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Friday, March 25, 2016

Product Review - Vitamin C 21% Serum

With Make-up Over

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Vitamin-Preventing-Troubles-Wrinkles-Blemish/dp/B00H2BRAK8

#Vitamincfacial

After


This review is from: Vitamin C 21% Serum- Preventing Skin Troubles of Ageing, Fine Lines, Deep Wrinkles, Age Spots, Dull Skin, Flabby and Sagged Skin, Acne, Pimples & Blemish. (Misc.)

This vitamin C serum is light and non-greasy, it absorbs quickly and has a very light scent. I took a before & after pic so you can see that it's not greasy. Works great under your normal moisturizer!

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

Before





Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/



Spacious Laptop Bag - This One Is a Winner!!!




Finally!!!! A laptop backpack that fits my laptop and everything else. I carry a wireless keyboard & mouse along with my 17" laptop and most cases don't accomodate everything I need for a meeting. This bag is spacious and has plenty of additional pockets as well as extra straps to ensure your equipment is snug & safe.

I received this product at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Zigels-Backpack-Business-Travel-Student/dp/B00T8PG6HY?ie=UTF8&ref_=cm_cr-mr-title


‪#‎schoolbackpack‬

Here are some additional pictures showing everything I put in here (with plenty of room left)







Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Fun Bath Toy Organizer for Your Little Ones!





















Amazon Product Review Link: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1HZ08EJUXRQ00/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Amazon Buy Link: http://goo.gl/TPGe33

#bathtoyorganizer



This is a great option for keeping bath toys out of the way but still close at hand. The suction cups are really strong, and the ones with the hooks for the sponges are ridiculously strong yet easy to install. The toys are adorable, and the net will hold quite a bit of stuff. I like that the net is mesh to allow toys to dry between using. This helps keep the bath area neat and tidy and keeps toys in good condition so they last longer.

I received this item at a discount in exchange for my honest review - the thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.







Awesome Watch - Lots of Features!


Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amztk.com/0955orange ‪#‎Aposon‬

This watch offers a lot of features at a reasonable price. The stopwatch feature and lighted display are personal favorites. This is an attractive and functional time piece that is sure to get the job done. It is water resistant and great for a busy parent or an athlete.

I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1S89HRI4IF22/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Whisk Review



Amazon Link: http://www.amztk.com/eggwhisk

#Whisk




This review is from: Kitchen Whisk Reegon Stainless Steel Whisk,Balloon Wire Whisk,Egg Frother Milk Egg Beater,Kitchen Utensils for Blending Whisking Beating Stirring,Set of 3 8inch+10inch+12inch



These kitchen whisks are sturdy & they clean up nice in the dishwasher. The handles are thicker than my others and that makes them easier to handle. They're good quality and I'm sure they'll be part of our kitchen for many years to come.

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.






Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

When the Going Gets Tough - Dairy Farming Wives Get 'Cooking'

...Cooking up homemade household products that is!!!

So...it's been over a year of low milk prices and lots of us are talking about different ways to save money. In times like these, it's not a good idea to make huge changes in the barn, but some little changes in the house can make a difference. Some of these recipes may have been shared in different posts, but I thought I'd put them all together for you:

Shampoo

1 cup water
1 T baking soda

Mix together in an old shampoo bottle (add essential oils if you wish)

Enjoy this delightful "no poo" by shaking the bottle before use and then massage into your hair - starting at the roots - rinse and repeat as desired


Conditioner

1 T apple cider vinegar
1 C water

Mix together in an old (clean) shampoo bottle

Shake bottle before use and then massage into your hair. Let sit several minutes and then rinse & enjoy!


Dish Soap

2 cups boiling water
1 Tbsp + 1/2 teaspoon borax
2 Tbsp grated bar soap (use homemade soap, castile bar soap, Ivory, or whichever natural bar you prefer)
15-20 drops essential oils (I love lavender or orange)


Heat water to boiling.
Combine borax and grated bar soap in a large bowl. Pour hot water and whisk until the melted.

Cool 8+ hours, stirring occasionally.

Soap will thicken.

Transfer to an old bottle and add essential oils - enjoy!



***I haven't had much luck with dishwasher soap recipes, so if you have one that works, let me know. 


Hand Soap

1/4 cup grated bar soap
1 quart of water
essential oils (we love orange in the kitchen and lavender in the bath)


Place all ingredients except oils in a small pan on medium heat - stir constantly til dissolved.
Cool several hours and pour into your old dispenser (if you want to add oils, do that now)
After a day or so, your soap will thicken (not quite to the consistency of store bought). Once thick, go ahead and shake well and you're ready to use!



Laundry Soap

½ cup borax
1 cup washing soda
1 bar Fels-Naptha soap
3 gallons distilled
5gallon bucket with tight fitting lid

Grate the Fels-Naptha.

Pour 4 cups of your water into a kettle. Bring to a biol then reduce heat and simmer. Add grated soap - cup by cup and stir until dissolved.

Pour all ingredients into your bucket and stir together - you'll need to stir before each use as well

Use 1C per load (makes approx. 50 loads worth)

OR

Alternate Laundry Soap

1C Borax
1C Washing Soda
1C Castile Soap
16C distilled H2O
Essential oils - optional

Dissolve Borax and Washing Soda with 6C H2O on the stove (10 ish minutes at medium heat)

While that's "cooking" - combine the rest of the water and the castile soap in a 5 gallon bucket

If you're adding Essential Oils - add them to the room temperature water mixture in the 5 gallon bucket

Pour heated mixture over the room temperature mixture in the 5 gallon bucket

Stir gently with a wooden spoon - stirring too vigorously will give you bubbles (bubbles are undesirable)

Ladle out using a measuring cup or something with a nice pouring spout and refill existing containers

Label your containers

Use 1/4 to 1/2C depending on load size, type of washer, amount of dirt, etc... You can also pour a bit directly on a stain and let sit.





**I'll share my deodorant and lip balm recipe tomorrow


We also use cloth diaper, plant a large garden, and do plenty of canning as well as baking our own bread, making butter, kefir, yogurt, sour cream, etc...the fewer trips to the store, the better!

Monday, March 21, 2016

Product Review for Angel Crafts 6" x 12" Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheets (35 PACK) - BEST Permanent Assorted Vinyl



I would absolutely buy this again - it was awesome!! This vinyl worked well in the Cricut Explore machine and cut cleanly. I used the "Flat Black" which has a little shimmer to it but is Matte (not shiny) and the Red gloss vinyl from the pack. There was also a Matte Black (no shimmer) that I could have used. After weeding the images (removing the excess vinyl), I used transfer tape to transfer the image to the pencil cup and van window. Again, the the material cut beautifully and transferred easily. I used the Matte on the cup as this would be good for a temporary logo - not one that would be washed or handled overly and should last a long time in that state. The Gloss was used on the car window.

I received this product at a discounted rate in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0125FQD9Y

#Angelcrafts

the colors are vivid! 












Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/



Friday, March 18, 2016

Adorable Bandana Bibs & Baby Plush Toy - Product Review






Amazon Link: http://goo.gl/RTdIlZ


Best Baby Bib Set by NinoStar Complete Pack of 5 Bandana Drool Bibs ,1 Stuffed Giraffe Plush Toy

As Listed on Amazon:

About the Product
BEST SET: This pack contains 5 colorful V-shaped drool bibs for both boys or girls. The animal toy will become your child's favorite thing to cuddle. Each of the numbered milestone stickers celebrates a month of life for the first year.
BEST MATERIAL: These stylish drool bibs are made of high quality 100% soft organic cotton absorbent layers on the front and 100% soft fleece on the back, which will absorb your baby's drool before it wets the skin and clothing. They can also be used when nursing or feeding and are machine washable.
BEST DESIGN: With bright stars, stripes, triangles, flags, and anchors in blues, grays, reds, whites, and yellows, these extra long bibs are for newborns and toddlers ages 3 to 24 months. All bibs have 3 nickel-free snaps that can be adjusted to fit comfortably around the neck.
BEST GIFT: This gourges complete set of 5 bibs, a stuffed animal toy, and a dozen milestone stickers makes the perfect and unique baby shower or mom-to-be gift!
BEST SATISFACTION: Our products are backed by a 100% money back guarantee. Return it within 90 days for a full refund with no questions asked.

#NinoStar

My review:

These bibs are absolutely adorable. The front is cotton with cute prints and the back is absorbent - both are soft as can be and perfect for baby!

My daughter loved the stuffed giraffe toy that came with the set.

This really is a nice idea for a baby shower or new parent gift. The bibs have two snaps so you can use them for a tiny squish or a toddler. The prints are neutral and can be used for a boy or a girl.

Definitely 5 stars and something I would recommend to others!

I received this product for free or a reduced price in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/





Thursday, March 17, 2016

A Spa Day for Your Stretch Marks



This non greasy stretch mark oil feels amazing, smells even better, and leaves skin feeling more youthful! This is a great gift for new and expectant moms!

Love the encouragement on the bottle too!

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

http://www.amztk.com/stretch-mark-removal-essential-oil

#PhytopiaUSA




Crystal is a church musician, babywearing mama (aka crunchy mama), business owner, active journaler, writer and blogger, Blog Tour Manager with WOW! Women on Writing, Publicist with Dream of Things Publishing, as well as a dairy farmer. She lives in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin with her husband, four young children (Carmen 9, Andre 7, Breccan 2, and Delphine 1), two dogs, two rabbits, four little piggies, a handful of cats and kittens, and over 230 Holsteins.


You can find Crystal riding unicorns, blogging and reviewing books, baby carriers, cloth diapers, and all sorts of other stuff at: http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/ and here: http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/

Angel Baby Car Seat Travel Bag



Product Review for: Angel Baby Car Seat Travel Bag - DURABLE DOUBLE STRENGTH Polyester with Shoulder Strap, Water Resistant, Lightweight - Great for Airplane Gate Check and Storage - Fits Carseats, Booster & Infant Carriers

We have a huge Britax infant seat with a really large base and the Angel Baby Car Seat Travel Bag even fits around it. Great design, very durable.

I received this product at a reduced rate in exchange for my honest review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OJN7L3I