Wednesday, July 27, 2011

I am so not used to boys styles!

My son is very unique but very boyish in his style.  I grew up a tomboy but still that did not prepare me for him.  I had one sister who was a girly girl so I really was new to boys styles and clothing.  My son loves just about anything (unless I like it.)and is very laid back.

When I take him to the mall he picks out mostly skater styles.  I could be at fault for that because that is how I dressed him for his first 4 years of life. Once and a while I did dress him preppy.   Now though he goes straight to the baggy jeans and skater shirts and shorts.  I miss when I had a say in his style.  Me and him usually fight over what "fits" him.  He likes it a few sizes big.  I try and tell him its too big but he just grabs it and walks away. I guess I really should give him more freedom in style since he is not hurting anyone with his style.  Trying to be calm and pick my battles I go for something nice to sneak in the pile of clothes. We have to go to the designer shoes though.  He loves Adidas and currently has a pair of Beckham shoes from his grandparents.   He also loves anything monster and alien especially in shirts   He will wear an occasional polo from the mall.


 Truly I think he sometimes would wear just anything.  One day I caught him just throwing on a holy pair of jeans and shirt for going out.  I was not having it.   I made him change the clothes and threw the holy ones out.  I really did not expect this battle of clothes at such a young age.  I do buy my son some dress clothes but they usually end up missing from his closet.  This is a no win situation because I think his father is the one who really hides the clothes or throws them out.  My husband is the same way.  He does not care about appearances.

I guess I could attribute some of his style to him being autistic.  He only likes what feels comfortable and moves from there.  I do not want to push him to far from his comfort zones.  Most autistic parents knows where that will lead.  Meltdown!  More than I like I give in to his baggy style.

There you go.  My son's style and my battle of wills with him.  Though like I said I do give in because of his autism and really go with the flow.  As long as he is not wearing anything obscene, I should be happy... Right!?



I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” ( http://jcpenney.socialmoms.com/about)

Monday, July 25, 2011

Grateful Body Review and Giveaway


I have tried many facial products.  My facial skin is beyond super oily.  No product helps my breakouts.  Facial acne and oily skin has plagued me my whole life.  I have tried I think almost every product made.  I tried Dr. Perricione, ProActive, and many more.  None has helped.  I get sooo frustrated.  Some dry my skin too much and I still breakout.  Now I am to the point of not believing in any product. I am frustrated and disappointed.

Grateful Body sent me the Oily skin line for facial care.  I got it and of course I wasn't expecting much.  Nothing works on my face!  I started the sink care and by a week later my skin had NO breakouts and now nearly a month into using the product and I still have not had one breakout.  I am stunned.  No kidding this stuff actually works on my skin.  I am so excited but the only problem is I am really low income so hopefully I can find a good deal on it.  This stuff is amazing.

Thank you for letting me try a free line of your products!  The oily skin product is just amazing for those who thought there is no relief for oily skin.  I am so happy about this product!  It is amazing and Guess what? I get to give a set away!
Contest is open to USA residents.
Mandatory Entry
Part 1 :Go to 
http://www.gratefulbody.com/ and tell me which product you would most like to try.  
Part 2: Join my site via email (top right side) 


Extra Entries 
Visit Grateful Body!on facebook and leave a comment then leave me a comment telling me you did so. 
Follow me on Google Friend Connect!  Then leave me a comment. If you already follow me leave a comment saying so.  (yes that counts)
Follow me on Networked Blogs and leave a comment. 
Follow me on Twitter  or on Facebook then leave me a comment telling me you did. 
each one is a separate entry.  
Tweet about this giveaway!  then leave me a post with the link to you tweet.  :) You can be creative on the tweet or just use mine.
Win a set of Grateful body skin care line. 8/17   http://bit.ly/psekmW  #giveaway


Or post this on facebook and leave me a comment with the link. :) 


** I received products to test for the mentioned companies but it had no influence what so ever on my review.  I may seem positive on the products I review because I only write about the companies I love and buy for my home.  All my Reviews are honest and from my heart.  I received no monetary compensation for this review. Thank you for reading!



Tuesday, July 19, 2011

SeaPak Review



SeaPak
A great and top company (#1 actually) in their field.  They really know their stuff and have a wide variety of Shrimp and fish.

Easy to make: Just heat!
Tasty:  My favorite kinds are Shrimp Scampi and Coconut shrimp (to die for!)  My son actually eats it.  I am so excited about it.  He loves his with a honey dip.  I am the biggest fanatic in the family of SeaPak products though.  I normally hate seafood but not Shrimp.  It is funny I hate most seafood except crab legs, lobster and Shrimp!!! I am addicted to those.  It is easy to see why they are the best.  Sea food is Brain food.  I need all the brain power I can get.  I better stock up for my two seafood products a week (of course they will be Sea Pak coconut shrimp!). Only Con I found is Location.... . Only can be found in my local Walmart which is not close at all.  Then again with something that tasty it is worth the trip!...

Check out the Wonderful recipes on their site!



Below is from SeaPak site
"The SeaPak Shrimp company is the #1 retail brand within the frozen specialty seafood category.  For 60 years, we've provided the highest quality best-tasting shrimp.  Quite simply, we're the shrimp experts.  The SeaPak Shrimp Company is known for its care and attention to choosing only the best shrimp for it's retail and food service products.  Since 1948, SeaPak has provided a wide variety of great-tasting, easy-to-prepare shrimp and seafood products of the highest quality to seafood lovers everywhere.  Whether you prefer delicious perfectly seasoned seafood right from the package or you like to customize a recipe with your own special touches, SeaPak has a shrimp or seafood variety for you!"



Thank you so much SeaPak for being patient with me through my illnesses.  They have been waiting a while for me to catch up to their review.  Thank you again.

I was given a free product coupon in exchange for an honest review.

** I received products to test for the mentioned companies but it had no influence what so ever on my review.  I may seem positive on the products I review because I only write about the companies I love and buy for my home.  All my Reviews are honest and from my heart.  I received no monetary compensation for this review. Thank you for reading!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Nature's Path Review




Nature's path is a brand I have purchased for years.  When I decided to try to start buying my son gluten free items I searched and searched for brands that tasted good and where gluten free. Not only are they gluten free but they are organic. We have tried many tasteless or nasty tasting gluten free products.  I saw reviews for Nature's path and found that most people speak rather highly of them.  So when I went to Wild Oats (:( I still miss them) I purchased the EnviroKidz products.

Their Envirokidz products taste amazing.  My son loves the Every flavor but his Favorite is Leaping Lemurs.  They are chocolate and peanut butter flavored balls. (about the size of kix cereal but much tastier.)  They have many more flavors like-

Gorilla Munch
Koala Krisp
Panda Puffs
and more including Cereal bars!!! Yummy, I take these everywhere for a quick little snack.

Natures path sent me a goodie box including

Love Crunch (it has berries, granola, flax, and chocolate!)  It is now one of favorite cereals of all time.  Though another one of my all time favorites are their Pumpkin flax! You have to try it. It's soooo good.

They also Have a large selection of other breakfast foods like Cold Cereals, Granola, Toaster Pastries, Granola, Granola bars, and cookies, and hot cereals.

I usually buy these in bulk at Amazon.com which usually offers pretty good prices.
Envirokidz Organic Gorilla Munch Enviropakz, 23-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3)















** I received products to test for the mentioned companies but it had no influence what so ever on my review.  I may seem positive on the products I review because I only write about the companies I love and buy for my home.  All my Reviews are honest and from my heart.  I received no monetary compensation for this review. Thank you for reading!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Free 2 week supply of Bio-35 from Pro-Biotiks


Free 2 week supply of Bio-35 from Pro-Biotiks
What they Claim:

• repair “Energy Leaks”*
• Improve the Immune System*
• Increase Stamina*
• Improve Cholesterol Profile*
• Provide Nutrients for the Body to Heal Itself*

Sample kinds: (choices from)
regular, iron-free or gluten-free

Sample request page -
http://www.bio35.com/request_sample/?id=

Product info:
http://www.bio35.com/products/pro...rch=&page=

Supplement facts:
http://www.bio35.com/uploads/Bio-35.PNG

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Vidazorb Product Review




As a mom of a child with Asperger's you hear a lot of information out there on the what I call "autism diets"  Yes, I do believe there is a link.  Our body's all have there imperfections and each generation seems to have "more" problems.  My health started deteriorating at 26.  I have had eczema my whole life.  Not to mention about another hundred problems. Depression, Unexpected weight gain (with a good diet)as a teenager.( No I honestly never liked junk food and never overate), daily headaches, stomach problems (couldn't eat in the morning without severe stomach pain.),  (now the rest started around age 26.)(get this: I am Gluten, Casein, and lactose intolerant)  Fibromyalgia, tendonitis in both knees, weak immune system, and many more but I will not bore you with it now.  I am still forever the optimist.   My son too has many ailments.  He has severe eczema bumps and has flare ups all over.  We need some natural things in our bodies to help with our bodies start to work right.  No matter if you believe the GFCF diet for autism or not most health conscious people know we need supplements in our diets.

I looked up natural helpers for children and that is when I found a twitter party for Vidazorb Belly Boost  products.  I tried to win because I was really interested in trying them. Unfortunately I did not win but I decided to write them.  They sent my son a bottle of Belly Boost and us a couple bottles of other products ( Vidazorb +OPC and Super C.)


Belly Boost (following is quoted from Vidazorb site.)

Children’s chewable probiotics in fun Zorbee™ character shapes, for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption in children aged 4 and up, with Bifidobacterium, BB-12® (50 milligrams – approximating 5 billion CFU) and S. thermophilus, TH-4™ (50 milligrams – approximating 5 billion CFU).
Address the digestive and immune system needs of children with Vidazorb® Belly Boost™. Clinically substantiated Bifidobacterium, BB-12® and S. thermophilus, TH-4™ are especially kid-friendly and work together to support the wellness needs of little ones. Beneficial probiotic bacteria are essential in helping maintain overall health.*
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

(back to me)


First off I started my son on a regular schedule of taking the Belly Boost. (one tablet 3 times a day.).  His health did seem to get a bit better.  His digestive system certainly was better.  They say it can help Eczema but it did not seem to help his facial eczema. He had no flare ups on his body so it really did seem to help.

The other products +OPC and Super C are also chewables like the child vitaims but are for adults.  They tasted alright but did seem to work pretty good on our over all health.  The only con I found is is the price but with a coupon code it would be perfect!


+OPC

FOR ADDITIONAL IMMUNE SUPPORT
Baby Boomers especially love the additional health benefits of +OPC.
Daily age defense with L. acidophilus, LA-5® (50 milligrams – approximating 5 billion CFU), Bifidobacterium, BB-12® (50 milligrams – approximating 5 billion CFU) and Masquelier’s® OPC.
Support vascular health while improving digestion with Vidazorb® +OPC. Clinically substantiated L. acidophilus, LA-5® and Bifidobacterium, BB-12® work synergistically with Masquelier’s® Original OPC to improve nutrient absorption and fight free radicals. Beneficial probiotic bacteria are essential in helping maintain overall health.*
90 Chewable Tablets
Flavor: Pomegranate
Serving Size: 1 chewable tablet
Directions: For adults, take 1 chewable tablet 3 times daily, preferably with meals.
Other ingredients: Mannitol, Crospovidone, Sorbitol, Lactitol, Magnesium Stearate, Natural Color, Natural Flavor, Silicon Dioxide, Sucralose

______________________ Super C



FOR ENHANCED IMMUNE AND DIGESTIVE SUPPORT
Travelers and athletes see real benefits using our Super C formulation.
Enhanced antioxidant support with L. acidophilus, LA-5® (50 milligrams – approximating 5 billion CFU), Bifidobacterium, BB-12® (50 milligrams – approximating 5 billion CFU), Masquelier’s® OPC and Vitamin C.
Maximize immunity and digestive wellness with antioxidant-rich Vidazorb® SuperC. Clinically substantiated L. acidophilus, LA-5® andBifidobacterium, BB-12® work synergistically with Masquelier’s® Original OPC and Vitamin C to significantly boost overall immune strength. Perfect for travelers. Beneficial probiotic bacteria are essential in helping maintain overall health.*
90 Chewable Tablets
Flavor: Orange Pineapple
Serving Size: 1 chewable tablet
Directions: For adults, take 1 chewable tablet 3 times daily, preferably with meals.
Other ingredients: Mannitol, Crospovidone, Sorbitol, Lactitol, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Magnesium Stearate, Natural Color, Natural Flavor, Silicon Dioxide, Sucralose


















** I received products to test for the mentioned companies but it had no influence what so ever on my review.  I may seem positive on the products I review because I only write about the companies I love and buy for my home.  All my Reviews are honest and from my heart.  I received no monetary compensation for this review. Thank you for reading!



Vitalicious Vitatops and VitaBrownie Review

First off this company is amazing for dealing with me.  I have been so ill off and on lately that I am way past due on this review.  Thank you!



I love muffins but they do not show love to my body.  Homemade muffins can be very healthy but I do not have the time or the capabilities (with all my ailments.)  to make them like my family wants.  The next idea? contact Vitalicious and ask to try their vitamuffins.  


We got a box of assorted flavors of their product Vitatops.  Cute and healthy they are a perfect lil snack.  They are shaped like the top of a muffin.  That is the perfect size of muffin for me.  They sent kinds ranging from  Corn muffins to Peanut Butter Chip.  They tasted like cupcakes! Some are really high fiber and they actually were not the ones I expected. My favorite hands down was the Banana Nut Vitatop.  My husbands was the Fudgy Peanut Butter Chip (of course!).  Men! hmph. 

I also decided to put these things to the test.  That is right, my mom group and get more real reviews.  They where  a hit.  Not one bad comment out of the group.  In fact they want me to bring them more. I really thought that was funny. ;)

They also sent me VitaBrownies to try.  I was more amazed by these.  They are high fiber 10g each and a tiny lil brownie but tasted like a real brownie.  A healthy brownie.. Imagine that.


Wanna try them for yourself or get some more reviews on these products?  check out http://www.vitalicious.com.








12pk cost about $17 dollars on their site.  http://www.vitalicious.com/store-vitamuffins.html?gclid=CMnxh9Gx_akCFcXs7QodJi-Q1A


"Finally, a healthy, 100 calorie, low-fat, high-fiber muffin that actually delivers what it promises:
  • Taste- winner of the "Award of Excellence" from the American Tasting Institute
  • Nutrients-contains 15 vitamins & minerals, soy and oat bran (compare to an apple)
  • Control- only 100 calories per 2-oz serving
  • Health- high in fiber (5-9g per serving)... and they are kosher
  • Satisfaction- leaves you feeling full because fiber-rich foods take longer to digest
  • Peace of mind- all natural muffins with no artificial additives or preservatives.
    Learn More
"


So Healthy and so good for you.  Not a bad combination


Again I would love to thank Vitalicious for being so patient with me.  I get ill frequently and also have many disabling pain problems that have caused my reviews to be Really behind.  Thank you all. :)


Special offers :  http://www.facebook.com/vitatops?v=wall&viewas=0&sk=wall
** I received products to test for the mentioned companies but it had no influence what so ever on my review.  I may seem positive on the products I review because I only write about the companies I love and buy for my home.  I received no monetary compensation for this review. Thank you for reading!

Diana's Banana Babies Review



I am not big on Ice Cream.  My son and husband could eat ice cream for every meal.  uck!  Most people love ice cream but I am one of the odd ones.  On a rare mood or whim I will eat it.

I contacted Diana's Bananas and asked them about trying their products.  They sent me two kinds, (both Diana's banana babies.) With nuts and without.


So I distributed them to my family and my mother because it was a really hot day out. (around 100).  We all tried them and it was unanimous.  They tasted way better than ice cream.

Like fruit and ice cream but looking for something healthier? Try these!  They are dark chocolate covered frozen bananas (or milk chocolate if you prefer.).  You really can not tell they are not a frozen treat. (duh! to me. They are.)  Anyways they where a hit and gone in no time.


Below is posted from their site about the products.

Meet the happiest bananas in the world.

At Diana’s Bananas, we do it right—making the finished product is a 14-step procedure that includes purchasing, testing, peeling, sizing, freezing and dipping—and you’ll taste the results of our hard work in every delicious bite!
Our team personally selects only fully ripe, creamy, sweet white bananas, which we quick freeze to -20 degrees fahrenheit. The result is an easy-to-bite banana with texture so smooth, you’ll think you’re eating ice cream.
After our quick freezing process, we dip the bananas in real bar chocolate. We never use chocolate flavored coatings or other inferior substitutes. The world’s best bananas deserve real chocolate—you do, too!

and their promise:

The world’s best bananas:
jungle-fresh, igloo frozen

To make the world’s best chocolate-dipped frozen bananas you have to start with the world’s best un-frozen bananas. So to find those, we went to the jungles of Ecuador, where there’s literally an unlimited supply of bananas. But to be a Diana’s Banana Banana Baby, there’s just one quality we look for—perfection.

Each banana must meet our rigid standards of size, shape, color, flavor and texture. We also use a fancy scientific device called a refractometer that lets us know when a banana is at its peak of sweetness. Within minutes of being picked from the tree, these perfect specimens of bananahood are quick-frozen to -20 degrees fahrenheit using a process that seals in their flavor and freshness. From that point on they don’t leave their igloo-like conditions until you unwrap one and unleash that creamy goodness with your first bite. You might think you’re eating banana ice cream, it’s so smooth and delicious.
We’re just as fussy when it comes to our incomparably delicious milk and dark chocolate coatings. Our real bar chocolate blows away your standard ice cream bar chocolate in quality and taste, while resisting the kind of cracking that you get when you bite into other chocolate coatings.
So here’s our promise to you: Our healthful, fresh and spectacularly delicious bananas represent our total commitment to quality and our devotion to creating a product that satisfies you with every bite. And while we at Diana’s Bananas enjoy a laugh as much as anyone, when it comes to delivering the world’s best chocolate dipped frozen banana™, we’re not monkeying around.


I really really want to thank Diana's Bananas for putting up with me through my illnesses and waiting on this review.  It was promised to them months ago. Sorry! 

** I received products to test for the mentioned companies but it had no influence what so ever on my review.  I may seem positive on the products I review because I only write about the companies I love and buy for my home.  I received no monetary compensation for this review. Thank you for reading!

Get your Free bag of Fresh Express Salad from VocalPoint.

vocalpoint.com/FreshSavings






Already a member of VocalPoint? then click here and login vocalpoint.com/FreshSavings.  Not a memember? No Problem Register here http://www.vocalpoint.com/registration/screener.aspx.


Sign up Fast!  Get a free bag coupon and a salad bag clip.  

(below is quoted from vocalpoint site.)
About Fresh Rinse
Fresh Express® has developed a breakthrough, eco-friendly produce wash called Fresh Rinse that is 7x more effective in cleaning salads than traditional chlorine wash,1 but is still gentle on lettuce.
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Acceptable for use on organic produce
1Based on average reduction of bacteria (Total Aerobic Plate Counts,
and indicator for the level of microorganisms on a product)

Why I really, Really want to visit Virginia Beach.



Why wouldn't anyone want to visit Virginia Beach?  It is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.  I dream of returning there someday.  Anyways here are my top ten reasons I want to visit Virginia Beach.

1.  I been there once as a teenager and it was beautiful beyond words. I was 16 and dream daily about returning someday with my family.

2.  My son has never seen the ocean!  My son has been begging to see the ocean since his younger cousin beat him to it.  I tell him of all the fantastic things you can find beneath the waves.

3.  We never get a vacation.  Me and my husband never even got a honeymoon let alone a vacation ever.  We are REALLY low income and can not afford one.  :(

4.  My husband wants to go parasailing.  Crazy enough but if we ever get to go I might try it too.  I am crazy like that.  I love rollercoasters but hate Ferris wheels. Funny huh? I am a adrenaline junkie not a near death junkie. :)

5.  I want to go early morning shell collecting with my son like I once got to do.  It makes memories that last forever.Watching the sun rise over the ocean is something straight out of a fairy tale.  Spectacular horizons is another great thing about Virginia Beach.

6.  Because they have one Awesome Aquarium.  I was studying in college to become a marine biologist and my dream crashed down because I didn't have the resources and of  course I live in the midwest.

7.  My husband is a fishing nut!  They have awesome fishing and he loves ocean fishting.

8.  I want to give my son a family trip that means something.  It is kind of a tradition.  I been there and he want to go too.

9. We have always wanted to learn how to surf!  Who doesn't?  I remember watching Gidget movies and wishing that was me.

10.  First Landing State Park.  It is a great park with fun family activities.  It is also a famous historical site.  I love history and always excelled in it.



There is a lot more reasons why I would love to go but I think I will stick with that for now.  So many dreams would come true if I ever get to visit again.  My family vacation and honeymoon I never got.  Sweet dreams and Happy thoughts.  I can feel the rush already just thinking about it.  Virgina Beach is one of my all time top places I want to visit.  Hope I get to visit again some day.

Check out Virgina Beach http://visitvirginiabeach.socialmoms.com/about

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” 

Joanne Smith

Joanne Smith
Joanne Smith

About Mom In Nebraska

Joanne Smith is the head blogger for Mom In Nebraska. She currently resides in Omaha, NE. with her family. She has a wonderful miracle *her Autistic son Timmy that loves electronics.* Joanne has worked in customer service her whole life and loves it. She worked hard in College and studied a wide variety of subjects from Biology, Chem, Web Design, Early Childhood Education and much more. Now she is a SAHM, Blogger and Homeschooler. Next task for Joanne is trying to take over the world..... or at least her little part of it.