{Review} PUR Gum: An Essential Ingredient To My Run

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One of the challenges I face as a runner is that of thirst. I typically map my runs out around water sources (water fountains, restrooms, or even the occasional stream....you seriously never know when you may need a drink). And when I think about running my half marathon in November, I get a little anxious of the idea of running 13 miles with a dry mouth. 

So that's why I've begun experimenting with different ways of keeping my mouth from becoming a pit of dried mucus: running with a water bottle (it kind of slows me down), a Fannie pack with water bottles (I'm sure it will take practice to run with water giggling on my hips), and then there's chewing gum. 

I've actually gotten pretty good with chewing gum and running. It's amazing how a small piece of gum can keep your mouth moist, as well as give you something to focus on rather than the screams coming from your butt muscles as you tackle a way too steep hill. 

And what better gum to chew than one that's actually good for you! We grown ups call this multi-tasking. PUR Gum is sugar and aspertaine free, a great alternative for Moms and/or runners who are trying to be more conscious of the toxins going into ours and our family's bodies. 

A bit about PUR Gum: PÜR Gum has become the #1 selling chewing gum in the health food market worldwide. In 2010,  PÜR Gum was created as an alternative to commercial varieties of gum that contain aspartame, and is available in  Peppermint, Spearmint, Pomegranate Mint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, and Coolmint. PÜR Gum is sugar-free, vegan,  gluten-free, non-gmo, nut-free, dairy-free, diabetic friendly and Swiss Made.
PÜR Gum, the brand that has been kicking aspartame around the world is now spicing up the natural health market once more! Just in time for summer, PÜR Gum has revealed the newest members to its premium sugar and aspartame-free family, two mouth-watering flavors made with the highest quality ingredients and refreshing health properties. PÜR Cinnamon captures the perfect balance of hot and sweet sensations from nature’s very own cinnamon bark! Infused naturally, PÜR’s hottest flavor is bringing the heat this summer made with absolutely no artificial ingredients! PÜR Coolmint refreshes breath with a clean, crisp, and chilling flavor, with natural mint revitalizing senses for a refreshing and exhilarating experience. The two new flavors will be hitting retail shelves this May, 2014. 

 PÜR Gum is widely available at Health  Food Stores, Whole Foods locations, Amazon.com, Sprouts, Meijer, Rexall, Sobeys, Jugo Juice and more than 10,000  health-conscious retailers in 25 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pur-gum.com.

Overall, my whole family enjoys this gum. We love the taste, I love the ingredients and the benefit that it gives to my running. Give PUR Gum a try and let me know which flavor becomes your all time favorite!

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Who's Up For A Drink? Check Out Milo's Sweet Tea!

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Recently, my husband and I purchased the most adorable bunch of chickens. That's right, Folks, we are now Urban Farmers! 
And while my husband spent the week building our new chicken run, we had the wonderful opportunity to experience the new varieties of Milo's Tea. From lemonade, tea-lemonade blend, to a decaf sweat tea, Milo's Tea is a family owned business located in the beautiful Bessemer, Alabama. Since 1989, Milo's Tea has been sold to thousands of retailers across the U.S., still guided by the philosophy of high-quality, natural ingredients, while never sacrificing great taste. 
Instantly, my kids and I fell in love with the lemonade while my husband enjoyed the tea-lemonade blend while out working in the yard. I also love that Milo's not only comes in gallon size jugs but they also offer their teas in 20 oz bottles. With no preservatives or additives, Milo's Tea uses filtered water, cane sugar, and custom blended teas to create a refreshing drink your whole family can enjoy. 
And after a long day of rounding up chickens and eggs, it's nice to simply sit on the back porch and watch the sun set while sipping on a nice, cold Milo's decaf sweet tea. Knowing the day is done, and done well, is a satisfying feeling, one in which I'm happy to share with my family and Milo's Tea.

I received a variety of Milo's Tea for review, this post is an honest and authentic review of products. 

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{Product Review} Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins

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As a Mom of 4, I've taken my fair share of prenatal vitamins. I typically opted for the vitamin with the stool softener because we all know how extra iron and pregnancy mix, but now you can experience a prenatal vitamin without iron, for those mothers who don't need the extra iron or who would prefer to take a single iron supplement along with their vitamin. Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins provide you with all the great nourishment you and your baby need without any added extras that you don't. 
Prenatal Multivitamin:

• One Easy To Digest Tablet Daily Provides Optimum, Nourishing Nutrients For You And Baby. Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't
• Essential Vitamins & Minerals including Folic Acid, B Vitamins, Calcium and Iodine in a Iron Free Proprietary Blend
• Therapeutic, Nourishing And Gentle Formula. Highest Quality, Non Constipating,
• Can Take Before, During And After Pregnancy * Great During Nursing Does Not Contain Fancy Filler Ingredients That You Do Not Need
• GUARANTEED**Proudly Made In The USA **Lovingly Made In a GMP/FDA Inspected And Approved Facility** 2 Month Supply In 1 Bottle

You can order your bottle of Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins through Amazon for $29.99 or $15.00 if you're a Prime Member. 

Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins also offers a Prenatal DHA softgel:

• Once Daily Easy To Swallow Oval Shaped Softgel*BEST Prenatal DHA On The market Today!
• Pleasant Mild Lemony Taste, No Aftertaste Like Other brands ** THE ONLY DHA SUPPLEMENT YOU WILL EVER NEED During This Important Time Of Life
• Premium, Highest Quality Ingredients For A Happy Healthy Smart TM Pregnancy **GUARANTEED**
• Can Take Before, During And After Pregnancy * Great During Nursing
• Proudly Made In The USA GMP/FDA Inspected And Approved Facility ** 2 Month Supply In 1 Bottle

You can order your bottle of Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal DHA through Amazon for $29.90 or $20.00 for all Prime Members. 
Enjoy your pregnancy with the assurance that you and your baby are receiving all your vitamin and mineral needs through Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins.

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Find Your Perfect Prom Dress at The JenJenHouse

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I remember back to the days of prom: the elegant invitation, deciding on your colors so at to match your date, the day at the salon, and shopping for that perfect dress. It was a night when pictures were made, dancing was done, and you felt like royalty.

And if you're currently searching for that perfect dress for this year's prom, then JenJenHouse is the place for you. You can shop the categories of: neckline, silhouette, hemline/train, as well as prices, colors, and seasons. With hundreds of one of a kind, unique styles you're sure to find what you're looking for. And did I mention the unbelievable prices? This A-Line/Princes Scoop Neck Floor Length Prom Dress originally sold for $280 and today it's yours for $140.49. Amazing and gorgeous!

And between March 3 - March 6 you can save up to 55% on weekly deals and an additional 70% off shipping!

JenJenHouse also offers an assortment of accessories to match your custom made dress. From gloves, sashes, jewelry, to even make up, JenJenHouse is a one stop shop for all your dress needs.

And, I know it can be a bit intimidating to order such an important item offline but rest assured JenJenHouse offers impeccable costumer service. If you ever need to return your item simply contact them within 7 days to initiate the return policy. And since this dress is costume made to fit your measurements, JenJenHouse encourages all buyers to have professional measurements taken to ensure the most accurate fit, however, when your dress arrives it will also come with additional fabric in case any alteration need to be made. 

Check out what others have to say about JenJenHouse:

This dress was great, fitted her perfectly and she got best dressed at her formal :) it was amazing. Thank you very much you did and amazing job with the dress.
~ Beth, from UK

We LOVE the dress we’ve already received and I’d love to be able to tell everyone where and how we got these amazing dresses that everyone will see at our wedding!   ~ Becky Kalebaugh, from USA

This is a sponsored post, all opinions are solely from the author of Carrigan's Joy.

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{Review} Talking Anya Dressup & Pet Puppies

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I recently downloaded the Talking Anya Dressup & Pet Puppies, a FREE Universal App for the iPhone/iPad. And I must say, my 4 year old daughter truly enjoys the variety of activities with Talking Anya. From dress up, teaching your puppy new tricks, popping bubbles, to even hearing Anya repeat your phases, this app keeps my daughter entertained as well as providing her with an outlet for creativity.

Talking Anya features 5 adorable puppies for play, the opportunity to dress up as a princess, fairy, lady bug, bee, or witch, as well as the capability to play with a free by joining two iphones/ipads together for a muli-player game.

I also love the "Parent" tab which allows you to monitor which photos are shared through email, Facebook, and/or Twitter. You also control which pack your child gets to download. The initial game is free with additional packs to purchase around $1.99.

You can check out Talking Anya Dressup & Pet Puppies  through itunes.

What apps do you and your kids love?

Nikita is the founder at Sprite Kids. She has a Masters in Computer Science from University of Illinois at Chicago with a specialization in 3D Virtual Reality and Computer Graphics. Nikita loves combining technology and art to create beautiful experiences. 

This review was compensated, all opinions are solely from the author of this blog.

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{Product Review} Cindy Crawford Meaningful Beauty Creme De Serum

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As a woman in my thirties, I'm proactively searching for skin care products that will provide anti-wrinkle properties as well as enhance my natural beauty. Through Influenster, I was able to review the Cindy Crawford Meaningful Beauty Creme De Serum.

 

With sensitive skin, I'm pretty cautious when it comes to trying new products, but this serum only caused mild stinging with my initial application, and after that my skin never showed any signs of irritation.

 

The properties I loved about this product? The silky smooth feel of the serum. It feels as if I'm covering my skin in pure silk and I absolutely love it!

 

This product is typically sold in combination with other items and retails for around $40. Would I recommend this brand? Yes. Is this an organic skin care product? No, so read the ingredients list to better understand what chemicals you will come in contact with.

   

I received this product complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

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{Review} DressFirst.com: Beautiful Gowns at Amazing Prices

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My daughter loves dresses and dressing up. This Christmas she paraded around in her holiday attire, enjoying every minute of feeling like a princess. I can't imagine what life will be like in say, oh, another 10 years or so. Thank goodness I've found, DressFirst.com, an online site to meet all our dress needs. From sweet sixteen dresses, prom dresses, graduation, and wedding dresses, DressFirst.com provides an assortment of beautiful gowns at amazing prices.

 

And if you're like me, I'm always a bit cautious when it comes to shopping online, but DressFirst.com has such a friendly site that I easily moved from one category to the next, never searching the page for hidden buttons but rather enjoying several drop-down features to choose from. Sizing can also be a concern for me when ordering clothes online, yet the size chart gives specific measurements ranging from size 2 to 16, and 16W to 26W. They also recommend measurements done by a professional to ensure correct sizing.

 

DressFirst.com also offers accessories, shoes, and weekly SALE items. I enjoyed browsing the handbag section and was happily surprised at such reasonable prices. Every item seemed to be marked down and ranged from $13 to $35. Even their everyday bags are high quality, nicely priced items {bag pictured, $12.99}.

 

 

And as the new year approaches, I'm making a resolution to enjoy more style in my life. With DressFirst.com I'm sure to find everything I'll need to dress up an outfit with a sash {$19.99} or bring in a bit of elegance with a wrap.

 

With DressFirst.com you can enjoy purchasing your items using Paypall or Credit/Deit Card, tracking the status of your order, and relax knowing sales tax is already included in the price. They ship worldwide and offer a full refund on defective, mis-shaped, or color error items. With DressFirst.com I look forward to enjoying all my family's important moments, knowing my daughter and I will look gorgeous as we do so.

 

 

 

I would like to thank DressFirst.com for the opportunity to review their site. I received monetary compensation for this review, however, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

 

 

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PUR Gum - Only The Best for These Chompers!

Maddie recently went in for her first dental check up. She was amazing! And yet, we discovered a few cavities :(. I was heartbroken. I didn't let on to anything negative with Maddie and just reassured her that we'd continue to keep brushing and would NOW even add in nightly flossing. The dentist felt the lack of flossing is what caused the cavities, they were the ones located in between the teeth. 

So, now we are a flossed-crazy family and since information is power, we're much stronger from all the news. And speaking of news, I was recently contacted about some awesome new gum that makes high claims on improving dental healthy. I was like....what?!!! Ok! I LOVE IT! LET'S GIVE IT A GO! I'M NOW A CRAZED, CAPPED TYPING, FLOSSING WOMAN WHOSE GONNA MUNCH MY WAY TO HEALTHIER TEETH. :)

And then I took off the caps lock.

A little about PÜR Gum…

Aspartame is a man-made, synthetic sweetener found in most sugar-free gums, beverages, and candies. This food additive has been linked to symptoms including (but not limited to) headaches, dizziness, mood change, vomiting/nausea, and change in heart rate.

PÜR GUM is completely aspartame-free. Sweetened instead with the natural goodness of Xylitol, PÜR GUM gets its great taste from Mother Nature herself! A substance produced by corn, Xylitol has been found to aide in digestion, and even prevent tooth decay. Not only that, it is completely safe for pregnant moms and children of any age. PÜR GUM has no chemicals, no aftertaste and no aspartame.

Xylitol is an all-natural sweetener found in many fruits and vegetables looks and tastes like sugar. It's good for your teeth, stabilizes insulin and hormone levels, promotes good health and has none of the negative side effects of white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Xylitol looks like sugar, tastes like sugar, and has the same sweetness as sugar, making it the ideal natural sugar replacement. Each PÜR GUM contains 1 gram of Xylitol and only 2.4 calories per gram, and is slowly absorbed as a complex carbohydrate. And, Xylitol is a dentist's dream; it reverses all of the destructive effects of sugar on oral health by inhibiting growth of the bad bacteria associated with declining oral health. This dental superhero helps to restore proper alkaline/acid balance in the mouth, inhibits plaque formation and prevents tooth decay by 80 percent.Made in Switzerland, PÜR Gum offers consumers the highest quality ingredients available. 

PÜR understands the need for products that speak to certain diet restrictions, and lifestyle choices to promote optimal health across the globe. For that reason, PÜR Gum is vegan, gluten-free, non-gmo, nut-free, diabetic friendly and dairy free. 

 

Overall, PUR GUM is a hit with my family. It comes in four different flavors: wintergreen, spearmint, pomegranate mint, and peppermint. My favorite is the peppermint since it so puts me in the Holiday mood. :) Since this product is not sold in every store, you may have to go online to purchase this item. Amazon offers the 9 piece packets for $1.75. The next time you think of chewing, kick aspartame and give PUR GUM a try! Like this post? Vote for me and 

{Product Review} A Cluttered Mind

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Recently I realized my desk had become a bit cluttered. As an educator my main focus is toward my class and yet meanwhile my paper work can begin to take over the office area, leaving me with the understnding that I need to utilize more of my organizational skills.

 

Shoplet.com offers many great office supplies as well as promotional products, therefore I was able to turn to them with my need of individual File Folders{$10.20 per box}, Hanging File Folders{$13.21 per box}, as well as the Expanding Pocket Folder {$32.45 per box} which is an expanding file folder with extra easy gripping to ensure you never lose important papers while pulling from a file drawer.

When my order arrived I was highly impressed with the quality and quanity of the folders. The hanging file folders feature built in tabs so you can write directly on the folder rather than needing a paper label. This makes locating your needed papers so much easier and gives a nice organized feel to the filing cabinet.

Overall, these products are durable, easy to use, and highly recommended. Also for all my European friends, check out Shoplet UK for all your office stationary and promotional shirts!


 

 

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{Book Review and Giveaway} Travels with Gannon and Wyatt

Gannon and Wyatt are two twin boys on an adventure. Within the series of Travels with Gannon and Wyatt, the reader walks hand and hand with the two young explores as they tackle poachers in Africa, search for a mythical bear spirit in the rainforest, and assist archeological digs in Egypt. These books are filled with mystery, adventure, and suspence.

Written in tradional historic journal style, Travels with Gannon and Wyatt is a middle-grade adventure series written by Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet. The series include: Botswana (released May 2013), Great Bear Rainforest (released October 2013), and Egypt (to be released January 2014). The novels entertain the reader through adventures of explorations, promoting world geography, and examining a variety of cultures and wildlife.

My favorite of the series is Botswana, where we first meet Gannon and Wyatt. These two homeschooled boys bounce around the world thanks to their mom's job as a flight attendant and their father's work as an artist. In my opinion, they live the life I only dreamed of as a child.

I enjoyed the photos of Africa through out the book as well as important geographical knowledge. As an educator, I could see a class reading this book to gain perspective as well as cultural knowledge on forgein lands. And again, written through the view of middle school aged boys, these stories offer a glimpse not only into the landscape of a village but also the tickings of a child's mind. I believe this helps to connect a young reader, building similarities between reader and main characters.

As my son and I read through the books together, he shared information he knew about the different places, making his own connections, however, I was able to witness just how little knowledge he did have about different areas and cultures. I guess I figured with the abundance of resouces we have in our area, our children would be more knowledgeable on other countries but in reality he seems more sheltered. These stories have allowed us to take a look at different people and their beliefs while keeping it entertaining enough to hold an 11 year old boy's attention.

Overall the books are well made and designed, each one is hardback, printed on thick paper to authenticate the journal style writing. The stories are around 150 pages, long enough for a preteen or even a book to be read together as a family. Even my younger kids enjoyed listening to the stories and I look forward to the time when they will reread these stories for themselves. Each book sells for around $12.95 and is geared toward ages 9 - 12.

Travels with Gannon and Wyatt have also teamed up with the Youth Exploration Society to donate one book for every one book sold. The Travels with Gannon and Wyatt series can be purchased through Amazon and Barns & Noble, or you could win your own copy here. Also check out the Travels with Gannon and Wyatt Facebook page where three Kindle Fires are being given away through out November. Check it out to win and Happy Travels!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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{Product Review} Leave Your Mark With Kidecals

kidecals is the coolest, cutest way to label your belongings. With personalized labels for kids and adults, you'll have a blast searching through categories such as: boy, girl, parents, organizing and kitchen labels. Needing a non-personalized sticker? Then check out the keyboard stickers, chalkboard labels, and/or wall decals.

I chose a personalized sticker, featuring my last name.  I plan on using it to label my belongings at school. kidecals offers three different sets to choose from:

• Mega Set ($28) 24 two inch labels and 48 one inch labels = 72 labels.
• Everyday Set ($21) 12 two inch labels and 24 one inch labels = 36 labels.
• Mini Set ($21) 66 one inch labels.

kidecals also offers free shipping on all products with no spending limit. And within two days I received an email that my shipment was on it's way. Again, free shipping, I was extremly impressed with the speediant order and delievery. And, now you can use the discount code: kidecals15 for 15% off your next order!
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{Product Review} Medline Remedy Skin Care

Shoplet.com is known for it's high quality office stationary, promotional products such as promotional shirts, and all other needed office supplies. However, Shoplet.com also offers skin care products from Medline, the leader in health care products.

 

Some of these Medline products include: hydrating cleansing foam which is a no -rinse cleanser to be used on hair and/or body. This is a great product for anyone caring for a loved one who may be bedridden and unable to bath in the bathroom. I remember using these no-rinse products when my mother was in the hospital. It not only cleaned the hair and skin but also allowed her to feel more comfortable, emotionally and physically, knowing she was able to maintain her daily routine of bathing. The nourishing moisturizer skin cream restores nutrients and hydration to dry, cracked skin. This lotion can be used daily and is hypoalergenic. The hydrating moisturizer lotion leaves a breathable,water resistant film for long lasting skin nurtishment, which is great for healing dry, cracked skin. These lotions also come in a lightly scented fragrance. Nothing over powering but certainly not the familiar hospital smell. Medline also provides flushable wipes  which are made of natural, biodegradable fibers which disperse just like toilet paper during flushing. I recall using flushable wipes after having my babies. Again, it was that little extra cleanse that I so appreciated.

 

Overall, these products are highly effective, sensitive enough to be used daily, and offer a delicate touch to your personal skin care routine. Again, I enjoy the fragrance of the lotions and the usefulness of the products. Remember Shoplet.com and Medline if you're in the need for reasonably priced skin care products.

 

 

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Explore Chattanooga: Spirit Halloween

Are you ready for Halloween? Got the candy? Got the garb? If not, Spirit Halloween is your one stop shop for all your Halloween needs. From toddlers to adults, they have a large assortment of costumes to choose from. You can shop by brands, themes, assessories, and/or decorations - like I said, a one stop shop for all your needs!

 

I recently took the kids in to see all the great items available. I believe we activated every mechanical monster in the place. Seriously, if you're hosting a party this season, you should definitly check out the yard decor, it certainly provides that professional look all the super spooky houses like to show-case.

And for all those not in the Senic City area, you can always order your supplies online and use the code: EERIESHIP for a $4.99 shipping rate on all orders $65 or over.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get Spookey!

   

  Spirit Halloween

5450 Highway 153

Hixson,TN 37343

(423) 362-3730

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