Review: EcoStore

I was lucky enough to be able to be contacted to review for EcoStoreUSA.com.  They carry products that have *No Nasty Chemicals and are eco friendly. 

Going green is a huge thing for many people and I know a lot of moms are very concerned with only having green products or using green products around the home because of the fact that they don't want their children around the harsh chemicals that are in most products and items around the home.

Personally, I think going green in great, so I was pretty excited when I found out I could try out a few of their products for a review.  I got to choose 2 items from the EcoStore site.  I chose the Eco4Pets dog shampoo and a bottle of hand wash.

First the pet shampoo.  I received the shampoo in the scent "Herbal Fresh".  It is a 12 fl. oz. bottle made of a sturdy plastic with a nice squirt cap.  The Eco site says that the shampoo is mild enough for frequent use and that it is safe for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens over the age of 6 weeks.  I have 2 dogs that were nice and dirty and very in need of a bath, so I was more than happy to test out this shampoo.  The shampoo smells really good, which I was a bit surprised at because all of the eco friendly products I have tried in the past (NOT from this particular website) have not.  The shampoo was a nice consistency as well, not too thick but not running out of the bottle either, and, it created a great lather!  My dog's coats were super soft after they had their baths.  They still smelled like a wet dog, but that cannot be helped no matter what shampoo you use.  But, they were very clean and pretty afterwards. : )  Now, because I have 2 dogs, I used quite a bit of shampoo (and I have a big dog so I need to use a lot to cover her..) However, I would say there is as least 8-10 washes in this bottle (4-5 for me because I have the 2 dogs).

Next, the hand soap.  The soap is $5.49 for a 8.5 fl. oz. bottle.  The bottle is made of a sturdy plastic with a nice spout top.  I received the hand soap in the scent Coconut and Vanilla.  These are my two favorite scents so I was very excited to get my soap and smell the two combine.  Unfortunately, the soap smells nothing like coconut or vanilla or a mixture of the two.  Instead, to me, I think it smells kind of like Elmer's Glue.  My friend says it smells like an unscented lotion (the ones that still have a slight smell).  Whatever it smells like, we both agreed that it is not the best smelling.  Now when you wash your hands, the soap does not suds.  At all.  I felt like I had just put lotion on my hands then was attempting to rub it off with water only.  I mean, my hands looked clean afterwards, but they just felt unclean because of the fact there were no suds and no scent left behind.  I did find something I like the soap for however, cleaning my makeup brushes.  It is not harsh at all, and it cleans my brushes more thoroughly than the soap I had used previously for my brushes.

EcoStore USA offers a nice variety of products, and their prices are very reasonable.  If you are a green person, it might be worth checking out.  I really liked the pet shampoo even though I'm a bit iffy whether or not I would personally buy the hand soap.  The site is clean and easy to navigate and you might enjoy the products offered.

**I did not get paid for this review.  I received the products mentioned free of charge in order to write a real and honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own unless otherwise stated.**

WINNERS!

The OOGY giveaway has ended and I am here to announce the lucky winners.  Random.org picked the winners, as always.  But first, a big thanks to Hachette for sending me OOGY to review and for offering the 2 copies to two of my fabulous readers!

Winners are...

#6 StephTheBookworm

#16 Busy Working Mama

Congrats!  I will be emailing you in just a moment.  You will have 48 hours to respond.  For any questions, please visit the FAQ page.

Lots of Reviews...

Hey guys

I'm sure you have seen a bunch of reviews being published on the site yesterday, and I just wanted to give you a heads up so I don't overwhelm you, but there will be a few more coming up soon.  I have been writing them and saving them on my computer, just now finding the time to get them on the site, so a few more will be popping up soon.

That's all for now.

Have a great Tuesday, and for all you  GLEE fans, it's on tonight!!!  : )

Awesome Website I just found... PLUS Extra Entries!!!

Hey guys!

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Extra Entires for giveaways going on on my blogs,

For 20 EXTRA ENTRIES,  sign up at eBates.com using my referral link.  It's that simple. 

I honestly hope that you guys do check the site out.  Signing up is super easy.  You just enter your email address and that's it.

Review: The Coming Economic Armageddon by Dr. David Jeremiah

Never before have we read such jarring headlines, distressing news analyses, or dire predictions concerning the world's financial future. The American housing market -- or, more sentimentally, the American dream -- began to collapse in 2006, taking with it large chunks of the global financial system. Millions of jobs worldwide have vanished forever. Did Bible prophecy predict this catastrophe? Are there biblical clues to how soon, if ever, a viable, long-term recovery can be sustained? Is the financial collapse just one of several signs that we are living in the final days of Earth's history In THE COMING ECONOMIC ARMAGEDDON, David Jeremiah says we can know the meaning behind what we see in the daily news -- and understand and prepare for living in the New Global Economy.  description taken from here.


When I first read the title of this book, I thought it would be about our economic crisis.  It is not.  Is about how the bible warns people about the economy.  So, that was a little misleading.. I would have preferred a different title that clued you in a bit more.. Yes, it does mention the actual book's content under the book's heading.  In smaller print.  It also is not included in the title, which, as I said, I find a bit misleading as you would not know this unless you were looking at the cover, which some people do not when reading about books.  But enough about that, the book itself was straight forward in its message and/or meaning.  The author's meaning was clear and decipherable.



**I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Review: The Church Awakening by Charles Swindoll

In THE CHURCH AWAKENING, Charles Swindoll discusses the challenges, struggles, and priorities of the church in the twenty-first century. He reveals the problems inherent in the entertainment-based postmodern church and shows how a return to biblical teaching will restore its strength and impact. Now being replaced by a feel-good message instead of what Christians need to know to stand strong in a world that's lost its way--Swindoll exposes the problems of--and solutions for--the postmodern evangelical church. Just as he opened readers' eyes with his bold statements in The Grace Awakening, now he offers a straightforward volume revealing how to reestablish a life-altering church with Christ as Lord and Master. Illuminating and empowering, THE CHURCH AWAKENING will ignite a revolution in the way Christians "do church" for years to come.  description taken from here.



Swindoll tells readers with his newest book that the church is letting it's followers slack and develop their own thoughts, actions and concepts without interference.  He says that the church needs to pick up the slack and say, 'hey wait a second, let's back up here so I can lead you in the correct Christian way'.  I only see one major flaw with the logic of his book... Obviously he wants to target the ones who have gone astray somewhere, but what person who has 'gone astray' is going to pick up a book that tells you that you have 'gone astray'?  I mean, as humans, we don't like for anyone to criticize us, tell us we have done something wrong, etc.  I think Swindoll needs to be a little more suggestive and not so drill sergent in his ways.  Humans do take suggestions better.. we tend to think we made the decision when it is only suggested after all...  Other than that, Swindoll tells it how he thinks it. 

**I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Review: Dare to Take Charge by Judge Glenda Hatchett

Judge Hatchett is an accomplished woman: in addition to her successful syndicated show, she has been a corporate litigator and manager of international media relations, as well as a chief presiding judge of Fulton County, Ga.'s juvenile court. Sharing her own story and the experiences of those who have appeared in her courtroom, Hatchett challenges readers to take charge of their lives, to define their dreams and dare to achieve them, to try new things, and to start every day with a clear idea of what they can accomplish to move toward their goal.But she simply strings together self-help clichés as she urges readers to spend more time doing what they're good at, to expect more of themselves, to keep a Joy Journal to reflect on what has brought them pleasure, and to pursue activities they feel passionate about. The self-help advice offered is generic, and while fans of Hatchett's TV show might enjoy the book, she won't be attracting many newcomers.  description taken from here.


This might possibly be an odd thing to comment on, but I liked the font that was used in this book.  It was a bit larger than normal, yet skinny, but it was much easier to read than some fonts seem to be.  Whatever was different, I  liked it.  Judge Hatchett shares with us in her book a little about her life, a little about her court, and a little about managing your life and your skills.  I thought this was a well written book that was believeable.  There is nothing worse than picking up a book by a celebrity, etc. (someone in the media) and starting to read it only to think 'I cannot picture this person actually talking like this'.  With Judge Hatchett's book, the comentary was beliveable and real and I enjoyed it.  This was a nice book.


**I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Review: God and Sex by Michael Coogan

For several decades, Michael Coogan's introductory course on the Old Testament has been a perennial favorite among students at Harvard University. In God and Sex, Coogan examines one of the most controversial aspects of the Hebrew Scripture: What the Old Testament really says about sex, and how contemporary understanding of those writings is frequently misunderstood or misrepresented. In the engaging and witty voice generations of students have appreciated, Coogan explores the language and social world of the Bible, showing how much innuendo and euphemism is at play, and illuminating the sexuality of biblical figures as well as God. description taken from here.


Coogan covers everything.  I mean everything.  Marriage, women's domestic roles, abortions, arranged marriages, divorce, etc.  Like I said, he covers everything.  Honestly, Coogan didn't leave a good impression with me.  At all.  Starting with the chapter on women's roles.  Now, if you believe that women are supposed to be the subordinate, then you might just love this book.  However, I feel like we are not in the 1800s anymore and we need to more forward with rights, equality and so forth.  Apparently, Coogan thinks that women are subject to their fathers, and then their husbands once married.  They are never their own person, they are un-named, that's just how important they are to him.  As stated above, this does not leave a good impression with me.  Coogan quotes overly much.  His writting is stale and needs life in it.  Obviously, I did not care for this book at all and I will not be recommending this to anyone.




**I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Review: Raising the Dead by Chauncey W. Crandall IV, MD ~ ARC

On October 20, 2006, a middle-aged auto mechanic, Jeff Markin, walked into the emergency room at the Palm BeachGardensHospital and collapsed from a massive heart attack. Forty minutes later he was declared dead. After filling out his final report, the supervising cardiologist, Dr. Chauncey Crandall, started out of the room. "Before I crossed its threshold, however, I sensed God was telling me to turn around and pray for the patient," Crandall explained.


With that prayer and Dr. Crandall's instruction to give the man what seemed one more useless shock from the defibrillator, Jeff Markin came back to life--and remains alive and well today.

But how did a Yale-educated cardiologist whose Palm Beach practice includes some of the most powerful people in American society, including several billionaires, come to believe in supernatural healing?

The answers to these questions compose a story and a spiritual journey that transformed Chauncey Crandall. description taken from here.
 
 
An interesting read that would interest anyone who is very religious or works in the medical field.  Personally, RAISING THE DEAD was overly religious for me to to take seriously.
 

**I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.** 

Review: Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method

Did you know muscles get bored, just like people do? And did you also know that there's a 9 out of 10 chance that you're working the wrong muscles when you exercise? With TRACY ANDERSON'S 30-DAY METHOD you don't have to worry--her unique workout will help you drop the weight and shrink your body in just 30 days.
Based on ten years of scientific research and experience getting not just herself, but A-list stars and everyday people, red carpet ready, Anderson has developed a unique 30-day diet and workout routine that reshapes the body and defies genetics to tone the muscles and drop the pounds. While most people incorrectly target their major muscle groups, like the bicep or hamstring, the focus should be on the smaller accessory muscles that can create a long, lean, balanced look--instead of bulked up look. Anderson's program is composed of a groundbreaking three-tiered approach, including a mat workout and cardio routine targeting the all-important accessory muscles, and an exclusive 30-day meal plan, complete with dozens of delicious recipes.
This comprehensive kick-start program is unlike any other workout on the market and it leaves no chance for anything but terrific, fast results!  description taken from here.
 
 
A great workout program!  The book comes with a compatible DVD that really makes the book worth while.  This is a program that makes sense and is something anyone at almost any age can try.    The program includes a 10-Day muscle workout, a dance cardio workout that targets all the important muscles, a 30-Day meal plan and detox plan, AND tons of yummy recipes that you can try and use to help you lose weight and stay healthy!
 
 

*I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Review: God and Dog by Wendy Francisco

GOD AND DOG is a phenomenon. First appearing on YouTube, the video of Wendy Francisco's charming animated illustrations and moving song tells of the unconditional love of both God and Dog.




With over 2 million YouTube viewings to date, Francisco's story appeals to all ages, to animal enthusiasts, to people of religious persuasions, and especially to anyone who has been loved by a dog.



Now in book format, Wendy's touching narrative will be expanded on through additional lyrics, illustrations, photographs and some of the powerful mail that is continually being sent to Francisco. description taken from here.

I found this book to be very dull.  At only 48 pages long, some might consider this to be a children's book since the words are extremely simple and the pictures easy and cartoon-ish.  However, I cannot image a young child, or a child of any age that is, to be any more interested in this book than I was.  Its dull, and I feel as if it has been 'dumbed down' as some people may call it.  Overall, this book was a waste of time.


*I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Review & Giveaway: Oogy by Larry Levin

In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen--one who was missing an ear and had half his face covered in scar tissue--ran up to them and captured their hearts. The dog had been used as bait for fighting dogs when he was just a few months old. He had been thrown in a cage and left to die until the police rescued him and the staff at Ardmore Animal Hospital saved his life. The Levins, whose sons are themselves adopted, were unable to resist Oogy's charms, and decided to take him home.




Heartwarming and redemptive, OOGY is the story of the people who were determined to rescue this dog against all odds, and of the family who took him home, named him "Oogy" (an affectionate derivative of ugly), and made him one of their own.  description taken from here.
 
 
I loved OOGY.  It was so moving and so very emotional for me.  I love all animals, no matter how "ugly", "scary", etc.  I am, plain and simple, an animal person.  It was almost difficult for me to look at the pictures both on the front and back of the book.  All I could think was 'that poor doggie'.  But, the book was good, and I recommend it to anyone who loves animals or just dogs. 
 
 

Giveaway!

 

Hachette is letting 2 of my lovely readers win their very own copy of OOGY!

 

Rules:

 

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Giveaway ends October 25th



*I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Review: Find a Way by Merril Hoge

When Merril talked about his dream of playing in the NFL all he heard was, that will be too hard, you can't beat those odds, it's impossible, and son don't put all your eggs in one basket! That inspired him to write Find a Way and put it on the top of the wall above all his goals. Find a Way would become a life-long philosophy that helped him achieve his dream of playing in the NFL, but also has helped him deal with the near loss of his hand as a young boy, the loss of his mother at a young age, overcome severe head trauma and battle and beat cancer. It has also become a parenting tool and helped him realize the magic that exists in all of us! description taken from here.

FIND A WAY was an emotional and refreashingly real book.  It was interesting to read and had a nice tempo to it.  Anyone who likes Hoge or real life stories would be interested in this book. 



**I received a complementary copy of this book in order to write a real and honest review. I did not get paid for this post. All opinions are my own, unless otherwise stated.**

Nebraska Cornhuskers are where it's at

The Author of this post is Freddy Savage




There is nothing in life quite like going to Memorial Stadium and taking in a Nebraska Cornhuskers' football game. Of course it has been reported before that when the 'Huskers stadium fills up it becomes the third largest city in Nebraska but from what I saw it seems like the biggest. Bo Pelini has really gotten the team going in the right direction and it is pretty clear that the fans have really bought into what he and his staff and players are doing.

Watching quarterback Taylor Martinez run over, around and through the Idaho Vandal defense was a sight to see and I wonder if that kid might just win a Heisman trophy before it is all said and done. I have to admit that I've been a Husker fan since I was a little, little kid and Tom Osborne walked the sidelines, sending in plays to Tommie Frazier and Eric Crouch and even Turner Gill earlier in his career.

Since I've been watching the Huskers for quite some time now, when I can't watch the team in person I watch them and all my college football games on satellite tv from www.directstartv.com/compare_directv/directv_vs_dish.html; I think I can honestly say that this might just be the year that the mighty Nebraska Cornhuskers finally return to their days of glory. This just might be the year they win another National Championship.











**For questions please visit the FAQ page.  This is a sponsored post.**