Friday, September 30, 2011

Hard Candy Cosmetics Review and Giveaway!--Ends October 20, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.** 

Hard Candy Cosemtics Meteor-Eyes Baked Eyeshadow, Baked Eyeshadow Duo, Baked Blush.jpeg
Meteor-Eyes Baked Eyeshadow, Baked Eyeshadow Duo and Baked Blush



Hard Candy Cosmetics is always a fun line to experiment with.  For this review and giveaway, I received their Meteor-Eyes Baked Eyeshadow in Outer Space, a Kal-eye-descope - Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Peace and a Blush Crush - Baked Blush in Living Doll.

The Meteor-Eyes Baked Eyeshadow compact was the first thing I wanted to play with.  The one thing I did notice on the Hard Candy website was their picture appeared to be a dark blue shade, which it is not. As you can see from my photo, this shade called Outer Space looks practically black.  However, the color is so multidimensional with the way it changes with tones of lighter gray and silver and helped me develop a nice smoky eye.  

Another way I changed the look was lining my eyes with a brighter liner and it really brought them out against this dramatic Outer Space color that also stayed on without creasing for most of the day.

The Kal-eye-descope-Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Peace was a more neutral lighter brown with a peachy highlight shade.  This lighter brown and peach were the perfect backdrops of a delicate shimmer against the dark coffee brown color of my eyes.  I had this shadow on without any primer and experienced no problems of it disappearing into creases or anything.

My last plaything was the Blush Crush - Baked Blush in Living Doll.  Though this compact appears a brighter pink, it has some peach woven through to soften and give this color a more natural look.  I thought this blush gave my cheeks a pretty glow without looking powdery.

In truth, I had a great time with these products and liked all three very much.  Both eyeshadow compacts were different, but equally wonderful for achieving different looks without spending a fortune.  The blush surprised me because it did look rather bright until I used it and found how the peach woven inside toned it down beautifully.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Hard Candy, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff  in the United States or Canada wins the same three products I was sent:  Meteor-Eyes Baked Eyeshadow in Outer Space, a Kal-eye-descope - Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Peace and a Blush Crush - Baked Blush in Living Doll.

Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by with your email (if not in your profile) in a comment .

2. Go to Hard Candy Cosmetics and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from the site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win #HardCandyCosmetics #Giveaway @HeresHardCandy via @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/oSp7Cv Ends 10/20  (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Hard Candy Cosmetics on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Hard Candy Cosmetics on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

Follow Hard Candy Cosmetics on Twitter--2 extra entries  to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends October 20, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked. 

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily and Island Night Eau de Toilette Review + GIVEAWAY!--Ends October 19, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**



Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Night Eau de Toilette.jpeg
Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Night Eau de Toilette
Fall is already here.  Before you know it, those steadily declining temperatures will usher in winter with snow for some of us.  However, I found the perfect way to take a mini-vacation without splurging on travel or leaving home.   All you need is Crabtree & Evelyn's India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily and Island Night Eau De Toilette that I was sent for this review and giveaway and you're off to experience the warmth and exotic essence of island luxury!

You'll breathe in the delicate floral of spider lily, night-blooming jasmine and orange blossoms mingling with tropical citruses and palm leaves blowing against the warm island sea air once you take off the cap of India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily Eau De Toilette.  Once you spray,  you soon feel the magical allure of the native flowers, fruits, and salty sea air of the islands captured in this romantic green citrus fragrance.

On the other hand, India Hicks Island Night Eau De Toilette is definitely more seductive.  The dramatic midnight blue bottle itself makes an elegant statement and hints of mystery within.  The fragrance that waits to be discovered by the wearer is like wandering into an undiscovered  moonlit tropical garden of purple and white orchids, lush night-blooming jasmine, orange blossoms, surrounded by green island palms with a touch of woody musk for softness.  Island Night is the perfect choice to feel the after dark heat of the island when it best casts its most dramatic spell.

Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily Eau de Toilette.jpeg
Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily  Eau de Toilette

If you ask me for the perfect way to warm up that someone special in your life or yourself this holiday season, then I highly recommend ordering one or both of these bewitching India Hicks fragrances from Crabtree & Evelyn as a gift.  Trust me, either one, including the striking box, is so beautiful yet different with layers of warmth, passion and romance, spiced with intrigue and a bit of spirit and fun that will whisk you away to the islands that you will want both!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Crabtree & Evelyn, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins an India Hicks Island Living Spider Lily Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 fl. oz. size ($55 value)!


Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by with your email (if not in your profile) in a comment.

2. Go to Crabtree & Evelyn and tell me another product you would love to try or something you learned about them in a comment.


Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win #IndiaHicksPerfume #Giveaway @CrabtreeEvelyn via @Nuts4Stuff
http://bit.ly/p1ESpZ  Ends 10/19 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Crabtree & Evelyn  on Facebook--for 2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Crabtree & Evelyn on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

Follow Crabtree & Evelyn on Twitter--for 2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.  This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends October 19, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Try My Ultimate Banana Bread Recipe!

Ultimate Banana Breads.jpeg
My Ultimate Banana Bread recipe keeps well!

Although it's not the end of the week for baking the weekend treats, I took advantage of buying a one dollar banana bag of over ripe bananas to take home.  By the time I finished sorting through this bargain, I had enough for the family to snack on plus four small banana breads to put in the freezer!

This is my favorite recipe when it comes to dealing with making anything like banana bread or cake since it's easy and so moist.  Truly, this is the only one I make these days because of all the recipes I tried, this definitely is the best. 

The recipe is simple and makes either four small loaves, two regular loaves, or a tube-pan size cake like a typical angel food cake. 

By the way, I suggest the next time you see one of those discounted bags of bananas to weigh it on the fruit scale because you might be surprised.  The typical bags I bought weigh in on an average of four pounds for that dollar, which is quite economical!

I do hope the next time you decide to do something with your bananas that you will want to try this delicious recipe of mine.  You won't be disappointed!

You can alter the flavor of this recipe by substituting one cup of white flour for one cup of Great River Organic Milling Company Whole Wheat Flour that is currently on giveaway.  This also makes a scrumptious treat.

Ultimate Banana Bread or Cake--Nuts Style!

1 cup of canola oil
1-1/2 cups of sugar
3-1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour or 2-1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour and 1 cup of Great River Organic Milling Company Whole Wheat Flour
1-1/3 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large or 3 medium)
2/3 cup of sour milk  (add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the milk to sour it)
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1/4 teaspoon of salt
4 eggs

Measure out your sour milk and stir in your baking soda.  In your mixing bowl, add your canola oil and sugar and beat with your electric mixer until well combined, then add the eggs one at a time to beat in thoroughly.  Next add your sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon and alternate with the milk and soda mixture until everything is well mixed. 

Grease whatever loaf pans or tube pan you choose.  For the four small loaves pictured, I used sizes about 7-3/8" x 3-7/8" x 2-1'4".

Bake at 350 degrees for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Follow Your Heart Vegan Food Products Review and Giveaway!--October 17, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**
Follow Your Heart Vegan Food Products.jpeg
Follow Your Heart Vegan Food Products

Anyone dealing with food allergies knows how hard it is to eat normally.  You either can give up the restricted foods from your diet or turn to replacements, which often can be safe to eat but lack the same flavors.  However, Follow Your Heart sent me some products for this review and giveaway that were so delicious they can fool you into thinking what you were eating was not the real thing!

Their Vegan Gourmet Cream Cheese had the same creamy texture of the regular dairy version with incredible similar taste.  I could have cooked something with this, but this cream cheese was so yummy that the family and I gobbled it up on sandwiches immediately before I had a chance.

The next thing that we tried was the High Omega Vegan Ranch Salad Dressing on our salads.  I dare anyone to tell me that this was any different in flavor than a leading brand of regular full fat ranch dressing only Follow Your Heart's version is healthier with Omega-3 fatty acid-rich from hemp and flaxseed oils.

Mayonnaise is typically not the healthiest thing to eat every day with all the fats.  Of course, you can try to still eat it with the low-fat and the no-fat substitutes readily available at the grocery store.  At the same time, those substitutions can have a void in flavor--that is until you taste Follow Your Heart Soy Free Vegenaise.  This is a fantastic egg free, gluten free, soy free spread that can fool you into believing you were eating mayonnaise.  We spread some on our sandwiches and were impressed how excellent this product really was.

The Vegan Gourmet Mozzarella was equally wonderful.  I sliced some of this gluten free, soy-based cheese for our sandwiches and loved the flavor.  It was a softer texture, a great mozzarella imitator that also cut nicely and vanished soon upon arrival.

Forty years ago in Canoga Park, California, four friends followed their dream and started a small business with the Follow Your Heart Market and Restaurant.  Their revolutionary idea and quality products soon took off.  As a result, the company keeps expanding with new vegetarian products and natural foods manufactured in a solar-powered plant because of their belief and dedication in improving the environment as well as healthier food alternatives!

I honestly recommend these Follow Your Heart products and would love to try more of their fine products soon.  Seriously,  you will continue to enjoy all the excellent products in their line without even realizing that they were substitutes!  

You can locate a store near you or shop online, but do yourself a favor and try the delicious difference of their products for yourself.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Follow Your Heart,  two lucky Nuts 4 Stuff readers in the United States or Canada wins a "Vegan Made Easy" Kit ($20-$25 value)!  The United States winner's kit includes: Soy-Free Vegenaise, Vegan Gourmet Mozzarella, Vegan Gourmet Cream Cheese, High Omega Vegan Ranch, and a Follow Your Heart Spatula.   The Canadian prize will be slightly different and includes"  Soy-Free Vegenaise, Vegan Gourmet Mozzarella, Vegan Gourmet Monterey Jack, and a Follow Your Heart Spatula.

Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by with your email (if not in your profile) in a comment.

2. Go to Follow Your Heart and tell me what other product you would also love to try or something you learned about this company in a comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win #VeganFoodProducts  #Giveaway @FYHProducts via @Nuts4Stuff http://t.co/JWQNgsDX  (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Follow Your Heart on Facebook--for 2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Do Follow Your Heart on Twitter--for 2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Follow Your Heart on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me proof) 

"Like" (become a fan) of Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Become a fan of Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.  This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada only.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends October 17, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Monday, September 26, 2011

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm and Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balms.jpeg
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balms

With the upcoming cold weather, our lips are vulnerable to dryness and chapping even more than normally.  Therefore, I was pleased when Neutrogena sent me several of their Revitalizing Lip Balms and Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy for this review so that I may compare them for you.

I received two of the six shades in the Revitalizing Lip BalmSheer Shimmer has just a hint of shimmering pale color.  At the same time, Fresh Plum, the darkest of these lip balms, provides a sheer wash of a more intense wine color. 

This balm has SPF 20 protection plus a beautiful lasting tint that keeps the lips wonderfully moisturized due to their new patent-pending ion2complex.  The longer you seem to use this balm, the healthier and more rosy my lips appeared and felt.


The Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy comes colorless.  However, this product works with your lips natural coloring to bring out your individual healthiest shade with delicate sheen while conditioning with chamomile and aloe, soothing with cucumber and peppermint, and moisturizing with glycerin and sesame oil.  What I also found was that while using this product my lips looked slightly fuller after applying it both alone and under my normal lipstick without any irritation as it helped heal my dry lips. 

Neutrogena Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy and Revitalizing Lip Balms.jpeg
Neutrogena Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy and Revitalizing Lip Balms
Both of these lip products were excellent in helping improve the condition of my own lips.  But, if you want the convenience of a tube with some stay put color while it heals, then I know you would best be advised to check out the line of Neutrogena's Revitalizing Lip Balms.

On the other hand, if you're more concerned healing your lips with a soft sheen that comes from within and almost looks like you're using a lip plumping product as well, then you need to discover Neutrogena's Lip Boost Intense Moisture Therapy.

I do think Neutrogena has come up with some great lip protection products with this pair and honestly recommend them.  I know that I will be picking up additional tubes the next time I go shopping.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Need a Fix for Canker Sores?

Anyone that gets those small ulcers in the lining of the mouth knows how painful they can be.  Though not contagious, they can appear quickly and recur.

However, there are some helpful ways to deal with that problem.  You may want to try pricking a vitamin E capsule and apply the contents to the sore.

Another thing that may help is adding one teaspoon of baking soda to one half of a cup of water to swish your mouth with to cleanse and reduce pain. 

Mouthwash or substituting one teaspoon of salt to a full glass of water and gargling is another option.

Apple Cider vinegar or some Milk of Magnesia applied to the Canker sore with a cotton swab is said to kill bacteria as well.

Take at least 500 mg. of vitamin C with bioflavonoids two or three times a day to help battle the problem is also advisable.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Do You Want to Know the Best Time to Buy?

If you're like me, then money is very important.  As you know, I am nuts about bargains.  Therefore, I composed a handy list of what month to buy certain items. 

January--carpets and flooring
February--cameras
March--china
April--vacuum cleaners,  snow blowers, and televisions
May--mattresses and electronics
June--cookwear
July--furniture and paint
August--mattresses
September--flatwear and dinnerwear
October--furniture
November--furniture
December--small appliances

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Are You in a Rush and Want a Quick Dinner?

For those days when you need something quick to cook for dinner and are at a loss to figure out what to make, then I have the perfect solution with this delicious casserole to make from scratch.  This tasty recipe has lots of vegetables compared to ground turkey (or beef) if you prefer, and relatively few ingredients.

The most complicated part of this recipe is peeling a few potatoes and chopping them and some celery.

Trust me, you will never want to pull out a frozen box again that leaves you searching the refrigerator of cupboards because you're starving a few hours later once you cook a more satisfying meal like this one that fills you up. 

Furthermore, I really do hope you'll want to try this recipe because it is very good with hardly much effort!


All-in-One Casserole

1 pound of ground turkey or ground beef
3 cups of diced raw potatoes
1 cup of sliced celery
2 tablespoons of canola oil
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup (10 and 3/4-ounce)
1/2 cup of water
1/4 cup of chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Brown ground turkey or beef in the oil with the diced raw potatoes and sliced celery.  Stir to separate the meat.  Drain the fat.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.  Be sure to stir often.  This serves four.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Nutra Luxe MD's NUTRA SONIC Wrinkle Spot Treatment System Review and Giveaway!--Ends October 11, 2011 

 **Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Nutra Luxe MD's NUTRA SONIC Wrinkle Spot Treatment System.jpeg
Nutra Luxe MD's NUTRA SONIC Wrinkle Spot Treatment System


Beautiful more youthful skin is something we constantly are striving for.  Most of us will spend tons of money trying one product after the next searching for that promise of a miracle in a jar that will transform our complexions beyond belief.  But I found something that virtually erases some of your finer wrinkles when I got to review the Nutra Sonic Wrinkle Spot Treatment System from Nutra Luxe MD.

The kit includes:  the infusor, a universal charger, Wrinkle Créme (.05 oz.), Eye Lifting Serum (.33 oz.), silicon attachments, the brush attachment, and a very nice silver toiletry travel bag. 

Honestly,  I was uncertain how this system would work when I looked at the sonic infusor to deliver their product for maximum absorption and benefits.  However, I was anxious to see how effectively this device would work to improve my own appearance.  Therefore, I happily read the directions and plugged my infusor (with the head facing the outlet) for the recommended 24 hour period first to charge it fully.  

The next day I eagerly looked to my clock because the time of charging was nearly over.  I went to cleanse my face first and then unplugged it.

I gently applied some of the eye serum around my eyes with the roller ball tip.   Once satisfied with my work, I uncapped the infusor tip on the original silicone head added a small dab of the serum first and powered the device up.  

According to the directions, you can use circular motions or follow a linear path when using the infusor.  I worked the loaded infusor under my eye for about 60 seconds and circled around the eye to stimulate fluid drainage of my puffy, allergy eyes.  I repeated this process and time of treatment with the other eye.


You will notice a slight tickling effect as the infusor works.  However, you do get used to the feeling.  This tickling lessens also if you move along the area and then repeat instead of remaining on a spot too long.                       

Then I changed the head and stuck on the brush adaptor and watched as it seemed to shrink some of the swelling around my eyes while I worked it.  

This serum has a special Peptide complex to collect fluid for drainage that really did lighten my dark allergic shiners as well reducing morning puffiness.  I also couldn't believe how the fine lines beneath my eyes seemed to vanish. 

I was so impressed that I cleaned off the silicone head and brush with alcohol because I was eager to try the wrinkle creme and the infusor next on the rest of my face.

Again, I dabbed some wrinkle creme on some of my fine lines near my cheeks and one near the corner of an eyebrow and gently massaged the areas I wanted to repair.  Then, I powered up the infusor and went to the mirror to hopefully iron out my problems.  

You feel relaxed during the massage this device delivers.  At the same time, your state of mind becomes involved because you will feel good inside just anticipating what the results might be.

Seriously, I must admit the Nutra Sonic Wrinkle Treatment System did make a difference in plumping up those light wrinkles even before attachment of the brush to finish massaging more of the creme into those spots with the infusor.  My skin was softer and hydrated without needing anything extra.

Furthermore, I noticed even more improvement with additional treatments to both my eye and face areas that I needed to correct. 

I'm not sure how often you need to use this system, however, I did it three times in one week and loved the results.  Right now, I think my face looks greatly improved and no other immediate treatment is necessary.  I will wait and see when to do another by checking the mirror, but I will probably give myself another treatment in a week for upkeep.

Anyone that has some slight wrinkling or puffy eyes or dark circle problems that need to be taken care should definitely check out this marvelous system.  You will really see a change in your appearance even after the first time of use.   How many treatments needed does depend on your own face.

Thanks to Nutra Luxe MD and Nutra Sonic, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the continental United States wins their own Nutra Sonic Wrinkle Spot Treatment System (a $149 value)!


Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by with your email (if not in your profile) in a comment.

2. Go to Nutra Luxe MD and tell me another product you would love to try or something you learned about them in a comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win #WrinkleTreatmentSystem #Giveaway @NutraLuxe_MD via @Nuts4Stuff http://t.co/yoacGlvz (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Follow NutraLuxe_MD on Twitter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nutra Sonic on Facebook--for 2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Nutra Sonic on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments 

"Like" (become a fan) of Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.  This giveaway is only open to residents of the continental  United States only.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends October 11, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Plant Your Bulbs Now for Beautiful Spring Flowers Later!

September and October are the best times to get outside and plant your flower bulbs like colorful tulips, cheery daffodils, crocus, alliums, and spectacular Grape hyacinths in most parts of the country. 

Although you can still plant in November and even into December, the ground is harder to work the colder it gets besides inserting a stored bulb that can weaken or die the longer it remains away from the soil.

Stored bulbs from last year should have been kept in a cool, dry, dark place like your basement.  A place with too much moisture would have ruined them.

Before you begin, you might want to check on the condition of your bulbs.  Healthy ones should be firm when touched and free of mold or any leaves growing from them besides any decay.  The longer you wait to plant those bulbs, the higher your risk for those bulbs to become diseased.

After you loosen the soil with a trowel, you need to be sure to stick the pointed end of the bulb up before covering with dirt.  If you find the point is hard to see on your bulb, then look for remains of the roots and plant that end down.

Naturalizing bulbs, which bloom year after year, should be grown where they receive lots of sunlight so they can thrive over time. 

Another good thing to remember to help naturalizing bulbs do their best in your yard is to feed them bulb fertilizer at planting.  You don't have to  put any fertilizer on the non-naturalizing bulbs because their lifespan ends once they finish blooming.

Something I found striking was to plant small groups of bulbs among your perennials, shrubs, or rock borders for bright accents to wake up your garden or yard. 

A wonderful suggestion that I have is to intermingle planting of flowers, such as vibrant purple Pansies now, (anything that can survive winter) so they'll bloom alongside your bulbs in an attractive color combination.
 
Though not a flower bulb, garlic bulbs should be planted now also.  I am going to put in some delicious purple garlic that I bought off of a farmer from a visit to the flea market.   I was told that garlic needs to go in by the middle of October.

As you all know, I use garlic all the time in my cooking and as a natural antibiotic when eaten raw. 

Something else to consider about planting garlic is that the animals seem to leave it alone during their garden raids, which may help in your decision to put some in.    

Monday, September 19, 2011

Are You Prepared for Flu Season?

If you want to protect yourself and your family from influenza, you can take some precautions to lessen the risk.   You can do what I did today and start with a flu shot.

Children more than six months of age, pregnant women, anyone with chronic illnesses, and people over 65 are especially vulnerable to influenza.  Nonetheless, every adult can benefit from this simple vaccine.

Though my left arm is aching as I type this post, I prefer this temporary discomfort over developing worse symptoms associated with typical influenza.  I had the flu once and never again do I want to go through that dreadful experience if I can possibly avoid it.  

To this day, I can still not eat pork roast which I happened to cook during the time I became ill.  The mere thought of pork roast and I can get chills as it conjures up ugly pictures of my many trips to the bathroom throwing up.

Of course, a flu shot does not guarantee that will you be safe.  However, if you're immunized, your symptoms will probably be less severe than if you went without one.   Getting immunized also will reduce your risk of complications from pneumonia that often comes hand in hand with the flu.

Besides getting a flu shot, you should make an appointment to see your dentist or dental hygienist to have teeth cleaned.  You can have a low-grade infection from chronic gum disease that would make you more prone to catching the flu. 

Another helpful way to safeguard yourself is to start taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C with a full glass of water four times a day during this time of year.   The dosage should be spread out throughout the day to help build your defenses against the flu.

Vitamin D is something else that you need to have much more of.  One doctor suggests 5,000 IU of vitamin D every day from early fall to late spring is the best route for strengthening your immunity.

It is also recommended to eat at least six servings of fruits and vegetables a day, taking a multivitamin, getting eight hours of sleep each night and exercising for a half hour a few times a week.

Though getting a flu shot is another expense, it is definitely cheaper than buying all the medicines you might need if you do come down with the flu.  Check out the drug stores for the best price and where your vaccine is allowed, if you have insurance coverage, first. 

After all, if you take these small steps now, it could save you, your family, and all the others that come in contact with you from sharing the flu.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Great River Organic Milling Company Giveaway!--Ends October 4, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Great River Organic Milling Company two bread flours.jpeg
Great River Organic Milling Company bread flours



The other day I told you about the wonderful selection of organic whole grains, flours, pancake mixes and nutritious cereals in my review, which I also shared a picture of the delicious waffles that I made from their whole grain buttermilk pancake mix besides my homemade whole-wheat bread and seven-grain buns using their flour.  

However, I thought you would be interested in these two other great ways to use Great River Organic Milling Company Pancake Mixes.  The first way is if you have any leftover meat for a quick and economical dinner with waffles topped with your creamed leftovers.  Either the Buttermilk or the Seven-Grain mixes work nicely for this purpose.

Great River Organic Milling Company
Great River flour and mixes
You'll chop the meat into little pieces before browning it with a small chopped onion in about three tablespoons of olive oil.  When the finely chopped onion pieces are golden, you can drain a can of your favorite vegetable like peas or green beans and add it along with a can of cream of mushroom soup plus the herb you love the most.  Some fresh thyme or dried chopped thyme is good or basil is another one for flavor along with salt and pepper to make perfect.  Serve this over a batch of freshly cooked waffles.  

Another yummy way to enjoy these pancake mixes is to make some waffles and top with chopped bananas and a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream for a quick dessert.  Check out this sinfully tasty treat I whipped out because these pancake mixes turn out almost a spongy, cake-like waffle to compliment the ice cream.

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With ice cream and sliced bananas, this waffle was even tastier.

Today I also made two more loaves of my yeast-raised whole-wheat bread.  Here's the recipe!

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Here' my Whole Wheat Brad.

Thanks to Great River Organic Milling, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins their choice of a Baker's Box (with four varieties of their organic flour) or a Breakfast Box (a bag of pancake mix and cereal)!


Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you follow me by with your email (if not in your profile) in a comment.

2. Go to Great River Organic Milling Company and tell me another product you would love to try or something you learned about them in a comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win Great River Organic Milling products #Giveaway @Greatrivermill via @Nuts4Stuff  http://t.co/DGDeYdh1(can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Add @Greatrivermill to your Twitter--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

"Like" Great River Organic Milling Company  on Facebook--for 2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Great River Organic Milling Company on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments 

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.  This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States only.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends October 4, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Friday, September 16, 2011

How to Break the Cluttering Cycle Forever

unorganized-cluttered-desk.jpeg
Clutter is exhausting and can take over your life unless you organize.


Who doesn't have a junk drawer?  Others of us take it to the next level and turn closets, game rooms, attics, or garages into larger versions with things you keep just in case you might need it sometime.  However, sometimes spending a little more time downsizing your clutter can help you accumulate more money, reduce stress, and physical exhaustion.

Dear readers, you know I love stuff.  But how many times do we find ourselves wasting more time hunting for that one item than its worth?  We can get frustrated, tired searching and sometimes lose money because we missed a deadline for a bill, perhaps.  How about those coupons you know you have but can't find for that store circular in your hand?  Then again, what about repurchasing a product like a small tool because you hid it in a safe place until you needed it again?

Look over your belongings and sort through your stuff gradually.  Make piles of "must keeps" that you need or love and can't part with, "maybe keeps" the items like clothes you may look good in again if you lose ten pounds or the Christmas dinnerware that end up being used once a year, etc. The "get rid of" piles of items, such as the ugly Santa sweater your mother-in-law bought you five years ago  that only comes out of the box when she is around and others things you don't like, you can save for your garage sale or pack to sell at your local flea market to convert from clutter to cash. 

During the process, you may find hidden money.  Do check your books, magazines, jeans, pockets of jackets for money. 

Gift cards are another thing you may find.  Gather, put a rubber band around them, and keep in a universal "gift card" wallet to pack when you intend to shop with them.  If those cards are in one place, you will have easy access and can use them before any expiration.

You won't be able to clean clutter overnight.  However, if you tackle a room or a drawer at a time, then this chore will be easier.  Make a list and cross out what room will be reorganized that week and try to strive for that goal.  Be sure to label what gets stored in a box so you search.

Once you get desk or table cleared that had your mail or papers piled in stacks, then do yourself a favor and fill that empty space with a fruit bowl for that dining table or small photo for that desk, just something to use as a visual reminder of your decluttering success.

Trust me, your stress levels will improve and so will surroundings!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Soy Nuts May Help Lower High Blood Pressure!

Those with high blood pressure might want to consider adding some soy nuts to their diets, especially postmenopausal women.

Soy nuts are simply soy beans that have been roasted.  They are a complete plant protein (35g per 100g serving of soy protein) and chalked full of B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese, vitamin K, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

According to a recent study, only 1/2 cup per day was all that was needed to decrease systolic blood pressure (the top number in a reading) by 10% and 7% lower diastolic (the bottom number).

Start now adding soy nuts to salads and trail mix.  Besides helping reduce your blood pressure, soy can help give you more energy while improving the cardiovascular, skeletal, immune and nervous system workings of your body.  

So why not start munching some soy nuts now, and perhaps, later you will need less or a lower dose of that blood pressure drug to swallow?

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Make Your Own Herbal Sleep Potion Potpourri!

We all have restless nights and end up staring at the bedroom ceiling instead of getting sleep.  However, I have discovered a wonderful natural aid to help you drift off with a peaceful state of mind with this wonderful homemade recipe.

What I found especially helpful is making a sleep potion potpourri sachet bag to keep near your pillow.  This beneficial aroma has the power to soothe you when stressed, somehow, as you breathe it in.

This is a wonderful potpourri to make and save for those awful nights when sleep seems impossible. 


Herbal Sleep Potion Potpourri

3 cups of spearmint
3 cups of rose leaves
1 cup of whole cloves
1 ounce of orris root (fixative)

Dry the mint (leaves and also stems) and the rose leaves on a screen in a warm place so the air can circulate properly.  You can also resort to drying them on a sheet of newspaper in a warm spot.

When this is dry, mix with cloves and the orris root.  Put in a glass jar and cover tightly with a lid for a few weeks, stirring occasionally. 

You can just open when needed or make some sachet bags to keep handy.

This is a wonderful potpourri to make and save for those awful nights.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Great River Organic Milling Company Review + My Whole-Wheat Bread Recipe

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

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Here are the organic flours and mixes I received.


I was delighted when I had the opportunity to work with Great River Organic Milling Company and the wonderful selections of products they provided for this review.  I believe to maintain optimum health it helps to fuel your body the right way with the type of nutritious whole grains, flours, cereals and mixes that this company sells. 
 
Great River Organic Milling Company takes great pride in making sure their products are grown in healthy soil void of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to preserve the environment and the delicate balance of nature to produce quality products for both taste and nutrition.

What sets this company apart aside from being certified organic by Quality Assurance International and Kosher approved to meet rigorous standards are their natural granite millstones.  These millstones grind their whole grain flour into stone ground to give it that superior distinct flavor.

I was sent their 100% Organic Bread Flour Blend (Seven Grain), 100% Organic Bread Flour Whole Wheat, Organic Buttermilk Pancake Mix, Organic Five Grain Pancake Mix, and Highland Melody Whole Grain Hot Cereal.
The first thing I decided to make was a recipe of whole-wheat bread by hand.  I do not own a bread machine or see a need for one.  However, if you have one, then these flours are advertised to work well in them.    

I do not like to use straight whole wheat flour because it makes my bread too heavy.  Instead, I use less than half whole wheat flour to the white.  This always worked out better to produce a lighter, less dense bread with a better texture.

I also experimented with their Seven Grain Flour Blend for a batch of delicious homemade buns using the same Whole-Wheat Bread Nuts Style recipe with a simple substitution of their Seven Grain Flour Blend.   The only other thing that changed was the baking pans. 

Whole-Wheat Bread Nuts Style

2 cups of Great River Organic Bread Flour Whole Wheat
2 tablespoons of active dry yeast
1/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of canola oil
2 teaspoons of salt
3 cups of warm water
about 6-1/2 cups of white flour or more depending on the humidity

Dissolve your yeast in 1/2 cup of your very warm water (not scalding).  Test the temperature on your wrist.  Add a teaspoon of your measured sugar to the yeast water to help it bubble up.

Sift your whole wheat, and half the white flour, sugar, salt into a large mixing bowl.  Put the rest of your warm water, oil, and bubbly yeast and mix thoroughly, adding more white flour as needed until it doesn't stick.  

Knead in your same large mixing bowl or on a floured surface for about five minutes until soft and pliable.
Cover and let grow for about an hour and half.  Punch down.  Turn out onto a floured surface again and roll or shape into three loaves.  Bake at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes.
slices of my whole-wheat bread.jpeg
Here's the texture of my Whole-Wheat bread once sliced.


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Here I made some Whole-Wheat buns from the same dough.

One morning I made the Organic Buttermilk Pancake Mix in my Belgian Waffle Maker.  This was really easy and made a great breakfast.  Though I must say, these yummy waffles were more filling than normal. 

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Here's the waffles I made from their Organic Buttermilk Pancake Mix.

Another day I tried the Organic Five Grain Pancake Mix into pancakes that time.  This five grain mix also was very good, and honestly, extremely filling compared to conventional pancakes.  Mothers, you'll smile when you watch how quickly your children clean their plates and yet they don't know what they ate was nutritious--only delicious. 

Finally, I cooked a pot of the Highland Melody Whole Grain Hot Cereal.  This is like Irish Oats.  However, for those of you unfamiliar with Irish Oats, I will tell you that these oats have more of a texture like a cooked rice.  We added just a little milk and sugar like our normal old-fashioned cooked oatmeal and loved the tasty difference.
 
Everything I sampled here was wonderful and highly recommend Great River Organic Milling.  Find them on Facebook, or visit their website and online storefront or purchase on Amazon.