Friday, October 30, 2015

How I Use My Udderly Smooth Products & Homemade Shaving Cream Recipe




Welcome to A Sampling Bee! Today, I share with you other uses for Udderly Smooth's Lotions, Body Creams and Hand Creams! The uses for lotions, body creams and hand creams are endless! Today, I share with you a few ways that I use mine. Share with me how you use yours!
 
Udderly Smooth Products are available at your local Walmart Pharmacy.  In the First Aid section.


This is a trick that I have been using for quite a while. I love scented lotions but I get tired of the same 'ole scented lotion. So, I buy a plain, unscented lotion, like Udderly Smooth's Shea Butter. I put a scoop of lotion in my hand and then add a little drop of my favorite scented perfume. I apply the lotion to my arms, shoulders, neck and legs. Not only do I stay moisturized all day, but I noticed that my perfume lasts longer!

Next time you are at the mall or Sephora, visit a makeup counter and ask for perfume samples. You get to sample new perfumes as well as have a bunch of options for your scented lotion!


I grew up loving Cross Stitch. Every time I visit a cross stitch store, 99% of the time see Udderly Smooth products at the register. I use my Udderly Smooth to keep my hands smooth. As well as use the lotion to condition the threads that I am using. One more use for lotion when cross stitching? It's great for threading needles!

 Homemade Shaving Cream Recipe


You'll Need:

2/3 cup Udderly Smooth's lotion
2/3 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup olive oil or grapeseed oil
10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil or perfume
2 tablespoons baking soda

Directions:

1. Melt 2/3 cup of coconut oil and Udderly Smooth Lotion together either in a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir in 1/4 cup of olive oil or grapeseed oil.
2. When melted, add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oil or perfume.
3. Leave the ingredients in the bowl and give it a good stir. Set the mixture into the fridge to harden.
4. Once It has solidified (about 1 hour) remove it out the fridge and let it soften slightly.
5. Add the 2 tablespoons of baking soda and beat until all of the ingredients are a fluffy texture.
6. Enjoy your homemade Shaving Cream! Apply to wherever you'll be shaving and them rinse. Store Shaving Cream in a cool, dark area.

 
 
I always use lotion instead of shaving cream. This was the first time that I made Homemade Shaving Cream. I used lemon essential oil in my shaving cream and it smells fantastic! Homemade shaving cream is so much better than store bought. There are no harsh chemicals added when it's homemade. You know what is in it!


Udderly Smooth products are made in the USA and do not contain any harsh chemicals. Udderly Smooth products are available at Walmart Pharmacy, Amazon.com, CVS, Wegmans, Walgreens, etc. To see if Udderly Smooth products are available at a store near you, visit HERE!

 
I received free Udderly Smooth products to create this post. All opinions are my own! Always!

~Melissa~

Fresh Baby: Importance of Eating Seafood Twice a Week

 
Happy Friday, all! Today, I share with you why it is so important to eat seafood at least twice a week.
I love seafood! Especially clams, fish, shrimp and scallops. I enjoy an occasional can of tuna ;) Do you enjoy seafood? What are some of your favorite recipes? Share, please :)
According to the USDA, it is important to eat seafood twice a week. This includes fish and shellfish. Skip the fried seafood and choose healthy options. Instead,  bake, broil, grill or roast your seafood. Instead of heavy breading, use spices from your pantry to add a little bit of flavor. You can use dill, paprika, Adobo, Lawry's or Old Bay Seasoning. Even a little bit of lemon juice. Add a scoop of tuna salad or crab salad to the top of a fresh salad with lots of vegetables. The options are endless!

So, why is it so important?

Eating 8 ounces of seafood each week can help prevent heart disease. Seafood, especially fish is high in Omega-3s. Omega-3s are not only good for the heart. Omega-3s are good for your nervous system. Omega-3s help develop the nervous system in infants and children. Seafood may can help with tissue inflammation as well as alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Pick fish that are low in Mercury but high is Omega-3s. It does not have to cost you a pretty penny to eat seafood twice a week. Look through your grocery store flyers to see what is on sale, buy frozen or search online for printable coupons.

Don't forget to cook seafood thoroughly. Discard any clams or mussels that do not open or snap shut when tapped with a fork. Cook fish to 145° F, until it flakes with a fork. Cook shrimp, lobster, and scallops until they are opaque (milky white).

Remember- portion sizes!

Fresh Baby has a bunch of awesome seafood recipes on their site. Check it out HERE. Here is a recipe that I love: http://freshbaby.com/recipes/recipe_view.cfm?id=238#.VjODAbtdE5s ENJOY :)

A Recipe for Healthy Shrimp Adapted by Health.com:

grilled-shrimp

Citrusy Shrimp with Asparagus

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time:
  • Yield: Makes 4 servings (serving size: 4-5 shrimp, 1 cup couscous, and about 7 asparagus stalks)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup dried couscous
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
  • 3/4 pound raw large shrimp (about 18), peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 3/4 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives    

Preparation

1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in medium saucepan. Remove from heat, and stir in couscous; cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; stir in 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
2. Bring another pan of water to a boil.
3. Meanwhile, toss shrimp in 1 tablespoon each lemon and lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, garlic, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Marinate for 5 minutes.
4. Preheat grill pan or grill. Lightly coat with cooking spray; grill shrimp, turning once, 3 minutes or until just cooked through. Cover and keep warm.
5. When water is boiling, add asparagus, and cook 3 minutes or until just tender. Drain, and cover.
6. Whisk together honey, chives, and remaining lemon juice and olive oil.
7. Arrange couscous and asparagus on serving plates, and top with shrimp. Drizzle with dressing.
    

Nutritional Information

Calories per serving:282
Fat per serving:5g
Saturated fat per serving:1g
Monounsaturated fat per serving:3g
Polyunsaturated fat per serving:1g
Protein per serving:20g
Carbohydrates per serving:39g
Fiber per serving:3g
Cholesterol per serving:126mg
Iron per serving:3mg
Sodium per serving:451mg
Calcium per serving:51mg
Thursday, October 29, 2015

Santamedical PM- 180 Tens Unit Review


 
 
Hello! Welcome to A Sampling Bee. Today, I share with you a PM-180 Tens Unit! This Tens Unit is made by Santamedical. It's great for on-the-go use! Say bye, bye to your stubborn pains!


                                       


Santamedical PM-180 Rechargeable Tens Unit Electronic Pulse Massager is a compact, portable, micro-computer controlled device. It can be put into a purse, suitcase or carry-on. It can be used on your arms, back, neck, shoulders, legs, feet and joints. The battery is rechargeable.  This Tens Unit has six modes. Easily decrease or increase the massage settings to make the vibration comfortable to your liking.  Attachment pads, Rechargeable Battery and Power Adapter included with purchase. The Tens Unit has a timer as well. You can set the timer for as little as 10 minutes or as much as 60 minutes.

 
My Thoughts
 
This Tens Unit works really good! I put the pads around my elbow because it has been sore. I immediately felt the vibrations from the Tens Unit. I turned up to two bars and that was plenty. It felt so good. My arm and elbow were still vibrating for about 5 minutes after using it. The pads are super sticky which allows them to stay on your skin good. Removing them is easy. I can't wait to try the Tens Unit on my lower back.
 
It's nice that the unit has a rechargeable battery because I don't have to worry about having extra batteries around. The Tens unit is small enough to fit into a pocket. Great for on-the-go use.
 
I received this product at a discounted price in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Always!
 


 
~Melissa~

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Therapeutic Foot Soak Review



Hello! Today, I share with you a Therapeutic Foot Soak that is great for eliminating foot odor and bacteria on your tired, stinky feet. Both you and your feet deserve a nice soaking! :)


 
This Therapeutic Foot Soak is enriched with Tea Tree Essential Oil, Broad Spectrum Essential Oils, and Antibacterial Extracts. Including Neem Oil, Golden Seal Extract and Olive Leaf Extract. These have been used for centuries for Skin Discomfort. It's blended with Epsom Salt, MSM, and Trace Mineral Rich Dead Sea Salt and Himalayan Pink Salt. The Foot Soak helps provide relief.  It helps soak away and defend against fungus and bacteria responsible for foot odor, athlete's foot, toenail infection and nail fungus, and other common foot and skin irritation. Ideal for smelly feet. The Therapeutic Foot Soak makes a great odor eliminator.

For a nice foot soak, you need 2-3 Tablespoons of salt (depending upon how strong of a soak you want). Added to warm water. Do not use hot water. Stir water by hand or using a large spoon. Let salt fully dissolve to activate the essential oils. Let feet soak for 15-20 minutes. Gentle enough for daily use. Ideal for Athletes, Military Personnel, or anyone that spends long hours on their feet.


My Thoughts

The mint scent of this foot soak is amazing! Not only does the foot soak make my feet smell good, but it makes my whole house smell good! The foot soak is made of natural ingredients. So, it's gentle enough to use every day if desired. It moisturizes my feet as well as fights stinky odors. My shoes don't smell anymore. I have more confidence when it comes to foot odor. No one likes smelly feet! Soaking my feet is so relaxing and soothing. Smelling the minty vapors makes me relaxed :) I recommend this foot soak!

All you need is a little bit of the foot soak. A little bit goes a long way. The 16 ounce bag will last you a while. Perfect excuse for a spa party :)

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Always!

*Contains affiliate link
 
 
~Melissa~

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Cardinal Health: Comfort in the Time of Healing


*Cardinal Health sent me this product to try, and donated to a charity of my choice.

 
Welcome! Today, I share with you a new option for hospital patients. Hospital patients, including new moms, now have the option to get at-home products. Cardinal Health has designed these at-home products and services so that the patients that are being released from the hospital can feel more comfortable about going home.
 
Cardinal Health is making it easier for moms to get some pain relief at home. They have created an at-home product line to provide comfort while recuperating. Cardinal Health's products and services are used in most of today's hospitals. So it's nice to know that if new moms need something that can help them recover, they can take some of Cardinal Health's at-home products home with them. For more product information and indications for use, visit www.cardinalhealth.com/products.

Having my second child by C-section in January, I was afraid to be sent home because I was still healing. I was also experiencing a little bit of pain from time to time. Being sent home with Cardinal Health Perineal Ice Packs gave me some relief. Their Perineal Ice Packs are the number one perineal cold pack in hospitals. So, I knew that I was being taken care of outside of the hospital. The ice packs are easy to use and stay cold long enough to get some relief from discomfort. The perineal ice packs have an absorbent pad and instant coldness. They are made from soft material for controlled cold therapy. To use, all you need to do is bend the center of the ice pack, shake it and then apply. Discard after use. Moms can go home feeling more confident now. Knowing that Cardinal Health is here to help them with their "getting back to normal after baby" journey. Cardinal Health was there for me as I healed at home. This perineal ice pack helped me a lot!


Products available to patients are, Advanced Wound Care, First Aid, Personal Care and Home Healthcare Products. Proper post-hospital care is critical to avoid re-admission. Cardinal Healthcare is trying to lessen the number of re-admissions by sending patients home with the knowledge of their at-home product line. Ask hospital staff about taking some home today.

 

Cardinal Health has close to 100 years in service. They provide medical products and services to many of America's top Hospitals.

Get more information about Cardinal Health Below:

Cardinal Health Website: www.cardinalhealth.com/products
Cardinal Health Twitter: https://twitter.com/cardinalhealth
Cardinal Health Infographic: http://sforce.co/1j2XS8M

*Cardinal Health sent me this product to try, and donated to a charity of my choice.
 
~Melissa~
Thursday, October 22, 2015

SantaMedical's Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer Review


 
Good evening! Tonight, I share with you SantaMedical's Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer! This thermometer is great to have on hand if you have kids :)
 
 
 

The SantaMedical non-contact infrared (IR) clinical thermometer provides a simple, expedient, and accurate way for initial fever screenings by taking the temperature of areas on the face such as the forehead or tear ducts. It obtains the body temperature reading with 0.3 degree accuracy in less than 1 second. The SantaMedical IR thermometer features an intuitive guidance system to secure positioning and confirm accurate readings. 
 
The thermometer has a memory recall. Which means that it keeps track of the last 32 readings. It has a large back-lit LCD digital screen for easy reading. The thermometer automatically shuts off if not being used. You have the option to have your readings read in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Also comes with an adjustable audio alarm to notify of a high temperature.
 
 
My Thoughts

I prefer this type of thermometer over the under the tongue thermometer. This non-contact thermometer makes it so much easier for take my children's temperatures. I get a reading in less than 5 seconds and there is no fighting or crying. The thermometer works very well.

The screen is a nice size. It's big enough to see the numbers from far away. The back light is a nice added touch. The thermometer is easy to hold. I love how it saves the last 32 readings. You never know when you will need them :)

The thermometer comes with a carrying bag/storage bag, instructions and batteries.

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Always!



~Melissa~
Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Valentina Paris Wine Glasses Review



Hello again! I share with you Valentina Paris' Wine Glasses! These babies are big! Big enough to hold a nice, large glass of Vino!

 

These Wine Glasses are designed in Paris by professional designers. Each one is individually made by a time-honored tradition called mouth-blowing. The design on the glasses are hand painted. The glasses are a perfect match for any occasion, be it an elegant dinner, casual get together, or relaxing evening with a good book. These wine glasses are something that you will re-use over and over again. The perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.



My Thoughts

I love these wine glasses. They're perfect for a big glass of wine after a looong day ;) The design on the wine glasses are so pretty. They were designed larger so that you can swirl the wine and smell its aroma before tasting it. I hand wash my glasses. They do not fit on the top rack of my dishwasher.  I recommend these! They are beautiful!

*Please drink responsibly.

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Always!

*Contains affiliate links


~Melissa~

Pick-Ease Review and Giveaway

 
 
 
Welcome :) Today, I share with you a cool product for picky eaters. It's Pick-Ease! Every young child should have some! Let's make meal time fun and exciting!



Pick-Ease is perfect for almost any kind food. All you need to do is cut your child's food into bite size pieces. Let them enjoy the fun of picking up their food with a cool Pick-Ease instead of a boring fork. Pick-Ease helps develop fine motor skills. They are dishwasher safe and they are BPA free. The Pick-Ease is 3.5 inches long. Made in the USA!

Let your children use their Pick-Ease for fruits, vegetables, pasta, hot dogs, etc. They'll love picking up their food with them. They are available in 12 different designs and 4 different colors. Designs available for both boy and girl.




My Thoughts

Love these! They're easy to use and they are the perfect size for small hands. The Pick-Ease is tough enough to pick up food. The pick end will not be of harm to your child or any other child. The Pick-Ease promotes healthy eating while having fun. My son loves using them at every meal time. He eats better when using his Pick-Ease. The designs that are available are too cute. My son's favorite is the monkey. :)

These make the perfect gift. I recommend Pick-Ease. I must admit, I enjoy using these myself.

Which design do you think your children will love? Check them out at www.pick-ease.com.

Thank you to Pick-Ease for sending me their cute picks to review. :)


SHOP | $8.99 for 2

~Melissa~

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  
Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Singbulli Darjeeling Summer Organic Black Tea Review


 

Good afternoon, all! Today, I share with you Golden Tips Singbulli Darjeeling Summer Organic Black Tea! This tea is a product of India and it is delicious! Read my review below :)


Singbulli Darjeeling Summer Organic Black Tea is full of antioxidants. The tea is great for your health. It's 100% safe and Organic. Organic Black Tea boost your immune system, acts as a anti-depressant, it helps with anti-aging, fights viruses and helps lower sugar levels & cholesterol levels. It also helps prevent cancer, diarrhea, asthma, high blood pressure and digestive problems.


 
Steeping Instructions:

Add one teaspoon of tea to a tea diffuser.
Add tea diffuser to 8 ounce cup of boiling water (
Let tea steep for 3-5 minutes
Sweeten if desired
Enjoy!

 

My Thoughts

I have been drinking tea since I can remember. When I find a tea that I love, I buy it over and over again. This tea is one of those teas. I can't believe the flavor of this tea. It is full of flavors that will amaze your taste buds. I get a taste of vanilla with a hint of chocolate. It's easy to steep and it brews nicely and fast! I got a nice dark tea after three minutes of steeping. It is a strong tea so I had to add a little bit of sugar. I'd say that you can probably get two cups out of one teaspoon of tea leaves. I couldn't be more pleased with the quality of this tea. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a nice cup of tea on a chilly fall day :) It's aromatics makes your house smell good, too!

I received this product in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Always!

*Contains affiliate links


~Melissa~

Kidsemail.org Review

 
 
 
Hello! Kidsemail.org is a safe way for your kiddos to stay connected to distant grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Read my review below to find out more :)
 
KidsEmail has been offering safe email for kids since 2009. It's always a wise idea to monitor your kids activity on the internet. With KidsEmail, you can do just that without them knowing. You can add contacts for them as well as block contacts. Connect them with distant relatives as well as teach them internet safety. There are no spam emails, viruses, vulgarity or predators to worry about!

KidsEmail offers you a 30 day trial membership. If you decide that you and your kiddos love it, you can either pay $4.95 monthly or $2.99 a month if you buy 12 months. If you get the 12 month plan, they give you one month free! For ages 6-13.

KidsEmail has a lot of features. Some features include:

A Drawing Board
No Ads
A Read it Feature
GPS Tracker
Custom Mailbox Folders
Mail Monitoring
Different Email Themes
Time Restrictions, etc.

Kids Email is available as a app on iTunes, Android and Amazon. Start your 30 day trial today at kidsemail.org.

 
Here are just a few of the themes that you can choose from. :)

My Thoughts

KidsEmail is fun! My son enjoys doodling and drawing in the email and then sending it to his family. The email's platform is easy to use. It's very straightforward.  The themes are too cute. My son enjoys the cute puppy. KidsEmail is perfect for staying connected. I enjoy watching him smile and laugh as I read him his emails. He can even click a "Read it" button and have the email read to him. It's nice to know that he is safe while writing to his family. I recommend KidsEmail!

This post was sponsored by KidsEmail. All opinions are my own. Always!

~Melissa~