Tag Archives: To Be Perfectly Honest

Book Review: Must Love Shoes by Julie Gaver – Review by Phoebe

24 Oct

As usual, I’ll start this review with a confession. I’m a sucker for shoes. Heels, pumps, flats, sandals, flip flops, wedges, sneakers, boots and anything else that sounds even remotely like something that belongs on my feet. So when I had the opportunity to review a book entitled, “Must Love Shoes,” I was like, duh!

When I read other reviews of this book, I knew it was something I just had to read for myself. So, I got on the horn and contacted the author. I heard back from Julie almost immediately. Even through e-mail, her personality jumped from the computer screen and I instantaneously felt “normal.”  I mean, let’s face it: When you’re communicating with a professional speaker whose client list includes Merrill Lynch, US Department of Commerce and Women in Defense, it can be a little intimidating! But Julie has a way with words that left me feeling as if we had known each other for years … which had me on the edge of my seat awaiting the delivery of her book!

I received the book within a couple of days – autographed of course. Oh, but Julie … the whole purpose of our blog is that you can’t “bribe” us to write a good review! So, as friendly and efficient as Julie was thus far, it did her no good if I didn’t enjoy the book! For the record, this kindness of Julie’s is not to say that she WAS bribing us. Just to be clear on that point.

The book is 132 pages including title pages and spacers, so I knew it would be a quick read. Luckily, I had some time right at that moment (I broke my ankle a few weeks back and was confined to the sofa for quite some time, but that’s a-WHOLE-nother blog post). The moment of truth! I began reading the book and instantly realized it was a blog … in book form. Perfect! I love reading blogs!

Each chapter is a small personal story from Julie. The chapters are literally like 3-4 pages long which makes the reading fly by. I got 45 minutes into the book and realized I was halfway done with it! Every time I got to the end of a chapter, I was like, “Well, the next chapter is only a few pages long so I might as well just do one more.” At 1 hour, I forced my fiance to begin making dinner so I could keep reading. I also had that broken ankle as an excuse to pawn responsibility off onto a more capable person.

Julie Gaver gets wonderfully personal and has absolutely no problem making fun of herself, which I find humbling and humorous. Especially after breaking my ankle after tripping on NOTHING during a flag football game. Even though my teammates never found it, I SWEAR there was a hole in the ground.

Each chapter of “Must Love Shoes” tells a different story with a different message. After finishing the book in one hour and fifteen minutes, here’s a short list of 10 things I walked away with after reading this book:

  1. State troopers will NOT weigh you.
  2. The reason I don’t have eyes in the back of my head is because humans weren’t meant to see their own asses.
  3. If someone sporting a whistle gives you the stink eye, just leave the premises before you’re thrown out.
  4. I’m not the only one whose undergarments have left me speechless.
  5. Hopping into the wrong car in the parking lot is, indeed COMPLETELY normal.
  6. Sometimes you just get lucky.
  7. “Bajeebas” is a word.
  8. There is no better time to find your voice than right now.
  9. Even though my kids are teens and driving me absolutely bonkers, they’ll be gone from the house one day.
  10. Call your Aunt Carol as often as you can.

Perhaps this list doesn’t make sense to you. Which is why you should read this book. Want to know more about the book before you spend your hard earned $14.95? Check out the website at http://mustloveshoesthebook.com. The best part about this site? If you want more of Julie’s clever and witty little tid bits, there’s MUCH more on her blog! Enough that it will take you MUCH longer than one hour to read them! You can also find Julie on Facebook and Twitter.

While I did receive this product free from the author, I would highly recommend you get a copy of this book for your friends, sisters, moms, aunts and anyone else who can appreciate the humor, humility and honor of being a woman. And I’m not just saying that because I like Julie. It really is a darn good book. Obviously, I give “Must Love Shoes” a rating of 5 Cups of Joe.

Tags: , ,

Smooth Away Review by Phoebe

3 Oct

Okay, I have a confession. I’m a sucker for anything wielding an “As Seen on TV” sticker and priced $9.99 or under. I mean, honestly … it’s under $10 and if it doesn’t work, then there’s not much of a loss. So when I saw the Smooth Away on sale at my local Walgreen’s store, I picked it up in a hurry. I didn’t even wait until I got home. As soon as I got into my car, I buckled up, put it in gear and started opening the package as I drove out of the parking lot. As I drove down the road, I pulled up my jeans and began rubbing (add that to the list of things I never thought I’d hear myself say).

I must admit was pleasantly surprised. It actually rubbed the hair right off my leg. I was like, “Whaaaat?” How does that work? For the sake of safety, I decided to wait until I got home to begin reading the package insert. When I arrived home and started looking through the package, I saw that it came with two different sized hand-held applicators, one large size that fits in your palm and another smaller size that slips on your finger. It also came with 8 interchangeable “pads,” four for each size. It also came with a plastic storage thingy…similar to a plastic wallet for storing your kit.

I read the instructions which were pretty self-explanatory. You just rub wherever unwanted hair appears. When I was able to remove my jeans and put on shorts, I kept rubbing away. The Smooth Away claims to exfoliate your skin as it removes the hair. I suppose that’s somewhat true. It made my skin white and ashy. I would definitely recommend using some lotion after using the Smooth Away if not rinsing off completely or using it before you shower. When I tried using the large pad on my legs, it worked to a point. It removed the lighter hair and did leave my legs feeling smooth (but ashy). However, it did not remove all the hair. I was left with prickly stubble all over that the Smooth Away just couldn’t seem to remove. I rubbed harder. Still wouldn’t work. Okay, so it works … just not perfectly.

I didn’t give up. I have another confession. I have a happy trail. Ya know … those stubborn little hairs that form a trail between your belly button and … well … ya know. I gave it a shot. Same result. It removed some of them, but not all of them. What about my armpits? It worked on my armpits similar to how it worked on my legs. It worked a little, but did not give nearly the same effect as shaving. Before I knew it, I was rubbing that pink little applicator all over my body as if it had a license. I must admit, I did NOT try it on my face. While I have a few facial hairs that I pluck on a regular basis, I didn’t use it on my face for fear that it would make the hair that doesn’t need plucked grow back thicker. Afterall, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

All in all, I would recommend the Smooth Away as a helpful tool to keep in your purse or your beach bag for those “Oops, I missed a spot” moments. I would not use it to actually replace shaving. I have often used it on my armpits when I forgot to shave them or decide at the last minute to throw on a tank top. It works well enough for that purpose. However, remember to keep the lotion handy! It really really leaves your skin ashy. My final ranking on the Smooth Away is just 3 Cups of Joe. I would recommend it as a back up, but its definitely something I would not buy my friends as a gift. I can live without it and it really doesn’t do what it says … completely.

Tags: , , ,

Teva® Mush Flip Flop Review by Phoebe

21 Sep

Back in September of 2009, my fiance and I attended the wedding of a friend of his from his days as an airline pilot. I had met his friend on several occasions, but never got to meet his bride until we made the trip to West Virginia for the wedding. We were invited to stay in a chalet with the families of the bride and groom. It wasn’t until we were directed to our room when it was brought to my attention that the bride owned a couple of shoe stores. I love her already.

When we opened the door to our room at the chalet, there were two gift bags on the bed. One for him and one for me. Inside the gift bags were some snacks and a few gifts including a pair of flip flops. Say WHAT?! I love flip flops! The kind of love I would feel for a long, rough, oily back rub from a male underwear model on a beach in the French Riviera. True love.

I put the flip flops on my feet to ensure that they fit and I haven’t taken them off since. The flip flops were women’s size 8 Teva Mush sandals. The sandal from Teva gets its name from its “Durapontex® EVA midsole and three-point nylon thong upper, which offers a springy, luxurious fit” (according to their own product description). There was no breaking them in. They were immediately my new favorite footwear. Well … at least I THOUGHT there was no breaking them in.

I took the sandals home and wore them non-stop (as I said before). It wasn’t until a couple weeks after the wedding when I realized what made these flip flops even more better. Yes, I said, “even more better.” Because that’s how awesome what I’m about to tell you is: The sandals began to take the shape of my feet. Sure this happens sometimes with flip flops, but this was different. Is was almost like slipping my foot into a mold that was made specifically and uniquely for my own feet. Arch support in a flip flop?! What!?

The support that I began to experience from the Teva Mush was incredible. I would go to amusement parks and instead of wearing sneakers, I would wear my Tevas. I would take a walk with my family and instead of wearing sneakers, I would wear my Tevas. I would go to a sporting event (as a spectator) and instead of wearing sneakers, I would wear my Tevas. It’s ridiculous how comfortable they are!

*Before reading further, please be aware that “over-wearing” flip flops or wearing them for physical activity is frowned upon by most medical professionals and I do NOT recommend that you do this. It just so happens, I can be a little stubborn and tend not to listen to medical professionals.

I have owned them for two years now and they have not torn. They have not ripped. They have not crumbled. They have not given me blisters. They have not let me down … ever. If I could have intimate relations with these shoes, I would. *I’m sure this last suggestion would also be frowned upon by medical professionals.

Anytime I feel like making love to a shoe, it automatically gets 5 Cups of Joe.

 

 

 

Tags: , , , ,

Vinegar – a Green Alternative To Clean by Ramona

15 Sep

A while back I ran across something on TV that warned of the dangers of household cleaners. Honestly, about 4 years ago, I would probably have skipped over that show with a roll of the eye, thinking how crazy people have gotten when it comes to all things “green.” However, having a child with health issues has certainly opened my eyes to a new way of thinking.  I absolutely loved my household cleaners. After each use, I truly felt as if I had single-handedly just spared my family of microscopic toxins and germs invading our home. The trademark of this heroic feeling? The smell of clean! Ahhh!!

I began looking at the labels of my everyday household cleaners. I had a cleaner for my bathroom, one for my kitchen, another for dusting, yet another for windows, and of course a million containers of disinfecting wipes. I began educating myself and learning just how bad these products are for the environment and your health with prolonged exposure. Not to mention, I really spent a fortune in cleaning products when I sat down and thought about it!

I began to consider the “greener” options and the results were astounding. Vinegar became my weapon of choice. I purchased several large spray bottles (from the dollar store) and a huge bottle of white vinegar ( 1 gal is about $3-$4 at Wal-mart). I made up a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water and went crazy. What I had just found was a multipurpose, inexpensive, disinfecting, green alternative to my clusters of hazardous cleaning products. I will admit the smell of it is not easy on the nose, but after it dries it is completely odorless. If you are still missing the scent of your old cleaners, you can dapple in various essential oils. Lemon, eucalyptus, lavendar….just squeeze a few drops into your bottle and the take a wiff!

Just a few of the many possible uses….

Windows – to me, works just as well as Windex

Bathrooms – Counters, mirrors, tubs….Add a little Borax (found in cleaning isle) with your vinegar solutions to have a sparkling toilet!

Floors – Just spray and mop!

Kitchen counters – replaces my disinfecting wipes (interesting enough if you read the labels, it says to wipe off with water after use! Who does that!?)

Appliances – A few sprays in the microwave and heat for 10 seconds and stuck on food wipes off with ease. Also great for cleaning out the fridge!

Weed Killer – Pour a little on your outdoor weeds in your flowerbeds and watch it work!

Wall paper remover – I would never have believed this is I hadn’t done it myself. It works better than any stripper I have ever used. Just spray on wipe over with a damp rag to distribute, wait a few moments and it literally almost falls off the walls.

The possibilities are endless! I challenge you to try this and then let me know your thoughts! You will be amazed!

I give this a 5 out of 5 Cups of Joe!!

 

 

 

 

Tags: , , ,

Green B.E.A.N. Delivery Review By Ramona

7 Sep

To me, summer means more than warm weather and water skiing; it means fresh organic produce, farmers markets and gardening (of which I am a habitual failure at). There are few things in life that make me happier than perusing the isles of brightly colored seasonal fruits and veggies. The scent of a juicy cantaloupe as it is being cut is enough to send me into instant euphoria.

When I first heard about Green B.E.A.N. Delivery from a good friend, I was cautiously optimistic. Upon first mention it seemed too good to be true. Fresh, organic produce of my choice delivered right to my door every week? Hmmm … how fresh would it actually be? Can I trust someone else to select only the most perfect grapes? Would every grain of sweet corn be perfectly aligned? If I have anxiety when I send my husband to the store alone, how could I trust a complete stranger!!!!

This company is based out of Indianapolis and has a delivery area that includes the greater Indianapolis and Fort Wayne areas in Indiana, Dayton and Cincinatti, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky. Green B.E.A.N. promises to deliver your customized bin of seasonal fruit and veggie goodness (approx. 40 to choose from) as well as other natural grocery items either weekly or bi-weekly. There are 5 different bins to choose from, each varying in price and size. You can customize your order each week according to your needs. You are also able to see exactly which farm your produce comes from. The website also offers great education sources, food storage tips, and recipes. The company truly prides themselves on customer satisfaction and clearly states if you receive a product you feel to be of poor quality, they will happily offer you a prompt credit.

I eagerly started my membership process and selected a produce bin for my standing order (which you can also change at any time) and waited with baited breath for my first delivery, which was the following week. On my very first “Green B.E.A.N. Day” I could not have been more excited if Santa himself was coming for dinner. I opened the door to a big green bin (looking exactly like a recycling bin, only green … Duh) full of my weeks choices. The contents truly lived up to my high expectations. What I was most impressed with was the size of everything! Often when I chose to buy organic in my local supermarkets, the selections are somewhat lacking in luster. Each item was carefully selected with hardly any imperfections, neatly wrapped in brown paper bags and encased in Styrofoam with a freezer pack on top to keep it cool for delivery! The taste was amazing! While the prices do tend to be a bit above what I would pay my local grocer, I would say the service and quality of the products and the company far exceed the price difference.

Green B.E.A.N. offers more than just front door produce, they are truly dedicated to promoting health and wellness through non-profit organizations and aim to help hunger relief. Their website details their contributions and partnership with each of these organizations. Could this get any better?

You should totally check out their website, even if you have no interest in purchasing,  just to see how much these people rock! Go on now … greenbeandelivery.com

My rating for Green B.E.A.N. is an easy 5 cups of joe!

**Please note that I am in no way contracted with Green B.E.A.N. and they did not ask me to write this review. I did not profit from this and will not benefit in any way if you choose to sign yourself up.**

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

%d bloggers like this: