Category — Reviews

I recently received a book in the mail to read.  It’s called Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity.

Wow.

If you are looking for something that will help pull you out of that spiritual funk that you have found yourself in, check it out.  While Primal may not be the answer, it will point you back to the answer.

What does that mean?  It means that Mark Batterson has written a book about getting back into that relationship with God that we need to have.  He has included ideas and personal anecdotes that will help spur you onto good things and remind you of many of the ways you can build – or re-build – your relationship with Jesus Christ.  He focuses on compassion, wonder, curiosity, and power in our relationship with God, and reminds us of why these are important.

It’s that time of year when we have been going, going, going with a slow-down that hits right after Christmas and a time for looking at our lives and re-evaluating things.  Is there a better time for a refresher course on getting in touch with our Creator?

If you are floundering out there somewhere feeling like you need to draw closer to God, I recommend picking up Primal – it will show you a way back into that relationship.  It will remind you why we need a Savior and how to take part in that Great Commandment that Jesus gave us – to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind & strength, and to love others.  After all, is there a better way to share God with others than through relationships?  Our lives should proclaim Him, but if we aren’t strengthening our relationship with Him, our lives won’t be talking very loudly.

So, where can you pick up your copy of Primal?

It is available at booksellers nationwide on Dec 22, 2009, just in time to be the first book you read in 2010 – or perhaps that quieter week after Christmas.

Personally, I like to get books through Amazon.com.  Other places that I often shop for books are CBD,  Borders.com and BarnesandNoble.com

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Oh, and the legal stuff – I received this book for free to read and review.

We recently flew to Missouri to visit family and while the trip was lovely – despite the heat – the getting to and from was a bit discouraging.

Let me preface this by letting you know that I generally fly on Delta Airlines with United Airlines as the back-up.  Due to pricing I elected to book our travel on American Airlines.  I’m not sure that I will make that same mistake again.

While I realize that American is very popular in the mid-west and eastern states, those of us out west don’t generally use them, and we are accustomed to a certain level of service.

A level of service that, sadly, we did not receive.

The planes that we flew were set up with a single restroom in the front of the plane and a single restroom in the rear of the plane.  OK, not what I’m used to, but we can deal.  First Class occupies the first 6 rows of the plane, and there is no curtain or anything to divide them from the rest of the plane (not that I cared, just something that I noticed).  The head flight attendant took care of first class and first class only.  The other two flight attendants took care of the rest of the plane.

Did I mention that I was traveling with a child?  A child that keeps herself well hydrated?  Yes, that would mean that she has to use the restroom… often.

Did I also mention that the flight was over 4 hours long?

The first time she needed to use the potty they were not finished with beverage service in the rear of the plane, so they sent her to the front potty.  I decided to use the chance to stretch my legs, and well, I am a mom, so I took my own advice to use the bathroom while the chance was there.  I headed up (through first class) to the bathroom she was using.  The flight attendant was a bit put out that I was in her space, but I explained that my daughter was using the potty.  This afforded me fewer dirty looks for being there.

Then another woman was sent forward due to a line 4 people long in the back.  When she arrived at the front the FA told her “There are bathrooms in the back” in very short, clipped words, complete with a glare.  She simply looked back at the longer line and smiled that she had been sent forward.

This was on the flight down to Missouri.  A 4+ hour flight in which we received beverage service twice, but no snacks.  Thankfully I had brought some, as I didn’t know that AA doesn’t offer anything to eat – unless you are in first class.  They had a 5 course breakfast on nice dishes.  Did I mention that we were flying out early in the morning?  With kids? Yep – the first thing we did after renting the car was go get food!

If that had been the worst of it I would have let it slide, but the head attendant on the return flight was twice as bad.

The return flight was the same set-up.  Two bathrooms, forward and aft.  First class for 6 rows, then the lesser people for 30 rows.

The head flight attendant had an accent that made her difficult to understand at best, and kept losing her place on the card she was reading and having to apologize and start that section over again.  Seriously?  I think most of the people on the plane could have given the “seat belts and air in case of loss of cabin pressure” talk better.

Then came the moment where she was trying to make a joke about the weather in Seattle.  About how thankful most people were that we would be flying in to temps in the 60′s and 70′s instead of the 100′s that had been happening.  I don’t know if she was a religious person or not, but to invoke thanks in the name of God while making a joke seems a little out of place.  I think there were quite a few that shared that thought with me as there was a tiny bit of nervous laughter, but mostly dead silence.  Swearing has become a bit to commonplace I think.

Oh, and I nearly forgot something that while it wasn’t the airline’s fault, they could have helped it a bit.

While we were waiting to board, we were standing hext to a family with a toddler and an infant.  About 2 minutes after we got there, I noticed that the baby had laid a doaper bomb.  A very, very stinky one too.  Keep in mind that they JUST STARTED boarding the flight, and would be doing so for another 10-15 minutes.

No one changed the baby’s diaper.

Before you say something about me not understanding traveling with infants, let me assure you that I have on numerous occasions.  With an infant as young as 3 days.  And by myself with a toddler and an infant quite a few times.  There was a dad, a mom and grandparents traveling with these 2 children.  Surely SOMEONE could have thought to change a diaper that was bringing tears to my eyes before putting in on an airplane with recirculated air?  No?  Apparently not.  I feel bad for the kid’s diaper rash from being forced to sit in it for so long.

How could the airline have helped?  Well, The flight attendant could have let the family know that since it was an enclosed space with recirculated air for 4+ hours, the plane would not leave without them if they chose to quickly change the baby.

The worst part?  They sat right behind us.

So, we finally take off, reach our altitude and they start beverage service (and food up front).  My daughter has to use the restroom, but the cart isn’t even halfway to the back yet.  The first class cart is at the last row and is almost finished, so I instructed her to go and politely ask if she could get past to use the restroom.

The head flight attendant was once again servicing first class, and was in the midst of finding out what kind of wine the people in the last row wanted.  She shushed my kid, held up her finger to her and ignored her for over a minute.  I get that she was busy, but there are more polite ways to do it.  And when a kid is dancing in the aisle because she has to pee, well, making her wait may not be the best option.

She finally let her through, making sure that everyone who could see her knew what a pain it was (yes, other people commented & looked at each other – it was that much of a huff).  She started helping the people on the other side of the plane when a gentleman in his late 40′s/early 50′s walked towards the front.  He stopped at the cart and was turning around when she snapped at him.

“I can’t keep moving the cart to let everyone through – you’ll just have to wait!”

I was stunned.

I mean, it’s one thing to shush a child and make them wait while you finish serving people (annoying, but somewhat more acceptable) but to bite off someone’s head just because you are annoyed at being interrupted again?  Someone who’s airfare helps pay your salary?  All so you can ask someone if they want Merlot or Chardonnay.

She tried to make light of it with small talk and asked if he was perhaps merely stretching his legs after he informed her that he didn’t want through (he was), and laughing it off, but it was too late.  Everyone in the first 5 rows had seen her get snippy with 2 people and we were stunned.

I almost wished A had been unable to hold it and left a puddle on the floor.  Almost.

Yes, A had to use the bathroom a few more times, but she kept trying to go to the back one if at all possible.  She was scared of the flight attendant up front (with good reason!)

Other things I noticed about American Airlines.

• There are no in-flight movies.  There aren’t even screens to show the seatbelt video.  Not that I minded trying to keep my kids from seeing movies and tv shows that are innapropriate, I just wasn’t expecting it.
• there is no food service AT ALL unless you fly first class.  Not even snacks.
• You will pay to check a bag.  $15 for the first, $25 for the second.  Fortunately Eric fly’s United a lot and has some status over there, so we checked our single suitcase over with him.
• I think they must hire the flight attendants that either get fired from everywhere else, or don’t make the cut to start with.  I have never had a flight attendant be so rude.  Ever.
• They don’t have headphone jacks for music either.
• And I didn’t see any in-flight magazines to read.  No SkyMall either.
• Their flight attendants don’t like to smile.

This is, of course, in contrast to Delta and United.  Yes, they may charge for meals now, but at least you have the option.  And they still give you snacks.  Make sure you carry cash – the meals run about $6 – $10 each.

When did customer service get tossed out the window at 30,000 feet?  I will say that I have been thrilled with the service that I have gotten on Delta, United, and Southwest airlines – the flight attendants and gate staff are generally smiling and are helpful.  They are polite and realize that customer service still means something.

Was there any part of these flights that was positive?  Yes.  Snuggling my Nani-girl for a bit while watching an above-the-clouds sunset that lasted for over 3 hours was nice.  And looking down at those sunset-streaked clouds really was peaceful and beautiful.

That and noise-canceling headphones on my iPod. *grin*

It’s a great new product made with Stevia that we recently had the priviledge of testing out.  Here are Lisa’s thought’s about both Steviva ans Fructiva:

The Steviva tasted good.  But like other Stevia powders I have tried, it is hard to get a SMALL enough quantity without being overpowering.  I am really impressed with the Fructevia!  It has a very smooth flavor, no stevia aftertaste.  I liked it more than sugar.  And I felt good about using it, knowing that is is healthier for my body than some other sweeteners.  I will recommend Fructevia to my health-conscious friends!

So, where can you find Steviva and Fructica to try for yourself? Check out steviapackets.com

I almost guarantee that your kids will like this one – and it will last a bit longer than the normal ones too!

We recently got a great little package in the mail – one that my girls were VERY excited to open. Inside were two complete sets of the new Milkshake CD, DVD and Comic Book! Yep, the DVD is the videos and some behind-the-scenes of their latest album “Play!” and features the comic book as well.

I know what you are thinking “Another kid songs CD that I’m going to get sick of, or my kids aren’t going to like AT ALL?” But that’s not what this is… The 2 people that started Milkshake are professional musicians, who also happen to be parents. And their music, while written for kids, is also written with adults in mind. Yes, the lyrics are catchy, and kid-friendly, but the melodies are catchy and highly sing-able – even if you are 40 instead of 4.

Want more info on the band? Check out MilkshakeMusic.com – there’s even a great kids page, and bio’s for each band member.

Remember how I said I got two sets? Yes, the girls were hoping that I was giving each of them a set, but no – I saved one for you!

Yes, one of you lucky readers gets to introduce your kids to a great new band (and hopefully retire a CD you just can’t take anymore!)

My girls are 7 & 8 years old, and they both love Milkshake. I will warn you though, the lead singer loves to dress in tu-tu’s, so if you have a little princess she may decide that tu-tu’s are the required attire whenever she listens or watches Milkshake. I mean, what Rock-n-Roll Princess doesn’t think that?

My 8 year old has memorized a few of the songs already, and loves to sing them. She has claimed our CD as hers, and goes to sleep listening to it every night. She also has the band members memorized – along with their favorite sports and foods… It really is a winner!

***DETAILS FOR WINNING***

What do you need to do to win?

Comment – Visit MilkshakeMusic.com tell me which band member is your favorite, or which song you like best. This one is required – no visit to the site and comment about the band, no win.

Tweet this post – add in @jehudson and link to your tweet in a separate comment below to let me know.

Follow me on twitter – jehudson – leave a comment

Visit Milkshake on Facebook & become a fan – leave a comment below

Stumble it – comment about your stumble.

Blog it – yep, tell your blog readers about this contest & send over a trackback or add another comment below.

Each of these things will get you an entry!

Oh, and you’ll gain an extra entry if you can tell me which band member’s mom was a Ukranian Opera Singer… just ’cause I like opera…  DM me the answer (on twitter) so everyone has a chance to find it!

Contest ends at 11:59 pm on Monday, March 16th, 2009.

Good luck!

Yeah, I thought that might grab your attention… What could I be talking about that is smooth and sexy? Why legs, of course! Legs that have been cooped up in jeans and long skirts for far too many months and are aching to get out and enjoy some sunshine!

Well, while we did have sunshine today, it was a kinda rare thing in these parts… we still have a few months of rain to look forward to before Summer officially arrives, but I know that some of you are already enjoying Spring, and your legs want to be beautiful to enjoy it!

Yes, I’m going to tell you about a new product that you just might fall in love with…
it’s called “Smooth Away” and it’s a replacement for your trusty (but hopefully not rusty) razor. Really

So what is Smooth Away anyway? Well, it’s a system that uses 2 paddles (one fits on your finger, the other on your hand) and micro-crystalline pads that gently remove hair and exfoliates at the same time!

Basically, you attach the pad to the paddle (it’s kind of rubbery) and gently rub your legs in a clockwise motion, then a counter clockwise motion and the is gone. The finger-size works well for facial hair, fingers, toes, ankles, etc. THe large paddle works well for arms and legs – larger areas.

Yes, you feel like you are sanding away your unwanted hair with an extremely fine-grained sandpaper. But it really does work! And if you are one of those women who just has a hard time getting along with a razor, this may be your perfect solution! No more kicks, cuts or razor burn. And I can guarantee that it is MUCH less painful that waxing! In fact, it doesn’t hurt at all.

So, where can you find this great new product? Most any drug store carries it – CVS, Rite Aid, Sally Beauty, Walgreens, etc – or you can order it online at GetSmoothAway.com.

Yes, it takes a little bit longer than shaving, but it also leaves your legs nice and soft. They also have a Hair Inhibitor Moisturizer that you use after using Smooth Away to moisturize your skin, and keep your hair from growing back as quickly. Did I mention that it smells a little like coconut? Its like a visit to the tropics! Who cares if we can’t enjoy real sunshine yet – we can smell like we are!

Go check it out – no more razors, no more wax, no more expensive laser treatments! Just soft, smooth, sexy legs. Just in time for Spring and Summer!

Yes, I’m one of those moms… my kids take their lunch to school every day, and they use a lunch system that cuts down on the amount of waste that they generate (generally none!)

A week or so ago I came across a new lunch box system that I must admit, I fell instantly in love with!

They are called Kids Konserve, and they are made from stainless steel instead of plastic. The lunch set comes with a 16 ounce stainless steel beverage container, two 8-ounce stainless steel containers, a food kozy (for sandwiches and food items), and a cloth napkin all conveniently stored in a reusable recycled cotton sack. The lunch kit retails for $40, and you can order everything inside separately.

Personally, I love the look of the stainless steel, and since my kids never have to warm anything up it works out great. They come in a couple of different fabrics too – caterpillars, butterflies and the original green – and they are all cute!

But why should you invest in something like this instead of the cheap plastic lunch boxes that we see everywhere?

Well, for starters there is the waste issue – and this is generated mostly from kids who bring their lunch. According to the Center for Ecoliteracy, the average elementary student generates between 45-90 pounds of plastic bags, foil, and additional waste in school lunch programs annually. That’s a lot of waste! It is coming from the single-serve containers that are getting sent to school – chips, applesauce, juice boxes, etc. With a lunch box system like Kids Konserve, you can buy in bulk and just portion out what your kids will eat each day.

Oh, and if you are able to buy foods in bulk instead of single-serve pre-packaged containers, the cost is MUCH less! A jar of all-natural, organic applesauce costs me $3.50, and I can get a lunch-sized portion for 2 kids for a week out of that. The single-serve containers come in a package of 6 (only 3 days) and cost $4. Chips are even worse.

They also offer a Tiffen in two sizes – child’s and adults. These are great stackable containers that don’t take up much space. Kind of like a Japanese bento box…

So, what am I sharing all of this for? Well, KidsKonserve.com has generously shared a coupon code with us! Yay!

The discount lasts from Feb 1 – March 31. Just head over to their site – kidskonserve.com – and use the coupon code “alex” to save 10% off your total order.

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I know… there is always the question of your kids remembering to bring their lunch box home… I have 2 girls – 1st & 2nd grade – and they have been taking their lunch to school every day since they started school. Only once has either of them forgotten something, and one of their friends saw it and brought it to them before school was out. If they understand that it is important to you, they will make it a point to keep it important to them too. With the name tag built into the bag it’s even easier! Just write their name on it just in case, and it will find it’s way back to them.

Kids Konserve is a mom-owned company that is trying to do their part to help the environment, one family at a time. Let’s help them out and tell others too!

I received a fun package in the mail last week… it contained 6 of the new Quaker True Delights chewy granola bars. And a coupon to get more (good marketing there…)

The flavors we received are:

• Dark Chocolate Raspberry Almond
• Honey Roasted Cashew Mixed Berry
• Toasted Coconut Banana Macadamia Nut

Since there were 2 of each, I had intended to eat one of each and do a giveaway with the others, but I do have a family living here with me. I managed to get 2 of the bars. It worked out though, because I am not a fan of coconut.

So, what are these things and why am I telling you about them? Well, Quaker is getting on the “health bar” bandwagon and offering up granola bars that not only taste great (yes, they really do) but have ingredients that you can actually pronounce!

My favorite of the 2 that I tried is the dark chocolate raspberry almond (I know, big surprise there), but the berry was also very tasty. My 6 year old LOVED the toasted coconut banana macadamia nut one – I had to wrestle the 2nd one away from her to keep her from eating the other one too.

While I applaud Quaker for getting better with these than their other granola bars, I still take issue with the fact that they are filled with corn syrup… not high fructose corn syrup, but corn syrup, corn syrup solids, sugar, fructose, oligofructose (whatever that is), more sugar, invert sugar, oh, and more sugar. Yes, that many different listings of some form of sugar on the label. They also have soy in them, along with natural and artificial flavors and caramel color.

If I may… have you tried the Lara Bars? They have less than 10 ingredients (usually closer to 5) ALL are actual, naturally occurring foods, and they taste great. Another great snack is Erin Baker’s Breakfast Cookies & Brownies. Again, short ingredients list (no corn syrup or soy) and great tasting. Mrs. May’s Trio Bars are also great – fruits, nuts & seeds.

Quaker is getting better, and for that I am thankful, but I would really like to see more all-natural foods on our shelves! I am tired of having to read labels to make sure there isn’t things in them that my kids can’t or shouldn’t have.

So, if you want to try these out yourself, leave a comment below. I have one Honey Roasted Cashew Mixed Berry left (I’m hiding it!) and a coupon for $1 off a box of them that I will ship out…

I’ll also throw in a Laura Bar and a Trio bar for you to try (just because I like them so much!)

What do you need to do?

Comment below… do you eat granola bars often? Have you ever tried any of the more natural ones? Do your kids eat these? That’s one entry…

For a second entry, add this giveaway to your blog. Send a trackback or add a second comment letting me know where to look for it.

Third entry… tweet this post!

The drawing ends at 11:59 pm on Monday, Feb 2nd, so that just gives you this weekend to get your entries in. I know you can do it though.

Thanks and good luck!

**Contest is closed – Congrats!**

I received the most delicious box in the mail last week. Oh yes, delicious! It was from Maureen over at Simply Heaven Lollipop Shoppe, and it was filled to the brim with delectable treats!

First I have to talk about the packaging – no, it’s worth it! We opened the box to find a beautiful tissue-paper wrapped bundle of confections. Each individual lollipop was wrapped in plastic and tied with a pink ribbon. It just looked beautiful!

I know what you are thinking… lollipops? Aren’t those for kids? Well, yes. But what is to keep adults from enjoying them too? Is it the stick that hangs out of your mouth? Have no fear! She also offers Lolli Drops for those who are still a kid at heart!

The Lolli Drops come in a small tin that will stash away in your purse and can be slipped into your mouth for a sweet treat anytime – without the telltale lollipop stick hanging out!

We received a tin of peppermint drops (which my 6 year old loved – and tried to steal!) and an assortment of lollipops including peach, key lime, strawberry, banana, cheesecake and lavender. I can personally attest that they are all yummy!

However, the lollipops aren’t even the tip of the iceberg! The first thing I opened when the box arrived (after the box, of course) was the pretty pink box of Kona Mocha Roca. I smelled it as soon as the shipping box was opened, and it smells divine!

I have to give a little personal background… I grew up in a town that held the headquarters for Enstrom’s World Famous Almond Toffee (given widely at Christmas – you always get at least 1 box!) and my in-law’s live down near the headquarters for Almond Roca candies, so when I tell you that this roca was some of the best toffee I have ever had, you can understand where I am coming from.

The Kona Mocha Roca is creamy and smooth with a layer of rich, dark chocolate on the top. WOW! Personally, I loved the fact that it was NOT covered in a layer of chopped nuts – they would have distracted from the creamy smoothness of the toffee. If you like toffee, you MUST visit Maureen!

I have saved the best for last though. Tucked in the bottom of the box was a package of biscotti. This is not your typical skinny, almond filled stuff either, oh no! This was Maureen’s Chocolate Lover’s Biscotti enrobed in dark chocolate! Seriously, these cookies from heaven are over 6 inches long and 1.5 inches wide! They are HUGE! I split the first one with my hubby, and we both felt that we were getting a good share.

These chocolate biscotti cookies are covered in chocolate – not a half dunk in chocolate either! This biscotti is covered in chocolate.

Maureen offers you a choice of dark or milk chocolate (as most people either like one or the other) and I will tell you that if you or someone you know loves chocolate, the Chocolate Lover’s Biscotti was created for them!

If you are looking for a tasty treat to give as a gift, or you are looking for a treat to use as a incentive for your kids, you need to click over to Simply Heaven Lollipop Shoppe! You will want to get a little something for yourself too – trust me! Otherwise the gift you are purchasing just might not make it out of your house!