Product & Company Review: Aki Oka Pet Boutique

Because I post pictures of my pets on Instagram, I was contacted by Aki Oka Pet Boutique and asked to be an ambassador for their products. They provided me with a discount code and I ordered the following products:

Portable Water Dish

Proud Rescue T-Shirt

Portable Water and Food Container with Bowl

I ordered the products on May 31 and they shipped on June 4. The reason I ordered the travel products is because we were leaving on vacation and I wanted to make traveling with Theo easier. 

The order confirmation stated a two- to three-week processing time, so when the last week of June arrived, I began contacting the company to check on the status of the items. We were leaving on June 26, so if they didn't arrive before then, I wouldn't need them until next year. Though the shipping notification listed a tracking number, for weeks I couldn't find any information about my order. They would say, we will get back to you, but never did. I also tried contacting the Instagram user who contacted me and asked me to be an ambassador for their products. While they took down some information, ultimately, they couldn't help me.

So, June 26 arrived and we had no products. I visited the local Petco to buy a travel bowl and water bottle, so now I really don't need the products from Aki Oka Pet Boutique. While we were on vacation, the App to confirm shipping details finally started providing information. The products got handed over to an airline in Hong Kong on June 22. Keep in mind, it is five days past that date by the time this information is finally available to me. The products are delivered to our home on July 1. 

We return from vacation two weeks later. I try the T-Shirt on Theo but it doesn't even make it over his head. The portable water bottle is of such poor quality, I am afraid to use it. So, I ask for a refund on these two items. Aki Oka Pet Boutique declines the refund. 

Even with a discount code, it simply isn't worth the aggravation of shopping at Aki Oka Pet Boutique. I proceeded with an order because their website states they donate part of every order to animal re-homing initiatives--a cause I truly support. I will simply donate in other ways, because this company has a lot to learn about order fulfillment and customer service. 

Product Review: Children's Toys from PBS KIDS

As you are shopping this holiday season and wondering how you can give back and make a difference, consider purchasing one of these adorable PBS KIDS toys sold exclusively at Whole Foods locations nationwide.

An Imperfect Christian Mom was privileged to receive the following three samples:

Isn't this fuzzy little one too cute for words? A perfect stocking stuffer, she has a little clip so your child can attach it to a backpack, bag, or belt loop. 

Next comes the Narwhal. Not only does this make your child think of the Kratt Brothers and their narwhal episode, this plush toy comes with a tag that shares information about narwhals. 

Finally, is this colorful Numbers in Space wood puzzle. I can't tell you how many days were spent with the kids working on puzzles like this when they were little. The puzzle pieces have little notches to make it easy for tiny fingers to lift them out and reveal the picture underneath. 

The best part of purchasing these toys: 100% of the net proceeds PBS receives from purchases of these toys will support PBS KIDS’ mission to empower children to succeed in school and in life.

I would highly recommend this new line of PBS KIDS toys and applaud their partnership with Whole Foods Market. 

I received free samples of these products from PBS KIDS. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Mrs. Wordsmith The Social Journey

Mrs. Wordsmith--a UK-based education company--has launched The Social Journey in the United States. This monthly subscription program for children ages 3 thru 6 is said to focus on "developing social and emotional intelligence...Young children develop deeper social, emotional and academic skills with the right vocabulary."

So many kids I know love getting packages in the mail. Isn't it great to know that this package will help them learn important skills to better prepare them for school, foster creativity and a love of reading, and teach them how to manage their feelings.

My package arrived in a colorful blue box with an animated character on the front that would encourage a youngster to tear it right open and get started. Inside, I discovered a storybook, an activity book, word cards, a sturdy stand and instructions.

As you can see, the storybook, activity book and word card include matching artwork that allows your child to recognize all the month's words and concepts through repetition. The artwork and storylines are so funny, parents and kids can enjoy a chuckle or two to make learning easier for everyone. These pictures can't do the artwork justice. Vibrant colors and zany character antics and facial expressions ensure your child will be picking up the books numerous days out of the month.

The storybook gets you started, but then you have days and days worth of activities to increase word use and comprehension. Coloring, drawing, writing practice and more can be found within these sheets that are easy to tear out. It is suggested you place the activity book on the included stand so your child can try out the activities whenever they feel like it.

The word cards help when you are on the go or if you're looking to spend some extra time playing word games. The first card gives you some ideas, but you can probably think up some of your own too.

The Social Journey is available online for $22.49 a month (cancel anytime) or you can save $30 by making one payment of $239.40. Shipping within the United States is free.

I wish The Social Journey was available when my girls were this age. A program that makes learning fun, fosters creativity and a love of reading, and helps children manage their feelings is destined to have a great impact on generations of children.


I received a free Mrs. Wordsmith The Social Journey package thanks to Allison+Partners. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: ElimiTag Skin Tag Remover Homeopathic Medicine

As I have gotten older, I've noticed skin tags cropping up mostly underneath my arms--which can make shaving a challenge. Tired of dealing with them and a bit self-conscious that a few are large enough that I don't want to wear tank tops, I decided to try ElimiTag, which I purchased at the grocery store. You brush this on up to three times a day and in three to six weeks the tags are supposed to be gone. 

Considering the hefty price tag of this product ($12.49 for a 5 fluid ounce bottle), I was expecting better results. A couple of the smaller skin tags have gone away, but even with consistent application the larger ones remain unchanged. ElimiTag also smells dreadful. I'll qualify that by stating I am very sensitive to strong odors, but the reason I switched from apple cider vinegar to this was so I didn't smell horrible. After spending that much money on such a tiny bottle I am planning on using most of it, but I will switch back to the vinegar after that because it is so much cheaper. 

ElimiTag has received mixed reviews on Amazon. Some people have had success with it and others haven't. Check it out for yourself and see if you want to give it a try. 

I purchased this product during my regular grocery shopping run. I have not been compensated for this review in any way.

Product Review: Home Basics Two-tier Dish Drainer

Zulily.com is another one of my favorite websites to shop from. I like to find great bargains there. At the beginning of February I was working on getting my kitchen organized and trying to increase counter space, so I picked up this attractive two-tier dish drainer from Home Basics.

It was easy to assemble: had it together in less than five minutes. This dish drainer definitely takes up less room on the counter than our previous one and doesn't require a separate tray. The trays slide in under the chrome-finished wiring on each tier. You can dry cups on the outside and the silverware holder clips on the outside so it doesn't take up inside space.

My one fear is that when it comes to holiday dinners it won't be very helpful. Even now, I need to put a towel down on the counter if we have several pots and pans to air dry. So while it makes more room for prep time, once the dishes are washed you lose that counter space to clean dishes.

I'm still glad I bought it. The old one needed replacing, and since I bought it for only $18.99 it was worth trying.


This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Honey Orange Chicken Recipe with Melora UMF Maunka Honey

I was contacted by ExportX, who I have purchased products on Amazon from before, to review the Melora UMF 15+ Manuka Honey they sell. One evening when I was looking for something different to make for supper, I came across a chicken recipe on Paleo Foodie Kitchen. It was very simple to make and tasted great.*

INGREDIENTS

1 lb chicken breast, cubed into bite sized pieces
2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp coconut aminos
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp chili sauce
juice from 1 orange (about ½ cup)
fish sauce to taste
green onions, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

• Stir fry chicken pieces in coconut oil over high heat until it starts to brown.
• Add ginger and garlic, saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Lower heat and add coconut aminos, honey, chili sauce, orange juice and fish sauce.
• Stir to incorporate everything together and simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked.

I honestly had never given Paleo a try. I heard about it, but didn't know much. I've never cooked with coconut oil before either. It looks like lard but, when heated, it becomes a clear cooking oil. Coconut oil is said to be good for your heart and for weight loss. 

As far as the Maunka Honey goes, it looked nothing like what I buy in the grocery store. It comes in a small jar (8.8 oz.). It's darker and thicker than the honey you buy in a grocery store, which made it easier to measure and add to the recipe. I also tried some right out a jar. What a fabulous flavor and texture. 

According to the product page on Amazon, "Melora UMF Manuka Honey is sustainably harvested from New Zealand's remote Manuka forests. UMF Manuka Honey is renowned worldwide for its "Unique Manuka Factor" (UMF). The UMF grading system appraises natural markers found in Manuka honey and assures purity & quality."

I'll definitely be using this product again. I'll also be searching out more recipes so I have an excuse to us my Melora UMF Maunka Honey more often.


I received a free jar of Melora UMF Maunka Honey from ExportX. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.


* I did not use the last two ingredients from the list because they were not on hand when I made this dish.

Product Review: Arbonne® RE9 Advanced Extra Moisture Set

I recently had the chance to try the Arbonne® RE9 Advanced Extra Moisture Set provided by a local consultant. As you might recall, I started using Mary Kay® as a teenager. I simply don't purchase them all the time because they are what I call an "unnecessary expense." I'm finding, however, that as I age I need more than the standard store bought product to keep my skin looking healthy.

The RE9 Advanced Extra Moisture Set is an anti-aging product line for women (They also have a men's version). It consists of six products: Smoothing Facial Cleanser, Regenerating Toner, Restorative Day Créme Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen, Night Repair Créme, Corrective Eye Créme, and Intensive Renewal Serum.

I was provided with two days worth of product to try. The instructions are a simple 5-step process twice a day (night créme and day créme being used once each day). The cleanser and toner have a citrus fragrance that I didn't find appealing because I am so sensitive to scents. After using the toner twice, I felt my skin was too tight so I didn't use it the second day.

My skin felt better and looked nicer after the first day of use. I didn't notice any dry patches on my face, which I often get this time of year. By the second day, however, my eyes were swollen and my face felt itchy and hot. The consultant said this was caused by the new use of "active" products on my skin. That's definitely possible, but it could also indicate an allergy to an ingredient or combination of ingredients. I must say I never had that experience with any of my Mary Kay products. If I decided to purchase these products, I would only use them once a day and still hope to gain some benefit.

Having to go through a 5-step process twice a day when I'm already so busy is an issue. There are mornings I am racing out of here by 8:15 and barely have time to put on foundation, so adding this to my morning ritual made it tougher. The largest obstacle to me buying the RE9 Advanced Extra Moisture Set is definitely the cost: a whopping $323. I considered purchasing only the Intensive Renewal Serum, but even that is $58 for one fluid ounce of product.

The company states it formulates without: animal products or by-products, parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and artificial colors--just to name a few. There is a list of ingredients found in the back of the product catalog. While looking up information on Arbonne, I came across this 2013 article that disputes the purity of the company's products.

At the end of the day, while I enjoyed testing these products, my early negative reaction and the cost will keep me from becoming a regular customer.


This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

 

Product Review: Hamilton Beach® 24791 Modern Chrome 4-Slice Toaster

I purchased this Hamilton Beach® 24791 Modern Chrome 4-Slice Toaster back in September from Amazon. We had a toaster oven that took up a ton of space and worked slowly. This unit's sleek design takes up much less space and it looks great.

You can toast and defrost with this unit, and it also has a bagel setting. This toaster works quickly and I was thrilled to have some counter space back. My only issue with this unit is the uneven toasting of the bread. If I get one side golden brown, the other is still mostly white. My only option is to reduce the toasting time and turn the bread over and re-toast it if I want it done right. Who has time for that?

Overall I'm happy with this toaster. I just wish it toasted more evenly.

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: O2Cool Mist n' Sip®

Right before soccer season started, we bought this O2Cool Mist n' Sip® water bottle from Olympia Sports for the Lil' Princess. It's a clever design: a soft plastic insulated bottle with a holding ring and a top that has a spout as well as a trigger for misting. Several of the kids at school had them, so the Lil' Princess wanted one too.

It worked great for a couple of weeks, but once it fell off her desk the plastic plug inside the spout broke and the mister stopped working. We replaced it. She had that one for a few weeks. One of the prongs holding the plastic plug in place broke off and now the plug won't stay in. Not only is it a choking hazard, without that plug the water leaks all over the place. So, we're now searching for a new water bottle.

While this is a clever design that is popular with the kids, I won't ever buy another one. With as expensive as they are, they should hold up longer than a few weeks. In addition, I'm afraid of what might happen if the plug broke off while a child is drinking.


This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Litter Genie® Cat Litter Disposal System

Through Crowdtap, I had a chance to try out the Litter Genie® Cat Litter Disposal System. My sample package included the Litter Genie with a refill of bags. The unit was easy to put together. Just open the unit, snap the scoop holder into place, pull the tab on the bag refill and pull down about a foot of film (bag). Tie a knot at the bottom of the bag and sit the refill on the unit. Close the funnel (top part of unit) and put Litter Genie next to your litter boxes.

Scoop used cat litter up with the scoop provided and toss it into the unit. Once you're done, close the lid and pull the handle. This will drop the used litter into the bottom of the unit (into the bag). Push the handle back in and used litter and odors are trapped inside.

Once the bag is full (about 14 days), open the unit in the middle and slide the film into the cutter. Tie a knot at the top of the bag and dispose of full bag. Pull down on the film in the Litter Genie and a tie a knot at the end so that it is ready to use again. You can see this process in the video below.




What I like about the Litter Genie is that it makes controlling cat litter odors a breeze. It is easy to set up and small enough to be tucked into a corner. Part of me wonders why I never purchased one before. In the past, I would toss used litter into a small garbage bag and haul it upstairs to toss it out in an old diaper pail in the garage. The Litter Genie definitely takes less time.

The things I didn't care for are the small size of the cat litter scoop and its smooth edge, the lack of stability for the scoop holder, and the bit of mess it makes when emptying multiple cat boxes. We have three cats and three litter boxes. Over the years, we've found a cat litter scoop with rake like tips makes scooping used litter from the bottom of the boxes easier. I can't use my larger litter scoop with the rake like tips to pour into the unit without making a mess, so I am stuck with the smaller smooth edged one provided with the unit. In addition, when the Litter Genie is open at the middle, the scoop holder tends to fall off. We placed the unit to the right of our three litter boxes. There's no way to avoid a bit of mess while emptying the boxes unless I want to pick the Litter Genie up and move it as I empty each box. Not a big deal, but something that would be good for anyone with multiple cats to consider.

I just bought a 2-pack of refills for our Litter Genie, so you can bet we'll be using this unit regularly.

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Poise® Sampling Program

Through Crowdtap I had a chance to participate in the Poise® Sampling Program. Childbirth was not kind to my body, and as a result I've dealt with light incontinence for close to 30 years. Now that my uterus has fallen, the occasions are more frequent, and I don't feel right leaving the house without protection.

For this sampling, I received a plastic wallet filled with two Poise Microliners, a Poise Liner, and a Poise Ultra Thin Pad. I was most excited about trying the Microliner because I long ago abandoned maxi-pads for my periods and moved to tampons, so I certainly didn't want to go back to anything bulky.

I've tried the Poise Ultra Thin Pad in the past and felt it was close to as comfortable as I was going to get for daily protection, but these new Microliners are so thin they are almost like wearing nothing. I felt fully protected and confident leaving the house. Overall these are a great addition to the Poise line, but like most very thin pads, they can tend to crinkle a bit if not firmly pressed into place or after several hours of use. I'm an active person, so someone who is not constantly on the go might not experience this issue.

I shared the other pads with friends and they thought this was a nice change from using a period pad for light incontinence. I know I'll be purchasing the Poise Microliners again.


This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Herbal essences® Body Wash (Hello Hydration)

Through my participation at Crowdtap, I received a 1.2 oz sample of Herbal essences® Hello Hydration Body Wash. I don't tend to use a lot of body washes because I am allergic to fragrances; but I am always on the lookout for something that I am actually able to use.

I have to say that I am impressed that the fragrance is light enough that it doesn't bother my--or my daughter's--allergies at all. The foamy, silky feel is nice on the skin and rinses off easily. Since I love the smell of coconut, this body wash with its coconut extract transported me back to Bermuda, where I vacationed many years ago.

I'm not ready to switch from my goat's milk soap simply because of the numerous synthetic ingredients found in the Herbal essences body wash, but it would make an easily transportable alternative if I were traveling. The ingredients are standard ones found in many beauty products, but I keep hoping to see more natural ingredients become the norm.

I received this sample product from Herbal essences through Crowdtap. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Viva® Vantage™ Paper Towels

Through my beloved Crowdtap, I received a sample of four rolls of new Viva® Vantage™ Paper Towels. I shared a roll with a friend and one roll with my mother-in-law, who already uses Viva, but a different type. I kept the other two.

Viva Vantage are made with a new V-Flex™ Weave that makes them stretchy, strong, and absorbent. I wasn't sure how I would like these, since I've used the same brand of paper towels for years, but I have to admit these are great. The claims on the company's website about the traits of the new V-Flex Weave held true for us. I used these paper towels to clean my kitchen counters, pick up spills, and even wipe up cat barf from the living room rug (Yuck). Since being strong and not falling apart during tough cleanups was the main reason I purchased my regular brand, it's nice to know I have another alternative. Especially because these paper towels allow you to select the size you want to use, just like my current brand.

The only downside for me has nothing to do with the product itself. The price of a 6-pack of Viva Vantage is a dollar more than the same size of my regular brand where I regularly shop. Why pay more for a similar product? Coupons and store sales will be important if I want to switch over to Viva Vantage completely.


This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Petmate® Filtered Auto-Watering System

When we plan to be away for an overnight trip, we don't usually employ the pet sitters. We simply add extra dry food to the cat dishes and fill up the water bowls. I had been wanting to try an auto-watering system for a while. We know people who use them, and I figured it would create less mess than putting out two water bowls (less for the cats to knock over).

Petmate® Filtered Auto-Watering System has a base that is made of 95% pre-consumer recycled material. The bottle is made of recyclable pet plastic. The filtration system includes a carbon filter that removes and reduces the presence of many organic chemicals and chlorine in the water, and this product offers Microban® protection which helps prevent the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria in the bowl.

Our local pet store sold the 0.5 gallon capacity, so that's what I bought. I washed out the unit and filled it up, deciding to use it as their regular water source while we were home to see how it went. The younger cats--Giggles and Boots--weren't fond of it, but got used to it after a few days. The bowl on this unit was too small, however, for our Maine Coon--Killer. He tried each day, but really struggled to get his larger head into a comfortable position to take a drink.

The main challenge I had with this unit is filling it without loosing any of the water. You fill the bottle and twist on the cover, then twist the bowl onto the bottle. Inevitably, as you are turning the unit right side up, water starts to flow out. Not a lot of water, but you definitely need to perform this task over the sink.

In the end, this wasn't the right product for our pets, but I could see people with smaller, younger cats using it.


I purchased this product from our local pet supply store. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Application Review: Grammarly® - Instant Grammar Checker

When I applied to be an affiliate for Grammarly®, I did so because I had used the Grammarly Editor in the past and found it helpful in catching grammar mistakes and errors I often miss in my own work. Though I am able to pick out these issues in other people's writing, I remain a less than perfect self-editor.

Imagine my surprise when the Affiliate Marketing Manager for Grammarly contacted me and asked if I would be willing to test drive the new and improved version of this online spell and grammar checker application. I didn't hesitate in accepting. The only reason I had discontinued my subscription was because I hadn't been writing on a regular basis and couldn't justify the cost. Now that I was dedicated to finishing off one of my ongoing manuscripts, I knew Grammarly would be an important tool in helping me enhance my writing.

This is what the main screen of the Grammarly Editor looks like.

My Grammarly will showcase any documents you have uploaded and is also where you can click "New" to add new documents or copy and paste in text. Users have the option to assign their document a particular genre--general, academic, business, technical, medical, creative, casual--and then a variety of sub-genres to enhance the editing experience. Users are also given the ability to add or subtract what the editor will search for. See illustration below.

The first five options are on by default, but you can simply turn any of these off or on by clicking on them. The numbers you see above are the instances of each type of error found in the test document I uploaded for this review.

Above is what the screen looks like when it finds an error. Below, I have magnified the screen so it is easier to view. The first screen shot is of some of my text and the second is of how the application indicates a mistake. Notice, it shows a fountain pen tip, so that indicates a grammar error. Though on the screen, the error is noted to the right of the text (as in the above image), so that you could see the images properly, I have separated them and placed them one under the other for easy viewing.

You have three options for each error. If you click on the suggested correction "in green," it will change it in the body of your document. Clicking on the "x" allows you to ignore the suggestion--which is what I did here because this character does not speak proper English. If you click on the down arrow, it expands the card. This explains the suggested change and provides usage examples. Then you have the ability to ignore or implement the change. If you make a change and then decide against it, you can simply reverse it.

The bottom of the screen has a task bar that indicates the document genre, word count, number of corrected errors, and a score percentage based upon the number of errors that changes as edits are made or suggestions are ignored.

After editing is over, you can download your document with all the changes intact. One word of warning: if you copy and paste the text into the Grammarly Editor, the download will be a .txt file. If you upload a document, then when you download it after your changes, it will download as the same file extension and will retain original formatting: italics, bold, indents, etc.

I remain impressed with the Grammarly Editor, and I am thrilled to see the improvements they have made that allow users to save documents and download corrected changes easily. The new application is much more user friendly than the one I originally used. They also offer a Grammarly® Plug-in for Microsoft® Office Software that will add Grammarly Editor to your Microsoft® Word™ and Outlook®. There are also other free resources available to subscribers. Grammarly seemed more compatible to my Google Chrome browser than Internet Explorer 10.

New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial. After that, there is a subscription fee. Current prices below:

• Monthly - $29.95
• Quarterly - $59.95
• Annual - $139.95

Grammarly has an excellent support staff. While online support and FAQs are part of the web-based spell and grammar checker application, I had to engage technical support a couple of times to be sure I properly understood the Grammarly Editor. Response time was phenomenal, and the person I dealt with was pleasant and knowledgeable.

While I don't believe Grammarly replaces professional editors, it can assist you in polishing your articles, novels, short stories, and letters quickly and easily. Writers from all walks of life will find Grammarly an effective tool.

This blogger participates in the Grammarly Affiliate Program. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: The Dwarf in the Drawer by L. van King

Are you one of those parents who is tired of The Elf on the Shelf? Just yesterday, there was an article featured in The Gazette out of Colorado Springs, Colorado that discusses the backlash from parents about this mischievous little elf who wreaks all kinds of havoc on your house and belongings and then reports all your family's misdeeds back to Santa.

L. Van King and illustrator Chuck Gonzales have decided it's time for a new tradition. Like the troublesome elf, The Dwarf in the Drawer comes with a book and a plush toy. But that's where the similarities end. The dwarf lived in the house before the elf even arrived, and instead of flying back to Santa and appearing in a different place each morning, the Dwarf--we've named ours Billy Bob Joe--hangs out in your clean underwear drawer. He doesn't insist you behave with plans to rat you out if you don't. Instead, he wants you to appreciate the love of friends and family and believe in yourself.

OMG! I haven't laughed this hard in a long time. Our dwarf has been so much fun to have around. While my girls don't see their Elf on the Shelf in the unflattering light that the book portrays, we all got a kick out of reading The Dwarf in the Drawer story and making our dwarf part of our daily lives. Our dwarf pops up in someone else's clean underwear drawer (Do they make a drawer to hold your dirty underwear?) each morning. So far it's just been the dwarf, but I think you could be quite imaginative with the dwarf by adding reading material or snacks; even if that's not the point of the story or the toy.

The Dwarf in the Drawer matches humorous rhyming text with colorful, sometimes zany, illustrations to come up with a winning product that might just become a new Christmas tradition. Its simple, yet meaningful, message is one that is so important to remember as we rush through the holidays. Highly recommended.

Find out more at http://page.macmillan.com/mcpg/dwarfinthedrawer/!




Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Square Fish; Har/Toy edition (October 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250041430
ISBN-13: 978-1250041432


I received a copy of this book/plush toy kit from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Christmas from Heaven as Read by Tom Brokaw & The Names of Christ Heirloom Ornaments

If you are looking for a special gift this holiday season, I hope you'll consider Christmas from Heaven, a book with DVD that brings to life the true story of "The Candy Bomber."

When twenty-seven year old Gail Halvorsen is assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, he has no idea how the encounter will change his life. As Lt. Halvorsen performs his duties, he notices German children gathered behind fences at the end of the Tempelhof runway. He talks to the children, and knowing they have so little, offers them two sticks of gum. From this one act of kindness, his idea to "bomb" Berlin with candy is born. Soon he and his crew fashion tiny parachutes to float candy down to the awaiting children.

Word soon spreads, leading to donations of candy and supplies from American candy makers and private donors. On a snowy Christmas Eve in 1948, as Hal waits for clearance to land, Halvorsen feels the spirit of Christmas all around him thanks to the generosity and joy that became a symbol of hope to those yearning for freedom.

Even as I am typing this review, the tears well up in my eyes. What a wonderful story this is. The picture book includes historical photos along with stunning illustrations by Robert T. Barrett. Inside the front cover is a DVD in a plastic sleeve that includes a live performance featuring music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choice, a reading of the book by Tom Brokaw, and a moving reenactment of Halvorsen's encounter with the children. There's nothing quite like watching a symphony hall filled with music and singing and child actors on stage watching tiny white parachutes land. The audience was in total awe; as was I.

This book can be purchased at http://deseretbook.com/Christmas-Heaven-Tom-Brokaw/i/5108410 and is also available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and at select retailers nationwide.


Product Details

•Size: 11" x 9"
•Pages: 32
•Year Published: 2013

Tom Brokaw is one of the giants of television journalism. Anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004, he also holds the honor of being the only person to host each of NBC News’s major news programs: The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and Meet the Press. He has won several awards, including a Peabody Award and seven Emmys. He is the author of The Greatest Generation and The Greatest Generation Speaks, among other books. He and his wife, Meredith, have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Robert T. Barrett is a professor of illustration at Brigham Young University, received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in painting and completed postgraduate work in Germany. An accomplished painter, muralist, and illustrator, his work has been featured in many national magazines and in art exhibits across the country and in Germany. He and his wife, Vicki, have ten children and one grandchild and reside in Provo, Utah.



Along with this book, I received a box of The Names of Christ Heirloom Ornaments from the historic Zion Mercantile.

These antique pewter-finish ornaments are a beautiful reminder of the Biblical names given to Christ, like King of Kings, Prince of Peace, Shepherd, and Bread of Life. This set of twelve ornaments comes in a box that includes Scripture references to each name on the back and are nestled upon a bed of brown shredded paper to look like straw. It's disappointing that twine was not included with the ornaments to maintain a rustic look for your tree, but ornament hangers will do an okay job, too. These ornaments are lightweight, so they won't pull down on branches. I can't wait to add them to my tree this year.

This set can be purchased exclusively at http://bit.ly/1h3s7JD.

I'll treasure this book and DVD and the ornaments for years to come.


I received a copy of the book with DVD, along with the set of ornaments, from the publisher. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Truvia Natural Sweetener

This product sample came to me through Crowdtap. I received two cellophane wrapped sample packets. Each one included two single use Truvia® natural sweetener packs and a coupon for 55 cents off on any size of Truvia natural sweetener. We used one sample packet and I shared the other with my mother-in-law, who uses calorie-free sweetener on a regular basis.

Because I like to get a good sampling from my household, I went ahead and purchased a box of Truvia on my regular grocery shopping trip, so that I could have enough packets to share here. I slipped the Truvia into coffee and tea, so no one else knew beforehand. Both of my girls felt the Truvia didn't provide as much flavor as our regular calorie-free sweetener, so they wanted to use two packets as compared to one of our usual brand. My husband and I didn't notice any difference between them in that regard, but Truvia has a nice taste to it and we both like that it is an all-natural product versus a product whose two main ingredients are Nutritive Dextrose and Saccharin.

For the time being, we are a two brand calorie-free sweetener family, but I'm hoping over time the girls will give Truvia another try and make the switch.

I received free samples of this product through Crowdtap. I also purchased additional product in order to sample my entire household. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Cleansing Cloths

Through Crowdtap, I got a chance to sample Cottonelle® Fresh Care Flushable Cleansing Cloths. This is part of their "Clean Care Routine" that features Cottonelle Toilet Paper and the Fresh Care Flushable Cleansing Cloths. My sample pack included their One Touch dispensing tub and two trial packets of Flushable Cleansing Cloths to share. I gave one to my mother-in-law and the other to a neighbor. Each trial packet had a coupon for $3 off the purchase of Cottonelle Toilet Paper and the Fresh Care Flushable Cleansing Cloths when purchased together.

I have to admit, I don't really care for the television commercials for the Cottonelle Clean Care Routine, but they are memorable, and they are also how I learned about the Flushable Cleansing Cloths. While I'm not overly comfortable talking about bathroom habits, I have to admit these are such a great addition to the bathroom routine that I've bought a container for each bathroom in our house. My kids love them, too. You come out feeling totally clean. I don't always buy Cottonelle Toilet Paper, but it is one of two brands I use regularly.

There have been reports, like this one in the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, that says utility companies claim the use of these Flushable Cleansing Cloths (and other products like flushable toilet wand scrubbers) clog sewer systems because they take longer to disintegrate. I tend to toss many of them in a diaper pail in the garage that I use for bags of used cat litter instead of flushing them.

I received a free sample of this product through Crowdtap. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Product Review: Scott Naturals® Paper Towels

I received a free roll (unsolicited) of Scott Naturals® paper towels. According to the company's website, this hybrid towel contains a blend of 60% recycled fibers that keeps them absorbent. The instructions that came with the package asked me to secretly swap out our regular brand of paper towel and replace it with Scott Naturals.

That was easy enough to do because I'm fairly certain no one else pays attention to what I put on there in the first place. Our family used the roll until it ran out and then I put back the regular brand. As I feared, no one else knew but me.

The claim for this brand is that they "help you take a green step without sacrificing quality." For the most part, I agree, but there was one issue with this product that ensures it won't be my preferred brand. The towel is a slightly smaller size than my usual brand, but that isn't a big deal. I use washable towels for large messes anyway. The problem for me was that I couldn't get the paper towels to tear using only one hand. As a busy mom, I'm constantly juggling a million different things at once. It's not unusual for my left hand to be busy while my right hand is reaching for a paper towel. No matter how many times I tried, it required both my hands to rip off the Scott Naturals paper towel from the roll or me leaning on arm on the roll and pulling with the other hand to get a towel free. I found it frustrating. Maybe it's silly, but I don't want to grab for one paper towel or half a paper towel (they come in Choose Your Size) and end up unraveling half the roll simply because I only have one hand free.

Other than that, I can say they worked just as well as my regular brand. If these were on sale at the grocery store in the future I might try them again, but I'm not looking to switch right now.


I received a single roll of Scott Naturals paper towels from the manufacturer. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.