Martha Stewart's Appetizers - Book Review

I have a few of Martha's cookbooks and this one did not disappoint. I love that she includes such a variety in her books. This one has appetizers I know my family will love and are pretty basic or at least what I consider family friendly but it also has included ones that are on the much fancier side. Definitely worthy of any type of party you may be having.

A few recipes I have marked already are the Fried Sweet Potato Ravioli, Chicken - Salad Tartlets, and the Spiced Nuts. There are so many more that I can't wait to put on the table for the holiday season that will start in a few months. If you like the more fancier side there are recipes that include caviar.

The photos in this cookbook are beautiful. Martha always makes me feel like I can accomplish more in the kitchen than I think I can. Her books inspire me!

I highly suggest you check out Martha Stewart's Appetizers so you can rock your next party with these delicious appetizers. There is something for everyone.

* I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review. Opinions are my own.

Organically Grown Vanilla Bean Powder Review

I love anything that is vanilla flavored or scented. This Vanilla Bean Powder is great to have on hand as it can be added to flavor many things. I have used this in smoothies, added some to our coffee grounds before brewing, and also added a bit to dough while I was making donuts. Vanilla bean powder is excellent to use for desserts and other baked goods. It can also be used to make bug repellent for mosquitoes,  and added to DIY gifts. There are so many possibilities with this powder and it's so convenient! I love that it comes in a resealable bag too.

Vanilla Bean Powder

Added some to my coffee grounds.

This vanilla bean powder comes from the island of Java in Indonesia. The beans are 100% raw and organically grown. It is purchased direct from the farmer at Fair Trade prices. It is ground right before packaging to keep it fresh. It is Gluten Free and Vegan.

You can find this Vanilla Bean Powder from Sunny Day Organics on Amazon.

* I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Weight Lifting Pink Women's Wrist Wraps Review

My wrists have been so happy since I've been wearing these Wrist Wraps while I'm strength training. They tend to get sore or tire out quick when I'm using my heavier dumbbells or kettlebells. These wraps are really helping and they look pretty awesome too!

They are made from premium quality material, have an elastic thumb hook, and they are one size fits all women. We can all rock these awesome pink wraps! They are comfortable to wear. The material is not itchy at all. The velcro seems to be attached very well and it stays in place while in use.



You can find these Wrist Wraps on Amazon. Each package comes with 1 pair (2 wrist wraps) in pink.

* I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

WashGuard Large Lingerie Bag Review

I have always wanted to have a lingerie bag for keeping my delicate pieces lasting longer. My bras are constantly getting tangled and stretched and I end up having to buy new ones sooner than I'd like.

I've been using this large WashGuard Lingerie Bag for more than just my bras. It works great for my workout clothes too. It keeps them from getting snagged. I've also put a few of my more delicate tops in it so none of the buttons or embellishments get caught. I plan to use it for some of my sweaters this winter also since the bag is big enough to hold one.


You can find this large WashGuard Lingerie Bag on Amazon. They do offer other sizes also.


* I did receive this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Endurance Pro Speed and Agility Ladder Review

It looks a little crooked but our yard is just bumpy.

We have been getting some great leg workouts with this Endurance Pro Speed and Agility Ladder. There are so many different drills you can do with this piece of equipment. I love that the rungs are adjustable. They just slide up or down easily so you can change it up a bit. If you have bigger feet like a few of our boys it's easier for them to be farther apart when they are doing some of their jumps. I just have them do extra to make up for it. :)


The ladder also comes with a bag so you can easily roll it up and take it with you. We've just been using it in our backyard. I'm having the boys use it as part of their Phys Ed. I just can't sit on the sidelines so we all take turns calling out what drills we're doing as we go. We love anything that keeps us from getting bored.

Jumping fun!

You can find this Endurance Pro Speed and Agility Ladder on Amazon.

* I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Paracord Survival Bracelet Review

This paracord survival bracelet has a whistle, compass, fire starter, and heavy duty paracord. The paracord is 550 lb strength (601 lb actual load) and is approximately 10 ft long when fully extended. You can wear it on your wrist or attach it to your backpack. It's great to have for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activities.

The bracelet is comfortable on. The compass points in the general direction that it should. I don't think it's 100% accurate because it was a bit varied. If you did get lost and needed to depend on it you'd probably end up where you needed to be or at least pretty close. The fire starter worked great. You do need to scrape it a few times to get the black coating off before it will start to spark like it should. The whistle also works well.

Orange/Grey color

Fire starter

Making sure it will start a fire!

It did but we put it out quickly.

You can find this paracord survival bracelet on Amazon. It also comes in black.

* I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Stanley Bostitch Dynamo Stapler from Shoplet Review

This Stanley Bostitch Dynamo Stapler is so handy to have. It is an all in one stapler and pencil sharpener. It can staple up to 20 pages. It has a staple remover and a built in pencil sharpener at the end of it. It staples quick and I have not had any issues with it jamming. It is compact and lightweight and has soft rubber grip on the top and bottom. I also love that it has a storage space on the bottom to store your staples so it makes them easy to access and refill. This will get a lot of use this upcoming school year for the boys' projects and papers.

Staple storage on the bottom.

Built in pencil sharpener & staple remover.

You can find this Stapler on the Shoplet website. They also carry other Office Supplies, Cleaning Supplies, Medical Supplies, and Office Furniture.

* I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Snug Plug n Play Kids Headphones Review

The Snug Plug n Play Kids Headphones are made especially for children. They have an adjustable headband, soft ear cushions, and are for ages 3 and up. They will plug in and work for almost any device.

My 10 year old has mostly been using them with his DS. The sound is decent but they are a tad bit small for his ears. He has used them for about 2 weeks and hasn't had any other issues with them. We will be passing them along to friends who have a 4 year old since they are on the small side.

You can find these Snug Plug n Play Kids Headphones on Amazon. They do come in other colors.

* I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

PURGGO Mini Odor Eliminator Review

The PURGGO Mini Natural Air Freshener, Purifier & Odor Eliminator is made with 100% Bamboo Charcoal that naturally absorbs odor. You only need to put it in direct sunlight for about an hour before you first use it and then again every few months to recharge the bamboo charcoal and allow for maximum odor absorption.


It is fragrance free, allergen free, non toxic, and all natural. It works nonstop for a year or longer. It does work best in smaller spaces since it is small. I've used it in work boots and shoes. I've also placed it in a few closets. We have pretty small ones so it works well. I also plan to place this little item in my husband's hockey bag this winter. It can get a tad bit smelly!

Perfect size for work boots.

You can find this PURGGO Mini Natural Air Freshener, Purifier & Odor Eliminator on Amazon. 

* I did receive this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

KUKPO Professional Grade Garlic Press Review

I love garlic! It adds so much flavor to food and is so good for you too! The KUKPO Professional Grade Garlic Press makes mincing garlic quick and easy.

This garlic press is made of Grade A FDA approved sturdy 18/10 stainless steel. Not only does it look nice but is a sturdy tool that will last. It is super easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher. I just do a quick hand wash with hot soapy water usually though.

You can find this KUKPO Professional Grade Garlic Press on Amazon.

* I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

A Jewish Baker's Pastry Secrets - Book Review

I love to bake so I was very much looking forward to getting this book. The photo on the cover actually made me wish for cooler temps so I could start baking right away. Once I opened the book though I was immediately disappointed. There are absolutely no photos at all in the book! I am very much a visual person so this is a deal breaker for me. I did glance through the book but just could not get over the fact that they didn't include any pictures. I am sure there are many great pastries to be made and maybe one winter day when I am bored or sick with nothing else to do I will look back through this book and give it a second chance. I really like to be able to see the end result of what I am making.

If you are not a visual person like I am you may enjoy A Jewish Baker's Pastry Secrets more than I did.

* I received this book from Blogging For Books for my review. Opinions are my own.

Easy@Home Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter Review

I am so very happy to have this Easy@Home Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter! I have always wanted to have one to keep an eye on my kids. Our 2nd boy has had issues since he was little with asthma when he gets any type of respiratory illness. He's mostly outgrown it but tends to have colds drag on much longer and also seems to be more prone to getting pneumonia. This will be nice to have to be able to do a quick check before I call the doctor or even just to give me peace of mind.

A couple of our boys including the asthma one have had fainting issues so I know it will be good to do a quick check on them. It is so quick and easy to get a reading. It's not painful at all!

Checked my 10 year old after playing outside.

This comes with a carrying case and it included batteries which was so nice. It also comes with a lanyard if you want to use. It is super fast to use and powers off after 5 seconds. I may have to sneak it on my husband one night while he's sleeping just to check his levels. He has sleep apnea and I'd like to see what it shows. 

This is such a great little device to have. I plan to do random checks on all of us to get an idea for what is normal for us so when anyone might be in not good shape we'll know with this pretty quickly.

You can find this Easy@Home Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter on Amazon.

* I did receive this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

SAPO Bamboo Charcoal Soap Review

SAPO Bamboo Charcoal Soap is all natural, Made in the USA, and certified organic. It lathers well and rinses off without a sticky residue. It leaves my skin feeling soft and clean. It also has a really pleasant scent.  The list of ingredients is short and I can pronounce everything so that is a bonus!

Ingredients list: Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, Safflower Oil, Shea Butter, Sea Salt, Oatmeal Powder, and Grapefruit Essential Oil.

It can help with acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It is gentle on your skin and can be used for your face and body. Just don't be alarmed if you see black soap bubbles on you or your tub. At first I thought wow, I was really dirty. LOL Nope, it's just the Activated Bamboo Charcoal that's in it. :)

You can find SAPO Bamboo Charcoal Soap on Amazon. You'll smell good, have clean, soft skin, and a bar of handmade soap that will last a long time!

* I received this product in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.