My Real Life Reviews: I LOVE SPRING CONTEST 2016!

I REALLY DO ♥ SPRING! :-)

I've been thinking it's long-overdue that I hosted a contest here at My Real Life Reviews. 

And what better reason than to welcome spring?

One lucky winner will win all of these great prizes: total value approx. $200!! :-)

To enter the contest, leave a comment below, completing this sentence:

I LOVE SPRING BECAUSE.....

That's it, easy peasy!

And a few "rules" , dos and don'ts:

-Contest is open to US and Canadian residents. 

Exception: void in Quebec you can read why here. I've had to add this to my contests. Provincial laws in Quebec regarding contests are hard to understand but I'm not able to by-pass these restrictions. 

-No anonymous comments please. Please sign in with a valid blog account, if at all possible. Anonymous comments will not be considered as an entry. You can include your email address if your blog is not linked to one already, so that I can contact the winner.  

-Winner picked by a random system and will have 10 days to claim their prize. If prize package is not claimed within 10 days, an alternate winner will be chosen.

-Optional: If you'd like an additional entry, subscribe to My Real Life Reviews (see right sidebar for subscription link) and mention that you have subscribed in your comment/entry. My stats continue to go up every month, but the subscriptions haven't. ;<)

-Contest closes March 31st. Stop by the first week in April to see if you are the lucky winner!

Now, for more information about all the goodies up for grabs! 

The folks at Boogie Board have generously supplied a Boogie Board EWriter: Jot 8.5 for this contest!

 You can read my recent Boogie Board review here. 

This is one of the best gadgets I've ever tried. I use my Jot 4.5 all the time. 

And in this even larger (Jot 8.5) version, with all the bells and whistles, a whole lotta fun awaits, for the lucky winner. 

From The Spice House, this beautiful set of gourmet sea salts. 

This salt lover's box includes:Hawaiian Black Lava and Red Alea Clay Sea Salts - These two salts from the pristine Pacific waters off Molokai are dried in pools with black lava powder and local red clay, respectively. Their dramatic colors and light, crunchy texture make them wonderful finishing salts.

Portuguese "Salt Cream" Sea Salt - This is the Portuguese version of the famous French Fleur de Sel, the first salt to crystallize as drying pools evaporate. Because Portugal is drier than France, the salt forms faster and becomes whiter and fluffier than its French counterpart.

Himalayan Pink Salt - Formed by deposits left by retreating prehistoric oceans, this pretty salt is known for it healthful minerals.

I'm a big fan of all of The Spice House products. I've used them many times in my own recipes, always with excellent and oh so tasty results.

 You can read my full review of The Spice House here. 

 

A copy of both of my newest cookbooks (eBook or print version, the winner's preference) are part of the prize package too! 

You can read more about both of these books/eBooks here:

The Groovy Green Kitchen Volume I: Weeknight Veggie Slow Cooker

The Groovy Green Kitchen II: Simply, Super, Supper Soups

As an avid cook, award-winning cookbook author and cooking instructor, I am passionate about all things "foodie". 

 I've included some of my fav all time recipes and many brand new ones, in my new Groovy Green collection. Happy Cooking! :-)

From my blog pal: Tammie at the Spirithelpers Etsy shop, a set of two of her lovely nature photo cards, with decorative envelopes. 

The owl photo/card shown above is one of my personal favs but the winner will be able to pick from dozens of choices at Spirithelpers. 

I always feel calm and happy when I'm browsing over there. A great place to find some special gift items too. You can also read more about Tammie and her work, in my recent OWL inspired post/review.

Just in time for pre-garden planning, an oh so fun and user-friendly gardening book, from another blog pal, author and oh so talented gardener: Ellen Zachos.

You can read my full review of this wonderful book here.

 I am NOT a great gardener but with Ellen's book at hand, planning and creating a beautiful and unique garden is possible for just about anyone. 

This is one of my all time fav books of ANY genre. Yes, it really is that good. 

Speaking of fav books, here's another one of mine, this time from the talented author: Elizabeth Day.

Living with Gusto is a unique and inspiring book that I "happened" to find and read at just the right time for me. I was in a bit of a funk at the time and also without internet access for a couple of weeks at that time too, so a perfect opportunity to savor each page of this special story. It remains a "keeper on my kindle" and a book that I have referred to many times, since first reading it.

You can read more about this special and memorable story here, in my full review. 

If you are in need of some inspiration, a "pick me up" and/or perhaps help with finding your muse again, check out Living with Gusto. You'll be glad you did! 

When it comes to getting out of a funk, I can't think of anything that works better for me, than improving my appearance, in some way. 

 A few years ago, I found out about the Happy Face Yoga, facial exercise program and decided (with initial skepticism) to give it a try. I'm sure glad I did!

See for yourself, in my full review, including before and after photos (how brave is that!!!) of my results, and after only a relatively short period of doing the Happy Face Yoga regime on a regular basis.

I have continued to use Happy Face Yoga, (about 3-4 times a week now, seems to be enough to sustain good results) and my face has remained toned and much firmer looking. Yes, a regular small time commitment is required to see real results but IMO, this is time so well spent. 

From the A. Vogel company, one of the best pain-relief products I've ever used. Natural, safe and oh so effective too.

You can read more about this fine product in my full review here.

The lucky winner will receive a DUO (2) PACK of Absolut Arnica gel, enough to provide soothing pain relief for all kinds of strains, sprains and minor sport injuries, for a long time to come. 

A little of this product goes a long way. Absolut Arnica gel is a product that I always like to have on hand, in case I overdo it when lifting, stretching, sometimes a minor twist of an ankle...and similar situations when I am in need of effective but also safe and natural pain relief that I can count on. This product is a real winner! 

And from another of my fav Etsy shops: Erzulie Cosmetics, 3 beauty products, to give your spring look a boost.  

A Zoe lip/cheek color stick, Nona Lipstick and Eye Depuffer.

I regularly shop at Erzulie Cosmetics. I particularly love Rhonda's (shop owner) lip/cheek sticks, cover-sticks, foundation and the eye-depuffer too. 

Gentle, natural and effective skin care and cosmetics, very reasonably priced and with excellent customer service too!

You can read more about Erzulie cosmetics in my previous review of the Eye Depuffer Balm.

***

I look forward to reading your comments/entries with your thoughts about spring. Enter soon and do spread the word. This is going to be a fun contest!

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND HAPPY SPRING!! :-)

Boogie Board eWriter (Jot 4.5)

Boogie Board eWriter (Jot 4.5)

I recently found out about Boogie Board eWriters and I am loving my Jot 4.5! :-)

In case you aren't familiar with these nifty little gadgets, Boogie Board eWriters are a great alternative to paper to-do lists and so much more.

Write on the Boogie Board with the included stylus (or even your fingernail!) and when you no longer need that particular list, just press the erase button and voila, you have a clear screen to start over with.

No batteries, no on/off switch.. Boogie Board is ready when you are. :-)

I have ours hanging on a hook by the kitchen door, for easy use/reference. I add things to the list as I need to do them (or have Joe do them) ;-) instead of writing paper notes/lists that tend to get lost along the way, not to mention wasting paper too. 

Here's some additional info about the Jot 4.5 eWriter :

-Jot down notes and erase with the press of a button

-Compact, lightweight design fits easily in a purse or pocket

-Tapered stylus attaches securely to case

-Unique stack-able design for easy use and storage

-Thumbtack holes for hanging notes on a pegboard (or similar surface)

And here's a wonderful short video: Writing Redefined, from the Boogie Board company, that I found not only informative, but touching too. Click through to view, it's worth it! 

The Jot 4.5 is currently on sale at Amazon for less than $15, so a great time to pick one up for your own use or as a thoughtful gift. They come in a variety of colors and with optional covers available too, in case you want to take your BB on the go!

***

If you prefer a larger eWriter, the Jot 8.5 has several additional features that make it even more versatile. Perfect for not only note-taking but also sketching, doodling, brain-storming.... all kinds of fun!

Boogie Board Jot 8.5 

The next time you reach for a piece of paper and a pen, don't! Grab a Boogie Board LCD eWriter instead, the tree-friendly alternative to memo pads, sketchbooks, sticky notes, dry eraser boards, and other writing/drawing mediums.

Sketch, write, draw, without paper then start over with the touch of a button. Perfect for the car, office, classroom, kitchen, or backpack.

Jot 8.5 is 50% Brighter.  It features erase button, durable, shatterproof plastic. LCD 3V replaceable battery. Stylus dock pressure-sensitive writing surface. Neoprene sleeve  protects your Boogie Board eWriter during transport eliminating unwanted screen marks.

The folks at Boogie Board are great too! :-)

 I had some questions about my Jot 4.5 that they answered quickly and completely. I also contacted them about some of their other products, again a quick, courteous and complete reply to my query.

Excellent customer service for any product is IMO, just as important as the actual item. I don't want to wait days for an email/phone reply from any company I've bought something from but sadly, that's all to often what happens. But not the case with the team at Boogie Board, they are on top of things and doing it right, the first time!

Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5

G. H. Cretors Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Popcorn

G. H. Cretors Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Popcorn

I ♥ POPCORN!!! :-)

And I have finally found a commercial bagged popcorn that tastes delish and has an ingredient list I can smile about too.

G. H. Cretors Organic Extra Virgin Olilve Oil Popcorn has a fresh, unique flavor, with just a hint of the olive oil it's popped in.

It's unlike any commercial popcorn I've ever tried before. 

Nice and crunchy but with no hard bits that can be tough on teeth.

An ingredient list that's simple and hard to beat:

-organic popcorn

-organic, extra-virgin olive oil

-sea salt

That's it! 

Compared to most commercial popcorn brands this is definitely a change for the better; so many mainstream brands leave much to be desired when it comes to what's in the bag! 

I noted that this popcorn is sold in a 12 pack at Amazon for just over $48 with free shipping. At $4. a bag, this is a great price too, for such a quality snack product. Also sold as individual bags (4.4 OZ (125 g) .

Each bag provides 3 generous servings IMO. And I sure don't want to skimp when I'm eating popcorn, do you? ;-)

G. H. Cretors also sells a variety of other types of popcorn-snacks (sweet and salty). You can check them all out at their site. 

I love that this is a healthier popcorn/snack option. But it's the taste that keeps me coming back for more, again and again. As I've written above, this one has a unique, subtle olive oil flavor, and with just the right touch of sea salt.

It really does take popcorn to a whole new level of yummmm.... :-)

From the G. H. Cretors site:

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Today we make our Extra Virgin Olive Oil popped corn with three timeless ingredients: Organic Popcorn, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sea Salt.

We still use traditional small batch methods to pop our corn, like Great Grandpa Cretors did, but we have stayed modern by keeping our focus on purity.

Each Organic batch is popped to perfection and seasoned with just the right amount of sea salt.

From our kitchen to yours! Enjoy!

-We use only Organic Ingredients

-Made with Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

-No artificial flavors or colors

-Non-GMO Project Verified

-Certified Gluten Free

And how's this for a popcorn stat??

 Americans eat around 

17 billion quarts of popcorn every year

An amount that would fill the Empire State Building 18 times!


Overall rating for this product: Excellent. 5 out of 5

Joe Fresh (online clothing site)

Joe Fresh is my new fav online clothing store! :-)

I don't actually buy a lot of clothing online, usually make my own (I love to sew and knit) or buy something locally. But in the past few months, I got to know about Joe Fresh online and now I am hooked! 

The bargains I've already got there are IMO, nothing short of amazing! 

Here's a sample of my latest finds, from their clearance section:

Active Sherpa Jacket (on sale for $12 and change!)

Just a beautiful jacket, in every way. A bit fitted, not baggy like so many of these types of jackets are. Wonderful, soft, luxurious Sherpa cloth, welt pockets, decorative zipper...

I also bought one in Black, I was so happy with this one!

Keep your routine on track this winter with a fleece-lined Sherpa jacket made for winter workouts.

Zip up Sherpa jacket

Stand collar

2 front welt pockets

Fully lined

Shell: Sherpa; Lining: Fleece, 100% polyester

Machine wash

STYLE #WF5A460020

Puffer Jacket in Coral 

(I bought this jacket for less than $20.CDN. It was recently further reduced to less than $10 CDN!)

This photo does not do this jacket justice. The color is actually a true coral (pink/soft orange) shade, which I always love. A hard to find color usually.

Nice fit, again not baggy. SUPER warm! Decorative zipper, fully lined. 

I get compliments on this jacket, every time I wear it. I usually pair it with a black turtleneck, jeans and  black boots.

 It also came in some other lovely shades, including an amazing cardinal red. I was SO tempted to get that one too, but fought off the urge to splurge! ;-)

Layer on a little extra warmth with a puffer at a fresh price.

Bomber puffer jacket

Stand collar

Full front zipper placket

2 front welt pockets

Fully lined

Shell: Pongee; Lining: Plain Weave, 100% polyester

Machine wash

STYLE #WF5O100035

Sequin Shaker Knit Sweater (this was a real bargain at just over $6!)

Again, the photo does not do this sweater justice, it is SO pretty and well made. 

I love shaker knits and this one is flecked with small sequins throughout. I thought it would be perfect for the holidays next year, to wear for a more casual but still dressy look.  I also got one in a snowy white and it's lovely too.

Nice and long too! And at 5'9", I love long sweaters! :-)

This season, we’ve introduced our warm shaker knit sweater to sequins for a subtle, sparkly effect.

Sequin sweater

Crew neck

Raglan sleeves

Ribbed collar, cuffs and hem

Due to the delicate nature of this fabric, extra care may be required when handling and washing

Shaker Knit, 57% acrylic/43% polyester

Hand wash

STYLE #WF5R335245

• 

I got this sweater for Joe and he just loves it! 

(And for less than $10, I love it too!) :-)

Get comfortable, get cozy in a retro-inspired Nordic knit.

Fair isle pattern sweater

Crew neck

Ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem

Jacquard, 80% lamb’s wool/20% nylon

Hand wash

STYLE #MF5R255036

***

What has really impressed me about Joe Fresh clothing is the quality of the materials they use, the beautiful colors of their clothing and the better than average workmanship.

 The attention to detail is amazing, especially considering the price they are selling their products for. Even their regular prices are low, considering what you are getting. Welt pockets, lots of items with natural fibers, full linings, decorative details like colored, large zippers, just right sizing with a nice tailored but not tight shaping, even in their casual items. 

Their customer service team is just terrific too! I had a small issue with a couple of items that I ordered online and they took care of it right away and to my satisfaction. 

Free delivery to your door, with a minimum order of $50. And easy, no hassle returns. 

Joe Fresh is available online for US and Canadian customers. 

They also have 4 retail stores in the New York area, that carry a wider range of products including: adult and children's wear, shoes, handbags, jewelry, beauty products and bath items. The Joe Fresh line is also sold at hundreds of Real Canadian Superstore locations, across Canada.

One sad thing I did note, at the Joe Fresh Wiki page. In 2013, they had a tragic accident at one of their garment factories in Bangladesh, a location that employed workers from numerous clothing companies. The Joe Fresh employees who were affected by this tragedy have been compensated and they now have an employee overseeing their overseas operations/working conditions. 

Overall rating for this company. Very Good. 4 out of 5

Going Gray by Anne Kreamer

Going Gray 

I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, based on the wide variety of opinions and reviews at Amazon. 

But I’m glad that I did give it a try. I thoroughly enjoyed it, from beginning to end.

Author Anne Kreamer has provided readers with her personal journey and along with it, many surprising insights into the perils and pleasures of “going gray”.

No, it isn’t rocket science or global warming and yes, I agree, hair color and style should NOT be such a big deal.

 But let’s face it, in the real world, being a woman and over 50 in particular, it IS a big deal and a big part of how a person feels overall. And even more important, how we are perceived and often judged, by younger people in particular.

I was impressed by the research and attention to detail, that went into this book, especially the experiments with dating online and in real life that she tried, wow…that took some guts! The image consultants that she visited for advice, again interesting and enlightening reading.

I also enjoyed Kreamer’s engaging and personable style of writing. This is a very personal book. She shares her own fears, thoughts, expectations…with the reader, what her own journey to “going gray” meant for her and also for her family.

Enlightening, thought-provoking, funny and personable. 

The only thing that would have made it even better would have been some photos from the dating sites (dark hair vs silver) and also some pics of attractive, grey haired women (famous or not) would have been inspiring too.

And IMO, the back cover photos should have been both posed exactly the same (face forward) for more impact. But yes, even as a profile shot, I thought Anne looked lovely and chic with her new silvery locks. :-)

If you’ve ever considered going gray or are already embracing your “silver goddess” look, this is a book you won’t want to miss.

What are your thoughts on “going gray”?

Have you stopped coloring your hair?

Or have you never colored your hair?

PS: On a personal (hair) note, I DID give: going gray a try myself, in the past year and a bit. 

My hair is about half-way grown out at this point and sadly, I've had enough of the "grays" already, to continue. 

Planning a big snip and a henna (ash brown) coloring, in the near future. Gray hair just wasn't for me. 

But to all the women who do look great in gray/white haircolor, I say: go for it and well done! :-) It can be smashing and oh so attractive. But you've got to have the right coloring, hairstyle and make-up to pull it off successfully.

Unfortunately, I just ended up feeling drab, washed out and OLD!!! :-(

Overall rating for this book: Very Good. 4 out of 5

Love OWLS? Check Out 4 Of My Fav Owl Products! :-)

I LOVE OWLS! :-)

                                                                                                                                         

There's something so special, almost mystical about these magnificent birds.

And to have them linked to the concept of wisdom appeals to me so much too. 

Wisdom is something I continue to strive for, more and more with each passing year. Street smarts, intellect, intuition...it's all good. But having wisdom, being wise in our decisions is what truly endures.

Here are 4 of my fav new OWL items that I hope you'll enjoy, with links to the pages where you can purchase them too.

What a magnificent owl that is featured on this card. :-)

I bought these cards at the Spirithelpers Etsy shop. 

Excellent photography and such good quality paper too. Lovely envelopes are included, with a softly "ragged" edge, making the overall presentation extra special. 

This photo is also available in numerous sizes, suitable for framing, all very reasonably priced too. 

I'm so glad I purchased some of these cards to use during the holidays, I will definitely be back to purchase more in the future from Spirithelpers. 

Stop by to check out all of Tammie's work, featuring unique and beautiful photos of all types, many taken around the Montana area where she lives including: water, snow, rocks, mountains, trees and much, much more!  

 

Owl Gift Bag

I bought this paper gift bag recently, for a bag of goodies I was assembling for a gift. 

It is so cute! Nice paper quality, bag measures:  0.6 x 21 x 24.8 cm

Also includes a good-sized owl gift tag, attached. 

I always prefer using gift bags to wrapping paper. So much better to use, again and again. And I just love the OWL pattern on this gift bag too. Colorful and cute. 

Owl Pattern Bi-fold Clutch/Wallet

This wallet was a Christmas gift from Joe. It is SO cute and well-made too. I get compliments almost every time I pull it out to pay for something! :-)

It has several inside compartments (click the Amazon link above to see more product views) and with several, secure slots for credit cards too. 

Dimensions are: 7.5" x 3.5"

Mine is the soft yellow shown above but it also comes in several other colors too. 

A wallet I plan to use and enjoy for years to come. At around $5. on sale at Amazon, right now, this is a bargain for a good-quality wallet.

Owl Wallet/Cosmetic Bag

This cosmetic bag/wallet is also available at Amazon. 

It is well-made, in a sturdy canvas-type fabric.  Metal clasp closes securely at the top of bag. I bought it to stash a lipstick, pen, nail file...in my purse but it is large enough to use as a small clutch purse too.  

The dimensions are approximately : 7.5" x 4".

At less than $3. at Amazon,another owlie bargain! ;-)

Overall rating for all of these owl products: Excellent. 5 out of 5

The Company You Keep (DVD, Instant Download)

The Company You Keep

I finally got around to seeing this movie from 2013, the other night. I'm always "late" when it comes to seeing new movies it seems. ;-)

Unfortunately, it was a big disappointment.  I expected a LOT better from Robert Redford, one of my all-time fav actors. It fell well short of the mark and for so many reasons.

So many things in this story didn't add up, here are just a couple of examples: 

The FBI is looking for Nick (the character that Robert Redford plays) for over 30 years on a murder charge and can't find him with all their resources, technology etc..but a young, brash reporter does a few clicks on Google and voila, all is revealed. Come on!!!

Having Robert Redford as the biological father of a very young girl made him look even older than usual. Could they not have made it just a bit believable by having his daughter at least in her teens or as her step-dad perhaps. He looked like a grandpa or great grandpa in this one. SO sad.

He supposedly commits this murder of a bank guard in the 70s, in the daytime, at a bank when he's not even there. Again, come on!!! I'm pretty sure they had video cameras in the 70s in places like banks at least, how could they screw this up so badly?

The lack of chemistry between Julie Christie (she's still so beautiful) and Robert Redford was painful to watch. Two great actors but no sparks at all!

There were more faux pas, but that was enough to totally discredit this movie,  for me.

Robert Redford has made some wonderful movies: The Way We Were, The Natural, The Horse Whisperer... this isn't one of them. Maybe time to give directing and acting a miss. Leave a legacy of quality work instead of drivel like this one.

If you have seen this movie, I'd love to hear your thoughts about it! 

Overall rating for this product: Unsatisfactory. 1 out of 5

PS: Have any of you with Blogger blogs had problems adding links to your sidebar? 

I can't figure out why I'm no longer able to add links (and not just review titles) to the categories on the sidebar. If you can help with this, thanks so much! :-)

Mobile Art by Clare Youngs

Mobile Art by Clare Youngs

I have always loved mobiles!  ;-)

There is something so whimsical and magical about a beautifully designed (and preferably handmade) mobile.

Mobile Art by Clare Youngs contains 35 beautiful (and for the most part, easy to make) mobiles, made in a wide variety of materials including: paper, felted balls, metal, fabrics, wire...(click through to the Amazon page to check out some of the gorgeous interior photos and table of contents too)

I loved most of the designs included, particularly the: 

Cherry Blossom Cheer, Sausage Dogs, Twist and Turn Disks and Origami Swans.

The designs would work in a variety of settings: for children's rooms, in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, offices....some perfect for the outdoors too.

Full color photos throughout, clear, easy to follow directions and diagrams too.

I haven't had the time to make any of these yet, but I definitely plan too.

If you love mobiles and enjoy making unique items for your home or gifts, this is definitely a book to check out! ;-)

Overall rating for this book: Excellent. 5 out of 5