Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness by Ellen Sarver {Book Review}

Every woman goes through menopause in one way or the other - but yet it's a "hushed" topic.  The symptoms and the effects that it can have on each woman and their family can be so devastating.  "Shmirshky: the pursuit of hormone happiness" by Ellen Sarver Dolgen ,who goes by the pen name "E", brings this topic to the table in a format that is not only fun and easy-to-read but very informative.

At the age of 37, I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) - Early Menopause.  After just having had our first child the previous year, and about to try for another child - we were given this shocking news.  At the time, it was quite devastating.  I had been diagnosed with postpartum hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's disease), an autoimmune disease, which the doctor's feel is what ultimately caused the POF.

Given the circumstances, I can't honestly say I went through perimenopause and menopause the traditional route.  I have been very fortunate to have just had some mild symptoms of menopause.  But with my hormone's constantly in flux, that's not to say I can't and won't experience more of the profound effects of menopause.  I believe having read this book will make me more aware of what is going on in my body.

Shmirshky discusses some devastating real-life experiences women have gone through.  Also, it raises awareness of what are "normal" symptoms or what may be due to some other issue such as thyroid disease.  Finding a doctor who is well educated in perimenopause and menopause is highly recommended in order to get the right treatment for you, and not just a "cookie-cutter" type of treatment.

E's big motto throughout the book is "reaching out is in, suffering in silence is out."  I highly recommend this book to all women.  Not only will it give you insight as to what changes to expect, or are already experiencing with your body, but will help you to better understand what others may be going through.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

groOrganic.com - Garden Planner {Review}

Since having our first child, almost 8 years ago, we have gotten a lot more aware of pesticides and other toxins in our food (and household consumables) which has made us want to live an organic lifestyle. Having said that, living in such a fashion can get rather expensive.

Over the last couple years we have tried to expand our garden more and more with organic fruits and vegetables. That is why I was super excited about being given the opportunity (through Tomoson.com) to review groOrganic.com 888-947-6674. Not only am I new to growing organic fruit, vegetable and herbs...I am new in general to that type of gardening.

The Association of Certified groOrganic Gardeners is dedicated to the education of the public concerning organic gardening, self sufficiency, and the health benefits of eating organically grown produce. The National organic gardening company has a growing list of fans and customers, thanks in part to the "Slow Food Movement" and its devoted supporters, and word-of-mouth generated by people all over the country. Even Hollywood celebrities have generated a lot of buzz for groOrganic, many of whom enjoy their own groOrganic gardens and are excited about the prospect of having their very own organic produce in their yards. groOrganic has been featured in articles, blogs, and on the television shows “The Biggest Loser”, “Keeping with Kardashians”, “Tori & Dean, Home Sweet Hollywood”, and “Access Hollywood”.

I would definitely recommend this site for anyone interested in organic gardening. Once you have your account set up - you can set your location which will then set your frost dates.  It has an excellent (and easy) design program to lay out your gardening area. When you have the actual dimensions of your garden laid out in the program, you can then start selecting fruit and vegetables that you want to grow in your garden.

As you click on each item (vegetable, fruit, herb) it will give you a lot of important information for your sow/plant/harvest times, how much spacing to keep between the plants and distance between rows. Also, the program identifies plants and fruits that are in the same family and, if available, a good "companion" fruit, vegetable or herb.

GroOrganic is offering access to their Garden Planner FREE for 30 days! No obligation, no payment information necessary, NO STRINGS ATTACHED! Get ready for Spring now by designing your garden on your own groOrganic Garden Planner. Just email your request for a FREE 30 day trial with your complete name and address to FREE30daytrial@groOrganic.com

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

BrytonPick - Floss In Seconds Review

I was very excited to be given the opportunity through Tomoson to review BrytonPick - Floss in Seconds which is an interdental cleaner and an alternative to flossing.  It utilizes a germ-resistant stainless steel cleaning strip that is reusable up to 30 days.  One of the many benefits of BrytonPick is that it is supposed to be very advantageous for those who wear braces.  Having worn braces for years and now have permanent retainers I was eager to try these since regular flossing is very laborious with the retainers.

I have to admit that, although I did have a little difficulty with getting it between some of my teeth, I was very pleased with the performance!  And, although the BrytonPick did not go all the way through my teeth below my permanent retainer, it did fit between my teeth which I felt was great to slide it down between my teeth down to my gum line.

I am not so sure about it lasting for 30 days though.  I think it depends on your teeth and how tightly they fit together.  Some of my teeth are a pretty tight fit so the steel part of it did get rather beat up after just one use.

The BrytonPick comes in a variety of colors, is discreet, comes in a handy little pouch so you can keep it in your purse - or even your wallet, and is easy to use.  The directions are easy to follow.  The pick is boom-a-rang shaped so there is a great natural curve to use it in your mouth in the front and sides.

I would definitely recommend the BrytonPick as alternative to dental floss not only for its effectiveness but also for its discreetness and reusability. 


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and the Tomoson weekly featured sponsor Favorite Wigs - Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Forever Young Wigs, and other Quality Wigs. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.