'Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite' by Albert Bierstadt

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. 

2016 had a less-than-ideal start for me, hence the reason that I haven't posted an update since the end of January. On the night of my previous post, my father died unexpectedly. With all the hardships that I've experienced in my life, I have never known a pain like this. Little by little, I'm picking up the pieces. 

When FramedArt.com asked me to review a piece framed traditional decor, I welcomed the opportunity. I moved into a new home toward the end of 2015 and need some pieces to liven up the walls, which mostly stand bear.

This is what I chose: 

Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite in my dining room

  

A closer look at the painting that I received. Do you see the deer?

The painting is Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite by Albert Bierstadt, one of the best North American landscape painters. Bierstadt is known for his glorious, luminous landscapes of the American West. He participated in journeys related to the American Westward Expansion the was one of the first to capture iconic western landscapes. His paintings of Yosemite in the early 1870s helped convince Congress to pass the Yellowstone Park Bill in 1872, making it the first national park in the world. Congress even purchased one of Bierstadt's paintings. Unlike Van Gogh, Bierstadt enjoyed the popularity of his works during his lifetime. 

Here are some other paintings by Bierstadt:

Rocky Mountain Landscape; Source: Wikipedia

Among the Sierra Nevada, California; Source: Wikipedia

The painting that I selected has "Museum Quality Glass." This means the glass has a protective coating that blocks up to 99 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which would otherwise fade the print with time. Choosing this type of glass adds to the framed art's expense, but it ensures that it will look great for a longer period. The frame and mat give the print a touch of elegance that complement the hand-finished details in my dining room. All in all, I'm happy with the product that I received.

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review.

Copper Mugs are Cool

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

When guests come to my house and they help themselves to any beverage, they bypass all the fancy glassware that I own. Instead, they reach for my copper mugs. Why? They tell me, "It just looks so cool." They're right. Copper mugs are cool. In addition to looking great, they're great at keeping drinks cold.

Inspired Basics gave one of their hammered copper mugs to review. Check it out:

While you can use any type of cold beverage in a copper mug, these are popular for Moscow mules. Check out this recipe.





I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

New Year's Resolution: Learn to Dance

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

I spent most of 2015 in a cast with a broken foot. While this sucked, I was fortunate enough to not need surgery. This year, I'm getting on my feet and learning how to dance. I already know basic salsa and merengue, but I'm not that good at them. I'm that person on the dance floor who just goes with the rhythm ...or tries to.

DanceCrazy recently let me try its Ballroom Dance Mastery System and Dance Lessons Starter Kit -- Swing Dancing, Salsa Classes, Merengue & Bachata videos. Check out my video review:

What is your New Year's resolution?



I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

Natural Insect Killer

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

For the last few weeks, I've been using the Killer Green All Natural Insect Killer on my indoor and outdoor plants. I like the idea of using a natural bug spray, especially on my indoor plants because I don't want to make the air in my home toxic. Also, my cat sometimes likes to nibble on my plants, so I don't want to use something that will make her sick.

Check out my video review to learn how the All Natural Insect Killer did to control fungus gnats.

 

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

SAMe Benefits and Dosing

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

  

Diagram of a SAMe molecule; image from Wikipedia

When you tell a doctor about symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, many are too happy to pull out the prescription pad. What prescribing antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, what doctors fail to emphasize are the horrible withdrawal symptoms that many patients experience when trying to stop the medication, even when tapering down their doses. For some, the withdrawal symptoms are so severe that they resort to believing that they’ll be on the medication their whole life.

SAMe for Depression, Anxiety or Stress

S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe (pronounced sam-ee) is a molecule that the body produces from the amino acid methionin and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for several of its functions. SAMe molecules in the body support methylation as they donate part of themselves to the tissues and organs in the body to promote cell repair and growth. It also helps the body maintain adequate levels of glutathione, an antioxidant. In individuals with an MTHFR mutation, naturally occurring SAMe in the body may not function as well as it should. 

In addition to cell repair and growth, SAMe forms important compounds in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. When taken as a supplement, SAMe may help relieve symptoms of depression. According to MentalHealth America, many clinical trials have found SAMe to be as effective as some forms of antidepressants. Unlike prescription medications, SAMe does not produce unpleasant side effects or withdrawal symptoms if miss a dose or decide to stop taking it.

Other conditions that SAMe helps relieve the symptoms of include chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, liver disorders and some neurologic disorders.

How Much SAMe to Take

The amount of SAMe to take varies by person. It’s always best to start at a low dose and then taper up until you notice results. For example, start with a 200-milligram dose twice a day for a few weeks. If you’re your symptoms do not improve, take the supplement three times as day. Continue to taper up the dose as needed every few weeks. Work with your doctor to determine the best way to start taking SAMe.

When taking SAMe, take a vitamin B complex with it to avoid a buildup of homocysteine molecules.

Because SAMe can make you feel energetic, it’s best to take it earlier in the day. 

For the best absorption, take SAMe supplements with an enteric coating on an empty stomach. 

ALWAYS talk to your doctor before taking a new supplement. Keep in mind that SAMe may not be appropriate for those who take MAO inhibitor antidepressants or those who have bipolar disorder.

My Experience with SAMe

I recently had the opportunity to try BoostCeuticals SAM-e. Each capsule in the bottle has 500 milligrams of SAMe. I was interested in trying SAMe to help my body detox, as I have an MTHFR mutation. 

The first thing that I noticed when I opened the bottle was the smell—it smelled like rancid milk. I contacted a representative from the company about this issue and was told that the smell was natural because SAMe is sulfur-based. I have suspicion that capsules do not have an enteric coating, but did not confirm this with the company. The Whole Health Chicago website recommends that individuals take SAMe supplements that have an enteric coating. 

Instead of following the direction of taking two capsules three to six times a day, with a meal, I started at 500 milligrams once a day for a week and then tapered up to two pills a day. Most experts recommend that you take SAMe on an empty stomach so your body absorbs it better.

Unfortunately, I cannot say that I recommend the SAMe supplement from BoostCeuticals. For one, I did not notice a difference in how I felt while taking the supplement. I also feel as if the company should provide instructions on how to safely start taking SAMe if they are first-time users to prevent homocysteine toxicity. In addition, so many resources say to take SAMe on an empty stomach, so I’m not sure why BoostCeuticals says to take the supplement with a meal.

I am not a doctor or a medical professional. If you experience symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety or other conditions, discuss them with your physician. In addition, talk to your doctor about supplements of interest to learn how to take them safely.

 




I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

Sweet Little Boxes

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

I just moved and find myself using small boxes for everything to reduce clutter. I don't want to use any ol' boxes, though. I want to use some that add to the room's decor.  These embossed nested boxes from Valdler are perfect. I've reviewed a handful of Valdler's products and have liked them so far.

The wooden boxes have faux leather-type of material surrounding them with images of embossed flowers. The hardware is like oil-rubbed brass, which looks nice. The larger box houses my rock collection, which includes petrified wood, agates and pyrite. The smaller box holds loose earrings. They both look great on my dressing table.
 


I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com. I received one or more of the products mentioned above in exchange for review from Giveaway Service website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. (https://www.giveawayservice.com/p/e1a4a3e1/f5e2f9a0) (c3f8e6a3c8b1) 

Origami is Cool

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Origami is one of my favorite things in the world. It is fun, relaxing (most of the time) and versatile. It also has everyday applications. For example, scientists use origami to fold airbags into cars and to fold satellites that go into outer space.

Recently, the Orchid Origami Paper company sent me a pack of origami paper. This is a huge pack of paper with 500 sheets that are 6 inches square. In the origami world, folders call this type of regular paper kami.

Here are some of the things that I made with it:

Basic origami lotus with leaves on a barrette

Origami lotus with leaves on a barrette

 Learn how to make an origami lotus flower on my site Aspiring Folder.

Origami stationery; design by Michael LaFosse

Origami panda

These items were all simple to fold and fun to make. With a pack of 500 pieces of paper, you could make ornaments to fill a whole Christmas tree.



I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

Golden Paste and Golden Milk Recipe with Turmeric

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

In the past, I’ve tried turmeric powder (the spice from the supermarket) and turmeric capsules to naturally reduce pain and inflammation. From my experience, turmeric powder works the best. Now, you can just sprinkle a bit of turmeric on you food to get the full effect. You should have about 1 teaspoon of it in the form of golden paste. I find that it tastes great when you make golden milk.

Golden Paste Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup ground turmeric (look for an organic product that has high levels of curcumin
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil or coconut oil

Preparation:

1. Add ½ cup of turmeric and 1 cup of distilled water in a stainless steel saucepan.
2. Heat the ingredients over medium heat and stir until a thick paste forms. This can take up to 10 minutes.
3. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of pepper and ¼ cup of olive or coconut oil to the paste and mix well.
4. Allow the mixture to cool.
5. Store the paste in a glass jar. (Turmeric will permanently stain plastic containers.)

Golden Milk Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of warm milk (I like a mix of whole milk and cream, but you can use any type of dairy or non-dairy product)
• 1 teaspoon of golden paste
• ½ teaspoon of almond or sesame oil
• Honey, maple syrup or the sweetener of your choice to taste

Preparation:

1. Add the ingredients to a mug and stir until the golden paste dissolves.
2. Enjoy.
   
   

The Best Turmeric Powder

If you’re in a pinch and want to make golden paste, but don’t have organic turmeric available at your local store, go ahead and make it with the turmeric powder that you find. I’ve done this and found the plain turmeric to be quite helpful. 

When shopping for quality turmeric, look for an organic product that has at least 3% percent curcumin. I recently tried the OrganicTurmeric Root Powder by Iza Organics. This product has 5.8% percent curcumin, the most I’ve ever seen in a ground turmeric product. The spice comes in a re-sealable bag and a nice wooden spoon. When you order the turmeric, you also receive a complimentary e-book with recipes. 

While the turmeric powder may seem pricey, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. A small bag will last you a while.  

 

 

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

An Honest Product Reviewer Giving an Honest Product Review

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

I like to wear earbuds with built-in microphones when I use my cell phone. They allow me to be hands-free, which is important when I'm on the phone with clients and need to type or write. FSL gave me the opportunity to review its Xylem Wood Earbuds.

The earbuds look nice, as they're made of wood. The wood does not seem that strong, though. When I removed the plastic tip to replace it with a smaller one, I noticed that part of the ear bud was broken. Fail. The cord also seems to tangle easily. Fail. The tips, regardless of the size, fall out of my ears. Triple fail.

The only wins with this product is that the sound quality is okay. The earbuds also come in a nice pouch.

At least the earbuds have a three-year warranty so I can replace this broken pair.




I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

Trying a New Workout

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

I spent about eight months in a cast with a broken foot. It was a pretty sedentary eight months. Soon after I received the "all clear" to go cast-free, I signed up to review the Air Bar Exercises workout video, volume 1.

Air Bar Exercises are low-impact. Basically, you do exercises while holding a stick. I used a 40-inch dowel that measured 40 inches in length. The point of using the bar is that it promotes good posture and engages your core more. By itself, the bar weighs about 1 pound. When you're working out, it sometimes seems as if it weighs 30 pounds because your muscles get tired.

My results, some baby abs

With the Air Bar Exercises program, you're supposed to workout six days a week for 60 days. I have a problem, though. I get bored. Doing the same thing every day makes a 60-minute workout seem as if it is 2 hours long.

What I do like about the video is that there are two people in it, so you get different angles, or views, of the exercises. This helps me make sure that I'm doing it them correctly.

My biggest gripe about the Air Bar Exercise program is their lack of an online presence. At the time of publication, the DVD has a website, but all of its social media accounts are suspended or deleted. Personally, this doesn't give me much confidence.

All the Right Equipment

As I worked out, I also tried the Aleratec Multi-Tier Swivel TV Stand. The stand has three tiers, but I felt as if the stand was too short. I had to look down too much when I worked out. I did find, however, that the stand is the perfect height when I use it as a night stand with my air mattress.

Here is my video review:

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

Product Reviews Don't Always Go as Expected (or, My Cat Has Other Plans)

My extremely photogenic cat

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

I love doing product reviews. I especially like when I can review pet products. Sometimes my cat really likes a product, sometimes she hates it. This time, she's not cooperative.

The product in question is the Window Mounted Cat Bed by Pets and More. The idea is that you assemble the cat bed, mount it on the window and your cat loves it.

My cat had other ideas. She did anything but sit on the bed while it hung from a window. I tried it on a bunch of different windows, too. The most success I had was after I mounted it on a sliding glass door; she sat under the bed. She also sat on it when it was on the floor.

Not my cat

The window-mounted cat bed itself seems good. The first product that I received came with a broken pipe and the stitching along the bed was too tight, so the non-broken pipe didn't fit through it. I contacted the seller and they sent me a new bed without any problems. The new bed was in good shape. My cat didn't care.

Cats never care. Cats are jerks.





I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.

Ergonomics at the Office

I received the following products in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. This post contains affiliate links.

As a writer, I spend a lot of time sitting. I should probably do the standing desk thing, but standing is too distracting. It makes me want to move. If I'm moving, I'm not writing.

Even though I sit all day, sitting can take a toll on the body if you don't practice good posture and ergonomics. I've learned this the hard way (even though I knew better). Here are some tips to help you sit pretty and remain pain-free as you work at your desk.

Graphic from MySpringDay.com.au

Office Ergonomics

1. Keep your ears aligned with your shoulders. Doing this will help you keep your spine straight. As you align your ears with your shoulders, remember to draw your shoulders back so they're not rounded.
   
   
2. Keep your feet flat. Crossing your legs un-aligns your hips, which can cause back problems. It also reduces circulation. Keep your feet flat on the floor and you knees bent at a 90-degree angle. To facilitate this, you may need an adjustable foot rest. Foot rests aren't just for short people. I'm 6-feet-tall and feel more comfortable when I prop up my feet.
   
   
3. Get some extra support. It may be difficult to find a chair that feels comfortable all the time. If you have pain in your lower back, you may benefit from using a lumbar support pillow. If the chair has a wide back, a soft decorative couch pillow may provide you with the support you need at a reduced cost.
   
   My main problem is tailbone pain. Yeah, sitting is literally a pain in the butt. I have a cheap office chair. On it, I use a dining chair pillow and an orthopedic coccyx (tailbone) pillow. My old was flat and on its last days when Okwu Comfort sent me its Coccyx Orthopedic Pressure Relief Seat Cushion. The pillow uses memory foam, which is shaped in a manner that keeps me off my tailbone as I sit. I think the pillow feels nice, but I still use the seat cushion under it. One thing I've notice since doing my video review is that the foam is really squishy. It seems to squish almost flat, but it still feels comfy.
   
   
4. Move. Get up and stretch. Shrug your shoulders up and down. Go for a quick walk, even if it's just up a flight of stairs. 

Click to enlarge; Image from Cleveland.com

I received the products mentioned in exchange for an unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that I receive a small commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase through Amazon.com.