Sunday, August 31, 2014

Why I made the Switch to Mac


I have to admit, I was one of those people who used to make fun of people with Mac’s. I know. I’m a jerk. I used to think to myself, “I know they are faster, but are they really that much better?” The answer, my friends, is yes. Yes, they are better. And here is why:
  1. Windows 8 happened. This operating system, in my eyes, was a complete and total failure. It was meant for tablets, and smart phones, and not for people like me who want to get things done. No, I do not want to switch back and forth between the Start Screen and the Desktop. It was far too different, and WAY too glitchy.
  2. Freezes/Crashes/Blue Screens. I kid you not, it seemed like everyday I was having to do a hard restart on my Windows computer. Don’t give me that crap about viruses either, I had a scanner, and every sort of anti everything installed. Care of Avast. Windows just inevitably, crashes.
  3. Viruses. Most viruses are actually written specifically for PC’s. I’m not saying that your Mac will never get a virus, but if you are careful, the chances are extremely unlikely.
  4. Speed. I didn’t actually know how well my Mac would work until I unboxed it. I went from a top of the line Alienware gaming laptop, to an iMac. I had only have as much memory. After using my Mac for several months, I have to say, even with half of the memory my PC had, my Mac is still faster.
  5. Looks. This isn’t actually a very good reason to buy a Mac, but nevertheless, it helped me decide on one. Mac’s look great. When you have one sitting on your desk, it makes you feel good. They are simple and sleek, and yet, they are powerhouses.
Sorry Microsoft, you just can’t hack it. Not in my book anyways. If I didn’t have to install third party software onto my Windows 8 computer to even make it functional enough for me to do anything, maybe we would talk about switching back. Until I see some major changes, I am sticking with my Mac. Even with the higher price point. It was worth every penny!

Giveaway: Natural Balance Dental Chews!


Natural Balance is always a favorite at my house! My animals go absolutely NUTS over them! They even know what the bags look like! When they hear the crinkle they come running!

Natural Balance has offered my readers a Giveaway! If you have a furry Canine pal, then be sure to enter. I can almost guarantee that they will LOVE them!

You can check out my review HERE!


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Saturday, August 30, 2014

Review: Weight Guru's Bathroom Scale


Disclaimer: I received these items in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. These are my honest opinions. Your experience may differ.



After a snafu with my previous scale (that I hated), I was able to try out Weight Guru's Bathroom Scale. I have to say, i was pretty impressed. It was super easy to set up. The directions were very clear as to what I had to do, and where I had to go to download the App that pairs with the scale.

If you are looking for any type of scale to go along with your exercise routine or diet, then this is definitely the scale for you. I actually have never been excited to weigh myself than I was with this scale.

After you download the app you do the initial weigh in. This is done fairly easily. You just step on. First it tells you your weigh in regular numbers, and then a little pattern comes on the screen, almost like a bar code. You hold your phone over that with the app open, and you are weighed it. The App is what makes this scale extraordinary. It keeps track of how much you have gained or lost in easy to read graphs.

This was by far the best "weighing in" experience I have ever had!

You can Buy this product here!


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.

Review: Lifeguard Mini Portable Charger


Disclaimer: I received these items in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. These are my honest opinions. Your experience may differ.

I have fallen in love with this product! It is such a good thing to have around. The only thing is that I wish I would have had it sooner! Lifeguard Mini is a Portable Charger that fits right in the palm of your hand. I can charger just about anything! Within less than a minute, it had charged my phone up a full percent. It is not a "slow charger"; it charges just as fast as if you had your phone plugged into the wall. 


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.

Review & Giveaway: Big Slice Apples




My family loves fruit. My son however can't eat all fruit yet, but he surely tries. So, when I found Big Slice Apples I thought they would be a prefect alternative for him. He usually gets applesauce, which he likes, but he only likes to feed himself now. 

I was lucky enough to be able to try Big Slice Apples, and my son couldn't have been more happy about trying them. They are a great on the go solution when you want to have fruit, but in a different way. 

We were lucky enough to be able to try a few of these products from their line. They are great for all sorts of different things. You can literally cut open the bag, and dig right in with a fork or spoon. Or, one of my sons favorites was on top of pancakes and french toast. I put this in my oatmeal in the morning and loved the flavor it brought to my oatmeal. My husband loves Big Slice Apples in his plain yogurt in the morning. 

My personal favorite was the Cherry Vanilla. It was the perfect blend of kettle cooked apples, cherries, and a hint of vanilla. My son also loved this flavor. He loves to share anything he can with mommy and daddy. 

I put these in my husbands lunches, and brought them with us on the go for my son to have a snack he didn't need medicine with. These were also perfect for in the morning, my son refuses breakfast first thing in the morning. But he will always eat fruit. So I would open up the package, put it in a bowl for him, and he would go to town. 

If you would like to find out more information about this product, please click here. 




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Review: Body Merry Eye Cream


If you are looking for an Eye cream that is packed with things that are great for your skin, look no further than Body Merry Eye Cream!

The ingredients in this ROCK!
"We've packed in cutting edge peptides like Matrixyl-3000 and Tripeptide-5 with an ocean based Retinol and botanical Hyaluronic Acid. We know that's not enough – so we've added lots of antioxidants, organic vitamins and minerals, pure plant oils and botanical actives – Aloe, Witch Hazel, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin C, Cucumber, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Green Tea, Licorice, Eyebright, Avocado Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Lemon, Lemongrass, Vitamin B5, Lavender and Chamomile (to name just a few!)."
This is made for all skin types.

You can buy it Here! 


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.

Review: Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter


Disclaimer: I received these items in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. These are my honest opinions. Your experience may differ.

Until recently, I had never tried Shea Butter. I had always heard how great it was at moisturizing, but it seems like I could never find it. Then I was sent Cleopatra's Choice 100% Pure African Shea Butter.


I will never go back to regular lotion to treat my dry and cracked heels and elbows. When I apply this Shea Butter, it's like immediate relief.

One thing I have to say is that when you apply this is absorbs extremely well, and it isn't greasy.

Shea Butter helps with a variety of things as well as moisturizing your skin, including:



  • Minor Burns
  • Eczema
  • Dark Spots
  • Skin Discolorations
  • Stretch Marks
  • Blemishes
  • Preventing Wrinkles
  • Dry lips
As you can see, Shea Butter has tons of uses! I also plan on making body butter and Lotion Bars. I love that this product is so versatile! It should be in every home because it has so many different uses. I even used this on sunburn one day, and the next day, my skin had no trace of a burn. This is a great product that I will keep around for a long time!

You can buy this item HERE! For only $14.99, it's definitely worth the price!




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.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Giveaway: Lovely Candy Co.


I live in a house hold of candy lovers. We all have a huge sweet tooth. I just hate knowing what terrible things are in the candy at your local convenience store. So, when I found Lovely Candy Co. I was super excited to see that they are a company that are Non-GMO AND gluten free. I received six flavors to sample and tell everyone about. Let me tell you about all of them. I can't pick favorites here, because honestly they are all so good. My husband even likes them and he is picky. I have had to hide them from both of us multiple times. 






Chocolate Chews were my son and my husbands favorite. I loved that they didn't taste fake. They don't stick to your teeth at all. Which is great. They have a more rich real chocolate flavor. 









Super Fruit Chews are a great fruit flavored candy. They did stick to the paper a little, but I am positive it is from Michigan humid weather. Never the less, I got quickly addicted. This bag has three flavors, Blueberry, Cranberry, and Raspberry. 








These are some of the thickest caramels I have ever seen in my life. They are so great! If you are ever having a craving two of these will take care of it. And you think, caramel it is going to stick to your teeth. But, it doesn't! These are so so delicious. 











Raspberry Chocolate Chews are the perfect blend of Chocolate and Raspberry. So soft and chewy. 











In this bag you will find apple , blackberry, and cherry chews. These are vegan approved. They have real fruit in every chew. 










Ok, so these Chocolate Swirl Caramels. They are the perfect blend of chocolate and caramel. And just like the regular caramels, they are so big! These are definitely one candy that haven't lasted long in my house. 







To find all of the great products from this company, please click here





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I Wrote a Letter to Myself




Dear Me,

Yes, Me. You read that right. Sure, you are thinking Yeah right, this isn't from your actual self, and it certainly couldn't be from the future. Let me prove it to you, erm, Me. Remember that time in first grade when we had to tell the entire class what our favorite color was, and then Mrs. Biggs would put a tally under the color on the white board? Yes, you remember. Do you remember that you LIED? Everyone liked red, and you didn't want to be the only loser that said Purple, so you said Red. And guess what, you are still kind of ashamed that you lied. Yep, now you know it's me. 

I am here to tell you not to sweat the small stuff. To forget about dying your hair a certain color because that certain boy likes it. Forget about trying to fit in with people, who you don't even like to begin with. Because, guess what? It's almost the end of 2014, and those things don't matter. Cherish the memories you are making, and stop worrying about your future so much. Things will fall into place. They always seem to don't they? 

Pay attention in school, especially Chemistry, because otherwise you will fail. The water bottle wars aren't that important. 

Go the extra mile to go visit your grandparents, because they will be gone some day, and you will wish that you had said the things you always wanted to, and now I can't, so you had better. 

Take more pictures. Smile More. Listen to music. Dance. Hang out with Friends. Take it day by day. Don't wish your life away. Have no regrets! 

One day you will find the man of your dreams. I will not tell you who, and I will not tell you where, because that would take away the thrill and mystery of it. He's worth waiting for, even though years from now he drives you absolutely bananas, but you still love him anyways. All of the school boy crushes are a waste of time and energy. Focus more on your family and friends, believe me, you will thank me for it later. 

You can't ever take the time back, but you can decide how you spend it. Spend your time wisely, and for god sakes... CLEAN YOUR ROOM. :)

Don't worry self, it all works out in the end. 
Love,
ME

Review: Barbara's Cookie Pies

Disclaimer: I received these items in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. These are my honest opinions. Your experience may differ.

I have reviewed a cookie pie from Barbara's Cookie pies before, and I have to say, I really think these are great. This time I was able to try the Oreo Cookie Cream Pie. I thought the crust on this was great. That butter cookie crust is the most genius idea. I love Oreo's, so this was so great tasting!



The Filling was my husbands favorite part. He loves the double stuffed Oreo's, and the white filling in this pie is exactly the same as the Oreo Filling. This Cookie pie is very rich, one little slice will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Barbara's cookie pies will be like nothing else you have ever tasted. The crust is buttery and delicious, and the fillings are always so mouthwatering. She makes tons of different flavors and varieties. These cookie pies would make a great gift for anyone, or even if you have a party or dinner coming up and you are racking your brain trying to come up with a dessert, then these are definitely for you!!


Riley, about to enjoy the last slice of
Oreo Creme Cookie Pie
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How to: Acrylic Nails


I have dabbled a lot in nail art in the past few years. Just recently I have started doing acrylic nails regularly. My friends know me as the person to come to when they need their nails done, which is perfectly okay for me! Acrylics are one of my favorite things to do. I love they way they look and feel. 




I thought I would share with you guys a few different sets that I have done recently. Everyone likes the French Manicure style, and they are honestly the easiest to accomplish if you are just starting out. If you would like to try nails I would recommend getting these products. 


These are the bare minimum tools and items you would need to start doing acrylics:


  • Acrylic Powder
  • Acrylic Liquid
  • Acrylic Brush
  • Files (Or a Nail Drill)
  • Nail Glue
  • Nail Tips
  • Nail Clippers
  • Cuticle Oil
You can also buy the things above in a kit. The kits are great if you are just starting out and don't really know what to buy. 


Nail Drill and Tips


Practice Fingers






















Here are the steps to how I do my nails:

Prepped Nail
Drillbit 



1. Prep the Nail. Wash your hands and push back your cuticle. Trim up the nails to the same length. Then you either want to use a drill to rough up the nails or use a regular file. Make sure there is no shine left on the nail. 

2. The next step is to glue on the nail tip, and cut it to length. 

3. Now you can start the acrylic process. Apply The acrylic over the entire nail, taking care to not let the acrylic touch the skin or cuticle. This step does not have to be completely perfect. It will be lumpy your first few tries, but it is okay, you can file out your mistakes. 


4. Wait. Make sure the acrylic is completely dry before going on to the next step. 

5. File down the nail completely smooth. You will need to use a few different bits for this and a few different grits of files to get it how you want it. Filing is the hardest, and most important part. 
Cut The Nail to Length



Acrylic is Applied
Nail is cut to Length I want
6. Finish the nail. Buff the nail with cuticle oil until smooth, and then apply your top coat. I chose a frosty top coat for this particular nail. I love the look it gives. 


Getting Ready to Start Acrylic
Finished Nail







Filed Nail

You are done! Don't forget to apply cuticle oil to your cuticles when you are finished. You can get a lot more creative than I did, adding colors to your tips, adding things under the acrylic, adding glitter, etc. 















Thursday, August 28, 2014

Review: Ozeri Wine Opener

Disclaimer: I received these items in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. These are my honest opinions. Your experience may differ.

You know me, I love my Ozeri Products! This wine opener definitely did not disappoint. I hate using regular corkscrews. Most of the time I don't have enough strength in my hands to even screw it in the the bottle. So this product was basically a god send. 













Many of you know that I went on Vacation this past weekend, and we of course stopped at the Cherry Republic. They sell of sorts of things, and everything is Cherry. One of my favorite things to get there though is Cherry Wine! I bought two different bottles this year. When I got home I couldn't wait to try it out, so I cracked open a bottle with the Ozeri Wine Opener.

This product was so easy to use, just push a button, and you are into your wine in no time at all! I also have to say, I have never been let down by the look of Ozeri Products. They are something I am happy to display on my counter. 

I love this product! It also came with an aerator and a foil cutter, which also both work great. 

Review: Teavivre Tea For Life

Disclaimer: I received these items in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to post a positive review. These are my honest opinions. Your experience may differ.


I have reviewed teas from Teavivre before, and I absolutely love them. These were even better than the last. The cakes were a little, weird, but still had a good taste. I love Teavivre!





Here I am trying out one of the flavors! 

Letting it steep

Yummo!



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The Upper Peninsula


I promised pictures of Tehquamenon Falls, and here they are! We had such a great time up in the UP. Not only did my husband get to go across the Mackinaw Bridge for the first time in his adult life, but we traveled through so many beautiful forests, and seen very interesting things. I can't wait to go next summer!
Base of the Lower Falls

Our View of the Mighty Mac

On the Bridge

We have Arrived!


View from the viewing platform above the Falls

Lake Michigan, on the way home. Taken from the Bridge

People having fun in the Falls