Link Love

I wanted to take a moment to thank the following people who put me on their blogrolls. I'm trying to find the time to visit your blogs, so sorry if I haven't yet, I will!

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That
Lala Land
Quarter Rest
green tea ROCKS
Adventures in Juggling
After the ball
Homeschooling Confidently-ish
Terra in Public
Jeanie in Paradise
Mom on the Rise (and sometimes on the decline!)
Diary of a mommy and her family.
joie
Mamma Of Pearls
Redheaded8itch
chaos in a skirt
Kerith's Korner of Momdum
She who laughs, lasts.
The Building Brows: DIY house construction & life of a large VT family living small
The Karianna Spectrum
Ramblings from the not-so typical Stay at Home Mom
Sandier Pastures
Hamster Boy
The Life of a Publisher
LDSM, Soccer Mom
all about diggy
Crunchy Domestic Goddess
Jack

REVIEW: POM Wonderful (and teas)

POM Wonderful is a health drink made with 100% Pomegranate Juice from California.

Here are some facts:

• The only brand guaranteed to contain 100% authentic pomegranate juice
• All-natural and contains no added sugars, preservatives, colors or cheap filler juices.
• The company grows their own fruit, picks it by hand, squeezes it with their own presses and even manufactures their own bottles.

POM Wonderful comes in a 473ml plastic bottle in a unique shape. It's available in 5 flavors: Regular (just Pomegranate), Blueberry, Cherry, Mango and Tangerine. Those last 4 flavors are mixed with the Pomegranate.

I tried the Pomegranate Cherry 100% Juice because that's all my store carried. Unfortunately I don't like cherry and so I wasn't fond of the juice. My husband thought it was pretty good but was a bit strong and my husband's cousin loved it and downed the bottle. I'd say if you like Pomegranate and Cherry and you don't mind a strong juice, you would enjoy it. I would love to have tried Blueberry, Mango or Tangerine, I bet I would have loved them.

So why is it a health drink? Pomegranates are known for their antioxidants and it's this that the drink takes full advantage of. In fact the company has done millioins of dollars worth of studies to find out just how the drink helps. All clinical studies featured patients who drank 8-ounces of POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice daily. Here are some highlights:

"After only three months, blood flow to the heart improved approximately 17% in a group that drank POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice, but worsened approximately 18% in the placebo group. The study included 45 patients with coronary heart disease."

"45 men with recurrent prostate cancer drank 8 oz. of 100% pomegranate juice daily for two years and experienced prolonged PSA doubling time from 15 to 54 months. PSA is a blood marker for prostate cancer and the longer the doubling time, the lower the risk of cancer recurrence and spread."

"Compared to patients taking a placebo, those men drinking 8 oz of 100% pomegranate juice daily for four weeks were 50% more likely to experience erectile improvment [in patients with Erectile Dystfunction] in this study of 53 subjects.

"Hundreds of scientific tests also show POM to be a superior source of antiocidants, with more and better antioxidants than red wine, grape juice, blueberry juice, cranberry juice, green tea, vitamic C and vitamin E."

You can view the full studies at http://www.pomwonderful.com/thescience.html

I was sent coupons to review POM Wonderful but since my store only had the one flavour, I used my coupons to try out another of their products, POM Tea.

Depending on the flavor, there is some made with black tea, green tea and white tea. To this tea they add POMx, and extraxt of pomegranate antioxidants. These are the flavors I tried: Pomegranate Peach Passion White Tea , Light Pomegranate Wildberry White Tea, Pomegranate Lychee Green Tea.

So what did I think? I LOVED the Wildberry White Tea and the Lychee was pretty good too. I wasn't too fond of the Peach Passion even though I love Peach although I found out afterwards that the bottle I got from the store was just past it's due date. I don't know if a week would make any difference in the taste.

Not into drinking a bottle of juice daily to get your antioxidants?

The POM Wonderful company is currently having their newest creations reviewed by the FDA.

POMx is a highly concentrated, incredibly powerful blend of all-natural polphenol antioxidants made from the very same pomegranates in POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice.

You would take one daily and each bottle contains a one-month supply of 30 pills.

Also check out: http://pomwonderfulblog.typepad.com/pom_wonderful/

Here's a video on YouTube of an Interview with Matt Tupper on Fox Business (Matt Tupper is the owner)

UPDATE: (May 20/09) I found a blog called Sticky Feet: Part Deux. They also tried the POM drink and weren't fond of it but found a great recipe for POM Pork Medallions.

Premios Dardo Award

Wow! I received the Premios Dardos award from Mo at Unmainstream Mom Reads.

This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his or her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day.

The rules to follow are:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I was given this award on my other blog but I am truly honored to get it on this one.

And I award it to:

Toddler Tactics
Crunchy Domestic Goddess
Mothergoosemouse
A Spot of T
Avert Your Eyes
Candid Karina
Island Life
Sandier Pastures
Welcome to the Motherhood
All Because Two People Fell in Love
Hormone-Colored Days
A Busy Mommy on the Go
Slightly Off-Center
The Soothie Ranch
My Organized Chaos

World Water Day

Did you know it was World Water Day yesterday, March 21?? Well it was! Apparently it is celebrated all weekend long. Of course I'd find out at the END of the weekend.

I found out about World Water Day from Conscious Discussions, the blog of authors and radio show hosts Dave and Lillian Brummet.

Sometime in April I will be featuring Dave and Lillian at SMS Book Reviews with a review of two of their books and giveaway of their third. I'll most likely have an interview and/or guest post too so come check it out.

So even though the celebrations are over, you can be more water wise any day of the year so check out this post and this post for more info.

Photo © 2003 Kathleen Garber. Do not reproduce without permission.

Daughters.com from New Moon Girl Media

What goes through your mind when your tween or teen daughter asks you a tough question? Do you call a friend or ask your pediatrician? Turn to Google or reach out for the nearest book?

The search for answers is finally over. Thanks to the launch of http://www.daughters.com/, you can go to one place online 24/7 to find the reliable, expert advice and peer support you need to raise your girl.

With its rich history of creating groundbreaking communities for girls with New Moon Girls magazine and the online community http://www.newmoon.com/, New Moon Girl Media has created http://www.daughters.com/, the only one-stop shop on the Web for parents, grandparents and caregivers of girls.

Daughters.com is an interactive community where visitors can find all the answers to questions about raising girls 8-15. Daughters.com includes a fully-searchable collection of more than 250 expert articles, interactive community features “Ask the Expert” and “Parent to Parent,” where people go for advice from experts and support one another, and blogs from Parenting Girls Experts Nancy Gruver and Joe Kelly.

So what did I think of the site?

I think it's a great resource, with lots of helpful articles, polls and advice. There are some expert blogs and articles on all KINDS of topics from Life Learning and Step-Parenting to Dating and Puberty. The site is for parents with daughters, this must be understood as they're are links to websites outside of the New Moon Media family. There are a few ads, but nothing too intrusive, just the right amount. The discussion board is just starting up though and so isn't too active. It only has one board but I hope that will change as time goes on.

Belated Winner of Swiffer Wet-Jet

I am so sorry that I never picked a winner when I was supposed to, life got in the way again. (Dang that life!)

The winner is....

Here are your random numbers: 46

46 - minishoes who said: "I have been wanting to try one! thanks"

minishoes will be contacted right now and has 3 days to respond or I'll pick another winner. I'm so sorry I couldn't give everyone of you one!

Earth Hour 2009

At 8:30 p.m. on March 28, the world will turn off its lights for just one hour – Earth Hour – to show it is possible to take action on climate change. Switching off your lights is just one simple action that you can take to help make a difference and it sends a powerful message that we care about our planet.

Last year, WWF pioneered Earth Hour globally and it was a huge success! More than 30 countries participated in this exciting initiative. In Canada, almost 10 million Canadians participated in more than 150 cities across the country. People and businesses from coast-to-coast celebrated with candle-light parties, moonlight walks and other events to commemorate the hour power down.

This year, WWF is hoping to make Earth Hour more than a symbolic event but we need your help to make it happen. It is important people understand that we each have an important role to play in the fight against climate change. Our everyday actions, like turning off unnecessary lights, individually add up to make a big difference. Individual action also is important because it sends a strong signal to business and government that Canadian want action.

Why Participate:
Climate change is the biggest environmental threat to our planet and the number one concern for Canadians. We are already seeing its impact. Participating in Earth Hour is a simple way to show that you want to be a part of the solution and sends a powerful message to others that, together, we can make a difference. Globally, we are also up against a deadline to stop dangerous climate change. In 2012, the Kyoto Accord, the most significant international agreement to control greenhouse gas emissions, will expire.

What you can do:
1. Sign-up for Earth Hour at http://www.earthhourcanada.org/ and turn off your lights on March 28
at 8:30 p.m. for one hour
2. Promote Earth Hour to your friends, family, and colleagues
3. Make every hour Earth Hour - Consider what else can be done within your home and
workplace to drive change in behaviour and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on how to participate, or who is participating, visit the Canada page on http://www.earthhourcanada.org/. There are also useful tools to help you promote Earth Hour including posters, FAQ’s, logos and more.

Google Meme

Okay you got me, I'll participate. I've seen this many places but the last place was Life With a Little One and More.

The idea is you search google for "_____ needs" with the blank being your name. I used my real name, Kathleen because I figured it would come up with more. My comments are in italics.

1. Kathleen needs to talk to people she trusts for reassurance that things will turn out great on the day.
Not sure which day they mean but yes I can always use more reassurances.

2. Kathleen Needs A Ride Home
Well since I don't have a car...

3. Kathleen needs MySpace
No thanks. I barely use facebook. I'll stick to the other social media/communities.

4. Kathleen needs to get the glory
Whose glory? Perhaps the glory of owning the best blog ever? Yeah right.

5. Kathleen needs to focus more on her learning and not on socializing
Actually I spend ALL my time on learning and NONE of my time on socializing. Social media is my extent of socializing.

6. Kathleen needs to get the oil changed & tires rotated today
On whose car? I said earlier I don't have one!

7. Kathleen needs a hobby
Blogging is my hobby! I also enjoy photography and scrapbooking.

8. Kathleen needs help at work and family
Well I don't work, except blogging but I can always use help with family.

9. Kathleen needs your vote
Well I think this was from a politics page but I could use your vote on stumbleupon

10. Kathleen needs to turn 6 more or gain 129 more Zombie points to reach the next ...
Umm yeah..

If you participate, leave a link!
I also found another Kathleen who participated and she has a LONG list.

National Reading Month (and Leapfrog)

I just wanted to let you all know that I pledge to read at least 20 minutes a day for the month of March to my children over here at the Leapfrog site. I think it's a great idea to celebrate National Reading Month.

Also, if you check out this post on Bookroom Reviews (which is where I learned about all this) you can find out more info (including how to enter a sweepstakes for US residents) and to enter for a chance to win:

"a LeapFrog Tag Reader with FIVE books as well as an Expanded-Memory LeapFrog School Tag Reader with TEN books to donate to your local library"

I don't get a bonus entry for writing this up, I just wanted to let you all know because it's a great giveaway and more importantly, I support National Reading Month.

March 2009 Root & Sprout has gone Live!

The new and improved Root & Sprout has gone live with it's March 2009 issue. Check out the great articles and giveaways and clean new look!

REVIEW: Febreze Products

If you're Canadian, I'm sure you've heard of Febreze. Do you know about the wide range of sweet-smelling products they have though? I was able to test out four different types to bring my thoughts to you, my readers.


"Febreze Fabric Refresher eliminates odours and freshens Fabrics, Carpets and Air."

It's true! I love using Febreze on my couches and beds, especially in between changing the sheets. I spray the matress then change the sheets and spray the comforter and pillows as well.

Company coming? The spray is a great way to combat odors and make your house smell fresh. It's available for approx. $7.99 all over Canada and comes in a variety of scents such as: Meadows & Rain, Linen & Sky or Citrus & Light as well as some functional varieties such as Extra Strength, Pet Odor Eliminator or Auto.


Febreze Air Effects are different from Febreze Fabric Spray because it's designed to be sprayed into the air, and not onto fabrics or carpet. It's the Febreze equivalent of those cheapy room air sprays. The difference is, Febreze eliminates odours as well as delivering a light, fresh scent.

Those cheaper brands don't deliver a scent, they deliver a smell. That's how strong it is. Febreze Air Effects is available in a wide variety of scents, only some of which are Spring & Renewal, Blossoms & Breeze, Powder & Pamper and Pet Odour Eliminator.

Febreze Air Effects are available all over Canada at approx. $3.99


Febreze candles add warmth and scent to any room. They are made with a unique core of scent that helps eliminate odours as well as spreading scent around.

Each candle is supposed to deliver up to 30 hours of freshness. I tested my candle for you and after 13 hours it was half way gone so I don't know that it would last quite 30 hours but it doesn't burn right up like some of the cheaper brand scented candles do and you can actually SMELL the scent with these candles.

Febreze candles do three things: eliminate odours, infuse the air with scent and fit in with your decor. They too come in a variety of scents, only some of which are Vanilla & Refresh (which I tried), Apple Spice & Delight and the newest scent Lavender Vanilla & Comfort. The scent is nice but not overpowering. Febreze candles retail approx. $7.99 across Canada.

Finally we have Febreze NOTICEables. Have you tried them?

It's an electric air freshener that continously eliminates odours and alternates between two different but complementary fragrances. So the one I tried was Lavender Comfort & Gentle Vanilla. Since it changed scents, I was able to detect it in the room more. I used it in my bathroom and the only problem I had was that we have a very small bathroom with a door that needs to stay closed so the scent was a bit strong but you can adjust the intensity so we were able to get it just right.

Another thing I thought was cool was the box has a small scratch 'n sniff spot so you can smell the scents before you buy! It's also designed to work in any plug, even if it's sideways or upside down.

The starter kit which includes the actual warmer (the part shown to the right) and one scented oil refill retails for approx. $9.99 while just the refills are approx. $5.99.

For more information on these and other Febreze products, check out http://www.febreze.ca/