Journey in Faith

 Started 10-day spiritual action plan for "Faith That Can Move Mountains" by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland a few days ago. This is day 3 of my journey in Faith and I have to say it has begun to stir and build already. Hubby and I have set aside time to do this TOGETHER...yes together and that makes this process even more exciting. New revelation is being birthed through us both. PTL Father God, guide me into YOUR truth and make me (US) aware of it when not responding in faith.

 Here are some of the things that I have read that has been important to me:

Day 2 (taken from the book):  "The definition of reasoning outside The WORD is worry. When you begin to reason outside God's WORD, you automatically begin to worry. 'What if that happens?' 'What are we going to do if the Holy Ghost does break out in our denomination and people start talking in tongues right in the middle of church?' 'What am I going to do?' The big I - that is selfishness. The roof of selfishness is fear, NOT faith."

Day 3: " The power used to overcome the world is faith. Think of it! There is enough of God's very own faith residing on the inside of you right now to overcome anything the world can throw at you! God is a faith being. You are born of Him, so you are a faith being. God doesn not do anything outside of faith. With His faith living in you, you are to operate the same way."

Wow, just wow. If Jesus is inside of me - which HE is then I have HIS KIND of faith. I believe it is time for me to take a step forward and utilize what HE has given me.

Wishing for a Whiter Smile

I was super excited when I opened my Sugar n' Spice VoxBox I received from Influenster. Especially when I opened it up and found the Cologate Optic White Regimen: toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush. I couldn't wait to write my first review on my first use. This is what I wrote at that time: "The toothpaste was extremely minty with a slight burning sensation in my mouth. Talking about burning...that would be the mouthwash. I had to spit it out quickly because it shocked me so bad. I'm sure I will get accustomed to it and will love it. The mouthwash claims to be alcohol free and to use the same whitening ingredients as strips. All in all it was a great product for my first try and it left my mouth/teeth feeling clean." After using these products now for a month I now have to say that I never got accustomed to the mouthwash. I stopped using it after 3 tries because the burning was way more than I could handle. I continued using the toothpaste for the rest of the month. At this time, I started receiving red splotches on my throat followed by bump looking things on the tongue. Not really thinking anything about it because I thought I was just fighting a cold or something. Then I started loosing my voice and being a singer that is just a no no. So I started to examine what could be going on. Then it hit me - STOP using the toothpaste!!! So I did and sure enough my throat and tongue started recovering. I knew going into this testing that I was sensitive to things in my mouth....going to the dentist has never been easy for me. This has showed me just how sensitive I am. I was truly looking forward to have whiter teeth and fresher breath but I just can't handle how strong these products are. I do have to say tho - I LOVE THE TOOTHBRUSH and hubby is enjoying the toothpaste. I just wish I would have taken before photos of his teeth for my review but he wouldn't let me. I don't feel it would be right for me to give my normal Shmoo ratings because of my obvious sensitivity. 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

A Cleaner Way to Cleanse

I would like to introduce Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes - an American tradition since 1866. Upon receiving this complimentary product from Influenster I recognized the name right off the bat even tho I have never had the privileged of using this product. So first I had to read up and I learned that this products gently removes oils and impurities leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and balanced. I have to say they are right on with that statement. It has been roughly about two hour since using the towelettes and my skin still feels as smooth as when I first used it. It refreshed my skin and reading that it fights blemishes is just an added bonus. I am excited that they have 20 individually wrapped wet towelettes for "on the go" people like myself. They are so easy to use and they will find themselves at home in my purse for those multiple church services when I just want to freshen up. The only negative I have is the smell - I find it to be strange. Luckily the smell does fade rather quickly! Awesome product even with the smell, I give this product 5 out of 5 Shmoos!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

 

Sugar 'N Spice and Everything Nice

I was excited when I found this VoxBox sitting on my front porch. This is only my second box from Influenster that I received and I can't wait to give it all a try. I have to say, they made it with love just for me - it says so right on the card. Over the next few weeks I will be trying these products and giving you my thoughts/reviews. So keep your yes opened for more info on the following products. 

  

Vaseline Brand Spray & go Moisturizer Total Moisture

NECTRESSE sweetener

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes

Colgate Optic White Regimen: toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrush

belVita Breakfast Biscuits

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Pumpkin Dessert Bread

   

Oh I just love this dessert bread. It is one of my absolutely favorite desserts. I have it every Thanksgiving but I am beginning to think that might have to change. It states to use 2 loaf pans but as you will see this year we made it in a different pan than normal. Check out the picture below.

Oh btw, my Macaw just loves this little treat as well. That is a plus to us bird lovers.

Ingredients:  

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups sugar

2 cups pumpkin (we use can pumpkin)

4 eggs - beaten

1 1/4 cup of melted shortening

Place all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and with a spoon make a deep well in the center of the ingredients. In this well, add all the other ingredients, stir carefully, just enough to dampen all the dry ingredients. Do not over mix! Pour into loaf pans, makes 2. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. 

 

 

It's All About "The Taste"

 (Tuesday at 8|7c on ABC)

  The "blind audition" isn't just for the singing shows anymore. The Taste, ABC's new competitive cooking show hosted by Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson, Ludovic Lefebyer and Brian Malarkey has taken the "blind audition" to a new level. Each celebrity chef pushes their button for or against being on their team without ever seeing the person who cooked the food or knowing what ingredients were used. The judges banter among themself to try to determine if the cook is a home or a professional chief. I actually think that part is quite interesting because from what I have see these celebrity chefs can always pick who has had training. However, these judges still maynot pick the trained over the self taught because rememeber, they have already chosen by The Taste. These four judges will also double as mentors to their team just like that singing show. That is about where the similarities end for me because just because you are on a particular judges team doesn't mean you are safe from elimination. They have actually unknowingly sent one of their own home in an episode. This actually makes for an exciting twist to the typical reality show.

 

Now with all of that being said, I did find it interesting that the judges seem to compliment some of the dishes, tell the cook that they did great and yet they say NO!  Kinda found this frustrating and I was not alone. Several contestants said as much. Also, although the palates of these judges were able to distinguished between most of the professional cooks, to me it seemed that they chose mostly home cooks. Just seems like the judges second guessed themselves far too much and turned away some incredible contestants. Not sure if this is some strategy playing there or what. Time will tell I guess. 

 

So far I like the show despite the points I made above and I am actually looking forward to more episodes. The judges personalities are just warming up and could we actually see a food fight in our future. Probably not but they do speak their minds which lends itself to good tv. Above it all, let's try to remember that one spoon can determine "The Taste." 

 

Check out http://abc.tv/Z3jimp to enjoy an episode.

 

 

From what I have seen so far I am going to get "The Taste" 4 out of 5 Shmoos!

 

Brush vs Towel

Check out my review on this product for more info:  Goody Quikstyle Brush Review
 

 I hate blow drying my long, thick hair because it takes so long. This brush really sops up the water and helps to cut the drying time down. I love the vents on this side of the brush that helps to keep air flowing. The paddle styler has microfiber bristles, which remove 30% of water as you style. YES!!! This means less damage from heat! It left my hair smooth and shiny!

 The only problem I found with it is that after a few brushes the microfibers seem to be pushed down. I will then have to dry them and push them back up to continue to use. I'm not sure if this is just bc my hair is so long and thick that it can't handle it or just what. However, if I towel dry some before using this brush it doesn't seem to happen.

         This is a pic of the brush with the microfibers pushed down after use.

With this all being said, I really do enjoy this brush and I give it 4 out of 5 Shmoos (still an A in my book).