It isn't too late for YOU to make a "delicious change" - keep reading to find out more about the Water Way Challenge, my reasons for doing the challenge, and links to the posts I did for the two weeks i was on the Challenge:

I've been trying to become healthier recently. It started this past autumn when my nurse practitioner who always has an easy answer to my woes told me I had to lose weight. Huh, not such an easy answer. Through both diet and exercise, I lost weight. Of course, novelty wears off, and the tools I used pre-gluttonous holiday season became less attractive after the lefse and pumpkin pie. Fortunately, I didn't fall completely off the wagon, but various stressors like my eldest son's behavioral roller coaster and my youngest son's surgery have left me grabbing vending machine fare and perceiving that I don't have time to exercise.

Luckily, I've found some great camaraderie in the exercise department thanks to some online pals. Unfortunately, I still reach for my trusty diet cola before, during, and after my workout.

I'm not a coffee gal. Nope. First thing in the morning, I grab a soda. About twenty minutes later, I grab another. Bored at the computer? Hey, let's have a soda! Driving my kids to gymnastics or soccer practice? Better pack a soda!

It isn't funny how much soda our family goes through.

In my mind, I reason "Better to drink a calorie-free soda than to munch on chips!" and yet I know that my dentist would tsk-tsk the carbonation and my nurse practitioner would tell me, "Hey, caffeine dehydrates you - so not only are you making your workouts less effective, but that whole peeing problem you were telling me about... yeah." And then there is that little thing about all those aluminum cans that pile up in our recycling bin.

I've had great success with powdered drinks that I can add to my water, stick in my favorite aluminum bottle, shake, and take with me. I was doing great with drinking more water until I realized my powdered drink had expired several months ago. Oops! And so, when I learned of the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge, I was eager to get back on the powder and cut down on the pop.

For the next two weeks, I'll be reporting back here on my progress. You'll learn what flavors I received from Crystal Light, and which I like the best. You'll watch to see if I end up drinking more water (of course I will because you'll cheer me on!) or whether I'll stick by my more-than-a-six-pack a day habit on the cola.

The best thing about the Water Way Challenge is that you can be a part of it too. Join the conversation by joining the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge Group at BlogHer. I'll be posting there too, so say "hello" over there as well as right here. Head on over to Crystal Light to make a delicious change. Test your "water wisdom," create your own Water Way Challenge Widget (like mine above) and even register to win a prize.

Join me - it is going to be a great start to the summer for us all to stay hydrated and healthful!

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* Crystal Light Water Way Challenge
* Blogher's Water Way Challenge Group
* Crystal Light official site

It is time to reveal the first flavor of Crystal Light that I received for my participation in the Water Way Challenge -- pomegranate lemonade!

Doesn't that sound delicious?

Last week I received four flavors in the mail - two are canisters that make entire pitchers of Crystal Light, and then two boxes contain individual packets that can be used "on the go." My original plan was to try one of the "canister" flavors first, because I wanted to travel from the flavor that I thought I'd like "fine to good" up to the flavor I thought I'd like "great to excellent" and also "use up" the canister flavors in favor of the little on-the-go packets.

I'll touch on "canister versus on-the-go" later during the Challenge as I actually try out both types, but my initial reaction to on-the-go is that it seems easier by a longshot (carry one or seven in your purse!) but of course the environmental impact of the packaging is greater, and likely the cost is higher. Meanwhile, the canister would be useful for a party, but maybe not as useful if I am preparing a single drink.

And so my plan was canister today - and then on-the-go a little later in the week. But, best laid plans tend to go awry. I had quite a challenging day today, so when I came home I wasn't in the mood to measure out the proper amount of canister-powder to complete my drink. I was craving a diet soda (or yes, maybe even something stronger) but definitely wanted to stay on-task with the Challenge. I went directly for the flavor I thought I'd like the most, the pomegranate lemonade. (Yes, I am an emotional eater, and thus, an emotional "drinker.")

Over at the Blogher Water Way Challenge group, some participants were discussing using Crystal Light to make popsicles. (And that there are pre-made Crystal Light popsicles available in some grocery stores.) Indeed, this is a fabulous idea, which made me think of both ice-cubes (mini popsicles, really) and jello.

I don't have any snazzy popsicle molds, but I do have some pretty cool (ha, get it?) ice-cube trays, such as stars and triangles. I thought it might be neat to make some little red stars that I could then put in cold water. (I used already-mixed Crystal Light and just poured it into the molds.) My hope was that the stars would stay red against "clear" water just long enough for me to snap a photo, but they melted extremely quickly. I am not sure whether the melting point was altered by the Crystal Light, or whether the stars just naturally melt faster. After all, the points of the stars create more surface area for the warmer water to act upon to melt, yes? And the stars are much smaller than regular-sized ice-cubes.

The triangles, however, are larger. But since I only filled the stars with Crystal Light today, the "stars versus triangles" or "ice made from Crystal Light versus water" experiment will have to wait until another day. For now, the verdict on the stars is that it is cute, but won't necessarily hold too long. Perhaps if the water was chilled prior to adding the ice, the effect could last long enough for the desired response from the kids.

After all, the Fourth of July is coming up, so it might be fun to have some red ice-cubes around.

I've been happily slurping up the Crystal Light jello I made yesterday - yum! It is really tasty, and I love how I could eat the entire pan and not feel guilty. It is a fun snack that fills me up without costing me calories. (Only five!)

But I admit that the REDness of the jello is a bit strange for me. Just as I was surprised by the rich color of the pomegranate lemonade when I first made it, I am not used to artificial color.

Our family stays away from a variety of artificial and petroleum-based products. I changed my diet when I was a child for hyperactivity-related issues and started it with my older son when it was clear that he is also a live-wire.

I'm not going to pretend that we're 100% organic and that I create my own yogurt or churn my own butter. After all, if we didn't have convenience foods in our house and if I were completely against chemically-enhanced food I wouldn't have signed up for this challenge. It is no secret that powdered drinks contain artificial flavors and artificial colors.

But I've got to be honest - I was surprised when stains started showing up in my sink and on my drinking glasses. I'm just not used to these bright colors.

I'll admit, when the box from Crystal Light arrived, I was a little disappointed to see a big canister of Iced Tea included in my assigned flavors.

I shouldn't have been worried - I really liked the taste of the pomegranate lemonade, but I like the peach iced-tea even better.

Usually iced tea tastes yucky to me. Although I have particular types of tea that I like to drink iced, the instant variety usually leaves something to be desired. Initially, I didn't see the "peach" so was expecting the "straight up tea-tasting" stuff. These varieties can either be too flat - with that taste that the tea was overbrewed - or over-sweetened (especially when "lemon" is involved - yuk!)

But this peach iced-tea tastes just sweet enough to be pleasant, but not too sweet. It is refreshing rather than heavy like some other tea-flavored beverages.

When my mom called me late Friday evening, she asked if we wanted to come over to "do something" for Father's Day. "Oh, of course!" was my reply, but then I told her how our eldest son had a soccer game at 12:30 so we'd have to leave before then.

Oh no, I'd want you over late - for things like burgers!

Mother's Day we get a brunch, or tea. But Father's Day we get to bring out the meat and beer. Not Fair.

And so I began to think about how a pitcher of iced tea is perfectly fine for a book club or ladies luncheon, but somehow not "manly" enough for the fathers. Granted, there are tea drinkers out there who happen to be male, but the stereotype is that men drink coffee while women drink tea. The women (allegedly) want fru-fru brunch, but the men want spice and substance.

What does this have to do with powdered beverages such as Crystal Light?

Well, Crystal Light is most certainly marketed to women. I understand that. I remember the beautiful ladies of the eighties showing how a flavored drink could avoid damage to one's figure, quite the opposite of many other refreshments of the time.

The interesting thing, though, is that now there are powdered drinks out there that are marketed to men as well. And then there are some that are rather gender-neutral. Look in your supermarket and you'll find products that are essentially alike, but in vastly different boxes.

Strawberry juice is something not really found in nature, unless you are talking about a nice sauce over pound cake created with the tiny bit of juice that can be eeked from a strawberry, plus a lot of sugar. Nonetheless, I must admit that the wild strawberry flavor of Crystal Light is really tasty. It is refreshing, not too sweet, and absolutely smooth. (After all, with real strawberries, I end up with black-dotted teeth.)

I've had a blast filling up my sports bottle with the Wild Strawberry Energy Crystal Light because it really is a treat. I have little strawberry candies that I like, and now it is as though I am drinking them - but without worrying about the caloric impact. Interestingly, I just learned that there is such a thing as Wild Strawberry Energy Sugar-Free Crystal Light Hard Candy. I think I know something I'm going to be purchasing soon.

This particular flavor is part of the "energy" line, which contains B vitamins plus caffeine to boost energy. Yes, I said caffeine - so the energy line isn't what you should look for if you are trying to cut down on caffeinated beverages or if you are looking for a drink before bedtime.

By way of comparison, the diet soda that I have in my fridge is 34mg caffeine per 12 oz soda. Wild Strawberry Crystal Light has 60mg caffeine per 16.9oz water (or more if you dilute it a bit.) Huh, no wonder I had enough energy to do my running intervals today.

Don't get me wrong - I love a little caffeine boost. But it is probably best for me to not drink too many servings of Wild Strawberry in one day. No fear, though, because there are plenty of other non-caffeinated flavors of Crystal Light for me to drink once I'm done with my Wild Strawberry allotment.

I easily finished up my 8 glasses of water today on the Challenge -- several were Wild Strawberry, plus I had 20+ ounces of ice water right after I did running intervals. Minus a glass of wine (because alcohol dehydrates) and plus 2 diet sodas, and I'm still ahead.

What? You still don't have your Water Way Challenge Widget? See below and get yourself one - it isn't too late!

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* My introductory post to the Water Way Challenge - which links all the posts I've done while doing the Challenge, and includes my Challenge Widget to show how much water I've been drinking.
* Crystal Light Water Way Challenge official site
* Blogher's Water Way Challenge Group
* Crystal Light official site

Well, I did it: I tried creating a carbonated beverage out of Crystal Light.

You see, I love carbonation. My attraction to diet soda is nearly all because of the bubbles. For awhile, I drank just club soda, but I do prefer some taste. I know my dentist would say that carbonation helps rot my teeth. And the doctor would say carbonation would cause tummy trouble. But I reach for carbonation when I'm feeling ill - I think it settles my stomach - and honestly, drinking tea has had more of a negative impact on my teeth than carbonation has, especially since the sodas I drink aren't the heavy sugar variety.

During the Water Way Challenge I've reached for soda less often than before, but I haven't gone a full day without at least one. I really crave those happy bubbles on my tongue and in my tummy. Interestingly, though, the taste of the soda has seemed a bit "off" recently since I am so used to drinking either Crystal Light or water. But, I chug it down anyway because the carbonation is comforting.

The next logical step was to see if I could create a Crystal Light "soda."

I used Pomegranate Lemonade for my experiment. I put the powder in my glass first, then slowly poured Club Soda down the side so the powder wouldn't explode. Sure, it bubbled up a bit, but didn't expand into a flurry over the side of the glass. After I stirred it up, I tried it.

Verdict?

Today I tried the fourth flavor in my Challenge Collection - Lemonade. Straight-up lemonade. Not raspberry-lemonade. Not mango-peach-lemonade. No flavor added to the lemon to make sure the taste doesn't fizzle. Actual it-better-taste-right lemonade.

Like the peach iced-tea, this flavor came to me canister-style, so I made an entire pitcher. (I discovered less than five minutes ago that the pitcher can actually fit in the lowest shelf of my fridge - I rejoice!)

Let me tell you about lemonade: it is usually too sweet or too sour in my opinion. Getting it right is quite difficult.

I am pleased to report that the Crystal Light lemonade made today tastes good. Initially I thought it was a little watery, but that could be my own fault for just filling up the pitcher rather than specifically measuring out the eight cups of water. But then I realized that after a run, in the midst of the summer heat, or in the car, I'd like something refreshing like this with no syrupy-sweetness. I may try another batch with less water to see if I can get the sweetness just right, but this slightly-over-watered version is perfect for today's weather and for drinking plenty of water!

As I made the lemonade, I realized what the wild strawberry Crystal Light reminds me of -- wine coolers. Of course, that got the gears in my head turning: Could I produce a sugar-free alcoholic beverage using Crystal Light?

One of my favorite treats is a lemon drop martini. And Lo! I had sugar-free lemonade right in front of me. Plus, I had fresh lemons on the counter. Perfect!

I created my sugar-free martini with the following:
3/4 oz Crystal Light lemonade
1 1/2 oz vodka (I saw that I have blueberry vodka in the freezer too, so may try that on the next round)
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
... and then I tasted it, and decided that it wasn't yet sweet enough - too strong. Since traditional recipes use triple-sec, I added:
1/2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice

On my next try, I'll create the Crystal Light with less water to begin with, perhaps half of the recommended amount so as to create a concentrated liquid that will probably work in the martini -- and on a separate try, will do the blueberry vodka to create a different taste altogether. For presentation's sake (and probably for flavor, too) I could try covering the rim of the glass with a sugar substitute.

I'm excited because a big downfall of many mixed drinks is the caloric whollop that the mixers (fruit juice usually) end up packing per drink. Even if I concentrate the Crystal Light, we're looking at 10-20 calories per drink versus hundreds.

Okay, so the truth is that drinking tons of alcoholic beverages doesn't help with the increased water intake promoted by the Water Way Challenge; however in the event that we do drink, it would be great to have lower-calorie versions of party drinks.

What are some other ideas of alcoholic drinks that might be augmented by using Crystal Light instead of a high-calorie mixer?

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* My introductory post to the Water Way Challenge - which links all the posts I've done while doing the Challenge, and includes my Challenge Widget to show how much water I've been drinking.
* Crystal Light Water Way Challenge official site
* Blogher's Water Way Challenge Group
* Crystal Light official site

When I first got the package of Crystal Light products, I figured I would have to run out to the store for a refill. After all, they arrived in a small box. Just samples, I thought, thinking of our bulging cabinets and overflow area in the dining room corner where we keep our drinks.

Surprisingly, even though I drank a lot of Crystal Light during these past two weeks on the Water Way Challenge, I still have plenty of powder left. I am close to being finished with the on-the-go packets (because they are so easy to just grab and go) but the canister-types (peach iced tea and lemonade) both have several powder tubs left, each tub the equivalent of a whole pitcher of drink. In other words: a little powder goes a long way!

Most notably, for the equivalent number of drinks the Crystal Light creates, I'd have huge stacks of soda sleeves in my living room (nope, not enough room in the fridge or kitchen cabinets.) But instead, the powder takes up mere inches of my cabinet space. Carrying around two tubes of on-the-go powder is certainly not as heavy or space-hogging as two bottles of pre-made beverage. While I frequently tote a single large sports bottle with me in my car, I certainly wouldn't want an entire cooler in my car. But with some powder in my purse, I can refill the bottle whenever necessary. This potentially can cut off the "Oh, I need a drink so I'll just go to this drive-thru and spend a lot of money on a fountain drink. Hey! While I'm here, I might as well get a high-calorie snack as well." The motto Be Prepared can be extended to Be Prepared with Powder.

In a way, I am a little disappointed that I didn't use up all the powder -- it would have given me an "excuse" to try some additional flavors of Crystal Light. But, even though my two-week Challenge period is coming to a close, I am not going to stop drinking Crystal Light and more water. I can try out some of the other flavors, special enhancements, and other Crystal Light products as I find them on the shelves of my grocery store.

As for the "volume test?" Well, the amount of space the Crystal Light takes up in my kitchen is significantly less than my previous drinking habits - so that is a big positive. And the amount of water I'm drinking now is significantly more than when I was solely drinking diet soda throughout the day - this is the result that the Water Way Challenge encouraged us to achieve.

Even though my two weeks is up, it isn't too late for you to make a "delicious change" by using Crystal Light powder to dress-up water to improve your hydration. Just see the links below for more information. Especially with Fourth of July picnics coming up, consider serving a pitcher of Crystal Light iced-tea, lemonade, or punch. Or try some Crystal Light jello with fresh fruit inside.

Thanks for supporting me on my Challenge!

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* My introductory post to the Water Way Challenge - which links all the posts I've done while doing the Challenge, and includes my Challenge Widget to show how much water I've been drinking.
* Crystal Light Water Way Challenge official site
* Blogher's Water Way Challenge Group
* Crystal Light official site

Wow, so this is it! I've been drinking Crystal Light for two weeks. I must admit it went by quickly, and I was surprised at how I was able to cut down on soda. I not once went a day without a soda, but I certainly didn't have as many in a day as I was used to.

Typically I would have a soda beside my computer as I write; but instead I have a huge red sports bottle next to me, filled with Crystal Light. Making the switch was definitely not "painful" as I had anticipated. I thought I'd be drinking the same amount of soda, but then adding a bunch of Crystal Light on top of it. But indeed, I cut down on my need for soda because the flavored water satisfied me. As an added benefit, my skin has looked terrific now that it has been hydrated instead of pelted with caffeine each day.

The trickiest thing has been forgetting to update my widget. It seems that I'm drinking so much when I'm away from my computer (in the car, at the gym, outside) that I forget to record my intake. But since I have to refill the sports bottles, I am aware of how much I'm taking in - lots!

Even though my two weeks are up, you can be a part of the Water Way Challenge - the summer has just begun. Join the conversation by joining the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge Group at BlogHer. Head on over to Crystal Light to make a delicious change. Test your "water wisdom," create your own Water Way Challenge Widget (like mine above) and even register to win a prize.

Thank you to BlogHer, Crystal Light, and the fun gals at the Challenge Group - these two weeks have been fun!

If you haven't been reading along during these two weeks, please visit my introductory post to the Water Way Challenge. This explains a bit about why I agreed to do the challenge, and links all the posts I've done these past two weeks.

Other Helpful Links:

* Crystal Light Water Way Challenge
* Blogher's Water Way Challenge Group
* Crystal Light official site

There has been quite a lot of chatter about bloggers' roles in product reviews - apparently some have been sued by manufacturers based on the words they posted - scary! Plus there has been some talk about how "valid" or "honest" the reviews are if they are essentially advertisements or other types of paid product placements.

And so, behold a rather long entry in which I address some of these issues as they relate to me and this particular review blog. This isn't meant to be some grand piece of writing, but rather an entry to "have it all out there."

As a result of the backlash, many of us are issuing little disclaimers on our reviews, emphasizing that either we weren't paid for the review - or disclosing that we were. I've been doing this already, either writing that I received a product or service "free for review" or disclosing whether the review is via the Parent Bloggers Network, Mom Central, BlogHer, or other review program where the client has paid a fee to the organization that then finds reviewers for the product. On the flip side, I typically mention if the review is for a product that I purchased myself - and it impressed me enough to mention here.

Most of the reviews on this site are through one of the aforementioned organizations. I receive products from them, and then post my impressions of those products. In some cases I receive a small stipend ($10-$20) but in most cases my "reward" is the product itself. I am not obligated to post a positive review. But, it should be noted that these reviews are self-selecting: when the call goes out to review a certain product or service, I will not reply unless I already think this product will be a match for our family.

Believe me, I have turned down many products simply because I know I'm not the right person to review them.

Last year, I had the pleasure of not only meeting the Michelin Man - also known as "Bib" * - (much to Jenn Satterwhite's horror) but to learn more about tire pressure and also food. (As you can see at right, my Bib keychain tire-pressure gauge has gotten a lot of use - he's lookin' a bit worn.)

I got to screetch on the brakes on a slicked down track and attempt to maneuver an obstacle course, both with properly-inflated and under-inflated tires. (Check out how the car is tilting - wooo!) I learned my steering wheel grip isn't safe because I "hook over" in such a way that would trap my thumb if the air bag were to deploy.

I learned that I am simultaneously more brave and more scared than I thought I was (about driving, about speaking articulately, about not looking like a fool.) I determined I probably wouldn't make a great reality-T.V. star because I kept looking over at the cameras like OMGomgOMGomg. (Of course, if you are here reading about me to cast me for a reality show, I'm your gal!)

Right before BlogHer last year, I had my tires replaced. I chirped this to the camera, at which point the interviewer asked, "What brand?"

"Michelin, of course" I quipped, before wondering if that was really true. I gave the camera guy a look, then said "Well, Michelin, I think...." Turns out it was true.

After our adventure, we went on a wine-food pairing tasting. Since that time, I've actually noticed when various people talk about "Michelin Stars."

So why I am I reminding you about last year? (Michelin BlogHer Driving Event at Flickr!)

Well, Bib is going to be back this year - He's coming to Chicago! The Michelin Events page has more details, plus a downloadable "Michelin BlogHer Guide to Chicago" - Sweet!

In case you missed it, here is the video of our experience last year:

See you soon, Bib!

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* From the Michelin website :

"The Latin phrase "Nunc Est Bibendum," meaning "Now is the time to drink (or celebrate)," was used as a title for one of the earliest illustrations of the Michelin man, who is shown holding a cup filled with glass shards, nails, and other tire hazards to show that Michelin takes obstacles in its stride (or "drinks" them, in French). The word Bibendum remained to symbolize the now world-famous mascot."

Last after BlogHer, I had the pleasure of hanging out with the Michelin Man (and associated staff plus professional race-car drivers) to learn about tire pressure. I experienced some "closed course" action. It was definitely exciting. I learned quite a lot and was thankful for the experience.

This year I am fortunate enough to go on a plant tour with Ford. I will have the opportunity to discuss "What Women Want" as it pertains to automobiles -- what are YOU looking for in a vehicle?

I know what I want and will be eager to share it with the Ford folks. But I'd really love to hear what your thoughts are as well. I'll be checking comments here, of course, but also tweeting with "#FordBlogHer" - so watch for us on Thursday if you are interested in finding out what we're discussing.

I grew up in one of those homes with a dad who was really in to cars. He loves to renovate old cars, but not the traditional "hot rod" types that some hobbyists lean towards. I learned a lot from him, but more about appreciation of the cars rather than mechanics. (I didn't like an old Porsche he had because I thought it was funny looking and smelled kinda funny - at the time, I didn't appreciate what it really was!)

My dad loves to buy and sell cars. He likes "just looking" even more. Some of my favorite outings with my dad were going to garage sales or testing out used cars. Last year at our school auction, I was one of the few women who really enjoyed that the auction was held at a car museum.

My husband first said "I love you" over the decision to purchase a Ford Escort. (It was purple. We called it "the Grape.") Although it has since moved on as our family has grown, I remember our Grape fondly.

I'll explain a little more about my car-buying history at the actual event - and will recap here.

In the meantime - please jump in with your thoughts and/or join us on Twitter to discuss What Women Want... in a vehicle.

What are YOU looking for in a vehicle?

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Ragu

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When I learned that the BlogHer Reviewers would be trying out some Ragu sauces, I laughed because I had just bought several Ragu sauces to have in my pantry for those OMG-what-is-for-dinner emergencies.

Which is every day.

In fact, the three recipes I tried specifically for BlogHer Reviews I made on nights that I otherwise would have dialed the pizza parlor or gone through a drive-thru. Every. Single. Day. was one that I felt I had absolutely no time to create anything, and yet I did because I wanted to complete an honest review.

And honestly, I'm impressed.

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Sonicare for Kids

I was twelve when I got my first cavity. Until then, I boasted loudly, "I Have No Cavities!" and so it was a real let-down when I finally got one. And then there was the time that I simply didn't go to the dentist for a few years. I blame graduate school. Surprisingly, my teeth were in terrific shape - I think it was because I was using an electric toothbrush. In fact, when I went through another dental appointment drought after having my second child, the hygienist was shocked that it had been so long since I had a professional cleaning since my teeth didn't have the tartar buildup or inflamed gums she would have expected. When I mentioned I use a Sonicare, she nodded and finally believed me.

It was with glee that I accepted BlogHer's invitation to try out Sonicare For Kids. After all, since I had success with an adult electric toothbrush, I figured my kids would enjoy it as well.

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Oroweat

I am a bread person. (Yes, you anti-carbs people better duck.) I can go days where I just eat sandwiches. I eat grilled cheese sandwiches or toast for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, slices of bread with peanut butter or cheese for a snack, and gobble up plenty of bread with my dinner (or hey, I'll just have a sandwich for dinner!) My family is pretty much the same. My husband makes cinnamon-sugar toast as a snack (which my kids will then steal) or will fold a slice of bread over a chunk of chicken. Believe it or not, we sometimes slather bread with chocolate frosting for dessert. It was therefore an easy choice to agree to review Oroweat Dutch Country bread.

Much to my surprise, Oroweat sent not one loaf, but eight to my house. Although I was a bit concerned about how a family of four might get through eight loaves of bread without them getting stale, I need not have been concerned. First off, we have used quite a lot of the bread already - from tasty French toast to a great hamburger-bun alternative. Secondly, the bread has remained fresh and soft since when it arrived. (And no, it doesn't have BHA, BHT, or TBHQ as preservatives; however, it does have other preservatives.)

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Loft.

I am an online shopper. I get nervous in "real stores" and yet I know that to find the best fit, it is important to go to an actual store. After all, sizes vary store to store, and it is much easier to come up with an alternative in the bricks and mortar store. Although online shopping sites have become pretty good at suggesting various "looks" based on the items a shopper views, nothing beats the real thing.

Still, I have had lots of negative experiences in stores where I've either felt pressured by a salesperson or completely ignored because I don't have the right "look" to pull off a particular brand. And so, I purchase things from the comfort of my own home.

As you readers know, I've recently done more by way of exercise. As a result, my body has changed and I am more confident in how I look. Meanwhile, since I work for home and shuttle the boys around in the afternoon, I have amassed a wide collection of rather boring casual clothing (I'm afraid to call it what it is - "the mom uniform") rather than anything even a bit more dressy, trendy, or flattering. It was therefore very easy for me to enthusiastically jump up and down when BlogHer asked me to participate in a LOFT party.

I knew I'd have to step out of my comfort zone to set foot in an actual store with actual employees looking at how I look in their clothes. But, I figured they would have to be nice to me, and I really wanted to learn about what I should be wearing.

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Tom's of Maine.

When I was in Kindergarten, I was put on the Feingold Program, a diet that eliminated artificial flavors and artificial colors, as well as other food additives that can cause behavioral problems in sensitive children. One of the first substitutions my parents made was to get rid of that brightly colored, highly flavored toothpaste that most kids use. Instead, they gave me Tom's of Maine natural toothpaste. Cinnamint became my favorite flavor.

When my son went on the Feingold Program, I was surprised and happy to see that Tom's of Maine had expanded its line to include more flavors and types than those selections available when I was young. (They even have natural mouthwash that doesn't taste like some of those other all-natural products out there.) I was especially excited when BlogHer contacted me recently to ask if my kids might want to try Silly Strawberry Children's Toothpaste.

Silly Strawberry. The name makes me think of kids' toothpaste, definitely. It makes me think of bright red color and artificial flavor. It makes me think of something that kids would think was great, but might not be great for them. But since it comes from Tom's of Maine, I know that it is NOT bright red. It is NOT artificial. Tom's of Maine's Silly Strawberry toothbrush uses calcium and silica to strengthen and polish teeth.Tom's has made a toothpaste that sounds kid-like, but without those crazy things that usually attract kids.

But what matters is what the kids think:

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and DiGiorno.

Jokes aside, portion control is a big deal. We all know the "secret" to losing weight is "eat less, exercise more," but that is easier said than done. Some "experts" recommend using smaller dishes to create the psychological satisfaction of filling up one's plate without truly packing in the calories. The plates that we typically use for a regular meal are several inches bigger than they were in leaner times. (That's "leaner" both financially and physically.) And portion control isn't just about losing weight; it is about maintaining a healthy weight as well.

"Yeah, that's great, Kari," you say, "You can do that plate-trick when making meals at home, but I'm super-duper busy and can't always take the time to cook from scratch." Yeah, I hear you.

Convenience food is typically one of those categories for which portion control is a challenge. Back when "fast food" originated, a hamburger and fries were the size of what is now considered the smallest of meals. Now, such a meal looks puny. Bottled drinks have 2.5 servings-worth of liquid packed inside. And "personalized size" pizza typically has at least three-servings worth of calories.

But not anymore.

I enjoy makeup, but I'm admittedly inexperienced at how to put it on. I can do the standard lipstick-with-mascara look, but adding in things like blush and eye shadow end up tempting fate that I'll end up looking like an extra in an 80's music video. (I already have big hair.) Forget eyeliner, because I'll just look like a raccoon, whether or not I cry.

But for my brother's wedding I had to wear more makeup than usual. Not that "sister of the groom" is a huge role, but as a bridesmaid and someone who old friends would be interested in seeing, I knew I had to look at least half-decent.

Thanks to BlogHer, I received some Mary Kay samples. In particular, I got the "mineral eye color bundle: beautiful brown eyes." In it was a gorgeous blue color that looked amazing in the palette, but I wondered how I could possibly pull it off given that music-video fear. (Seriously, blue eye shadow and me aren't supposed to mix, right?)

But I need not feared. In addition to the proper blending colors, the box itself contained instructions on how to properly apply the colors for the best effect. I added the blush they sent me, and ta-dah! I was set. Both for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding itself, I wore my Mary Kay.

Believe me, I was nervous that I did my own makeup for such a big weekend, but it turned out just fine. I'm definitely glad that the Mary Kay package came in the mail at the right time, because otherwise I would have just put a little blush on my eyelids (since that isn't as noticeable as blue) and called it a day. But, my eyes probably wouldn't have stood out nicely.

I was surprised at how smoothy the shadow went on, and how easy it was to carefully blend the colors together to create a look to enhance my eyes.

Thank you to BlogHer and Mary Kay for taking me outside my comfort zone with positive results!

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Disclaimer: I received some Mary Kay samples through BlogHer's promotional program. Although I was not required to blog about my experience, I definitely wanted to thank them since they factored in to a very big weekend!