Bend Your Brain

Bend Your Brain
by The Minds Behind Marbles: The Brain Store

Seldom have I had such fun reading a book.  While I definitely enjoy a good book and can get sucked in for hours on end, I don't often find myself calling the book fun... until now!

Bend Your Brain is a book filled with fun little puzzles designed to improve brain function in the five categories of visual perception, word skills, critical thinking, coordination and memory.  Through a variety of puzzles, readers can play and increase in difficulty as they feel necessary, from "mind- warming" (easy) to "mind-blowing" (hard)

There are 151 different puzzles, tips and tricks within each brain function category, each varied in difficulty, but each engaging and fun to play while growing your mind.

After an introduction that explains the process and the reasoning, readers find the five sections, each with their specific puzzles.  There are answers in the back of the book as well to check yourself.  With lots of pictures that are of excellent quality and text that is varied and engaging to look at, this book is just plain fun!

I have been working through each of the sections a little at a time, still far from the more difficult levels, and am really enjoying the journey. While I cannot prove that I have gained any brain function, I do know I am being challenged.  I find myself grabbing this book when I have a few moments of down time or while doing something mindless like waiting.  I also have had many friends pick up the book while visiting my home, as I leave it on the coffee table, and become lost in the puzzles for quite a length of time.

I definitely recommend this book.  With so many things to do and the benefit of working out your brain while having fun, there's nothing to lose!

About the author:

MARBLES: THE BRAIN STORE is in malls across the country. They and their branded products have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, USA Today, and Wired, as well as on the Today show and Martha Stewart Living.

You can find a copy here!

"I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Adovia Sulfur Soap Review

I have been on a quest to find better ways to care for my skin and body. My quest is taking me down the natural path, as it is many others. I have been seeking products that I can use for myself and feel confident in their safety as well as their claims of being natural. Any time I get a chance to try a natural product, I take it! Therefore, my recent opportunity to try and review  Adovia Natural Sulfur Soap for Acne, Blackheads and Oily Skin with Dead Sea Salt was one I was eager to undertake.

I have combination skin on my face, and have trouble with some products being too drying while others make it too oily.  I was excited to see it claimed to be for all skin types.  In bar form, this soap has a nice clean, fresh scent, not chemical or overly natural, as some products can be, it does not at all smell like sulfur.

From the seller: 

• Adovia sulfur soap, is highly enriched with minerals and sulfur from the Dead Sea.
• Your skin's natural moisture levels are balanced and optimized with Olive Oil, Dead Sea minerals and Aloe Vera extract.
• Sulfur has Antiseptic, Anti-Fungal and Antibacterial properties
• This soap thoroughly cleanses your face and body and leaves your skin gentle and smooth.
• Our sulfur soap has a 3% sulfur content.

These things, along with my desire to find a product that is safe and natural for my skin, made me eager to try.  I have used this soap as a facial cleanser as well as a whole body wash in the shower.  I have yet to be disappointed.  My skin feels and looks clean.  I don't have oily or dry spots, it is just evenly clean and clear.  I have not had any acne breakouts since using this soap either, which I am very excited about.

Definitely on my list of products to buy again, I love the results and this has fast become one of my favorites.  From a seller I trust due to other products I have tried and liked, I can feel secure that this soap is what it claims to be.

You can check it out or get your own here.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Super Stroller Organizer Review

Going anywhere with little often requires lots of stuff... diapers, wipes, burp cloths, toys, bottles or cups, snacks or food... the list goes on.  Carrying all of this stuff when going out with a stroller often requires cramming it under the stroller in the basket or carrying a diaper bag.  When you want to take a long walk, visit a zoo or other recreational activity, this isn't always the best plan.  Enter the stroller organizer by Children n Us...

 This organizer is a good quality bag with lots of pockets and pouches.  It has a front Velcro pocket for things like your wallet or keys, another front pocket perfect for cell phones, and a pocket in the back for small items like papers or snack bars.  Inside, under the magnetic snapping flap, there are two mesh pockets for bottles or cups, a big compartment for things like diapers, and a zippered pocket at the back.  Each side has a two straps that buckle together to make hanging and removing the organizer from the stroller easy.

 I loaded mine up for a day at the county fair and found I had extra room for a few snacks as well.

 It looks like it belongs on the stroller, doesn't stand out at all, and is so handy!  Everything is right within reach, without having to dig under the child or ruffle around in a diaper bag.

I have even been able to use this with my double stroller with no problem.  The hanging straps are adjustable and I had plenty of extra strap leftover after hanging it on the double.  I found it easy to carry like a bag as well, simply by cross buckling and making two handles of sorts.  When not hanging on the stroller, the organizer is great in the vehicle.  I have two back seat passengers, and it has come in handy for them on road trips, storing their water, some books and toys and keeping it all contained.  

This organizer has so much potential beyond the stroller!  I love this bag!

You can check it out or get your own here! I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Solid Cordz Extension Cord Review

In my house, extension cords - the good ones that can stand up to some wear and tear, not the cheapy little wired ones - are hard to keep on hand.  We've always got them in use for something or another.  So, when I got the chance to try two 6' extension cords by Solid Cordz, I took it.

These cords are heavy duty.  Three pronged with a good sturdy plug and receiving end, these are really nice cords.

At 6 feet, they provide just enough length without getting overwhelming and tangled or twisted.  Coated with a sturdy black cover, they are flexible, but not flimsy.  I had no trouble with them getting tangled, looped or kinked.  I didn't notice any heat coming from them while in use and felt safe having them in a home with young children (with parental supervision around them, of course).

My husband loves them for his shop, I love them for extending the laptop cord to a better place for use.  We've both got more uses for them than we have cords and will likely be buying more, perhaps a few in a longer size.  Definitely a solid, well made cord!

You can check them out or get your own here!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Rosehip Oil Review

InstaNatural Rosehip Oil Review

When I recently had the chance to try the Deep Cleansing Oil by InstaNatural, I also opted to try the Rosehip Oil.  A newbie to the natural oils and beauty products, I was intrigued by its claimed benefits and wanted to see for myself.

Among the many uses of Rosehip Oil are:
 - facial moisturizing
 - hair and scalp (alone or in a hot oil treatment)
 - added to conditioner for an extra nutrient boost
 - for nails and cuticles
Rosehip Oil moisturizes the skin and can help diminish the appearance of scars & stretch marks. Also great for sun spots, age spots, brittle nails, damaged hair & more!

This oil has a very strong odor, not at all like roses.  A 100% pure oil, there are no additives Extracted from the seeds of roses, it carries a very characteristic warm earthy smell.  Not really pleasant to me, I decided to add it to my current facial moisturizer and hair conditioner.  Still in the early stages of using this oil, I have yet to see the long term effects of using it, but am already enjoying the moisturizing qualities.

With a lifetime hassle free guarantee, there is no reason not to put this natural beauty enhancer to work for you.  

You can get your own here.

Omega-3 Fish Oil Review + Giveaway

TrueSol Omega-3 Fish Oil Review

 At the recommendation of my medical professional, I have been taking fish oil supplements.  I have tried several different brands and found many to give me the fishy burps.  As someone who does not enjoy fish as a food, I equally dislike "tasting" it when I take supplements.

With 1500 mg of Omega 3, 800 mg of EPA and 600 mg of DHA, these supplements are packed full of the good stuff.  Even better, they have a natural lemon flavor and no fishy aftertaste.  They are tested for heavy metals and molecularly distilled for purity, and made in the USA so these supplements are very safe.  Sized like other fish-oil supplements, they are the average "horse pills".  A 2-a-day suggested serving, these pills are swallowed easily enough and able to be consumed at any time.

According to the supplier and many studies, the reported health benefits include:

1. Promoting Heart Health - heart attack, stroke, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia

2. Increased Brain Function - cognitive decline & dementia, Alzheimer's

3. Helping with  Inflammation & Joints - stiffness & joint pain from osteo & rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms of asthma & pneumonia

4. Decreased Depression & Mood - reduction in depression scores and daily stresses

5. Promoting Healthy Skin - photoageing, esp. elastosis, wrinkle formation & chronological aging, skin disorders like acne & psoriasis

While I can't speak for the actual health benefits beyond what medical professionals have suggested they are beneficial for, I can speak for the experience of taking these supplements, and from that end I am very pleased and would recommend them.

You can check them out and get your own here.

Giveaway
The really cool thing about being able to try this product, is that I get to give a bottle away to one of my readers!  To win, just leave a comment telling us what health benefit you use Omega-3 for:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Deep Cleansing Facial Oil Review

InstaNatural Gentle & Reviving Deep Cleansing Facial Oil

I had heard of oil being used as a facial cleanser, but never really thought it would work.  The idea of putting oil onto my face, which is already prone to break out easily, gave me plenty of hesitation.

However, the opportunity presented itself for me to try a deep cleansing oil, so I thought I would take a chance.  I am happy to say, I am glad (so far) that I did.

Two weeks into using this product, I have yet to notice any breakouts, but instead I am noticing clear, moisturized skin.  Claimed to be a skin and pore purifier as well as a makeup remover, I can only attest to its function as a skin cleanser.  Following recommendations, I applied it to my dry face with a washcloth and then rinsed with a warm, clean washcloth.  Beyond cleaning my skin, it also leaves my face feeling moisturized and soft.

I love that it is natural and free of the chemicals so many cosmetics contain.  The scent is not strong or off-putting as some natural products can be.  A natural product, this cleanser contains the following key active ingredients:
+ Jojoba Oil
+ Olive Oil
+ Lavendar Essential Oil
+ Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil
+ Tamanu Oil
+ Hemp Oil
+ Sea Buckthorn Oil
+ Geranium Essential Oil

With a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, there really is no reason not to try this out for yourself.  You can get your own here.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.