Product Review- Yacon Syrup

Quality Life Essentials sent me this Raw Yacon Syrup. It's made up of 100% pure yacon syrup and serves as a metabolism booster, and an all natural weight loss supplement. It also serves as a natural source of prebiotics.

For all those on diets, it is
-milk
-egg
-shellfish
-peanuts
-wheat
-soy
-gluten free.

The suggested use is 1tsp 3x daily.

If I were to describe the product, it is brown like mollassas but not thick or bitter. It has a slight coffee flavor and very, very sweet. The more you taste it the better it goes down.

Want to try some for yourself? Go here On Amazon. Or check them out more on Facebook

Haley's 4th Birthday Party

Haley wanted a Hello Kitty Birthday, we didn't have much money to spend on her party but did a lot of DIY stuff and she loved it.

I got a cupcake stand for cheap and glued these jewels on it. I also got some Hello Kitty sugar pieces at Wal-Mart for like $2. I added them to the chocolate cupcakes we made and it almost looked designer.

So you know how at parties have the yummy party mix called "puppy chow"? We just switched it to "Kitten Chow" and it fit right in.

We got a big bog of twizzlers and named it "Kitten Whiskers". Isn't it cute!

Here is the little set up for the present/favor table. I made these flower balls which have gotten lots of use for birthday parties, photoshoots ect. All the girls had pink princess crowns to wear around for birthday.

We also had a fruit tray, hummas and pretzel crisps, a meat and cheese tray and a veggie tray. For the adults we had sodas and juice boxes for the kids.

We made kitty masks out of paper plates and the girls colored and signed a huge paper for Haley to hang up in her room.

Really the only thing that cost the most was Haley's cake. It was a Hello Kitty small round cake surrounded by pink cupcakes with Hello Kitty rings.(I didn't get a chance to get a really good pic of the cake but it was an ordered cake from Albertson's so not too fancy).

Aren't these girls the cutest!

For party favors I  got a pack of pink bags from the dollar store and we filled it with little toys and candy. I drew eyes on the bags, with a kitty nose cut from foam and whiskers cut from construction paper.

The party was a blast and everyone had fun. And the best thing was Haley was thrilled with everything!

Fashion Faux Pas-Prego looking Shirts

Writing this a bit late, but here is you "Fashion Faux Pas" for Friday.

We will be taking a look at those "too big for you", "flowy" "Are you pregnant" shirts.

Some women do have really big boobs so they can kind of get away with it. Still looks preggy though.

Even a skinny model can look preggo if wearing the wrong color or shape. I got this pic from

http://uglyshitfromforever21.blogspot.com This blog will make you have so much. He says the funniest stuff about the clothes Forever 21 sells. Check it out if you want a good laugh

Wearing baggy pants with a flowy top definitely makes you look preggo.
http://www.nomoremomjeans.com/search/label/bad%20fashion
Here's another site that's hilarious with bad clothing. It's called No More Mom Jeans. The site owner has some good excersize ideas too. Well that's all for today, hope ya'll had a great Friday!

Things I'm Loving Thursday

Happy Thursday! So here what I'm loving Thursday.

I got a Diamond candle for Valentines day. This company sells candles for about $25 and each contains a ring worth $10, $100, $1000 or $10,000. The candles are soy and all natural, don't have a too strong smell and the rings are always beautiful. Only downfall is you can't pick the size of the ring. 

Here is the candle my hubby got me. It was really special because I usually don't get a nice present because of our money situation. Here is the ring I got. It was too big but since it was a $10 ring a pair of pliers fixed it pretty much. It was such a beautiful present and so thoughtful.

Not trying to make this whole post about the hubby but I just couldn't pass this quote up. He is totally my encouragement for everything and definitely growth. So yes my husband is one of my favorite things :)

And last but not least I'm going to a Fatherless Day Rally  this summer. I'll be able to tell our story to many people, plus the news will hopefully be there.

And of course what I'm NOT liking this week...ugh. 

We have asked for time with our stepsons again and again. My stepsons have also asked for more time. Their mom has shot down their requests again and again. It's always "O the court order says this so we have to follow it." Even though the boys can spend as much time with us as agreed upon. Too bad there is so much greed on her part. 

A Stepmother's Journey-Dealing with Greed

As a stepmother you will deal with greed many times and in many different ways. In our situation we have a birthmother who cares more about money than she does her own children. She is very spoiled, entitled and used to getting her own way. She doesn't care who she hurts in the process (be it her kids or any child, her family ect.) Her friends have finally begun to notice who she truly is and really at this point she only has one. Her mom and dad just got remarried so they pay for pretty much everything. She lives a high maintenance lifestyle and will do anything to keep it that way.

After our last court hearing the judge forgot to include my husband and my daughter as a hardship deduction. Instead of helping us correct the mistake, Holly said she would only if we agreed to put Aaron, the middle son on ADHD meds. He doesn't need them, she just likes him being a zombie so she doesn't have to deal with his extra energy. Who in their right mind basically blackmails you with a child? It is sick, nauseating and just plain dumbfounding.

This photo is just one example of the kind of thing that goes on at the ex's house. Every time she calls while the kids are with us she tells the boys about all the stuff she is going to buy them and and the "fun" stuff they are going to do when the boys return. She knows they love staying with us, and it pisses her off so much.

So the ex's husband works under the table, plus he has a car, a truck and a travel trailer. O and did I mention he bought a city bus to turn into a motor home while he apparently has "no job or money."

And then Holly got a vehicle in the divorce plus her dad gave her a car straight up no strings attached. So all together they have 4 cars, a city bus and a travel trailer. Yet they are on food stamps and state medical, plus school funds for Holly, and live rent free in her mom's house. Two babby daddies support her with child support and who knows what other under the table money she is getting. It really isn't about the money though, even though it pisses me off, it's about how they are lying and taking place in fraud to get this money, and how the result takes the food, clothes and opportunities away from my girls who didn't do anything wrong and don't deserve one bit of the way they are being treated by that family (Holly and her mom...and Diane the fake aunt).

Don't get me wrong I'm glad my stepsons are financially taken care of so well, but then I have every right to be upset that things aren't fair for my two little ones. Holly has talked trash about my own kids. Are you fucking kidding me? They are just innocent little girls and deserve just as much as everyone else. Right now my youngest is running around in shoes with the front duct taped because they have holes in them. We can't afford another pair because we just bought plane tickets to see my stepsons. She sends the boys with trashy clothes, holes, stains ect. I know they have nice clothes but why they come with crap clothes I don't know. Maybe she thinks we will buy them new stuff. One year we tried to buy them school clothes, shoes and some school supplies. She took the clothes back because she didn't think they were appropriate (one had a skull design on it). She took the shoes back but didn't give a reason. She took the backpacks back because they were from Wal-Mart and I guess Wal-Mart is too cheap for her taste. So we no longer buy them things or big presents because they will just be taken back so she can get the cash. And she has the nerve to call us deadbeats.

This past summer was the longest time the boys got to spend with us. Mom is such a control freak though she demanded a welfare check in the middle of their visit. So this woman on food stamps and all this welfare and other people's money took the kids to universal studios, stayed in a hotel and basically had a nice vacation with the 2 younger boys. The older one didn't even want to go, he wanted to stay and spend time with me and his dad and his oldest brother. I'm so glad the boys had a great time....but hey I'd like to take my girls to Disneyworld for the first time in their lives instead of paying for your manicure and many hair cut/dye jobs.

Glad my stepsons are having a nice time but who paid for this trip I wonder?

I know you can't buy alcohol with food stamps...so where is the beer money coming from since neither of them work?

Product Review-Sanford Sharpie Products

First of all sharpie is one of my favorite brands because of the quality and beauty of their products. I was sent 3 Sharpie products to try out, and of course had a blast doing so.

The first was a Sharpie Premium Pen.It looks extremely professional and writes like an excellent business pen. The tip is very fine but durable. The ink is acid-free, water, smear and fade resistant. You can even refill the pen so you never have to buy another one! Let me tell you this is a business man/woman's dream pen.

If you unscrew the top black part you can refill the pen. The sleek silver design is very fashionable in my opinion. Want one for yourself? Go here
 http://www.shoplet.com/Sharpie-Premium-Pen/SAN1800702/spdv

The next set of Sharpies I received were Neon Permanent markers, a set of 5. They had fine tips but made bold, detailed lines. The colors were very vivid on the white paper I used to test them. These Sharpies are especially neat because they glow under black light. They are perfect for decorating things before going to a party or the club. You can use them on paper, plastic, glass, wood, leather or even your fingernails!

There is so much fun stuff you can use these for! I am all about the neon!

Grab a set of your own here

 http://www.shoplet.com/Sharpie-Neon-Permanent-Markers/SAN1860443/spdv

The third and final product I received, which was my favorite, was a set of metallic silver and gold Sharpies. The color was gorgeous! They were almost like paint pens but drew very evenly and dried quickly. The ink is fade and water resistant as well. They have fine points but it doesn't take much to get a beautiful effect.

Both the silver and gold showed up very nice against the black paper.

You definitely need a set of these! Get them here
http://www.shoplet.com/Sharpie-Metallic-Fine-Point-Permanent-Marker/SAN1829202/spdv

Product Review-Ozeri Green Earth Pan

I was sent this amazing Green Earth Pan by Ozeri to try out. I reviewed a really cool pan by Ozeri Check it out here!

When I first pulled the pan from the packaging I noticed the gorgeous green color. Green is one of my favorite colors so I was pretty excited about that. I'm slowly trying to replace my kitchen gear with green. It's currently many different colors and nothing really matches since most of it was donated, but that's okay I'm just happy to have something to cook with.

The pan is coated in natural ceramic and free of PTFE, PFOA and other harmful chemicals. Even under high temperatures the pan will never release toxic fumes.

As with any non-stick pan you don't want to use any sharp utensils so as to not scratch the surface. It is recommended that you hand-wash the pan but it is dishwasher safe which is a pro for busy moms.

The handle is coated with heat resistant rubber so it's not hot to the touch while cooking. After cooking clean your pan with hot, soapy water and dry with soft cloth. If a residue builds up use lemon juice or vinegar to remove it.

I'm really in love with this pan, it's such high quality. I wish I replace all my pots and pans now!

Prentice Powell Performs 'Good Father'

This man so eloquently speaks of the pain and suffering we who are separated from our children experience. This is our lives everyday. Painful is it not?

Friday Fashion Faux Pas-Backstabbing

I know I promised you a Friday Fashion Faux Pas and you will get one next week I promise. But this Friday I want to focus on a character Faux Pas. Faux Pas is the French word for "mistake". So the title is basically "fashion mistake". But sometimes it's not always about fashion. Sometimes you can have a character flaw, and no matter how nice you dress, this character flaw makes you nasty and ugly.

Unlike a fashion flub that is as easy to fix as changing clothes; a flaw in your character is not easy to fix. It requires apologizing to those you hurt, saying you will make a change and then actually changing.

The ugly flaw I want to talk about is Backstabbing. The dictionary definition is...

back·stab·bing

ˈbakˌstabiNG/

noun

noun: back-stabbing; noun: backstabbing

1. 1.

   the action or practice of criticizing someone in a treacherous manner while feigning friendship.

Unfortunately I have a prime example of someone with this nasty trait...my sister-in-law Jackie. It's one thing if a friend stabs you in the back, it's another thing when your own family does it! Or someone who is supposed to be your family anyway. One of the reasons I'm addressing this is because it keeps happening. So I'm returning the knife that was left in my back...again.

It started in 2009. She came to visit not long after my husband and I got together. She said a lot of bad things about my husband's ex wife who she used to be good friends with. I should have known then and there that if she would talk crap about someone that used to be her friend that she would eventually talk crap about me. Months later we had moved to South Carolina and she called saying she couldn't pay her bills. So even though we couldn't afford to visit the boys that year we still helped her out, paying her electric bill with money we really couldn't spare. Didn't hear anything from her for months after that. Then this happened...

Without ever calling to see what was going on she accuses us of child abuse, accuses my husband of heavy drinking and even goes as far as trying to say my husband was abusive towards his ex wife. She never came to us with any concerns just went straight to the ex that hates my husbands guts. When Holly didn't get the reaction she was hoping for  (him begging for forgiveness on his knees for some thing he didn't do) If she was looking for an apology (since that's all she ever talks about is apologizing, but we never heard anything resembling an apology from her) she should start with herself and the fact that she cheated on her now ex multiple times, pushed her youngest across the room because he was interrupting her computer game. It's just a pity that Jackie is naïve, stupid and easily manipulated. We see through all Holly's bs because we deal with it everyday. But she takes every word that falls from Holly's lips as gold. Just like that saying...

Well gee, wonder what does that makes you guys?



And while all this stuff is supposedly going on, lies spread about me by people who don't even know me. Jackie is telling all this adult stuff to her teenage daughters. I guess she has no other people to hear her bitch. I'm not surprised they are running around getting piercings, drinking, smoking cigs and pot, doing ex and sleeping around. (Jackie stayed with us for a few days out of 5 years, Holly has literally uttered 2-3 words to me in 5 years. And that included text and email. I tried to take the high road when I first met her and be courteous, stay out of the way ect. And the next thing I know she called CPS on me. I'm sure she will like about that too, but I have the paperwork to prove it)

Wow involving teenage daughters in adult business is soo smart (being sarcastic here) You should be Mother of the Year. O wait Holly already got that one. And to send your daughter to cuss me out all over my pages on facebook saying stuff she has absolutely no idea about is really, really shitty and cowardly of you. I didn't even correct her misinformation because she is a child and shouldn't be involved in this matter. I simply told her to grow up and stop talking about adult things.

So what is up with you trying to make amends or apologizing or whatever? I remember last time you tried to get involved Holly hits us with another court order. So seriously you need to cut ties with her or you will no longer be a part of our family. Picking your brother you grew up with to a woman you think you know makes you a piece of shit.

And seriously stop with the apologizing stuff it makes you look stupid and like a coward. Stop trying to fool everyone into thinking you are this good person. You know who you are, I know who you are,  lot of us know the things you have done. So if you really want to make things write, don't just write me half ass paragraph and not speak to me again (why did Holly get mad and forbade you to speak to me again?) Actually DO something. words mean nothing without some actions. And one last word. What Holly is doing is wrong. Keeping the children from Steven, accusing him of sexual molestation lie after lie after. And telling Conner Steven gave her herpes just so he didn't want to go visit his dad is clear parental alienation. If you don't step up, speak out and sit on the sidelines you are just as guilty as she is.

Updatey Datey

If you haven't already noticed I haven't been very active on the blog recently. There has been a problem with the site that hosts my blog and the technical difficulties they are having won't let me upload pictures. And I mean how boring is a blog with no pics? Um yeah super boring. I at least included the links to the pictures in case you are dying to know what it looks like.


Well here is a mini update and then, since it's Thursday, I'll do my Things I'm loving (and hating) Thursday.
******************************************************************************

~My oldest daughter got an award at her school the other day. Out of 29 kids in her kindergarten class she was 1 of 2 that got an award. I'm one proud momma! Her award was a Good Character award specifically for always being kind and respectful to others. That's my sweet, sweet Serenity <3 she always lives up to her name of being "serene". She is going to grow up to be a Zen master haha!*****************************************************************************

~My wonderful father shipped out this past week for an 8 month long deployment. a bit of a downer for me. Say a prayer for him if you don't mind :)
***************************************************************************

~This week I started a page called Bring the Browning Boys Home. In less than a week we have gotten 166 followers. It's a page for our friends and family and people dealing with circumstances like ours to come and talk and exchange advice. We will be following our court case, exposing the lies and asking for support. (By the way go like that page now....yes you...right now!) I'll also have a wall of shame showing crooked lawyers, biased mediators, bad judges and even people contributing to the alienation or abuse of my stepsons. If we don't stand for those who can't fight for themselves...who will?
****************************************************************************

Ok now for my Things I'm Loving Thursday

I'm loving Starbucks cold coffee, the one you can buy in the grocery story near the cold juice isle. The Caramel Macchiato Discoveries is my favourite but I'm not a big fan of the Mocha. I actually haven't tried the Vanilla yet so I don't know about that one. <3<3<3

I'm also loving those Birthday Cake Oreos. I'm not sure when they came out but I've never gotten them before last week. OMG they are delish! It's like cake in the middle of a cookie. What have I been missing all these years?  I am probably just too obsessed with oreos! <3<3<3

Ok one last food...well drink actually that I'm loving is Nighty Night Tea. It's an organic sleep enhancer. It really warms me up and calms me down so I feel sleepy but not too drowsy. Cozy would be the word I would describe. Did I mention it's organic and good for you too?<3<3<3

Something else I'm loving is Target. I rarely shop at Target because Wal-Mart is cheaper and even though I hate Wal-Mart it' all I can afford. But the thing about Target is that is gives back so much to schools make up of mostly military children. Once a month we get several pounds of food including produce, bread, pasta, cereal, canned stuff. About 2 months ago they helped my daughter's elementary build a new library. At the library opening each child received a new backpack and 3 or 4 brand new books. What a great company!!

Of course there is something I have to rant about. I'm Irish and you know us, we just won't back down. I know I may have spoken on this matter before but it apparently needs addressing again. And yes I know I'm putting personal problems out there but 1. Y'all are my friends, advisors, supporters and family. 2. Not that I approve of Miley Cyrus but hey "It's my blog I can say what I want to." haha! You don't like it, let me know something I could do better or just move on. Nobody is tying you up and forcing you to read this lol!
So my husband has this sister. She is supposedly bffs with my husband's ex and is so gullible she believes everything her bff (husband's ex) tells her. She has turned her back on her brother and me, talked trash about us, lied about us to the ex and even blocked us on Facebook. When I wrote about her before and the mean things she was doing to us she contacted me and said "O let's work this out." So I did, and I bent over backwards to try to fix the relationship. There was no response from her. Pretty clear she didn't really care about the relationship, she just didn't want her name where everyone might find out the truth about her. But hey I should have known. When she came to visit a couple years ago she talked mad trash about my husbands ex-how she slapped the youngest boy because he was bothering her while she was on a computer game, how her house was a dump and how she would get naked on webcam with her kids in the room. (Who even knows if this stuff is true, it's just what Jackie the sister said. Ironically now they are bffs again. Could it have something to do with the ex's mom getting a million$+ settlement? Maybe, maybe not but I know one thing once a backstabber, always a backstabber. My poor husband has to deal with a sister who is disloyal and not only that, makes up lies to tell the ex. Of course those lies get brought up in court. What kind of sister would try to destroy her brother!!?? It's nauseating. And last but not least both the ex and the hub's sister  claim to be awesome Christians. Posting things like they are completely innocent and God is on their side. Sorry but God doesn't like liars, cheaters and backstabbers. She will be on my Wall of Shame once I get done with my daily schoolwork. But here is a link to Jackie's Facebook just if you are nosy or  want to get something off your chest.

Whew! Glad to release that... I'll be working hard to get my pics fixed so hang in there with me. Much looove~Lizzie


P.S For you drama lovers, the next people on my wall of shame will be Diane (who threatened to kill our friends dog for testifying for us) Jeanette (too much crap to list) and of course the ex (who is wreaking havoc in these precious children's lives daily)




Product Review-Furniture Touch-Up Kit

I was sent this great kit to use on furniture. It contains 3 filler sticks and 5 touch up markers. The markers are a little smelly but about the same as a sharpie.


You can use on wood or wood laminates. Find the product here http://www.shoplet.com/Master-Caster-ReStor-It-Furniture-Touch-Up-Kit/MAS18000/spdv


You can apply the marker directly to minor scratches, worn edges, blemishes and imperfections.


The filler sticks are for deep scratches, gouges, nail holes, and cracks. You can apply the markers over the filler and then wipe off with a clean cloth for a quick fix.


Use on:


-Furniture
-Floors
-Woodwork
-Cabinets
-Doors
-Paneling
-Frames and more


The colors come in Walnut, Dark Mahogany, Cherry, Red Mahogany, Mahogany, Dark Oak, Light Oak and Natural.

Product Review- Microfiber Gloves

I was sent these super warm gloves to review! I love them. I've been wearing them lately when I walk my daughter to school. The mornings have been chilly the past couple days and I like to look on my phone while waiting for Serenity's school to start. These gloves are specially made to be interactive with a smartphone without being taken off.


They feature:


-Lint free, Static free, Odor free
-Any finger activation
-Touchscreen cleaning
-Microfiber


They are also washable and durable which is a must for a busy mom. They will work on any electronic touchscreen and clean it without scratching. The fingertips are made from specially designed fibers that allow touchscreen activation.


You can check them out here http://www.shoplet.com/Master-Caster-SMARTer-Dual-Action-Microfiber-Gloves/MAS18041/spdv

Product Review- Rolling Wrist Rest

I was sent this very cool "Rolling Wrist Rest" to review. This is a very good tool for someone who is on the computer a lot.


You can check it out here http://www.shoplet.com/Martin-Yale-Wrist-Rest/MAS99504/spdv


Featuring


-Soft Foam Padding
-Provides Comfort and Support
-Independent Wheel Rotation for Smooth Rolling in ANY direction


This item is perfect for gaming, and a great help at work. The Ergonomic design helps reduce joint stress. In one movement you can go from keyboard to mouse quickly.

Churro Cheesecake Bars

These are fun and surprisingly easy to make. I'm not sure how to make authentic Mexican Churros so this is my take on them. They were big hit with my oldest stepson because churros and cheesecake are like his favourite desserts ever.


I would have a bunch of pics for this post but there are some technical difficulties with picture uploading at the moment. I'll add them once it's fixed.


Ingredients


2 cans crescent rolls
2 packages cream cheese room temp
1tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
sugar
cinnamon


1. Grease a 13"by9" pan, unroll the crescent dough and place on the bottom of the pan. smush the lines together so it's a complete crust.


2. Beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla, and egg together and spread over crescent dough in the pan.


3. Unroll the second roll of crescent dough and place over cream cheese mixture. Press around the edges to make a hole free top crust.


4.  Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until edges are brown. Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 2 tsp. of cinnamon together then sprinkle over churros.


5. Cut into squares and serve warm!

Friday Fashion Faux Pas-Bad Dye Jobs

Today on Friday Fashion Faux Pas we will discuss bad hair dye jobs. I'm sure everyone has had a bad dye job as one point or another. The best advice I can give is to get it done by a professional!

I got wild one time and decided to do some blue streaks in my hair. Don't ever use this stuff, "Manic Panic". It looks terrible. I'd post a pic but I got it fixed like the day after I did it. I love, love, love unique colors and out of the norm hair styles and colors though. I usually only get my hair done once a year because it is so expensive.

One thing that is super, super tacky and gross is a half done hair dye job. The above is a thinning, stringy, greasy mess. If your hair is going grey, dye it until it is all grey. Don't leave all half grey and half a weird color. Gross.

Blue streaks on greyish hair? Never do this.

This might look ok if the whole hair was done in pink. It's not a bad color for her complexion. But this half and half stuff is ridiculous.

And spotty purple everywhere? Yeah please don't ever do this. U-G-L-Y!

This, for example is a lovely do for an older lady. The hair looks healthy and well taken care of. Even though it is short it doesn't look like she is losing her hair. Nicely done!