Embracing a Healthy Family

Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Review


fresh deodorant
If you are a regular to my blog, you know that I prefer natural products and things that are healthier.  I don't always choose the best choice but when it comes to something that I'm putting on my skin daily, I definitely want something that is not going to be harmful.  I used to use one of the leading brands until I started reading about the potential toxicity of the ingredients that made them effective.  Once my now eight year old, yes, she's only eight, needed deodorant, I didn't want her putting anything harmful on her skin.  This is where Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal comes on the scene.  


Not only is it 100% pure and natural, it's made in the US AND is a woman-owned and family-operated natural products company.  I cannot ask for anything more other than having Johnny Depp delivering it to me!  They don't just stop with deodorant as they also have a full line of personal hygiene products that includes spray mists and roll-ons that provide 24 hours of hypoallergenic protection against body and foot odor.  My younger daughter, not quite ready for deodorant yet, is allergic and sensitive to products.  Knowing that all their products are paraben free, propylene glycol free and contains no aluminum makes it ideal for my entire family.


In case you are wondering how regular deodorants work, they are processed into smaller molecules which allows easier absorption into the blood stream.  Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal is not processed and the molecules are larger to prevent absorption.   If you want to learn more about aluminum and mineral salts and alum, just click on the link.


I was able to review the following three products:  Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal, Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal - Spray Mist and Moiststic Natural Lip Protection.


Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Roll-on Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal Spray Mist MoistStic Natural Lip Protection
Each product performed as expected and I was able to use even when running.  I did notice that if I ran late in the day, I needed another application of deodorant but that is what I expect with all deodorants.  The smell is pleasant and was not overwhelming.  Out in the dry winter, my lips took a beating so the timing of the Natural Lip Protection couldn't be better.  It went on easy, stayed on and was not filled with obnoxious aromas or a waxy film.  All products performed up to my standards and I definitely recommend each of them.  For me, the fact that they are natural is top notch!


Follow on Facebook and Twitter and to purchase, click here.




*Disclosure:  I received complimentary products but the opinions are of my own.

Good Snacks: Oceans Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks Giveaway (4 Winners) - 2/4 (US)




I took on a big healthy living kick starting in 2011.  I started with an interest in 2010 but fully embraced it in 2011.   With getting older and seeing the effects of too much McDonald's on my middle one, I knew it was time.  I stopped those nearly daily after school stops to McDonalds and started with wholesome snacks and regular cooking.  Finding snacks that are good and good for you can be challenging with all the carb laden, calorie enriched foods out there.  I was happy to discover Oceans Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks.  Only 80 calories, gluten free and they contain 100% of daily value of Vitamin C, you can't go wrong.  When I noticed my eight year old was getting a little chubby, I knew it was time to make the change as it's a health issue over a "fat" issue.  


We started eating healthier and getting more exercise through playful exercise.  Whether it's through the pool or playing interactive wii or Xbox games, we are moving!  I have lost 27 pounds in the course of a year.  My girls are fit and healthy and that is the key....healthy!  My girls enjoyed the flavor and this is the first fruit snack that my youngest would actually eat!


Oceans Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks colors are made from all natural sources.  The snacks are made with apple, pear and cranberry concentrate.


You can download a $1.10 coupon here for two boxes of Oceans Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks.  Check them out on Facebook.


Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!


The Giveaway:


Six boxes (three of each) variety of Oceans Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks.





To Enter:


Please use the Rafflecopter form below.










a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks, information, and giveaway have been provided by Ocean Spray® through MyBlogSpark.

Kindle Fire and $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway 1/30



Welcome to Kindle Fire and $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Hosted by Coupon Scribbles
You've heard about now WIN one!! The Kindle Fire would be wonderful to win just by itself but we are throwing in a $50 Amazon Gift Card for Movies or Books to load up your Kindle Fire.

The Giveaway begins at Monday 1/16/12 and ends at 11:59pm EST Monday 1/30/12.

The winner will be chosen and notified. The prize will be sent out via 2nd day shipping!

Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

Co-Hosting the Kindle Fire and $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway with Coupon Scribbles are:

Win a Cameo Silhouette!

I can honestly say I wished I was hosting this giveaway but I'm not.  Since I have a Silhouette, I can a Cameo.  I've been entering to win and wanted to share this giveaway with you!

Kindle Fire and $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Starting Monday!



Kindle Fire and $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Starting Monday!

Beauty and the Beast Printable Coloring Sheets



If your little ones are fans of Beauty and the Beast like mine, you won't want to miss out on these Beauty and the Beast Coloring Sheets.   <-- Just click on the link for a series of different printables!

Tangled Ever After Clip & Pictures




I had to share this Tangled Ever After clip that will be shown after watching the new Beauty and the Beast in  3D that was released yesterday.  My girls love Tangled and they love this little sneak peak.


Stay up to date and like Tangled on Facebook.


Here are some pictures as well.




Happy Valentine's Day $50 Amazon or Starbucks GC Giveaway 2/1

As a special "gift" to my readers, I'm giving away a $50 Amazon GC or a $50 Starbucks GC!  I received payment on a post I did so I decided to pass it on to you as an early Valentine's Day gift!


To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purex Crystals Jockey Sports Bra Giveaway 1/26




Purex Jockey Prize 190x300 Purex Crystals Jockey Sports Bra GiveawayDid you make your New Year's resolutions?  If not, that's okay because if you want to get healthy, no time is better than now.  You don't have to wait until the first to do that and if you noticed, I wrote healthy and not lose weight.  It's a mind set that I believe is true to heart and achievable if you approach it as a health aspect over just forsaking the yummy chocolates, indulging carbs and otherwise unhealthy foods.  It's something I embraced last year and lost 26 pounds. It's something where I said enough is enough and have turned it into a learning experience with my children as well.  They now eat better thanks to my efforts.  This is why the opportunity to review Purex Crystals fabric softener and Jockey Sports Bra was PERFECTO!  


If you know anything about sports bras, they are expensive so you want to take care of them.  With Purex Crystals you can do that.  What is also nice is that you just add them into the wash at the beginning along with detergent and in my case, it was Purex Triple Action.  Since you put it in at the beginning, it actually has more time to infuse into the fabric giving you great smelling clothes that are noticeably softer.  You can take the clothes out weeks later and the fragrance is still there.  It's not overpowering either.  It's just a nice friendly reminder that you are wearing clean, fresh clothes.  I tried the Purex Crystals Tropical Splash and love it!




Another reason I like Purex Crystals is that other fabric softeners have a softening oil which prevents moisture wicking fabrics from wicking thus ruining the main purpose of athletic wear like Jockey's sports bras.  The Jockey Tech Terry Performance Sports Bra is ideal for those sweaty workouts.  Made with cool moisture-wicking technology, it keeps you cool and dry.  I had to request an XL due to being rather top heavy and it fit perfectly!  Many other sports bras almost dislocate a shoulder trying to squeeze it on but the Jockey fit like no other.  Stay tuned as there will be a coupon available at Purex-Jockey.


One reader will win a full size bottle of Purex Crystals and a Jockey Sports Bra!


Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!


To Enter:


Complete the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Disclosure: I received complimentary product but the opinions are of my own.

Finally Home to Family $15 Amazon GC Giveaway 1/18

If you are a military family or know one, you know how hard deployments are.  They are really tough on the entire family as I know.  You end up being more like a single parent and have a new life ahead of you as it's up to carry forward alone.  Everyone always hears of the great stories of the reunion post deployment but often times, those "after" times are the hardest.  Learning to cope with one another again, adjusting to no longer being the sole decision maker and everything else that goes along with being alone for a year or more to being back together can plague a family.  I listened to a women's group at a military installation tell what it's like before, during and after deployments and I related to them all because I've been there.  It's hard.


A new app has been introduced to help families facing the reunion and it's below. Finally Home to Family has tips, ideas, stories and more to help bring you back together.  You don't even have to be military to enjoy this app.  It's a great way to learn more about yourself, your spouse and as a couple.  Check it out and let me know what you think!


You can also enter to win a $15 Amazon GC by entering via the Rafflecopter form below.








a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Disclosure: I was provided the opportunity to give a gift card away by sharing this post. I received no compensation.

Broken In


Guest post written by Derick Burks

My brother and sister in-law's condo was burglarized last summer. It was done during the day while most people are at work. They kicked in the back door. They took all their valuable things like laptops, video games, TV, and jewelry. My brother and sister-in-law had some really nice things. I think the hardest thing for my sister in-law was when she came home from work and saw her home ransacked. The thought that someone had been in her living space, in her home, looking through all her belongings and taking them really bothered her. The hardest loss for her was that they took jewelry that had been her great grandmother's. They also took the watch that her husband had given her on their wedding day. It had an inscription on the inside. Thankfully no one was harmed. All of these possessions can be replaced; I can only imagine what could have happened if she had come home for lunch and walked in on the burglars. My sister in-law didn't feel safe staying in her home for several days. She told my brother that she would not stay there until there was a adt home security Mass installed and working. It helped her feel better. It gives her comfort when she comes home from work and when she sleeps at night.

Purex Triple Action Liquid




Have you tried Purex yet?  They have a new detergent called Purex Triple Action Liquid.  I use Purex because it costs less and works just as I would want it to.  It leaves my clothes clean, bright and smelling good.  The new Triple Action liquid's formula contains what you expect of Purex but also has some new additions to help deliver great cleaning and a brightening power as who wants dingy looking clothes?



Purex Triple Action is good for all washers so no more needing to purchase that high priced detergent when you can buy Purex at a lesser cost while delivering the same great, if not better, results.  In February, Prove it to Yourself returns.  You will get to see first hand proof of how Purex works and a new sampling program will start at FreeSamplePurex.com.  


 


I prefer the Free & Clear formulas because I have a child with severe allergies and asthma but have tried all Purex products available due to the cost and effectiveness.  I love Purex products and am a customer.  I like how my clothes come out smelling fresh, looking bright and clean and soft.  It's my product of choice.




*Disclosure:  I received complimentary product as part of the Purex Insiders.  The opinions are of my own.

Purex UltraPacks Liquid Laundry Detergent




Who doesn't like convenience?  We're all busy anymore that anything that can cut a corner is nice.   Not only can convenience save time but it can also save money such as with the Purex UltraPacks Liquid Laundry Detergent.  The new Purex UltraPacks are pre-dosed liquid detergent packs that makes doing that dreadful chore called laundry easier since you just pop it in the wash.  No messy liquids, no spillage and no more measuring too much.  Each Purex UltraPacks contains all the performance from Purex's new Triple Action liquid formula.




What is also great about Purex UltraPacks Liquid Laundry Detergent, is they dissolve quickly and even in cold water which is wonderful as I wash most everything in cold.  I do reserve whites and linens for the extra sanitary hot water but I don't want to pull out my clothes washed in cold water to see detergent left behind which I do not see with the Purex UltraPacks.  They are also good for all washers to include mine which is a high-efficiency (HE).  




I can't say anything I don't like about the UltraPacks.  I love the convenience and since I'm already used to pack formulations with the dishwasher, it was not hard to use.  You just have to remember to have dry hands.  You should place the UltraPack in the washer first to let it dissolve as much as possible before adding the clothes.  If you have a large load or heavily soiled, you might need two.  In the case of my front loader, it's important to place inside the machine and not in the detergent shelf.  They work and they really did make the clothes smell nice and look great!


Beginning mid-February, Purex will be launching Purex UltraPacks Liquid Laundry Detergent.  You will even be able to snag a free sample at freesamplepurex.com!




*Disclosure:  I received complimentary sample as part of the Purex Insider program.  The opinions are of my own.

$100 Friday the 13th PayPal Giveaway 1/15



Don’t be Superstitious!! Win some cash with the $100 Friday the 13th Paypal Giveaway. You will definitely want this black cat to cross your path!! Coupon Scribbles has teamed up with 15 bloggers to give away $100 in Paypal Cash!!!

There will be one grand prize winner who will receive a $100 Paypal deposit of cash!!! 


The sweepstakes will run January 12th through 11:59pm EST on January 15th, 2012. 


To enter simply follow the instructions below. Winner will be notified via email on January 16th. Good Luck!! 


 Details $100 Paypal Giveaway Sweepstakes begins on January 12th and ends at 11:59pm EST on January 15th, 2012 


Method of Entries: Rafflecopter Participating Blogs Coupon Scribbles Healthy Baby Beans Mom Does Reviews Cheap is the New Classy Just Find It 4U Look What I Got For Free Rather Be Changing Diapers Thrifty Today Emily Reviews The It Mom Delightful Whimsy Grandma Bonnie’s Closet How About Free Couponing4U Health Beauty Children and Family Coupon Hauls

Online Casinos: Are You a Gambler?

No Deposit Bonus Blog
I can honestly admit that I've never been to an online casino and in fact, I've only been to one casino in my life and I didn't fair well.  I don't even play the lottery but I do enter blog giveaways so in a sense, I do gamble but not with money, only my time.  I do know others who gamble and do gamble online.  I can imagine the sites are plentiful and for those that do, having a casino bonus would definitely be inviting.


If you don't know, casino bonuses are free opportunities to win money without having to pay anything yet.  The concept of a no deposit bonus is just as it sounds, you don't have to provide a deposit and you can start trying to win money immediately.  This is a great concept since many think you actually have to pay money to play for the various online casinos.  You can actually cash out if you win on the no deposit bonuses for real money. I learned all of this when I found this blog that provides a listing of casino's that offer bonuses and no deposit bonuses.  The blog, casinobonus2.com, provides daily listings to take advantage of the many offers out there for free.


Not a gambler?  The blog also contains tips and secrets on how to win real money with the free bonuses.  The members area is active and you can find out how others are doing with their bonuses.  I would have to say that if I were a gambler, this is the site I would visit daily to take advantage of FREE!  They are even on Facebook under CasinoBonus2.