Sponsored: Cascade Platinum Pacs Review and #MyPlatinum Instagram Contest

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I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cascade. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

In our house, the chore of doing the dishes is split between me and my teenage son. I do all of the dishwasher loading which includes rinsing all of the dishes before I put them in the dishwasher. I've never felt confident enough in my detergent to load my dishes without rinsing.

The chore of unloading the dishwasher lies with my teenage son. He puts away the clean dishes, all while mumbling and complaining. His biggest complaint is that the dishes never seem to come clean. He puts plenty of the so called "clean" dishes back in the sink to be loaded and washed again. Half the time, I think he does it to avoid putting them away. The other half the time he truly has a legitimate complaint. Often, the dishes aren't completely clean. He has said to me more that once, "Mom, the soap you use is cheap crap. You need to buy better soap."

My son is right. I use one of the cheapest dishwashing detergents I can find, and it doesn't always work the best. That's one of the reasons I was excited to try Cascade Platinum Pacs.

Before I tried the Cascade© Platinum Pacs, I checked out their video called, "How To Load Your Dishwasher." After all, considering my son's comments, it seems like I can use any help I can get. From the video, I learned to be more careful about how I load my spoons, making sure they are back to back instead of inside of each other.



I learned a lot about Cascade© Platinum Pacs before I even tried them. The Platinum Pacs feature and advanced triple action recipe designed to leave dishes spot-free and to prevent build-up of hard-water inside of the dishwasher. If I could get even a half load of dishes that were 100% completely spot-free, I would be thrilled. Not only does Cascade advertise that the Platinum Pacs will leave dishes spot free but also advertises the following:

     • Powers away tough, 24 hour stuck-on food
     • Eliminates the need to pre-wash dishes

Honestly, if I could find a dishwashing product that would give me the confidence to load my dishes without rinsing them first, I would be a consumer for life. I can't even imagine how much time and water I would save my getting rid of the rinsing process. For me, I have to see it to believe it. 

My Review:

I used the Cascade Platinum Pacs three different times and compared how my dishes looked to my regular brand. I even included photos of some of the dishes before and after using Cascade. I made sure I didn't rinse my dishes like I usually do. One of the bowls I put in the dishwasher had dried up cereal flakes on the side and the bottom. I had saved it from the day before so I could test out the 24 hour stuck-on food claim. The bottom of the bowl had dried up milk. After using Cascade without rinsing, the bowl was sparkling and clean. I also had a fork that had dried on food. After using the Cascade, all of the food was gone and the fork was completely shiny with no water marks. None of my glass dishes had water marks after using Cascade.

Before                                               After

My Conclusion:

At $4.29 for a 14 count package or the bigger package which I prefer at $12.49 for a package of 43, the Cascade Platinum Pacs are a little more expensive than my regular brand, but cleans my dishes much better. The time I save by not having to rinse far outweighs the extra cost. My son wants me to switch and is now saying, "I told you so." I definitely think it's time for me to save time and water and will be making the switch to Cascade Platinum Pacs on my next purchase.

Cascade is partnering with Gail Simmons.

Facebook and Instagram are awesome places to share food ideas. Cascade has partnered with Top Chef judge and editor of Food+Wine magazine, Gail Simmons to discuss why presentation is just as important as preparation. Check out Cascade on Facebook and find some great videos with Gail Simmons.

Cascade Platinum Instagram Contest

Cascade is running a great contest called the "My Platinum" contest. It is a four week Instagram contest where fans can upload photos related to the weekly contest themes. Show off how sparkly Cascade makes all your pots, pans, and plates and win some great prizes!

Be sure to visit the #myplatinum CONTEST LANDING PAGE for information on how to submit images and enter. All you need is an Instagram account. I would love to win a year's supply of Cascade. Wouldn't you?

**My review is based upon my actual experience with the product. I was not asked to write a positive review as part of my participation in the campaign.

Spring in Your Step Moms Meet Up Sponsored by Claritin

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Pampering Session for Mental Wellness

I love having sisters. It means I have built in friends with whom I can party with regularly. We recently got together for a Moms Meet Up sponsored by Children's Claritin. For this particular party, we decided to pamper ourselves a little by painting our nails and looking at some of the great tips provided to us by Claritin.



One of the things we learned is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to look great. Homemade beauty regimens work well. Since we were at a park for our party, we didn't try our homemade beauty tips there. However, one of my sister's, my mom, and I did try the following regimen at home:

Yogurt & Honey Mask
Mix 1-part plain yogurt and 1-part honey and apply to clean, moist face. Let it set for 10-15 minutes and rinse well with warm water. The mixture moisturizes, hydrates and soothes the skin. Honey can be used as a minor acne treatment.

When I mixed up the concoction at home, I didn't use a lot. I started with 1 Tablespoon of each which was plenty to cover my face. It worked as well as some of the masks I've paid a lot of money for. My sister and mom both reported that it worked well for them too. It's easy to mix up a little extra and refrigerate it for later use.

Another regimen I can't wait to try with my peppermint oil:

Milk Foot Soak
Add 4 cups of warmed whole milk, 2 tablespoons of Epsom Salt and 6 drops of your favorite essential oils such as lemon, sandalwood, or lavender to warm footbath. Soak for 20 minutes. Use favorite moisturizer on feet afterward.

I'm a firm believer that when you look good, it makes you feel good mentally. That is why I always try to take time for myself.

We couldn't end our party without talking about allergies. Since we share the same genes, we also share the same health problems. I suffer from allergies as does one of my sisters. We both have a son with moderate to severe allergies. One of my other sisters has a daughter who suffers from allergies. That means we all left the park with itchy eyes and stuffy noses. Good thing Claritin sponsored our party and we were able to take a chewable tablet at the park. By the time we got home 30 minutes later, I was cleared up and my son's watery eyes had subsided. My son loves Claritin because it is the one allergy medicine he can take that won't make him sleepy. It is also the one allergy medicine his allergist recommends for him. The chewable tablets are his favorite. Even though he is old enough to swallow pills, he still likes the ease of use of the chewable tablets.

Thanks, Children's Claritin, for sponsoring a great party.

**As a member of the Claritin Mom's Crew, I get periodic samples at no charge. The information for the Mom's Meet Up party was supplied by Claritin. No financial compensation was received for this post.

Soft Scrub 4-in-1 Toilet Care Review and Giveaway

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**FTC Disclosure: As a member of the Purex Insiders team, I received the product sample at no charge to facilitate my review. No financial compensation was received. My opinions are based upon my actual experience.

 I have been a fan of Soft Scrub Cleanser for a long time. I jumped at the chance to try the Soft Scrub 4-in-1 Toilet Care, especially since my toilet bowl always seems to develop a ring no matter how much I clean it. 

The Soft Scrub Toilet Care product attaches to the toilet bowl with a plastic hook. Instead of sitting right under the rim, it sits lower in the water, very close to where the toilet ring usually develops in my toilet. I have to admit, the plastic hook seemed a flimsy, but I didn't have any problems with it falling off. 

Four cleaning balls sit inside of a plastic cover with holes so the water can run through when the toilet is flushed. This leaves a little bit of cleaner in the bowl after flushing. After a week of use, I noticed that the inside of my toilet bowl was cleaner than usual. I still had to clean my toilet, but not as often. I didn't notice any change with the faint ring that was already present before using the product. I liked that I didn't have to clean my toilet bowl every few days. I could literally go a week without scrubbing it. 

Since the cleaner sits a little lower, it does nothing to help with the gunk under the rim. However, I am more concerned about toilet bowl ring that what is under the rim. I don't expect a cleaner to get under the rim like a good toilet brush can.

What I don't like about the Soft Scrub Toilet Care is the scent. I know it's supposed to smell fresh, but it just smelled like a weird chemical smell masked with a special scent. Honestly, I don't think it will bug most users. Nobody in my family complained about it. I was the only one with a problem. All in all, I would moderately recommend Soft Scrub 4-in-1 Toilet Care.

Receive coupons and special offers from Soft Scrub HERE.

**I want to apologize to my readers for reviewing a product manufactured outside of the U.S. Most Soft Scrub products are made in the USA and I assumed this product was when I agreed to review it.  I felt I should honor my commitment to do the review, but I do want my readers to know that this product is not made in the USA.

Giveaway Details

Two of my lucky readers will win 1 coupon for a free Soft Scrub Product (ARV $4.69). Please use the Rafflecopter from to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the Rafflecopter form and agree to them. Contest ends 6/23/2013 and winner will be announced on the Rafflecopter form when verified.

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Omni Hotels Sweepstakes

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I love to travel and I'm always looking for great travel destinations.  Omni Hotels and Resorts is running a fabulous sweepstakes right now. The winner can choose from five locations and the cool thing is that two of those locations are U.S. destinations, Los Angeles, CA and Amelia Island, FL. I would love to go to Florida in the winter. I've entered and have got my fingers crossed.

Omni Hotels & Resorts is running the “Omni Summer Passport Sweepstakes“! Your chance to win roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to your choice of five Global Hotel Alliance destinations!
**Information for the sweepstakes was provided by Omni Hotels and Resorts. I did not receive compensation of any kind in exchange for this post.

Shaune Bazner Clip On Earrings Review and Giveaway

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Shaune Bazner Clip Earrings

Great alternative for those of us with metal allergies.

I have struggled for years with the desire to wear fashionable earrings without getting huge cysts in my ears from metal allergies. I can wear metal on top of my skin but can't wear it inside, like putting earrings through my ear piercings. Unless earring posts are made of gold, they cause some serious painful bumps in and around my ears. Sadly, I can't afford gold posts for every pair of earrings.

 I jumped at the chance to receive a pair of Shaune Bazner clip earrings to review. Finally, the chance to wear a pair of fashion earrings without an allergic side effect.

Me wearing my Shaune Bazner clip on earrings.

I have to admit, I have tried clip on earrings several times and can never wear them for more than an hour before the squeeze really hurts my ear lobes. The clip on earrings from Shaune Bazner had a soft, flexible rubber part on the back that made the earrings much more comfortable than any other clip on earrings I've tried. The first time, I wore the earrings for almost five hours before I noticed any pain from pinching. That is a new record for me and very encouraging. The next day, I lasted nearly four hours before I had to take them off. I wish I could say the earrings didn't hurt at all, but that wouldn't be honest. Still, I'm happy that I found a great looking pair of earrings that I can wear without a metal reaction. I'm hoping that my ears will get use to them and I won't have to worry about the pinching at all. 

Besides the fact that the earrings look gorgeous and are perfect for dressing down or up, another thing I love is that the earrings stay on well. Even when I accidentally pulled my sunglasses over the top of the earrings, they stayed secure. With clip on earrings, I'm always afraid of losing one of them. With an evening at the park, I knew I was taking a chance. However, I had nothing to fear. The earrings stayed on. All of Shaune Bazner clip on earrings are Made in the U.S.A.

GIVEAWAY

One of my lucky readers will receive a pair of Shaune Bazner clip on earrings. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the Rafflecopter form and agree to them. Contest ends 6/22/2013 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be posted on the Rafflecopter form after verification.

   

**FTC disclosure:  I received a pair of Shaune Bazner earrings at no charge to facilitate the review. No financial compensation was exchanged and I was not asked to give a positive review in exchange for the product.

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Play in the USA: Off to Bollywood, Little Red Riding Hood Women's Bike Ride #LRRH

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                            I bike 70 miles to celebrate life!

Just one year ago my daughter was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the young age of 22. This was less than 48 hours before we were supposed to ride the Little Red Riding Hood ride in Cache Valley, Utah. It has always been my favorite women's bike ride. It took on new meaning last year when my daughter rode 70 miles with three large tumors inside of her that weighed over fifteen pounds. This was against the well meaning wishes of family and friends. Less than a week later, she was on the operating table getting those tumors removed and waking up to the dreaded news that she had advanced stage ovarian cancer. The last year has been full of both tears and hope. I vowed I would never take another bike ride for granted and hoped with all of my heart that my daughter would be healthy enough to ride with me again this year.

Guess what? She made it. The skinny girl in the picture is my hero. After a grueling year both physically and emotionally, my daughter felt good enough to ride 70 miles and finished in front of me for the first time. How can I not admire that fierce determination?

I can't think of a better day than to spend with my adult child and friends riding with over 3000 other women through beautiful farmland and an awesome college town. Our wish for perfect weather came true and we had a blast. It's definitely the ultimate girl's party day.

The Little Red Riding Hood bike ride has been around for 25 years and for the first time ever, had to resort to a lottery system because more people applied to ride it than there are slots. I'm almost afraid if I write about it, we won't get in next year with all of the new women wanting to join the fun.

It was great taking a break at lunch and cooling off with some of the wonderful sponsors, like Creamies. If you've ever had a banana or chocolate Creamie, you will know what a welcome site they are. In case you're wondering, I'm not getting anything to mention Creamies or Little Red. I'm writing about it because I love to ride. 

One of the great things about the Little Red bike ride is that over $100,000 was raised for breast and ovarian cancer research by the Huntsman Heroes team. All donations go to the Huntsman Center for research. Since this is the same cancer center my daughter was treated at, it takes on a special meaning for me. I want nothing more than for researchers to find a cure or at least a long term treatment for ovarian cancer in my daughter's lifetime. They better hurry though since we have no idea when her cancer might come back.

The volunteers at LRRH are amazing. Every stop (and there are a lot) are staffed with happy volunteers. The residents in and around Logan are super for allowing us to invade their streets for a day. Not an easy task for drivers to get around the bikers and I know they hate it. The cutest part of the day was the kids giving out candy bars in front of their house which was not a designated stop. I so wish they could see this so I could tell them how much that meant to us. I can't wait for next year. Here's to hoping we get in and that my daughter is healthy enough to ride another year.

Review: OraMD Natural Mouth Care

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I like trying products that have claim to be natural without a lot of added ingredients. Since my daughter was diagnosed with cancer, I worry about added chemicals to my food and medicines. When I learned that OraMD touts itself as a natural liquid tooth cleaner, mouthwash and breath freshener, I jumped at the offer to try it at no charge from the company and to introduce it to my readers.

                              The Good

  For those who worry about all of the extra additives in toothpastes, OraMD is free from additives. I know many people who worry about fluoride. In fact, one of my children received too much flouride when she was younger which damaged her teeth. This is called dental flourosis and causes unsightly tooth discoloration. A product like Ora MD can prevent that. At the same time, use of the OraMD will not provide any flouride at all nor does it provide any whitening agents. OramMD cleans without ingredients I can't pronounce. OraMD is free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, another chemical additive in toothpaste that acts as a foaming agent. Another thing I like about the OraMD is that a few drops go a long way in freshening the mouth. The minty effects last a git longer than my regular brand of toothpaste. I liked the minty taste and the numbing effect of the menthol from the peppermint. Though I admit, it took a little bit to get used to. 

Not as Good

My biggest issue with the OraMD is the price. At a little over $20 a bottle, it would be a stretch to convince me to use it for my whole family, especially my teenager who thinks more is better. Also, with essential oils like the peppermint, spearmint, and almond oils found in OraMD, I do have to be careful not to use too much. The oils can burn through styrofoam as well as some toothbrush bristles. That is why the company suggests using a nylon bristle toothbrush. That made me a little nervous as I wondered if it would burn through my mouth. However, I didn't experience any negative effects like that while using it.


All in all, the OraMD would be cost effective if it replaced not only toothpaste but mouthwash and breath mints or gum as well. 
OraMD is manufactured in the U.S.A.




   The manufacturer is willing to offer my readers one FREE bottle. They said they would love to have my readers try out OraMD and agreed to send one bottle FREE if my readers would pay a minimal shipping and handling charge of $5.97.  They also agreed to include 2 eye-opening reports called 1) “The 6 Hidden Dangers In Toothpaste” and 2) “Why The FDA Requires A Warning Label On Your Toothpaste.”  That’s a total value of over $40.00.  
Click here to get your FREE bottle and FREE reports now.

Giveaway Details

Want to win a bottle with no shipping and handling charges? Use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you haver read the terms on the form and agree to them. Contest ends 6/10/2013 at 11:59 EST.
3 winners will each win a bottle of OraMD.


**FTC Disclosure: I received a bottle of OraMD to try for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation and I was free to give my honest opinion about the product. All statements are based upon my actual experience with the product.

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