My husband loves, well, food. He’s always asking me to pick up something different, add some variety. So, I did.

Five Varieties, ahem…

• Creamy Parmesan Basil – for his Fettucini Alfredo
• Creamy Portabella Mushroom – for his green bean casserole
• Fire Roasted Tomato – for his meatball subs

There’s also Creamy Roasted Garlic and Creamy Three Cheese, not sure what he’s using these for, but I am sure he will find something.

As our family size shrinks, smaller portions become the norm. And, honestly, no one wants to eat leftovers… three days in a row. With Progresso Recipe Starters the portions are just perfect for my family now. Oh, and they taste good, too!

Check this out…

Wouldn’t those make awesome additions to your game day celebration? I mean, really, why just have wings, and chips, when you can serve something simple, tasty, and original while everyone gathers around the television to watch the commercials. What? You actually watch the game? Okay, well, that too.

I even have a 65¢ off one Progresso Recipe Starter coupon to get you started.

_____________
Disclosure:  The information, products and Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ gift packs were provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

Get Your Game Day On with Progresso Recipe Starters is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen decals on cars sharing the memory of someone no longer with us. I often wonder what that person was like. I suppose its kind of like people watching and thinking of what their story might be only this is what their story was.

I also wonder about the person who puts their entire family on their van, including the cat, the dog, the bunny rabbit (it could happen). Or the sports fans… around here there are quite a few in loving memory car decals of Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

I tend to keep it simple. I have two small magnets on my jeep. I used to have three, but someone stole my peace frog. Not cool.

Yet, if I want to remember someone with a custom sticker no one said I had to put said sticker on my car. So, I ordered an in loving memory sticker commemorating my mom. I just haven’t decided where I want to stick it. I really like it, though. I got mine in teal (in support of ovarian cancer awareness) and the peace symbol, cause I just like it.

The decal is not thin and flimsy nor is it small. I was actually surprised by how generous the size is. Makes sense if you want it someone visible from a car – not gaudy, just right.

VinylDisorders.com wants you to be able to share the memory of your loved one with the world, but in your own personalized way.

All of our In Memory of Car Decals come with the option of adding the name, date, and a personal comment as well. If you don’t find an image that represents the memory you wish to preserve, try out the custom car decals in memory sticker option. You can choose almost any image on site to create your car decals in memory of them.

How would you like to win your very own custom car decal to commemorate the memory of someone you love?

• Winner will get one 8″ decal in the color of their choice (chrome, gold leaf, and glow in the dark not included).
• Add a name, dates, and an image and make it your own.

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below (comments on this post are encouraged, but are not counted towards entries for this giveaway). Giveaway ends at midnight on February 7, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

______________
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Who Would You Remember with a Personalized In loving Memory Decal? is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

Then there is the day to day lifting, carrying, moving, etc. My day job would be considered sedentary by federal guidelines, except the fact that I actually do heavy lifting with some regularity. The past few weeks, it’s been daily.

No wonder my shoulders and arms are so sore these days. And something is sure to be sore tomorrow from all that running around this evening.

I still take children’s aspirin for headaches. The fruit flavor is a mental thing; makes me feel better. So it should come as no surprise that I would prefer a natural pain reliever for general soreness and such.

Ateevia Botanica is a powerful biochemical storehouse of vital phytonutrients compelling in fighting inflammatory activity. Power-packed with essential anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as antioxidants, flavonoids, lignans (as well as oleic and linoleic acids), Ateevia uses Mother Nature’s own medicine to conquer inflammatory pain naturally and safely.

I decided to try Ateevia Botanica on my shoulders and arms, where I felt the most soreness. It’s not a gel or lotion, it’s something in-between. I like that it doesn’t have a strong smell. In fact, it doesn’t have any discernible odor. It’s not sticky and it won’t stain your clothes.

Just rub Ateevia on the affected area twice a day (morning and night). I felt relief within 30 minutes of applying the first time. I say within 30 minutes, because I didn’t pay attention to the clock but that was about how long after that I remember to think about it again. I can be easily distracted.

I still have some soreness, but it’s not as prominent as before I started using Ateevia. Mostly I like that it’s made from natural ingredients, but don’t forget – no menthol odor!!! Seriously, if that’s not a win then I don’t know what is.

Some of the more common uses for Ateevia Botanica (as listed on their website) are:

Arthritis / Arthritic Joints
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinitis / Tennis Elbow
Plantar Fasciitis
Bursitis
Sport Strains and Bruises
Back Pain / Muscle Aches

Ateevia Botanica sells for $19.99/tube + shipping & handling ($5.95 for me in VA). Residents of NY & NJ pay sales tax.

_____________________________
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ateevia Botanical: Natural Relief for Inflammatory Pain is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

Winters in southwestern Virginia an get a bit nippy. just because it's cold doesn't mean I have to let style suffer for the sake of warmth, does it?

Last year I went on a huge tight-buying spree: back, brown, gray, maroon, pattern, no pattern. Buying all of those tights to keep my wardrobe fresh and myself warm left my wallet a little light. Not to mention I was left with very little color, save for my skirts, sweaters, and the like.

This year I have been itching to get a little color in my life and am just loving all of the colorful tights available, just not loving the cost. Of course, that was before I realized No nonsense tights and leggings are so affordable and available online and at most food and drug stores.

I love how adding something as simple as a colorful pair of tights changes the whole appearance of an outfit. Makes owning less seem more appealing.

Did you know No nonsense has teamed up with fashion expert Jill Martin?

Jill Martin is an Emmy Award-winning TV personality, co-author of the style guide I Have Nothing to Wear!, and a correspondent for Access Hollywood. But more than that, she loves the new tights and leggings that No nonsense has introduced this season and is excited to be their new brand ambassador.

The next time I'm at the store I'm definitely going to be checking out the No nonsense tights – I'm thinking I want a pair of the limeade or maybe marine blue or possibly….

Don't forget to check out No nonsense on Facebook and on Twitter @benononsense.

Add a Little No nonsense Color to Your Life is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

Yet, I can’t help but feel that men are getting the short end of this stick. Being brushed off as not caring as much or not as interested in the waiting part of the process. Now, this is not true of all men, but many seem to take a back seat to the mom-to-be.

Well, now Dad doesn’t have to be left out…

The big announcement…

Yeah, I’m going to be a GRANDMA!!!

Technically, I’m already a grandma (my husband’s children have given us two beautiful granddaughters), but now one of my daughters is giving us a grandson!

I gave her boyfriend a set of Daddy Scrubs, which he currently uses for PJs as they are not due until May. Before I gave them to him I did check them out cause I wanted to know if they were like the ones I’m used to seeing. Not even a little bit.

Daddy Scrubs are so much better than any scrubs I’ve dealt with. They are super soft and look like they would be completely comfortable. This was confirmed by Ryan (as he has actually worn them). Amanda sent me some pictures of Ryan in his Daddy Scrubs, but I think they are now on my old phone and lost to me. I will have her take a few more and update this post. Honestly, if they didn’t say I’m the Daddy (cause I’m not), I would want a pair.

Specs on Daddy Scrubs

_______________
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Daddy Scrubs: For the Daddy-to-be is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

Happy New Year…. and a test is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

Then came Watercolour…

I love the Watercolours book for iPad. It breaks down each step. Shows you how to make a petal for a flower, then add the leaves. The layered pages give you at your fingertips what PBS gave you with Bob Ross – only you can stop and start and stop and start as often as you need, easily.

This book includes seven fascinating lessons in watercolour painting with interactive elements and video inserts:

1. Basic brushstrokes
2. Feather brushstroke
3. Roses and buds
4. Underpainting
5. Deciduous trees
6. Coniferous trees
7. Marine (seascape)

And the illustrations are amazing.

You know you want to be able to paint a happy little tree, too.

The videos really make this book a complete painting experience. It’s more than just a how-to; it’s a classroom in the palm of your hand.

_______________
Learn more about Watercolour for iPad. It’s available for purchase from itunes for just $6.99.

Check out Watercolour for iPad on Facebook, too.

_______________
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Learning to Watercolour is Made Simple with the iPad Interactive Book is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

Who inspires you?

You may come up with one or two people, but you might be surprised by how many people truly inspire you. Inspiration comes in many forms and by many names. You may call these people your heroes or mentors; sometimes you call them friends.

Now, ask yourself, who do you inspire?

Whether you think you do or not, you probably have or will inspire at least one person during your life. Chances are you will inspire more than you will ever know.

Stories that will make you smile, nod in agreement, and have a little faith. Heroes, Mentors, and Friends by John Dowd, Jr. is a different kind of self-help book.

If you’re like my mom, you like the typical self-help book that reads more like a textbook. No stories, just guidance. But if you’re anything like me, you will take to this book like a fish to water and get so much more out of it than any old textbook-style writing could ever give you.

Heroes Mentors and Friends” is a 160 page self help book on Balboa Press a division of Hayhouse, the #1 self help publisher in the world. It’s a quick read, fun and uplifting. Author John Dowd Jr is a 25 year radio personality and program director. This book is part memoir, part self help and spirituality. Theme is mainly new age and positive thinking with a few religious quotes.

John Dowd, Jr. tells stories from his life; stories that, on the surface, seem down on their luck, but upon further reading you find that everything truly does happen for a reason. Patience and doing the right thing and a little bit of faith will get you to your goals in life – well, and hard work, cause life is all about participation.

__________________

You can pick up you own copy of Heroes, Mentors, and Friends by visiting Balboapress.com.

Learn more about the author by checking out his website, johndowdjr.com.

__________________
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Heroes, Mentors, and Friends: a book review is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

Growing up my mom would give me a Ludens wild cherry cough drop whenever I had a cough or sore throat. I would eat them like candy.

Over the years I have also used other brands of cough/throat drops, so I do have an idea of what I like and what works. Yet, I do like to keep things natural. Seriously, I rarely take pills for anything.

I like these Softish Throat Drops.

These are not hard like you are used to, but they’re not chewable either. Kinda gummy, but you’re supposed to suck on them. They’re also made of natural ingredients – things you can pronounce, well, if you can pronounce acacia; all of the other words are simple enough, though.

Mr. Pine, a former German confectionery maker, determined that by combining the soothing natural qualities of glycerin with the healing properties of gum acacia, he could sooth and mitigate the mild discomfort of a sore throat. Add in some natural flavoring and a sweetener and voila, Pine Brothers Softish Throat Drops were born.

Pine Bros. comes in two flavors: Natural Honey and Wild Cherry.

I prefer the honey over the wild cherry. The wild cherry flavor, to me, was a tad weak. The honey was just right. I also liked the gumminess of the drops. And I love the tin option.

I brought several bags to work with me and shared them with my coworkers to get their feedback as well. The majority did not like the flavor (not enough or just not pleasant). Some did not like the texture. Everyone agreed they did soothe their throats.

My thought is if you prefer natural remedies, then you will like Pine Bros. Softish Throat Drops. 

Did you know you can buy Pine Bros. at your local CVS store?

They sell for about $3.49.

Want to learn more?

You can find out more about Pine Bros. on Facebook or follow them on Twitter. And don’t forget to enter to win a $500 CVS gift card!

____________
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Pine Bros. Softish Throat Drops… a natural alternative (& enter to win a $500 CVS gift card) is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012

As with any member of the family, sometimes you just want to capture that special moment. You know the one, where she’s on her back in bed with her head on your pillow thinking she’s people, but clearly is not and her tongue is hanging out the side of her mouth as you decide whether you should chase her out of your side of the bed, cuddle with her, laugh, or grab your camera for that perfect shot. (seriously long run on sentence.. did you catch that?)

For all you professional, semi-professional, novice, wannabe not-so-novice photographers, and those who think they know what they’re doing, but have just gotten lucky til now, you’re in for something really great!

Jamie Pflughoeft has broken down how to get that perfect picture of your pet, even if your original image is less than perfect. Jamie gives you a run down on choosing your equipment and then explaining how to use all those settings. And don’t you worry, Jamie explains how to fix some imperfections in post-production editing: cropping can be one of your best friends, so can good editing software (or at least knowing how to use it).

Beautiful Beasties will teach you confidence to take such great pictures of your own pets it might even inspire you to take pictures of your friends’ pets, or strangers’ pets, or just that stray animal roaming your block [not really strays, but well, anything is possible, right?].

Beautiful Beasties: A Creative Guide to Modern Pet Photography is available at amazon.com for $16.51 with free shipping for Prime members or $15.68 for your Kindle.

________
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Beautiful Beasties for the purposes of this review courtesy of Jamie Pflughoeft and The Global Influence Network. Regardless, I only recommend products I feel will be of use to myself and my readers. Please read my full disclosure statement.

Beautiful Beasties: A Creative Guide to Modern Pet Photography {a review} is a post from: AnneOnLife.
© AnneOnLife 2008-2012