Skinnygirl Daily - Review

You know what's good?

Being able to sleep in.

Finding money in a jean pocket you forgot was there.

Discovering that your kids did their homework with out you telling them too.

And feeling good.

And by that I mean, feeling awake, energized and all around fine.  I've found that if I add a little bit of Skinnygirl Daily in my day, it helps me feel like a better version of "me" and that makes for a better day.

Skinnygirl Daily provides vitamin power packets that you add to your water.  They are tasty and effective and help you get through your day in a healthier, much more beneficial way than drinking soda.  (We all know that drinking soda isn't the best thing for our bodies, but it seems to creep into our grocery carts, doesn't it? Well, we need to knock that off!)

Skinnygirl Daily comes in four, tasty variations each with their own beneficial function: Energy & Alertness, Immunity, Stress Relief & Calm and Hair Skin Nails.  I've found that my mid-Forties have slowed down my hair and nail growth.  That is something I wasn't prepared for and Skinnygirl +Hair Skin Nails with Biotin vitamin pack has helped my nail growth.  I'm still keeping an eye on the hair growth.  (Is it like that saying "A watched kettle never boils?").

In celebration of Mother's Day, by using the promo code “MOTHERSDAY,” my wonderful Ann Again... and again Reviews readers can now get $5 off any purchase of $14 or more at SkinnyGirlDaily.com (valid through 5/20).  In addition, from May 8-15, every box of Skinnygirl Daily On-the-Go Vitamin Power Packets will come with a limited edition Skinnygirl Daily t-shirt - perfect for the summer weather!

To purchase Skinnygirl Daily vitamin packets please visit:  www.SkinnyGirlDaily.com


(*disclosure:  I received packets of Skinnygirl Daily for review.  My opinions are truthfully my own.*)

Learning Something New

For those that do work outside of English speaking countries, or enjoy traveling, it's necessary to have a resource that will guide you toward proper translation.  Sure it can be funny to misinterpret something in conversation, but not when “time is money”; mistakes can be very costly.  My husband occasionally does on-line work with other countries and if you perceive a prompt as something other than what the customer intended it can make for costly, sometimes detrimental, mistakes.  With the help of our iPhones we have found apps that can provide quick translations in any circumstance.

Jibbigo:
I have found Jibbigo to be incredibly helpful.  With this app, available on both iPhone and Android, all you need to do is speak into your phone in your language, and it will give you a translation in the language you want via text and voice.  It's so easy!

With more than 10 different language pairs, Jibbigo requires you to purchase a separate app for each language. Each app is $4.99.  I feel the cost is worth it due to the fact that the app has more than 40,000 words in its word vocabulary.  Also, it doesn’t require a network connection, which adds to its value at making it perfect for the frugal traveler on the go.

Tap-Translate:
While my daughter is discovering how much she enjoys the Japanese illustration style of Anime and Manga, it can be frustrating when she can't understand the characters of their alphabet.  With the iPhone app Tap-Translate, she can have phrases, paragraphs and entire websites translated with the tap of a finger. Tap-Translate will even speak back the translation to you. The cost of this app is $9.99, however it's easier than typing out a paragraph and makes for a fully enjoyable experience.

If you are looking for assistance on-line, and you are in the market for Punjabi translation, you should look into the services at RosettaTranslationServices.com.  This company is well known for its translation and language skill expertise.  Some services they provide include; telephone interpreting, liaison interpreting and sign language interpreting.  They have received prestigious certification in their field and will work hard to maintain their impeccable merit.

RosettaTranslationServices.com provides translations services in the languages Chinese, French, Italian, Russian and Punjabi, to name a few.  They not only translate Chinese to English, they also provide translating whatever combination of languages you find necessary, French to Hungarian, Burmese to Tagalog*.  I thought I knew the names of various languages however, Tagalog is a new one to me.  If you keep your windows of opportunity open it’s true what they say, you learn something new every day.  And if you're in need of translation services look into the resource of RosettaTranslationServices.com .

*By the way, Tagalog is spoken by a third of the population in the Phillipines.

iPod Shuffle Giveaway!

I've teamed up So Lo La Deals to bring you this Awesome iPod Shuffle Giveaway!

So Lo La Deals is a Brand new Daily Deal site which is launching in June. We are super excited to see what fantastic deals they will have.  One Lucky Winner will receive an iPod Shuffle. Starts 4/26 at 8pm EST and ends 5/3/12 at 8pm EST.

A big Thank you to our hosts, Saving and More & Debt Free Spending .

The Digest Diet - Week 3

There was a time, say about 5 days into The Digest Diet, that I was ready to cave.  I was done.  It seemed that I wasn't organized enough with my grocery shopping and every recipe required 14 different ingredients, of which 3 I didn't have. Back to the store I go. Then there was adjusting to the guidelines of actually being on a diet.  As I've said before, I wasn't a horrible eater.  I love vegetables, fish, nuts, etc. It's just that my portions had gotten out of control and grazing on my favorite Juanita's chips (THE BEST) had put me at an uncomfortable level with the waist band of my jeans.  A change of eating was in order but on day 5 I was ready to say 'Forget the pistachios and pass me the Juanita's!'  I didn't however and I'm glad.

I've made it past week 3 and can honestly say that the amount of food that it takes for me to eat and feel satisfied has lessened.  I am totally into the smoothies from The Digest Diet and have my favorites.  I like the orange smoothie and the strawberry one.  My husband's favorite is banana with a tsp. of cocoa powder.  I'm hooked on the wrap for lunch and can't believe how much I like Cumin in my scrambled eggs.

Every night for these past 3 weeks I've made something different from The Digest Diet for dinner and just about every recipe is a hit.  Could it be that we are incredibly hungry?  Oh, there was a time I would have laughed and said 'yes!  But honestly, the recipes are full of such tantalizing herbs and spices that even if my husband and I weren't on a "diet" these recipes would be wonderful.

And that's the whole point of starting this eating plan.  I wanted to find delicious recipes that were low in calories that would help me on my way to lose weight.  I have incorporated more physical activity and have lost a total of 7 lbs. in 3 weeks. And that's fine for me.  I'm 5'10 and weigh 174.  I do enjoy my wine so I know if I cut that out I would weigh less, but I'm not concerned about that.  I will start a more rigorous exercise regime here pretty soon and keep up with The Digest Diet recipes.  The food is delicious and I'm so glad I stuck with this eating plan.

$300 Cash Giveaway! Celebrating Bible Girl Book Launch

In 2011, The Golden Sky by EC Stilson became one of the hundred best-selling books about loss on Amazon! Wayman Publishing is now excited to announce the release of Bible Girl—the prequel to The Golden Sky.  This is the amazing true story of a hilarious girl trying to find her way through the teen years. Bible Girl was just accepted into the Barnes & Noble catalog and will be .99 for a limited time HERE.

Please join voiceBoks, Giveaway Promote, Good Steward Savers, Terri's Little Haven, and Linkie's Contest Linkies in promoting this wonderful book launch.

This giveaway was made possible by the following sponsors:

Tales of Mommyhood | Savior Cents | Sister's Saving Cents | My Side Of Life | Grandma Bonnie's Closet | Peanut Butter and Whine | TaylorCares | Club-Content | LaDy LaDuke | Military Wives Saving | Thrifty Mom's Reviews and More | Couponing From Florida to Michigan | Christian Coupon Clippers | this mama loves her bargains | A Maui Mompreneur | JadeLouise Designs | Ann Again... and again Reviews | Mark Your Savings | Don't Make Me Nuts | Sprinkle Me Pink | CountryLife4Me | Cyns Coupons 4U | November Sunflower | BookZone | Like a Bump On a Blog | Diva Fabulosa | Happy Home and Family | J4C Home | Single Mom Inspirations | Happy for Ever After | Viva Pinay | Raking in the Savings | Mommy LaDy Club | Diaper Days | Taken With Life |  My Picnic Basket |
 Shy's Mode | Icing and Write | Mom to Bed By 8 | A Day in Doha | mamawolfe | Miki's Hope |  Making Time 4 You | Mommy Saves Money | Wrinkled Mommy | Layne's Thrifty Finds | Just Married Mom of 3
|  The Frugal Free Gal | GayNYCDad | Frazzled Five | Mommy Blog Design

 

 

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Rascal Flatts - Changed and Fly Away Contest!

My husband and I went to see a movie starring Rascal Flatts.  Wait, I mean we saw a concert by Rascal Flatts in the theater.  No, that's not quite it either.  What the event was is a little hard to define but I feel that fits perfectly with the kind of performers that make up the band Rascal Flatts.  Now, I'm not a country music gal, but I was completely won over by the sounds of Rascal Flatts latest album, Changed.

While watching this film you are brought into the bands struggle with losing their previous record label and their doubts if they should continue their career, a career that holds 7 ACM awards, 6 CMA awards and a membership to The Grand Ole Opry.  There are intimate moments of reflection and renewed connection.  There are behind-the-scenes rehearsals and on-stage performances that made my heart sing.  Their harmonies are amazing!  And the tunes make you want to dance - or cry.  (Those darn country tear jerkers!)

Changed is the first country album that I've listened to.  I'm not kidding.  And I like it!  I would even like to see this band in person. If you are a fan of Rascal Flatts I have a great contest to share, the Rascal Flatts Changed - Fly Away Contest.  You can win a "fly away trip & tickets to see Rascal Flatts live in concert".  (No movie theater for you ;-> )  Click here to enter.


(*disclosure:  I was offered tickets to see the movie "Changed".  The contest is being held by their management.  My opinions are truthfully my own.  Cue the banjo!)

UPrinting Business Card Giveaway!

For those of you with your own business, you understand how important it can be to have a great looking business card.  While at a meeting, or a conference, so many business cards get passed around that it seems a competition of appearance and quality that will guide you to choose which cards you file, and which you toss.  If you are looking for business card printing that will make a good impression you should use the services of UPrinting.com.

You will find modern designs, colors and fonts that will help your business stand out, all with-in the dimensions of 2x2".  It is possible.

If you are a blogger, and happen to be attending a blog conference, you must have business cards to help promote your brand - yourself.  And what better way to get your business cards then by winning them in this great giveaway!  Here's what's available:

Prize Information:

UPrinting 250 Die-cut Business Cards for one winner. Your choice of design.  You may choose from:

• 2×3.5″ Rounded Corners, 2×2″ Rounded Corners, 1.75×3.5″ Rounded Corners, 2×3.5″ Leaf, 2×3.5 Rounded one corner, 2×3.5″ Half-Circle Side, 2×3.5″ Oval, or 2.5″ Circle

• 14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated

6 Business days print turnaround time.  *Free US shipping only

Enter This Giveaway using RaffleCopter.  Here's what you do: (If RC doesn't show, click "Read More")

Schick Hydro Silk Kits - Free Sample To Share!

Hey Ann Again... and again Reviews friends!  I have a few kits from Schick Hydro Silk to share.


Click this link to receive your free kit.  http://www.schickhydrosilk.com/influencer/welcome.php?ref=9tsyqun

Hurry!  They'll go fast!

Independent Living Bullion Giveaway

A gorgeous, fashionable diaper bag that is so stylish it could be mistaken for a trendy handbag.  Trust me, you will want to win this Boxy Backpack provided by Independent Living Bullion. 

Winner picks the fashion! Click here to see options.
Click here to go to the Giveaway
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Health Insurance

For years we have had to pay for our own health insurance.  Trying to find a good plan for what's right for our family is, to be honest, a pain.  It's stressful, sometimes confusing, and overwhelming.  (Perhaps I should add this job to my resume ;-> )  One thing I have learned is to do as much research as possible, don't take the first plan you see, and that's where having internet access is so handy.

A site that is very beneficial in guiding you through the process of choosing a health care plan that's right for you is HCIMedical.  They share good information on the overall process and help you figure out which questions to ask to guide you to the correct plan for you and your family.

I understand how it can be confusing to choose a plan; you have your PPO's, your HMO's, Supplemental, etc.  How high the deductible?  How low?  Using the on-line services of HCI Medical will help walk you through all avenues of how to choose a health care service provider clearly and effortlessly.

If you are in need of picking a health care plan visit www.healthcareinsurance.me/ to help guide you on your way to finding a health care plan that’s a good fit for you and your family.

Dyson Housewarming Giveaway - Free Blog Event - Accepting Sign-ups Now

Attention Bloggers!

Mom to Bed by 8 is excited to present the Housewarming Dyson Event from June 1 to June 15. This is a free blogger event and accepting signups now.

Join the Housewarming Dyson Giveaway event today, grow your readership and offer one fantastic cleaning tool giveaway!

(*Tell her Ann Again and again sent you ;-> )

Fiafini Skincare - Gift Set Giveaway at the UBP '12!

 

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I am so happy to be a part of the Ultimate Blog Party with 5 Minutes For Mom and to share with you a great giveaway - Fiafini Skincare.   Whee!!!  In previous years I have visited some wonderful bloggers at the U.B.P.  I hope that you, as well, will find fellow bloggers that share common interests, some that make you laugh right-out-loud, and some that share in fun giveaways.  Let's see if you will be my lucky winner!

I am one of those "fortunate ones" that have sensitive skin (I attribute this to my Scottish/Irish heritage) so when I am looking for a skin care product the ingredient list is the first place I look.  Fiafini was created for sensitive skin by three sisters who believe skin care should be both natural and effective while protecting the most sensitive skin.  That's exactly what I need.

I have a special giveaway that includes: Fiafini Delicate Cleansing Emulsion (4.0 oz.)  Divine Hydration Moisturizer (1.7 oz.) and Deluxe Anti-Aging Eye Cream (0.5 oz.)

This beautiful skincare package is priced at $106.  But, for one lucky winner, you will receive this wonderful kit for free!  Enter through Rafflecopter - good luck!

I would love it if you could find the time to visit my blog, Ann Again... and again, where I focus on family and fun.  Recently a bullying situation has been growing more intense for my 8th grader and I've been sharing my feelings in posts - "It's Mama Bear Time", "Bully Situation Update", "A Self Esteem Pill" .   Have you had a similar experience?   My 11 year old recently got her first pair of glasses - "Glasses For My Lily".  Does your child(ren) also have glasses?  How have they adapted? 

Thank you for visiting.  If you're stopping by from the Ultimate Blog Party '12 - WELCOME!

*If RaffleCopter doesn't appear please click the words "Read More" for it to pop up :->

The Digest Diet - Week 2

OK.  I'm in the groove now.  I can even make the the Fade Away Shake without looking at the ingredients and measurements!  (It's the little things.)

I am at a consistent weight loss of 6 lbs. My stats:  Height - 5' 10"  Weight - 174.  To be honest I'm not doing the exercises.  Which is so bizarre because I'm normally someone who gets in, at least, 25 minutes 4 to 5 days a week.  I just haven't made the time.  I'm sure my weight loss would be more if I exercised.

My husband's weight loss is kind of going up and down like a roller coaster and he doesn't know what's going on.  He's been down 8 lbs. but the numbers have gone up, then down.  He is so good about following the plan, eating the snacks and using the correct portions/measurements so he's frustrated, but he plugs along.

I've noticed that I've needed to add a fiber supplement powder to my smoothies.  Even though The Digest Diet calls for fruits, veggies and a lot of dairy, things weren't, well, you get what I'm saying.  So I've been adding a fiber powder and I feel much better.

And with regards to feeling better here's an interesting change, before I started this eating plan my heart would occasionally pound.  I mean, it would beat so hard, even while I was just sitting, that sometimes you could see my shirt move!  (At least I thought you could).  When this would occur I would take a few deep breaths then it would subside.  Since I've started The Digest Diet this hasn't happened to me, not once.  Is it the increased dairy intake?  The herbs (a.k.a. Fat Releasers) marjoram, tarragon, ginger?  The spices of cayenne and cumin?  I don't know but my body feels calmer.

I'm getting the information I wanted from this book, I'm learning light and lean recipes and using more tasty herbs and spices.  My hunger pangs finally drifted away on the 8th day - thank goodness.  And I've been sleeping more soundly.  That's a huge benefit!

On we go.


~  The Digest Diet - Week 1

~  The Digest Diet - Week 3 

(*disclosure:  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  This was my personal purchase and this is my truthful experience.)

Char Crust Dry Rub Review and Giveaway

With the weather getting warmer my husband gets to do the kind of cooking that brings a smile to his face - grilling. I don't know what it is about cooking on the grill but I'm sure he would list it as an actual "Happy Place".  Recently we tested out some dry rubs to season-up our meats and have been so pleased with the taste.  Char Crust Dry Rubs are delicious.

With our new "eating plan" (I'm not calling it a diet) we're discovering that particular herbs and spices are fat releasers, and some of these spices are in Char Crust dry rubs.  Amazin' Cajun has paprika, cayenne and red chile pepper.  Ginger Teriyaki also has paprika along with garlic, wasabi and - surprise! - ginger.  All of these spices fit perfectly into our plan and make for incredibly tasty steak and fish.

Each box of Char Crust not only provides easy preparation instructions they also give recommendations for great tasting vegetable rub pairings.  I never would have thought of putting seasoning on cauliflower but it's incredibly tasty and a healthier alternative to butter.

If you would like to try Char Crust dry rubs for yourself you can find them at your local Meat Market or order direct from their website www.charcrust.com.  I'm happy that I have a 4 box selection of Char Crust dry rubs available for one lucky winner!  Enter to win boxes of;  All American Barbecue, Roasted Garlic Peppercorn, Amazin' Cajun and Ginger Teriyaki.  Good luck!

 *If RaffleCopter doesn't appear please click the words "Read More" for it to pop up :->

Team Abnegation $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Welcome to the Team Abnegation $100 Gift Code Giveaway.  During the month of April HarperTeen is promoting the release of the book Insurgent by Veronica Roth.  This giveaway was organized by Team Abnegation to help promote the release of that book. To learn more about this book series please visit the Publisher's Website: http://bit.ly/GQFqbF.

To enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Code use the rafflecopter below. You have many chances to win and can enter daily from now until April 22nd.

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Rules & Restrictions:
Open to anyone 18 or older who can legally receive and use an Amazon Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded and Mandatory Entries must have been done or prize will be awarded to a different winner. No purchase necessary. You must be 18+ to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Hippity Hop

I hope you have a wonderful day :->

The Digest Diet - 1 Week Later

 Oooo Kaaaaaa

I am not a "diet" person.  I stopped going by the latest eating fad years (and years) ago.  I knew I had had enough when I fell for the Cabbage Soup Diet.  "Flush Pounds Away With This Amazing Soup!"  I don't need to say any more about that one, do I? 

I finally got to the point of knowing to eat more vegetables, (still trying with the fruit) my dining plates are the smaller "bread" plate and not the normal Main Dish plate and that is that.  Exercise, eat pretty well, there you go.  Well, after years of reading about the changes your body goes through when you get older, this here body o' mine has hit the 45 year mark and it has also hit the metabolism wall.  What the heck?!

I decided to venture toward The Digest Diet that I read about in Readers Digest.  It claims to have discovered the foods that are "fat releaser's" and the book is full of recipes for ways to create breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks with these foods.  My husband and I are on Day 9 and I will be honest, I'm kinda hungry.

Truthfully, we are eating very healthy, good food.  The recipes are delicious and the herbs and spices that are in the "fat releaser" category have helped create interesting dishes.  I believe my husband and I have both lost 5, maybe 6 lbs., in 9 days.  At the start I didn't believe I was a big eater but... I'm hungry. 

We'll continue with The Digest Diet.  As I said, the food is good, healthy food.  We'll see...

 ~  The Digest Diet - My Beginning 

~   The Digest Diet - Week 2

Schwan's - Easter Dinner Is Ready

My husband is an amazing cook and I enjoy baking very much.  When it's a holiday our families gather to ooh-and-ahh over the edible creations that we all share from our kitchens.  (My husband has a magical touch with his grilled asparagus that has the family request his vegetable specialty every year. ;-> ) However, there are times when life is busy and having the luxury of time to prepare and cook a meal just can't be found.  Luckily there is an amazingly delicious option for those that will bring tasty food right to your door, Schwan's Home Delivery.

The company of Schwan's began 55 years ago with ice cream home delivery.  As time went by their offerings began to include juices and fish and now they carry over 350 items ready to be delivered to your door.  All their food items are flash frozen and kept at a constant temperature until the products have reached your home to eliminate freeze/thaw cycles that can affect food's taste. 

We did a little "dry run" for our Easter feast and tasted Schwan's sliced ham.  Tender, not overly salty and tasted great with pineapple.  The ham is sliced just the right size for sandwiches that are sure to come due to the ham's size of 4.25 lbs (Serves 22).  My girls love ham and the Schwan's sliced ham was a hit.  My husband and I had a side of Au Gratin potatoes and, let me just say, I could eat the whole tray myself.  Delicious!  The green peas tasted so fresh.  Honestly, I was surprised with how good they tasted.  My girls even ate them!

No family gathering is complete without dessert so we indulged in, get ready, the Schwan's Triple Berry, Apple Rhubarb Pie with a scoop of classic Schwan's Vanilla Ice Cream.  This pie is impressive and you absolutely cannot beat the price for this quality.  I was satisfied with the pie without the Vanilla Sauce that could be drizzled over the crust but my husband was such a trooper and thought it best to try it out to truly review.  There was a huge smile on his face. 


Schwan's completely came through for us.  I can not get over the delicious taste, the amazing pricing and the incredible convenience.  You can order on-line or call their toll free number.  We love Schwan's.

Hungry yet?


(*Disclaimer:  I was given product for review.  My opinions are truthfully mine and my families.)

My Daily Deal Fix

I have a "Wish List" of items that I think would be good for our home, or things that I would like to give as gifts.  When it comes to 8:55 am (Pacific Time) I get excited wondering if NoMoreRack.com will have just what I've been looking for at an amazing price.  Deals go live at 9:00 am (Pacific) and I don't want to miss out!

I have found my new, favorite purse at No More Rack and two cute shirts for my girls at wonderful, low prices.  This isn't a club that you pay into, no points, no fees.  It's just a site that has products at great prices ready to sell.  They explain it all in "How It Works".   They offer a flat $2 shipping and handling fee per item.  Everything I've purchased has arrived with adequate packing material, not over the top stuffing, and in a timely matter.  They do e-mail follow-up which I enjoy.  They want to know if I'm happy :->  Nice, again.

Here's where the time frame really comes into play, their deals are only available until they sell out, which could be in a matter of hours or minutes.  They offer a daily "Free" deal that goes so-o-o-o fast that you need to be quick with the keyboard to catch.  It's fun!  Add some excitement to your on-line shopping experience and try NoMoreRack.