Skin Care Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

During the winter months my skin seems to be more affected by dryness and irritation.   With the heat blowing constantly, and little or no humidity, my skin seems to suffer.  Combine that with the fact that, I am a mother, and that means my hands are always washing or cleaning something a trillion times in a day.  There is nothing worse than itchy, dried out, chemically exposed skin.  That is why skin care is so important.

I have slathered many bottles of lotion on myself in efforts to kill the flaky alligator skin I have.  So I guess you can say I have tried enough to know what does and doesn’t work well.   When trying out lotion, I really pay attention to how the stuff goes on.  If there is anything I hate, it is lotion that goes on and doesn’t ever go away!  There isn’t anything worse than a greasy/oily lotion that if you stood in the shower you’d be a commercial for Rain-X.

It wasn’t till recently that I got to try Skin MD Natural with SPF 15, and I must say I really like this stuff.   It is such a great product for us moms because it provides the hydration that your skin needs, while providing a protective barrier to all the moisture robbing elements that we are exposed to on a daily basis.  I never had the issue with it being greasy and it sort of just disappears into my skin and leaves my hands feeling really good.   I love the fact that I can reapply whenever I need to without feeling like I was dipped in Crisco.

What is a shielding lotion?

Shielding lotions are basically lotions that bond with the dead skin cells of the epidermis, forming a protective layer with the outer-most layer. This protective layer is virtually the same as what was naturally formed with the outer-most layer of skin cells and the skin’s own natural oils and lipids, up until about 100 years ago – before modern life and frequent hand washing stripped it away. This protective layer helps prevents irritating substances from penetrating the skin and getting into its deeper layers. Additionally, it helps to retain the natural moisture and oils, which are responsible for the skin’s elasticity and integrity, thus helping the skin to rejuvenate itself.

Skin MD Natural utilizes the latest developments in skin care technology as well as the most effective natural ingredients to restore your outer layer of skin’s natural ability to protect against dangerous toxins and irritants as well as to reduce the loss of natural oils and moisture. A shielding lotion replaces the barrier that’s stripped away with the daily use of most soaps and cleansers. Plus, Skin MD, is not tested on animals, is fragrance free and hypoallergenic.   This is perfect if you have sensitive skin like I do.

Give Skin MD a try it is definitely worth it, especially now during the winter months.  It is the good stuff!

Safeway “My Choice” Gift Card Giveaway

I love gift cards, simply because it allows me to get the things that I actually want rather than getting something that makes me cringe.   I recently had the opportunity to receive a Safeway “My Choice Gift Card”  and thought I would share it all with you!  Who couldn’t use a little extra money for groceries or gas, especially during this economy?

This Card Is Good At:

Safeway

Vons

Carrs

Genuardis

Pavilions

Dominick’s

Randalls

Tom Thumb (not in CA*)

Pak’ n Save Foods

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

Here’s what you gotta do to win:

Leave me a comment as to why you would like to win or what you would use the card for.

Get and extra entry for putting my badge on your sidebar.

Get and entry for blogging about this contest.

Receive another entry for following me on twitter.

Please leave me a valid email so I can contact you if you win.

Contest Starts:  January 22, 2009 and Ends February 5, 2009

Winners chosen by Random.Org

Good Luck!!!

T-fal Family Pro Fryer

As a family, we really don’t do a whole lot of deep frying, but there is one special thing that my husband and boys absolutely love, and that is cut up potatoes that are fried and served with a sauce that I make for them.  I currently own a deep fryer that has proven to be more of a hassle to use, so I tend not to use it.

The deep fryer that I have, has what I think is a standard safety feature on most fryers now, and that is the magnetic cord attachment.   I was getting so frustrated with the one that we own because the hold on the magnetic cord was so poor, that it would just detach in the middle of cooking and I would come back to uncooked potatoes swimming in oil.  The other feature that my deep fryer has, that is beyond frustrating, is the fact that the lid is not removable and neither is the bowl that holds the oil.   This doesn’t make for easy clean ups, when you are trying to change the oil, and wash it with soap and water.   Its like doing acrobats just to avoid getting water where you shouldn’t.

I had pretty much given up on frying anything, when I was given the opportunity  to review the Family Pro Fryer from T-fal.  I absolutely love this fryer for it’s ease of use, and the fact that it is easy to clean!  The bowl that holds the oil can be put directly into the dishwasher, the filter is washable, and the lid can be washed.  The magnetic safety cord actually stays put, so I know that my food is actually cooking.  Everything about this fryer makes using it a breeze.  You can see here for yourself!

• External basket lift basket with integrated folding handle.
• Removable scratch resistant enamel not stick pot.
• 60 minute timer.
• 100% Dishwasher safe.

Other Features

• Family size: 2.2 lbs. of fresh food capacity/3 liters of oil.
• Brushed stainless steel exterior with black accents.
• External basket control for splatter free frying.
• Integrated folding handle for easy storage.
• Automatic shut-off with signal bell for peace of mind.
• Cool touch handles and safe to touch lid for added safety.
• Extra large viewing window to check on food while it’s cooking.
• Temperature ready light tells you when your oil reaches the selected temperature
• Adjustable thermostat. Select the perfect cooking temperature for all your cooking needs.
• Removal and washable filter.
• On/off switch.
• Magnetic safety plug for additional safety.

I would definitely give the T-fal Family Pro Fryer consideration if you are in the market for a good deep fryer. It is simple to use, has safety measures in place if you have young kids running around, and it is reasonably priced, so it won’t break the bank.

PS:  Apparently the box is just as entertaining for toddlers

Wordless Wednesday

Voice Today: Breaking the Silence of Child Sexual Abuse

Sometimes the most important issues are the hardest to talk about. Angela Williams, founder of the not-for-profit organization VOICE Today, Inc., suffered through 14 silent years of incest at the hands of her stepfather. She understands all too well how hard it can be to break the silence and that’s why she created the VOICE Today organization.

It’s estimated that 9 out of 10 sexually abused children never speak up about their abuse. This alarming statistic is a testament to the importance of the efforts of VOICE Today. The organization was created to give survivors of abuse a chance to break the silence, give children the opportunity to learn about protection and finally to give adults a plan of prevention for sexual abuse.

The organization plans to get the word out through a weekly radio show titled Break the Silence and via speaking engagements about the organization. Their website, www.voicetoday.org, has links to Christian counseling services, support groups and an anonymous blog where survivors can confidentially share their
stories.

In addition to creating VOICE Today, Inc., Williams recently released the book From Sorrows To Sapphires – Silence, Incest and God which unleashes the secrets of incest in a true story. It is a story of a heart-wrenching journey through a child’s life as a victim of 14 years of horrendous sexual, physical and emotional abuse, to a survivor, and ultimately a victor over the abuse.

Some staggering statistics about child sexual abuse:

• 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused by the time they turn 17
• 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused by the time they turn 17
• 1 in 5 girls are abused by their fathers or a father figure
• 90 percent of child sexual abuse is by someone the child knows, loves and trusts

Some of the most disturbing data about child sexual abuse concerns the development of children that have
been sexually abused. Between 70 percent and 80 percent of sexual abuse survivors report a drug or alcohol addiction later in life. Among male sexual abuse survivors, 50 percent report suicidal thoughts and 20 percent have attempted suicide. Finally, 40 percent of sexual abusers report being abused as children.

Whether these damaging effects are only a factor of abuse, or a combination of abuse and silence, VOICE Today realized there was a need for an organization for the victims of this silent epidemic. They hope that prevention, protection and education will give victims of child sexual abuse the VOICE they’ve needed for years.

For more information on the organization or its founder visit www.voicetoday.org.

Joe Satriani Eat Your Heart Out

Ok, this is my twin son bubs playing his guitar. This is serious business for him, and he even goes to get his safety goggles LOL! I have never laughed so hard in my life he even does the handle jerk just like a real guitarist. He used to get his Leap Frog guitar but when daddy got Rock Band for the Wii…bubs was in seventh heaven and it’s the only guitar he wants now. Joe Satriani eat your heart out there’s a new kid in town.

Crafty Baby Makes Nap Time Special

Being a mother to twins has my days completely full and busy.  One of my most favorite times of the day is nap time,  I get a chance to gather my thoughts, enjoy the silence, and the boys get to wind down.  Special items like blankets, and pillows help to make the transition so much easier when they have something of their own.     I was very excited to try out the Nap Packs from Crafty Baby!

Nap packs are a very portable, soft, and special way to make your child’s nap time more appealing.   It comes complete with a blanket that has ample room and an attached pillow.   When your child is done napping, it is a snap to just roll up and tuck away in a cubby, or hang on a hook.   When I first rolled them out the boys were eager to jump right in.   You could tell that they both loved how soft they were, and I found myself wishing I had one too!  The Crafty Baby Nap Packs are even perfect for rolling out on the floor and letting your child snuggle up to watch his or her favorite movie.

Crafty Baby also offers the perfect pillow and pillowcases for your toddler.   I know both of my boys love to have a pillow but the standard size pillows seem to be too much for their little beds.   It was difficult for them to sleep on such a big pillow so up until now they have done without.   These pillows are just right and the the pillowcases are perfect!   The pillowcases come in bright and cheerful patterns like trains (a huge favorite of my two) and many other fun prints.

And the best part, all of these things are machine washable which is so important when you have young children.   I find that I am always throwing things in the wash.  So not only are they convenient, they are also practical, and that means time and consideration went into their design.  Thank you Crafty Baby for such wonderful products.   Take a look at Crafty Baby, you are sure to find something wonderful for your lil one.

American Idol 8..Kicks off in Phoenix

I am a huge American Idol fan.   My husband makes fun of me and he only likes to watch the auditions then he is done with the show.   I love to watch it from start to finish, and I actually go through a mourning when the show is over.   I savor every evening where I can sit and watch one of my favorite shows and then I can hardly wait for the next week.   When you become a parent, it’s the little things, like a television show, that make me happy, not a date, but quiet time with my favorite shows.

This year American Idol kicks off in Phoenix, Arizona, home of Jordan Sparks.   So far I think the season shows promise, but I won’t know who exactly I like, until I see more of the show.   I sometimes wonder about these people that show up that think they can sing.  The chic in the bikini was a little strange and she actually made it through, we will see what she has to offer with her clothes on.   I really like the guy who worked on the oil pumps for some reason, but only time will tell as the season moves forward as to who has what it takes.   I sometimes wonder if the judges are hearing the same thing I am, because some of the people that make it through are a bit on the iffy side.

Thankfully I have a Tivo hooked up with a dual tuner so I can record Biggest Loser and American Idol!  Anyway here’s to a new season of American Idol…I am in couch potato heaven!

Conversation Hearts….Ever wonder about them?

So I got the boys some conversation hearts the other day as I remember them from my childhood.   I got the standard Necco sweethearts which are my favorite and well I tried an off brand (they all tasted like toothpaste to me).  So here I was driving down the road pondering these cute little hearts with sweet little sayings on them, and wondered just how these came about.  So I did a little investigation of these sweet little gems that you can only find around Valentine’s Day.   I polished off the box by the time I hit the front door.

History

Daniel Chase, brother of the founder of NECCO Oliver Chase, began printing sayings on the candy in the 1860s. He designed a machine that was able to press on the candy similar to a stamp. The candy was often used for weddings since the candies had witty saying such as: “Married in pink, he will take a drink,” “Married in White, you have chosen right,” and “Married in Satin, Love will not be lasting.”

Sweethearts got their start in 1902. Back then, they were not only hearts but postcards, horseshoes, watches, and baseballs. Some of the sayings, such as “Be Mine,” “Kiss Me,” and “Be True,” are still in use. In 1997, the saying “The One I Love” was brought back in honor of NECCO’s 150th anniversary.

In the 1990s, NECCO vice president, Walter Marshall, wanted to update some of the sayings and retire others. NECCO receives hundreds of suggestions a year on new sayings. Including “Call me,” “Email me,” and “Fax me.”

NECCO still uses the same formula to produce the candies. The recipe includes battered sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, gums, colorings, and flavorings. The recipe is brought to a consistency of a dough, rolled out, imprinted with sayings, stamped into a heart shape, and then put through a 45 minute drying cycle for consistency.

NECCO produces the hearts from late February though mid January of the following year. Approximately 100,000 pounds of hearts are made per day, which sells out in about six weeks.

That is a lot of conversation hearts!   I still love them now.  How fun would it be to leave little sweet messages to your special someone, or you can just message yourself and get a nice sugar rush.  So there is a little tidbit for the day  😉

Whats for Dinner Monday

Here is week two of my Monday menu ideas.   Sorry, I forgot to take out my camera, but you get the idea.   This is a family favorite, and the boys simply love Beef Stroganoff as well as my husband.   The Broccoli Slaw has quickly become one of my favorites and Monkey calls any salad “fruit salad yummy yummy.”  He loves to eat salad of any kind which I guess is a good thing!   The meal was a big hit and the plates were cleaned. ENJOY!

Beef Stroganoff
2lbs of Top Round Steak Slices in thin strips
2 Tbs Butter
One medium Onion
1 can of condensed beef broth
2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce
4oz can of sliced mushrooms
8 oz Sour Cream
1/4 cup of Flour
12 oz of wide egg noodles cooked

Melt Butter, and Brown beef and onion in a large skillet.   Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mushrooms and simmer until beef in tender about 45min-an hour (if you need to you can add a little water).
Stir together flour and sour cream and add to the beef mixture, stir till combined over low to med heat and it starts to thicken. Add cooked egg noodles and wahlah! I love to serve mine over butter bread.

Broccoli Cole Slaw
I buy the Manns broccoli Slaw
Mix with Marzettis Cole Slaw Dressing

French Bread with Garlic/Herb Butter

Green Beans
(well out of the can)

Grapes
(I always like to give the boys fresh fruit with their meals)

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