Saturday, May 30, 2015

Pratipad Multipurpose Silicone Pot Holder



I received the Pratipad Multipurpose Silicone Pot Holders through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • Kitchen grade silicone 
  • Works as a pot holder, trivet, and jar opener
  • Works for hot or cold protection
  • Lightweight 
  • Withstands temperatures from -40 degrees to 446 degrees (Fahrenheit
  • Dishwasher safe
I had never used silicone pot holders before I received this product, so I wasn't sure how well it would be able to withstand heat. 

I could tell when I first received the pot holders that they were extremely flexible. They were easy to bend, twist, and move around. They work perfectly for opening up jars. The honeycone pattern helps provide extra grip.

With how flexible the potholders are, they work great to grab pans and items out of the oven or freezer. It makes it easy to grip the pans without slipping due to the honeycone pattern and the flexibility. 

I was worried that if I set hot pans on top of these pot holders for long periods of time to protect counter tops that they would melt. I've done it at least five times in the last month where I've set a hot pan on top of the silicone pot holders. They never melted like I feared they would.

These pot holders are very durable, flexible, and protects you from the heat from pans or the chill of freezer items. 

They're super easy to wash by either rinsing them with soap and water or sticking them in the dishwasher. 

Check out these pot holders on Amazon.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Long Exercise Bands



I received Long Exercise Bands by URBNFit through a promotion. 

Product Info:
  • Accessory for workouts, stretching, and rehabilitation 
  • Made with professional grade high quality latex rubber
  • Helps improve fitness ability
  • Light weight 
  • 3 Long bands for different abilities (light, medium, and heavy resistance)
  • Includes 1 door anchor
  • Band length is 5ft 
I've used exercise bands in the past when I worked in a nursing home for stretching and physical therapy before, but I've never actually had any of my own for at home to use. 

The long exercise bands by URBNFit bands are made with a very nice latex rubber. It feels nice to the touch, yet it's also easy to grip and doesn't slip much when using the bands for workouts. They feel durable and could last a long while, even with being an accessory to workouts and rehabilitation. The door anchor makes it easy to catch and hold the edge of the door to help provide a solid surface and a different angle for workouts and stretches. 

The bands are generally light weight and easy to pack, so they can be taken along for traveling or going to the gym. The medium band is slightly heavier than the light band. The heavy band is slightly heavier than the medium band.

When I first started using the bands, I started with the light band, so I could work my way up. There wasn't much resistance there, but it was still enough to provide more of a stretch and work my muscles more than if I hadn't been using the band. I slowly worked my way up to the medium and heavy bands. The medium band is the one I prefer to work with. There's more resistance there than the light band, but not as much as the heavy band.

These bands work great as an accessory for working out, stretching, rehabilitation, and other exercise programs. It helps stretch and build up your muscles. They work great for using them on the legs, hips, back, arms, etc. I usually used them on my arms because I'm weaker there than in my legs and hips.
Check out these bands on Amazon.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

1000 Thread Cotton Pillowcases




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I received a set of 2 1000 Thread Count Egyptian Cotton pillow cases through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • Made with 100% Egyptian Cotton 
  • Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
  • Soft 
  • Sateen Finish
The color of the pillow cases I received was a tanish-orange. It's not a color I would have chosen myself because it doesn't match the colors in my room. It's a warm color and pleasant. 

The pillow cases are soft to the touch and feels wonderful, even after several washes. Washing the pillow cases are easy and the directions are clear. The pillow cases are recommended to be washed in cold water and tumble dry low to dry. 

The size of the pillow case fits well on a standard size pillow. It does leave some extra room, but it's not too much that it would be bothersome.

with the pillow case being made out of Egyptian Cotton, the case does absorb and keep in the heat more. It's not a pillow case I would use during the summer because it gets so warm out already and I like the temperature to be cool when I sleep. It's a perfect pillow case to use during the fall and winter.


Monday, May 25, 2015

Quick Stitch Sewing Kit



I received the Quick Stitch Sewing Kit through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • Great for home use, travel,  or emergency 
  • Light weight
  • Great for beginners 
  • Sturdy zipper compact case
I've tried and bought other sewing kits before while I was traveling because either my luggage ripped or clothing did. Those sewing kits were very basic and didn't have everything I needed. 

The Quick Stitch sewing kit has a ton of needles, which is fantastic in case one breaks, different colored threads, extra buttons, a tape measure, scissors, etc. This kit has all of the basics that one could need for a sewing kit. 

All the basic thread colors I would need is either. There's plenty of different sized needles one could need. The needles are sharp as well, they're not too dull. It'll make using the needles on thin or thick fabric easy. I've had issues with sewing kits having too long of needles or too short of ones and not many in between. I've gotten kits before at hotels when I was traveling that didn't come with scissors. It's nice to see a kit that has everything I need to do a quick fix or sewing by hand. 

For the amount I've had to pay for sewing kits at hotels compared to the Quick Stitch, the Quick Stitch sewing kit is a much better deal.

I don't hand sew often unless a shirt rips, a button comes off, or my luggage rips. It always seems to happen when I'm traveling too. The Quick Stitch is perfect for me to carry in my luggage. It's light weight and small. It won't take up much room, but it'll come in handy.

Check out this sewing kit on Amazon.

Regenepure DR 4oz Hair Loss & Dandruff Shampoo



I received the Regenepure DR 4oz Hair Loss & Dandruff Shampoo through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • Gentle shampoo
  • Sulfate and Paraben Free
  • 1% Ketonconazole for hair loss and dandruff 
  • Contains Aloe Vera to stop inflammation 
  • Emu Oil and Jojobo Oil to moisturize dry scalp caused by Ketonconazole
  • Helps stimulate hair growth 
  • Nourishes the scalp, removes impurities, and repairs hair roots 
When I first got this product, I wasn't sure how well it would work. I've never tried shampoo for hair loss before, even though with my long hair I shed like a dog. 

The shampoo lathered very well, which I had followed the instructions on using it towards the scalp. I wasn't sure if it would actually work at first, but it did make my scalp tingle a bit. It also made my hair feel lighter. It wasn't until after a few uses did I notice that I had some little baby hairs coming back. I also felt like the roots of my hair felt stronger and healthier. 

During certain times of the year, like Spring, I tend to have some issues with dandruff. When I would use this shampoo, I wouldn't have any. My scalp wouldn't feel itchy or dry either. When I would use my normal shampoo, I would have a small amount of dandruff near my ears or back of scalp. 

The only issue I had with this shampoo is that the smell reminded me a lot of the dentist office. It was a strong minty smell. 

Check out this shampoo on Amazon.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Lingerie Bags for Laundry



I received a set of 4 Lingerie Bags from Fuse Essentials through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • Protects and extends the life of lingerie, underwear, scarves, bras, hosiery, expensive  blouses, baby clothing, sweaters, etc. 
  • Made with an elastic zipper 
  • Keeps socks together
  • Made with premium mesh 
  • Includes: 1 Small wash bag (8" x 12"), 1 Medium wash bag (12" x 16"), and 2 Large wash bags (16" x 20")
When I first got the lingerie bags, I was impressed with how the mesh it was made of felt. It was thick and seemed heavy duty. The mesh felt strong like it would be able to withstand many washes and never rip. 

On the other hand, the elastic zipper is said to be quiet on the product description, but it is not. The zipper is louder than other lingerie bags I have. It doesn't snap, but you can tell it's rough or rubs when you open or close the zipper. Although, the zipper has not broke for the many uses it's had in the month.

The bag sizes are wonderful. They're the perfect size for many of my blouses (which is the main thing I use them for) and other clothing. Even a sweatshirt can fit in the medium or large size bags, as well as sweaters. 

Check out this product on Amazon.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Eco Friendly BPA Free Sports Water Bottle


I received the Eco Friendly BPA Free Sports Water Bottle through a promotion.


Product Info:
  • Easy to trasnport
  • When empty the 20oz bottle can fold,  roll, or be flatten to 1/4 of original size
  • Refill or open bottle to retain original shape
  • Durable
  • BPA and Phthalate Free
  • FDA Approved
  • Leak Free
  • Recyclable 
  • Lightweight
  • Dishwasher, Microwave, and Freezer safe
When I first saw these water bottles, I wasn't sure how well they would work. I've tried other glasses or bottles made with silicone that had a smell or odor to them, which makes it unpleasant to use them for awhile. Plus, I wasn't sure how well these bottles would roll up.

I was very surprised and pleased that my concerns weren't a problem with MindBody Active's foldable water bottle. The bottle had no odor to it even though it's made with Food Grade Silicone. (Although, after washing it, I would still recommend putting a paper towel in it to help absorb the moisture just in case.) The bottle rolled up very nicely. 

When they arrived, the bottles were already rolled up, which made shipping them in a smaller package easy. There's a little silicone loop that is near the carabiner clip. You put it around the bottle to help it stay rolled up. I'm a little worried that this piece could break or snap, but for the month I've been using it, I have had no problems with that part or any part of the bottle. 

Unrolling it leaves the bottle flat until you open it or refill the bottle. It then pops back up in it's original shape, a 20oz silicone water bottle. The refilling lid is nice and wide. It's  a perfect size for refilling the bottle using a facet. The lid is easy to screw on and off. There's a little plastic cover that snaps onto the spout as well where you can get a drink.

The bottle has not leaked for me any of the times I've used it during the month. It works very well.

Check out this foldable water bottle on Amazon



Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Titan Military 550 Paracord



I received the Titan Military 550 Pink Paracord through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • 100 Ft
  • Paracord minimum strength is 550Ibs 
  • Uses: Home, Auto, Emergencies, Camping, Survival Kits, Disaster Prep, But-Out Bags, Crafting, etc. 
  • 5/32" in diameter
  • 21 individual strands braided into 3-strand yarns 
I had not used a paracord before I received this product. I had tried bungee cords to help with auto uses, such as keeping a bumper on or tying a bike to a rake. Those work well, but the ones I have used were not long. This paracord is 100Ft long and military grade. There are ways to cut the paracord down to shorten it to desired lengths.

I found that the paracord works great for hanging up clothes to dry. Once tying them to different posts, the paracord is able to handle the strength of wet clothing, blankets, tarps, etc. without getting weighed down too much or breaking. This is especially helpful when camping. 

This cord can work to tie things to backpacks for hiking or to help make a pulley. That way more of the weight and stress goes onto the paracord rather than your body. 

The paracord works for auto uses for tying items to the top of the vehicle to keep it in place. The paracord doesn't slip or slide much, so it's able to hold item in place while on the road.

This paracord is overall utility type cord. It can be used for survival means, auto and house needs, outdoor functions. The strength of the cord allows it to be used for many different things. 

Check out this paracord and the colors in comes in on Amazon.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Fabric & Lint Shaver



I received the Cordless Fabric and Lint Shaver through a promotion. 

Product Info:
  • Removes pills, lint, and fuzz 
  • Works on clothing, upholstery, drapes, blankets, carpets, etc. 
  • 2.5" shaving surface 
  • Comes with: Power cord, small brush, and the shaver 

The first time I used this shaver, I didn't take the time to try to find where the batteries go and what type it takes. I used the power cord to get it to work. The power cord is the perfect length for me to use it by plugging it in the bathroom outlet and using it by the washer and drier. The cord is about 5ft long and the washer and drier is right outside the bathroom door. The length worked perfect for me.

I was a bit nervous to use the shaver on some of my clothing because it recommends not to use it on soft fabrics. Most of my shirts are either soft or thin for the fabric. The first two shirts I tried got a little hole in them, not even a size of a pea or as big as the holes on the shaver. The holes were tiny. I realized my mistake was because I was pressing too hard with putting the shaver to the fabric. If I just lightly held it above the fabric, the shaver would use it's suction force to help pick up and cut off any lint, pills, or fuzz.

After I learned the trick, working the shaver with my shirts was a breeze.

The cap of the shaving area can be unscrewed and the blades are inside. I highly recommend keeping this out of the reach of small children or young teens for this reason. Older teens and adults would be more careful with handling this shaver.

The little brush that comes with the shaver helps to remove the lint from the blades as well.

The first time using this fabric and lint shaver, I used it on a lot of my shirts before I washed them. I was amazed at how much fuzz it was able to get off on many of the shirts.

The main shirt that I had a problem with where it was pilling badly took longer than the rest to work off the pills. I went in circles over the pills until I was satisfied with the amount that remained or that they were all gone.

To empty the area that the lint, pills, and fuzz gets stored with the shaver, you just pull down on the plastic clear part until it pops off. Be careful because it can be messy.

Check out this Fabric Shaver on Amazon.

Microfiber Cleaning Towels



I received the 5 Pack Microfiber Cleaning Towels through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • Pack of 5
  • Works with cars, home, or appliances 
  • 16" x 16" 
  • Does not leave scratches, streaks, or lint
  • Machine Washable 
I love microfiber towels because they absorb water and other liquids so well. I get a bit nervous when buying them because some tend to feel scratchy or like sandpaper. 

These microfiber towels happen to be very soft to the touch. With how soft it feels, I'm comfortable and confident that the towels won't leave any scratch marks on surfaces on appliances or my car. 

The towels work great to help dust, wash the car and appliances, or soak up any spills. They're soft enough that they could be used as hand towels, if necessary. 

I love that these are machine washable. I've washed them several times and it makes them easy to clean. 

Check out these Microfiber Towels on Amazon.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Makeup Blender Foundation Sponge



I received the Flawless PINK Latex Free Blender Gourd Blending Foundation Sponge through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • Leaves no streaks
  • Even distribution 
  • Use pointed side around nose and eye area
  • Wide side around chin, face, and forehead 
  • Easy to clean
The flawless PINK blending gourd sponge is small and very soft. The size of the sponge is a bit shorter than my pinkie, between 2 to 3 inches in length. 

The sponge is very soft. It feels gentle on my face. 

I love that there's different sizes or sides to this sponge. The pointed side works great around the nose and eyes. Places that are harder to reach or where you need to be more careful, like around the eyes. The wider side works great around the chin, cheeks, forehead, etc. The sponge provides an even distribution to the makeup and doesn't leave streaks. 

I normally don't put the makeup on the sponge. I put it on my face and then use the sponge to blend it in. 

It works well for both liquid and powder foundation, concealers, etc. 

It's also easy to clean with soap and water.

Check out this sponge on Amazon. 

Slim Extreme 3D Thermo Active Shaping Serum



I received the Slim Extreme 3D Thermo Active Shaping Serum through a promotion.

Product Info:
  • Helps reduce appearance of cellulite
  • Thermo fat burner actively reduces fat deposits
  • MDL complex smooths unevenness 
  • Improves skin elasticity 
  • Caffeine and horsetail extract stimulates metabolism and supports collagen production
  • Contains moisturizing laminaria algae
  • Paraben free
  • 8.8fl oz tube
When I first received this product and saw that it was to help reduce appearance of cellulite, I was a bit nervous that it would smell horrible. Other products I've tried that help reduce the appearance of cellulite smelled really strongly of mint and it was bothersome until I got used to it. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this shaping serum smelled like cherries and is a clear, red type serum. The smell doesn't bother me at all. 

The first time I put on the serum, I had put it on my stomach and thighs. I was confused at first because it said it was a thermo serum, but it didn't heat up like I thought it would for awhile. I put on this exercising wrap around stomach area. Within 20 minutes, I could tell the shaping serum was starting to warm up. My thigh area where I put the serum didn't get as warm as where I had the wrap on. The heat wasn't bothersome. 

After each use of the serum, I could tell my skin felt softer and smoother. I did notice that the cellulite on my thighs weren't so noticeable, especially after I used the product more frequently. I haven't noticed much changes in slimming in the areas I've used the product, but it makes my skin feel and appear much nicer.

Check out this product on Amazon

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Catching Cassidy Review & Giveaway


NEW HARBORSIDE NIGHTS is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real New Adult Romance series that follows a group of friends who have known one another for years as “summer” friends, and now come together after college to build their lives. They’re tough, edgy, and accepting—most of the time. This series is written in the loving, raw, and emotional voice readers have come to love by New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.

Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn't it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

“Catching Cassidy was laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, sexy, and hands down one of my favorite reads so far this year!” — #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Bet – Rachel Van Dyken

***REVIEW***
Catching Cassidy was frustratingly good. Melissa Foster, as usual, did a wonderful job in this book. The way she describes the setting of Harborside makes it seem so welcoming, calming, and like home. As if anyone who goes there can find a place where they belong and people who will welcome them with open arms and care about them. Harborside sounds like it has beautiful landscapes and a great place to spend the summer. 
The way Melissa makes the characters come alive makes the reader fall in love with them. Each character, even the secondary characters, have traits that makes their personality shine through and make them likable. I kept finding myself wanting to know more about the characters and what would happen next with them. I loved how close their friendships seemed.  
The reason I found the book frustrating was because of the main characters, Wyatt and Cassidy. They had known each other for years, back from when they were kids. They were best friends and buried the feelings they had for each other deep down. Neither wanted to ruin the friendship they had spent so many years forming.  
The summer of Wyatt and Cassidy's college graduation several events happen that cause them to spend the summer together. Those events have the capability of making each person fall apart. They stand by each other's side to try to make it through together. 
Feelings that they had buried down start to rise. Now they find an attraction to each other that both characters try to hide and ignore. It's like they're skirting around each other out of desire and fear of what acting on those feelings could happen. I kept wanting Wyatt and Cassidy to get together or admit their feelings. 
It drove me nuts each time they hide it or ignored their feelings. I was kept on the edge of my seat waiting for them to acknowledge their feelings. I'll admit, when they finally opened up to each other, I squealed. I can't wait to see how the series grows! 

Available to buy from...... 



About Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary CafĂ© and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. 

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa at The World Literary Cafe or her personal website.Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.
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Follow the Book Tour

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

COMING IN 2015 the full Harborside Nights series...

Catching Cassidy (Het)
Discovering Delilah (F/F)
Tempting Tristan (M/M)
Chasing Charley (Het)
Breaking Brandon (M/M)
 Embracing Evan (Het)
Reaching Rusty (Het)
Loving Livi (Het)

Characters from the Love in Bloom series will appear in the Harborside Nights books.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!

Five lucky winners will each win the Read, Write, Love ebook
(The Remingtons)
Ending on Sunday 7th June at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide

Enter Below & Good Luck !!