Welcome to Perfect Chaos. My name is Stacie D. Wyatt. I am a published poet and writer. I review books and products. I also host giveaways.
I also have two kids: 21 years old and a 10 year old. My oldest is Autistic/ADHD and my youngest is global developmentally delayed with autism, adhd, seizures, sleep apnea, and more.
I enjoy writing about the ups and downs of parenting two differently-abled children.
I received the #HeatPressDIY mini heat press, in exchange for honest review from #Tomoson. I wanted this to help with a mask project, I started. I also started working on an backpack purse with transfer vinyl. I love exploring my creative side. Who knows what I can create next?
The mini heat press is great for for small and/or challenging projects. It also has an LED display, which shows both Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees. It also has a timer built in. The kit also comes with a spray bottle; a carrying case; and a heat-resistant foam mat.
This was my first time, using a heat press and I still have a lot to turn, like turning the temperature settings on, which I have struggled with, since I received it, but once it is on, I can work on my projects. I also like how the press is small and portable.
Youtube Video:
You can purchase the mini heat press, using the link above. New customers can save 10%, using code: HPDIY10. Have a great day.
No clue what was going on in this dream, last night. I was watching Addicted to Marriage; My 600 lb life; and Too Large before going to bed. I even stopped watching crime shows, especially anything on Discovery ID, before going to bed because the dreams can get weird. Nothing to do with gangsters and mobsters. Definitely confused the hell out of me. I seem to remember more dreams when they have people, I know in them.
Here is the parts, I remember.
I was at my grandma's old house, with a few friends and their kids. Me and one of the kids, went for a walk. The kid told me, that his mama said she didn't care if I got covid walking with him, but he didn't need to get it. I was upset. When we tried to walk back in the house, a mobster stopped us by aiming a gun in our face. I don't know if he was going to shoot us or not. He didn't after we told him, we wanted to go in the house and see our family. He was upset because his friends doesn't consider him family and let us go.
I went in the house to collect my kid but he wasn't there. No one knew where my child was. Apparently, I had left the house for a while. The friend was upset but I had a mob situation.
Then some way, some how, I left my kid with a friend, to run errands, but got chased by the mob. They was looking for someone but Im not sure who.
Another part:
The mob was after us in my grandma house. Me and a few relatives went to hide upstairs because it was more secure. I played dead and didn't get shot. It was hard because I still had to breath, while also scanning the room to see if everyone was ok.
Another Part:
I went over someone else's house and the gangsters came in the house, ransacking the place. I hide in the bathroom because of the secured door. But when other people came in the house, the door mysteriously disappeared and I could be seen.
Another Part:
Someone brought my grandma's house because they thought the family was dead, even though we was playing dead. Some of the family took on another identity. A tennis player figured out who one of us was because of an award.
One of my relatives got on tv and was talking about a tennis championship, they won as a kid. The other tennis player realized they was the opponent and got upset because they thought my relative had died.
The End: I hope I never have a dream like this again. I had strange dreams, like this before, but I haven't had them in a long time.
I received a Photo Wall, canvas print, in exchange for honest review. I had reviewed for them before and they asked me to review again.
This print is called Pink Horizon. I loved the pink sky, the rocks, and the water. I also favorited, a few more prints, for the future, such as small dock and lake and sunny day. :-)
The print does come with a unassembled frame. Please have enough room to assemble the frame.
I chose a bigger print, this year, and just found a folding table for assembly. You may need two people for bigger, canvas prints. I had a few issues with screwing in the corners, in addition to hanging the print because of the size, but I got it hung on my bedroom wall.
Use code sdwperfectchaos25 to save 25% on any print within the next 2 months.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
I received the JoyBos Jewelry Organizer, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I wanted the organizer to help me organize my studs and earrings better. They are mixed between multiple bags and a smaller organizer. The jewelry organizer also has slots for necklaces and chains, at the top.
In total, the jewelry organizer has 18 slots for necklaces; 63 earring holes; and 90 stud holes.
Joybos designed the organizer, like a 4-panel organizer. It opens up, on hinges to reveal 3 panels for jewelry and a mirror panel. The organizer is great for finding your earrings without rummaging through a few bags, like I do sometimes. The storage also helps keep out dust and other debris.
What didn't work was hanging my hoops and jewelry, with a little bulk to them, such as these, I got from Myvipon/Amazon.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
Today feels super weird. The house is quieter than normal. The drama is reduced. The house is still a mess though, but I did clean Kalen's play area and set up, a new item for a future product video review.. Brad is gone for the next, few days, during a trial run of residential placement, to see if he can fit into a group home setting, in the future.
Covid has taken a hit, on everyone. Brad has not responded well to being out of school, so much that I had to call crisis management for myself, multiple times. It felt weird calling, for myself, but I had enough with the daily, multiple, meltdowns. I am sick and tired of my son, hitting the walls, doors, and windows, aa soon as he wakes up, and frequently throughout the day. I am tired of being hit, pushed, kicked, and spit on, on a regular basis. Tired of the holes, in the walls, with exposed insulation and wires. Visiting Home Depot has become a regular thing because they sell sheet rock squares. I also learned how to replace blinds; made my own keys with the self key maker kiosk; and got Kalen a foam, puzzle mat, for his play area.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
I received the Tronic Master UV Light Sanitizer, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The device sanitizes your items, such as phone, glasses, and keys with UV light, using a usb-c cord (included). The device also doubles as a power bank to charge your phone, tablets, and other items.
I used the sanitizer, so far, on my glasses and phone, while using the charger to charge my kindle. The sanitizer was easy to use.
To use, you place your items in the sanitizer; close the lid; and turn on the power button. The sanitization process lasts three minutes, then the blue light turns off when complete.
I had no issues using the product. You can purchase the sanitizer, on Amazon. The sanitizer is prime-eligible.
I wanted to try and use the pants holders to hold my oldest's pants. He had a pants holder, in the past, but the pants kept falling off the hanger.
My oldest thinks his pants is a buffet line and wants to try on multiple per day. I keep his pants, either hung up in a closet, or folded in a bin, until he needs one, and then I hand him a fresh, pair of pants.
I loved the hangers. I was able to hang 2-3 pairs of my son's sweats and scrubs, per rung. I also used the other hanger to hang up, my pants, in the closet. The hangers have held up well and the pants have stayed on. No falling. I definitely can use a few more for my youngest's pants. You can also use the hangers, for other things, you want to hang like shirts or scarves. Many possibilities.
You can buy the hangers, on Amazon. The hangers are prime-eligible.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
What do you do when you had enough? When you so tired, that you hate going to sleep because you won't sleep long and you hate waking up because you know nothing hasn't changed? Is this life worth living, despite all the obstacles? What is my purpose for being here, other than cooking, cleaning, parenting and fixing/repairing stuff?
"More to this life. More than living and dying. More than trying to make it through the day. More to this life. More than my eyes alone can see. There is more in this life, I long to be". Steven Curtis Chapman. Signs of Life album. More to this life.
"There is a joy. There is a peace, that makes this life complete. For every man, woman, boy, and girl, looking for Heaven in the real world."
Waking up to Brad hitting the walls, doors, and windows. Waking up to him throwing the dirty clothes or the dirty clothes bin. Standing on the semi-broken love chair to hit the walls and the ceilings, higher. Hitting the stove hood and slamming the fridge door. Picking up dirty diapers, he tossed in corners and on top of clothes, drying.
Standing over me, while I am sleep, like a psycho, waiting to scream, "I want phone" as soon as my eyes open. Turning on all the lights in the house to alert me of his presence, I guess. Pulling the covers off me and Kalen, while we are sleep.
The other day, he was throwing dishes and threw the dirty clothes bin at me. I'm glad I caught it before he broke the living room window, the 5th time. Even if you give him, his meds, as soon as you get up at whatever random time, he wakes up, the behavior continues. My anxiety continues. My depression continues. Loneliness continues. Tears continue and I hate crying.
He is going to put us out of another apartment, I just know it. People don't want to rent to special needs families, in Houston, at least when I called around, after I got the note on my last apartment door, about not renewing our lease. All I can do is clean, declutter, and repair small items, until the day happens. I don't need to take all this clutter with me to another apartment. I am not sure if I want Brad to live with us in the next apartment, but the City of Houston does not want people with severe autism in residential centers, temporary or permanent, because Autism is not treatable or curable. He is not potty-trained either, which is another reason for disqualification.
The downstairs neighbor, across from us, moved a few weeks ago. Was it because of Brad? Yesterday, I saw one of the former upstairs neighbors put groceries in a different apartment in a different building? Was it because of Brad? Will management ask us to leave in January, when our lease is up? How is that fair to Kalen--if we have to move--at the beginning of a new semester to a new apartment in maybe a new school? I can't go back to all virtual because of my mental health.
How is it fair to me to keep fixing and repairing new and old wall holes, Brad has re-opened? To wake up at various times during the night to try and calm him down. To keep fixing furniture, he has broken. Yesterday, I learned a new skill, involving Kalen. I untwisted the pipes in the bathroom, to remove things, he has thrown down the sink, like corn kernels, a ball, and the sink stopper.
I learned how to fix holes with sheetrock and a power drill, this year, because of Brad. Many thanks to my poetry buddy, Rodney, for helping me with tips and techniques, I needed. I fixed the wobbly dining room table with a bunch of screws, the other week. Still wobbly but not as wobbly. I have screwed and re-screwed the stove hood, back in multiple times. Brad also broke the tv antenna. Glad I had back up, even though I struggled to find where it was, in the closet.
GOD ARE YOU FUCKING LISTENING BECAUSE I HAD ENOUGH.
I am done. I quit. I am ready to sign over my guardianship to whoever wants him. Let him eat up all their food and destroy their homes. Destroy them mentally.
I FUCKING HATE CORONA
His behavior got worse, when he realized he wasn't going back to school after spring break and it went super downhill fast. He hasn't hit walls constantly in years, but it started back. He put more holes in the walls than he did at the last apt and my mama's former home. He broke more furniture in a shorter time period.
I just wanted some nice furniture, not from the dumpster. I been afraid to get newer pieces because I knew it wouldn't last long. Nice table and 5 chairs from the furniture bank. He broke the base from the stand on the table (which is why it is wobbly) and broke all 5 chairs. I do have a corner of broken dumpster chairs, I am scared to fix because Brad may break them or throw them towards me, Kalen, or through the window, including 2 nice metal chairs. He broke the arm off the 3 seater sofa and I had to toss it out. He put holes in the back of the dresser. He also broke off half of one of the drawer fronts. Forgive me for wanting a nice place to put winter clothes, instead of in space bags. I finally got the dryer fixed, Brad broke, but now need the belt replaced and struggling to find someone to fix it, even on Craigslist and Nextdoor.
I had to flip the love seat over to keep Brad from standing on it to hit the ceiling and knock the texture off. I flipped it back over, weeks ago, to clean under it, and the arm came apart from being flipped over. The mini arm railings also came off. If I flip it back over, I am not sure that I can fix it with my drill. So I am leaving it right-side up until he breaks it for good.
I can't have anything. I guess I am not deserving since it ends up broken. Since Corona, I have bought a new phone because Brad broke it; a new computer because Kalen cracked the screen and it stopped working; Brad got a new tv because Kalen knocked it over. I still need to put up the towel bar, Brad knocked down, but I keep misplacing what I did with the brackets. I found a dumpster door (bedroom) but I put it on the bathroom (he broke original bedroom and bathroom door) for a bit of privacy until I get a new door. Rodney also told me about Habitat for Humanity's stores, which sell cheaper doors. I am not ready to pay $150 to the complex for Brad to break it a 2nd time.
His elopement also continues. I can't walk to the store with the kids. I can't take out the trash if Brad is woke. I can't walk to the laundry room to wash my blankets and floor rug. Both are too big for the portable's spin cycle. I can't go to the mailbox without bribery or a ride from my mother or niece. I'm done. I am not the right parent for this job.
One of the tiny homes, I love on Amazon. I would make a few mods but it is small and simple.
I just want a nice, small home, I don't have to worry about being put out of because of Brad. A table and four chairs for speech therapists and counselors when they visit (no seating was one of the biggest complaints at my last place). A side by side fridge with padlock so I can have more variety of foods for the kids to eat. A house without holes in walls and peeled off texture. A house with intact doors. I also need sleep, good sleep, for the first time since March, and a 3 day break from both kids for my sanity.
The pad has 3 heat modes and 3 massage vibration modes. The pad also has voice broadcast.I could hear the voice but not quite sure what the voice is saying. She was coming in at low volume. You can also adjust the belt to fit your body. I wasnt sure if the belt would fit my belly but the belt did fit and I was able to use the machine. The belt stretches from 24 inches to 57 inches.
I have used the pad for both back and belly pain. You can also use the pad for neck and menstrual pain. Each session lasts 15 minutes and auto shut off kicks in. To me, the pad is part tens unit (without the electrodes) and heating pad. The pad was easy to use and user-friendly. You turn it on and adjust the settings. One button controls the power and heat modes, while the other controls the massage modes.
The pad takes three seconds to heat up. The temperatures include 104, 122, and 140 degrees. There is also a cycle mode which goes through all the heat ranges.
The massage vibrations starts at 3000 per min/ 4500, 6000, and recycle mode. You just have to play with the settings until you are comfortable.
Finally, you can clean the pad with a soft cloth.
You can purchase the pad, on Amazon, using the link above. The pad is prime-eligible.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
I read Take Back Your Life by Levi Lusko, in exchange for honest review from FlyBy Blog Promotions. I received a hardback book.
The book is a 40 day devotional/journal, which helps you think right, so you can live right.
My life sucks right now. The crisis and quarantining has not helped. I am drained physically, mentally, and spiritually. I dread waking up and I dread going to bed because I know what's waiting and I hate it (kid's morning behavior issues).
I have learned a few new skills, such as I attempted to make cheese, but I cant seem to help my oldest calm down. I wanted to read this book to at least help my spiritual life improve, while everything else is falling apart.
Book Review
One of the first things, which stood out is when the author said looks can be deceiving. We can be looking at something, but not see all, that is there. We can not trust what we see with the naked eye because there are unseen things in the background.
"When you see the invisible, you can see the impossible"
Using just the seen to make decisions is not enough because there are blind spots. The unseen spiritual realm is forever. We need to stop walking around oblivious to things going on in the background, such as the battle for our hearts (and our internal battle)and where we will spend eternity (We all will live forever, but where: Heaven or Hell). Lusko says we need to look at people and things through the lens of faith to see if this or that is for your good. Is this or that or them part of God's plan for your life. The author says we have to take back our lives from what's going on in the invisible realm.
Another part of the book, which stood out is that no matter, what we are going through, we are loved. called. chosen. equipped. I may not feel that way when repairing another hole, my oldest put in the wall or picking up a bag full of toys, again, the youngest threw, but God still says we are loved, called, chosen, and equipped (and that' s where my overthinking takes place. What am I equipped to do? What is my godly purpose? Is it more than cleaning, cooking, parenting, and fixing things, the kids broke? My life is boring, repetitive, redundant, frustrating, but yet there is a godly purpose, somewhere in this mess.) Day 3 says despite how I feel about myself and my life, We were made in the image of God; we have autonomy; we are immortal; we were expensive because Jesus paid the ultimate price for our souls. I definitely need this book right now. I havent had it long. A kid tore a few pages out, but I was able to find them and put them back in the book, but I am loving what I am reading.
At the end of each chapter, there is a prayer and questions to think about.
The book is available in Kindle; Audio book; hardback; and audio CD. The book is prime-eligible.
Levi Lusko is the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah. He is the bestselling author of Through the Eyes of a Lion, Swipe Right, and I Declare War. Levi also travels the world speaking about Jesus. He and his wife, Jennie, have one son, Lennox, and four daughters: Alivia, Daisy, Clover, and Lenya, who is in heaven.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
I read Moving Beyond Anxiety by David Chadwick, in exchange for honest review for FlyBy Blog Promotions. I received a pdf and a paperback copy of the book. The book is written from a biblical perspective. Part 1 focuses on identifying anxiety, while Part 2 focuses on overcoming anxiety.
Part 1: Identifying Anxiety
I wanted to read this book because I have tons of fears and anxieties. Will my oldest son's behavior get us evicted from another place? Will my youngest die in his sleep from his seizures or sleep apnea or long QT syndrome? If I walk the kids to the store or laundry room, will they walk off or have a public meltdown? If yes, I rather not take them, at all, than risk it. If I die, what will happen to my kids? Will Kalen accidentally cause an infection to his self because he likes to self-injure by scratching? I had his heart monitor removed because it was broke and Kalen was scratching around the monitor.
I worry about my health. I have headaches, back pain, and joint pain. I barely had any sleep since March because my oldest has been waking up, mostly at 4/5 am to hit walls, doors, and the ceiling. For me, I listen to music, clean, walk outside for a second to breath to try to stay calm and focused on rough days. I also pray but many times, fear my prayers are not listened to or won't be answered. After all, it's been three months since Brad started banging walls and doors at 3 am and it still won't stop.
In the Chadwick provides 12 strategies to help with anxieties. One of the first things, which stood out was Chadwick defined anxiety and fear.
"Anxiety is thinking something bad might happen to you", while "Fear is the belief something bad will happen to you". Chadwick says that if we win the battle over our thoughts, then we will win the battle over anxiety. Bad thoughts lead bad feelings, which lead to bad behaviors. We have to renew our minds daily.
Anxiety and fear also can affect your prayer life and your relationship with God. The devil also has a part in worry, anxiety, and fear by implanting thoughts in your head, which increases anxiety; tempts you to engage in destructive behaviors; and affects your relationship with God. God wants our lives to be filled with peace and joy, which is something I definitely need more of. A quiet, peaceful household, even with two children, with special needs.
The book also focuses on the causes of anxiety. Rapid change, loneliness, failure, rejection, and fear of tomorrow are the ones, which hit home, to me. Just look at the past few months. Kids went from going out of school for Spring Break to being out for the rest of the year. Church was closed and went completely virtual. Their psychiatrist visits also went virtual. Clinic also implemented curbside pharmacy plus temperature checks.
Both kids behaviors changed quick, which increased fear, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Both of their medications have been adjusted, a few times to see if it helps. Toss in a outpatient surgery and a few visits for routine doctor visits and lab work.
I lost my breaks, during the day, along with sleep. I had to outsource laundry to my niece because they have elopement and other behavioral issues when going out in public. I had to learn to rely on more and accept help from others. We are all in this together. I am definitely grateful for Ms. Reen, Ms. Kim, Ms. MaryLynn, Hope for Three, Houston's First Baptist, during this time.
Part 2: Overcoming anxiety.
To overcome anxiety, some of the solutions include focusing on faith; praying; singing; and getting Godly teammates. I have definitely prayed, begged, and pleaded during these last, few months, hoping any of my prayers would get answered. You have to embrace the little victories because God answers prayers in his time and not mine, which also causes anxiety. How long Lord, how long? (recorded a video of me, starting with that line, because I had enough of no sleep; enough of kids, staying at home, doing nothing but eating and running through data on my phone; enough of Brad waking up to hit the walls and doors; enough of broken furniture; enough of Kalen throwing toys and dishes around the home; enough of being hit, pushed, spit on, climbed on and over; enough of waiting on things to go right. not sure if I want to publish it or not).
I created a playlist on Amazon called Survival to help calm me down. It does bring some tears though. You toss enough Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Smokie Norful, and CeCe Winans on a playlist, tears will come, especially when you are going through something.
"There is a hope, there is peace, that makes this life complete. For every man, woman, boy, and girl, looking for Heaven, in the real world" Steven Curtis Chapman. Heaven in the Real World
"I just want to get away from here. I just want fly away from what I see. Every time we fail, it falls on you, Another reason for the world, to not believe. See it don't feel right when we hurt and lie. and we judge inside because love's being erased. You can try and hide. No Sleep Tonight" Kirk Franklin. No Sleep Tonight. Don't get me started on the power of Stained Glass Masquerade by Casting Crowns.
Finally,have a few godly teammates to motivate and encourage you. Teammates, who will pray for you and bring positivity to your life.
The book is available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audio formats. The book is prime-eligible.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links
A few weeks ago, May 27th, we had a blackout because of lightening and thunderstorms. While I do not like lightening and thunderstorms, the parent in me, was happy, because my kids do not like rain. Both kids normally go to bed early, during bad storms. Yay, I can rest. I can breath. I can do some cleaning in peace.
This night, it was different.
Brad did go to bed early. I saw him, winding down, on the couch, so I quickly gave him, his night meds, and let him crash. Kalen, on the other hand, decided to defy expectations, and not go to bed, until late. I gave him, his seizure meds. I gave him, a bath and rubbed him with lavender lotion, but he did not crash. I gave him melatonin too.
He took the blackout, hard, because the lights was off. The wifi was down. Youtube was no more. It didn't help that the kindle and laptop had also died early too. I had no options to entertain him. I do have a usb-powered light, which I cut on, so he wouldn't be completely scared. He kept asking me to turn on the lights and the phone. I had to remind him, that I was not God. Saying let there be light was not going to work.
I had somewhere to be, the next morning. Kalen had his bi-annual cardiology appointment. I did not want to go to bed before the lights came back on so I can make sure the alarms are still set. What saved me was I remembered I had an battery-powered alarm clock, on a shelf in the closet. I also grabbed the mini sound machine. I don't know when I got it, but I was hoping one of those sounds, would help calm Kalen down. It didn't. I definitely recommend people get a battery-powered alarm clock. Smart devices do crash and nothing like having an alternative. I had not used the clock or sound machine, in a while because my kids liked to knock it over. I got tired of resetting the clock and the alarm, so I put it up in the closet. The sound machine is now under the bed for emergencies. The clock is still standing (Kids knocked it down once) on my side table.
Kalen tried to entertain his self by looking out the window at other people, walking by. I rocked him. Nothing would calm him down to save my life. I was at a lost, this night.
Eventually, we both crashed. The lights came back on at 1:30 am. I quickly put all devices, back on the charger, before any kid woke up. I was glad Brad slept through the blackout because I could sense a meltdown, once he realized, the television would not come on.
I love artwork. I chose a nice, beach canvas print, with beautiful water and clouds. Something relaxing, while kids were at home from school. I received the print, five days after ordering. Normally my tapestry is on my wall, but it needs to be washed. I love this print in the tapestry spot more.
The print came disassembled in a tall box. I received the print, the frame, the screws, and corner brackets. I tried assembling it first, on top of my kids medical supply boxes, but it wasn't enough room, once I started attaching the other sides. I do recommend a wide space for attaching the print to the frame. I used the living room floor to finish assembly.
Take your time, adhering the frame to the print. It does require stretching the fabric some to reach the frame, as you work around putting things together.
I definitely wish I was on that beach right now :-)
Current offer: Save 15% off an order with code photowall15
Offer #2
25% discount code which will be valid for a month for your readers/viewers: staciewyatt2020
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
I been blogging since 2012 and I have reviewing amazing products, whether good or bad. I wanted to honor products, which have stood the test of time. Products, I have continued to use and buy since I entered the blogging world.
Squatty Potty: This was my first successful pitch. I been seeing the commercials and wanted one. The squatty potty is still standing and has changed my bathroom behaviors.
I reviewed Design Cap, in exchange for honest review. I received a premium account for usage.
The app has amazing templates and font designs, but I had serious issues. First, for premade fonts designs, I had issues editing text. You have to double click on the text to change it. I had issues changing layered font designs. I could edit one layer but struggled to edit the other layers. Even when I click on the 2nd or 3rd layer, it would revert back to the first or try to move other images.
2nd, when I downloaded a simple design, it showed a different image than what I had worked on. For example, I created this for a friend of mine.
When I download a png, I received this image. The original words were still on the screen. I tried hitting save after making a few new changes, but received an error saying " Sorry for some reason, we was unable to save the project. Try again".
I also worked on this image. I had troubles aligning the second layer of text to the first. It took some creative clicking but I was able to fix the misaligned text.
Finally, when I closed out the tab and went back in, none of my design was saved in my designs. I would had to start completely over to redo my work. I would not recommend the app, with the errors, I had. I struggled for hours making two images for an Facebook advice segment. The app is free, if you want to try it and work with it. I will still play with it and update this post if I figure a few things out, first.
I received 5 coupons from Dr. Praegers, in exchange for honest review from Socialix. I used the coupons to buy broccoli littles, spinach littles, and black bean quinoa burgers. All the products was gluten free, while the littles was also soy-free.
Broccoli Littles:
Broccoli Littles is gluten-free and soy-free. The littles are made from nine ingredients. Some of which include broccoli, potatoes, onions, and egg. The broccoli littles are 130 calories.
Spinach Littles:
Spinach littles are gluten-free and soy-free. The spinach littles are made from spinach and potatoes. They also contain eggs. The littles are 140 calories.
Dr. Pragers also makes kale littles and sweet potato littles.
Black Bean Quinoa Burgers:
The black bean quinoa veggie burgers are gluten-free. Ingredients include black beans, chipotles, and tri-color quinoa. They contain 5 grams of protein, 5 vegetables, and 150 calories. The burgers are a bit spicy. They are also non-genetically modified.
I wanted to try them for the taste. I never been big on gluten-free, vegan food, but these meals was good. My kids also enjoyed eating all three meals. I made some rice and avocado mayonaise to eat with the littles and black bean burgers.
To find Dr. Prager's products, please to go the website and use the store locator. I found all three, in the natural foods aisle at Walmart.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
I received Ajoura's Waxing Strips, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The waxing strips also came with wax wipes to remove extra wax, reduce irritation, and moisturize skin.
To use: you warm a pack of strips up with your hands, then peel the strips apart. You apply to your skin, press firmly for 10 seconds, then rip in the opposite direction. You can keep reusing strips until the wax is no longer sticky.
I normally shave facial and body hair, but shaving causes irritation, even witth shave gel or a shaving bar.
I used the wax on mustache hair and chin hair. I just started waxing, the other week. I did have some pain and skin irritation but the chin hair was removed, while mustache hair required more work.
You can check out my demonstration in the video below.
You can purchase the strips, using the link above. The strips are prime-eligible.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
I recieved the Ilansley Wax Warmer in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. I been interested in the wax warmer kits for a while. I never waxed before. I normally shave or pluck body hairs.
The kit comes with the wax warmer; wide application sticks; small application sticks; pre wax treatment; post wax treatment; 3 bags of aloe vera wax; and a bag of jasmine wax. You also receive a pair of gloves and wax collars (to protect wax from spilling all over).
The aloe vera wax is for coarse body areas, while the jasmine wax is for more sensitive areas, such as facial hair.
I watched youtube videos on how to wax properly. One blogger, who also reviewed this product, said to warm up the wax to 240 degrees, so the wax can melt faster, then turn the temperature down to 160 degrees for application use.
Then, start applying. I have not been a fan of the rip off quickly method. Scares the day lights out of me. I took my time learning how to wax. What I learned was that small, thin strips are best and easier to remove. I can rip those off without too many irritation issues.
When I did bigger, wider strips, they was harder to remove, whether I ripped fast or slow. Another thing, I learned was when I re-waxed areas, the pain was easier to bear.
You can also reheat the used wax. Since this is my warmer and no one else will be using it, I think it is ok.
I was able to use the wax on my legs, arms, and facial hair. The facial hair, I felt, was the worst to remove. It took a few tries to remove most of my mustache and chin hair. I may try again since it should be easier, the next ime.
You can purchase the warmer, using the link or ad above. The wax warmer is prime eligible.
Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
I received Body Mates's Compression Brace, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The brace helps relieve muscle, hip, joint, and other types of pain. The brace is made from breathable, neoprene. The brace fits waist sizes 32-44 inches. The brace can be worn over and under clothes. I have done both since receipt.
I wanted the brace to help me with lower back and hip pain. I wake up at 530, on school days. My youngest's bus comes at 630 a.m., while my oldest's, (Brad), bus comes between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Brad does not always want to go back inside the house between busses, so I am outside for over an hour to sometimes two, if the bus is late, standing on my feet or sitting on a rock wall. When it's time to get up, my legs, back, hips, are sometimes in moderate to major pain. I have used the brace, while sitting down outside, waiting for busses.
To use the brace, you have one section, which wraps around your waist/lower hips, while another section wraps around your upper thigh. It takes a few minutes to get the hang of adjusting the velcro straps. I wrap it around my lower hips first, then reach down to adjust the two, velcro straps, which wrap around the thigh.
You can purchase the compression brace, on Amazon, using the link above or the widget below. The compression brace is prime-eligible.
