Intel-A-Temp Smart Digital Warmer & Sterilizer

I don't think I have to tell you that 

being a Mommy is exhausting.

Somehow I can manage to be completely awake and on the go all day long. But the minute I sit down I fall asleep. It can be quite embarrassing. It was much worse with my first child though. Now I have a 3-year old that has found it her duty to keep me awake at all costs. If she notices that I'm about to doze off she immediately finds a reason and a way to wake me up. Even though I know that it is a good thing, I sometimes resent it.

I miss the days when it was one baby and we could nap together. It made it easier to survive the late nights. Now sleep is a myth and energy is something only a Fairy Godmother can sprinkle on you (but be warned, it still wears off at midnight). There have been moments when I have fallen asleep and wake up with milk spraying all over my sleeping baby's face. I have fallen asleep while laying on the ground and playing with toys. I have fallen asleep while reading stories to my girls. I have fallen asleep while texting. I have fallen asleep in the driveway after work. I have fallen asleep while playing on the trampoline. With my first daughter, I even fell asleep while waiting for the milk to warm. Twice. Did you know that if all of the liquid boils out of the pan, your pan can get so hot that it actually disintegrates? Yep! I found that one out by experience. So scary! I felt like the worst Mommy in the world.

I refuse to use the microwave to warm the milk though. Microwaves are not safe. They denature proteins and destroy nutrients. What is the point of breast milk if it is void of the good stuff? If you have ever tried reheating food in the microwave and eating it twenty minutes later then you know what I'm talking about. It's no longer food. It has turned into a chewy, waxy, rubber that is more like a science experiment rather than food. If you would like to read an interesting article about microwaves then check out The Journal of Natural Science.
Gordon Ramsay can always tell when food has been microwaved - and he knows food. There are thousands of people that argue that microwaves don't change food, but do an experiment yourself. Take your leftovers and split them directly down the middle. The first half, reheat in the microwave. The second half, reheat on the stove. See if there is a difference in texture, taste, or the length of time that it sustains its appeal. If you're not convinced, blindfold some friends and see if they can tell the difference.

Now that I have opened that can of worms, let's get back to the milk. You cannot give your baby cold milk. You have to reheat it somehow. I normally just place the milk in a pan and reheat it on LOW on the stove. But that can be fairly dangerous if you're tired. Plus, you have to watch it like a hawk to get the perfect and safe temperature. Then you have to funnel it into the bottle. If you have a crying baby this can be a recipe for disaster. You CANNOT hold your baby during this process. That is why I am so excited by the latest product that I was given the opportunity to review.

It's the Intel-A-Temp Smart Digital Warmer & Sterilizer by Maxx Elite. It is so simple and easy to use. It works as a bottle warmer, food warmer, and bottle/nipple sterilizer. It has saved my life and made things so much easier and safer.

It is quite small and convenient. You can easily store it on the counter or in the cupboard. It is simple to put together, and clean afterwards. It comes safely packaged and sealed. As with everything, I still advise you to clean it before your first use. The instructions for use are very simple and clear. However, my video is not. Forgive me for rambling and bouncing around. If you want to see it in action then watch the video below.

I love the Intel-A-Temp because it makes my life so much easier. I don't have a dishwasher and so I have to wash everything by hand and the sterilizer makes it so that I don't have to do dishes quite as often. If you do have a dishwasher, you can use the Intel-A-Temp when you don't have enough dishes or time to do an entire load. I absolutely love sticking my baby's pacifiers in to be sterilized. Peace of mind for mommy.

I love this product and I think you will too. 

Check them out on Amazon HERE. 

I received mine ata discount in exchange for an honest review. These thoughts and opinions are completely my own. I 100% recommend this product to my friends and family!

Lash IQ Natural Eyelash Enhancing Serum

Eyelashes are HUGE right now.

Literally.

Everyone is trying to get thicker, darker, longer lashes. And there are various ways of achieving this - fake lashes, lash extensions, mascara, and creams/liquids. There are pros and cons to each. Some, more than others.

Fake lashes
Pros: They provide instant results and can be applied at home. They don't have to be used every day. They come in dozens of different shades, styles, and lengths.
Cons: They can get kind of pricey when you replace them a lot. The glue can be irritating to eyelids. The glue can start coming off during the middle of the day. The glue has to be applied very precisely.

Lash Extensions
Pros: They only have to applied every 4-6 weeks. They are dramatic and gorgeous.
Cons: They are extremely expensive. They make you look ridiculous as they start falling out. You have to be very careful and delicate with them - you can't even rub your eyes, and you're not supposed to sleep on your face. The application process can take awhile.

Mascara
Pros: It provides instant results. It comes in different shades and colors. It is relatively inexpensive. You can use it as often as you would like.
Cons: It dries out and damages your lashes. It can cause excessive damage during the removal process. It can cause irritation and infection along the lash line. It can flake and leave residue on the skin and in the eye.

Lash Growth Serums
Pros: They can be applied at home by yourself. You don't have to be super precise. They make your natural lash grow and you never have to take it off. It isn't too expensive.
Cons: You have to wait for your lashes to grow. It has to be applied on a regular basis. It has to be applied on bare skin.

Out of all of these options I prefer to use serums. I recently tried a serum made by Lash IQ. I wasn't sure about it since I had never tried one before. I actually quite liked it. It was easy to apply, didn't leave a residue, and gave noticeable results.

The bottle arrived in a cute, secure, little box. The bottle itself was the size of a bottle of mascara. The applicator came attached to the inside of the lid. The applicator was a small, thin, soft brush. The serum was a clear liquid that dried quickly.

The serum went on evenly and generously. It was clear and you couldn't even tell I had anything on. It dried very quickly. I did not notice any immediate results, which you shouldn't expect to. My eyelids never got irritated from the serum. I never experienced any dryness, itching, or redness. It only took about 30 seconds to apply the serum to both lids. The only complaint I had was that it had to be applied to bare lids. You could not have any lotion, makeup, or other serums on. I have very dry skin and I could not apply lotion immediately because I had to apply my serum first. It's not that big of a deal though.

I was only able to use it for a few weeks because I was dealing with eczema the first week. I did notice an increase in my lashes however. It was more of a thickening rather than a lengthening though. It's not going to produce insane eyelashes, but you will experience some natural-looking growth. But your natural growth cycle is about 4-6 weeks long and so you shouldn't expect results any sooner than this.

Lash IQ uses ingredients such as Biotin, Pumpkin Seed Extract, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin B6, Pomegranate Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, and White Tea Extract. These ingredients help to nourish and strengthen the lashes and skin around the follicles. You cannot turn damaged hairs into healthy ones. You must create healthy hairs from the beginning. That is why serums work. They deliver nutrients to the cells and penetrate deep into the roots. Lash IQ actually contains 15 effective ingredients in each bottle. 

I love Lash IQ because it does not contain sulfates, parabens, or chemical preservatives. It can be used on any skin color or type. Men and women can both use the serum. You can apply it to your brows to help create a fuller look. And it can increase eyelash density up to 82% in as little as four weeks. I enjoyed using Lash IQ's Natural Eyelash Enhancing Serum and plan on continuing usage. I expect to see more results as I continue to use the serum. I am very excited to see how they look in two months!

If you would like too try Lash IQ for yourself you can find it on Amazon HERE.

And if you don't like it, you can return it. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 90 day return policy. If for any reason you are unsatisfied they will return every penny, even shipping costs. That is one of the BEST return policies that I have come across. 

I was given this product in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I did not and will not receive any compensation for this. These are my personal thoughts and opinions along with a few facts stated on their packaging and website. 

Manuka Honey Nuggets

Did you know that Honey is 

• antiseptic
• antibacterial
• antifungal
• antibiotic

It has been used throughout the centuries in most cultures. Honey has been used to treat, heal, and prevent many illnesses and diseases (Howard Garrett). There are also studies that have found that honey helps fight against bacteria that has become antibiotic resistant (American Chemical Society). Manuka honey has even been found effective against several human pathogens like Escherichia coli (E. coli), Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), β-haemolytic streptococci and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci(VRE) (US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health) . And....

Honey does not spoil.

That is why my religion advocates its members to keep honey in our food storage and 72-hour kits. Everyone jokes about having Twinkies on hand in case of disaster, but it's actually honey that you want. Honey is natural. Twinkies are anything but natural. I don't trust man. I trust God. He designed bees and honey, and he did a marvelous job!

I have applied honey topically and ingested it internally and have definitely witnessed its benefits. When I am sick and have a sore throat I do not use cough medicines. I use honey. I make a lemon and honey tea that soothes my throat instantly. And I don't have to worry about the side effects or risks associated with OTC medicines.

That is why I am so thrilled about my latest review. They are Manuka Honey Nuggets. It's like a hard candy that is healthier for you. You can use them like you do cough drops. Or you can use them to increase energy. If you're heading out on a hike or to the park these are perfect to toss in your pocket. Or you can simply eat them like candy when you need a sweet treat.

They are individually wrapped and come in a 3.5 oz bag. Plus, there are only two ingredients in these delicious morsels:

Organic Evaporated Cane Juice and Brown Rice Syrup
and Bio Active 5+ Manuka Honey

The honey in Manuka Honey Nuggets is derived from New Zealand. Most honey producing countries use antibiotics to treat bee diseases, but New Zealand does not. Kiwi beekeepers produce honey that is 100% natural that has no added sugar or antibiotics. They also have the most disease free bees in the world! If you want healthy honey, this is where you get it.

Manuka Honey Nuggets are 100% Natural. 

They contain NO PRESERVATIVES and NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS. 

They are completely FAT FREE and each nugget is only 15 calories. 

They are GLUTEN FREE and NON-GMO. 

And they taste amazing! They taste just like pure honey. I lOVE them. They are so yummy. They are naturally sweet and you can tell. It's so tempting to eat more than just one.
I was also given a sample of the Manuka Honey and Ginger Nuggets. They were absolutely delicious as well. I loved them. I really can't decide which kind I like more. It just depends on my mood. If I could have a 5 lb bag of each kind I would be in heaven. Now I just need to try the Manuka Honey and Lemon Nuggets.

If you would like to try them for yourself, you can find them on Amazon HERE,

or on their website HERE.

I was given these Manuka Honey Nuggets complimentary in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. I would purchase these myself and recommend them to my friends and family. 

Beabies Teething Necklace

Have I told you how much I love teething necklaces?!

They are so cute and so much fun! And practical. 

If you have ever had a teething baby then you already know how hard it is to soothe, entertain, and calm them. They grab everything and try to gnaw on anything they can fit in their mouths. My hair, hands, shoulder, and chin have all been subjected to the teething massacre. 

When my babies are teething they like to be held. That means that both my hands are occupied. One with a baby and the other with a toy. I've tried letting them hold their own toys, but they always end up dropping them. Since it is a toy that is going to end up in their mouth that means I have to wash it before I give it back to them. It's a non-stop cycle. Kind of like The Song That Never Ends...

This is the toy that always drops

Yes, it goes on the floor, ker-plop!

This mommy started giving it to her babies gnawing jaws

And she'll keep on cleaning it forever just because...

Lamb Chops anyone? Or am I just that cool, that I'm the only one that gets the reference? Ok, now that I have clearly embarrassed myself and revealed my age, I hope I got my point across.

Having a toy strung around your neck solves this problem. Especially if it is one that is meant for them to chew on. They can drop and retrieve it as much as they need to or would like to. Let's face it, every kid finds it wildly entertaining to watch mommy chase toys to the ground over and over. 

Beabies' Teething Pendant is actually designed for babies to mash and gnash. The pendant is large enough that if somehow your baby managed to remove it from the string they would not be able to choke on it. They are made from food-grade silicone. They are BPA-Free, PVC-Free, Rubber-Free, and Lead-Free. They are FDA approved and do not contain any vinyl, phthalates, plastic, nitrosamines, cadmium, or heavy metals. They are also taste and smell-free. This means they are extremely safe for your little one. 

I don't use teething gels or tablets on my kids. The chemicals, toxins, and additives are something I try to avoid. I don't like the idea of pain meds being administered at that age unless they are absolutely necessary. I try to find alternatives to help relieve the pain. Teething necklaces are an awesome solution. You can even freeze or refrigerate them for extra help.  

Plus, who doesn't like to make being a Mom cute?! These necklaces are quite fashionable compared to a wet teething bib, washcloth, stuffed animal, or binky. The string is smooth and soft against your neck, which is necessary for yanking. The pendant is a very pretty teal color. It is great for any spring or summer attire. I love wearing mine at church when I'm all dressed up and holding a baby in my arms for 3 hours straight. Sometimes I even place a binky on the string next to the teether. It keeps them extra busy. They like to chase the two around.

These are also great for little ones that aren't teething. It is something that they can safely play with while being held and carried. It is heavy enough that it flops around. And the color is vibrant and easily catches their attention. The hole in the center is great for their little exploring fingers. I like to wear it while I'm nursing because it helps to keep her wandering hands busy. No more pinching, scratching, or hair pulling. Yes, I am still sporting long hair. No mommy cut for me yet. 

I LOVE this teething pendant made by Beabies because it comes practically gift-wrapped. It comes in an adorable little package that's ready to give at any baby shower. This is something that I have never seen given at a shower. Moms-to-be usually end up with duplicates of everything. It would be a very unique gift. This is one thing that both baby and mommy will truly appreciate. Plus, the color makes it perfect for either gender.

When you do decide to clean it, which should be fairly often still (just not a million times a day), it is quite easy. You can toss it in the dishwasher along with all of the other baby items. Or you can boil it on the stove (some of us don't have dishwashers). 

I do not recommend giving this as a toy for your baby to play with. The string could be a hazard. As long as it is around an adult's neck it is safe though. It even features a quick-release clasp in case you get it caught on something. Or if you have a miniature-sized Hulk in your arms. They talk about amazing mommy-strength in times of  danger, but I believe babies have double that strength in what they deem to be dire situations.... like nap time. This necklace should be able to withstand the abuse though. It seems like very high quality material and durable. They are very pliable and great for chewing. I can easily bend it in my hands. It does not feel like it would break, tear, or snap. I even bit it and there was no damage done to the pendant. Don't worry, I washed it after. I just wanted to see if it could actually withstand teeth. And it did!

Whether you're looking for yourself, someone else, or your baby this is a great gift! 

If you want to check out the same teether, you can find it on Amazon HERE.
Or you can find it on their website HERE.

I received mine complimentary in exchange for an honest and unbiased review and trial. I have truly enjoyed using it and would recommend it to my readers.

Mega Mesh Screen Door

I am going to be honest. I have been dreading trying out my latest experiment. I shouldn't have been though. It's amazing and so simple! I should've known it was going to be easy because the company's name is EASY INSTALL. Geez, Caraline! 

It is a screen door that magnetically closes itself. Magic! Or so my daughter thinks. It's actually quite genius. You can walk through a door without needing the use of your hands. Kids can easily get in and out without your help. Pets can even use the door! No need for opposable thumbs.

...or hands. My daughter is quite adamant on using her head to open it.

It is made of black mesh, and is very strong material. The magnets are placed inside the seams so that they don't weaken and fall off. The magnets run the entire length of the door so that it closes from top to bottom. The velcro that keeps the door up is sewn into the seam so that it can also withstand lots of use. 

Did I mention the velcro? I can take this door down when I don't want it up! And it's so easy. You just pull it off, fold it up, and put it away. It's a screen door that you don't have to have up all of the time. Hooray!

At the house we were renting for the past three years, the screen door was the biggest pain. The porch was small and awkward. There were decorative metal posts that were always in the way. You actually had to step off of the porch to open the screen door so that you could get to the main door. Trying to carry things in and out of the house took some gymnastic, ambidextrous, and contortionist skills. 

When we moved into this house a couple of months ago we had to remove our screen door. It was punching a huge hole into the overhang of the roof! The birds were going through the hole and living in the attic. There were droppings all over the back door. We had to do a lot of cleaning. We did a quick patch with some foam to fill the hole and prevent anymore intrusions. But that meant no longer having a screen door. It was horribly sad.

I love having my doors and windows open. Fresh air makes me so happy. Windows sometimes aren't enough on their own. I can't leave my door open because I hate bugs and I can't take the chance of having a wasp fly into my house. Even just opening the door to get in and out of the house has allowed 3 flies into my home this past week. And my daughter is absolutely terrified of all bugs and insects. That's probably my fault. Oops. She even loses it when ladybugs land on her. This magnetic screen door makes our entries and exits so quick that we no longer have that problem.

You can still use the doorbell.

I chose to hang my door on the outside of my house because it is black and my door frame is white. I didn't like the way that it clashed. This means that I'll be removing the door quite often to protect it from the weather and to clean it. I'll probably end up needing to replace the velcro sooner as well. Tthey have a 100% satisfaction guarantee though and the product registration is super easy and takes 30 seconds which is great news. All of the pictures I post are going to be slightly ugly because I hung it outside. I haven't had a chance to clean up and paint the door and the frame since we moved in. We have a lot of projects going on and so I apologize for this. The screen door actually looks really good on its own. 

I am kind of attempted to install it underneath the door frame when I fix them though. That way I don't have to see the edges. That would make it permanent however. Maybe I'll paint my door frames black? I don't know. I'll think of something because I love this door and I want to keep using it. 

I am going to contact the company and suggest that they design a shade tent with this idea though. They would be perfect! We have to use shade tents when we are camping because the flies, mosquitoes, horse flies, and bees are absolutely terrible where we go. The shade tents have walls and doors made of mesh, but they use zippers to close. Not a huge issue for me, but boys are too lazy to zip the door shut after they exit. It drives me insane because we end up with bugs annoying us as we try to eat. Maybe I'll just attach the velcro to the tent myself and void the use of the zippers? Hmmm... maybe another project in my future? 

If you want a fly free home this summer, and want the dogs and kids to be able to run in and out of the house freely then this is a great investment! I love my new screen door and I know that it is going to have a lot of use and last a really long time. YaY! Plus, I can now carry the groceries into the house without having to open the dang door while juggling kids and bags. I think my life just got a little easier. I'm feeling a little Zen.... all smiles over here.

If you would like to try out the same screen door that I use, you can find it HERE on Amazon. 

Or you can simply go to their website HERE.

I received mine in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Forever Fused Fruit Infuser Water Bottle

Water.

Do you drink it? Do you drink ENOUGH of it?

Probably not. 

You should aim for at least 64 ounces of plain water each day. Most people I know hate drinking water. They will only drink water if it is flavored. But they tend to choose water flavored with High Fructose Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavorings, and Dyes. No bueno.  I love water. I always have a water bottle with me. I still don't drink as much water as I should though. 

I also have a major problem with my sweet tooth! And I mean, it is bad. Especially since I am trying to get back in shape. I found a way to satiate my cravings while also adding to my water intake - an infuser water bottle. 

The one that I tried is made by Live Infinitely. It is made of high quality Eastman Tritan Copolyester, which is eco-friendly, BPA free, dishwasher safe, and leak proof. I love it because you can also take the tube out and use it like a normal water bottle. It is easy to clean and very durable. Not to mention, they have an awesome 100% money back guarantee just in case. And you get a free sports backpack and Fitness eBook with your bottle. The lid has an almost rubber-like top that prevents the bottle from leaking, which is great for when I shake it. a lot. The lid also has a loop which is an amazing addition. It is perfect to hold your bottle so that it doesn't slip, or you can hook it to a carabiner or onto a backpack.

Directions:

1. Place your fruit, veggies, and herbs in the aerated tube. I like to bruise the leaves of my herbs and slice my fruit/veggies into small pieces so that the flavors escape. 
2. Fill the rest of the bottle with water.
3. Place the tube into the bottle and let the magic happen. 
4. You can drink it immediately (it won't really be flavored though) or you can let the flavors mix by allowing it to soak. I love mine after an hour, but especially overnight. 

*Be sure to use cold water, place ice in the bottle, or refrigerate while fusing. It makes a more refreshing blend and keeps your fruit/veggies/herbs from breaking down too much.

Plus, there are hundreds of different drinks that you can make with your water infuser. Here are some that I think you might enjoy this summer:

blueberries + strawberries + coconut
lemon + lime + orange
strawberry + lemon + basil
raspberry + lime
orange + berries
lemon + cucumber + mint
pear + rosemary + raspberry
apple + cinnamon stick
blackberry + sage
cucumber + mint
strawberries + kiwi
carrot + ginger + lemon + apple
cinnamon + pear (or apple) + ginger
cherry + lime + mint
pineapple + ginger
watermelon + rosemary
peach + lavender
pineapple + mint
strawberries + orange + blueberries
orange + cinnamon + ginger
peach + vanilla bean
cantaloupe + strawberry + pineapple
lemon + raspberry + cherry 
blueberries + lemon + cucumber

The possibilities are practically endless! Just mix and match to your heart's desire. My local grocer doesn't have many herbs on hand and so I have to travel a little further to get really creative. But the herbs are so good for you and they take your infused water to a whole other level. Make sure you try it at least once! 

And when I am really craving something yummy and full of flavor, I take off the blue piece and fill the entire bottle with yumminess. Then I just place the white piece at the top so that I don't have to worry about inhaling the ingredients. It's awesome!

Infusing your water is great because nutrients are released into the water! Plus, if you're like me then you can chomp on the whole pieces for the fiber when your water is gone. Most people don't get the oils from herbs in their diets practically ever. They get the dehydrated forms from food, but it's NOT the same. The oils that are released from the leaves have so many healthy benefits for your body that I cannot list them all. If you have heard of DoTerra Essential Oils then you probably know how beneficial they are for our bodies. Infuse your water with them. You can thank me later. 

And if you have a bunch of leftover fruit, like I did, then you can make this fabulous Dancing with Mint Smoothie.

Have a deliciously awesome summer and start FUSING today!

If you want the bottle I used then you can purchase it on Amazon HERE.

I received my bottle complimentary for an honest and unbiased review.