Of Poseidon Review

February 29, 2012 0 Comments

Of Poseidon

Title: Of Poseidon
Edited By: Anna Banks
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: May 22, 2012
IBSN:  978-1250003324
Pages: 324

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish. 
What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings.

Wow. Oh my word, this is such a good book and I can't wait and hope there will be more installments of this story. There has to be! I was drawn to it from the beginning and could not put it down for anything. Definitely a story that keeps you in suspense and guessing what's to come and always wanting more.

I've been drawn to the paranormal stories before regarding vampires, werewolves, etc., but mermaids!?! I love how unique this story is. I don't think I've ever read a book regarding mermaids. Learning about the under water world of Syrena was just the tip of why I loved this story so much.

I think Anna did an amazing job on  the main characters Galen and Emma and how their relationship starts off far from perfect. She keeps you guessing whether or not they end up together. She also made it so easy for me to visualize not only what the characters looked like, but where they were. Her detailed creativity bringing Syrena to life in this story is brilliant.

If you're looking for a new book to read, this is definitely it. You'll find yourself sitting up in bed at 1am in the morning just to finish the next chapter and wanting to read more. If I could I'd give Of Poseidon five out of five stars.

~LaQuita

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Of Poseidon at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
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Among Others Review

February 29, 2012 0 Comments
Among Others

Title: Among Others
Edited By: Jo Walton
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: January 18, 2011
IBSN:  978-0765321534
Pages: 302


Raised by a half-mad mother who dabbled in magic, Morwenna Phelps found refuge in two worlds. As a child growing up in Wales, she played among the spirits who made their homes in industrial ruins. But her mind found freedom and promise in the science fiction novels that were her closest companions. Then her mother tried to bend the spirits to dark ends, and Mori was forced to confront her in a magical battle that left her crippled--and her twin sister dead.Fleeing to her father whom she barely knew, Mori was sent to boarding school in England–a place all but devoid of true magic. There, outcast and alone, she tempted fate by doing magic herself, in an attempt to find a circle of like-minded friends. But her magic also drew the attention of her mother, bringing about a reckoning that could no longer be put off…

After reading Among Others I had to sit back for a moment and decide if I really liked it.  I thoroughly enjoy a book that makes you wonder.  In all fairness, at the end of the first diary entry we are told that this isn’t a nice story or an easy story…I have to say, she proved that to be true.

The tragedy in the story is downplayed by Mori who you only love little by little.  After my moment of reflection, I decided this story was brilliant mostly because you are supposed to love Mori little by little.  She is candid and earthy and damaged more than just physically.  She understands her physical damage but not her emotional damage.  I think the magic was a beautiful distraction to the emotional healing that was going on.

I could say this is a magical coming of age story but that would be wrong [in my opinion].  It’s a story of coping, healing and magic.  It’s a story about life and no matter the tragedy even something as simple as reading can hold you to it long enough for time and friendships and love to make you want to hold onto it.  It is a fairy story.   It isn’t nice or easy but it is thought provoking.

I would definitely recommend Among Others.

~Bobbi~

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Among Others at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
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Kidlandia Review & Giveaway

February 29, 2012 35 Comments

The Kidlandia Game site is a fun, safe, educational place where kids and rule their own worlds! With fun games, a delightful host Kreechur, a stamping and decorating game, and shop with wonderful accessories for purchase with Kaploons, the Kidlandia Game site offers hours of fun. Kids can play alone, or invite their friends to play with them.



Here is Joey playing with her new Kreechur Caterplump.  We went to the website and registered to play in the online kingdom.  She then got to design and dress her Popkin.  This was the most fun part and she later redressed her Popkin a lot.  She was taken to her Island and was able to decorate it.  When we put in the special code that our stuffed animal, Caterplump, gave us she was given lots of coins to buy decorations.  Her Caterplump was given a home on her island.  I, then, left her to discover this knew online world.  When I came back to let her know there were games, she informed me that she already knew that and proceeded to show me and her older brother all the games and how they were played.

My older son is nine and he wished he had gotten a Kreechur too.  He is big Chess enthusiast and was so excited about there being a chess game with varying levels of skill.  I may have to get him his own Kreechur for his upcoming birthday.

The only suggestion I would make is that perhaps the store could expand and include more dress up clothes and costumes for the Popkins.  Otherwise, the site was easily traversed by my four-year-old daughter, Joey.  She had no problems and asked for no assistance when finding out how to get to games or how to get to her storage.  She has another online site she uses that is geared to kids a little bit older.  She has to regularly ask for help from me or her dad when she’s on the other site so she really enjoyed not having to do that.  I’ve bookmarked her site and she can get to it easily on her own.

I would definitely recommend this product for young children.  The games are educational while still remaining fun.  This site allows children to use their imaginations and express their individuality as well as their independence in a virtual world of their making.  Joey named her kingdom Tootie Ba Fruity Kingdom…that’s her strange little sense of humor and active imagination at work.  Thank you, Kidlandia.

~Bobbi~

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received a plush toy at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to the PR company for providing the giveaway prize.


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DIY: Kool-aid & Vaseline Lip Balm

February 28, 2012 51 Comments
I was looking around on pinterest (surprise, surprise, lol) and came across a simple way to make some lip balm. I had been pinning tons of recipes for lip balm so that I could make a few for my daughter and her friends and finally found one of the easiest ones to make.

So today I introduce to you the most easiest and funnest do it yourself project ever, kool-aid lip balm.  Two ingredients. Vaseline or petroleum jelly and a packet of kool-aid. That simple. Man do I love Pinterest.

The only thing that's hard about this was the clean up. I should have gone with my instincts and used disposable items, instead it took me a bit to clean up my measuring glass and spoon since I didn't want to put them in the dish washer. Anywho, let's get to the directions. I hope you all enjoy.



DIY: Kool-aid & Vaseline Lip Balm
Source: Adapted from Meet The Dubiens


Ingredients
1 Cup of Vaseline  (petroleum jelly)
1 pkg of kool-aid drink crystals
1-2 packets of sweetner (Optional)
Lip gloss containers

 Directions:
1. Add 1 cup of vaseline in a microwave safe bowl
2. Heat the vaseline in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each heating. It took me about 3-4 minutes to melt my vaseline. Note that It will be liquid when it is fully melted and very hot! Make sure you wear gloves or oven mitts and make sure children are being supervised.
3. Once melted take out of microwave and stir in kool-aid drink crystals until desired colour is reached. ( I used the whole package and because kool-aid by itself is sour, I also poured in a packet of sweetner so that the lip balm wouldn't be so bitter, this is optional.) Stir until the crystals are completely dissolved.
4. If you see that your vaseline is starting to solidify you can heat again for another 30 seconds - skip this step if it is still liquidy
5. Pour into your lip gloss containers and leave to solidify - a couple hours
6. Repeat this whole process if making more flavours
7. Give to all your favourite people, but remember to save a few for yourself too!

NOTE: After melting my vaseline and before adding the kool-aid I waited a couple of minutes to let the vaseline cool down so that it wouldn't cook the crystals. Also, this recipe calls for A LOT of stirring until the crystals are fully melted otherwise your lip balm will be gritty.


Containers: I have a couple comments asking about containers, I got mine at the Dollar Store, they came in a pack of three and are a little bit bigger then the normal lip balm containers. You can also try looking at Michaels and your local craft store. I just ordered some on amazon, but found more HERE that are way cheaper! 

~LaQuita

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Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back Review & Giveaway

February 27, 2012 36 Comments

I had the pleasure of reviewing another one of the Wigglebottom Books. This time we got to listen and watch Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back, one of the many free animated books of the series from The We Do Listen Foundation.


The We Do Listen Foundation is a group of writers, artists, designers, educators, therapists, parents, caregivers and teachers who share a vision of a kinder world with more harmony and peace and a better life for everyone to enjoy. Their books, animated books, songs, posters and lessons/discussion questions are intended to empower young children to deal with important life lessons like being a better listener, bullying, anger management, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, sportsmanship, attention and feeling good about themselves. 

This book is geared to four to eight year olds and explains reasons people lie, why they shouldn't and how to go about making the right choices.

I had both of my kiddos watch and listen to the animated version of the book and they absolutely loved it. They loved the beginning when the mouse got out of the cage and the reaction from the teacher. I watched as they're laughter stopped and they continued to listen and watch the story.

When it was over I asked them what they thought of the book. My six year old daughter answered, "It's good to tell the truth even if it's something that your parents may not be happy about hearing." My four year old son agreed.

Once we received the actual book in the mail the kids were excited to read it before bed and my daughter wanted to share with her classmates.

I thought the animated story and book both were very easy for my kids to understand. They paid attention to the animated story and loved browsing the site for games and for listening to some of the other free animated versions of the Howard B. Wigglebottom series. I loved that with every story is a lesson for the kids and how easy it is to point out what the lesson is. I thought this story was a great way to let kids know that telling the truth, good or bad, is very important.

~LaQuita

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received a book from We Do Listen Foundation at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to the We Do Listen Foundation for providing the giveaway prize.





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Girl Meets Boy Review

February 27, 2012 0 Comments
Girl Meets Boy: Because There Are Two Sides to Every Story

Title: Girl Meets Boy
Edited By: Kelly Milner Halls
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Publication Date: December 28, 2011
IBSN:  978-1452102641
Pages: 204

What do guys and girls really think? Twelve of the most dynamic and engaging YA authors writing today team up for this one-of-a-kind collection of "he said/she said" stories-he tells it from the guy's point of view, she tells it from the girl's. These are stories of love and heartbreak. There's the good-looking jock who falls for a dangerous girl, and the flipside, the toxic girl who never learned to be loved; the basketball star and the artistic (and shorter) boy she never knew she wanted; the gay boy looking for love online and the girl who could help make it happen. Each story in this unforgettable collection teaches us that relationships are complicated-because there are two sides to every story
I had the opportunity to read Girl meets Boy. I thought it was very interesting to read two view points of the same event by both main characters. I think I first loved this idea when reading Bella's view in Twilight and then reading Edward's view in Midnight Sun. 

It was great to see each view point written by a different author and not just by the same because not everyone thinks the same and even if you were the same sex and were at the same event/situation you would still see things differently.

I thought all the stories were written well and a few of the stories kept me wanting more then just a couple of pages each. I wanted to know what else happened to the characters and their relationship with each another. I also loved how each story was believable. Not everyone falls in love and lives happily ever after. 

If you love to read stories and always wanted to know what went on with that other main character or, "what were they thinking," when a certain something happened in the book, then this is a great book for you. 

~LaQuita

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Girl Meets Girl at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

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Foodie Friday: Pepperoni Roll Ups

February 24, 2012 13 Comments
This post is part of the Foodie Friday Blog Hop hosted by Talking Momcents! This Hop is in celebration of Foodie February, and will be running every Friday, Saturday, Sunday for the month of February. Its a great way to find yummy new ideas, amazing tips and tricks, and some great blogs. 






I think I've been a little bit obsessed with finding different recipes that you can make with crescent rolls. And once again I hit the jack pot. There are tons of recipes out there for using crescent rolls. They will definitely be shared on this blog, lol!

These Pepperoni Roll Ups are absolutely delicious and the kids just ate them up. They loved dipping these roll ups into pizza sauce and I loved that I found another recipe that not only my kiddos enjoyed, but so did the hubby. They're also kid friendly, which is great. I love recipes that are easy for my kids to help with in the kitchen. They have so much fun.

These delicious buggers would have also been perfect for the Superbowl, next year for sure.



Pepperoni Roll Ups
Source: adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything via  Dinner With The Donnells

1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
4 cheese sticks, halved
1 (3.5 ounce) package sliced pepperoni
optional - marinara or ranch sauce for dipping

Garlic Butter Glaze:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Take each triangle of crencent roll dough and place about 6 pepperoni on the bottom of the triangle. Place half of a cheese stick on top and roll up. Place seam side down on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-14 minutes or until golden brown.

While rolls are cooking, combine the melted butter, Italian seasonings, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. 

When rolls are done remove from the oven and brush with the garlic butter glaze. Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.



Enjoy!

~LaQuita
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Thirsty Thursday: Crantini

February 23, 2012 4 Comments
Last night I had the hubby pick up some stuff from the LCBO to make a crantini. I don't know, I was just in the mood to have a small cocktail and so I did right after the kiddos were tucked in bed and as the hubby and I watched some Modern Family.

Do you watch Modern Family? Isn't it the funniest show ever?! We've been watching since season one and I swear every time I think this show can't get any funnier they find a way to make me laugh so hard I get tears in my eyes. If you haven't watched it before you are definitely missing out and lucky you it comes on every Wednesday at 9pm so make sure you tune in next week!

Okay back on track. Here's the recipe to make your own. Cheers!

Crantini
Source: Adapted from Drinks Mixer


Ingredients
1 1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz vermouth
4 oz cranberry juice

Directions:

Add all the ingredients in a martini shaker with ice. Then shake, pour into glass and enjoy!

~LaQuita




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Yoga-Paws Review & Giveaway

February 22, 2012 14 Comments

Yoga-Paws was started and created by mother and daughter, Gail and Jamie Getzwiller because of their love of Yoga and wanting to be able to access yoga anytime and anyplace. With Yoga-Paws you can do just that. 

I had the pleasure of reviewing a pair of Yoga Paws. I ordered my Yoga Paws using the size chart that is supplied on-line, and they fit perfectly. My Yoga Paws gave great support to my ankles and wrists, which I wasn't expecting, but excellent! This support helped me hold my poses. 

The traction from the Paws were perfect for using on wood and ceramic flooring. For certain yoga positions I would still need to use a traditional yoga mat. But I love how easily these Yoga Paws travel so I can still do my work-out when I'm away from home. Definitely a good find for yoga enthusiasts!

~Sarah

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the Yoga Paws at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to the ladies over at Yoga Paws for providing the giveaway.


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DIY: Make-up Remover

February 21, 2012 7 Comments
Last week I was getting ready to clean my face when I saw that I was on my last makeup remover wipe. This is no good. I hate paying almost eight bucks for a pack of 20-30 wipes. I think it's way too much money and although they are really handy the fact is, makeup remover is way too expensive. So with that in mind I turned to my favorite site, Pinterest to see if there was any type of do it yourself make up remover. Turns out there was. I'm super excited to share this with you ladies out there who, like me, are on a budget and would rather spend that money on something else. The ingrediants are simple. Definitely something most of you moms with little ones have in your bathroom right now. Best of all, this cost less than the name brand makeup removers, works FANTASTIC and you get a ton of of it.



DIY Make-Up Remover
Source: Adapted from adelynSTONE

Ingrediants:
1 Cup of Water
1 1/2 TBSP Baby Shampoo (Tear Free)
1/8 TSP Baby Oil (Coconut or Olive Oil)

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Stir until mixed.
Pour into plastic bottle or airlock jar.

I hope you all get great use out of this, I know I have. Enjoy!

~LaQuita



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Boa Apparel: Leggings Giveaway

February 20, 2012 0 Comments
In 2001, Boa Apparel opened its first doors in North Toronto, and has since then opened its second location in The Beaches, and a third location in Oakville. Started by twin sisters, Boa caters to the fashion forward, price conscious, and urban chic female. The store carries a wide selection of styles, from business casual, to party wear. Clothes that can start days, and easily work their way into nights.

Boa has garnered a strong reputation for its funky, original accessories, including; earrings, necklaces, handbags, and belts. Rated as one of the "Best Places To Shop In Toronto" by Toronto Life Magazine. Boa staff has an abundance of product knowledge to serve you better. Come see their friendly staff today to put together the perfect outfit for you.

The lovely ladies over at Boa are offering one of you lucky readers a pair of their FAGA Full Length Bamboo leggings. The FAGA is unique with it's higher banded waist, and banded bottom. The banding ensures for less shifting, making the dreaded 'pull up' of leggings throughout the day, less frequent. 

FAGA Full Length Bamboo Leggings

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Foodie Friday:Chocolate & Peanut Butter Filled Crescent Rolls

February 17, 2012 11 Comments
This post is part of the Foodie Friday Blog Hop hosted by Talking Momcents! This Hop is in celebration of Foodie February, and will be running every Friday, Saturday, Sunday for the month of February. Its a great way to find yummy new ideas, amazing tips and tricks, and some great blogs. 



Last weekend I was looking something for the kiddos and myself to do together. They had been wanting to help mommy bake in the kitchen all week long and I promised them we would on the weekend.

I love making things with crescent rolls. We usually do turnovers with any type of pie filling we have in the pantry or pigs in the blanket for an afternoon snack. So when I came across this Chocolate and Peanut Butter filled crescent roll recipe on Pinterest I had to try it and it was super easy and kid friendly. Enjoy!


Chocolate and Peanut Butter Crescent Rolls:
Source: Adapted from For the Love of Cooking
  • 1 tube of crescent rolls
  • Peanut butter
  • Semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 
Place the unrolled crescent rolls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Spread a layer of peanut butter on each triangle; top with chocolate chips
Roll from the bottom of the triangle to the point. 
Place in the oven and bake for 10-11 minutes or until golden brown. 
Remove from the oven and serve while hot.




~LaQuita


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Thirsty Thursday: Spike Your Juice Review

February 16, 2012 7 Comments
Today's Thirsty Thursday is a bit different. We were sent a sample kit from Spike Your Juice to review their process of turning ones juice into alcohol. We were pretty excited once we got this package.



To get started you need a 64 oz bottle of your favorite juice. They recommend either Oceans Spray or Welch's and they also recommended on the box that it be either a grape cranberry or pomegranate juice for the best results. We went with grape Ocean Spray. The process was pretty easy. We just poured the packet into the juice without stirring  it, threw away the original cap the juice came with and filled the airlock cap with water til the "fill line," which in my opinion was a bit hard to find. I think it would be better if this was a black line so that it's easier to know when you need to stop.



Once that's done you put the airlock cap on and wait for 48 hours. That's it. It should be turned into alcohol within two days minimum. The package also came with sticky labels to put over the original juice label, which is a great idea when you have kids in the house. The waiting process was exciting and when the 48 hours were up Sarah and I tried it, thought it was getting good, but if we waited another day it would be even better. So we waited another day and that night all four of us girls got together for a Girls Night In to try the now Spiked Juice.


I have to say it was pretty good. It had a bubbly champagne taste to it, it wasn't too strong and over powering so we didn't have to mix it with anything. We just put it in wine glasses and served chilled. We all definitely had a great time with trying this product. Feel free to check out this video from their website that shows you a tutorial on how to use their product.

~LaQuita

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received sample of the Spike Your kit at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
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DIY: Citrus Salt Scrub

February 15, 2012 13 Comments
When it comes to buying something at the store verses making it on your own, hands down the one you take the time to make is the one that you end up liking better. It's cheaper and you get more quantity of it. I've shown you all before the bath salts I've made in the past. Now I'm going to show you this EASY PEASY salt scrub, from the lovely Paula Dean, you can make from ingredients I'm betting you already have in your kitchen.




Citrus Salt Scrub
Source: Adapted from Paula Deen

Ingrediants
1/2 Cup of Sea Salt
1/2 Cup of Vegetable Oil (Can also use olive or almond oil)
1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice (Or lemon zest)
1/2 teaspoon of orange zest (optional)

Directions:
In a bowl mix salt and oil together. Once they are mixed then add your lemon juice, followed by your zest. Pour mixture into an airtight container and store in a cool dry place.

Use:
Just before showering, swirl ingredients together with your fingertips to mix. Clean body completely and just before exiting shower, apply Citrus Salt Body Scrub to body in a firm circular scrubbing motion with hands or a soft washcloth. Rinse off the mixture and pat body dry with a clean towel.

~LaQuita




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Happy Valentines Day

February 14, 2012 0 Comments

Happy Valentines Day out there to our lovely readers oh and just a reminder, Cougar Town is coming back on tonight, so let's grab a glass of wine and enjoy, cheers!

~LaQuita, Bobbi, Margret and Sarah
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Check Your Choice with Wholly Guacamole

February 13, 2012 0 Comments

Check Your Choice- 8 Weekly challenges, win prizes, fun stuff

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See what happens when you make a few small changes in your daily routings and see how these choices can make a big difference. Wholly Guacamole will give your one challenge per week for the next eight weeks. Weekly prizes will be given! Also find recipes, tips, fun facts and games. You can participate by entering on their facebook page.

~LaQuita

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post in any way, but entered into a blogger contest to win a prize pack from Wholly Guacamole.
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SpermCheck Fertility Giveaway

February 13, 2012 17 Comments
Each year 11 million couples will try to have a baby, but about 7 million of those couples will have fertility issues and the most commonly accepted myth is that the woman is mostly to blame. The fact is that about 50% of all infertility problems are directly attributed to the male, and most of them are mainly due to low sperm count. Still many men are reluctant to get their sperm tested because up until now they had to go to their healthcare provider and perform the test in the doctor’s office or lab. Such laboratory sperm tests can be costly, as well as embarrassing.


Now with a new at-home test kit called SpermCheck® Fertility, men can test their sperm count in the privacy of their home.SpermCheck Fertility is the only FDA approved, 98% accurate home test for men – it’s as accurate as a lab test but more affordable and convenient. In just 10 minutes, the easy-to-read results indicate a normal or below normal sperm count.  The SpermCheck® Fertility test costs substantially less than a visit to the doctor without the embarrassment and indignities of providing a semen sample to a doctor or nurse.

Experts agree that a sperm count test should be the very first and essential step in fertility testing for couples – it’s non-invasive and can help eliminate or identify a potential stumbling block to conception.

Whether you are planning a pregnancy in the near future or have been trying to conceive, this inexpensive home test can help couples to save time, money and frustration.

Why SpermCheck® Fertility?
  • SpermCheck® Fertility FDA approved 
  • SpermCheck® Fertility is as accurate as lab testing – 98% accurate
  • SpermCheck® Fertility is private and convenient – done in the privacy of your own home
  • SpermCheck® Fertility is affordable —just $39.99
  • SpermCheck® Fertility is fast and easy – provide easy to read results in 10 minutes

SpermCheck® Fertility is currently available online at www.Walgreens.com and www.CVS.com and will be available in Walgreens stores nationwide in April 2012. Suggested retail price is $39.99. for more information about SpermCheck® Fertility, visit www.spermcheck.com. For the latest information on store availability, news and special giveaway offers, join their Facebook community .

~LaQuita
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post in any way. A PR rep for SpermCheck is providing the mentioned prize.







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Fit For Moms Review & Giveaway

February 13, 2012 9 Comments

I've been up and down with trying to stay focused on changing the way we eat in our household since way before New Years, this is just an on going battle I'm sure most of us deal with on a daily basis. But with the help of some blogger moms and groups I'm in, it's awesome to read and stay motivated through others. I think this is why I loved reading Fit For Moms by Dustin Maher.

The fact that he not only explains in such an, "easy to understand way," with his five pillars on helping moms get fit; Mindset, Nutrition, Strength Training, Burst Training and Environment the book also shares success stories from moms just like myself along with "real," before and after photos, I loved that. I think one of my biggest problems is going to the gym. I mean, I'd love it, but it can cost a fortune. With Fit For Moms there's also a 6 week regime to get your body in shape. All this with one book! The book also shares information on what not to eat and how you can feed your family in a healthy way, this was something I did and still do struggle with, but am taking it one day at a time. I'd recommend and have already shared with a few family members this book and the tips that I've learned.

Learn more about Dustin’s book & DVDs by checking out his website , Facebook & Twitter!


~LaQuita

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the Fit For Moms book at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to Dustin Maher for providing the giveaway.





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Foodie Friday: Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites #FoodieFebruary

February 10, 2012 4 Comments
This post is part of the Foodie Friday Blog Hop hosted by Talking Momcents! This Hop is in celebration of Foodie February, and will be running every Friday, Saturday, Sunday for the month of February. Its a great way to find yummy new ideas, amazing tips and tricks, and some great blogs.





Something easy, something quick and delicious all at the same time. This is perfect. I've made these peanut butter pretzel bites a few times and every time I do they get eaten up like you wouldn't believe. Salty and sweet deliciousness, is what I call them. I made these last Friday because my daughter had a playdate and the girls just loved them. With the left over peanut butter mixture I had left I put in a bowl, cut up some celery and let the kids have at it. So good! They're pretty easy to make and the only time consuming part is putting these little bites together, but that goes by fast when you're listening to the entire Adele 21 album (for the millionth time, I LOVE HER!). Enjoy!

PEANUT BUTTER PRETZEL BITES
Source: Adapted from Foodaphilia

Ingrediants
1 Cup of Creamy Peanut Butter
2 tbsp softened butter
3/4 -1Cup of brown sugar
3/4-1 Cup of powdered sugar
Pretzels
1 Bag Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (Optional. I did some with and without because my son loved the ones without the chocolate.)

Directions
  • Combine peanut butter and softened butter in a large bowl with a hand mixer, or with a fork/whisk or in a stand mixer.
  • Add the sugars and mix to combine.  (If the filling will roll easily into balls without sticking to your hands you’re ready to make your bites.  If not, add a little more of each sugar until you reach a consistency that is easy to roll.
  • Use a teaspoon measure to scoop the filling.  Roll each portion into a small ball, then sandwich them between two whole pretzels.  When all the balls are rolled and successfully sandwiched, stick the whole tray in the freezer for about half an hour.
  • Pour the chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and heat at 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until completely melted.  Remove the pretzel sandwiches from the freezer and quickly dip each half-way into the melted chocolate.  Return to the tray and repeat with remaining sandwiches.  When all are dipped, return the tray to the freezer to set up completely.  Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator until serving time.


~LaQuita



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Printable Love Notes

February 09, 2012 5 Comments
So I've been on this creating printables kick for the last couple of weeks now. It's been pretty fun to do and to bring out my creative side that I've been desperately looking for. Especially for V-Day. I still have not a clue what I want to get for the hubby. Luckily, we're not sick anymore, so there will be one on one time that doesn't include tissues and cough drops.

One of the things I plan on doing is putting some of these love notes I made inside his lunchbag, his car, jacket, etc., so that he can find them throughout the day.  Hmmmm.....Now to figure out what else to do/get for him.

Enjoy the printable!

~LaQuita

PS - Don't mind my ugly handwriting. I usually write more neater then this.





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DIY: Tub and Shower Magic Spray

February 08, 2012 8 Comments
I hate cleaning. I think there's maybe a few out there who love it. Don't get me wrong, I love my house being clean. The smell of a clean house makes me smile. It's just the labor I hate that goes into cleaning.

One of the big pains for me is spending money on cleaning supplies. They're pretty expensive. I usually stock up when my favorite cleaning supplies go on sale, but when they aren't I find myself turning to the good old homemade cleaning supplies. Lately I've been using my all new favorite bath and shower spray that I found the recipe to a few months ago on food.com.



Not only is it the easiest thing to put together, it actually works. It gets rid of all those tough soap scum that builds up in your tub and shower. And all it takes is two ingredients to get this power spray. Equal parts of dawn dish washing liquid and vinegar. THAT'S IT! Plus a spray bottle to put it in. So here's the directions below. Here's to saving money on cleaning supplies!

TUB & SHOWER MAGIC SPRAY
Source: Adapted from Food.Com
INGREDIANTS:
12 ounces Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
12 ounces Vinegar

DIRECTIONS:

  • Heat vinegar in microwave until hot and pour into squirt bottle.
  • Add the Dawn soap. Put the lid on and gently shake to incorporate.
  • You now have a powerful cleaning product that will melt soap scum and tub and shower buildup, clean sinks, appliances and just about anything. Just spray it on, scrub, rinse and be amazed. For tough soap scum build-up, spray the mixture on and allow it to sit as long as overnight. Then, scrub and rinse.

WARNING - Although this stuff works like a charm, the spray itself has such a POWERFUL STRONG SMELL! I usually let the spray sit in my tub and leave to finish up some other cleaning for about 10-15 minutes before going back in the bathroom to finish cleaning the tub.

~LaQuita

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Lady and the Tramp Giveaway

February 07, 2012 27 Comments


Experience the magic!  Read along with the characters from the film with this storybook and CD! We're very excited to offer one of our Canadian readers a chance at winning this Lady and the Tramp prize pack where you not only get a storybook and CD, but you'll also get this Blu Ray combo pack of this beautiful love story for your family to enjoy and watch. Good luck to everyone!

~LaQuita

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. A big thank you to Disney Canada for providing the giveaway prize! 






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Free Valentine's Day Printable

February 07, 2012 13 Comments
Valentine's Day is around the corner. Yesterday I was done work early, house was cleaned and figured I'd make a little something special for my kiddos to give out to their neighborhood friends since they already had Valentine Cards for their classmates. Once I was done I figured I'd share with our readers in case you'd like to print these out and share with your kiddos. Enjoy!



~LaQuita


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$25 @sneakpeeq Giveaway

February 06, 2012 122 Comments


Have you heard of sneakpeeq? sneakpeeq brings you new discoveries every day, from gourmet foods to home products to accessories and apparel at prices so low we have to keep them private. Their mission, to bring you undiscovered products at a low price. 


When it comes to the Just Us Girls and sneakpeeq giveaway, everybody wins!  sneakpeeq is giving away 20% off your next purchase just for entering, plus a chance at the Grand Prize:  one winner will receive a $25 gift card to use on your favorite food, style and home products—that goes a long way in sneakpeeq’s amazingly low-priced boutiques!




Come see all the things you love but haven’t discovered.  sneakpeeq only has New Products that you have never seen before!

Mandatory Entry: To enter the giveaway click on this link:  http://bit.ly/yXmZBC  and join sneakpeeq! Come back and comment that you did.  All winners will be announced on 02/27/12. Sorry fellow Canucks, this giveaway is just for US Residents Only!


UPDATE: PLEASE REMEMBER TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY YOU MUST CLICK ON THE PROVIDED LINK IN THE MANDATORY ENTRY,  EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY JOINED SNEAKPEEQ. TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY YOU MUST CLICK THE PROVIDED LINK IN THE MANDATORY ENTRY. THANKS!


Extra Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, thanks!)
Like Just Us Girls on Facebook
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This giveaway is open to US Residents Only. Giveaway ends on February 27, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Good Luck!
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