Kate, The Blog Diva

Archive for July, 2012

My fiance and I decided to hit the beach yesterday seeing that it was SOOOO hot here. It has been in the high 30′s all week, and although that is not that hot for some of my American and International friends, it’s HOT for us here in Canada!!

I packed up a wonderful lunch, full of fresh fruit, veggies, coconut water, and our favorite floaty. We were then off to our favorite beach.  =-)

Normally our favorite beach is never this busy, but it sure was packed yesterday. All that hot weather brought people out in swarms.

As I was just getting ready to work on my tan, I looked over and noticed Mamma and her Ducklings swimming near the shoreline. I jumped up right away grabbed my camera. I only had mere minutes to snap this picture before Mamma steered her babies out into the lake. Aren’t these little duckling  just precious? I just love nature.

I never get tired of the view when I’m at the beach, its so beautiful and peaceful. I had to take a picture and share it with you all.

Ok, now don’t laugh too hard. ..Here’s a snap of my WHITE LEGS!!! *LOL * …I manged to get a tan on them before the day was done, so I’m feeling better about them now. *grin*

Here’s another picture of the of the beautiful scenery that I had to share with you. The sky was so blue that this picture does not do it justice. The  water was so crystal clear.

I hope you all enjoyed my pictures, I know I sure enjoyed my afternoon at the beach. I’m going to hate it when it starts getting cold here in a couple of months, so I’m going to get out there as often as I can over the next month.

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Parabens are chemicals that serve as preservatives in antiperspirants, cosmetics and sun lotions.

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Zevia : (Stevia Based) Cola  Review

If you are like me, and have been searching for ZERO CALORIE soda that is NOT sweetened with synthetic sweeteners like aspartame, I have just the drink for you! ..I had no idea that there was a soda on the market that was sweetened with Stevia (as well as very small amounts of the natural sweetener  Erythritol).  When I found out about Zeiva, I jumped at the chance to try out their entire line of soda. – My oh my, these are GOOD! Read on, and I’ll tell you which flavors I liked best!

Spreading The Good Soda Word.

Zevia Cola:  Zevia Cola was every bit as good as any of the name brand colas. The color, and carbonation is very comparable, and the Cola has only very slightly different taste from the other big named sodas. – I loved this!

Zevia Lemon Lime Twist:  Zevia Lemon Lime Twist tasted wonderful. The perfect blend of lemon and lime that made my taste buds go WOW! The Lemon Lime Twist was not overly sweet, or tangy, it was JUST right.

Zevia Orange:  Zevia Orange tasted just as it should, like orange soda! I REALLY enjoyed the Zevia Orange soda, it has become runner up to my favorite flavor!

Zevia Black Cherry:  Zevia Black Cherry had a nice and subtle flavor of cherry, and I did not find the cherry flavor to be overpowering. I like cherry so Zevia Black Cherry was very yummy and it was not too sweet. My fiancee thought is was  “just alright.”

Zevia Grape:  MMMMMM…Zevia Grape soda is yummy. Zevia Grape soda has a subtle taste of grape, and it is NOT over powering like almost all other brands. I mean that, it is nicely subtle. Zevia Grape pop is also clear, so it doesn’t look purple.

Zevia Ginger Ale: Zevia Ginger Ale was not bad. I only wished there would have been more of a ginger taste to it. I also found that the soda was a little flat and did not have the carbonated “pop” to it that I had hoped for.

Zevia Cream Soda:  Zevia Cream Soda tasted pretty much like the name brand cream soda, just not as sweet, and not with the pink color added. I like Zevia’s cream soda and would defiantly drink it again.

Zevia Ginger Root Beer:  Oh yeah, who’s your daddy?  This IS the absolute “bomb” when it comes to Root Beer drinks! Zevia Ginger Root Beer tastes absolutely AMAZING! I think I’m in love with this drink. Ginger Root Beer tastes better than any name brand root beer I’ve ever tasted, and is the overall WINNER! In fact, I have never really liked Root Beer before, but thanks to Zevia, my mind has now changed. The Zevia Root Beer was the BEST of the bunch! I have gone out and bought many a six-pack of these since reviewing these.

About Zevia:

The Z team is made up of soda-loving people. We grew up drinking classic soda flavors, and turned away from them for health reasons. So making naturally delicious, healthy versions of the familiar favorites we grew up with, without sugar, is our top priority. We make soda the way it should always have been.

For me, the Zevia story started with my conversion from a “sugar junkie” to a Stevia fan. About 11 years ago, I quit sugar cold turkey in an effort to upgrade my health. I thought I was a health-conscious person – I exercised frequently, consumed meat in moderation, and consumed natural and organic products whenever possible. But when I really looked at my diet, I found I was consuming up to 250 grams of sugar per day, between protein shakes, energy bars, juice-based spritzers and other foods and beverages. That’s about 1,000 calories a day, just from sugars.

My wife and I decided we needed to make a change. We began using Stevia as a sweetener, and to this day, my family uses only Stevia in our household. Stevia has given us an alternative without negative side effects, and has kept us from feeling deprived in our sugar-free lifestyle. It’s had a tremendous impact on how we feel every day, and I’m confident it’s benefiting our long-term health.

What is in Zevia?

At Zevia, we feel it’s not just our business, it’s our responsibility to tell people that there’s a better way. We’re passionate about stevia, and if we can make the soda category– and the world – better with our product, that’s a very meaningful contribution.

Stevia is a small shrub that is a member of Asteraceae family of plants, more commonly referred to as the “sunflower family.” The scientific name for stevia is stevia rebaudiana.

The stevia leaf contains a number of very similar compounds or steviol glycosides that are all sweet. The best tasting of these is rebaudioside A. In its highly purified form, it has sweetness between 250 to 350 times that of an equal weight of sugar.

I would like thank Zevia for giving me the opportunity to review their pops.

If you are interested in checking out Zevia’s pop further, I have included their website and facebook links below for you. It pays to “like” Zevia on facebook, they often have coupons  and specials posted!

Zevia Cola:  http://www.zevia.com/cola
Zevia Lemon Lime Twist: http://www.zevia.com/lemonlimetwist
Zevia Orange: http://www.zevia.com/orange
Zevia Ginger Root Beer: http://www.zevia.com/rootbeer
Zevia Black Cherry: http://www.zevia.com/blackcherry
Zevia Grape: http://www.zevia.com/grape
Zevia Ginger Ale: http://www.zevia.com/gingerale
Zevia Cream Soda: http://www.zevia.com/creamsoda

Zevia’s Website: http://www.zevia.com
Zevia’s Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ZEVIA
Zevia’s Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/zevia
Zevia’s Blog: http://blog.zevia.com
Zevia’s Youtube Page: http://www.youtube.com/user/Zevia

Disclaimer: Zevia provided me with free samples of their products to review, I was under no obligation to review them. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free products. The opinions expressed are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.

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Kate, The Blog Diva’s Book Review Of “Heartbreak Trail” (5 Stars Out Of 5)

After hearing about the gold rush going on in California, Joseph Schneider tells his wife Lucy to pack up her belongings and leave everything behind, because they are going West to strike it rich in California. Lucy does not want to trek across the country and leave her sister and father behind, but whatever her husband says she must do. There is going to be so much death, arguing, and treacherous terrain ahead for Lucy and her wagon party. Will Lucy endure, and make it to California, or will she return to Boston? This is going to be a trip that will change absolutely everything.

Shirley Kennedy writes a captivating story of perseverance and dedication. The love that Lucy has in her heart and perseverance will have you wishing that Lucy was your friend. This book is absolutely fantastic and is worth the read. When I read this book I had no idea how much I would fall in love with it. The detail is amazing. I applaud Shirley for writing such a vivid and moving portrayal of what the early settlers must have experienced, so good in fact, that you will feel like you are amongst them. Please pick up this book and read it. You will fall in love with reading “Heartbreak Trail” just like I did. Marvelous job Shirley.

Click Here to Visit Shirley Kennedy’s Website Or Purchase this book from Amazon.com

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Isn’t this little guy the cutest little thing you have ever seen? Awwwww.. is all I can say.

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Maxim Hygiene: Super Organic Applicator Tampons,  Ultra Thin Winged Pads Overnight & Organic Cotton Swabs Review

I have always wanted to try organic feminine hygiene products, and when I came across Maxim Hygiene I immediately contacted them to try their products. I was sent three products to try out, Hygiene-Super Organic Tampons, Natural Ultra Thin Winged Pads Overnight, and Organic Cotton Swabs. I was really excited to try these out since I have a bad reaction to chlorine that developed from swimming for so many years in a chlorinated pool. Almost all feminine hygiene products on the store shelves today use chlorine bleached cotton, and it turns out after reviewing these products, THAT was why I was always experiencing HEAVY cramps and irritation. If you have chlorine sensitivities, or want to move to more “natural” products (that do not contain harsh chemical ingredients), you’ll want to keep on reading!

Don’t Let Your Period Cramp Your Style…Keep it Soft, Safe and Natural.

Maxim- Hygiene-Super Organic Applicator Tampons:

My Findings:  I really liked Maxim- Hygiene’s tampons for several reasons. Maxim tampons are not bleached, they contain no fragrances, and they use only organic Chlorine free cotton. The applicator is also biodegradable, so it’s gentle on the environment. I did not experience any discomfort or irritation while using these, unlike the non-organic tampons that I have used in the past. For me, the Maxim- Hygiene’s tampons worked fantastically! I will never go back to the chlorinated version.

Maxim- Natural Ultra Thin Winged Pads Overnight:

My Findings: These babies are also made from organic cotton. They were very light, so I hardly noticed that I was wearing a pad, a big plus! Some pads can be irritating and uncomfortable, but not these. I also did not feel itchy or experience a rash unlike with the non-organic pads I have used for years. The only downside about these pads were that they were a bit short. I wish they would have been a tad longer.

Maxim- Organic Cotton Swabs:

My Findings: These cotton swabs are every bit as good as the popular brand. They have lots of cotton at the tip, and you would not be able to distinguish a difference between the two. They are nice and soft, and will not leave your ear all itchy after you use them. They cotton swabs are made from organic (non-chlorinated) cotton and are biodegradable. A great product for those with sensitivities to chlorine like me!

About Maxim Hygiene:

Maxim was developed after twenty-five years of manufacturing and distribution experience in the feminine hygiene industry, held by company Founder, Kenneth Alvandi. His extensive work on every angle of the business, values for producing quality products, and having three very special women in his life (his wife and two daughters), led him to his vision of taking his years of experience ‘to the max’ by creating safer and more natural products for women.

Inspired by her father’s vision, Rebecca teamed up with Kenneth for Maxim’s official launch in 2008, and since then they’ve been working to change the face and feel of feminine hygiene with Maxim, a Soft, Safe and Natural alternative to conventional feminine hygiene products.

Are Maxim Hygiene Products Natural?

Maxim is a Softer, Safer and Natural Alternative to Standard Conventional Feminine Hygiene Products. Maxim products replace harsh chemical ingredients found in your every day products with the beneficial qualities of organic and natural cotton. In doing so, Maxim products address and resolve major health and environmental concerns associated with the use and production of conventional feminine hygiene and cotton products.

I would like thank Maxim Hygiene for giving me the opportunity to review their Hygiene-Super Organic Applicator Tampons, Natural Ultra Thin Winged Pads Overnight and Organic Cotton Swabs.

If you are interested in checking out Maxim Hygiene’s Hygiene-Super Organic Applicator Tampons, Natural Ultra Thin Winged Pads Overnight and Organic Cotton Swabs further, I have included a links below for you.

Hygiene-Super Organic Applicator Tampons: http://www.maximhy.com/products/048-maxim-organic-cotton-cardboard-applicator-tampon-super-chlorine-dioxin-synthetic-free.html
Natural Ultra Thin Winged Pads Overnight: http://www.maximhy.com/merchandise/067-maxim-natural-cotton-sanitary-pads-nighttime-wing-ultra-thin-heavy-flow-menstrual-napkins.html
Organic Cotton Swabs: http://www.maximhy.com/merchandise/064-maxim-organic-cotton-swabs-q-tips-cosmetic-makeup-polish-remover-baby-ear-irritation-free.html

Maxim Hygiene Website: http://www.maximhy.com/
Maxim Hygiene Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maximhy
Maxim Hygiene Twitter: https://twitter.com/maximhy

Disclaimer: Maxim Hygiene provided me with free samples of their products to review, I was under no obligation to review them. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free products. The opinions expressed are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.

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“I tried being normal once. It was the worst five minutes of my life”

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Just as I promised in my previous rose post, here is a picture of my Pink Rose called “Rosa.”

This rose bush has done amazing this year, I have so many blooms on it. This time last year I think I only got five blooms total.

Look for my upcoming post of a picture of my Black Bacarra rose bush. I have been so excited about this rose bush, I just can’t wait to see my black roses in full bloom. I just checked earlier today and I have six blooms starting on it already. Woot Woot!!

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It’s been so hot here lately that I thought I would buy Priscilla a cute bikini so she could look good while relaxing in the hot weather with her mom (also in a bikini).

We have been at 34-38 Celsius here, that is 93-100 Fahrenheit for the last week, and it’s been very humid as well, so it just adds to the heat. With all this heat that we’ve been having, I’m starting to get a little worried that there could be forest fires here soon.  -YIKES!

…I sure hope you all are trying to stay cool with all of the hot temperatures across Canada and the USA.  Stay cool my friends!

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Foamy calls Tech Support (Tech Support Episode One)

If you have never heard of Foamy The Squirrel, you are missing out. This is one of my favorite Foamy The Squirrel videos. It’s an oldy, but a goodie!

In this video Foamy The Squirrel calls tech support for help with his computer and ends up flipping out on a tech support agent from India.

Sit back and get ready to laugh your ass off when you watch Foamy The Squirrel.

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KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics: Minnk Pigment, Latte Pigment, Cafe Au Lait Eye Color Shadows,  Radiance- All Over Face Color, and Soulmate Sparkling Lip Gloss Review

KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics offers a great selection of mineral based makeup for the girl who likes to use natural makeup without all the harsh chemicals that are in most of today’s cosmetics.  I was very excited to try the makeup that KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics sent me to try out, and my findings are below.


Your Secret to Beautiful Skin!

KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics “Minnk Pigment, Latte Pigment and Cafe Au Lait Pigment”- Eye Color Shadows:

My Findings: All three eye shadows that I received looked amazing absolutely amazing on my eyes. These eye shadows are vibrant and have a hint of sparkle in them to give that sexy diva look to your eyes. I also liked that when I put the eye shadows on, none of the eye shadow fell into my eyes like some of the other mineral eye shadows I’ve tried in the past.

KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics “Radiance-All Over Face Color Powder”:

My Findings:  I’m so impressed with the Radiance- All Over Face Color powder! I loved the way this powder made my face look. It gave me a nice glow, and healthy look to my face. I also loved how my face actually felt silky smooth all over. This will be one of my now favorite makeup pieces in my makeup collection. I really think all women should have KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics All Over Face Color powder in their makeup collection. Give it a try, you will LOVE IT!

KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics “Soulmate- Lumi-shine Sparkling Lip Gloss“:

My Findings:  I love lip glosses, I use them all the time and I especially loved Soulmate- Lumi-shine Sparkling Lip Gloss. I liked how it looked on my lips. I also loved how my lips looked plumper and sparkly when I applied this lip gloss to them.

I wore KmS Mineral makeup to my cousin’s wedding and received lots of compliments on how natural my makeup looked. They also commented on how much they loved the color of the eye shadow I was wearing.

About KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics:

KmS was born in 2007, and was created to fill a void in the marketplace; making it possible for women of all ages with sensitive skin to be able to wear mineral makeup. The KmS cosmetic line is derived of pure natural mineral ingredients. Free of irritants, such as Bismuth Oxychloride, an ingredient found in the majority of mineral cosmetics today, our makeup is the perfect choice for those with sensitive skin, and skin conditions such as Acne and Rosacea. Our loose mineral powder ingredients are pure and simple: Zinc Oxide, which properties promote healing of the skin, Titanium Dioxide, which provides a natural SPF along with sweat proof properties, Mica, which provides a smooth application, Iron Oxide, which gives our cosmetics their color, and Kaolin Clay, which has excellent oil absorbing properties.

What is in KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics?

KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics are free of Bismuth, parabens, talc, fragrance oils, glutens, chemicals and preservatives. Irritant-free, our products are the perfect choice for all skin types, making it the best mineral makeup for Acne or Rosacea. Our makeup offers superior coverage, is incredibly long wearing, waterproof/sweat proof and protects your skin with natural SPF protection. It’s what makes KmS the best mineral makeup on the market today.

I would like thank KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics for giving me the opportunity to review their Minnk Pigment, Latte Pigment, Cafe Au Lait Eye Color Shadows, Radiance- All Over Face Color, and Soulmate- Lumi-shine Sparkling Lip Gloss.

If you are interested in checking out Minnk Pigment, Latte Pigment, Cafe Au Lait Eye Color Shadows, Radiance- All Over Face Color, and Soulmate- Lumi-shine Sparkling Lip Gloss further, I have included some links below for you.

Minnk, Latte and Cafe Au Lait- Eye Color Shadows:
http://www.kmsmineralessentials.com/Mineral_Eye_Shadow_Pigments_p/shadow_pigments_sh.htm
Radiance- All Over Face Color:
http://www.kmsmineralessentials.com/All_Over_Face_Color_p/all_over.htm
Lumi-shine Sparkling Lip Gloss:
http://www.kmsmineralessentials.com/Sparkling_Lip_Gloss_p/lumi-shine.htm

KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics Website: http://www.kmsmineralessentials.com
KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/KmS-Mineral-Essentials-Cosmetics/63025586696
KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/KmSMineral

Disclaimer: KmS Mineral Essentials Cosmetics provided me with free samples of their products to review, I was under no obligation to review them. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free products. The opinions expressed are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.

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Who thought Squirrels could look so darn cute? Here are some really adorable Squirrel pictures for all of the animal lovers out there. I hope you all enjoy looking at these cute little fellas. =-)

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