Gluten, Lactose, GMO free ice cream

Details: Arctic Zero has Ice cream bars, and Ice cream pints. Arctic Bars are 85 calories per bar. Arctic Pints are under 150 calories per pint.  Both are gluten, fat, GMO, and sugar alcohol free.  Made with Lactose Intolerant, low glycemic and type 2 diabetic people in mind.  Made with 8 grams of fiber, 14 grams of whey protein, and contains only organic and natural ingredients.  You can find Arctic Zero on Facebook and Twitter, as well as request product request forms to give to your local grocery store to ask that Arctic Zero be sold there.

There will be a sponsored Giveaway hosted on Mom's Thumb Reviews.

My Review: When I got this ice cream I was so excited about what I was getting.  My children were super excited about all the dry ice it was packed in.  But as I started eating I was quickly surprised by the taste.  It wasn't strong, it wasn't overly sweet, and it wasn't bad.  So I had to pass out the ice cream to family to see what they thought.  The only problem for me, was that I had to wait for family to come so I could pass out the ice cream.  So I waited a few weeks for the family members who especially have dietary restrictions to become available so that they could test the ice cream.  This testing was very fun, and surprising.  Here is the conciseness of having 10 people test these flavors out:
Arctic Bars: Strawberry: only 3 people enjoyed.  Orange: 10 people enjoyed.  Vanilla: only 4 people enjoyed.  Chocolate: 10 people enjoyed.

Arctic Pints: Strawberry, Coffee, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Vanilla Maple: only 3 people enjoyed.  Mint, Cookies and Cream: 7 people enjoyed.

With the 10 people who tested the ice cream those who didn't enjoy the ice cream (whether in bar or pint) really love sugary items, have a major sweet tooth, and or enjoy the "finer" tasting foods.  Of those who did enjoy the ice cream, the bars were really good because of these factors: the dark chocolate coat, the softness once the ice cream thaws, the texture of the ice cream, and the lack of sweetness and sugar.  Of those who enjoyed the pints, it was the same, they don't like super sweet ice cream, and or super sugary ice cream.  This ice cream was eaten by people with and without dietary restrictions and those with the restrictions found this ice cream to be perfect!

I personally found that this ice cream though not all the flavors were enjoyable (I loved the mint and cookies and cream, and the bars) that this didn't make me sick, or hurt my stomach after eating.  Though I have not been diagnosed with any dietary restrictions as of yet.  This was still the easiest ice cream for my body to handle, and that I really loved.

Pros: amazing in all aspects

Cons: it doesn't contain tons of sugar, and is organic so there will be people who won't like it.  But you won't know unless you try it.

My Rating

Good Feet Arch Supports

Details: Good Feet Arch supports can offer the comfort, balance and alignment you need to get you out of pain or keep you from ever experiencing foot pain, back pain, knee pain, hip pain and more.  They offer versatility and are designed to provide immediate comfort.

Review:  I was approaching a week long excursion where I would be doing a lot of walking.  I was prepared and brought 2 pairs of walking shoes.  One pair was more comfortable than the other, so obviously I planned the longest walking days with that pair of shoes.

Prior to any full length day of walking, I was able to attend a seminar regarding back pain.  I made sure I was there.  I do have lower back pain, and lately it rolls over to my hips.  It gets bad to where I can't sleep at night, but I'm not willing to take pain pills or see a dr. because I know what those outcomes would be like.  Instead I try to do specific back exercises which usually help.

During the seminar, I learned how posture is so important in walking, sitting, etc., to help relieve back pain.  Nothing new, just a great reminder.  All attendees were asked to stand with their hands cupped behind their backs.  Then someone came along and pushed down into our cupped hands with theirs, and everyone toppled over.  That was something.  It was due to improper posture.

The seminar continued to explain that if we had proper support from our base, which is our feet, we would not topple so easily.  We would stand erect, our gait would be natural, back pain, knee pain, hip pain would be eliminated.  This was sounding good.

Next we each walked on a piece of paper that recorded our footprint.  This showed where the pressure points were focused on our feet as we walked.  It also helped to determine which set of Good Feet Arch supports would work best for each person.

After being fitted for the arch supports, with the arch supports now placed on the floor, and our feet on top of them, we did the test again with our hands cupped behind our back.  Only those who didn't get fit properly toppled this time.  Adjustments were made, tests redone, and wahlah.  Everyone was good to go.

One man at our seminar was actually scheduled for back surgery after our excursion.  We saw him a couple of days later, and he was so impressed with the Good Feet Arch supports that he was cancelling his back surgery.  I walked many miles and up to over 10 hours of walking some days without a single problem with my back or hips, like I had previously experienced.  My husband didn't really have back problems, but he said after wearing them the first day, he couldn't believe how he wasn't tired from walking.  He later played a softball game wearing the inserts, and still no problems.  In fact, he was running so fast that he actually out ran the guy on base in front of him.  These things really work.

If you are experiencing any kind of back problems, be sure to find a Good Feet store near you and get fitted for the best shoe inserts available.

Pros:  These are wonderful for my feet.  I transfer my pair to each pair of shoes I wear.  They can be worn with sandals, but not recommended unless you use more than the Velcro strips they provide. If I know I have a lot of walking to do, I make sure I'm wearing these.  I don't wear shoes in my house, but I am looking into getting a pair of "house shoes" just to keep these inserts under my feet throughout the day.  Usually when I do a lot of walking, my legs will swell up.  They have not swollen up at all when I use the Good Feet arch supports.

Cons:  These are very expensive.  My husband and I had cancelled a tour we were planning on for various reasons, mainly because of the reviews we read about how many people came away with severe back injuries.  The cost of that tour actually covered our soul inserts.  So yeah, very expensive.  But, on the other hand, my back and hips have never felt better as long as I am wearing them.  I never had problems sleeping on those long days of walking using the Good Feet supports, like I would have otherwise.  So for me, despite the cost, it was well worth it.

My Rating:  A big Thumbs UP for comfort, my back and hips not hurting or legs swelling when walking, and still be able to sleep through the night without any discomfort.  A Thumbs Down for price.

Motor skill toys for children

Details: First Time: My 1st Teach Time Gift Set. Made for children 12 months and older.  3 toys in one package.  Learning as they play.  Shape sorter: 6 shapes.  Stacking Rings: 4 rings and a Teddy Bear top.  Stacking cups: numbered 1-5.  All sets of toys are in happy bright colors.  No noises, no lights, no batteries. $7 at Big Lots.





My Review: My 3 year old son got this for
Christmas last year.  He had so much fun playing with these toys.  Even at age 3, he had a ton of fun with these toys for about 7 months.  The stacking cups were great, because his older brother used a set for school time, and playing kitchen.  The stacking rings were fun, but the Teddy bear head didn't fit very well, so that was put away for most of that time.  The shape sorter was the hardest toy for my 3 year old to do on his own.  Even as the Mommy I had a hard time getting the top off the bottom to get the shapes out once they were put into the toy.  This is definitely a none name brand play set of toys, are sold at an amazing price, this is good, not great, but good.  Of the 3 toys, the stacking cups were the best.  They have a little hole in the bottom of each, so even in the tub or pool these are great toys.  

Pros: love the bright colors, love the simplicity of the toys, and the stacking cups are fun

Cons: the shape sorter is too hard for even a 3 year old to play with alone, the Teddy head didn't really fit or stay on the stacking rings.

My Rating: thumbs up for great price, and a good product, but thumbs down to the not so kid friendly shape sorter, and not very child entertaining stacking rings Teddy bear head that doesn't work

Finding Monsters

Details: Finding Monsters YA book by Liss Thomas.  Missy has been sick with cancer since she was young.  Now that she is dying, she is thinking more about how good her life has been, trying to drown out the voice that keeps telling her what she has missed out on.  What if just this once, since she doesn't have much longer to live, she gives into this voice, and listens.  What if that voice belongs to something living. What if that voice is non other than the monster under her bed.  What if monsters are real, and you just keep finding more and more.

My Review:  I love reading great books, YA, included, because they are usually more fun, more light, and the creative powers it takes to entertain a teenager, is a lot more than what it takes to entertain an adult or child.  But that's just my option, from my own experience growing up reading non stop.  Liss Thomas wrote this book very well.  In fact, after I finished I was reading some of the notes, and she says when she first wrote this, that it was intended to be a short story series.  That really made me excited because I really want to write a short story series for younger children.  But then I continued reading her notes and she was told by a great agent that there just isn't any interest in short story series. Which was a big bummer, but if she can turn a short story series into a great novel, then there's hope for me too.

Finding Monsters is an amazing book.  I love the details.  When it comes to my personal opinion, details count big time.  I want to see each character, and feel their emotions.  A reader should be so sucked into the book that they feel like they surface just to get air, food, and go to the bathroom before diving back under for more.  This isn't at all what I expected to read, it was better.  Just from the title I knew it meant monsters under beds.  So the twist put on that was unexpected, beautiful, and exciting.  I'm so excited for the next part of this book, its going to bug me until Liss is finished with it.

Pros: great story line, great characterization, amazing details.  I love the lesson of what was once weak, is now strong.  I love the lesson of Cancer can't get me down!

Cons: none

Disclaimer: 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.
                                                              My Rating 

Award Winning Children's Book on Happiness

Hugo The Happy Starfish, The Secret to Happiness by Suzy Liebermann. 

This book is pretty amazing, and is even printed in 7 different languages! Hugo is a cute little starfish. He sometimes finds his life to be a little dull. Tired of feeling sad, one day he sets off to find happiness. After much searching, he discovers something that makes his heart do a somersault! Sharing with others is the only thing that makes him truly happy; all other things just made him feel better for a little while.

My Book Review:  

The cover flap not only gives a brief description of the story, but I like how the author also discusses character development.  She introduces Spanish words, ecological alertness and life skills through the underwater sea world creatures.

I've always wanted to learn Spanish, and still have a hard time with that.

I like how Suzy Liebermann has a couple of pages at the end of the story to draw about specific topics that her books focus on.  She also includes a website for more games, fun and information. Hugo The Happy Starfish.  Her book is a Best Books Award Finalist.

Regarding the story itself, the one thing I particularly did not like was right after Hugo had discovered this treasure and bought all he wanted, after a year his sadness returned.  Hugo visits his magical friend the Manta.  His wise friend tells Hugo to be happy forever, he needs to "Just share with others!".  This part I didn't have a problem with.  The following is what urked me.  "Hugo thought for a while.  Then he had an idea:  I could share my heart with others."  Now sharing your heart and serving others is truly what will make you a happy person.  I truly believe that. However, those I read the book to, all agreed that this was a greedy little Starfish and not willing to share his wealth and riches, just his heart.  Maybe that's because we were all grandparents and not children.  Just saying...

That being said, I believe the book was a great kids book.  I think my grandkids would enjoy it. You can get your copy here.

Why I liked this book

I like the basis of the story of happiness and how serving others and sharing with them is what truly makes one happy.  The underwater sea creatures help make this a fun children's book.

What could be better: 

I personally felt like Hugo the Starfish seemed a little greedy by not wanting to share his wealth, just his heart.

But all in all, a great book to read!

Do you have other childrens books that help develop character? Share them below!

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.

Fun Children's Book on Bullying

My Book Review

Hugo The Happy Starfish, The Last Bully by Suzy Liebermann.  Printed in 7 different languages. Hugo is a little starfish and so it's not surprising that in this story he comes across several bigger fish in the ocean.  Sadly, they are bigger fish with the wrong attitudes - they are bullies!  After seeing his friend getting bullied, Hugo decides enough is enough.  He forms the ABC Club, and teaches the bullies a valuable lesson about respect.  Happiness Begins with Respect.

Review:  Using a Starfish as the main character in this series is fun and exciting.  Something kids have liked over the years.  I was pleasantly surprised how this book focused on learning about Respect as a way to fight against bullying.  I just don't think that in real life this would actually work in every situation.

I can think of someone right now who has been bullied because he is smaller and different than others.  Despite the fact that he never went looking for trouble, didn't want to be associated with those that bullied him, he was never disrespectful to the group who bullied him.  He tried to be nice whenever they were around, but instead he got beat up very bad.  There would be no way this kid could have ever said the comments as written in the book, "RESPECT! Don't bully! What goes around comes around and there's always a bigger fish in the ocean!"  That statement is great, but doesn't apply in all situations.  However, each situation is different, and hopefully this will work for just about everyone.

Bullying is an issue that is growing continuously.  There are classes being offered constantly where I live for educators, parents & families, employers, employees, etc.  It is nice to be able to have many ways at combating this issue, and the earlier it can be prevented the better.

This is wonderfully written for younger children, and if we can instill within them that Respect is what is so important, respect for yourself and respect for others, we will have a great generation of youth.

For more information about Suzy Liebermann, and Hugo the Starfish, as well as games and other fun activites, etc. click here.

You can get your copy of the book here.

Pros:  Cute children's book with Hugo the Starfish and the underwater creatures to teach various Character Development principles.  This is a great confidence building book for younger children.

Cons:  Even though bullying is rampant and there are many ways to address it.  Suzy Liebermann presents one way of doing so.  Would be great if she could present other options that are successful ways to address bullying.

My Rating:  Thumbs UP!  Nicely written.

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.