Older parents can be as devastating as Hurricane Katrina. They are physically demanding, emotionally draining and psychologically dangerous. As much as we love our parents (or grandparents for that matter), there comes a time when roles switch and you need to become the carer.

In this situation you may find that your parent is becoming contentious, stubborn, difficult to communicate with, etc. When my mother started showing these signs, I knew immediately that I would need help. A good friend recommended “Coping with Your Difficult Older Parent: A Guide for Stressed out Children” and I gratefully bought it. The book showed me techniques to use, had little role-plays to help me prepare for the various situations that we might find ourselves in. It helps with specific words and phrases that you should and should not use, as well as helping identify the triggers to stress which cause arguments and frustration.

I’ve started using the book in a practical fashion and some changes are already evident. Just keep in mind that you have to take baby steps and have a lot of patience. Do not expect overnight changes.  Keeping those points in mind,  this book is a great guide and a must-have for all stressed out children taking care of their parents.

Well what’s not to love about my new Cuisinart DLC-2 Mini Prep plus Food Processor? A thoughtful gift for a busy mom like me, I’m just loving the button-touch controls – so easy to use when my hands are full of other things! Just a quick press starts the chopping or grinding from the stainless steel blade, with its innovative sharp and blunt edges and auto-reverse capacity that means it can easily process both hard and soft ingredients! This has saved me so much time, particularly with soft ingredients like cheese and mushrooms, which usually just ‘squash’ in other processors. There are two little receptacles in the lid, for adding oil when blending – great for my homemade pesto’s, dips and hummus!

I also love my mini-prep’s space-saving size – it’s just 5 by 8 by 9 inches, so it’s not too big or heavy for stowing in and out of cupboards! Its dinky size also means it doesn’t clutter up my counter – I keep it there to show off my pink processor! However, because it’s also available in chrome or turquoise, my neighbors quickly bought their own color preferences!

Yet, its mini size doesn’t compromise on power, thanks to the innovative blade, but allows small quantities to be processed quickly and easily! It has dishwasher safe parts, so clearing up’s easy and the three cup plastic work bowl is the ideal size for the appliance but also for using separately for smaller, cup-measured recipes. A great kitchen tool!

I have always been using pantyliners for as long as I can remember. While I do not have any issue with incontinence so far, I am a hygienic freak. Nevertheless, not every woman is so lucky as having light leaks is actually a problem quite common to many. It’s just that not many of us are open enough to talk candidly about it.

When Parent Reviewers offered our panel of reviewers an opportunity to review the STRIDE Everyday panties, I quickly jumped on the bandwagon. I was curious to test out these panties which come with built in  OQUOS™ patented fabric technology. It claims to have the  ability to wick moisture from the surface, convert it to a gel that is dry to the touch, deodorize and stay waterproof.

My package arrived last week and the first thing I noticed about the panties were how light and flimsy they looked. So, I decided  to wash them  first (please no hard scrubbing). I expected the panties to be out of shape after the wash but to my surprise, they were definitely not! I have to admit when I put the panty on, it felt really comfortable…..like a very thin barrier between my skin, not at all like any of my existing panties.  I also love the fact that these panties are seamless, especially when I often wear tight skirts to work and was afraid of visible sign of panty lines. 

To be perfectly honest, I was a little worried about the issue of odour due to not wearing any panty liner. However, after a full day of trial, it appears that the OQUOS™ patented fabric technology proved to be excellent. It was able to absorb moisture, deodorize it and keeps me feeling fresh and confident. What can I say? I am a believer in STRIDE Everyday now. Gone are the days I had to peel and unpeel panty liners off my undergarments and contribute to landfills.

Keen to try them out? Get yours at STRIDEEveryday.com for $19.99 to $29.99. Oh yes, they come in pretty styles too!

Disclosure :  I received the above products necessary to facilitate my review. I was not compensated for this post and all  opinions expressed are 100% my own.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

For all my lucky readers out there, here’s a chance to win an exclusive beauty giveaway featuring revolutionary skincare products from Dermacyte, which includes the Oxygen Concentrate and the NEW Oxygenating Eye Complex!

Dermacyte Oxygen Concentrate
Dermacyte Oxygen Concentrate is a unique and ultra-soothing formula that helps restore a youthful glow to your skin. Your complexion appears instantly brighter and energized after it is applied. Apply morning and night onto clean skin before any other products. Think of Dermacyte Oxygen Concentrate as an oxygen bar for your skin! Price: $30 for 3.2ml.

NEW! Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex
Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex is a smooth, delicate treatment to refresh, hydrate and restore the appearance of youth to your eye contour area. It is designed to enhance the skin’s hydration, elasticity and smoothness while protecting it against environmental stress. Dermacyte Oxygenating Eye Complex is a gentle marriage of modern technology and nourishing emollients extracted from avocado essence, oat kernel, sunflower oil, the calming High Ash, a tree indigenous to European forests rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and seeds from the Pacific Northwest Meadowfoam plant among other nurturing ingredients.

It provides a lightweight solution with its patented technology, a powerful oxygen-carrier developed to infuse oxygen for a fresher appearance and overall improved complexion. It immediately imparts a cool, moisturizing effect while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These effects along with skin brightening and anti-irritating benefits deliver a lighter and healthier feel to your skin. Price: $120, 15 ml

WIN THEM : To enter for a chance to win the above two Dermacyte products worth $150, here’s what you need to do:

• One mandatory entry – Tell me why you want to win the above products
• Three additional entry – Tweet this giveaway “Beauty Giveaway from Dermacyte Worth $150” and link back to this post. You can do this daily until the contest ends. Please leave your twitter ID and tweet URL.
• Three additional entries – If you blog about this contest with a link back to this post . Please leave your post url.
• Giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only.
• Giveaway ends 29th August 2010 and a winner will be picked using Random.org. I will not be emailing winners, so please make sure you subscribe to my feed or check back here for the winner announcement post.

Disclosure : I was neither paid nor sent products in exchange for this post. However, giveaway products are courtesy of www.buydermacyte.com.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

I’m pretty excited to run this giveaway as there are products for everyone in the family ~ Baby/Child, Mom and Dad. Check out what you can win for your family below:

Le Baby Inc., Hair Gel Designed for Babies & Children courtesy of www.lebabyinc.com

Le Baby hair gel is a styling gel free of harsh chemicals meant to define wispy curls and tackle unruly after-nap hair. While the concept of baby hairstyling products might seem a little child-beauty-pageant to some, for many moms and dads it’s a must-have diaper bag accessory. From taming those wild fly-aways to smoothing frizzies, Le Baby hair gel works on all hair types and is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. Whatever your child’s hair type, Le Baby will make combing and styling a cinch. The unique formulas leave hair shiny, healthy looking and more manageable.

Retail Cost: $9.95

PowerHouse Hit The Deck For Moms and Dads, courtesy of  www.powerhouseperformancecoaching.com/

Trying to lose weight? Short on time? Looking for cardio and strength training all in one workout? Trouble managing your stress? Need a convenient workout at home or on the road?

PowerHouse Hit The Deck™ is the answer — one box has it all! Set the timer, draw your first card, and do as many repetitions as you can. When the timer beeps, draw your next card! Simple, easy, effective: a cardiovascular AND strength training workout at the same time, as well as an effective tool to combat stress and the Cortisol Crisis™.

Retail Value : $19.95

Hey Dude Aftershave For The Man of The House, courtesy of  http://www.heydudeskincare.com

Hey Dude Skincare ™ is a line of men’s skin care products designed to give today’s man the essential tools he needs to combat the natural effects of aging and external conditions upon his face and body. Made from high quality organic ingredients like hyaluronic acid and essential nutrients, Hey Dude Skin Care products perform the most vital of functions to help a man protect, repair, and maintain his skin – Functions that include moisturizing and cleansing deeply into the cellular level of a man’s facial skin.

 Hey Dude Aftershave contains seaweed extracts that combine with the proteins of the outer layer of the skin and the hair, forming protective moisturizing complexes. Efficient hydration enhances the skin’s natural ability to repair itself. Seaweed extracts decrease the irritation caused by shaving and depilation. Aftershave calms and moisturizes, as well as reduces skin redness and razor burn.

Retail Price : $19.00

LashFood For Moms, courtesy of  www.lashfood.com

LashFood is formulated with the highest grade all natural ingredients available, and is designed to condition, repair, restore, and create longer healthier and more beautiful eyelashes and eyebrows.

LashFood’s breakthrough natural ingredients, including Biotin an essential vitamin, Arginine a natural amino acid, and herbal extracts, helps promote the natural growth and strength of eyelashes and eyebrows. The result: your lashes become thicker, darker, and longer with this revolutionary conditioner.

LashFood retails for $129.00 and will last up to 5 months.

WIN THEM ALL! :  You can enter to win this whole package of awesome products worth more than $150 by following the requirements below:

• One mandatory entry – Tell us why you want to win all the above products
• Two additional entries – Tweet this giveaway and leave your twitter thread here. You can do this everyday until the contest closes.
• Three additional entries – Add this blog to your blogroll and leave your blog url in the comment section here.
• Giveaway is open to US and Canada shipping address only.
• Giveaway closes on 22nd March 2010 and a winner will be picked using Random.org. We will not be emailing winners, so please make sure you subscribe to our feed or check back here for the winner announcement post.

Disclosure of Material Connection : http://cmp.ly/0

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Don’t have time to go to the gym? Has the same fitness routine left you in a rut? Pulse Yoga offers you the intensity of Pilates, Weight Training, and Yoga combined in one structured class that can be done at your own convenience!

Argie L. Tang, founder of the Pulse Yoga DVD, designed Pulse Yoga to build strength, stamina and power, while improving balance and flexibility. According to Argie, it is possible to combine completely different exercise philosophies to get the most out of your workout.

This workout has been proven to provide positive results in the form of decreased body weight, hip/waist circumference, and cholesterol. Pulse Yoga has also been found to be as effective as functional training when it comes to total body fat loss, and aerobic fitness levels.

In this 60-minute DVD balance in motion is emphasized by connecting standing balancing postures in order to master control over the body in any position. The DVD emphasis is on:

• Applying the use of free weights in novel ways to basic yoga postures.
• Strengthening and toning key areas such as the abdominals, lower back, upper arms and gluteus.
• Teaching core awareness.
• Stretching chronically tight areas such as the hamstrings and hip flexors.

Price $14.99

WIN IT!  Who can deny that “Keeping Fit” is always on the top of our new year resolution list? Pulse Yoga is here to help by sponsoring a copy of their Pulse Yoga II DVD for giveaway to a lucky reader. Here’s how you can enter for a chance to win:

• One mandatory entry – Tell us why you want to win this DVD
• Two additional entries – Visit http://pulseyoga.com  and tell us one fact about the founder of Pulse Yoga
• Three additional entries – Add this blog to your blogroll and leave your blog url in the comment section here.
• Giveaway is open to US shipping address only.
• Giveaway closes on 4th January 2010 and a winner will be picked using Random.org. We will not be emailing winners, so please make sure you subscribe to our feed or check back here for the winner announcement post.

Disclosure of Material Connection : Giveaway courtesy of www.pulseyoga.com

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Christmas is just a month away and I am sure some of you have already written your shopping list and  started planning for your Christmas meal menu. However, if you are still looking for suggestions on both, you might want to have a look at Nielsen-Massey Vanillas A Century of Flavor cookbook.

Here’s a peek at this cookbook through it’s press release:

A Century of Flavor is filled with 50 of the most tantalizing recipes, highlighting the intricate, yet delicate flavors of pure vanilla and is written for the novice cook as well as the seasoned chef. Exquisite photography and helpful cooking tips accompany each easy-to-follow recipe. Delicious Nielsen family favorites include: Fresh Basil-Tomato Soup with Vanilla; Crab Cakes with Vanilla Rémoulade; Vanilla Lobster Supreme with Pasta; Vanilla-Mocha Café Cake; and Crème Brûlée French Toast.

The cookbook also introduces recipes using some of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas new pure flavor extracts: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract. Extracts add flavor, complement and enhance other flavors as in the Hearty White Bean Chili recipe, which calls for chocolate extract. Each variety of pure flavor extract has its own particular attributes, flavor notes and aromas, adding their own intensity and character to the foods in which they are used.

BUY IT :  Delight mom with this tantalizing new cookbook this Christmas!  A Century of Flavor can be purchased online at CookBookMarketPlace.com, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

WIN IT : Want to win a FREE copy to cook up a storm this Christmas? Or simply to give your love ones a copy? Here’s your chance! I’m giving away a copy of A Century of Flavor to 5 VERY LUCKY READERS! Here’s what you need to do:

•  One mandatory entry – Head over to the sponsor’s site, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas and let me know one fact about the company.
•  Two additional entries – Tweet this giveaway and leave your twitter thread/id in the comment below
•  Five additional entries – Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post. Please leave your post url in the comment section.
•  Giveaway is only open to US shipping address and closes on 25th November 2009. Please remember to subscribe or check back here for the result as we will not be emailing winners.

Disclosure : Giveaway copies of A Century of Flavor, courtesy of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

We’re giving away one tube of Fairhaven Health Dreambelly Stretch Mark Cream: Contains ingredients recognized for their ability to revitalize skin during pregnancy and tone skin after childbirth. Ingredients include aloe vera gel, natural butters, moisturizing oils, grapeseed extract as well as rosehip seed oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E. DreamBelly helps prevent stretch marks by keeping skin supple and elastic and may aid the body in regenerating strained tissues and help fade existing marks. Price: $19.95   

About Fairhaven Health:

Our mission at Fairhaven Health is to help those couples who may be struggling with their conception efforts. And for years now, we’ve been achieving that important goal. From preconception through pregnancy and nursing, Fairhaven Health is there – every step of the way – to provide clinically-proven products designed to safely and naturally promote fertility and pregnancy wellness. As a trusted leader in the field of reproductive health, our fertility solutions are cooperatively developed and formulated by a diverse panel of medical experts – including doctors, ObGyns, nutritionists, and naturopaths. Noted fertility expert, Amos Grunebaum, MD, plays a pivotal role in formulating our FertilAid, FertileCM, FertiliTea, and Pregnancy Plus product lines.

Here’s how to enter this giveaway: