Turning the Tables to Get Your Opinions and Advice

I'm pretty good at giving my opinion.  I do it quite a bit on my blog.  But, sometimes, a girl's gotta get some feedback for herself.  There's a few things that I'd like to get your tips and advice for.  Without further ado....

I can deal with the freckles.  Those come out like mushrooms when it's sunny.  It's the redness and bumps that drive me bat crap crazy.

I got the results of my biopsy back for my face.  Good news: It's not cancer or lupus.  Bad News:  It's a skin condition that I can't spell and it still irritates the hell out of me.  In short, my skin hates my skin and wants to attack it.  I've been prescribed meds and creams.  Up until real recently, I haven't noticed any improvements but I think the Hydrocortisone cream is helping.  

I'm not allergic to anything that I know of and I actually take good care of my face by washing it and removing makeup every day.   Some days are worse than others.  Today I don't feel so hideous.  Two days ago I was crying because I hated the way I look.

My question:  Do you have any tried-and-true creams, moisturizers, washes, or makeup that conceals, cleans, heals?

The inside of a Light Box

The biopsy also showed that the skin condition on my elbows is psoriasis.  My elbows are downright ugly and redder than my face.  To help with the face and elbows, I've started Light Box Therapy.  It's like a stand-up tanning bed (or so I'm told...never personally been tanning) but with special lights that radiate ultra-strong rays.  I have to go to the doctor three times a week and stand in the Box for 45 seconds at a time.  I haven't necessarily seen results yet but I'm going to give it a go for the full five weeks.

My questions:  Have you ever had Light Box Therapy?  Pros and cons?  Was it beneficial?  

Have any tips on how to prevent psoriasis flare-ups?

In other news, Jason and I are signing the closing papers to move in our new house May 28th.  We are on a tight spending budget for the next couple of months because of that.  Our current couch is in pretty good condition but stinks to high heaven from pet odors (two cats and a dog).  We've tried several sprays and deodorizers.  They work short-term but the smell always comes back.

My question:  Do you know of a product or home remedy that will get rid of pet odors from furniture? (Getting rid of my pets is not an option!)

Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash

And, last but not least, I've been officially blogging for 10 years!  I've come a long way since back in the day.  (and still have a lot to learn)  I absolutely appreciate each and every one who has been a part of my blog following.  I love the comments and interactions.

My questions:  Do you think blogging is becoming a dying art?  

What keeps you coming to my blog?  Is there something you'd change?

Thanks for helping a girl out!

Organic Whole Fruit Frozen Novelties - Giveaway

Some say you can't have it all, but Whole Fruit has set out to prove them wrong. The results? Whole Fruit Organic Frozen Novelties. It tastes so flavorful that you won't believe it was frozen. Each bite bursts with the intense taste of fruit. Go ahead, indulge in the wholesomeness of organic Whole Fruit.

Gluten free
No HFCS
Non GMO
USDA Organic
60 calories per serving

Organic Fruit Bars Flavors:
Mango
Strawberry
Black Cherry
Blueberry Pomegranate

Organic Juice Tubes Flavors:
Blueberry & Cherry
Grape, Strawberry & Cherry
Strawberry & Grape

Win It!

Seven people will each win seven free product coupons for Organic Whole Fruit Frozen Novelties.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received products for review from J&J Snack Foods.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What to Wear for Graduation This Spring According to SwampButt Underwear

Photo by Good Free Photos on Unsplash

Graduation season stretches from mid-May through June and will test the patience, mettle and deodorant of graduates, faculty, staff and spectators. Most graduates will wear the traditional cap and gown for the ceremony. But what about underneath? Is it possible to look reasonably well dressed after spending hours below a black polyester heat trap named ‘graduation robe’? The makers of SwampButt Underwear believe that it is, even after wearing the most poorly planned garment since the fig leaf. No surprise they recommend SwampButt Underwear for graduates and those in attendance.

No One Will See Underneath, Right?

Do not think that wearing a robe means it does not matter what is worn underneath. Throughout the day graduates will take photos with friends, family members, and classmates.  There are parties to attend with friends before and after the ritual. For those without any friends, maybe going out with family?  Regardless, it’s going to get hot and the urge to doff the giant black pole-less tent of a sauna named ‘robe’ will be too hard to resist. So, plan for the robe-less part of graduation day. Wear SwampButt Underwear Made in the USA style sweat wicking underwear to prevent sticking to chairs, bleachers, benches, stools, vinyl restaurant booths, car seats or any other surface where new grads may park their collective rear ends.

The Garment of Choice for European Monks

The graduation gown evolved (probably) from the monks who wore heavy head to toe gowns and hoods to keep out the cold of northern Europe.  These are completely unsuitable for American outdoor ceremonies in early summer or late spring. Think there is nothing hotter or more uncomfortable? Keep reading.

What If It Rains?

Graduation ceremonies occur outdoors at stadiums to accommodate larger crowds of well-wishers and loved ones. But if it rains, graduates’ and ‘immediate family only’ are relegated to the gym or some other exhibition building. Some are air conditioned, but most are not. “Most of these gyms are too big to cool. Not because it isn’t needed but because it’s too expensive,” said SwampButt Underwear spokesperson and frequent guest for lunch Nick Heraldson. “So, people who really love you will sit and suffer in a gym built right after World War 2 with high windows and those chains that open them that no one knows how to work. The higher up in the gym the worse it is.”  All the while, student/graduates swelter away. Students will sit on the floor of the gym in a metal folding chair, fanning themselves with the program while the dean/principal/student body president/local politician/hired outside speaker drones on about how ‘you are our future’ over a ‘hot’ mike that is too garbled for anyone to understand. “At this point, you will be so uncomfortable you will stop trying to listen,” Heraldson predicted.

Stuck to a Metal Chair

Those wearing traditional cotton underwear will sit and sweat and stink during the ceremonial rite of passage. But those who plan ahead, and wear SwampButt Underwear will be cooler and less likely to stick to their chair when they stand up. “There is no coming back from standing at graduation with the chair sticking to your soggy bottom,” Heraldson said sternly. “Your fellow classmates will remember it forever and remind you of it at every opportunity.” 

About SwampButt Underwear

SwampButt Underwear™ is underwear for guys who sweat a lot and disdain visible butt sweat. Along with most other on line clothing vendors, SwampButt Underwear offers exchanges of unopened packages but will not accept those that have been opened. SwampButt Underwear is trademarked in the U.S. and other countries.

SwampButt Underwear will not make commencement less boring but it will keep wearers dryer. 

Discount Code

Use the coupon code 2019 at checkout for a 20% discount on the purchase of the black, made in the USA Swampbutt Underwear.  Offer is valid through to June 19, 2019.

I will be receiving product in exchange for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Power of Prayer Thursdays - Week 171

Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash

I believe in a God that hears prayers and answers them. I've witnessed the miraculous gift of answered prayer. And, I want to pray for you. I've started weekly Power of Prayer post every Thursday. We are now on week 171.  If you are needing prayer in an area of your life, please leave a comment and I'll commit to pray for your need or request. You can be as general or as specific as you like. Whether it be for healing, salvation, finances, emotions, or another area of life, I'd like to lift it up in prayer.

"For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost."
–Luke 19:10

Wordful Wednesday - Mother/Son Day Trip

Because my kids are older, I don't get a whole lot of quality time with them.  But the stars aligned and Logan and I were able to take a day trip to St. Louis on Monday.  We spent several hours at the St. Louis Zoo, then dined at Olive Garden.

Just like most every other zoo visitor, I took an umpteen amount of pics of the animals.  I'll post them on a different Wordful Wednesday.  

The weather was perfect and I enjoyed spending the day with Logan.

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo from Olive Garden

It was oh-so-amazing!

What's your favorite zoo animal?
Are you lucky enough to have an Olive Garden where you live?  I'm not, so I take the chance when I can.

Many More May Winners

Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

A few of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.

The winners of the PhillySwirl Frozen Novelties giveaway are:
#1, Maryann D.
#36, Carolsue
#10, Christa
#42, Angela Saver.

The winners of the SuperPretzel Soft Pretzels giveaway are:
#26, Monique S.
#5, Kim Avery
#24, lildevilgirl22.

The winner of the We Are the Gardeners children's book giveaway is #1, Kim Avery.

The winner of The Craft of Faith subscription box giveaway is #2, Nancy Bowers.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered.  Be sure to enter my current active giveaways, listed at top left hand side of my blog.  There's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Check It Out: Savings.com #SamsSummerSavings Giveaway

Savings.com is having another giveaway!  This time, they're away 5 Sam’s Gift of Membership gift cards to promote the member savings found at Sam's Club on grilling essentials from Tyson.  Giveaway ends on Monday, May 20th at 11:59 PM PT.

While you’re waiting to find out if you’ve won, check out all the Grilling Essentials from Tyson, available at Sam’s Club.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.