Link'em Up Thursday-12/29-1/5

Link up your giveaways and look for other swell giveaways! 

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Coconut oil for Pets: Why Beneficial?

Organic coconut oil is a fantastic food with a myriad of health benefits. Coconut oil contains lauric and capric acid which are instrumental in helping the body fight viruses and bacteria.  It also increases metabolism, is heart healthy, promotes healthy digestion and so much more.

Interestingly, coconut oil is also beneficial to many animals including cats and dogs.    Many of us pet owners are seeing tremendous advantages in giving this to our beloved pets.

By incorporating coconut oil in your pet's diet they will actually experience much of the same health benefits as humans, specifically all the ones I mentioned above.

 Coconut oil is also said to be a natural remedy for fleas and ear mites.  Yes many have experienced great success at treating both flea bites as well as ear mites, that is if applied externally, however, if taken internally may even prevent fleas.  I recently read that it may even be a preventative against heartworms. I do hope this is the case.

Please notice I used the word "may", however, I did stop giving my indoor cat expensive heartworm medication.  This is a decision each individual needs to make for themselves based on their own research.  Please note that when it comes to proper pet nutrition veterinarians tend to be in the dark.  They are trying to make money and tend to sell some really low-grade products at a premium price.  


Another awesome benefit for us cat owners is that coconut oil will greatly reduce hairballs.  That's right, coconut oil will not only help your cat to easily rid hairballs naturally, but will greatly reduce the amount of hair in your pet's system.

All this proving once again that natural remedies and a healthy balanced diet are the best prevention.

Pretty amazing huh?  So now both kitty and I enjoy a daily intake of coconut oil.

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Instant Pretty W/Exuviance SkinRise Bionic Tonic

SkinRise Bionic Tonic by Exuviance is kinda like a moisturizing toner in the form of individual pads.  The combination of moisturizing properties along with refreshing ingredients; such as grapefruit and Eucalyptus extract, wakes up the skin while giving it a dewy glow.

There are certain ingredients in the product; such as fragrance, that I would prefer to be absent, however, with that said I like the the affect on my skin.

I mainly just use the SkinRise Bionic Tonic on special occasions and one pad can last me three uses. It's also great on those days where I just feel under the weather.

Neostrata is the company behind Exuviance and they are a completely cruelty free company. The products and sources used are free from animal testing as well as animal ingredients.  So that's definitely a plus in my book.

 There's lot of great stuff in the SkinRise Tonic, but it's still not as natural as I would  normally prefer. Overall, Neostrata is a company that appears to have made some positive advancements in skincare.

 I like having the SkinRise Bionic Tonic pads on hand.  As I mentioned I can easily get three uses out of one pad.  The 2 oz jar containing 36 pads is lasting me a while, so it's proving to be a really great value.

If you would like more information please visit Neostrata.com 

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Link'em Up Thursday

Better late than never.  Link up your giveaways and look for other swell giveaways to enter!

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ProFlowers; Best Flowers

I have received flowers from ProFlowers in the past and each time I was always very satisfied.  The flowers usually arrive as buds and then within a few days bloom into lovely petals.  They tend to last longer than average, so you really do get your moneys worth.  See my first review to see how ProFlowers manages to keep their prices so low.

The beautiful bouquet pictured above includes 25 stems of Peruvian lilies, and 100 blooms per bouquet.  The base price is only $29.99,  but you can add an additional $7 for a vase.  I like that you have this option because I find that most households are inundated with vases, so vases tend to be very superfluous.  It's great to get that additional savings.

ProFlowers has a wonderful selection of fresh flowers and gifts at fantastic prices.

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EatSmart; Best Digital Scales

The Precision Digital Bathroom Scale by EatSmart continues to rank high among consumers.  A simple scale that displays an accurate reading every time.  This scale is so precise it will weigh as low as .2 pounds, that's 3.5 ounces.  When you're watching your weight every little bit of weight loss can be of great encouragement.  See my first review.

There are quite a few noteworthy features that set EatSmart digital bathroom scale apart from other digital scales.  Here's a few of my favorite features.

1. 4 High Precision Sensors - Consistent and accurate measurement
2. 3 Measurement Modes: Pounds / Kilos / Stones
3. Graduation Increments of .2 lbs. / .1kg
4. Max Weight: 400 lbs / 180 kgs

I have been using the EatSmart digital scale for quite sometime, however, I did take a break while I went on a 'seefood' diet;)  I prefer to be in an ignorant state when I go on these little lapses.  Of course this does not help the situation.   Now I'm back on track and I've started upping my exercise routine and I'm already seeing results.  It is important that I have a reliable scale so that I can track my results. I also feel that daily weigh-ins really motivate me to keep my caloric intake at bay.

I would strongly recommend this scale, however, if you are one of those people that desires to track more than just your weight, then you may want to consider the EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale.

This digital scale will not only give you an accurate weight, but also your body fat, body water, body muscle and bone mass.  EatSmart also provides a chart detailing what your readings mean.  I was happy to discover that my body fat is optimal.   EatSmart advises weighing yourself first thing in the morning, but to weigh your body fat early evening before dinner for the most accurate reading.

I have priced other similar scales, but found EatSmart to be the most consistent and better priced.  I know I'm happy with both scales.

EatSmart offers fantastic customer service as well as a Satisfaction Guarantee on all their products.  Both scales mentioned come with a two year warranty.

Currently you can find EatSmart Precision GetFit Digital Body Fat Scale on sale for only $54.95 and the EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale on sale for only $28.95.  Visit EatSmart for details.  You may even find better prices on Amazon.com, but they probably don't include the warranty.

Please note: Every time you like EatSmart on Facebook they will donate fifty cents to various charities.  Please visit EatSmart for more information regarding these charities.  



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Gorgeous Gifts, Jewelry and More at Ezistock

Ezistock.com is a site you may want to keep on your radar. They carry Absolutely phenomenal gifts, jewelry, decor and more at incredibly affordable prices.  All the items are straight from Thailand. Ezistock features the most beautiful jewelry I've ever seen in one location.

Find out more why I love this site.  Visit this link.

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Link'm up Thursday-12/15-12/21

Giveaway Thursday linky is completely refreshed, so link up your awesome Giveaways and look for other swell giveaways to enter. 

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Vegan Cats; Is It Possible?

Very few things spur as much controversy as the concept of vegetarian or vegan diet for pets.  Those that choose to adapt their pets to this lifestyle are often met with a level of anger and hostility that would make the world's reaction to the Casey Anthony verdict seem like a premiere of the Muppet Movie.

For all the naysayers and criticizers, there is one important aspect that can't be overlooked, and that is simply that vegan pet owners love animals.  Our love for animals naturally transcends to our pets.  We want the very best for them regarding nutrition as well as satisfaction.  Yes, our pets are healthy and spoiled. 

So I don't want any sub par pet owners regurgitating the same old anti-vegan-pet verbiage that is common to this subject.  Please don't get me started the typical commercial cat foods ya'all are feeding your pets.

The subject of vegan cats became of interest to me after my cat stopped eating his food.  His former food; Newman's Own Organics, is one of the better premium cat foods on the market. Completely organic and free of GMO's, I was completely comfortable giving this to my cat. 

Why would feeding my cat meat be of concern?  There is more than just the cruelty issue when it comes to wanting to abstain from meat.    Thanks to factory farming 99% of meat sold at your local grocery store comes from sickly, genetically modified animals that subsist on a diet of  additives, hormones and antibiotics.  Man's greed is to blame, but that's another post.

You may be able to locate the one percent of family-run-farm fare, however, this is not so easy when it comes to pet food.    The costliest premium cat foods are made with factory farmed meat as well as fillers. 

So it is any wonder why more and more folks are choosing a vegan lifestyle for themselves and their pets.  The real question is not if cat's can be vegan, but rather can cats obtain the needed nutrients on a vegan diet.  So far in my research the answer appears to be yes. 

Many people assume because feral cats primarily eat birds, mice and insects that they must retain a carnivorous lifestyle when they are domesticated.  The problem with that line of thinking is that cat foods are made primarily with cows, chickens, turkey, and fillers such as corn, rice, etc., not exactly the natural diet of your typical wild cat.  Throughout the years domesticated cats have adapted to this very diet.  The key word being adapted.

What about certain nutrients that cat's need that is found in meat, such as taurine?  During the rendering process meat loses taurine, thus all taurine found in pet food is synthetic. 

Remember, your typical house cats are not the same as their larger counterparts such as lynx and pumas.   They may require more protein in their diet than perhaps dogs or other animals, but who's to say they can't achieve these dietary requirements without meat. This is why the argument that cats are obligate carnivores is weak.   Considering where most domesticated cats acquire their protein I feel it's safe to say that a cat's protein requirement can be fulfilled on a meat free diet. 

There is, however, a caveat, please note this is not an easy task..and it may not be suitable for all cats.    Mainly because this subject is still in it's infancy and very few people have taken on this challenge.  There are, however, testimonials of folks that have fed their cats a strictly home-made vegan diet for years with great success. 

Making your own vegan cat food ain't easy and it's not something I care to take on, thus I have been researching the few vegan cat foods on the market.  When I say few I literally mean three.

In my discoveries I have come across a highly reviewed company located in Italy that produces a vegan cat food called Ami Cat.  Appropriately named because vegans love their pets and want them to be healthy and happy.  Ami Cat has been around for a while and appears to be one of the best vegan cat foods on the market, but I can safely say that any vegan cat food is most likely better for your cat than your average commercial cat food.

I like that Ami Cat is natural and free of GMO's,  dyes and artificial preservatives.  It is completely balanced to meet all the nutritional needs of cats.

Ami Cat has done their homework and it's no surprise that most cats thrive on this food.  From what I understand they are popular in Italy and a few years ago became accessible in the states thanks to Vegan Essentials.com.

 I purchased a sample of Ami Cat via Vegan Essentials.com.  It was important that my cat like the food, I'm obviously not going to feed my cat something he doesn't like to eat.  I am incredibly pleased that he liked Ami Cat.  He's not on a complete vegan diet because he also likes wet food and there's no Ami wet food for cats.  So he basically will get little family farm white chicken meat, Ami Cat and of course his treats and lets not forget a can of tuna once a week.  I realize though his basic nutritional needs are being met by Ami Cat. 

I can say that Ami Cat is meeting his nutritional needs because he seems satisfied, content and not constantly crying for food.  The two weeks after he stopped eating his former food, I  was basically giving him white chicken meat until I found something suitable.  This was a tough period because he was always hungry, now after he eats he is sated and ready for a nap or extremely playful.

The important thing is to take cues from your cats, are they happy, healthy? The tell-tale signs will reveal themselves in you pet's health.  Perhaps a partial vegan diet may be more beneficial for your pet.  Either way Ami Cat Vegan Cat food is fantastic and I am confident that most cats can thrive on Ami Cat.

As far as purchasing Ami, Vegan Essentials is the only place I feel comfortable endorsing.  They also offer the best price on Ami Cat cat food and they are working on bringing the price down even more for late 2012.

Ami Cat isn't cheap, but my cat eats less of it than other foods, so it's lasting longer.   Also keep in mind that from time to time Vegan Essentials offers discounts or coupons, so it may be a good idea to sign up for their newsletter

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CheapesTees; Dressing for Less Never Looked So Good

A while back I was sent some rather fine apparel from CheapesTees.com. I was so excited with everything that I received that I wanted to get actual images of me wearing the items. Well unfortunately I am packing on a few extra pounds and considering the camera adds weight I felt it best to lose the weight before I had the pictures taken. The problem was that I kept procrastinating losing the extra pounds and then time got away from me.

On a positive note I did start dieting; or more appropriately watching my caloric intake, two weeks ago and now I am really close to my goal.

Regardless of my weight loss accomplishment; or lack there of, I am pleased to be reviewing CheapesTees. As the name suggest you can find Tees; and more, at the lowest prices. This includes name brands such as Champion, Adidas as well as organic and eco-friendly apparel for the whole family.

Organic & Eco-friendly apparel

When it comes to organic cotton you can expect to pay a premium price, however, the 100% organic selection at CheapesTees is very affordable.

I love the Bella Ladies' Stretch Yoga Pants  pictured below and they are currently my favorite workout pants. They're very flattering and comfortable. They normally retail for $40, but at CheapesTees they are only $22.94. A 43% savings is not too shabby.

CheapesTees is a family-run company that values customer satisfaction. They stand behind their products and offer a sixty-day money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase. They also offer free shipping on orders over sixty nine dollars. So it may be a good idea to stock up and save.    

To learn more visit CheapesTees.com

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Nicole Scherzinger; X Factor Judge or Politician

If you have been tuning in this season to X-Factor then I'm sure you'll agree that this show is spectacular. As far as competitions of this venue go it is simply the Cadillac while American Idol is the Ford Focus, and the rest are Hyundais.

There is just one little problem and that is Nicole Scherzinger.  Every time she speaks it is as if she is running for office.  I believe Paula may of made that comment after one of Nicole's lame attempts at judging a contestant.    Paula if you said that I couldn't agree more. 

Every nuance, vocal inflection and tear seems calculated and insincere. Every Time she opens her mouth with that politicians cadence I cringe.  Well, after last night's episode it appears the world agrees with me. 

What happened?  Two contestants; both brilliant, were in the bottom two, when this happens both contestants perform for the judges and they proceed to judge the contestants based on that performance.  

If you watch the show you know there are other factors the judges will consider.  The dynamic of the show calls for each judge to mentor contestants, as a result many judges may be partial to their mentees.  Perhaps not the most desirable aspect of the show, but understandable and with a total of four judges, you can rest assured that three judges will vote impartially, well we hope.

Such was the case with last nights show.  Both contestants;  Rachel Crow and  Marcus Canty, were brilliant, however, one out shined the other and had a better track record, that is first time in the bottom two.  This was a no-brainier and this is the very reason the Judges decide the fate of the two with the least amount of votes.  As we learned with AI, sometimes the best don't always generate enough votes, often due to people assuming they're safe. 

Nicole in her over-dramatics refused to exercise this protocol and as a result the best was sent home.  At only 13 years of age, Rachel Crow is simply beyond-her-years amazing.  Lets have a look at who Nicole sent packing...

Like I said this was a no-brainer. Nicole appears to be more fixated on challenging Simon than giving honest critique of the competition.  This is why it's no surprise that Rachel was one of Simon's mentees.  My advice to Nicole would be to remember that you are a judge in a competition and not running for office. X-Factor is not a platform for you to outshine the other judges, but to give honest critique of the talent.   Simon is not your component or running mate, but rather a fellow judge.  Work with Simon and not against him and all will be golden. Or perhaps this ain't your thing and it's time for you to be sent packing.

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Link'em up Thursday is here 12/8-12/14

Giveaway Thursday is here kids.  If you have giveaways or would like to enter some really cool giveaways check out my  Giveaway Thursday linky list.

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Novica; More Best Custom Gifts

When it comes to receiving gifts many would agree that it's not the gift that matters, but rather the thought behind the gift.  This is true of course, but I have to admit some gifts convey that 'thought' a little bit better than others.  This is why I prefer to give gifts that are truly unique and special.

I actually have two picks for Best Custom gifts.  Novica is the second that I'm featuring and it is very similar to my previous pick; Ezistock, in that it's fairtrade, that is it provides a venue for artist and artisans from different countries to connect with the consumer.  See my first review

    Novica does just that, they provide a platform for talented artist and artisans from around the world to share their work and in turn make a better living.  We as consumers are then able to shop as if we were in these amazing countries.    The concept is simply brilliant.  

As you scour Novica you will simply be enamored at the vast cultural productions.  Everything from  women's ponchos, sterling silver cocktail rings as well as a lovely selection of pendant bracelets can be found at Novica.

With every item you are given the artist's name and a brief biography, this is an element that really adds to the experience.

Edmundo Contreras is the artist behind this goegeous chest,  Edmundo was born in Apurimac. and specializes in the andahuaylino (Andahuaylas) style.

"I've exhibited my work at arts and crafts fairs, and in 1995 took first place in the Concurso Internacional para América Latina y el Caribe, winning the UNESCO Prize. One of my proudest moments was receiving the Vizcardo & Guzmán Medal as a master artisan, awarded by the Peruvian Congress in 2002"-Ednumdo Contraras

On Novica's website you can find a more detailed biography of each artist.   Whether you are buying a gift for someone you love or perhaps yourself, you will find something truly special at Novica.com  

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Nutra Sonic; Best Sonic Cleanser

My pick for best sonic cleanser is the Nutra Sonic Cleansing Brush by Nutra Luxe.  Nutra Sonic cleansing system often flies under the radar, yet it consistently receives the best overall ratings.  I have been using the Nutra Sonic Face Cleansing system for close to a year and I find it to be indispensable.  See my first review.

The sonic technology behind Nutra Sonic works to thoroughly cleanse skin of makeup, dirt, oil and residue.   In fact the Nutra Sonic Cleanser is so effective it removes 6 x's more makeup than a manual cleaning methods.

Some of the features that set Nutra Sonic Cleansing brush apart from the competitors is it's four oscillation speeds, including:

• Low Frequency - Sensitive Skin
• High Frequency - Normal Skin
• BODY Brush Speed - All Over Cleansing
• Jitter Mode Pulsating Oscillation - Microdermabrasion

The Nutra Sonic is also very durable, like I mentioned I have been using this for just about one year and is spite of the fact that it dropped several times it's still is working perfectly and the brushes hold up extremely well.   The price is also VERY competitive, approximately $50 less than its direct competitor.

The entire brush on the Nutra Sonic ooscillates up to 400 times per minute as opposed to just the center.  I also really love having a Microdermabrasion mode as well as a body brush.  So you are really getting more bang for your buck.

Now,  If you are looking for something that is even more affordable then I would highly recommend the Nutra Sonic Companion.  I have been using this for a couple weeks and I love it! 

This travel-friendly sonic facial cleanser has two speeds: low frequency for sensitive skin and high frequency for normal skin.  The Retail value is $75, but you may find it cheaper on HSN.   Many people who purchase sonic cleansers just want to clear up acne and improve skin tone and may not desire the extras, if that is the case you will be very satisfied with the Nutra Sonic Companion.  I'm glad I have both, but if I had to choose one I would pick the companion. It's nice to have both, but again the Nutra Sonic Companion does the job and is more affordable.

Regardless of your preference, Nutra Sonic is very deserving of my ever so humble award.

To learn more visit Nutra Luxe.net  You can also find Nutra Sonic on HSN.

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Sound+Sleep; Best Sleep Sound Machine

As a result of suffering with chronic insomnia I've learned the import of creating a peaceful, tranquil environment at night.  Outside distractions can infringe on your sleep which is a bad thing considering  our bodies need quality sleep to function properly.  I have been using a white noise machine for quite sometime, however, I have also been in the market for a sound machine that produced varied quality sounds.

Sound+Sleep; Sleep Therapy system, is the only sleep sound machine that I have come across that produces quality sounds.  This machine not only effectively mask outside noises, but the quality of the varied sounds actually induces sleep.    This is why Sound+Sleeps receive my humble award.  See my first review.

Some of the features that make Sound+Sleep patented technology stand out from the competition is the quality of the sounds.  Unlike other machines that I've looked at in the past the sounds were low quality, static-like and irritating. On the other hand  Sound+Sleep sounds of a have a rich and realistic quality. You will actually feel as if you are near a fireplace, water fall or that it is raining outside.  It took me a while to realize that it probably wasn't actually raining outside, that says a lot for the realism effect.

Another point is that the sounds of these other machines don't turnover, but rather are repetitive. Quite frankly this can be very annoying.  Fortunately Sound+Sleep contains lengthy recordings of actual sounds. This is quite refreshing.

Sound+Sleep; Parent tested Parent
approved Winner

Sound+Sleep also adapts to your environment.  Just say there was a sudden noise; dog bark, talking, thunder, etc.,  Sound+Sleep automatically raises the volume to block out these outside noise.  Also note that everything is adjustable, even the red On Button can be turned off as to not cause a distraction.

Sound+Sleep also offers ten sound options as you can see above.  I really love them all except the white noise and that's only because I'm so over plain white noise.

I love my Sound+Sleep! I realize from my first review that many people like myself can not sleep in pure quiet.  Much of the reason is because outside noises are more noticeable when it's completely quiet; if that makes sense.  Another reason is that we need something to lull us to sleep, Sound+Sleep does this beautifully.  This is an excellent Sleep inducer that can help you to achieve a  decent nights sleep. 

At the moment if you sign up for Sound+Sleep's newsletter you can receive a Sound+Sleep for only $99.95 the normal price is 129.99,  so that's approximately 25% off retail.   To learn more  visit  soundofsleep.com.



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Heads up if you entered my last two giveaways

You may already know that Google + is the wave of the future.  Google hopes that Google + will be on par with Facebook.  That may very well happen one day, but at the moment it's not quite there yet.

I've decided to remove 'following me on Google + as a mandatory entry'.  For those of you that are already following me on Google + you can give yourself and extra entry via the Rafflecoptor entry form.  I realize to do this you will most likely need to submit another mandatory entry.  You will not be disqualified, however, I would appreciate the heads up so I can easily delete the extra mandatory entry.

The giveaways are for the Avanti Flat Iron from Flat Iron Experts and the $100 Gift Certificate from Ezistock.com
Thanks all!

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Link'em up Thursday

Link up your giveaways and look for other giveaways to enter!

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