Qwik Shower and Black Friday Gone Bad

Black Friday Kitchen Flambe'

My plans for Thanksgiving were foiled by a stomach virus. I was going to hit Kohl's on Black Friday and finish up a little Christmas shopping. Not too early mind you, being crushed by a stampede of mad shoppers is not my idea of a good time! The kids and my husband went to my inlaws' house. Our dogs were already at my mom's house because I had planned to be out of town. Thanksgiving dinner was soup and bread instead of my Mother-in-law's tasty feast. Don't worry, I got plenty of leftovers!

I was still a bit queasy and decided to go for a walk instead. I just needed a second cup of coffee so put on water to boil. We have a french press for coffee. You put the grounds in the bottom, add boiling water and press the top down. In 5-10 minutes you have a pot of perfectly brewed non-bitter coffee.

My husband had cooked something in grease (yes this is the south oil is "grease") and the pan he used still had some in it and was sitting on the burner in front of my coffee water. The pan must have had grease on the outside of it. I left it for a few minutes and when I came back into the kitchen it was smoking and fire was along the edge of the pan. Suddenly the whole thing then exploded into a giant pillar of fire. The pan of water was still full so it was only a minute or two that I was out of the room. Within seconds the hood over the stove was on fire!

Here is the kitchen partly cleaned up

I put the fire out several times and it kept popping back up. Not with water that would have been a lot worse! I called 911 and grabbed our cat and threw her in our car. It was sunny outside but pitch black in most of the house. I finally found her in the front window. She was not happy about the THREE noisy firetrucks that showed up! I went back in and finally got the fire smothered out about the time I heard the first engine coming. The firefighters blew out the smoke. I'm sure our neighbors were quite excited by the amount of thick black smoke that began pouring out of all of the windows!

Fortunately there wasn't much damage. The ceiling over the stove is gray. The cabinets were discolored. There was soot on things at the other end of the house! I still keep finding smears of black on things.

Qwik Shower

Several days were spent cleaning my sooty house and still doing usual things like picking up kids, running errands, etc. Qwik Shower had sent me samples of their Qwik shower Gym Class Wipes to review and they worked well to clean up before I went out in public! 

About My Kids Stink, LLC

Based in Olney, MD, My Kids Stink, LLC was founded by Harvey Metro, a father of three active boys who loathed smelling the half-dozen stinky and sweaty teens who crammed in his car after school, practices and games. This ongoing problem prompted Harvey to create QwikShower Wipes – an affordable, environmentally friendly portable shower alternative suitable for kids and adults, alike. For more information about QwikShower Wipes visit www.QwikShower.com.

Each wipe comes in a small packet and is like an extra large and thick hand wipe. The scent is not offensive like some wipes have. I hate the chemically perfume smell of most wipes and hand sanitizers. I would rather products have a more natural smell non offensive smell or none at all.

My youngest daughter has asthma (mostly with colds) and allergies to perfumey products. She is ten and well developed for her age so she needs deodorant after a lot of activity. She carries these in her ballet bag to clean up after dance class.  The scent of these wipes has not bothered her at all.

My teen used to be in running club at school and I am sure she would have liked to have these after her runs.

QwikShower: The easy, green and affordable solution to Stinky Kids

Easy: QwikShower gym class wipes are large, thick and cloth like (10” x 12”) moist, single-use disposable towels. They even have a scent that teenagers like. (Yes, we tested them.)
Green. Environmentally friendly, QwikShower Wipes are non-aerosol and emit zero fluorocarbon emissions unlike popular body sprays.  This also ensures the scent won’t invade the personal space of others or overwhelm a locker room.Affordable: You can purchase QwikShower wipes everywhere and they're super cheap.* 

*Note: purchases from their site ship FREE!

These would be great to tuck into a work bag, gym bag, or hiking pack. We camp for a week or two every summer and these would work well to freshen up in our 100+ heat. I think these would work especially well for primitive camping or long distance hiking.

QwikShower Wipes are a must-have for active children and pubescent tweens and teens who get soiled, sweaty, stinky and self-conscious.  These portable single-use disposable washcloths offer an easy, convenient and economical way to help kids get clean and eliminate embarrassing grime and body odor after gym class, sports, outdoor play and other physical activities. QwikShower Wipes are also great for adults for use after the gym, a jog, when traveling, during a long shift at the office, or even after work en route to another engagement. Purchase online at www.QwikShower.com - 1 for $1, 10 for $7, 50 for $29 and 100 for $49.

Updates: Franken-student, a party,the ER, and a cat sandwich

life is like an hourglass
when everything hits rock bottom
all you have to do is wait
for something to come along
and turn it around

• CSN product review coming soon! I am having some trouble getting pictures off my cell phone.  Apparently it is not compatible with my operating system so I'll have to find a patch.
• Halloween and our Halloween themed birthday party were both successes. They were not successes to my waistline though ;) I am almost glad that I am allergic to chocolate or those 40lbs of candy in the kids' trick or treat bags would be calling my name! 
• More reviews will be up within the week.
• My oldest is having school and health issues again so that has been a major problem. Hopefully we won't end up with frustrated teachers on our lawn with torches and pitchforks...
• My youngest ended up in ER with breathing problems due to swelling in her throat a few weeks ago. She had croup..yes croup at 10yrs old, a crazy high fever, and bronchitis. That was no fun but she is fine now. Her attendance record..not so much.
• Our cat got smashed by a board that fell from under my oldest daughter's bed and couldn't walk. It was the morning of my 10 yr old's birthday party which made for much task juggling and an early morning vet run with her screaming in her carrier. Thankfully she is also fine and only needed one day of kitty pain relief!

CSN Stores

I am thinking about buying some new furniture. What I need right now is a new bed for my teen daughter and less babyish furniture for her room.  CSN Stores has a large selection of beds, dressers, and console tables that would work well in our home. Another thing that would come in handy is a new set of pots and pans.

CSN Stores has a network of different storefronts to meet your needs.They carry everything from furniture to school supplies.  There is even a pet section! The next time you are searching for something give them a try!

Make it Hormel

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hormel Foods. All opinions are 100% mine.

Growing up I did not watch a lot of tv. I'm serious. I  also wasn't allowed to eat junk food or sugar. We had a small black and white television set in my parent's bedroom. My favorite show when I was little was the MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour on PBS. Ok, you can stop pointing and laughing now.  Later I graduated to British television and the junk food of our television set, grainy black and white westerns. I did however have friends. Lots of friends. Friends with junk food, pools, and cable.

One of these friends was my bestie and we would play outside barefoot until the bottoms of our feet were burnt to a crisp. Then we would go inside for a/c and popsicles. And of course TV!
This was the 1980's. Commercials that I remember from this time were for Koolaid, Cabbage Patch Kids, Barbie, Frosted Flakes (They're GRRRReat!), and of course Dinty Moore and hormel chili.

In the 80s, pro football player Fran Tarkenton was tapped to promote Hormel chili.

Hormel Foods has been around forever it seems. The company was founded as George A. Hormel & Company in 1891. The company changed its name to Hormel Foods Corporation 102 years later in 1993. They have a long history of character ads. In the 30s, characters Jiggs and Maggie from “Bringing Up Father” were used in Dinty Moore advertisements. Later, a lumber jack character was introduced, proclaiming “First name’s Dinty, last name’s Moore,” who placed his signature thumbprint on every can.

Hormel is a national household brand with a product line including:

* Hormel® Chili
* Hormel® Chili Master® Chili
* Hormel® Compleats® microwave meals
* Hormel® Refrigerated Entrees
* Hormel® Natural Choice® meats
* Hormel® pepperoni
* Hormel® Black Label® bacon
* Hormel® Microwave Ready bacon
* Hormel® 100 Percent Natural Deli Meats
* Hormel® Cure 81® ham
* Hormel® Always Tender®
* Hormel® bacon toppings

* Hormel® party trays
* Hormel® Snac*Cups™
* Hormel® Little Sizzlers® pork sausage
* Hormel® Mary Kitchen® hash
* Hormel® Kid’s Kitchen® microwave cups
* Hormel® microwave cups
* Hormel® chunk meats
* Hormel® dried beef
* Hormel® Fresh Pantry® meats
* Hormel® Old Smokehouse™ summer sausage
* Hormel® Wranglers® franks
* Hormel® corned beef & roast beef with gravy

Several other brands are sold by Hormel Foods including SPAM.

Not to be punny, the 80's were kind of cheesy and Velveeta and Hormel Chili were used often to make party dip.
We use the chili on baked potatoes with sour cream, cheese (sharp cheddar tastes best), and optional chopped green onions on top.

What do you make with Hormel Chili or the Hormel product line? I would like to try this yummy looking recipe using Hormel® Always Tender® Pork Chops.


Coconut Curry Pork Chops

Ingredients
Servings: This recipe is recommended for 4 servings

* 3 tablespoons butter
* 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 tablespoon red curry paste
* 4 Hormel® Always Tender® Pork Chops, boneless
* 1 (14-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk

Directions

1. In large skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add pork chops; brown on both sides. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Reduce heat to medium. Remove chops from skillet; wrap in aluminum foil.
2. Shake can of coconut milk. Whisk coconut milk into skillet drippings. Whisk in curry paste. Bring to a simmer.
3. Return chops and accumulated juices to simmering sauce; cook, turning chops once, 5 to 6 minutes. Do not allow sauce to boil; reduce heat if necessary.

For more ideas try the Hormel Foods recipe database.

Adults Only Review- Electric Infrared Massager

Review warning this item is not explicit but the linked site does contain explicit items!

I received an Electric Infrared Massager from The Adult Toy Shoppe to review.

This unique massager allows you to create the perfect aura of simple relaxation! The rounded massager head warms to one of two temperatures you can choose, giving you a deep down therapeutic sensation, while the other side of the head accommodates any of the 5 very different, pliable massaging attachments at a High or Low setting.

The massager comes with 5 attachments. The Electric Infrared Massager can be used with skincare products.

 


microdermabrasion crystals
The instructions detail different uses of the attachments. One use is scalp massage. Another attachment is for facial massage.

I used the face attachment with Oil of Olay Regenerist's Microdermabrasion Kit. There is a big difference in your skin's texture with the massager vs without and it really seems to help slough off that old dead skin. That helped when we had our heater on a lot. I always end up with dryness and peeling skin. The facial attachment smoothed that away easily.

One side of the massager is used with the heat setting. The other side is what you put the attachments on.
The heat side glows red. It showed up as blue on my cell phone camera though!

The heat setting helps loosen sore muscles and joints. I had a Hitachi Magic Wand massager and the muscle massages with this unit are comparable. WARNING: Like most strong massagers, you shouldn't use it in your heart area or on your neck, especially if you have heart problems. Also this unit is electric. DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER!

Like the other massager I reviewed, you can use the Infrared for intimate or couple's massage *wink* *wink*.

Notes:

I really liked this massager due to its variety of uses.
I like that if you are using it for personal massage, it doesn't have the appearance of a regular vibrator. Unlike the Aphrodite it has an attached electric cord. That may not be a plus for you if you like the convenience of a cordless massager.  Also, the cord is an extra long length which is nice. You still may have to use an extension cord depending on where you are using it. I use it as a facial massager in the bathroom and don't need a very long cord.

Review-Pink Floral Appliqued Rose Comforter Cover

My daughter and I had the opportunity to review a product for Style Feeder, a personal shopping engine, and the children's decor store The Land of Nod. We received the Pink Floral Appliqued Rose Comforter Cover.

I was originally going to let my oldest daughter review it but this size fit my youngest daughter's room and bed style better. She is turning nine soon and has just become interested in antiques, so this was perfect! Her bed is similar to this one:


The Pink Floral Appliqued Rose Comforter Cover is what I would call Shabby Chic style. It has a very unique vintage look, which went perfectly with my daughter's antiqued white iron bed.
The 100% cotton cover has appliqued roses, buttons to enclose an inner blanket, and a very sturdy feel. It is 200 thread count and is available in two sizes, Twin or Full/Queen.
The texture is almost like a cotton sheet but much thicker. It opens up so you can insert your old comforter inside. This makes it easy to change the look of your bedding without buying a whole new comforter!

It is also available in a pale antique yellow shade if pink doesn't fit your decor.



Wear
I washed it in our washing machine to see how it held up and yes, everything stayed in place w/no loose buttons or fraying. Too many times I have bought something only to have it unravel after the first washing!

Land of Nod has some other items that would go well with the comforter cover.
I like this Early Bird Lamp and the oh so sweet vintage style Beaded Chandelier.


If you like this style you may like Pottery Barn or PB Teen which is Pottery Barn for teens.
Buy PB Teen Bedding Online

ADULTS ONLY REVIEW-Kama Sutra Weekender Kit

I was recently contacted by The Adult Toy Shoppe to do a review of one of their products.
At first I was uncomfortable doing a public review about something related to *stage whisper* S-E-X, but really, where do you think my kids came from anyway?
I chose the Kama Sutra Weekender Kit. I know, I know! Compared to some of the items on the site this is pretty tame. No rotating beads, thrusting shafts, or bells and whistles. It really was something I wanted to try out though!

The husband and I were supposed to attend a wedding and decided to make the trip into a vacation. We travel without the kids fairly often. Mostly we just take in state trips so we don't have as much travel time. I booked a few days at a lake view cabin because this wedding was a few hours away. Of course I HAD to bring this little bad boy along.

The Weekender Kit contains The Original Oil of Love, Pleasure Balm, Wild Clove and Mint Tree Bathing Gels and Honey Dust with a handmade feather applicator.
In the past my husband and I tried flavored items such as edible undies, lotions, and similar items. They all had a sickeningly sweet taste and a plasticky finish. Not so with this set. I like that the Kama Sutra products are much more natural.

The scents are subtle and don't have that sharp chemical note that some products have.
My husband especially enjoyed the Oil Of Love ;) he said it smelled and tasted like Halloween Candy. The texture and consistency of it was just right for lovin'. The mini bottle it came in was cute with its tiny cork. My favorite product is the Honey Dust! Yes, it really tastes like honey and I like that it comes with a real feather applicator. It just seems so decadent. The mint gel really smelled like mint, not a lab made scent.

The decorative box this comes in is tiny, the perfect discreet size to pack into your purse, carry on, or weekend bag. We still have some product left so it will definitely be coming along on our next weekend away!

Pevonia Review

I recently had the opportunity to try out Pevonia Botanica. I chose to try products for oily skin. My daughter Anika, who is in the throes of preteen hormone hell, tried the SpaTeen line.
Our box arrived and in it was:

Phyto-Gel Cleanser

"Foam away impurities! Enticingly aromatic, Phyto-Gel Cleanser provides a delightful natural soft lather for deep cleansing. Saponaria, Rosemary, Lemon, and Pine, precisely blend to rid your skin of impurities and surface toxins. Non-alkaline and non-drying, this gel is suited for all skin types."

Oily Skin Lotion

"Refresh and control! Face the day wonderfully refreshed! Oily Skin Lotion controls oiliness and removes residue. Alcohol-free, it combines Lactic Acid and Azulene to control over-production of sebum, rendering your skin bright and fresh."

Mattifying Oily Skin Cream

"Shine-free skin control! Uniquely light-textured and non-greasy, Mattifying Oily Skin Cream with UV protection visibly controls excess oiliness for an attractive matte complexion. Lemon and Vitamin B complex, hydrate and mattify, preventing breakouts and effectively refining your pores."

Mattifying Oily Skin Mask

"Purify and brighten! This creamy mask regulates excess oiliness. Mattifying Oily Skin Mask combines the purifying action of Hops, Horsetail, and Vitamin E to revitalize and hydrate for a bright and healthy complexion."

another product for oily skin, which I did not get to try, is:

ClariPlex™

"Acne and problem skin is commonly attributed to teenagers; however, the reality is that acne affects fifty-percent of adult women and twenty-five percent of adult men at some point in their life. Although acne is prevalent amongst teenagers, anyone can suffer an acne recurrence in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and beyond. Regardless of age, if left untreated, acne and problem skin can be embarrassing, detrimental to one’s self-image, and can even become a contributing factor to social and emotional anxiety."

My daughter received:

SpaTeen™ Blemish-B-Gone

"Radically effective, this spot treatment heals blemishes through a Micro-Matrix advanced time-release delivery system with Organic Benzoyl Peroxide and Organic Salicylic Acid. It counteracts bacteria, preventing future breakouts and hyperpigmentation."

SpaTeen™ Blemished Skin Cleanser

"Pleasantly foaming, this citrus cleanser delivers an effective dual exfoliation, with microspheres and natural acids that attack bacteria. Your skin emerges deeply cleansed and refreshed."

SpaTeen™ Blemished Skin Moisturizer

"Lightly textured, this hydrating moisturizer with UV filters contains a Micro-Matrix advanced time-release delivery system with Organic Benzoyl Peroxide and Organic Salicylic Acid. By minimizing side effects with slow ingredient diffusion, it works all day to fight bacteria and heal blemishes while preventing future breakouts."

SpaTeen™ Blemished Skin Toner

"Alcohol-free, this uniquely formulated toner works to remove impurities and excess oil that can clog pores. A vital step to a healthy complexion with an enticing citrus aroma. Recommended for blemish and blemish-prone skin types."

There are two other products in the SpaTeen line but she did not get to try them.

SpaTeen™ Blemished Skin Mask

"Calming and healing, this refining antiseptic mask’s deep-pore cleansing action stops blemishes before they appear and prevents future breakouts. It attacks stubborn bacteria, while smoothing and refining your complexion."

and ClariPlex which I mentioned above.

My products smelled great. You use them in steps a.m. and p.m. The first product I used was the Phyto-Gel Cleanser. You are supposed to pump a little between your wet hands. The scent reminded me a little of mens' cologne, which I usually hate (sorry guys!). This scent was not bad though. I think what I was noticing was the Rosemary and Pine scents. It also had a kind of lemon or citrus scent.
It made my skin feel really clean and did not cause any additional breakouts.

Next I used the Oily Skin Lotion. This is not a lotion as you would normally think of it. It comes in a mister and you spray a bit on a cotton ball and wipe it over your face. The consistency is very light and watery, not oily or heavy at all. It has a green scent w/ a note of witch hazel.

Then comes the Mattifying Oily Skin Cream. This made my skin feel great. Makeup glided on better after wards and my pores looked smaller. It did not feel too heavy, like some skin creams. The scent is grapefruity or lemony to me. It contains both.

The last product I received was the Mattifying Oily Skin Mask. It has a true orange scent and contains Mandarin Orange essential oil. I had the same effects as the Mattifying Oily Skin Cream w/this mask.

Anika's SpaTeen regimen contained the exfoliating cleanser, toner, Blemish-B-Gone, and moisturizer. She used them day and night, when she remembered! I had to remind her a few times but she soon grew used to using them. The first time she tried them was at night, right in the middle of a PMS breakout. Her skin is usually not too bad but she breaks out a lot on her nose, and sometimes elsewhere during that time of the month. She woke up with much clearer skin. The difference was pretty amazing!

I didn't have as much luck with my regimen as Anika did with hers, but they worked pretty well while I used them. I had to stop using them because I developed a rash from a new foundation. I am sure I would see better results without that obstacle! My skin is pretty sensitive and none of the Pevonia products made my skin overly irritated, oily, or dry.

This site is so neat!

Have you seen the Got a Wish Sweepstakes?
First you fill in your name and your wish.
Then upload your photo to virtually "sit" on Santa's lap.
After uploading, your photo will actually appear on the CEIVAshare digital photo frame shown in a video segment featuring santa and his elves. Neat huh? Your name will also appear in Santa's wish book in the video. The video is very well done. I think kids would love to see their photo "live" on a frame held by Santa!

After you view the video segment you will have the opportunity to purchase a CEIVAshare Digital Photo Frame with one year picture plan at SIGNIFICANT savings. How significant?
$100 off! My Mother-in-law would love this photo frame!

Other CEIVAshare Specs:

1. 8" hi-definition display
2. Automatically receives photos by phone or optional wi-fi
3. Registration is needed to activate
4. Picture Plan LIFETIME Warranty, if it breaks they will fix it for free
5. Ease of use, with this frame you just plug and play. Very handy for my technically challenged Mother-in-law.
   

Plus get FREE SHIPPING until Dec. 24 11:59:59pm PST. If you want Christmas delivery be sure to order by Dec. 22 2pm PST!

Not interested in a frame today? You will also have the chance to enter a sweepstakes to win your wish ($500 cash prize). No purchase necessary. Twenty nine winners will be chosen (one per day). Good luck!