Carrot Cooler w/ @Truvia


We're going into the month of April already this year and I can hardly believe it. One of my goals at the beginning of this year was to eat a bit more healthier and to add a bit of exercise in my daily routine. Well, the healthy eating has really stuck, especially during this pregnancy. Most of my cravings have involved some type of fruit or veggie and I couldn't be more happy. I've also lost a few pounds, which my doctor isn't worried about and neither am I.

Did you guys know that March was Nutrition month? Have any of you guys kept with your goals or resolutions from earlier this year? If you've fallen off track, don't worry, there are plenty of ways you can make small changes in your life, like, replacing your sugar with Truvia. By now most of you readers know how much my family and I enjoy this calorie free natural sweetner. I've replaced it in all of my meals whenever sugar is called for and you won't believe how much you wouldn't miss the sugar.

I want to share with you a drink that is perfect for those of you trying to live a more healthier lifestyle, the Carrot Cooler. This drink is packed with healthy and delicious carrot and orange juice and you wouldn't believe how great the two go together. It's perfect for in the mornings to give you the energy you may need.



CARROT COOLER

Ingredients
3⁄4 tsp Truvía Sweetener or 1 packet Truvía Sweetener
2 oz. orange juice
2 oz. fresh carrot juice
2 dashes cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick

Directions
1. In a mixing tin half-filled with ice, add: Truvía natural sweetener, orange juice, carrot juice and cinnamon.
2. Stir until tin is frosted, pour into a tall glass. 
Garnish: Cinnamon stick (optional)
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received products from Truvia at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.


Book Review: Resistance (Replica Trilogy Book #2) by Jenna Black



Title: Resistance (Replica Trilogy Book #2)
By: Jenna Black
Publisher: Tor Teens
Publication Date: March 11, 2014
ISBN: 9780765333728
Pages: 368
Nate Hayes is a Replica.
The real Nate was viciously murdered, but thanks to Paxco’s groundbreaking human replication technology, a duplicate was created that holds all of the personality and the memories of the original. Or...almost all. Nate’s backup didn't extend to the days preceding his murder, leaving him searching for answers about who would kill him, and why. Now, after weeks spent attempting to solve his own murder with the help of his best friend and betrothed, Nadia Lake, Nate has found the answers he was seeking...and he doesn’t like what he’s discovered.
The original Nate was killed because he knew a secret that could change everything. Thanks to Nadia’s quick thinking, the two of them hold the cards now—or think they do.
Unfortunately, neither of them fully understands just how deep the conspiracy runs.

MY REVIEW
This is book 2 in the Replica trilogy by Jenna Black. I unfortunately didn't know that before reading it or I may not have read it as I do not care for starting a trilogy on the second book. I thought the story was good. I especially liked the fact that this is a young adult novel with a gay main character and with the writing style this is approached in a nonchalant way. The fact that the main character is gay means nothing to the story, of course, there are complications that can arise from this fact but this is not a focal point of the story. It is merely a fact and I personally feel that is a fantastic step in the right direction where equal rights and society views begin. The story is futuristic with an old school feudal system which is interesting to say the least.

I have not read the first novel, however, there was quite a lot of reflection on the first novel which did allow me to get a good idea of what happened previously. I would like to read the first and last novel. This did leave at a cliffhanger ending and I would like to find out what happens.  The characters are well developed. The story, despite sounding quite complicated, was actually very simple to understand considering I didn't read the first book and have an excellent understanding of the story. I really cannot advise reading "Resistance" until you have read "Replica," which is the first book in the series but if you decided to read "Replica" and "Resistance" I can tell you Resistance is very good. 
 Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Resistance at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

My Feeding Experience With My Two Little Ones #MomTrust


I can remember vividly the day I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. It was a couple days before my 21st birthday. I was young, but very excited and nervous all at the same time. There was so much for me to learn before she came into this world and I only had a few months before she would be here. Time went by quickly. I remember picking up a few pregnancy books and deciding right then and there that I would breast feed my daughter. There were so many benefits from it, how could I not?

Well, as much as I wanted to breast feed, things definitely didn't turn out that way. Once she was born and I had the chance to hold her and feed her I tried. Not only was it very painful for me while trying, it was also very hard for her to latch on. As a first time mother with hopes of breast feeding my child, this was very sad and disappointing to me. My emotions were everywhere and all I could do was cry. While everyone gave me support letting me know it was okay and that I could continue to try I ended up giving my daughter a formula and bottle feeding her, but I wasn't done trying. I kept trying while I was in the hospital and again the first few days while we were home. I had no luck. I finally decided to go ahead and use formula because it wasn't helping my daughter or myself being so stress. Although it took a while to not be disappointed in myself, I slowly became okay with the decision to bottle feed.


About a year later and I half later my husband and I found out we were pregnant again. Our two kids are 23 months apart. It Being a couple years older and having our lives a bit more together, we were both really excited to have another little one join our growing family. I decided early on because of my first experience with breast feeding that I didn't want to try it for this pregnancy. Although I know now that every pregnancy is different, I was still a bit disappointed on how my first experience with my daughter went. So with this decision being made, it was time for me to start using the right bottles.


We started using Playtex with my daughter and I knew right a way that we would be using the same brand with my son. Over the last year and a half with my daughter, Playtex had been a brand that I trusted and had a bottles and sippy cups for every stage for my daughter, there was no question that I would be using them with my son as well.

Now here we are almost seven years later and I'm expecting our third child this Summer. It feels like I'm experiencing pregnancy for the first time all over again because it's been so long, but I can't wait to meet this new little one. We are all so excited and a bit nervous to have a baby in the house after so long, but I seriously can't wait to meet my little one.

Since it's been nine years since my first pregnancy, I'm willing to give breast feeding another go with this baby. I know now that every pregnancy and baby is different and my experience won't be the same as it was before. I'm looking forward to trying with this baby, but also am being prepared just in case things don't turn out the way I plan.

Do you breast feed or bottle feed or plan on breast feeding or bottle feeding with your little one?
Disclosure: I receive special perks as a part of my affiliation with the Playtex Mom Trust program. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Homefront Blu-ray DVD Combo Review



A widowed ex-DEA agent retires to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old daughter. The only problem is he picked the wrong town.

MY REVIEW
Homefront was a great movie. I've never seen Jason Statham in a father type role and he did brilliant playing the protective dad. This movie starts off a bit slow, but quickly fills with jammed pack action and drama as things take a turn for the worse in a small town where the ex -DEA thought it would be a safe town to raise his daughter in. James Franco did a great job as well playing the lead bad guy trying to take on Jason Statham who we all know can kick some serious butt.

If you're an action lover looking for a new movie to watch that will keep you entertained from beginning to ending, this is definitely a movie that needs to be on your list, you won't be disappointed.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Homefront DVD/Blu-ray combo at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Girls with Curls Hair Line Review


There are many different products out there that help lift or boost the curls in your hair. I am one of many women that were born with crazy wild curls, those of us with curly hair know that it can be both a blessing and a curse. When it behaves, nothing's better than having a head full of perfect ringlets or waves. 

I decided to try out Girls with Curls hair products and see what it could do for my curls. First I started out by trying the Shampoo and Conditioner to see if it would hold the curls and to see if it would make my curls more into ringlets. I was impressed, this shampoo and conditioner enhances the natural texture of curly hair and didn't dry it out or make it go wild.



The Curl Shaping Gel was fantastic, it helped tame my curls and it helped calm down the frizz that tends to develop after the air hits it after awhile. I have thick to medium long hair and I had to use a few palms full, but I'm not complaining, it worked great.

I then tried the Leave in Defining Cream. The leave in crème left my curls silky and smooth with no dryness. It didn't leave my hair feeling greasy, which I loved because normally when using a creme product it does leave my hair feeling greasy.

I only used the Curl Deep Conditioning Treatment twice as I like to leave my hair straight most of the time. With me mostly taming my hair and having to blow dry it straight this product even helped with that after the straightening procedure. The treatment left my hair feeling refreshed. I had no frizz and I was able to run my fingers through it. I feel that the treatment is for all hair types and styles.

I was very happy with all the Girls with Curls hair products and I will continue using them for my crazy hair. I now feel good and have confidence to wear my tamed curls anywhere. I would definitely recommend this to any ladies out there with curly hair!
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Girls with Curls hair products at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Out of The Furnace DVD Blu-ray Combo Review



Russell and his younger brother Rodney live in the economically-depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother is lured into one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast - a mistake that will almost cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom, or risk it all to seek justice for his brother.

MY REVIEW
An interesting glimpse into the underbelly of the back hills near North Braddock.  Christian Bale’s  demeanor and general character, leaves you hoping for the best.  The relationship between his character and Zoe Saldana’s is complicated and moving.  Casey Afflecks portrayal of a much affected war veteran is played quite well, and mixes fluidly with Woody Harrelsons crazy back woods “good ol’ boy character.    The detail in the scenes and the Actors dedication to their roles is captivating. 

The plot while not incredibly fast moving, is a gripping tail of a good man reacting to tragic life events.  It was not the action packed “shoot ‘em up” movie that was expected, it was much better.  A seemingly simple man with simple goals, handling real situations in a very real way.  It is more of an actual depiction of man, than the average Hollywood portrayal of a story. 

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Out of the Furnace DVD/Blu-ray combo at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

#Disney's Winnie The Pooh: Springtime with Roo Blu-ray/DVD Review



Each year, Rabbit plays Easter Bunny, but this year, he’s decided it’s “Spring Cleaning Day,” and he orders everyone to hop to it: scrubbing, dusting, and mopping. All his pals are disappointed – especially little Roo – until Rabbit learns that putting others first and showing friends how much you care turns every day into a precious gift. Sparkling with unforgettable songs and a never-before-seen bonus treat, this delightful “egg-stravaganza” shows why love, hope and friendship are always in full bloom in the Hundred Acre Wood!

MY REVIEW
I haven't watched Winnie The Pooh, in years like decades but I wanted to enjoy with my son as this is his first Springtime.

This cute story follows the Roo, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger heading out for Easter. The gang finds there friend rabbit in a very grumpy mood and it doesn't help that he has a list of chores to do. They all wanted to have fun and play games but for rabbit that was not in place for him. Rabbit decided to stop celebrating Easter.

The story quickly becomes a version of "A Christmas Carol" with Past, present and future .As the gang jumps from page to page, teaching everyone a very valuable lesson. but made for Easter. I don't want to spoil the movie as it is great for children and helps them to understand that helping out is a good thing.
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Springtime With Roo on blu-ray at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Playtex Bottle & Nipple Gift Set (Review & Giveaway) #MomTrust


As a first time mother there has been a lot of information I've read before I had my son and tons after. It can be overwhelming at times, especially when it comes to feeding my son. As much as I wanted to, I wasn't able to breast feed due to some personal reasons and so I had to use bottles for my son.

Now, there are tons of bottles out there that helps, but the one brand I keep going back to that helps my son get the best out of feeding time with less gas and that keeps air out is bottles from Playtex. Playtex has been a brand I have stuck with over these last eight months and I'm excited to share with you their new Bottle and Nipple Gift Set.




The set includes a vent aire bottle that helps reduce air ingestion and colic, Drop In Liners that helps keep air out of the milk and a four pack nipple variety pack that includes a breast like shape, naturalatch, angled and full sized nipples. Both the bottle and drop in liners can be used with any new Playtex nipple. Each set comes in both slow and medium flow.

I got to try the medium flow, which is perfect for babies three months and older. I have definitely notice a decrease in gas and how well my son is eating. I've even notice his sleeping habits to where he sleeps longer and more comfortable. I love that the set includes a great variety in nipples so that my son can use the perfect one for him. He seemed to really love breast like shape for the first week and now is loving the full sized nipple.

From talking with other mothers and friends and family, I love that over the years one thing that Playtex has done was listen to moms and have created products that are not only affordable, but durable (dishwasher safe) and have many different options to go with each baby since they are all different and unique individuals.

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky Canadian Just Us Girls reader will win a Playtex Bottle and Nipple Gift Set pictured below!


Disclosure: I receive special perks as a part of my affiliation with the Playtex Mom Trust program. The opinions on this blog are my own.

#Disney's Frozen Blu-ray & DVD Review



Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

Bring home Frozen on Blu-ray High Definition — featuring a blizzard of never-before-seen bonus extras with gorgeous animation, memorable characters and unforgettable music. It’s dazzling fun for the whole family!

MY REVIEW
One of the newest and most popular movies from Disney is now out on DVD and Blu-ray for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. I have to say Frozen has become so popular in such a short amount of time thanks to the memorable songs and great characters. This was a great movie that my family and I enjoyed. 

We actually got to watch it in theatres and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the DVD/Blu-ray to see the awesome bonus features. As soon as we left the theaters back when the movie came out, my daughter had the popular song, Let It Go, searched and playing on youtube for days playing it over and over again. I have to admit, it's catchy and such a great song that shows young people to be who they are and to not be ashamed.


My favorite part of this movie was that there was no Prince to save the day. I was very proud that the sister bond/love was the key to saving the day. Great job on that Disney! If you have not seen Frozen yet, be sure you do so you can see what the hype is about. You won't be disappointed. 

Also be sure to enjoy these free activity sheets by clicking on the image below and printing!

Download Frozen Activities
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Frozen at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Saving Money and Getting Great Deals with @iSpyClothing (Review & Giveaway)


As a parent of two, soon to be three kids, one thing I've learned over the last nine years is that kids are forever growing. Which means shopping for clothes is always a must. During the end if Summer I love that I can take my kids school shopping to get them a few new outfits to wear, but it's during the school year that I find that I'm still constantly buying more clothes. It can be from one of the kids having a growth spurt, holes in their jeans and so much more.

When this happens I usually find myself going to second hand stores, especially for jeans, since they're inexpensive and I can get get them more clothes to wear during the school year and still save money. This is where iSpy Clothing comes in. I have actually fell in love with this online store. Since most of my time is spent  on my computer from working from home, I spend a lot of time on my computer browsing the web and looking for deals. Online shopping has become huge and almost everyone is shopping from the comfort of their own home now and days.

iSpy Clothing is an secondhand online store where you can get great quality kids clothing for a reasonable price that will have you saving like crazy. From your favorite name brands, like, Aeropostale, The Gap, Justice, Barbie, Adidas, The Disney Store and more, they have it all.

It's super easy to order from their site too! I received a credit to iSpy where I got to try out their website and pick a few items for my kiddos and I loved how easy it was to set an account up. It took less than five minutes to sign up and I was soon able to browse and pick items to go in my cart.



Checking out was easy as well too. After my order was complete I quickly received an email from iSpy letting me know that they received my order along with another email from them when my items had been shipped to me.



My kids were super excited when they saw that they had a box come filled with new clothes from them, especially when a couple that had their favorite characters on them.

(Both tops are from iSpy Clothing)

Not only do they have lots of clothing in great condition, I love that the shipping is only $8.99 and if you order over $50 your shipping is FREE! I don't know about you, but the fact that shipping is less than nine dollars means not only would I be saving on clothes for my kids, but I also would save on gas seeing as my local secondhand clothing store is about 20-25 minutes away. It's definitely worth the shipping.

If you're looking for some great deals on slightly used clothes for your little ones, be sure to check out iSpy Clothing and follow them on both Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on what new items they add to their store.
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received credit towards the iSpy Clothing at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Spring Break w/ @SabraCanada (Review & Giveaway)


Spring is finally here, even if it doesn't really feel like it, and with a household of five, soon to be six, it can be challenging to cook a meal that we all can enjoy and help with in the kitchen. 

Over March Break, I was given a challenge from the awesome people over at Sabra Canada to create one of their meals from their website that would be easy, not just for myself, but for my entire family to make together. 



We decided to make the Mediterranean Nachos with Sabra Hummus and I used the recipe from the Sabra website, with a few tweaks. This was such a simple recipe that I decided to add in some of our favorites as well like a little homemade guacamole, sour cream and refried black beans.  I also changed the red pepper Humus to the Supremely Spicy Hummus which was delicious and gave our nachos a bit of a kick. A warning if you do not like things very, very spicy the Supremely Spicy Hummus is Supremely Spicy! Even my Husband thought it was quite spicy and he is pretty hard to impress! 

Since this was a meal that even my kids could put together themselves, instead of the spicy hummus they used the roasted garlic hummus, which they loved. It wasn't spicy like the hubby's and mine were, but it was perfect enough for them to enjoy.

Sabra Hummus is delicious in a recipe or just for dipping itself. Along with enjoying our hummus in nachos, we've been eating it with lots of veggies and pita chips. I love that it's a bit of a change up from the dips we usually have since I usually make our dips from scratch. Having Sabra Hummus in the house certainly gave me a bit of a break and allowed me more time to spend quality time with the family. We enjoyed it and would recommend buying this brand. 

Be sure to check out all the other fun and creative recipes you can make this Spring with your little ones in the recipe section on Sabra Canada's website.

GIVEAWAY!
Sabra Canada wants one of you Just Us Girls Canadian readers to enjoy their delicious hummus as well. One lucky Canadian reader will win Sabra Coupons and Sabra serving tray, valued at $50! Be sure to enter below.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Sabra Canada coupons at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.


March Break w/ The Kiddos! #NaturallyAtHome


March Break is here and it seems to have come so fast! I can't believe we're already in March. Over the last few of years for March Break, the family and I have been traveling and going back to visit family in California. This has become a great tradition that the hubby, kids and I have been enjoying and it's perfect timing since the kids are out of school.  It's always nice to get away and it's definitely nice this year since Winter seems to not want to leave us.

Last year while in California we got to take the kids to Disneyland for the first time and I can't begin to tell you how much fun the kids had. Even though the hubby and I have been to Disneyland lots of times, it was like the first time for us all over again with how excited the kids were.

(Kids At Cars Land last March Break)

This year is a bit different as I will be traveling with the kids alone. The hubby will be going on a business trip, so although this isn't a vacation with the entire family, we're all super excited to be getting out of the snow and cold. The hubby's business trip is in Texas, so he'll be in warm weather without the snow as well.

While the plane ride can be a bit challenging with kids, over the years as our kids get older, they've become more comfortable with the ride, but I am a bit worried since it will be just myself with the kids. The last time I was on a plane with them without the hubby I had one in diapers and the other just finished potty training, what a plane ride! Although the kids are definitely old enough to go to the restroom, to cover all my bases for a smooth and relaxing plane ride, I'll be giving both Orange Natural's Calm For Kids before our plane ride to California and from.

Calm For Kids is a chamomile and linden, that's used for kids to relieve upset stomachs and calm minds. It also works as a relaxing sedative state with no harmful effects and assists with sleep and relieves nervousness and restlessness. Perfect for any long trip in a plane or a car ride. So if you're traveling during this March Break, I'd definitely suggest Calm For Kids, it will definitely help with the long hours on the road or in the air.

Have any plans this March Break? Are you taking your kids on a vacation or having a staycation? Either way, please share. I'd love to hear what you have planned for your family.
Disclosure: I am part of the Orange Naturals Mom Ambassador Program and I receive 
special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.



Slugterra: Heroes Of The Underground DVD Review




Slugterra is an epic sci-fi comedy adventure set deep underground, where the ammo’s alive and only the quick survive! In this luminous, high-tech, underground world, every cavern holds a new adventure, a new battle and weird little slugs to be discovered.

In this collection, join our hero Eli Shane, his gang of slugslingers, and his best slug buddy Burpy on their numerous adventures. Whether they are thwarting a mad scientist, facing an Ice Ogre or questing after fabled treasure, Eli and the rest of Shane Gang prove they are ready to slug it out! Now available on DVD for retail price of $14.97.

MY REVIEW
The kids have become huge fans of the gang from Slugterra and love having the DVDs on hand to watch any time. Not only a great story line for little ones, adults can enjoy this series as well. It's action packed that also includes having some humor that the entire family can enjoy. Each episode will have you loving the slugs a bit more. My kids already have their favorite and love to see them in action. 

Heroes of The Underground is now out on DVD today, March 4th and the DVD includes five episodes from the show and bonus features of teaching your little ones how to draw a slug! My daughter really loved this feature. She's big on drawing. To find out more information on where to purchase Slugterra Heroes of The Underground be sure to check out www.shoutfactory.com.
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Slugterra Heroes Of The Underground on DVD at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.


TRESemmé Renewal Hair and Scalp System Review


Manageability is a result most of us look for (or at least hope for, in my case) in hair care products. TRESemme’s Renewal Hair & Scalp Shampoo, Conditioner and Conditioner Mask with tea tree and sunflower oil, promises just that. Using all three products helps repair your hair from damage from hair coloring, pollutants and stresses to deeply nourish the scalp with moisture and hair with nutrients.



All three products have the subtle feminine scent you would expect from a TRESemme product, almost a sweet floral, I would say. Personally, the scent is what makes me happy about using any TRESemme product. After all, who doesn't love smelling pretty?

I have long thick hair, and I am no stranger to frizz, so I’m always stoked to try out a product that says it will help manage it. The first time I used all three of these products I noticed that my hair was much softer and well moisturized. Unfortunately, it did very little for my frizz issue. The second time I used all three products I opted not to use a hair dryer to style my hair, this helped a little more with managing the frizz.

Overall, I would recommend this product to those who would like to help repair their hair if you color it often, as well as those who would like a hair product that helps nourish and add shine to their hair while getting it squeaky clean and smelling pretty. All three products retail for around $5.99 each.

You can find out more about the new TRESemme Renewal Hair and Scalp System as well as other TRESemme products at www.tresemme.ca.
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received TRESemme Renewal Hair & Scalp System at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

Ninja Turtles The Next Mutation: East Meets West DVD Review



Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are four genetically mutated turtles who have grown into human-sized, ninja-powered crime-fighters living in the sewers of New York City. Under the tutelage of Master Splinter, these four teens have spent their formative years fighting their nemesis, Shredder, and his evil army. But the turtles’ world is about to change….and if you thought Shredder was bad, wait until you meet the newest TMNT foe: Dragon Lord! It will take all the power of the turtles to combat this new villain…but luckily for them, they will have help from a new ninja turtle, a female turtle named Venus De Milo!
MY REVIEW
Cowabunga! Who doesn't love the awesomeness that is the Ninja Turtles?! I remember watching all the movies when I was younger and a few years back I bought my husband all three movies. Since doing so my daughter has slowly become a fan and now absolutely loves these crazy turtles. 

Watching The Next Mutation: East Meets West, it definitely took me back to my childhood and how much I enjoyed watching these turtles save the day. Not only does this show teach  you about teamwork, but it also teaches you that it's okay to make a mistake, not everyone is perfect. Although in this series the new evil person the turtles have to face against is Dragon Lord. 

It was great watching these episodes of The Ninja Turtles with my kiddos. We all enjoyed it and the kids have both been playing pretend Ninja Turtles ever since. Ninja Turtles The Next Mutation: East Meets West is now out today. March 4th, on DVD to purchase. For more information on where to purchase visit www.shoutfactory.com
Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Ninja Turtles The Next Mutation on DVD at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.