Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain by Paul Meier & David Henderson Book Review

Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain
Uncover the Hidden Potential in Life's Most Common Struggles
By Paul Meier M.D. and David Livingstone Henderson M.D.

Product Details:

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785229221
• ISBN-13: 978-0785229223
  

This book, by two psychologists, take on the topic of finding purpose in our pain by not only utilizing their skillsets as practicing professionals but also by turning to God for comfort.  Their practices are not only based on educational scripts and professional experience but also on taking the Bible, embracing God and understanding pain.

They take our most common life challenges and help the reader to understand how to cope:

1. Injustice
2. Rejection
3. Loneliness
4. Loss
5. Discipline
6. Failure
7. Death

They use practicum experiences, personal experiences and scripture to assist the reader in understanding pain, how to deal with pain and how to overcome pain.  Although the message may not be different from other like books, I found it a great way to connect to the reader and how psychologists could utilize more Biblical teachings and faith to overcome many of life's issues. 

I particularly liked reading the personal experiences such as the one doctor's story of the passing of his ready mother's desire to go home to heaven.  He prayed at the final moment wishing her to awake from her coma to say his final goodbye.  The story was truly touching and exemplified the power of faith and prayer.

This book is good for anyone but particularly, those that are new in finding their faith, those that have doubts in faith and those struggling to overcome any type of pain.  It is well written and easy to understand. It's not overly done in scriptures to where the average person can easily understand while provoking a desire to become a Christian or better yet, a greater Christian.  This is a book that I will retain and read again as well as give as a gift.


This book is available at Amazon:

*I was not paid to provide this review.  I was provided this book by Thomas Nelson in exchange for a personal review.

Great Sales at HauteLook and Beyond The Rack 72 Hours

Hautelook sale going on now!

Thro by Marlo Lorenz Pet Beds at Beyond the Rack.

Arianne Lingerie, Undergarments, Shirts & Dresses on sale too at Beyond the Rack.

I Won! Another Win This Week: Thanks Adorable Baby Clothing!

I've barely won a thing in my life other than the ultimate gift of motherhood which nothing could be better than that!

I submitted this recipe to AdorableBabyClothing.com's Halloween Recipe Contest and won!

Halloween Cream Cheese Chocolate Brownies

Preheat oven to 350
Ingredients

• 1 pkg brownie mix
• 1 pkg cream cheese, softened (8 oz)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 egg
• 14 drops yellow food coloring
• 7 drops red food coloring

Instructions:

1. Mix the brownie batter per box directions and pour into a greased 13 x 9 inch pan or for thicker brownies, use a 9 x 9 inch pan.
2. Beat sugar, cream cheese and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add egg and food colorings. Mix until blended. Pour over the top of the brownie mix, using a knife, run sections up and down and then across to give it a swirl appearance. Be careful to not mix together.
3. Bake 35 to 40 minutes for 13 x 9 inch pan or 45 to 50 minutes for 9 x 9 inch pan or until cream cheese mixture is lightly browned.
4. Allow to cool before cutting.

This was one of my favorites while living at family housing at Ball State University.  I only modify the food coloring to the holiday.  Unfortunately, I can't stop eating it!

Thanks so much Adorable Baby Clothing!!!!

H1N1 More Information

In my e-mail this morning, was a good read by Dr. Mercola who advocates natural medicines and good common sense.  This one focused on H1N1 which is of great concern to me and most others given the heightened media attention and not to mention the escalation of a "national emergency" declaration by our President.  What I found interesting were some references to studies:

A thorough , comparative analysis of several flu pandemics has been published in the prestigious British Medical Journal, that gives evidence that the H1N1 swine flu is of "the same subtype as seasonal H1N1 that has been circulating since 1977."3 The author points out the substantial confusion between the high public attention the present H1N1 scare is receiving and the very low level of scientific certainty that H1N1 is more severe than other seasonal influenza.

For me, this is reassuring in itself as it's not a virus that has mutated into a vicous death squad.

Recent national polls have revealed that 30 to 50% in many communities are not planning to get a swine flu shot. Those who haven't made up their minds yet have lots of questions.

Again, I'm on the fence on this one.  Our county hasn't received the vaccinations yet but I worry about the flu mist variety as it's a live virus and from what I've read, it makes those around vulnerable to catch H1N1 from the vaccination one.  Note that this is the mist as the needle vaccination is not a live virus.

Additionally there was no reference made to the last swine flu epidemic in the US when 50 million people got the swine flu vaccine and more people died from the vaccine than the swine flu itself -- and that's not counting all those that developed permanent neurological damage.

I'm not sure where that statistic came from as there is no reference to show the proof but if true, that speaks a lot.

60 minutes segment acknowledges that many people born before 1950 have antibodies to the new H1N1 influenza and are naturally protected.

There is a new Canadian study that suggests those who have gotten seasonal influenza vaccines in the past may be at greater risk for getting H1N1 swine flu. This information reinforces NVIC's call for a comparison of the long term health outcomes of vaccinated and unvaccinated children.

There are more interesting facts, opinions and ways to prevent yourself from H1N1.  I think it's important that everyone read both sides of the pro versus con sides of this vaccine and flu.  I myself, am still pondering what to do.

To read more about Dr. Mercola's article, go here.  He has part of the 60 minutes interview, an interview with a vaccine organization person and more.

Old Navy Coupon $10 off of $50: Want It?

I just received a $10 off of $50 purchase from Old Navy that I can gift to a friend.  If interested, let me know.

Use code ONSHIP50 to get free shipping on purchases over $50.

*Offer valid while supplies last on Old Navy merchandise only from 10/30/09 at 12:01 am ET through 11/8/09 at 11:59 pm ET in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) at Old Navy online. Not valid at Old Navy stores, Gap stores, Banana Republic stores, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory stores or Edition by Banana Republic. Qualifying amount applies to merchandise only, not value of Gift Cards purchased, packaging, applicable taxes or shipping & handling charges. Offer valid only on standard shipping to your order's first "ship to" address anywhere in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). If you choose express or next-day shipping options, additional charges will apply. Offer limited to one-time use only. No adjustments on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts, including Gap Inc. employee discount. Offer is non-transferable without consent from Gap Inc.

Amazon Harvil Air Hocky Special

Great deal at Amazon if your children are into air hockey as mine are!   This is normally $195.44!


Thanks to "Deal"Ectibles Mommies!

Congratulations to the 2009 Military Family of the Year!

Marine Corps Family Named 2009 Military Family of the Year

ALEXANDRIA, VA October 29, 2009—Military families were the stars of the show at the National Military Family Association’s 40th Anniversary Celebration where the Leanes family was named the Association’s 2009 Military Family of the Year. Seven families were recognized, one from each branch of the Uniformed Services, before awarding the Leanes family the top honor of the night. These families embrace their service to the Nation, are role models in their community, and understand that together they are stronger.

The families were presented their award by a high-ranking military leader in their branch of Service. General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife presented the Military Family of the Year award to the Leanes family.

The Leanes Family
Dennis, Kristy, Jordan, Syvannah, Bethany, Marrisa, Emily, and Karianne are committed to serving their country, their community, and each other. Dennis’s commitment to serve his Nation is so strong that he and his family took a leap of faith in 2006 when he decided to leave his civilian job of eight years and reenlist in the Marine Corps. Though this meant taking a pay cut and uprooting the children, they dove in head first and never looked back.

The Leanes family is an integral part of the Camp Lejeune, North Carolina community. Not only do they volunteer at various organizations throughout the base, they’ve embedded volunteering into their daily lifestyle. When they are not running a Scout meeting, volunteering at church, coaching a sports team, or leading a Family Readiness meeting, they find time to reach out to their neighbors on a daily basis.

Kristy puts her abilities to good use by helping a neighbor with a broken down car (she can replace gaskets or install transmissions) or sewing baby clothes for a family in need. Following their parents’ example, the Leanes children reach out and serve their community, too. Jordan fixes broken bikes and donates them to charities. Syvannah organized a “Wounded Warrior Thank You Project” through her church. Bethany volunteers her babysitting services for spouses whose service members are deployed. The younger children bake cookies for various projects and are quick to share their “friendship bread” with neighbors.

This family has grown stronger each day by embracing the challenges of being a military family. Their children have learned that being strong and brave isn’t only about the troops in combat—it’s about overcoming a fear of the dark, standing up to peer pressure, or coping with the stress of having your dad deployed. This family strives to serve in every way possible.

The finalist families were:

Army Family of the Year
CSM Kevin Nolan and Family, Fort Riley, Kansas

Navy Family of the Year
LTJG Joshua Caldwell and Family, Kailua, Hawaii

Air Force Family of the Year
MSgt Wayne and TSgt Thane Ojala and Family, Las Vegas, Nevada

Coast Guard Family of the Year
BM1 Aaron Udland and Family, Juneau, Alaska

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Family of the Year
CDR Shepard Smith and Family, Norfolk, Virginia

Public Health Service Family of the Year
CDR Dana Hall and the Horesh Family, Overland Park, Kansas

About the National Military Family Association
Military families serve our country with pride, honor, and quiet dedication. The National Military Family Association is the leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening and protecting the families of the men and women currently serving, retired, wounded or fallen. We provide families of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Commissioned Corps of the USPHS and NOAA with information, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer programs that improve their lives. Our 40 years of service and accomplishments have made us a trusted resource for military families and the Nation's leaders. To learn more, visit http://www.militaryfamily.org/.

Bear Portraits by Jill Greenberg Book Review

Bear Portraits by Jill Greenberg is a delightful book full of glorious, almost unbelievable, portraits of all sorts of bears. I was lucky to receive a copy of this amazing book by Hachette Book Group and my membership with The Product Review Place.

Product Details:

• Hardcover: 104 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (November 3, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316031887
• ISBN-13: 978-0316031882

Jill Greenberg has been an avid photographer since the age of 10 where she would stage photographs and create characters using various mediums.  Jill's ability to take creative, fun, serious, touching and emotional evoking portraits is the secret to her success.

As soon as I opened the box to view the book, I was in awe and immediately ran over to my two girls and sat them down to review it with me.  They were beyond happy and were elated in seeing all these amazing portraits.  Some of the poses were so unreal; they appeared to be more like stuffed animals or drawings.  She truly is an astounding photographer to be able to capture the unique essence of these miraculous animals in various poses.

They both went "ohhhh" and "ahhhhh" over the baby cubs and my two year old particularly loved the cub drinking from a "ba-ba."  I'm not sure what was more fun, seeing the various bears in their most adorable, but some scary poses or watching the girl's obvious fascination and adoration to this great book. 

At first, my two year old was not afraid of the growling bears that are in some of the portraits but later she was.  It wasn't anything I would be concerned with as once I talked to her about it and joked, she came around and wasn't scared. In fact, she started to imitate him. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures today with my six year old since she's in school.

*Picture I took

A special bonus in the back of the book contains all the bear's names which is so cute for little kids to see that each has their own name.

I would highly recommend this book to an animal lover, a photographer, a nature admirer or anyone with kids.  This is a great way to see bears in a completely different light.

* I was not paid for this review.  I received a complimentary copy by Hatchette Book Group in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Organic Pharmacy (Organic Glam) Review of Organic Eye Products

I previously posted an entry on The Organic Pharmacy and a wonderful facial cleanser called Carrot Butter which you can click here to read compliments of Megan Brown at Light Years Ahead.  If you aren't familar with The Organic Pharmacy, various media outlets have picked them over and over again for their high quality, organic products and they have a page dedicated to these featured articles at The Organic Pharmacy. 

For example:

Harpers Bazaar - Nov 09

In our essential annual round-up, Newby Hands selects all the best products and treatments you need right now. Best Natural Facial. The Organic Pharmacy's facials. From the creams to the massage to the wonderfully scented masks, these treatments are pure and unadulterated joy.

Founded by Margo and Francesco Marrone, The Organic Pharmacy shop in Kings Road, London opened in 2002. Their passion and dedication for all things truly organic means that their very high standards have not changed since that very first day. They have a team of homeopaths, beauty therapists and consultants that share their passion and expertise to offer you solutions for all your health and beauty needs.

The Organic Pharmacy's product line is vast:

• Make Up
• Books
• Kits
• Skin Care
• Sun Care
• Body Care
• Hair Care
• Bath
• Gifts
• Men (products for men ... you can't select men :))
• Macerated Oils
• Mother and Baby Care
• Creams and Ointments
• Homeopathic
• Tinctures
• Supplements
• Detox at Home Program
• Candles

What's nice about The Organic Pharmacy is they opened a shop in Beverly Hills so we, in the US, have an easier way to access this variety of organic, healthier products.

For this review, Megan from Light Years Ahead sent my daughter three products:

Organic Glam Liquid Shimmer Highlighter

As the description for this product states, "the secret weapon in illumination, these liquid shimmers can be used to illuminate the cheek bones, eye lids, inside the corners of the eyes or on the bridge of the nose for a fresh dewy look."

As you can see, it's a versatile product and although it's a little pricey at $37.10 for a 5 ml bottle, it will last a long time.  The beauty with The Organic Pharmacy is their products are made of only the purest and organic ingredients so it truly does last longer than the average product you are used to.  I've had the Carrot Butter Cleanser for over a week and there is barely a dent in the volume and I feel my face is glowing and appears more youthful.

The illuminating shades range in Pink Ice, Silver Ice and Warm Gold.  Click here to go The Organic Pharmacy to view the available shades.

The directions state you can apply and blend over eye shadow, inner corners of the eyes, cheek bones and any where else that needs a dose of shimmer.  My daughter applied it over her eye shadow and the inner corners of her eyes which gave it a great shimmering look.  This would be ideal for nighttime activities or a special event.  If you use it lighter, it can be worn during the day as well.  She liked the instructions on how to apply it in the accompanied Organic Glam Make-Up booklet.

Here is a picture of her post application.  It's hard to see but the colors look great and are complimentary to her complexion.

Organic Glam Mineral Eye Shadow Shimmer

Organic Glam Mineral Eye Jewels are a loose shimmer powder with easy to use screw top applicator.

Organic Glam Mineral Eye Jewels have been formulated using 100% natural mineral powder and contain NO artificial preservatives or fragrances. The innovative formulas benefit the skin by using only the purest of ingredients.

This product you have to be careful with as since it's 100% natural mineral powder, it will spray out all over you.  You also have to be careful applying it so it doesn't leave a residue on top of your foundation.  It provides great coverage and once you get used to using mineral based eye shadows, you will most likely love it as she did.  Her only complaint was the residue.  As with the Organic Glam Liquid Shimmer Highlighter, a little goes a long way for $35.24.

To see actual shades visit The Organic Pharmacy here:  Turquoise Blue, Emerald Green, Pink Gold, Light Gold and Bronze .

The final product was Organic Glam Mineral Eye Pencil

Organic Glam Mineral Eye Pencil. An eye pencil which is gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive eyes has so Hydrogenated Fats, artificial preservatives or fragrances just mineral colours gives our new eye pencils a soft and creamy texture that can create either a smudged look or precise application for professional results. 

This was both of our favorite as we both normally use liquid eyeliner, which The Organic Pharmacy does have, but this went on smooth and easy.  Remember, those who grew up in the 80's using a match or lighter to warm up our eyeliner pencils?  Not with this!  It goes on so nice and smooth and looks wonderful!  This costs $29.36.

In summary, she really liked all three products and would have preferred darker colors for herself.  Since she noted she only had to use a little to apply, she thought that made the costs were in alignment to the quantity.  For those that buy beauty products from department stores, it's around the same cost with the exception of these products are organic and pure. 

We both highly recommend the products from The Organic Pharmacy.

Disclosure: I was not paid for this review nor was my daughter. She was provided the three beauty products listed to try and provide a review compliments from Megan Brown at Light Years Ahead.  Thanks, Megan!

WAT-AAH!'s Second Annual Halloween Effort

WAT-AAH!, will be conducting its second annual Halloween Effort to encourage and teach kids the importance of drinking water this Halloween!

WAT-AAH! will be stationed in several schools, neighborhoods and distribution outlets throughout New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia this Halloween. WAT-AAH! will be educating kids about the importance of drinking water and encouraging kids to limit their consumption of sugary drinks and snacks. WAT-AAH! Bones, with its neon orange label, will be handed out along with FUN merchandise such as backpacks, school supplies, tattoos and reusable plastic bottles!

What a great program WAT-AAH! is doing to help ensure kids make the right choices...kudos!



             

Don't forget the WAT-AAH!

Sprout Baby Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Feeding Set Giveaway 10/31/09 - CLOSED - WINNER

CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO LUV TO SAVE

AN E-MAIL HAS BEEN SENT

PLEASE RESPOND WITHIN 48 HOURS

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!

I am so excited to announce a new giveaway sponsored by SproutBaby! 
If you are not familiar with SproutBaby, I have another post where I was able to try and review several flavors of their baby food.

Sprout Baby was co-created by chef and father, Tyler Florence. With his culinary experiences and knowledge, he was able to create recipes that included multiple ingredients to offer a delicious complimentary combination.

Click here for the full post and review.

SproutBaby has a new product called the Thinkbaby Stainless Steel feeding set which offers the latest in 100% sustainable and certified organic utensils specifically made for newborns and babies.  Given all the news and concerns with BPAs and who knows what else is molded into plastic, I became very concerned.  I even swamped my daughter's plastic water jug for school with a stainless steel alternative.  Had I known about Sprout Baby then, I would have bought one of theirs as it looks sleek and cool!  They have many options to choose from but this is my favorite.  Click here to see the various types and options available from SproutBaby.

SproutBaby Facts:  Only the highest quality organic and eco-friendly solutions for new parents. Our specialized feeding sets boast unique assets including:

• Reusable feeding sets reduce waste
• BPA, Phthalate, PVC, and Polycarbonate-free
• All containers come with lids for easy travel
  

The Thinkbaby feeding set is just one of the environmentally friendly products sold on SproutBaby.com. SproutBaby espouses a philosophy of providing eco-friendly solutions at reasonable prices for discerning parents and their newborns. Through education and environmental advocacy, SproutBaby believes that parents would gladly choose products that are as healthy for their children as they are good for the earth.


The Giveaway:   Your own SproutBaby Thinkbaby Feeding Set

To Enter:

• Follow my blog AND leave a comment after going to SproutBaby and write about something you learned.

Extra Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter - leave a comment here
2. Tweet about this giveaway - leave a comment here
3. Blog about this giveaway - leave a comment
4. Sign up for SproutBaby news - leave a comment
5. Enter any of my other giveaways and leave five comments

Giveaway ends October 31, 2009 at midnight EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and thanks for entering!




* I was not paid to provide the prior review on SproutBaby organic baby food.  My daughter loved it and I still purchase it at my local Publix Food Store.

Get a FREE Sample of Rachael Ray Nutrish

Choose simple, natural ingredients. With Rachael Ray Nutrish, dogs get the delicious goodness they love and the nutrition you want them to have. It's got Omega Fatty Acids with a dash of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) for healthy skin and a shiny coat. A healthy fiber blend including oatmeal makes Rachael Ray Nutrish easy for them to digest. Plus, its calcium keeps bones strong and teeth healthy, and it offers antioxidant nutrients for the immune system.

Get your free Rachael Ray Nutrish sample at RachaelRay.com.

Earth Baby Organic Forget Me Knot Hair Detangler Review

UPDATE:  After getting to try this product, I love it so much that I just purchased two more detanglers and a shampoo.  The scent left on the girl's hair is AMAZING! 

I highly recommend this for any child!

Earth Baby provided their organic Baby Hair Detangler for my review. What I thought was cute were the words "Forget me Knot" imprinted on the bottle. I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place.

When I received the Baby Hair Detangler, I liked the bottle as it was attractive and had a tiny picture of the endangered Tarsier Monkey which they are a friend of (support through charity). The bottle was white with light green accents and had an easy flip up top. I stress that as I almost bust my fingernails opening other bottles.

All you need is a quarter size of the detangler and it went a long way on my daughter's hair. It smelled amazingly good too. She has to use medicated shampoo so this was a welcome change to the smell. The texture of the detangler was smooth and washed out of her hair with ease. Some products require a lot of rinsing but this didn't.

Her dad usually brushes her hair after a bath so I asked him how it rated and he said "no rats!" This was a first as she always has rats so this hair brushing event went on with no "ouchs" or "that hurts!"

Earth Baby organic products are made in the USA. Earth Baby products contain organic and natural ingredients in efficacious hypoallergenic combinations to cleanse and protect baby’s skin as purely as possible. All ingredients and formulations meet the most rigorous standards of quality and safety.

Earth Baby uses advanced award-winning technology and for more information, visit http://www.earthbaby-organics.com/pages/our-tech

Earth Baby is the first organic company to develop a line of baby products using the best and most advanced technology in the baby product category called OleoSpheres™.

Earth Baby’s own OleoSpheres technology, winner of the Frost & Sulliven Technology Innovation of the Year Award in the category of personal care application. This allows targeted delivery of natural nutrients in safflower oil in the skin. This moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier in one received the Ecocert compliance and approval.

• Finalist in the 2009 Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers & Distributors Cosmetic Innovators of the Year for Personal Care Product Innovation.
• Finalist in the 2009 Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers & Distributors Cosmetic Innovators of the Year for Personal Care Package Design.
• 2008 Innovation Awards Finalist Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.

You can purchase them online or from Amazon (three actual products attached but more are available).





Earth Baby has everything you need ranging from moisturizing wipes, baby lotion, refreshing mist, bath gel, diaper rash cream, sunscreen, baby shampoo, cosmetic bags, diaper totes and changing mats or you can purchase the entire collection.

If you are concerned about what you are placing on your child, want a product made in the USA, want to support a business that supports great charities and was created based on more than 30 year’s of experience, try Earth Baby. I will have to try out more products since we love the Detangler.


Here are the product information and ingredients in the Organic Forget Me Knot Hair Detangler:

• hypoallergenic
• tear free
• certified organic ingredients
• pediatrician recommended
• OleoSpheres™technology
• manufactured in the U.S.A.
• 6 FL OZ/ 177 mL ℮

Baby Hair Detangler leaves hair tangle-free and easy.

Our creamy detangler conditions hair as it separates strands for easy combing and brushing. The fragrant Chamomile, Vanilla, Honey and Mango formula is pH-balanced and packed with rich jojoba and murumuru butter to leave hair silky soft and full of shimmer and shine.

Ingredients:

• Lippia Citriodora (Lemon Verbena) Extract, Ceteary Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Carthamus Tinctorious (Safflower) Oleosomes, Astrocaryum Murumuru Butter, Jojoba Alcohol , Potassium Jojobate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2 Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (and) Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Water (and) Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract (Fresh Cells), Fragrance (Parfum).

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. BOTANICAL INGREDIENTS. PURE JOY.

Bioidenticals & Custom Compounded Hormones: Pursuit of Alternative Medicines

Organic, natural, alternative and the list goes on as the age of internet produces more information to anyone with access can handle.  The ease of researching and to promote and publish books is making it blatently easy to market your opinions and products whether founded or not.  We all are hearing the benefits of organic products and who can not admit that the concept is good?  The older I get, my quest to stay younger and live longer has grown beyond my wildest imagination.  Now when I crave a Big Mac, I contemplate the millions of calories I'm adding to my already challenged body not to mention preservatives, flavorings and hormones utilized in the meat and buns.

I work at a pharmaceutical company so I understand the in's and out's of clinical trials and research.  The trend within the whole beauty and well being market is on bio this and bio that and gene this and gene that.  The latest buzz and I might be wrong but I think Suzanne's Somers book has started the flap is around Bioidentical.  I admit that I've not heard that term until this morning when I was reading this AP article titled "'Bioidenticals' Not FDA-Approved, Contain Estrogen."

The key take away from this is any health care supplement/product that is deemed natural is not required to go through the FDA process of proving safety and efficacy.  You might recall the Hydroxycut recall and prior to that, years ago, ephedra (I think).  Both products were deemed "natural" so the unsuspected user assumed it was safe and I was one of those. 

This trend with Bioidenticals is within the name as the appeal to consumers.  Per the article: 

"Bioidentical" is a marketing term that has no accepted medical meaning. Its implied benefit is not unique to alternative remedies; many prescription drugs contain hormones that chemically match estrogens and progesterones made naturally by the body.

Women need to understand there's no rigorous evidence these preparations are any more effective or any safer than traditional hormone therapy. In fact, there's much less evidence for efficacy and very little research on long-term safety," said Manson, who has no industry ties and was a key researcher in the big federal study that warned women in 2002 of the health risks from long-term hormone use."

The article also mentions compounding pharmacists which according to the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacists are those 'who provide personalized medication solutions, mixed safely by trained, licensed pharmacists.'

I had no idea that they could do that either so I definitely learned a lot about this topic.

One final quote from the AP story:

In 2001, the government tested 29 products from compounding pharmacies and found that one-third did not meet standard quality benchmarks, including potency problems, Manson writes in her book, "Hot Flashes, Hormones and Your Health."

Want to know more or look at available products? Try Amazon:

       

Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Party Recipes With Ideas

I LOVE Halloween for the great pictures I get to take of the girls.  I decided to spare the oldest in this round of pictures and kept it to the youngest one's.

Even though we aren't having a formal Halloween party, I think I'll go ahead and plan a little feast for the kids post trick-or-treating unless the rain cancels it out.

Here is the menu to date

(Click on Each Recipe Title to Go To BHG)

Haunting Hot Chocolate

Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun

Super-Easy S'Mores

Skull Madeleines

(Martha Stewart)

Boo-tiful Cake

Anyone have any good ideas to share?

Slow Down and Savor Alouette® Cheese Review & Four Recipe/Coupons Booklets to First Four Responders

I think I recall seeing a brand of cheese called Alouette® but never really paid much attention to it until I had the opportunity to try it from SheSpeaks.com.  I received two coupons to try two varieties of Alouette®  to slow down and savour.

If you are not familiar with Alouette® brand of cheese, here is more information:

• Soft Spreadable - fresh and natural ingredients that provide a creamy, flavorful cheese
• Sundried Tomato & Basil
• Garlic & Herbs
• Savory Vegetable
• Spinach Artichoke
• Light Garlic & Herbs
• Alouette® Crème de Brie® - Ultra-creamy, spreadable cheeses, there's no rind to remove.
• Fine Herbs
• Original
• Alouette® Baby Brie® - Rich, double crème Brie, has a soft, creamy center with mild flavor, and silky white rind, all characteristic of a fine Brie.
• Original
• Garlic & Herbs
• Original Wedge
• Hickory Smoked Wedge
• Alouette® Crème Fraîche - All-natural, kosher cultured cream product is a culinary alternative to heavy cream and sour cream.
• Alouette® Elégante® - Multi-layered, flavorful spreadable cheese blend.
• Roasted Garlic & Pesto
• Roasted Red Peppers & Olive Tapenade
• Sundried Tomatoes & Garlic
• Alouette® Crumbles - gluten free
• Feta
• Feta Garlic & Herb
• Goat Cheese
• Blue Cheese
• Gorgonzola Cheese
• Feta Mediterranean
• Goat Cheese Provencal

I used my two coupons to try the Sun Dried Tomato & Basil and the Spinach Artichoke spreadable cheeses. 

Although I didn't really care for the Sun Dried Tomato & Basil, I LOVED the Spinach Artichoke spreadable cheese.  I loved it so much, it was gone in one day..oops!

If you need ideas on how to use the various products, Alouette® has a great site for recipes.  The options are endless on picking the right one and I choose the Alouette® Mediterranean Pizza to showcase:

• Category: Entrees
• Makes: 4
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Product: Alouette® Soft Spreadable Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. (6.5 oz.) Alouette Garlic & Herbs, or Alouette Spinach Artichoke, or Alouette Peppercorn Parmesan Spreadable Cheese
• 1 10"-12" ready to use pizza crust
• 1 can (12 oz.) of artichoke hearts, drained and sliced.
• 1 jar (7 oz.) of roasted red peppers, drained and julienned
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Spread Alouette Cheese on pizza crust.
3. Top with sliced artichokes and roasted red peppers. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
4. Bake 18-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
5. Cut into 8 wedges and serve.

Special promotion here on Baby Brie Wedges HERE.

I have FOUR booklets of recipes and three $1.00 coupons attached to each booklet to giveaway.

The first four people interested, can have them.  Please leave a comment if you would like to experience this great tasting cheese!

Importance of Vitamin D in Children: Get Out in the Sun!

I have posted before about my two youngest, who have chronic medical condition, and it was nearly a year ago on Halloween that my then, one year old caught a cold trick-or-treating and ended up intubated and on her death bed two hours away in Savannah, Georgia. Her condition still baffles her doctors and her every day medications are troubling to me as I can't fathom how it can be good for her to be on a twice a day inhaled steroids and a once a day dose of Singulair.  The six year old is on Keppra for Benign Rolandic Epilepsy. 

Both incurred the onset of these conditions in June of 2008 within two week's of one another so I've learned a lot about both conditions and in pursuit of finding out how to stop my littlest one from crashing everytime she got a cold, we kept up with our routine doctor visits and followed all advice.  One of the important orders he prescribed was Vitamin D exposure.  He told me to take BOTH of them outside for 15 minutes a day.  He told me how Americans are in a deficit for Vitamin D and especially children which can lead to all sorts of health implications. 

He explained with all the scares behind skin cancer and the use of sunblock and our growing inactive lives, we stay indoors more which makes sense as I remember being brown all summer long from the hours of play outside.  Unfortunately due to the fear of bad people, I never let them play outside alone and I certainly don't have the time to do so which 15 minutes minimally is a great compromise.

I think this exposure to the sun has helped as we have had no trips to the ER or hospitalizations.  This has been a GREAT relief because in the past year, we had well over 10 visits to the ER or were hospitalized between the two.   Vitamin D is a great defense against colds and boosts the body to ward off things or harsher symptoms with the flu or H1N1.

Here is a great article that just was released today on Vitamin D and the need for it to promote healthy kids.

50 FREE 4 x 6 Prints at Shutterfly Expires 10/28/09

I'm still trying to get back into the Kodak great special as I think it expires today but there are server issues.

Shutterfly code to use GETPRINTS

Expires 10/28/09

Gorgeous Hair Color You Can Get at Home

Gorgeous Hair Color You Can Get at Home

Posted using ShareThis

My Husband's New Army Deployment: One Year in Kuwait in 2010

My husband, who was just in Iraq and returned in August, was just informed he got the choice of his next location for our PCS.  For those of you not in the military, a PCS means Permanent Change of Station.

Now, you may think that the word choice means a lot but when you hear of the choices of the two locations, you will understand my not so happy thoughts:

1. Iraq - 15 months
2. Kuwait - 12 months
   

He will miss a very valuable year of our two year old's life since they grow and change so much and of course, he will miss out on our six year old as well.  They are both daddy's girls.

Unfortunately, I'm not alone as since 9/11, 1.9 million men and women have deployed and 876,000 of those are parents.  According to the Department of Defense, 245,000 have been deployed twice, 91,000 have been deployed three times and 48,000 have been deployed four or more times which the latter, is where my husband falls.  He has served in Afghanistan, Iraq (twice) and Kuwait (not to mention his other assignments in Germany, Korea, etc).

I'm proud of my husband, all the men and women who have served their countries and to all the spouses, children and loved one's left behind to keep up the fort.