Search This Blog

Friends & Followers

Blog Archive

My Blog List

Contact US:

Name

Email *

Message *

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Keep Those Sippy’s Close with the No Throw {Review}

no throw

I have recently had the chance to review NoThrow. If you don’t know what it is~ I am here to tell you.

 DSCF3693

NoThrow will help save your sanity in some form in the future, I promise you that. As moms we tend to have to pick up the same thing about a million times. Babies and kids love to throw things, no matter what’s in hand. This no-throw is like a leash for their cups, not allowing them to throw it around. Isn’t that cool?

All you have to do is take the Velcro side, through the handle side while attaching it to the stroller/high chair/ car seat. It stays put no matter what they try to do to take it off. It not only holds Sippy's, but bottles, pacifiers and even little dolls or whatever.

I pulled out the double stroller one day and walked towards my best friends house. Aidan sits in the front and Adisyn sits in the back. Somehow my best friend had started walking to meet me and I ended up at her house without her there. So I walked back down to the church to wait for her. When I got back to her house, Aidan started saying he was thirsty. I couldn’t find the sippy for the life of me. I looked everywhere, and knew he had thrown it somewhere. I didn’t know where, but I knew it was a gonner.

Later on that week, as I was driving down main street, I seen the sippy in the yard of the church. It was bright orange and hard to miss, but If I would have had the NoThrow I wouldn’t have had the problem of Aidan pitching it overboard.

The NoThrow’s are not only practical in use, but beautiful in design. They have so many to choose from it’s unbelievable.

About The No Throw Company:

We are Karla and Karen, Twin sisters, originally from Chicago. When our sons were still babies, we lived within a mile from each other and were about to enjoy taking walks to the park with our children or being able to drop in on each other for a cup of coffee. Soon after that, Karla and her family moved to Detroit. As a result of this move, we found ourselves traveling back and forth between the two states more than we ever imagined. During those trips Karla’s son Alex kept throwing his sippy cup all over the car. After one particularly embarrassing flight Karla called Karen and said “there has to be something out there to stop this embarrassment.” The NoThrow (as in DANNY/ALEX! NO THROW YOUR BOTTLE/CUP), is our answer. Today we are available in over 10 thousand stores across the U.S. and are exploring distribution in Europe. We continue to have tremendous success with the NoThrow. Parents and caregivers all over the U.S. consistently send us feedback saying how invaluable our invention is to them. Our customers buy the NoThrow for family and friends as gifts because they are so happy with it themselves.

♥Jess

Shushybye & Goodnight {Book & CD} review & giveaway

shushybook2cover[1]

When nighty-night comes

We close our eyes

To dream our dreams

From Shushybye..

I have had the amazing opportunity to review Shushybye sleepover surprise {book} and shushybye and gooddnight {cd} by the shushybye band.

This is such an amazing little book. It has the cutest little characters to help your kids get interested in going to sleep. It helped Aidan learn when to turn the page because it has a little whistle when your supposed to turn the page. It is a cute little book that your children will enjoy and it will help you get them to want to sleep.

This is a cool cd because even I want to listen to it. It doesn’t sound like any other music I’ve heard for kids. It is just overall a relaxing cd that could put even the most hyper of kids to sleep.

Aidan and Adisyn’s favorites are Shushybye & Goodnight and Snoozles in my Room. I actually liked all the songs on the cd. They sound more like a pop/rock kind of music that even parents would love to listen to.

Adisyn and Aidan loved dancing to this. It was too funny and awesome to do after bath time. It helps them wind down and get ready to crawl into bed.

All the songs are really cute and have a great tune. It’s awesome to see my kids interact so greatly with these little characters and dancing to the music. I am actually thinking of giving this to Aidan’s headstart teachers to help the kids wind down before nap time. I think all the kids would love it.

For Shushybye Fans everywhere...

Shushybye and Goodnight. The Deluxe Edition presents a wondrous collection of all-time Shushybye original song. Including never-before-released Shushybye favorites plus 12 all-time Shushy hits in one deluxe edition CD.

I would recommend this to parents everywhere. It is a nice addition to the books they have and the Cd is amazing.

About Shushybye

SHUSHYBYE is a preschool entertainment and lifestyle brand designed to inspire children to look forward to sleep time and help parents prepare their children for sleep in a fun and loving way that encourages imagination. Importantly, SHUSHYBYE helps create healthful sleep habits for toddlers and preschoolers.

Shushybye is the original dream-themed entertainment brand for pre-schoolers, encompassing a national television series on BabyFirstTv and Comcast Video on Demand.

Meet the Shushies

The Shushies who live in Shushybye make dreams that are delivered to children in Shushybye Dream Boxes by Conductor McCloud and the Shushybye Train as they fall asleep. Living in such Shushybye villages as Nap Valley, Snore Shore, Slumber Heights and Yawn Island, the Shushies love to make dreams - and they also love music. After they make their dreams for the night, the Shushies gather in Pillow Park to dance to the live music of Rockin' Shushie and The Shushybye Dream band.
SNOOZLES, DOZIE and ZEEZ are best friends. They live in Nap Valley where they make their Shushybye dreams and always hang out together.

As the Shushybye King's Official Helper, SNOOZLES is the main Shushie in all Shushybye. The Shushybye King gave Snoozles a magic Dream Wand which Snoozles waves to visit children - and even bring them and their parents back to Shushybye. Snoozles is a fun-loving and very caring Shushie.

[click to hear Snoozle's Voice]

DOZIE is a girl Shushie, so she has all the smarts (of course!). DOZIE is always coming up with great ideas. She also loves to dance and has a bit of a crush on SNOOZLES. Children can always rely on DOZIE for the most wondrous dreams - and for her sweetness and joy.

[click to hear Dozie's Voice]

Then there's ZEEZ, who is totally cool. ZEEZ calls everyone 'dude.' Next to making dreams (which are always very creative), ZEEZ digs the Shushybye Dream Band. But there's nothing ZEEZ likes to do more than sleep. ZEEZ always enjoys meeting new children - and he knows how to be a good friend.

[click to hear Zeez's Voice]

CONDUCTOR MCCLOUD is a wondrous Shushie - 'wondrous' is one of the more popular SHUSHYBYE phrases. He loves his job delivering SHUSHYBYE Dream Boxes to sleeping children nightly. He is gentle and nurturing - and all the Shushies look up to him.

Royal and regal, THE SHUSHYBYE KING rules over SHUSHYBYE with love and dedication. He lives in the SHUSHYBYE Palace (located on a private cloud in Nap Valley), which, from the outside looks kind of small - but once inside, his home is spacious and grand. Which goes to show, you can never tell a book by its cover.

In their own way, SNORT and WHEEZ - whose job it is to pick up Dream Boxes in their rickety Dream Van and bring them to the Shushybye Train - are also caring and kind. However, to be perfectly frank, they're a little on the slow side. Somehow, these comical fellows are still able to get their important job done!!

 

It is a good way for the kids to use their imagination and help them go to sleep easier.

Shushybye is generously giving away a book and cd to one lucky Lime Green Dreams reader.

To enter

(Mandatory) Go to Shushybye and tell me your favorite character..

2 entries- follow me via GFC

2 entries- friend me on Facebook

2 entries-follow me on twitter

Good Luck ♥Jess

Bad Habit Gifts~Where Bad is Better~ {Make-up Review}

BadHabitMinerals our MakeUp Etsy

I was lucky enough to win reviewer of the month with Bad Habit Gifts.

I chose the Black Death and Smoke out eyeshadows..

I just wanted to try something a little different. I think that black and grey are sophisticated and elegant. I think that more people should consider wearing it, and especially if they get it from Bad Habit Gifts. These are some really awesome people who make the best mineral make-up for a price that anyone can afford.

The make-up comes in little jars that make it easy to put on and even easier to not make a mess with. I’m not scared it will dump everywhere in my purse and of course I have to take it everywhere.

DSCF3943

I loved both of them because they were so well made. This mineral make-up feels so great on my skin and actually has SPF’s to protect against sun exposure. It looks great and has such great tones. I don’t usually wear alot of make-up because my skin is oily and foundation breaks me out. I didn’t even have to use foundation when I put on their bronzer. It doesn’t make you look orange and fake. It looks beautiful and I am glad I got a chance to work with Bad Habit Gifts.

DSCF3922

Smoke Out - Eye Shadow

This is the smoke out eyeshadow. It is such a beautiful color of grey and would look great no matter where your going. Whether to work, school, or a night on the town.

Picture0066

Black Death - Eye Shadow

This is the Black Death eyeshadow. I swear, I love it. I know that most people wouldn’t wear black eyeshadow on a daily basis, but why not? This eyeshadow is amazing and is great for just lining your eyes with it. I think it looks professional and would be great to wear to work or anywhere else.

Bad Habit Gifts specialize in making their own line of mineral makeup, Bad Habit Minerals. It’s great for all skin types, even sensitive skin! It will leave you with a fresh, natural look that is smooth to the touch.

Benefits of mineral make-up

Mineral makeup is great for women with sensitive skin. It allows the skin to breathe and doesn’t clog pores. It is also beneficial for those who suffer from acne and rosacea, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It proves a more natural look and doesn’t feel heavy like other makeup. It also reflects light making wrinkles and lines less noticeable. A lot of the chemical-based products are made with oils, which doesn’t help women who already have an oily complexion. Mineral makeup is an excellent solution for oily skin!

*No talc

*No harmful chemicals

*No animal testing

*No irritating fragrances

*Smooths skin

*SPF protection

*Long lasting

*Water proof

They also handcraft jewelry from clay. Using no molds, to create beautiful cupcakes, donuts, sushi trays and more! You can go to their website to see their full makeup line, handmade jewelry and other accessories they sell. They also do many contests and giveaways, so check back with them frequently.

Head on over and see some other amazing products they have..

♥Jess

Dapple Natural Baby Products

image

I’ve had the chance to review Dapple- Dish Liquid and Toy Wipes.

As moms, we worry about our babies health. There are all baby products such as laundry detergent and baby wash, but I had never seen a baby dish liquid or toy wipes before.

Dapple Dish Liquid

I had several instances where Aidan and Adisyn would hide their sippy cups or bottles and I wouldn’t find them until I cleaned their rooms later on that day..

and can you guess what I found inside it?

Sour milk of course...

The other dish liquids would remove it, but they have fragrances and leave behind a soapy film that would require me to rinse it again and again or boil it.

With Dapple Dish Liquid- is has low suds so you don’t have to worry about the filmy soap suds left behind. It’s a quick wash and rinse and all your worries are left behind.

It is pediatrician recommended so obviously they think it’s a great product to use also. It removed breast milk and formula film and odor with ease. It is made with all natural ingredients (baking soda) so it doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, SLES, or dyes. It smells great but doesn’t contain fragrances and it isn’t tested on animals.

Not only that but you can wash all your other dishes with it also. You don’t have to JUST use this on your babies bottles and cups. You can use this to wash your plates, silverware, and even pots and pans. How great is that?

Dapple Toy Wipes

Kids will be kids. What do kids usually do? Leave sticky fingerprints all over everything they touch including toys. Aidan and Adisyn have tons of toys and washing each of them in the bath tub is what I usually did before this. I didn’t want them to remain sticky and start smelling and the kids put them in their mouth. Because with Adisyn that’s where everything seems to go.

So when I got a chance to use Dapple Toy wipes- what do you think I said. “Heck Yeah”. This is amazing. I didn’t have to separate non-stuffed with stuffed and wash them all. All I had to do was pick the sticky toys up and wipe them down with these Dapple Wipes.

Aidan and Adisyn also have a habit of touching my windows with their little fingers. We have a huge window in our living room that needed wiping down and I used Dapple wipes to do it and they worked like a dream. They removed the sticky baby prints and left a gleaming window.

They are perfect for cleaning everything that little hands touch such as high chair, car seat, stroller, tables, toys, and stuffed animals.

For stuffed animals Dapple recommends testing a small patch with dapple first.

This is not intended as a baby wipe, it’s a surface wipe, so they aren’t made for baby’s skin. Please keep out of their reach.

 

Dapple® Green. Clean. Baby-Safe.

Dapple is a line of natural-based cleaning products for households with children. natural baby products Dapple products are baby-safe and baby-specific -using ingredients found in nature that are also proven to tackle unique baby cleaning challenges, from dried milk on bottles to sticky fingerprints on toys.

 

clip_image001

 

Their Story:

Green Cleaning Products

When we first became moms, we found a market full of “baby-friendly” products – from gentle laundry detergent for babies’ clothes, to mild shampoo for babies’ hair. But there was nothing specific for the very items that our babies put into their mouths each day – their baby bottles, cups, and dishes. The dish soap products we used left a synthetic fragrance behind, and we were always concerned about lingering suds. We also soon noticed a persistent odor and film on our bottles that conventional dish liquids never fully removed.

It became our mission to find a better way – and create a line of products that were natural and safe for our babies, but also specifically targeted to clean the unique messes they leave behind. With the help and hard work of several experienced pediatricians and a team of seasoned green chemists, Dapple was born. Today, Dapple offers a full line of cleaners tailor-made for households with young children – including our flagship products, Dapple Dish Liquidand Dapple Dishwasher Powder, and the just-introduced Dapple Toy Cleaner, now available in spray and wipes. All Dapple products use natural-based ingredients that are environmentally-safe, biodegradable, and free of parabens, SLES, and phthalates, as well as synthetic dyes or fragrances.

We’re so proud to be able to bring Dapple to parents everywhere. And there’s more in the pipeline, as we continue to find new and better ways to safely tackle household cleaning challenges! Be sure to check back to our site as we add new products to the Dapple family, or join our mailing list to be notified of news and special offers as they happen.

clip_image002

clip_image003

-Tamar Rosenthal

-Dana Rubinstein

clip_image001[4]

Works for Baby. Works for You.

For baby…

At Dapple, we know that babies come with their own unique cleaning challenges – whether it’s trying to get rid of the milk, odor, and film you find on baby bottles, or keeping baby’s toys and hands clean without harsh chemicals.

Created with input from leading pediatricians and a team of chemists with expertise in green cleaning technology, each one of our products is specially formulated to solve a different baby-related cleaning problem, with natural-based ingredients that are baby-friendly – and designed to address the specific issue at hand.

For you…

Dapple takes the time, hassle, and worry out of cleaning and caring for your baby, with products that are gentle enough for baby, yet powerful enough for your everyday needs. Plus, Dapple products are safer for the environment, so you know you’ll be making things better for many generations of babies to come.

Try Dapple now!

♥Jess

Back To School Lunch Boxes-EasyLunchBoxes.com Review & Giveaway

Bento Lunch Boxesimage

image 

These single-lid, 3-compartment, bento-style plastic food containers are amazing. It has room for a sandwich or hamburger or whatever bigger item you may need to stick in there. It also has 2 smaller compartments that you can stick sides or condiments in.

The reason I loved using this is because I usually use a sandwich shaped box and then have to search high and low for something to stick the smaller items in. With this, I didn’t have to and it fit perfectly inside the cooler bag with room for a drink.

They have different colors of lunchbox coolers and the containers to choose from.

 

DSCF3688 

DSCF3689

We actually took these with us to the park. We had a cook-out and then walked 3 miles down a nature trail. Kids and paper plates just don’t mix. They would dump it or let the food slide off their plate. With these 3 compartment plastic containers, we had room for our cheeseburgers and chips without any mess.

easylunchbox2

easylunchbox3

I love it and it is so eco-friendly. A good way to say good-bye to paper bags that you have to throw away. Plus much more convenient and easy to make lunches.

It is easy to clean which is a big plus. It isn’t hard to get into the smaller compartments. It doesn’t get a filmy look to it and everything comes off it so easily.

I love it because it is mom made to be a more healthy choice to school lunches (which my kids aren’t old enough to eat) but I remember when I was in school, and it isn’t something I would WANT to eat everyday. I would have loved to pack my own lunch so that I could enjoy whatever I wanted instead of eating what they serve you.

Adam likes it because he doesn’t have to search for bowls to put his stuff in for work. He can just grab the container, put his lunch in it and go to work. The lunch bag is a cooler, so he didn’t have to worry about his lunch spoiling while he was in the hot sun all day with no where to stick his bag.

 

 

 

easylunchbox

About Kelly Lester- The owner of

EasyLunchBoxes.com

KELLY LESTER is the owner, creator, and mom behind Easylunchboxes.com. Though she is a singer and actress who can also turn a mean cartwheel, juggling is not one of her skills — except, of course, when it comes to her personal life. During the last two decades she has also been an entrepreneur, wife, and mother of three.

Easylunchboxes.com was born out of Kelly’s innate ability to do things efficiently while on a shoestring budget, and her desire to send her daughters to school with simple, healthy food, with little to no extra packaging or ingredients. Her past struggle with weight control inspires her to teach and model healthy eating habits for her children, and has fueled her dedication to always send them off to school with a great lunch. Read about Kelly's healthy lifestyle on MOM TRENDS.

Kelly combined her self taught business-savvy with her natural inclination to think “what would other parents want?” — to develop the perfect lunchbox system. She is thrilled and proud to share her Easylunchboxes and lunch bags with other families who will benefit by their simple design, great price, and amazing functionality. Additionally, by promoting the waste-free lunch movement, EasyLunchboxes.com is helping the planet one lunch box at a time.

As a creative mom who knows how to makeover a lunch box, Kelly was recently hired to share tips and promote lunch box ingredients by Hellman's and Nestle, appearing in TV news segments seen across the country.

Kelly has been married to actor Loren Lester since 1988. They live in Woodland Hills, CA with their three daughters, Jenny, Lily, & Julia, and their dog, Albany.

    clip_image001

    clip_image002

    clip_image003

    Kelly is Featured on

    MarketMommies

    and

    midchix

    Mornings spent in chaos making breakfast, beds, & lunch boxes?  
    The EasyLunchbox system makes it simple to organize, and quickly pack healthy lunches without wasting money, time, paper or plastic.
    Born out of my response to unhealthy school lunch programs, EasyLunchboxes.com started from the desire to send my 3 kids to school with a nutritious meal, using little to no wasteful packaging. But the EasyLunchbox System is not just for kids. Adult size meals fit perfectly too.

    The EasyLunchbox System 's design, functionality, and low price has quickly made it a top choice among green lunch box solutions since it came on the market in December, 2009. Named a 'top 5 Eco-Friendly Mommy Must Have" by Parents Ask, the EasyLunchbox System has been rated TOP CHOICE by many independent reviewers. Read their reviews HERE .

    I was like other frustrated moms - I didn't like throwing together lunches during the morning rush. So much time was wasted sorting through a cabinet of mismatched food containers while trying to pack 15-25 well-balanced lunches per week. I struggled to find something that would help me pack lunches fast, without resorting to the ‘convenience’ of expensive, pre-packaged ‘fast-food.’ Most importantly, I wanted something attractive, eco-friendly, and made of food-safe materials that I didn’t have to wash by hand.
    My clever solution to the lunch-packing chore is the simple two piece EasyLunchbox container: The bottom has three compartments to hold an entree or sandwich and two side dishes. The fitted lid (which comes in 4 colors) covers all three compartments at once. No more squished sandwiches, mismatched plastic container pieces to keep track of (matching up all those bottoms and lids was the thing that drove me nuts!) or wasteful baggies. Fits perfectly inside the roomy EasyLunchbox custom carrying bag. And there is still plenty of room to throw in an extra snack or two, whole fruit, perhaps a thermos of soup, drink and ice block.  Flexibility is key, and since so many different things can fit, no matter what menu you choose to include, it packs easily and quickly. It's amazing how much faster, greener, & easier lunch box packing is with the EasyLunchbox system.

    Supporting the waste-free lunch movement, EasyLunchboxes.com offers a reusable, superior solution at a much lower price than other companies.
    Great for large families and those on a limited budget.
    FDA approved. No BPA, phthalates, lead, vinyl, or PVC. Safe for dishwasher, freezer, and microwave.
    The simple chic design and bright colors of our Cooler Bags can even be customized!
    We have included a sturdy grommet in the carrying handle so you can easily attach a pretty key ring, dietary restrictions warning tag, or your choice of any type of handcrafted or store bought “flair.” Examples HERE 
    Our Cooler Bags are made of the highest quality 300D Polyester for premium durability and toughness. Vinyl free (PVC free) & lead free, with an FDA compliant PEVA lining.

EasyLunchBoxes.com is generously giving away a container set and one lunch bag (winner can choose color). Retail value ($21.90)

This giveaway is offered to US & Canadian residents only. Please do not enter this giveaway if have won or received free product from EasyLunchboxes within the past 3 months.

mandatory entry to visit their site and write something learned about their products.

Follow me (2 entries)

Follow me on twitter (2 entries)

Write about it on facebook or twitter (2 entries)

Blog about it (5 entries)

*Make sure that you leave your email so I can contact you if you win.

 

Good Luck

♥Jess

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Boogie Wipes Review & Giveaway

image

 

Kick those boogies to the curb with Boogie Wipes. I have had the chance to review Boogie Wipes, a smell good wipe that contains saline to dissolve mucus (boogies)..

I can’t even begin to express the sheer gratefulness of having these wipes around. Aidan has extremely bad allergies. He got it back from his dad and after a couple weeks in school Aidan started coughing and sneezing- nose running like crazy sometimes and stopped up others.

He doesn’t mind using toilet paper or tissues to wipe his nose but his nose was raw and red.

The boogie wipes not only kept his nose from being raw, it smells great (like grapes) and even got Adisyn to wipe (lol)...

but I sent some to school with Aidan and his teachers had heard of them before and loved them.

I went into Dollar Store to get some diapers and pull-ups and seen packs of Boogie Wipes for $1.50, how sweet a deal is that?

A smell good wipe to keep those noses looking like Rudolph. It isn’t Christmas yet...

About Boogie Wipes..

Boogie Wipes are made with saline to dissolve boogies (mucus) caused by the common cold, allergies or otherwise booger-filled kid moments.  Extra soft, alcohol, phthalate and paraben free, Boogie Wipes are available in Great Grape, Fresh Scent, Magic Menthol and Simply Unscented.  Recommended by pediatricians as a gentle, effective alternative to a dry tissue.

    Necessity is the Mother of Invention

    clip_image001

    The Story of Boogie Wipes

    We are entrepreneur Moms at heart, always looking for new ways to help support our families while staying involved and present in our kids daily lives.  It was that desire that led us to the idea of a Boogie Wipe. We invented Boogie Wipes in 2007 as a solution to our kids’ runny, red noses. After trying to use saline spray, bulb syringes and regular dry tissue, we became certain there had to be a better way to soothe our kids stuffy noses.  Months of market research resulted in an answer as plain as the nose on our face - a saline-infused moist wipe that comforts chapped, sore noses while dissolving mucus. After an extensive development and manufacturing process, and keeping our noses to the grindstone, we shipped our first order of Boogie Wipes in December, 2007. Since then, Boogie Wipes has found the smell of sweet success selling in 30,000 retail stores nationwide. We are thrilled our innovative idea helps parents and kids boogie through colds and allergies without missing a beat!

    Boogie on,

    The Boogie Moms

    Mindee & Julie

     

Get a chance to try it

for yourself..

Boogie Wipes is generously giving one lucky winner 2 packs of boogie wipes that each contain 30 wipes. (fresh, grape, menthol, or unscented– combination varies).

First and mandatory entry:

(1)Go to the Boogie website and tell me which scent you would love to win or combination of scents.

(2) 2 entries- Like Boogie Wipes on Facebook.

(3) 2 entries- Follow Boogie Moms on Twitter.

(4) 2 entries- Follow me on Twitter

(5) 3 entries- Tweet or facebook this giveaway and leave me the url

(6) 5 entries- Blog about the giveaway and leave me the link.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I was not paid in any way to review this product. I was given boogie wipes free to review, but the above statements are clearly my own.

♥Jess

 

She’s Gone Country {Book Review}

She's Gone Country

No one ever said going home would be easy...

A former model leading a charmed life in New York City, Shey Darcy was shocked when her handsome photographer husband announced he’d fallen in love with someone else. Left to pick up the pieces of her once happy world, Shey decides to move back to Texas with her three teenage sons. But life on the family ranch brings a new host of dramas, starting with differences of opinion with her staunch Southern Baptist mother and rugged but overprotective brothers, and ending with daily battles with her three sons, who are also struggling to find themselves. Add to the mix Shey’s ex-crush, Dane Kelly, a national bull-riding champ, and she’s got her hands full. It’s not long before Shey realizes that to reinvent herself she must let go of a broken past and an uncertain future, if she is to find happiness- and maybe love- in the present.

My Review

This book has captivated me drawn me in and didn’t let go. It’s such a well written book that you can’t help but get lost in it.

It’s such an inspiring novel, Shey Darcy returning to her Texas lifestyle with three teenage sons after her 17 year marriage falls apart when her husband decides he is ready to come out of the closet.

It’s hard for her because she never knew or even had the slightest clue that he might be gay. She can’t hate him because they did have a good marriage and he was her best friend. She wishes that it HAD been another woman that he had chosen, so she could AT LEAST be mad at that. But she’s left to wonder how he could feel this way after being married to her and having 3 sons.

Throw in three teenage boys who are also fighting within themselves to discover who they are and where they belong in a little town in the boondocks after going to prestigious schools in New York. One son battling depression and being bullied at school. Another son wanting to become a bull rider, after knowing his father doesn’t approve. Shey is fighting to give her kids what is best for them and what makes them happy.

Shey’s Mother is overbearing and is always asking her if she is going to church. She is a busy-body and thinks that Shey desperately needs help raising her boys and if she doesn’t get a grip on things and makes her mom think she’s having a great time, her mom just might move in with her and cause more problems.

Shey’s older brothers Brick and Blue are overprotective and think they know what’s best for her, but it’s best for her if she breaks the spell and tells them that she doesn’t need to be treated like the little sister any longer.

And then also throw in Dane Kelley who is Sheys’ ex-flame. The ever so handsome bull riding ex best friend of her brother who she has adored since she could walk. The charisma and familiarity of his gaze gets her every time.

She is fighting all this and still remains humble to her past. She is battling this mixed up life and trying to stay strong and sane so that her mother doesn’t up and move in with her and so her brothers will stop thinking she needs to be bailed out everytime one of her sons has a problem or issue.

I love this book and will definitely read more of Jane Porter’s books. She is mystical, magical, and brilliant with her wording. She has created a page turner that keeps you interested and wanting to know more. I couldn’t put it down. I definitely think this is one of the best books I have read all year.

I would definitely recommend this book to you guys, it isn’t and won’t be a disappointment.

♥Jess 

She’s Gone Country was written by Jane Porter.

About Jane Porter:

“I’m a mom and a writer, in that order. I love being a mother, too, particularly a mother of sons, as it’s made me look at men differently. I’ve always been drawn to strong men-the classic alpha hero-but the process of turning little boys into men is bittersweet and sometimes downright painful.

Men enter this world as babies-helpless infants, gorgeous infants- and mothers dote on their babies, kissing and cuddling and cradling. Our beloved babies become toddlers and the toddlers become boys and with each new phase and stage, our boys learn new life lessons. Hard life lessons. Lessons about what being male means and how real boys don’t cry and aren’t sensitive and don’t go running to mommy for comfort.

I’ve watched the confusion in my boys’ faces as they’ve been told to 'suck it up" and “take it” and “deal with it.” I’ve seen their expressions as they glance at me and then turn away, having finally internalized that they cannot continue to come to me. To become a man they must break away. Must shoulder life and responsibility and pain on their own.

“And now I have a new baby, a third son, and we start the process all over again even as my oldest son enters his sophomore year of high school and my middle son begins middle school.”

“It’s a tricky thing being a mother, a series of balancing acts and risks and challenges, but it’s also the best and greatest thing I’ve ever done. Not every woman needs to be a mother. Not every woman should be a mother. But I wouldn’t be me without my boys.

My favorite author when I was growing up was Louisa May Alcott and my favorite Alcott novels were Little Men and Jo’s Boys-novels about raising boys. My mother said I was destined to be a mother of boys, and she was right. My boys are my heart. They own it completely even as they wrestle and tussle their way into adulthood.

I realize now it was inevitable that I’d write a novel about raising boys, and I loved Shey’s busy, complicated life made even more challenging due to her three sons, three brothers, and first love, Dane Kelly. But strong Texas men aren’t fictional. My grandfather was a Texan, a cattleman, and a very handsome man. He died the year I was born but his portrait dominated my grandmother’s family room as did the paintings of the ranches he once owned. After he died my grandmother sold off the cattle and two of the three ranches but kept his favorite, the one closest to where we all lived. Growing up, I spent every Easter on that ranch, and during Easter week we rode horses, played in the corral, picked wildflowers, and generally ran wild.

I love that my family raised me to love the land and fields and big sky. I love that they gave me confidence and taught me courage and pushed me to succeed. And maybe that’s what’s important. Not that we have boys or girls, but that we make sure we raise confident children who aren’t afraid to take risks and are encouraged to dream.”

♥Jane

D Jane on Twitter, myspace,

and her website...

Love Jess

 

Friday, August 27, 2010

Save Major Money by Buying Glasses Online (PLUS a 5% Off COUPON)

Want to save a ton of money on something you have to have? If you’re a glasses-wearer—whether full-time or at night or only when desperate, you can save up to 80% (yes, I said “eighty,” not “eight” or “point eight” or something like that—eight-zero!) buying prescription eyeglasses online over buying at the doctor’s office.

If this is your first time trying to buy glasses online, don’t feel overwhelmed—all you need are three pieces of information:

Buy Glasses Online
Via: Just Eyewear

Get started buying your new glasses with an additional 5% off our already extremely low prices. Just enter SEWCRAFTABLE at checkout to get 5% off your entire purchase price.

Hope you love your new glasses!


Jocelyn Gibbons has a background in both creative and technical writing. She is currently the creative marketing director for Just Eyewear, an online prescription glasses retailer.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Sensational Saturday Social

Join in on the Sensational Saturday Social. 5 Hops in 1. Have a great time..♥Jess
Link up your blogs here..

Link up your twitter here

Link up your facebook here

Say No to $1.50 per 2 liter, Say Yes to SodaStream

 

Sodastream | turn water into fresh sparkling water and soda

SodaStream is an at-home soda maker. They are sleek, fun to use, and come in several fashions. I got a chance to work with SodaStream on a review, and was amazed at the quality of soda that it produces. I thought the soda might come out overly carbonated or taste like really cheap soda, but it didn’t.

Making soft drinks and carbonated water has become a climbing trend, as more consumers are becoming environmentally aware of the build up that plastic and aluminum has on our earth.

Sodastream makes it easier to be eco-friendly, reducing our carbon footprints. Just think of the gas the trucks use to make it to the store with the 2 liters and cases of cokes. Think of the energy it requires to make plastic and aluminum, and think of all the plastic and aluminum that end up in the dump.

You can now enjoy soda without the hassle of tugging bottles or cases from the store. More importantly, no leftover cans or plastic. see the facts on what those plastic bottles do to the earth {here}.

How Does SodaStream Help the Environment?

SodaStream is an "Active Green" product, meaning that consumers  are actively reducing their CO2

footprint every time they make soda  or sparkling water at home instead of buying it from the store. The more the system is used on a daily basis, the more CO2 footprint

the user actively saves. (This differs from "Passive Green" products, which use green-friendly production processes, but their products are not inherently helping the consumers save on their daily footprint.)

Because SodaStream uses water straight from the tap, the system makes traditional store-bought beverage bottles obsolete. That means less plastic manufactured, less plastic waste is created, and fewer bottled beverages must be transported from manufacturers to distributors to stores to homes.

Globally, 206 billion liters of bottled water were consumed in 2008 (Zenith International Global Bottled Water Report, 2008). The energy required to make water bottles in the US only, is equivalent to 17 million barrels of oil (Container Recycling Institute, 2002).

You can turn regular cold tap water into soda or carbonated water in less than 30 seconds. Yes- you heard me right. Less than 30 seconds with no mess to clean up afterward. It is very easy to clean, and it is  reusable. That is so awesome in my book. Reusable, easy to clean, and fits in the side door of my refrigerator perfectly.

The SodaStream Soda Maker doesn’t use electric or batteries. It comes as is- you just screw in the carbonator in the back, fill the bottle with water, screw the bottle into the maker, and press the button. Wah-lah.

This is the machine. First run your tap water and place the bottle underneath and then All you do is push the big black lever you see on the top of the machine. It tilts and you tip the bottle a little and place it on the long white piece and screw the bottle in place.

There is a gray button on top that you push for the carbonator to work. This is where you can experiment a little. You can push it firmly and quickly for a less carbonated coke or water. Or you can press it as many times if you like it to be quite fizzy.

Then you take your choice of flavor..which mine is lemonade this time. 

You unscrew the lid and fill it up with the flavor. I added a little more than a capful and added a little extra sugar to it.

Tip the water bottle a little to prevent any spills, and just pour the flavor in.

 

You should see it cloud up..

sodastream3 

and just tip it upside down slowly a couple of times.

sodastream

put it in the freezer for like 5-10 minutes and you have the best tasting lemonade at it’s coldest in a really short time. Isn’t that awesome? Fresh tasting lemonade at your fingertips.

sodastream2

They have a variety of sodamakers to choose from, so that it will match your decor & styling if you have certain colors in your kitchen. I love this though. You don’t have to settle with plain black~ you can get pink, blue, yellow, or white. They are so amazing and colorful. They also offer a 30 day money back guarantee if your not satisfied, and they offer a 2 year warranty for all new sodamakers.

The Soda Mix Flavors.

Making your favorite flavor of soda, sparkling water, or energy drink is simple and fun with sodastream’s wide variety of syrups. They have the regular, diet, and caffeine free, but they also have exotic flavors like diet pink grapefruit and orange mango. They also have cocktail mixers, energy drinks and sparkling iced teas.

Call it whatever you wish~ whether it be soda water, sparkling water, club soda or seltzer. All you have to do is carbonate the water and pour about half a teaspoon to a teaspoon (according to what you like) into the water. They have lemon-lime, raspberry, and orange. I also added a little raspberry into the cola and it was great. Like flavored coke.

The reason I love it so much is because you can control how much carbonation goes into the soda or water. You get to experiment and find the exact taste you like best. You get to choose. You can either push the button quickly and firmly to have it slightly carbonated or press more for carbonation if you like the fizz.

Each bottle of sodamix makes about 12 liters (about 33 cans) for around 25 cents per liter. Can you say “Wow”? That is a major saving. Say no to soda at $1.25 per bottle, the sodastream is an investment that pays for itself quickly.

You can find SodaStream on facebook, flickr, myspace, twitter, and youtube.

They even have a blog.

I was not paid to review SodaStream Products. They were just nice enough to let me try their products myself and state my own opinion of it. I thank them for giving me this joy of experiments. Sometimes I imagine I am mixing up a concoction of mad scientist type of stuff. Just Kidding, but it is really fun and so much better than having to run to the store every time we run out.

You can buy one{here}if your interested.

♥Jess

 

Popular Posts