New Way of Eating

Hi. I've decided to start up on my blog again. It's been way too long & what better time to re-commit myself to this, than now. Right? 

 I've been on and off Keto for the last several years and was able to drop around 15 pounds, I got below 200 punds, which was really exciting! But, once the pandemic rear up, I used it as an excuse to fall off the keto wagon-hard. I've been struggling since then to get back. 

 Fast forward to the beginning of July. My husband, off handedly, said he didn't think I could to Raw Vegan. I said, I'll do it for a week; and I did. That turned into me doing some strange combonation of Vegan/Vegetarian. When I "research" a new diet or way of eating I obsessively watch YouTube videos about that particular subject. All three (raw vegan, vegetarian, starch solution) are closely related. 

 I'm not sure how I arrived at the starch solution, but I'm glad I did. As far as I understand you eat whole foods and are vegan, but also oil free. You are to basically eat starchy veggies and cruciferous veggies at each meal. That is what it is, in the simplest form. 

 So, I am fumbling my way through with the help of Dr. McDougall's The Starch Solution and YouTubers. I am back over 200 pounds again, but I think once I get a handle on this way of eating, I will easily get under that.

This is my dinner for the evening.  I found this bowl on Amazon.  I looked for a dish that was split in half because I need to have half starchy veggies and half cruciferous veggies.  

I'm going to try and be consistent with this, and am considering doing some YouTube videos.  What do you think?

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Product Review SM-165 Finger Pulse Oximeter

When I received the SM-165 Finger Pulse Oximeter to test it couldn't have come at a better time.  My youngest daughter had just gotten out of the hospital from a fairly serious case of pneumonia.  Her pulse oxygen level dropped into the 80s and we were taken to the hospital in an ambulance.  It was scary and really a nightmare for her due to her Selective Mutism.  

This is my 6 year old's reading on the SM-165 after being released from the hospital and finishing her antibiotics.

Below you will find some specifications on the SM-165 Finger Pulse Oximeter :

1.    FDA Approved. Measures quickly and accurately pulse rate and SpO2 blood oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin levels.
2.    Bright Color OLED display shows real time Pulse Rate Plesthymograph wave of strength of pulse, Pulse Rate and bar graph, SpO2 level and Battery level.
3.    Rotatable multidirectional display, allows you to view your results in any direction plus Plesthymograph wave options.
4.    Light and compact, accommodates wide range of finger sizes, long battery life, automatic power off after 8 seconds. Not a medical device.
5.    You Get: Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, Neck/Wrist Cord, Case, User Manual, 2-AAA Batteries, plus our no-hassle 1 year warranty and friendly customer service.

This pulse ox meter is very easy to use and seems to give an accurate reading.  I think having one of these meters on hand is a great idea.  

I received this item in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

12 in 1 Headband - Versatile Sports Headwear (US) Review

The 12 in 1 Headband is available from Tough Headband on Amazon.  It is made from a soft moisture wicking microfiber.

This is the pattern I picked.

My youngest daughter got a similar item from a theater that they were using to promote a movie. She loves it! I was really intrigued by the multitude of options wear it in. So, when I found out about these 12-in-1 Headbands by Tough Headband, I couldn't wait to try one for myself!

There are so many colors and patterns to chose from, it seems anyone could find one they like. I picked this particular pattern because I liked the earthy tones. So far, I have worn this as a scrunchi and a headband. When I wore the headband version of it I opened it a bit wider so it covered my ears. I love the fact that I can keep my ears warm in a stylish way since were having some pretty cold weather when I first got it!

My daughter just started playing soccer and I know she is going to want to wear one while she plays when it's really hot.  It will keep her hair out of her face beautifully!

I received this item complementary in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Slow Cooker Recipes Cookbook for Beginners Review + Giveaway

I was given the opportunity to review the Slow Cooker Recipes for Beginners cookbook.  I received the Kindle version, but there is also a hard copy you can get.    

This starter slow cooker cook book has over 50 recipes within the 6 chapters; including Appetizers and Sides, Soups and Stews, Meats, Vegetarian, Sides, and Desserts.   I was really impressed with the variety I found in this book.  One of the recipes I cannot wait to try is the Cream of Mushroom soup! There is a local Columbian restaurant that we go to that serves the best cream of mushroom soup and I'm hoping to find an at home version to make.

Its great that there is a vegetarian section in the book too, we try to eat vegetarian at least twice a week.  Plus, slow cooker recipes are great for busy families.  You can start it in the morning or afternoon and it is done by dinner time with minimal work!

The recipes in this book go from needing just a few ingredients up to needing lots of ingredients, so depending on how much time and how in-depth you want to get you should be able to find something.  You can enter to win your own copy of this awesome cookbook below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an ebook copy of this book in order to facilitate this review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

WashGuard - Lingerie Bags for Laundry Review + Giveaway

I have never see a lingerie bag like this before.  Usually the bags I see in the store are made with a mesh-type fabric that easily tangles bra hooks.  But, this WashGuard bag has a very fine mesh, that does not allow anything to get tangled in it.

The zipper is easily hid under a little elastic piece, so you don't have to worry about it unzipping while it is in the wash.

I received the small WashGuard, I have used it several times for a variety of items; such as panties, stockings, tights, bras, fashion scarves, and a winter scarf (that my aunt made).  I found this lingerie bag to be superior to any other that I have used before.

You can purchase these great bags directly from Amazon, but you can also enter to win one from my blog!  Just follow the steps in the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received this product in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

Product Review Tanors Silicone Baking Mats

I love baking.  I don't always have time to do it.  My kitchen is tiny, which doesn't lend itself to baking in general.  So, I am always looking for things that will make cooking or baking easier for me.  These mats are just the ticket.

Usually when I bake cookies I use a fresh sheet of foil for each batch.  I only have two cookie sheets and don't like having to wash them each time I use them.  I know fresh foil each time I use a cookie sheet it wasteful and not the best for the environment, but it's what I do.  When I got the opportunity to test these Tanors Silicone Baking Mats, I jumped at the chance.

You get two 16 5/8" x 11" mats on Amazon for $15.99, and free shipping if you have Amazon Prime!  They are non-stick, professional German grade, and FDA safe.  Plus, they do what they are supposed to, keep my cookies from sticking.  Tonight I made some oatmeal/oatmeal raisin cookies.  The only reason I used a spatula is because the cookies were still a bit hot and I didn't want to burn myself.  I didn't have to use any cooking spray, the mats do it on their own.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal Cookies

I made both batches of cookies on the same mat, without having to wash it or anything.  There was no cookie residue, that I find when using foil.  Lets face it, I feel tons better now that I have cut down on my foil usage!

I received this item at little or no cost in exchange for my honest review.

Kiss InstaWave-An Automatic Curling Iron for Salon Quality Curls

No longer do we need a professional to style our hair to perfection. Instantly create beautiful, long-lasting curls with just the touch of a button with the KISS InstaWave, a fully automatic tangle-free curler.  It's features include:

-KISS InstaWave is a fully automatic tangle-free curler that instantly creates beautiful curls

-Easy for anyone to use, from any angle, with any hand

-Features a Curl Dial with left/right curl directions

-Automatically shuts off after 90 minutes

-2 heat settings with a low/high switch with maximum temperature of 420

Ready to try it yourself yet?  You can pick up the KISS InstaWave at Target, Ulta, and Amazon.com!

Wonder how this amazing curling iron works?


Hold InstaWave vertically

Simply place section of hair on the InstaWave curling rod














Touch the Curl Dial either left or right, the InstaWave instantly and automatically catches and curls hair.

Hold for 5-10 seconds, hold longer for tighter curls and less for beachy waves

Pull the InstaWave down vertically, letting hair out

**Tip: Switch between curling right and curling left to create the most natural looking curls

The revolutionary KISS InstaWave is a fully automatic tangle-free curler that instantly creates beautiful, long-lasting curls with ease.  I'm not a professional, nor do I often curl my hair with a curling iron.  I found that after a couple of tries I was able to curl my hair with ease.  You can engage with +KissProductsInc on Twitter or Facebook by clicking one of the links!  

ToiletTree Bamboo Deluxe Shower Floor and Bath Mat Product Review

What kind of mat do you use in your bathroom?  I was using just the typical towel type bathmat.  That is until I received the ToiletTree Bamboo Deluxe Bathmat.  I really like stepping out of the shower onto the smooth, sturdy bamboo mat.  There are non-slip pads on the bottom so the mat doesn't slide across my bathroom.  I have been using the Deluxe Bathmat for about two weeks. I have taken to cleaning it weekly when I clean the rest of my bathroom.  I have one window in my bathroom, but no fan or other ventilation, so I need to clean the mat to combat mildew.  I just stand it up in my tub and use a spray cleaner, let it soak and then rinse.

This ToiletTree Bamboo Deluxe Bathmat can also be used outdoors, if you have a hot tub or jacuzzi, this would be ideal!  It's made of 100% ecofriendly bamboo and has a glossy finish that protects the mat from water stains.

This is one of ToiletTree's newest products, you can purchase it from Amazon now!

I received this product in exchange for a review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Valentia's Even Glow Serum Product Review

I was recently asked to do a review of Valentia Even Glow Serum.  I had never used anything like it.  I'm generally a low maintenance face care kind of person.  I found this product intriguing because it is 98% natural and contains 20% Vitamin C.

When I first tried the Valentia Even Glow Serum I was struck by the scent.  It is very pleasant and comes from the organic rosehip oil and organic sea buckthorn oil, it is very light and pleasing.  The texture of the serum is so smooth.  It is absorbed very quickly and leaves no residue.  It is recommended that you wait at least 5 minutes after applying the Serum before applying your foundation or other face makeup.

So, what does this serum do for you?  It evens skin tone and gives you a glow.  I have been using it for about two weeks and really noticed a difference.  In fact, I saw my doctor last week and she commented on how great I look and that my face was glowing.  That leads me to believe that it really works.  I mean I can see a difference, but I always wonder if it is just me, love it when someone else notices.

Valentia Even Glow Serum also smooths fine lines and wrinkles along with boosting collagen production.  You can get a 1.8 ounce on Amazon for $35 right now.  I also encourage you to checkout the other product reviews and the FAQ section for more information.

Disclaimer: I received this product at no charge in exchange for a review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.