Cutis Vita all-natural moisturizer #CutisVita

I'm sold on the wonderful benefits of aloe. I keep a bottle of aloe gel handy at all times. There's nothing like it for sunburn, insect bites, scrapes, bruises (yes, it even lessens the impact of bruising, at least for me). So whenever I find a product that has aloe as one of its main ingredients, I'm gonna check it out.

Cutis Vita is an awesome moisturizing cream! Made from the highest quality all-natural ingredients, like aloe barbadensis, shea butter, macadamia nut oil, rosemary leaf oil, rose hips oil, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, and extracts of comfrey leaf, ginseng root, fennel fruit, chamomile, and green tea. Whew! The Cutis Vita folks know their natural moisturizing ingredients!

This is not a lotion, it's a thick cream. Usually I don't care for thick creams because they tend to just sit on my skin and not absorb quickly enough. But not Cutis Vita. The first thing I did was open the jar and rub some on my horrible elbows. I have very rough, dry patches on my elbows that nothing seems to help. Well, nothing until now. Within moments the skin of my elbows was softer, less abrasive, and soothed. Perfect for both men and women.

I'm sold on Cutis Vita Advanced Skin Revitalizing Cream. There are so many skin products out there, it's hard to know which ones work. I can tell you from my own experience THIS ONE WORKS!

{Disclosure: I received a sample product to facilitate my review. No other monetary consideration was involved and my opinions are my own.}

BakeItFun Silicone #bakingmat brings back the joy of baking!

I'll be honest: I'm not fond of baking.

There. I said it.

I'm not talking about roasts or casseroles or stuff like that. I'm talking about pastries, cookies, baked goodies and treats. It has to be a really enticing recipe to inspire me to tackle a baking project.

At least, up until last Christmas. Because for Christmas, I got the two items guaranteed to get me back into baking mode:

A heavy-duty stand mixer

Silicone baking mats

I couldn't wait to try them out, so I immediately went looking for something out of the ordinary to bake. Not Christmas cookies...everybody was doing that. I wanted something a little different, maybe something savory instead of sweet.

Then I remembered Cheddar Cheese Straws. Eureka! That was it. That was what I'd make for my contribution to Christmas snack goodies. And it would be a welcome alternative to yet more sweets.

My Christmas cheese straws were a big hit. They disappeared faster than you can say Ho-Ho-Ho!

But I haven't made them again since Christmas. I've been wanting to, but just never took the time. So when the BakeItFun people gave me the chance to try their silicone baking mat, I knew Cheddar Cheese Straws would be perfect for a product demonstration.

There are a multitude of recipes for cheese straws online. I urge you to experiment and find the recipe that is right for you. Some have a lot of cheese, others have a lot of spice. Some are like pie crust pastry, others are like cheese crackers. There's a recipe for everyone, or you could do like I did and try a number of them, then adjust to fit my own preference.

So here's my recipe for Cheddar Cheese Straws...but again, this is just a starting point. Make the recipe your own.

2 sticks butter (not margarine) softened to room temperature

1 pound grated extra sharp Cheddar cheese (I used 2 8oz. packages - you may prefer mild, or some other cheese) softened to room temperature (do not use packaged grated cheese - something is added to this product that prevents individual pieces from sticking together, and thus it won't blend well with butter and flour for this recipe)

1 tablespoon sea salt (or regular salt - adjust to your taste)

1 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional - adjust to your preferred heat level)

3 cups all-purpose flour (do not use self-rising)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place BakeItFun silicone #bakingmat on flat cookie sheet.

In stand mixer, cream together butter, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Gradually add in cheese. After all cheese is added, mix on medium speed for about 15 minutes. This insures everything is creamed together properly. Very slowly begin to add in flour. You'll want to check the consistency as you go. Depending on the temperature and consistency of your butter/cheese base, it could take less than 3 cups of flour or more than 3 cups of flour. What you want is a soft dough that has pulled cleanly away from the sides of the mixing bowl.

I used a frosting bag and large icing tip to pipe the dough into 2-inch straws. Make sure your dough is the right consistency to flow through the icing bag easily or you'll struggle with this step. (I learned this the hard way!) You can get a lot of these on a silicone baking mat, since they are made with all-purpose flour and won't spread or rise. What you see is what you get after baking. So don't be afraid to crowd them a little.

If you don't have an icing bag, you can roll the dough into long thin strips and then cut them to your desired length. You can also roll dough into a log, refrigerate for several hours, then cut into thin slices for round wafers instead of slices. You can drop dough by 1/2-tablespoons then flatten with a fork. So many ways to get creative. Just remember to keep everything thin so it all cooks at the same rate and comes out crispy.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes. It may take a little more time, depending on your oven's efficiency. Just keep checking after 15 minutes or so. Straws will not turn brown, but may have slightly darker edges. When they are firm to the touch, they are probably done. Again, this may require some experimentation on your part. They should be very crispy and not doughy at all.

Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack. This is the fun part! Nothing, absolutely nothing, sticks to the BakeItFun silicone baking mat! In fact, you'll want to be careful moving the baking sheet because the cheese straws might just slide right off! I had to fish a few out of the bottom of my oven the first time I used a silicone baking mat. :)

You may notice a crumb or two left on the baking mat, but that's all. No scraping with a spatula, no broken pieces, just beautiful baked goods. Let the mat and cookie sheet cool a little before starting your next batch, or better yet buy two BakeItFun silicone baking mats and have the next one ready to go into the oven right away. And clean-up is a breeze. Just swish in hot sudsy water, rinse, and air-dry flat. So super easy!

Silicone baking mats have revolutionized baking. And they're economical. No more cooking sprays, no more parchment paper, no more throwing out blackened cookie sheets.

They can be reused for years and years, and contain no harmful components. Silicone baking mats can be used in ovens at temperatures up to 450 degrees. You can also freeze with them, use them in the microwave, or just use them underneath casseroles or pot pies to catch any drips or spills for easy-peasy clean-up. I haven't tried pizza on one yet, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it doesn't turn out just perfect, and without sticking or making a cheesy mess.

BakeItFun silicone mats have rulers and circles printed on them, making it easy to roll out dough or cut uniform cookie sizes. It's the perfect pastry sheet because nothing sticks to it! No matter how ooey-gooey!

So do yourself a favor and revolutionize your baking by ordering a couple of BakeItFun silicone baking mats. This is one item you'll kick yourself for not buying before now!

{Disclaimer: I received a BakeItFun silicone #bakingmat gratis to facilitate my review. However, my opinions are my own and no other monetary consideration was involved.}

New #Purex Crystals ScentSplash turns laundry into aromatherapy

I just love being a Purex Insider! It means I get to try some of the new products Purex comes out with. While Purex has always been a laundry staple in my home, what really gets me excited is when laundry products that work also do it with great scent!

So I was super-excited to try new Purex Crystals ScentSplash, now in liquid form. The Fresh Spring Waters scent was just what the aromatherapy doctor ordered!

I've been using Purex Crystals for years now and love how my laundry smells. The fragrance and freshness seem to linger for days. I can put a stack of freshly-laundered towels in the bathroom and they will fill the room with delicate scent for a long time. Subtle, not overwhelming, just there. And that's nice to know when I have company coming over. I don't have to worry about...er...unpleasant odor in the bathroom. Purex Crystals added to the towels washload infuses them with gentle fragrance that lasts and lasts.

And now new Purex Crystals ScentSplash is becoming my favorite of all! That delicate scent just got amped up a notch or two! And because it's in liquid form, you can add as little or as much as you like. You can get up to 35% more washloads than 18oz. Purex solid Crystals. Laundry day is no longer the chore it used to be. Now it's like a mini-vacation, a spa retreat, an aromatherapy session.

It lifts my mood. And it just smells so darn wonderful!

Fragrance is one of the things I love in life. I love a clean smell, like cotton sheets sun-dried on a clothesline for example, but I also love smells that delight the senses. I use scented candles, wax melts, room sprays, etc. just because I love being surrounded by pleasant scents. And that extends to laundry. Using Purex Crystals ScentSplash is one more way I can add wonderful aromas to my home.

It works not just on towels but on intimate apparel as well. What a nice surprise to open my underwear drawer and find that wonderful scent still lingering days after I've done laundry! And my closet now greets me with a nice fragrance every time I open the closet door. I can't say enough about Crystals ScentSplash. It is perfect for me. Not too heavy, not too light, just right.

Try new Purex Crystals ScentSplash. It might be just right for you too!

Purex Crystals ScentSplash is now available in 3 fragrances: Fresh Spring Waters, Fresh Lavender Blossom, and Fresh Mountain Breeze. You're sure to find the perfect fragrance for your home laundry needs.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free to use and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the manufacturer of this product.

My choice for spring/summer/forevermore? Veri Soda!

Everyone loves soda! It's a favorite drink year-round, but especially in the spring and summer. Soda is just so darn refreshing, cool, crisp, sweet, and satisfies like nothing else.

Sure, you want your family to drink more water and less soda. Not to mention the glut of calories involved, and the possibility of sugar spikes or crashes. But there are some things folks are just reluctant to give up...and soda is one of them.

If this sounds like you and your family, you'll be happy to know there's a new product out in the drinks aisle that deserves your attention. Yeah, I know...the drinks aisle can be overwhelming. Seems there's always some new brand or flavor or variety. They come and go like clockwork. But I predict that Veri Soda will be around for a long, long time.

Three simple reasons why:

1. Veri is low-calorie. Think about that. If you're like me and shudder at the thought of diet soft drinks, you'll love that Veri Soda is not a "diet soda" yet still only has 60 calories per can.

2. Veri is organic. We're all trying to incorporate more organic foods into our diets, right? An organic soda is a no-brainer. Veri is certified USDA organic and non-GMO.

3. Veri tastes great! This is the true test. Maybe I should have made this one all three reasons instead of just one. :)

But back to the real reason you'll want to give Veri a try...Veri is a USDA NOP-certified organic soda. So what's the difference between "natural" and "organic"? Organic means the ingredients that go into every can are grown and processed within strict legal guidelines. That means no chemicals, artificial ingredients, or artificial additives. And no preservatives!

I'm looking at the label of the Veri ginger ale can and here's a full list of ingredients:
sparkling water
organic cane sugar
organic lemon juice from concentrate
organic ginger extract
organic flavor
organic caramel color
organic stevia leaf extract

That's it. No chemicals, no strange-sounding additives, no preservatives. No ingredients at all that have been produced using biotechnology.

Veri Soda is lightly carbonated, somewhere between a regular soda and sparkling water. No heavy carbonation, and no overload of sugar, or sugar-substitute aftertaste. Veri has a low glycemic load, too, meaning no sugar spike and no crash.

But don't just think of this wonderful product as only a soft drink. I love that it has no preservatives or chemicals, making it perfect for using in recipes. Remember that gelatin salad made with lemon-lime soda that everyone loves so much? With Easter coming up, that would be the perfect recipe to use Veri Lemon Lime. And you'll feel great knowing you're giving your family/guests a treat that contains nothing but wholesome ingredients.


2 small or 1 large box of lime gelatin (or mix 1 small lime and 1 small lemon - some have even used cherry or strawberry - your choice)
1 cup boiling water
1 small can crushed pineapple (do not use fresh pineapple with gelatin desserts - an enzyme in fresh pineapple prevents gelatin from setting up)
1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I prefer pecans, but use your favorite)
1 can Veri Lemon Lime soda

Heat water to boiling, add gelatin and stir well to dissolve (some like to add miniature marshmallows - if so, add them to boiling water right after gelatin and allow them to melt completely). Add soda, then cream cheese, and stir until everything is melted and well-blended. Remove from heat and let cool for a bit. Add pineapple and nuts. Pour into a serving dish or pie plate and refrigerate several hours. (Key to a firm and not runny salad is letting the gelatin have plenty of time to "set" in the refrigerator before serving.)

Now that you're better informed about Veri Soda, wouldn't you feel better serving it to your family instead of regular soda? Yeah, me too.

Veri Soda is available in four flavors: Veri Cola, Veri Lemon Lime, Veri Orange, and VeriGinger Ale. Veri is available in many areas and will soon be available in many more. Put it on your shopping list and look for it. This is one treat you can give yourself and your family without feeling guilty.

Connect with Veri Soda online to learn more and get exclusive access to discounts and special offers!
verisoda.com website
VeriSoda on Facebook
VeriSoda on Twitter

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

Add some goodness to your life with Organic India products

I'll be honest...I'd never heard of moringa before now. What, you too? Well, let me tell you about moringa --

• Moringa is considered one of the most complete, nutrient-dense plants on Earth, containing over 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, and abundant minerals.
• Moringa leaves have been eaten for thousands of years as a superfood nutritional supplement, and are often used to combat malnutrition in impoverished countries.
• Daily use of Moringa as a dietary supplement can help restore nutritional imbalances.
• This concentrated superfood is both alkalizing and energizing, and is abundant in vitamins, minerals, and complex amino acids.

So now that you've heard a little about moringa, let me introduce you to a line of moringa products called Organic India. Organic India Moringa is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher and Halal certified, gluten-free, and vegan.

Malnutrition is an ever-present danger, not just to third-world countries or embattled peoples but even right in our own neighborhoods. Many low-income families struggle with affording proper nutrition. And many financially secure families rely too heavily on processed foods or fast food meals. It's a 24/7 battle to make sure your children and the rest of your family get the nutrition they need, and not just consuming empty calories and chemicals and preservatives.

Organic India moringa products can help bridge that gap, and do it seamlessly. I was particularly impressed with the moringa powder, which can be easily added to a morning smoothie, or incorporated into soup or salad for lunch, or added to a casserole or side dish for dinner. The taste is not overwhelming at all, very subtle, and it only takes a little bit. Organic India recommends 1/2 teaspoon twice per day mixed with water or juice or added to food. One-half teaspoon.

Containing over 90 nutrients, 46 antioxidants, and abundant minerals, Moringa is often used to combat malnutrition in impoverished countries. Gram for gram, Moringa contains more B12 than steak, more vitamin A than eggs, and more calcium than milk.This truly is a superfood in every sense of the word.

Kids love mac-and-cheese. Add 1/2 teaspoon of Organic India moringa powder and you've got a nutritious meal. Even latch-key kids who survive on canned soups and pastas can benefit from adding moringa powder right before eating. I used to toss wheat germ into casseroles and soups and stews to get added fiber and nutrition, and no one was the wiser. Moringa powder is ever so much easier to use (and disguise). Your family doesn't even have to be aware of what you, as a conscientious mom, have secretly added to the meals you serve.

Organic India offers a variety of products you can incorporate into your "a healthier me" New Year resolution. Organic India Tulsi Tea blends come in 18 delicious flavors. Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, is revered throughout India as a sacred herb infused with healing power and is considered to be the "Queen of Herbs". Abundant in antioxidants, certified organic Tulsi Tea is not only great tasting; it offers stress relief, increased energy, and a boost to your natural immune system.

I loved all the varieties I tried, but especially the Green Tea and Cinnamon Rose. In recent years I've come to appreciate green tea more than ever before

but I still like the comforting taste of rose hip tea too. Cinnamon Rose has a touch of cinnamon and a touch of sweetness that are perfectly balanced. Add the healing power of holy basil (tulsi) and you've got a go-to cup of comfort whenever you need it.

You can also get supplement tablets through Organic India. If the idea of moringa loose powder doesn't quite fit you, try it in capsule form.

Connect with Organic India online -
organicindiausa.com website
OrganicIndiaUSA on Facebook
OrganicIndiaUSA on Twitter

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

Keanu Reeves Shines in Action Adventure Movie "47 Ronin"

I'm a sucker for anything to do with Keanu Reeves. It's not so much that he's incredibly handsome and easy on the eyes--well, okay, I admit that's a large part of what attracts me to him--but there's something about his demeanor and bearing that draws me as well. I'm not talking about the adolescent Keanu of "Bill and Ted" etc. but the adult Keanu. He's the ideal tall, dark, handsome, strong silent type. And I'm a sucker for that.

So I was delighted to hear that Keanu just starred in a new movie called "47 Ronin" based on popular Japanese history/folklore. And I was even more delighted to get the chance to review this movie for you.

"47 Ronin" is, in a word, spectacular. And I mean that in a "spectacle" kind of way. The scenery is simply breathtaking. Now, I'm sure a lot of it is either CGI or green screen, but it works. It looks so authentic it makes me want to book a trip to visit this exotic yet cultured land. Happily there is a lot to see in this movie, so if you're like me and love a good adventure in a beautiful location, "47 Ronin" might just fit the bill for you too.

The basic story, based on historical events, is how a treacherous rival warlord betrays a ruler and takes command of his country--and his beautiful daughter into the bargain--all with the approval and blessing of the Japanese Shogun, the "emperor" of the whole land as it were. The betrayed ruler's faithful samurai warriors are then banished from the territory on pain of death, and the lovely orphaned daughter is set to become the rival warlord's wife.

But she's in love with a half-breed found in the wilderness and taken into the family as a young boy, and this boy has grown into a warrior who has now been banished along with the family troop of samurai. All good stories have at least some romance, right? Keanu Reeves plays Kai, the half-breed boy taken in by the royal family, and actress Ko Shibasaki plays Mika, the ex-ruler's daughter and Kai's forbidden love since childhood.

Since the Shogun banished all the former samurai on pain of death, when the former military leader of the samurai decides that honor demands retribution for his ruler's dishonorable death, all those who were once under his command are reunited in the cause, even though they all know that by doing so they have sealed their own fate. Only death awaits them, win or lose.

How they reunite, put aside their differences with the half-breed Kai (who has shown himself to be more than capable, and just as much a "samurai" as any of them), seek and find swords for battle, and eventually fight the wicked rival warlord makes for a wonderful and nail-biting journey. While there is love and violence, you'll be glad to know none of it is gratuitous or particularly graphic. No blood and gore (even beheadings are largely only suggested, not shown graphically) and no sex. You could watch this with your children--although it is rated PG-13 "for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images, and thematic elements"). Parents, use your own discretion. This movie is a lot more suitable for younger audiences than most prime time network TV shows. And they just might learn something about Japanese history and honor into the bargain.

The only thing about the movie I found a little offputting was the fantasy element. Granted, I'm no scholar of historical Japanese legends, and the story of the original "47 Ronin" may well include myth, magic, and monsters. But I would have been perfectly happy with the simple historical re-enactment of the folklore without the fantastical additions. However, Japanese culture is steeped in legends of mythical, extraordinary creatures, so I guess it really isn't much of a stretch to include some of them in this film. Got to keep the audience's attention somehow, right? And since the kindly ruler was betrayed because he was bewitched by the rival warlord's staff sorceress, the whole thing moves from "history" to "legend", which kind of gives the movie the feel of an adventure or role-playing game at times. But hey, I'm sure many viewers will connect with that in the best way, so there really is something for everyone with this movie.

If you're looking for more fact than myth, you might be a trifle disappointed. But if you're just looking for a romping adventure where the good guys actually win in the end, you'll probably enjoy "47 Ronin". So grab a copy when the Blu-ray™ 3D and Blu-ray™ Combo Packs, DVD, including UltraViolet™ and On Demand hit shelves on April 1, 2014 (from Universal Studios Home Entertainment), pop some popcorn, and settle down for a trip through an exotic culture and place that will certainly make you forget the everyday world...at least for a couple of hours.

And Keanu? Well, I'm sure you are aware of how he gets panned so often for his acting being described as "wooden". But when Keanu performs as characters such as the half-breed Kai, his acting persona moves from "wooden" to "stoic"--and very effectively. His whole demeanor fits right in with an Oriental flavor. Any other non-Oriental actor would have overplayed the role, thus destroying credibility. Keanu does it just right. In fact, it's so low-key I almost wish there were more for him to do in this movie, but the story itself isn't about Keanu, even though he's got top billing on the film. The main thrust is how the exiled leader of the samurai (played with stunning conviction by actor Hiroyuki Sanada) regains his own honor and avenges his wronged ruler. So put aside your Keanu prejudices (if you have any) and just enjoy the movie. I certainly enjoyed it!

@BlueDiamond Artisan Nut-Thins are sensational!

I love nuts and seeds! I mean, who doesn't, right? Not only are nuts and seeds tasty, they're good for you too.

Blue Diamond is a name synonymous with quality nuts. But they have a new product out that you simply MUST try if you love nuts, seeds, crispy snacks, entertaining with style, and eating healthy.

Introducing new Artisan Nut-Thins from Blue Diamond!

I couldn't believe how crisp these snack crackers are! They come wrapped in heavy-duty foil inner package to preserve that crispness. I recommend using a clip to close the bag when not in use, or transfer these crackers to an airtight container. You don't want moisture ruining the crispness.

With all the seeds, these baked crackers are a substantial snack. And luckily, just 130 calories per 13-count serving! That's a healthy snack you can feel good about! Made from brown rice, almonds, and seeds, they are free of wheat and gluten and provide 3 grams of fiber per serving. They hold up extremely well with dips or canape toppings.

As a trial, I used some cheddar and swiss cheese, fresh tomato and ranch dressing, cucumber, bell pepper, and banana pepper with a bit of pesto. The crackers were marvelous at maintaining their crispness, no matter the toppings. They did not get soggy quickly like so many other products do, so you can make appetizers ahead of time if you like.

I cannot recommend these Artisan Nut-Thins enough!! They are simply delicious, regardless of the healthy snack benefits. I'm a sucker for sesame seeds, so that was the first variety I reached for. I wasn't disappointed! Nutty, buttery, just a hint of salt, and crisp enough to satisfy my snacking craving. The multi-seed and flax seed varieties are just as good.

Try them! I know you and your family will love them!

{Disclosure: I received product gratis courtesy of NaturallySavvy.com to facilitate my review. No monetary consideration was involved and my opinions are my own.}