PopChef - Review

So I got this really cool thing in the mail.  I received a PopChef! YES!!! You may have seen the commercials. You can make really cool shapes with food!
**Disclosure: I received this Pop Chef free from Ideavillage Products Corp, via Fuel My Blog in order to review it. I am not paid for this post and own no stock in Ideavillage Products Corp. My review is my honest opinion of the product.**

About The Product ...
Pop Chef is the new, fast and easy way to make fabulous edible creations! The secret is its
3-in-one action – which shapes, pops, and creates stars, circles, hearts, and more without the
mess or hassle of knives or cookie cutters. With Pop Chef you can design eye popping snacks,
party platters, meals, even gifts like a pro! It’s a snack-tivity that’s even safe for kids to use.
Perfect for use on fruits, cheeses, vegetables, breads and more, Pop Chef lets you “push” and
“pop” your way through show stopping food preparations in seconds.
The 10 piece Pop Chef set is available for $10.99 at fine retailers everywhere.

My Review ...
So if you are a follower of this blog you should know that I have a daughter who is a La Cordon Blue certified Chef (Proud Momma Moment!!).  So what better gift for a chef or  ANYBODY who spends time with food preparations!  If you have seen these on the television you know that it is not just for adults. Children can use it as well.  The idea is that you PUSH, POP, and PRESTO, Lovely edible arrangements. The box even says, "Easy as 1-2-3!" The product comes with skewers so you can make fruit kabobs or put your shapes on sticks to make nice flower arrangements. This is a pretty cool way to impress your friends by making pretty horsd'oeuvres, and snacks for gatherings, parties, sleepovers, and other types of get togethers. (if you want to impress the PTA or your book club then this is for you!!).  It is a little time consuming, because you have to cut up the fruit in varying widths, and then make the shapes, (and did I mention the huge amount of wasted food...).  But it you are willing to go through all of that trouble to make some pretty shaped foods then this is definitely for you!!

This product does have it's pros and cons.
Pros - It does actually work!  It is easy to assemble. Just twist a few pieces together.  It does make really pretty shapes, and since it is all plastic it is easy for children to use. You can make the designs the width that you want just by cutting your fruit thinner or thicker.
Cons - It is NOT really EASY AS 1-2-OR 3! Matter of fact, add on 4-5 & 6 and you might be close! The push part was fine but we had a little trouble with the POP.  It did not POP right out as the picture on the box suggests, but with a little bit of coaxing and some shaking it did eventually come out! It gets very messy. There is A LOT of wasted food left over after you make the shapes.  The Pop Chef works best on softer foods such as melons, bananas (but the banana is a little more difficult to work with because if you do not line up the PopChef just right you will not get a full shape), kiwis, and sandwiches. Food such as cheese, and pineapples are much more difficult to work with. Matter of fact the PopChef did not work on the pineapples at all (the pineapple, because of the texture of the fruit, was difficult to cut), and the cheese got stuck in the tube!

 Soooo, Not so great with jello!!

GREAT with Bread !!

I enjoyed this product and it will make a very nice gift.  It can get messy but clean up is pretty easy since the pieces are plastic. So all in all I think it is a very nice product. On a scale of 1-10 I give it a solid 7!!
I am not so sure if it will put Edible Arrangements out of business, BUT if you have the time to mess around with it, you can make some pretty awesome stuff!
To buy your own POPCHEF go here ---> https://www.getpopchef.com/

#popchef #snacktivity #foodarrangement #idvproducts #ideavillage

Blessings!
Regina

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Meaningful Beauty Crème de Serum - Review

I received a special surprise in the mail! Well not really a surprise but it was nice to get a gift in the mail!
I celebrated my 47th Birthday in November, so this gift was actually quite timely LOL! It was a sample of Cindy Crawford's "Meaningful Beauty" Creme de Serum anti-aging treatment.
I generally do not like anti-aging products because the dry the skin out or pull when you smile or blink. HOWEVER, this product left my skin feeling natural and soft! We may have a winner with this one (Uh, this was a free sample so the deciding factor WILL BE the in store price!)!!
So far I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this product! It was not heavy or greasy on my skin, which is a plus since I have very particular skin. Products are usually too drying or too greasy/thick/heavy.  This product appears to be the perfect medium ground not drying and not greasy!


To learn more about this product go to http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com/products/products,default,pg.html

To purchase this product go to http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com/select-a-system/order,default,pg.html


**I received Meaningful Beauty Crème de Serum complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. The review is my thoughts on the product.**

Smooches!
Regina
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Last Light - Book Review

Lights Out? Check
Technology Dead? Check
Killer Loose? Check
Food Shortage? Check
Mystery & Intrigue? Check...
Book review? Check!  I got to review a book called Last Light.
* BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of “Last Light” to read in order to write my review. The thoughts and review are all my own. I have not been monetarily compensated for a favorable review.*

Title: Last Light
Author: Terri Blackstock
Publisher: Zondervan  
Date of publication: September, 2005
Number of pages: 381

About the Book:
New York Times best-selling suspense author Terri Blackstock weaves a masterful what-if novel in which global catastrophe reveals the darkness in human hearts—and lights the way to restoration for a self-centered world.
The city of Birmingham, Alabama, is experiencing a massive blackout. Planes suddenly lose power and crash to the earth. Cars stall in the middle of the street and won't restart. Cell phones and the Internet are dead. All communications are cut off. Is it a terrorist attack . . . or something far worse?
In the face of a crisis that sweeps an entire high-tech planet back to a time before electricity, the Branning family faces a choice. Hoard their possessions to survive—or trust God to provide as they share their resources and hearts with those around them? Yesterday's world is gone and now all they’ve got is family and community. Like never before, they must rely on each other.
Especially since someone close by is a killer.

My Review:

First let me say this book is a re-issue, it was first published in 2005. So for many it may be an old read, This was my first go round with this book and it was a believable plot. This is the first of the "Restoration" series with three more following.

The book started with a bang! Planes falling from the sky, Fist fights in Walmart over 10 - speed bikes, thousands of cars littering the roads going nowhere, and people trying to understand what is going on..... Chapter one was THE BEST chapter in the book! It draws you in and hooks you, so that you want to know "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT??"

  I can thoroughly see this happening in the world we live in.  I enjoyed how the author took an ordinary family (the Branning Family) and exposed their story. We got to see the world through the not so rose-colored glasses of the Brannings. 

Much of the story was about the oldest daughter Deni and her inability to accept life as it had become. When I say inability to accept life, I do NOT mean that she became Zena Warrior Princess and fought to help create a new world, I really mean she wallowed in self pity, selfishness, and an almost unbelievable naivety about the entire situation, and showed disdain for family and friends who were coping and she was literally unable to accept the new life as it had become.  Matter of fact most of the book was extremely hard for me to get through because I could not believe that a 22 year old young woman could be so gullible, so naive, so oblivious to anything that was not about her, so selfishly self important, as to make me totally DISLIKE her character (and she wasn't even the bad guy)! Deni's entire life depended on her getting from Alabama to Washington D.C. where she was sure her fiance was waiting for her. 

Matter of fact the bad guy's character at least made some sense and you knew what he was really about, but Deni Branning appeared to have had her brain and personality left on the cutting room floor during the editing process. Deni Branning made me want to skip all the parts that were about her but then that would have been about 90% of the book so I stuck it out and read all the way through.

I also must say that this entire story is VERY MUCH reminiscent of the television show "Revolution" (Does that still even come on??), only difference is those characters were actually entertaining. The characters from Last Light seem very one dimensional. There is no "real" connection to anything. There is really no back story as if their lives started when the lights went out.  The way this review appears to be very much about Deni, well that is how the majority of the book read. There was a few instances that dealt with the mother, Kay Branning, feeling in adequate to survive and care for her family in a post electricity world.  She had to come to a place where she REALLY relied on God to bring her through. Kay's come to Jesus moment never really came but the story hinted to a relationship with God. The book also had a few paragraphs about a 16 year old brother named Jeff who is the epitome of 16 year old insolence, and a 12 year old sister named Beth who is almost invisible in the story.  And the dad Doug Branning, who has to deal with the attitudes of a 22 year old prima Donna, a 16 year old rebel, a 12 year old shadow of a daughter, a self loathing, inadequate wife, and keep them all protected from a faceless maniac who is killing families and stealing all the goods in town. Oh yea, and the town has one black family and the father of this family becomes most likely suspect #1.

**Deep Sigh**

Because of the plot and write up, I really wanted to like this book. But the one-dimensional characters and Deni Branning made it a bit unbearable for me. On a scale of 1-5, I give this book a 1. I would not read anything else in this series but I might give Terri Blackstock another chance to win me over just because I felt that just below the surface something REALLY good could have and should have happened.

Blessings All,
Regina

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Homemade Chicken Soup Beats Texas Cold Weather!

Tis' the season!! It is getting cold out ...yes even here in Texas. We are experiencing some cold days and colder nights. (well NOT cold compared to upstate NY but cold enough for these Texans!).
When it gets cold out I like to make either homemade soup or beans.  So today I opted for some homemade chicken soup! But the funny part about this soup is that it was made ENTIRELY from leftovers out of the refrigerator!!

I looked in the fridge and we had some leftover chicken breast, some diced tomatoes (from a chili I made previously), some corn, some green beans, and even some green beans with onions, I also had leftover rice! I cut that chicken up into chunks and gathered all the other ingredients (except the rice, that goes in last since it is already cooked and you do not want it to get mushy) and I tossed it all in the pot with some water and a few seasonings and let it whip!!

In about 15 minutes, I turned it off tossed in the rice and let it stand for about 5 minutes. 

In a total of 20 minutes I had one of the best bowls of homemade chicken soup EVER!!

BEFORE

AFTER

This weather can't get me down, I KNOW HOW TO COOK!!! I can make it do what it do!

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Happy Birthday to Me!

Welcome to my belated Birthday post!!!! Yes on November 13, 2013 I celebrated 47 years of life! NO, I have no problem sharing my age! Unlike thousands of other women who feel the need to lie about their age, or get offended when you ask them their age, I AM PROUD OF MY AGE!  It shows 47 years that God has blessed me to continue to grow! So No, I am not celebrating my 25th birthday again, or shaving 10 years off my true age! I am 47 and BLESSED!!!

My daughters made me a birthday breakfast (that I had to share with my youngest son, who had the NERVE to be born on my birthday!! Happy Birthday Mr. Manager!). It was awesome , eggs, bacon, cheese grits, orange juice, potatoes, and Belgian waffles.

BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST!

 

My son bought me some BEAUTIFUL flowers!!

After church my mom treated me to Monster Nachos at Freebirds!!!  (I don't care what anyone says about Chipotle, they don't have ANYTHING on Freebirds!!!).

MONSTER NACHOS!

I even had some New York style Cheesecake with a side of huge strawberries!

Mmmmm! CHEESECAKE!

 

and received a few gift cards from my brother & sister in Christ! All in all it was a beautiful Birthday! Thanks to my family and friends who participated in my birthday celebration!!! I can only thank God for seeing me this far and for granting me life!

Peace, Love, & Blessings All!!
Regina


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Flashlight Friends Review and Birthdays

Okay so by now if you are a regular visitor to my blog you know that I occasionally receive things in the mail to review. This is a Win/Win situation for me because I get free things in the mail (WHICH I LOVE!!) and I get to voice my opinion (WHICH I ALSO LOVE!!), so it's a WIN/WIN!!!

Today I am posting a review on the FLASHLIGHT FRIENDS!

The Flashlight Friends have a continual commercial on Qubo. Yes I said Qubo! (I am not a paid TV subscriber so our antenna picks up Qubo and that is what the grandboy watches!).  If you have a young child who watches Qubo then I am sure you have seen the commercial for FLASHLIGHT FRIENDS.  And true to form my grandson sees this commercial and says,  "I WANT THAT MAW MAW"!  **Deep Sigh**

But anyway!

**Disclosure: I received this Flashlight Friend free from Ideavillage Products Corp, via Fuel My Blog in order to review it. I am not paid for this post and own no stock in Ideavillage Products Corp. My review is my honest opinion of the product.**

About The Product...

“FlashlightFriends are the new huggable, lovable plush animals that foster comfort and security
at bedtime.  A cool-to-the-touch, soft glow LED flashlight is built right in to the plush animal’s belly. Just tap the tummy light twice to turn them on. There’s even a 10-minute auto shut-off. With Flashlight Friends, a child is never alone in the dark.

FlashlightFriends are available in Dragon, Penguin, Puppy, and Unicorn styles and have a nifty
little loop that lets little hands carry them around with ease. For ages 4 and up.”

My Review...

First of all my oldest grandson turned 4 on yesterday! (convenient huh?!) So that makes FLASH LIGHT FRIENDS the PERFECT gift (you know because it is for kids ages 4 and up!). He opened it up and.....LOVED IT!!! My grandson has a fascination with building forts and tents. He goes in and stays for hours with his toys so HOW PERFECT IS THIS?!?! It is a flashlight mixed with a stuffed animal.  We got the plush puppy (it is sooo cute)!  After he shined it around on the walls for about 15-20 minutes he headed for the living room pillows and grabbed a blanket. ...Now comes the ultimate test... YES!!! WE HAVE A WINNER! He went under those blankets and pillows turned on his Flashlight Friend and all I heard was laughing! He is one happy camper! So He LOVES IT! My Grandson's FAVORITE line is "Maw Maw I'm Happy!!!" And yes he is Happy! This is a good reading light, night light, or spot light. He cannot reach the light in my bathroom and usually drags his chair in there to climb on and flick the switch. BUT today he went in with his FLASHLIGHT FRIEND!! LOL!!! Then said, "Maw Maw I did it"!

As for me, the Flashlight friend has NO small parts that kids could swallow. There are NO mechanical pieces that could pose any danger. The flashlight does NOT get hot and has an automatic 10 minute shut off feature, so it poses NO burn or fire risks. On a scale of 1-5, this gets a definite 5 STARS!!!

All you need is 3 AAA batteries and you are ready to go! 

To learn more about the FLASHLIGHT FRIENDS or to buy your own go HERE!

 LIGHT ON IN THE TENT!

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY SNICKERDOODLE!!!

#idvproducts #ideavillage #Ideavillage Products Corp, #FlashLight Friends, #flfpenguin, #flfdragon, #flfunicorn, #flfpuppy.

Blessings,
Regina

https://www.flashlightfriends.com/?MID=3596828
https://www.ideavillage.com/Idea-Village-Products.dtm




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Love And Teamwork Makes The Dream Work!

I want to take a minute to thank God for placing some fabulous people in my life. I am on a team at church with some exceptional women! We laugh, we play, and no matter what our flaws or insecurities we love one another and pray for each other. This is a team definitely made up of a lot of different personalities and this is DEFINITELY NOT YOUR NORMAL TEAM, but we make it work! I pray that this team grows more loving and accepting of one another, I pray that we always remain respectful and tolerant and that we remember that NONE of us are perfect but that we always operate in God's Agape love for each other.

I go before the throne room of God on behalf of my sisters...

As we move forward in Christ I ask you Father to continually protect my sisters. Continually infuse my sisters with your Holy Spirit. Continually show my sisters their worth through your eyes Lord. Remind my sisters that YOU and YOU alone deliver us, comfort us, walk with us, and carry us through each and every storm of life. I thank you Father on behalf of myself and all of my sisters that YOU grant us new mercies and grace daily. I thank you that as we go through out the day YOUR light will shine through us and that we will positively impact the world for your GLORY. I ask for less of US Lord and more of YOU! As we pour out prayers, blessings, encouragement, and love on one another and on others continue to fill us so that we are never empty, and are always full of you Lord.
Mold us into mighty PROVERBS 31 WOMEN! Father continue to build up in us the righteousness that you expect, help us to see ourselves as YOU see us and Lord lastly help us to walk this world as an Ambassador for You. As we walk into this new season, I ask that you guide us. Father strengthen our team, give us a clear focus, and let us remember to keep you as our foundation!
In the name that is above all names, JESUS!
AMEN & AMEN!!!!!

Blessings,
Regina


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Flipeez Action Hats - Review!

A constant commercial on Qubo is the one for FLIPEEZ action hats. If you have a young child who watches Qubo then I am sure you have seen the commercial for Flipeez. It is a hat with moving flippy parts! And true to form my grandson sees this commercial and says,  "I WANT THAT MAW MAW"!  **Deep Sigh**

But anyway!

Today I am reviewing the FLIPEEZ!

**Disclosure: I received this Flipeez free from Ideavillage Products Corp, via Fuel My Blog in order to review it. I am not paid for this post and own no stock in Ideavillage Products Corp. My review is my honest opinion of the product.**

About the Product...

Flipeez are the fun, fanciful, animal action-hats that let kids of all ages “flip their lid”! From the makers of Stompeez, the 2012 pop-when-you-walk slipper sensation that sold 4 million units in 6 months, Flipeez are destined to become this season’s next BIG thing! Available in 4 precocious and colorful styles – Kitty, Monster, Monkey, and Puppy – each has its own distinct “action”. Arms open or tails wag with a simple squeeze of the puff-ball in the tassel.
Flipeez boast a super soft inner fleece lining and knit outer hat that allows one-size-fits-all flexibility. Whether you are 4 or 104, this functional fashion accessory is guaranteed to bring lots of smiles to everyone!

My Review...
So I received the "Monster Flipeez" to review. This is the perfect accessory for Halloween. It gives the flexibility of dressing up without actually having to do anything besides put on a hat! Interesting since I do not celebrate Halloween! Anyway the hat comes in Monster, Monkey, Puppy, and Kitty, and they are actually really cute. The hats are also very warm with a fleece lining inside. So if you live in the cooler states or if it is fall/winter where you are this is fun AND functional for your little one. For the monster hat if you squeeze the tassel two little monster arms pop up! The hat reminds me of the monsters in one of my favorite childhood stories "Where The Wild Things Are" (The ACTUAL BOOK not the movie, ugh!). The hat is cute in a slightly creepy way! The hat is fun, warm, and entertaining. No batteries needed, just put it on and squeeze! It actually keeps kids occupied for a while (if you can stand all the fake monster noises!). On a scale of 1-5, I give this product a 5!
To learn more about Flipeez go HERE! To purchase your own FLIPEEZ go HERE!

Oh yea, ADULTS love them as well (as evidenced by the Diva)!

At First Not Sure About It!

Then Discovering That It Moves!

 Super Silly!

 Uh, A Little TOO MUCH FUN!!

Get your (Uh your CHILDREN) a Flipeez TODAY!!!

http://flipeez.com
http://flipeez.tumblr.com

Enjoy!
Regina
http://flipeez.com
http://flipeez.tumblr.com

#flipeez #actionhats #twitchykitty #huggymonkey #playfulpuppy #peekaboomonster
#idvproducts #ideavillage

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