Diet Free Update!

Several days ago, I completed my six day Detox Drop. It wasn't hard and surprisingly, towards the end, I found myself craving fewer sweets. I had a smoothie for breakfast and dinner each day, a full (detox friendly) meal at lunch, soups, and fruit. I followed the Diet Free Life food plan and waited patiently for my results. After six days, I has lost 6 pounds and NINE inches!!! The detox made me feel really great and I am already looking forward to doing it again! After completing my detox, I began the Diet Free Life food plan outlined in Robert Ferguson's book. I have been eating every two to three hours and after a few days, I am down another pound. I haven't been losing as fast as I had hoped, but I am losing, and I am eating the foods I LOVE! My only problem with the program is making myself eat. I haven't had regular meals in years, and I've never eaten every two to three hours. I forget if I don't set my timer, which I've done a couple of times. I don't feel hungry throughout the day and if I find myself craving chocolate or anything else, I  CAN have it. I may have to wait until snack time, but just knowing I can have it means I won't cheat. So far, so good! I'll update you all again soon!
Disclosure: I was given my Detox Drop Kit and Robert Ferguson's book, Diet-Free For Life, in order to try his program and write this review. No monetary compensation received.

French Basketeer!

 A while back, I received a beautiful new tote from French Basketeer. Woven baskets scare me. They are so nice to look at, but how long do they stay looking nice. I'm not easy on my bags. Sam was the first to put my bag to the ultimate test. After opening my package, I had a phone call and I went into another (quiet) room. When I returned, Sam was IN my new bag and pretending to fish! I thought I would die! I just knew my bag was destroyed. After removing my child, I examined my bag. Nothing... It still looked new and it hadn't been stretched out.

 That weekend, I packed my bag with enough clothes and necessities to last a long weekend. I visited my parents lakehouse and I had room for everything, even sunscreen, books, and treats for the kids! I couldn't believe all that I was able to fit into this bag! When I returned home, my bag was as good as new. Weeks later, it still looks good as new!

I chose the Marseille bag for my review. It features woven raffia in traditional African motif with black simulated leather handles and corners, fully lined in raffia, interior zip pocket. A beautifully exotic pattern and one of their best sellers. If you are feeling more colorful, she has a huge variety of totes that will probably work for you! My problem was picking just one. She has a rose colored tote that I am putting on my wish list! These would make great gift bags/baskets too! Just buy one and fill with treats, ingredients for a wonderful meal, or spa gifts. There are so many options!
Disclosure: I was sent a bag in order to complete this review. Only honest opinions were given.

Tiny Prints

 If you need invitations for a special event, check out Tiny Prints! I was given the opportunity to pick out baby shower invitations for an upcoming shower. When I tried to pick out a design, I had the HARDEST time! I had it narrowed down to eight in the end and then I had a few people vote for their favorite! That's how I decided!

 If you are going with a certain theme, they probably have an invitation to match! And the colors are amazing! After I picked out the design, I was able to personalize it online very easily. I also had the option to upload an ultrasound picture for the back of the invitation! After I was finished, I patiently waited. I was notified via email and then I confirmed the invitation proof. It was perfect and I couldn't wait for it to arrive!

I picked out the Etched Rabbit: Chenille invitation below. I loved the pink and green, and the rabbit was so cute! The paper was matte finish, 110 lb, 15 pt thickness. A couple of days later, my package arrived. I immediately opened it and I was so happy with my choice! They were great, quality invitations and the printing was flawless. The images were sharp and the invitations were perfect! I will definitely order from Tiny Prints again. The ordering process was easy and the result was amazing! Visit Tiny Prints for Christmas cards, Holiday cards, Party invitations, and Birth announcements!  

Disclosure: Invitations were provided at no charge in order to complete this review. Only honest opinions given.

Headchefs...A Giveaway!

 I have some very cool kitchen gadgets! Headchefs gave me a gift card code and allowed me to pick out a few of my favorite gadgets from their site. When I began looking, my kids sat on either side of me and we watched a few of  the characters in action. They were brightly colored and functional! The products are made of high quality silicone, metals and materials and seem to be made to last!

 After they arrived, I washed them and put them in the drawer with my other gadgets until I could use them. Within hours, they disappeared. I searched everywhere thinking I had misplaced them and I finally found them in the hands of my children!

 When I finally did use them, I found them to be fairly comfortable in my hands and Logan seemed comfortable holding and using them as well. They each have little suction cups on their feet and this neat little feature allows them to stand on your counter! You can bend their arms and legs and make them do all kinds of funny things! They are fun to use and fun to have. I keep my brush out all the time and it has worked wonders! Logan now cleans his own dishes and offers to help with Sam's! Who knew a gadget could be so inspiring! Follow them at www.twitter.com/headchefs or www.facebook.com/headchefs to be the 1st to be in the know about new character music videos, cookbooks, sales, deals, alerts and giveaways!

One of my US readers will get to win a $30 gift card code to try Headchefs!
To enter, visit Headchefs and tell me which character you like the most! Leave your answer in a comment below.
Blog or tweet about this giveaway for three bonus entries!
Follow me on Google/Networked Blogs/Facebook/Twitter for one entry each follow. Links are on my sidebar.
You can also follow my new blog, Away We Go, with Google/GFC for one extra entry!

Giveaway ends midnight August 5, 2011. Good luck!

Disclosure: I was sent a gift card code in order to complete this review. Honest opinions given.

Doing The Detox Drop!

 I'm living Diet Free, and for the last few days I've been detoxing using Robert Ferguson's Detox Drop. It's been easier than I expected. I am staying full and drinking plenty of water. I feel great and the only problem I've had was a headache my first day, which was most likely weather related. I have a lot of energy too!

 I thought it might be helpful to show you what's inside the bottles you get when you order the Detox Drop .The Triple-Action Detox Boost and the Probiotic Blend are included in the kit, along with Aloe Vera Juice, Psyllium Husks and a booklet/CD. The Aloe Vera Juice with Acemannan looks like water. It isn't thick and it is easily mixed with juice. It didn't change the flavor either.

 The Psyllium Husks are ground fine, like powder. After sprinkling a bit on the counter, I realized that it looked just like hot cocoa powder. It mixes well, but you better drink it quickly. If not, you may end up with a little sludge in the bottom of your juice glass! I have one more day to go on my 6 day Detox Drop. I don't crave sweets (and that's amazing) and I've decided that I LOVE fruit smoothies! I will check in soon and update you on my progress!
Disclosure: The Detox Drop, Lifetime Membership, and book were all provided in order for me to take you on my Diet Free journey. Honest opinions and weight loss results given. Please email me with any questions.

Black & Decker Steam Mop Giveaway!

I don't mind cleaning floors as long as I have a great tool to use. About seven years ago, I bought a steamer with a mop attachment. It was bulky and a pain to use, but it was effective. A few years later, I up graded to one of the most popular steam mops. I loved how clean my floors were, but I hated the handle. It always felt like it would fall apart. When I was given the opportunity to try out Black & Decker's new Steam Mop, I couldn't wait to see how it compared! When it arrived, my eight year old unpacked it and put it together within minutes. I didn't use it right away, but I noticed a few features that made me forget about my old steam mop! The Black & Decker can be filled while standing upright and the cup used to fill it snaps onto the handle. I also like the different steam settings!  The Black & Decker Steam-Mop with SmartSelect Technology features an adjustable dial that automatically releases the perfect amount of steam when cleaning hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl, stone or marble floor surfaces! A few days later, when I used it for the first time, I filled it and turned it on. I have tile and hardwood floors. I think this steam mop did a great job cleaning basic dirt and dust off the floors. For  a difficult spot, I tried running over the area more than once. In another area, I switched the setting to the stone setting temporarily and had no problems powering through the spots.
The steam mop features:

SmartSelect™ dial
Safe on all sealed hard floors
Ready-to-go tank illumination
Attached water tank lid and clip-on fill cup
Self-standing convenience
On/off button
Easy-release cord wrap and wall mountable design
15 second heat-up
The power of steam deep cleans floors
Upright shut-off
Swivel steering
Easy-glide, washable micro-fiber pad
Hands-free pad removal
Large, easy-fill water tan

The mop is very easy to maneuver around corners and furniture. It heats up quickly so I can use it almost instantly! The pads wash well in warm water and they looked new after use! Just don't use fabric softener!Get your steam mop here! Follow them on Twitter and Facebook! I love this mop so much I requested a reader giveaway! One US reader will win their very own Steam Mop!!! To enter, Tell me what Black & Decker product you love the most! Leave your answer in a comment. Follow me on Google/Networked Blogs/Facebook/Twitter for one entry each follow. Links are on my sidebar. Follow my new blog, Away We Go, with Google/GFC for two extra entries! Giveaway ends midnight July 31, 2011. Good luck!
Disclosure: I was sent this product in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

I'm Going To Live Diet Free For Life!

Diet. That's an ugly word (to me) often associated with deprivation and horrible food. The food may not be horrible to you, but I'm a picky eater. I don't like vegetables, except lettuce, beans, and a few select others. I exercise when I feel it's going to help me accomplish my goals, which isn't often because I feel that I am predestined to fail with any diet due to the fact that I like protein and carbs. And chocolate. If I ever started a diet, I knew it was short term. When I was younger, I did Slim Fast (even though I wasn't overweight) and I tried others. I did a doctor prescribed program with prescription pills that could have turned out to be dangerous. I also gave Weight Watchers a try. I liked Weight Watchers, but I only lost about ten pounds. Because of my love for sweets, I seriously considered the cookie diet, but it was too expensive for me at the time. And let's face it. I love cookies, but I can't eat them every day.

I used to work out often. I did until I broke my back in an accident, about a year and a half before Logan was born. While recovering, my doctor told me working out was off limits. It broke my heart that I wasn't able to do the things I wanted to do. I was depressed and leaned on food because it was comforting. I became an emotional eater which led to a roller coaster ride of diets and failure. I always had the same result. I would drop thirty pounds and gain it back. I gave up. Why bother if it isn't something I can maintain? At least if I didn't try, I couldn't be a failure. Right?

About a month ago, I was up late one night scanning the channels. I stopped when I saw Robert Ferguson on stage talking about the Food Lovers Fat Loss System. I have no idea why I stopped. I hate infomercials and I had no intention of watching his. But when he showed me a picture of a typical plate of diet food, and laughed as he said he didn't think any of us dreamed of eating this food, I couldn't turn away. He had my attention. I had to know what this guy was talking about. Then he started talking about shedding pounds while eating chocolate, cookies, brownies, fast food, steaks and potatoes. I backed the program up to the beginning and I recorded the program on my DVR. It was late and I couldn't keep my eyes open, and I thought I had been dreaming. Eat the foods I want and drop the weight? I must have missed something. I went to sleep thinking about the program and Robert Ferguson, the man behind the plan.

The next day, I watched his program and took it all in. It was something I could see myself trying. If I tried it and it worked, I could follow it for life. I could eat all of my favorite foods and eat more often! For years I have eaten one, maybe two meals a day and a snack before bed, putting my body into starvation mode. If I wanted to make changes in my life, this was something that I could stick to. If the plan works, there is no way to fail, as long as I learn to eat his way and follow through. When you can eat the foods you like, it's possible.

I contacted Robert and he took a chance on me. He introduced me to Diet Free Life, which keeps the integrity of his principle-based methodology. He sent me his Diet Free For Life book and I read it and studied it, and then I read it again. Today I received my Detox Drop and I will begin tomorrow. I'll update you soon after I start and also weekly to keep you informed of my progress. If you have any questions along the way, send me an email at gerberbabies@gmail.com.

Enjoy Life... And Snacking!

 Enjoy Life is one of my favorite brands. Enjoy Life leaves out the trans fat and artificial ingredients. They are gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free, tree-nut free, soy free, egg free and casein-free foods! My all time favorite snack is now the Double Chocolate Crunch Nut and Gluten Free Granola! I would rather eat this yummy snack than any candy bar! It's AWESOME! The chocolate flavor is amazing, and it's richer than any other granola I've tried. Enjoy Life also has other granola varieties. I haven't tried them yet because I can't seem to cheat on my new chocolate favorite! I also tried Enjoy Life's Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mega Chunks. These chunks really are MEGA! I decided to make up a small batch of cookies and I was pleased with them. The chocolate was smooth and delicious!

 I also tried their new line of Crunchy Cookies! I like soft cookies, preferring them to the harder, crunchier cookies. I didn't think I would like these very much. All the varieties I tried were really good. Here's what I loved about them...They were crisp, but they melted in my mouth. They took longer to eat so I enjoyed them more! I took smaller bites and I ate less.

 Hmmm. That alone makes these a better choice for me! They would be great with coffee and tea. These cookies are really thin, but they don't crumble when you take a bite, so they are not messy to eat. My kids loved them too! The Sugar Crisp was my favorite. Usually I like Chocolate Chip, but these were just exceptional! Try them! I only have one complaint . The Double Chocolate Crunch Granola isn't available in BULK bags!!

 Disclosure: Enjoy Life sent me a variety of products to try in order to complete this review. Honest opinions given.

It's SunSational!

Sun protection is important. Logan and Sam apply sunscreen (with my help) before going out to play. I apply it to my face every day, even if I stay inside! When Logan was four, I discovered protective swimwear for kids, and I've been a fan ever since. Sam has always worn protective swimwear. Sometimes, sunscreen isn't enough! I like knowing he has the extra coverage that can't wash off!

Logan and Sam received swimwear from SunSational Style and we couldn't be happier! The board shorts and rash guards fit well, and they are soft and comfortable! A few days before our St. Augustine trip, I was in a department store looking for swimwear. I couldn't find a rash guard anywhere! On top of that, I couldn't find any board shorts that were made with quality fabrics. The shorts I saw were rough and stiff. It was very disappointing. Logan and Sam wore their new sets at the beach. My kids looked awesome! They wore the rash guards, only taking them off for a picture or two. The sets were comfortable and  they didn't restrict their movement. They washed well and we haven't noticed any fading!

 

When you shop at SunSational Style, you can find everything you need from Women's UV protective clothing to Infant Sun Protection! I love their Wallaroo Hats and their selection of sunscreens! They even sell detergent that washes in a little sun protection! How cool is that?! Stop by and say hi, and enjoy their easy to navigate site! Stock up on sun protection and don't leave without checking out their clearance page!!! They have awesome deals for the family!
Disclosure: I was sent a swimwear set for Logan and Sam. No monetary compensation received.

The Bayfront Inn: St. Augustine

 During our trip to St. Augustine, we stayed at The Bayfront Inn for three nights. This was a beautiful place in the historic area, within walking distance to many restaurants and attractions. It overlooks the marina, so you can sit back and watch the boats go in and out!

 When we pulled into the parking area, we were instantly charmed by the character of the building. Walking up to our room, we turned to take in the impressive views of the marina and Matanzas Bay, all framed by lovely arches. The Inn features 2 stories, 33 guest rooms and 3 suites. Our room was a standard room with two queen beds. It was immaculate inside! The room was well maintained and it had a fresh, clean smell.

The Bayfront Inn offers:

King, Queen or Suite Rooms
All Rooms Non-Smoking
Coffee Maker
Iron and Ironing Board
Wireless Internet Access
Voice Mail
Clock Radio
Hairdryer
Cable TV with Remote
Triple Sheeted Beds
Electronic Security Locks on Doors

 The room was spacious and I liked the layout. The choices in furnishings and all the little details did not go unnoticed. I appreciated it all and it made our stay more comfortable. It was always nice to "come home" to our room after a full day on our boat or sightseeing.

 The beds were so comfortable! There were plenty of pillows and the soft sheets welcomed me each night! By day, it was light and airy. By night, the room was dark after the drapes were closed, even with a well lit exterior. There was no noise from neighboring rooms and no elevators (which is both good and bad) to wake us up at night. The ice machine and a drink machine were tucked away on the first floor, so there was no chance of being disturbed by the sound of ice dropping into an empty bucket! They really thought of everything at The Bayfront Inn!

 Inside, we had a coffee pot and everything needed to make a pot of coffee each morning. There were also plenty of cups next to our ice bucket. On the counter, next to the sink, we found a basket packed with soaps, moistened make-up remover towelettes, shower caps, and shampoo. We also had a few bars of soap and plenty of towels.

When we walked into our room after check-in, two beautifully wrapped Whetstone Chocolates tempted us. As soon as we turned our backs Sam devoured one and was starting to unwrap the second. Luckily I grabbed it in time to give Logan the opportunity to taste this wonderful chocolate!

 Outside, we had the opportunity to enjoy the two level deck! We sat for a few hours and enjoyed the company of new friends, who were also guests of The Bayfront Inn. When we first arrived, it was a little smokey outside because of all the wildfires. This cleared rather quickly and it didn't trouble us again, except for a couple of hours near the end of our stay. All in all, it was beautiful while we were there, except for the heat! With all the inside attractions, it wasn't too bad!

 Guests can enjoy a simple breakfast each morning. We had apples and cereal. Logan also had yogurt. We could take it back to our room or enjoy breakfast downstairs in the dining area. The food was fresh and there were a few options that would satisfy most.

 The pool was beautiful and used by many of the guests during our stay. There were a few lounge chairs around the pool and the view was fantastic! It was always quiet at night! The Inn is in a safe area of the city, but in truth, I found almost all of the city to be safe. One night, after spending the day on the boat and on the docks at the marina, Sam and I walked back to the Inn alone. It was a nice quiet walk and the area was well lit. Others walked the streets and I was very comfortable among them. This is a perfect location for couples, young and old, a girls' retreat, or a family vacation! Consider staying at The Bayfront Inn if you will be visiting St. Augustine, by boat or by car!

Kung Fu Giveaway!

A few weeks ago, I received a package from My Blog Spark. It included one box of a participating (Honey Nut Cheerios) Big G cereal, a Kung Fu Panda 2 spin fighter toy and the original Kung Fu Panda movie!

Spin fighter toys featuring Kung Fu Panda 2 characters including Po, Tigress, Shifu, Monkey, Lord Shen, Mantis, Crane and Viper can be found inside specially marked boxes of participating General Mills cereals: Cocoa Puffs® (11.8 oz.), Trix® (10.7 oz.), Golden Grahams® (12 oz.), Reese’s Puffs® (13 oz.), Cheerios® (14 oz.), Apple Cinnamon Cheerios® (12.9 oz.), Cookie Crisp® (11.25 oz.), Lucky Charms® (11.5 oz.), Cinnamon Toast Crunch (12.8 oz.) and Honey Nut Cheerios (12.25 oz.).
 
Win your own prize pack! To enter, share your favorite General Mills Cereal  in a comment below. Must be a US resident. Follow me on Google/Networked Blogs/Facebook/Twitter for one entry each follow. Links are on my sidebar. Follow my new blog, Away We Go, with Google/GFC for two extra entries! Giveaway ends midnight July 10, 2011. Good luck!
Disclosure: My Blog Spark provided a package for me and this giveaway. No monetary compensation received.

Set Sail In St. Augustine!

 When you visit St. Augustine, plan to sail aboard the magnificent Schooner Freedom, a replica of the 19th century blockade-runners that once cruised their waters. The ship sails from the St. Augustine's Municipal Marina and takes guests on quite an adventure! This is a child friendly sail and perfect for families. You can even pack a picnic to take on board! There is a head (AKA bathroom) below for your convenience. Pick up your ticket and be prepared for a great time! The views are unmatched!

 Our sail began after 12pm and it was really hot and humid outside. I began to wonder if it would be enjoyable due to the heat. We made sure we applied our sunscreen and then found a seat. The friendly crew made sure we were comfortable and then began bringing us up to speed on safety precautions, lacing it with some unexpected humor! I actually enjoyed learning about safety!!! Complimentary beverages were passed around just before we left the marina.

 As we left the marina, a slight wind kept the heat at bay. We could see the historic bayfront and we began to enjoy a different side of St. Augustine. Everything looked different from the bay and I tried to imagine how it looked when those first explorers entered this area all those years ago. For now, we were out of the hustle and bustle of downtown and preparing to set sail. The engines had carried us away from the marina, and they would stop just beyond the bridge. From the deck of the ship, we watched the Bridge of Lions open it's massive arms, welcoming us and making way for our Tall Ship.

 The drawbridge itself was quite remarkable and the children aboard seemed captivated by it when it opened just for us. They all stared up and watched in awe until we we moved past the bridge. When we passed through, the crew began preparing to sail.

Several passengers were given the chance to help out. Logan and Sam eagerly stepped forward to assist.They were excited to see their work pay off when the massive sails unfurled and we began to pick up speed. The crisp white sails snapped in the wind and I knew at once I would remember this moment forever. This was my first experience on a sailing vessel and I hoped it wouldn't be my last. The enormous white sails shaded most of the deck and gave us all a break from the sun's fierce rays.

 After the sails were up, we left the bay and made our way into the beautiful blue Atlantic. The waves gently rocked us as we watched for dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Every now and then a few jellyfish drifted past the ship and we all learned over for a closer look! The crew passed around a few more drinks and they visited with each passenger. They answered questions and told stories, which we all appreciated, especially Logan!

 Sailing is relaxing. I've heard that before, but until now, I didn't realize just how relaxing it could be. The sails billowing in the wind are stunning, and the occasional snap of the sails will lull you into a blissful state of mind. The cool ocean breezes are rejuvenating!

This was one of my favorite adventures from our St. Augustine trip. It was peaceful and relaxing, and there was so much to see from the ship! It was also a great way to escape the heat! The Schooner Freedom offers many different sails, just visit their site to find out more. I think their Sunset, Twilight, and Full Moon Sails would be even more magical than their Day Sails! Check them out on Facebook and Twitter to learn more! We enjoyed our sail and we will definitely plan another cruise when we return.
Disclosure: We were given a sail in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.