's author spotlight and review is for a author and playwright David Kalish. Let's start with a review and go from there!



Book Review – The Opposite of Everything by David Kalish
Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto

I remember my topsy-turvy life after my husband broke the news he didn’t love me anymore. I couldn’t remember exactly when things started going wrong and I was plagued with questions and an overwhelming sense of confusion and frustration. I started retracing my steps in hope of finding myself again. I felt like a fragile figurine from the gift shop and I kept thinking “why didn’t you just leave me where you found me since you didn’t want me anyway?” I took myself back to a time and place of safety…I went back to the friends I had ten years prior in hopes of doing it all again and getting it right. Until I read The Opposite of Everything by David Kalish I didn’t realize just how funny that type of re-creation could be! I was immediately drawn to The Opposite of Everything and felt kindred with main character Brooklyn Journalist, Daniel Plotnik and his humorous approach to a difficult situation.

Of course, I don’t claim a divorce is as traumatic or life-altering as a health crisis, and yet an emotional crisis certainly feels just as real. I love the laughter in the face of tragedy approach Kalish’s character takes to aid in his resurrection after disease, divorce, and a tumultuous relationship with his father.  The thought of new beginnings, choosing a different path, and a better ending appeals to many of us, and Kalish does a fabulous job of making this journey entertaining and downright hysterical!

Believe it or not, Plotnick’s own father pushes him off the George Washington Bridge and instead of sulking, Plotnick devises a plan to turn life around by doing the opposite of everything he had done before. This first novel by David Kalish is humorous, real, and a story you’ll want to share with friends. The Opposite of Everything was named a finalist in the Somerset Fiction Awards and will quickly climb the best seller lists. Get your copy today and enjoy every twist, turn, and laugh! Congratulations to Kalish on a fabulous book – definitely 5 stars from this reader whose only regret is not meeting character Daniel Plotnik in the real world – he is a character I’d love to have coffee with!

Book Details:
Length: 191 pages
Publisher: WiDo Publishing (February 17, 2014)
ASIN: B00IIUUSKG

Author Details:
David’s website: www.davidkalishwriter.com

GIVEAWAY!