Get Growing!

Last year I didn't plant vegetables until the beginning of June.  At that time, I planted small plants and hoped they would provide me with a reasonable harvest.  They did not.  By the time my, one or two, peppers started getting larger, and my measly cucumber became a couple bites worth it was September and the sun had moved for the season leaving my finally flourishing veggies shaded and cool.  This will not happen to me this year!

On a warm day this past February I decided it was time to take action.  My plan was to successfully grow the vegetables I buy the most and do so inexpensively.  Taking the shortcut and buying small plants was not an option.  So, a week ago today I planted cucumbers, radishes, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, green beans, bell peppers, and snap peas in little peet cups that will serve as fertilizer when I plant them directly into my garden next month.  Delightfully, I already have some little sprouts!  The weather has been amazingly warm and sunny this past week so I have been able to keep my little ones outside during the day to reap all the benefits of the sun.  At night, since they are just on a cookie sheet (thanks to my co-worker, Kim, for that tip), I bring them inside and put them on the stove.  Yes, the stove.  Naturally, you would think I would put them on the counter but last year my husband, Kris tried to start some seeds on the counter and windowsill and our three little kittens nearly lost their residency because they nibbled all his sprouts while we slept.

Now is the perfect time to start your garden and do it economically.  With a few peet cups, bag of seed starter soil, seeds of your choice, cookie sheet, and a couple of minutes you can be on your way to a summer of fresh, homegrown vegetables.  Include your kids in the process.  They'll love getting dirty, watching the magic of growing things they planted, and most of all, eating veggies they grew and harvested!  I can't think of many things more satisfying and delightful than watching tiny seeds in dirt become green shoots and then food.

Happy, Healthy, & Delicious!

You don't have to be vegan, vegetarian, organic, raw, or whatever to eat healthy.  In fact, the previously mentioned dietary lifestyles can be VERY unhealthy without the proper knowledge.

Recently I came across the cookbook "The Happy Herbivore Cookbook".  Is it a vegan cookbook?  Yep.  Does it contain delicious recipes for anyone trying to put healthier side dishes on the table or have one or two vegetarian dinners a week?  Absolutely!  I mentioned this find to my cousin and to my delight, she already had it.  That got me thinking about my "Veganomicon" cookbook collecting dust on my shelf.  It's considered the bible (or encyclopedia, if you prefer) of vegan cookbooks.  It's introduction is almost a textbook lesson in food and nutrition, therefor, more than providing me with delicious meat and dairy free recipes, it taught me the importance of supplementing and substituting.

So, if you're looking to switch things up this year and throw in a few low-fat dinners throughout the week I highly recommend these two cookbooks.  Maybe your burger and french fries night will become southwestern black bean burgers with baked herb hash browns and tangy green beans.  It won't kill anyone to try something new and shine a delicious light on foods that may otherwise go untried.  And don't forget, kids are AWESOME helpers in the kitchen.  If they make it, they'll eat it...probably ;o).

Reform Your Body

Hate going to the gym?  Hate working out?  Hate not seeing results even when you do bite the bullet and exercise?  Stamina Products AeroPilates Reformers can change all that...and your body.

I've been a fan of yoga and Pilates FOREVER.  Especially Pilates done on a reformer machine.  Imagine getting long, lean muscles quickly and safely without having to balance on one leg and worry about your form.  On a Pilates reformer you simply lay down, keep your core tight and thanks to resistance bands and ropes on pulleys a few leg positions later you're on your way to that svelte body you've been dreaming of.  You really can increase your stamina, lose weight, and build muscle without beating up your joints.

The downside, these reformers are not cheap and you need to have at least a 9' by 5' area available.  Lucky for me I joined Groupon AND they had an amazing deal AND (if I remove our coffee table) I have exactly a 9' by 5' space.  Mine ended up being only $216 plus $25 for shipping and NO tax (a $483 savings)!  Of course, you can find your very own for around $500 and up.  OR...you can join Groupon and wait for them to have another great deal on reformers.  I've noticed that Groupons are repeated so it seems very likely.  I will definitely make an announcement if I see one...or any deal on them for that matter.

Any of you lucky enough to live in close proximity to me are welcome to try mine out but I'm warning you, YOU'LL BE HOOKED.

The Product Muse will PAY YOU to shop!

$10 Amazon e-gift card for you from The Product Muse

Here's the deal:

Everyone needs to get some holiday shopping done and The Product Muse wants to reward you for doing so.  Between today and November 30th the 10th and 15th members to place an order with Amazon.com through my blog will receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card. 

If you are already a member, meaning your picture is in the "Followers" box on the left side of the screen, awesome.  All you have to do is start shopping.  If you are not a member, or are just following by email, all you have to do is click on "Join this site" next to the Google "g" and join...then either search for a product or gift you need by using the "Amazon Search" box directly below the "Followers" box. 

Once you've placed your Amazon.com order through my blog, shoot me and email at annawulff8103@gmail.com telling me one of the products you purchased.  I will then be able to check my Amazon Associates account to find out if you are winner #10 or #15.

As an added bonus, if you are a new member to The Product Muse please indicate in your item ordered email to me who recommended you to my fine blog.  If you are the 10th or 15th member to place an order your friend will also received a $10 Amazon e-gift card...if said friend is a member with a picture in the the "Followers" box.  So all you members out there tell your friends to join The Product Muse!

All Amazon e-gift cards will be emailed to the winning recipients by Monday, December 5th.  Please make sure you include a valid and preferred email address in your item ordered email to me.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Odors Be Gone with FRESHWAVE

Seriously, just now I didn't recognize my bathroom!  An odor free room in my house of a dog, 3 cats, 2 turtles, a husband, and constant flow of ripe fishermen and just guys in general...unlikely.  As I was trying to place my finger on what it was I was smelling I remembered I had refilled my FRESHWAVE Odor Absorbing/Eliminating containers last night.  Yes, these crystals work ALL the time but this morning was a stunner since I had forgotten about refilling.  Have I got others hooked on this product?  I don't know, you tell me.  My sister visited me and noticed them in my house...then ordered the crystals and candle for her house in Seattle where there's only her and our Dad creating odors.  If that you still need convincing it may interest you to know she has asked for FRESHWAVE products for Christmas. 

Here's the perfect starter system:





Perfect for eliminating odors in a large room and a small room.  I also recommend the soy candle and spray for those rooms that just need a quick freshening now and then...like maybe the kitchen when something gets burned or fish is on the menu.

Trust me, if they work at my house they will definately work in yours.  Great for dorm rooms, too.

Tiny but Hardcore Treadmill Cheap-ish

In January, when I was in the throes of the cabin fever gift of SDD, I purchased a space saver treadmill after much research.  My criteria:  high impact quality construction, fold up but still long enough jog area, inexpensive, low maintenance, easy assembly, and an extensive number of programs, features all working together to spice up the treadmill experience and motivate.  As usual, Amazon had it!

I am musing about it now because I feel it has significantly improved my daily outlook and motivation.  Before daylight savings time this past Sunday the blackness of night in the morning was killing me.  I decided to get up at (ugh, I know) 5:30 each morning and jump on the treadmill for 30-45 minutes.  Whether I walked or jogged I still got an emotional boost out of it and it made the rest of my morning continue on just a bit better than it would have otherwise.  Now, with it being light out and hour earlier it's 10 times easier to get out of bed and jump on the treadmill which in turn gives me a boost to work a little harder which in turn makes me feel just a bit better throughout the day.

Gym memberships (which I had at the time of purchase) cost about $50 and up.  My particular treadmill cost $399 minus (and here's a big tip) $50 for signing up for the Amazon no interest for a year credit card (which I immediately paid off and cancelled).  Also, the Merit Fitness 725T Plus Treadmill ships for free!  The point is, if you cancel your gym membership (lets be honest, how many of us are really getting our money's worth out of memberships anyway) this treadmill in your very own home will have paid for it's self and more in 8 months or less.

Lastly, my house is only 915 square feet.  Now add furniture and lots of it, appliances, a large dog with cage (bed), three cats, a husband, and gazillions of guests popping in and out 24/7 and you'll see space is limited for additional items...such as this treadmill.  However, it works and it can work in your place too...no matter how small you think your home is.

You have no excuses.  Click below now and start your self improvement (mind, body, and soul) today.

  I own and love this model.  Goes up to 10 on speed and incline, tons of programs, pick your time, set programs of your own, safety stop, heart monitor, calorie and mile read out, 2 cup holders, book or (my favorite) phone holder...to watch tv shows :o), and much much more.  Worth every penny!




Considered this model because it's $50 cheaper...Go for the 725T, it's worth twice what the 715T is :o)

Missing My Blogging???

I realize I haven't been blogging as much as I should lately.  There's a very good reason for that, though.  See, I have the holidays on my mind as I'm sure many of you do as well.  It's always this time of year when nothing really catches my eye because my eyes are thinking of others. 

This year my focus is going to be on gifts that are less stuff that takes up space and more so things that can be enjoyed and/or experienced.  Over the next couple months I will blog about some gift ideas I come across but don't blame me if I don't recommend too many things...I don't want to give any of my surprises away to those on my Good List :o).

Oh, and don't forget, you can always count on Amazon to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list!

No Ammonia, No Peroxide=Stunning Permanent Color

I saw this Bigen "just mix with water" powder permanent hair color in a magazine last week.  First thing I did, sent a text to my wonderful hair girl, April, asking if I could bring my own color to my next visit.  Always up for a challenge or willing to check out something new, April agreed.  Well, last night was my hair appointment.  For starters, the powder had NO chemical smell.  In fact, it smelled like shampoo.  I'm guessing it was the chemicals that always made my head itch for a few days after each coloring but today I'm completely itch free.  My hair is softer, shinier, and richer with color than ever.  If you have brown hair (or gray) I definitely recommend this hair color.  It even comes in semi-permanent for those of you who just want to wash out some of your gray instead of eradicate all of it like me.  Pick your perfect shade at Bigen.

"Hydra-Concentrated Facial Cream"

What I NEED now! Kris just turned the heat on at home and that familiar dry heat has been the straw that broke the camel's back. My skin is dry but not but IS. This is the excuse I needed to buy Benefit Cosmetic's Total Moisture Facial Cream. That and the fact my current, inexpensive moisturizer seems to be discontinued.  As usual, I received samples from this line (deluxe size) from a Sephora order a while back and took them with me on a trip.  I loved it.  It's super creaming and hydrating.  Luxurious!  Also fantastic and on my "to get eventually" list is Benefit Cosmetic's It's Potent! Eye Cream and Triple Performing Facial Emulsion SPF 15.  Emulsion?!  That word just screams "it works, it works!"  The retro packaging just entices me more :o).

Best Hand Lotion EVER!

Lotion is notorious for being slimy but it's the price we must pay for soft, itch free, crack free hands.  Or is it?  For years I've been using, and turning people on to, Jack Black's Industrial Strength Hand Healer.  "But it's Jack Black," some girls will say, "isn't it for guys?"  Does it really matter?  Nope.  This non-greasy, vegan, eucalyptus and vitamin packed lotion is the best for chapped and cracked hands and problem spots.

Also great for you and your guy (Kris may not say he loves it but always lets me know when we're out), Jack Black's Face Buff Energizing Scrub.  The menthol cools and invigorates and the scrub removes dirt and dead skin.  Your guy will love how easy and close his shave is after a once over with this wash.

What I Want Now!

This past weekend really got me thinking about layering, and my new maxi dress was the perfect excuse to do so...plus I got to wear my beloved Three Dots http://www.shopthreedots.com/new-arrivals-at-ThreeDots-CID180.aspx?gclid=CKjCvtmJzasCFSoCQAod7UsY1Q jean shirt-esque jacket-ish blazer.  The problem with the denim top is that I don't own anything other than jeans in the way of bottoms.  No skirts.  No trousers.  Only jeans, and only blue jeans.  I'm the last person you're going to catch trying to pull off the Detroit Tuxedo look...even if it IS do-able.  The solution, feminine blazers.  I've been scouring the pages of my catalogs and favorite sites in search of the perfect fitting, priced, wearable colored blazer.  Today, Sundance Catalog http://www.sundancecatalog.com/home.do has me longing for a few but geez I wish they were on sale.

If you've come across any great blazers lately, please, please, please let me know!

Kindle The Great...& Free Books!

My sister, Rachel got me a Kindle last year when the Wi-Fi & 3G ones first came out.  Lets just get this out of the way, I LOVE IT!  I read a lot and I travel a lot.  It used to be I would panic when I was getting to the end of a book at work because if I didn't have a back up ready to go I would be bored to tears (yes, there are times when I hardly have anything to do).  Those worries are behind me now that I can just download another instantly.  My Kindle is also a dream to travel with since, as many know, I am a ridiculously light packer.  I even only carried on when I went to Sydney, AUS for 10 days this past July.  Which leads me to yet another bonus of having my Kindle Wi-Fi & 3G version.  There is no monthly charge for the Wi-Fi or 3G with the Kindle.  Of course, connecting to someone's Wi-Fi often does have a charge but 3G is always free.  I was able to stay connected, even overseas, via email and Facebook, even surf the web, thanks to my Kindle's 3G capabilities.

Here's where the free books come in.  While there are tons of free books available in the Kindle store, they're not the latest and greatest (well some are classics), but in the next couple weeks you'll be able to "check out" books from the library for 14 days on your Kindle.  All you need is a library card and pin number to your local participating library.  Check here to see if your library is Kindle ready http://search.overdrive.com/ .  I already have holds placed on a couple books!

So if you don't have a Kindle (or other e-reader) there's no better time than now to get one.


And get one of these great covers http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004JXVOEA?ie=UTF8&tag=thepromus-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B004JXVOEA(with or without a light) to protect you Kindle and give it even more of a "book" feel. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DZ167A?ie=UTF8&tag=thepromus-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B003DZ167A

The Dilema

I'm sitting here watching the Bears Game featuring yet another un-stellar performance by Jay Cutler that is unfortunately not going to end in a win regardless of how his team members try to carry him.  Kris and I have both detached from the disappointment on the screen and begun playing with our cell phones.  I'm answering emails and Kris is, believe it or not, checking out my latest blog.  Then he asks me "what are you going to blog about today" and I reply I don't know and ask for a suggestion. His reply...shoes.  In the words of TLC, "what a man, what a man, what a really good man!"

Great idea.  Problematic idea as well.  See, this is the time of year I try to extend my flip flop/sandal wearing as long as possible...like literally until the first snow fall.  Then, until the snow disappears, I wear my Uggs religiously.  Although these forms of footwear are fashionable and popular, they tend to limit my outfit choices.  I don't own any "regular" shoes.  I have great dress shoes and functional gym shoes but nothing I can just wear with a nice casual outfit (jeans, t-shirt, sweater) and feel regular and not too dressy.

The shoe department is where I fall flat on my face.  I see tons of shoes in magazines and catalogs that look amazing with the outfits on the models but they have 3" heels or chunky wedges or just go with whatever the model is wearing for wherever it is she's supposed to be going...which is not anywhere I'll find myself going to anytime soon, if ever.  I know I should go to a department store or DSW in my favorite jeans and a mid-weight jacket and try and try and try on shoes but that's not the way I work.  To me, shopping is stressful.  I get overwhelmed.  I see it, I like it, I buy it (or obsess over it).  My Dad has proclaimed me the best power shopper ever and I have to agree.  I can get myself and others in and out of a mall with everything we intended to get within an hour.  BUT I CAN'T FIND REGULAR SHOES FOR FALL AND WINTER!
I NEED your help!  Please, if you haven't joined as a member of my blog please, please, please do so.  This is the only way you can comment on my blogs and I really need your comments and input right now as my toes are getting a bit nippy.  For those of you who are following my blog via e-mail, that is great.  I follow that way as well because I like to get my musings in my inbox in the morning.  However, e-mail followers cannot add comments.  To become a member, you need to have a Gmail account (or flicker or maybe yahoo).  Just above the pictures of current members (followers) there is a box with a Google "g" followed by "Join this site".  Please click this box and you will be asked for you Gmail/yahoo email and password.  Once you've become a member follower you will be able to leave comments and hopefully have me in Fall and Winter appropriate shoes by mid-October.

Thank you for all your help.  I'm so eager to read your comments and suggestions!  Some ads will pop up in boxes on the right and left pertaining to shoes as well.  I encourage you to click on them for additional suggestions.

Easing Into Fall Fashion

So, tomorrow is the first day of Fall and although magazines and catalogs are preaching "layers, layers, layers" I find it's just a little too warm to start bundling up.  Besides, even though the crisp air is nice and inviting, are you really ready to walk away from summer yet?  This is the time of year I like to take a page out of the "hipster's" style guide.  No, it's not skinny jeans on guys or shorts with slouchy socks and combat boots.  I like scarves.

Scarves are an accessory that make both a statement and sense.  Don't put away your tanks and short sleeves yet, wear a scarf with them.  It's a great fall look and the right scarf gives you that happy medium of light and chunky, warm and cool.  Not only that, many scarves can double as a light wrap for when the sun goes down and you're out enjoying a nice bonfire with friends.

So don't go reaching for your wool sweaters and thermal underwear just yet.  Enjoy the invigorating cool temps for a while.  There will be plenty of time to bundle up in a month or two...save it for winter.

"I Love The Millie!"

It all started last month when I went to California with my parents and two sisters.  They were both effortlessly carrying their Hobo wallets wherever they went.  Yes, they both totally have it together, but it was the "look" that hooked me.  I needed a wallet like theirs!  I wanted to have that "I have it together" look.  Plus, they both have them in fun, yet mature and stylish colors.  Upon returning to work I began emailing my sister, Rachel (a wallet guru in my eyes) links to various wallets.  Of course, I started narrowing it down to the Hobo International brand http://www.hobobags.com/ for it's colors, quality, construction, slots and spaces, and variety of sizes and styles.  See, the idea was to be able to carry cards and cash but also be able to hold my chapstick, cell phone, and keys without looking bulky.  One more email later and my choice was made.  Rachel replied, "I LOVE THE MILLIE" and that was it.  I went to Amazon and purchased mine for only $49 since it was one of last season's colors.  Then I proceeded to purchase one for Rachel as a thank you for having me join her in Australia the month before.  Turned out Rachel's love for the Millie was true as true can be because the day before the one I ordered her arrived she called to tell me all about the one she just got!  And, when I told our sister, Jessica (new mother of beautiful twins) about this and Rachel now having two of them, she excitedly annouced that she "wants one.  It would be so handy when running errands with the babies."



Mary Rose's Della and free coin purse.

 Whether it's the Millie, the Della (chosen by my friend Mary Rose of Next Gen Green www.nextgengreen.blogspot.com after one of my "consultations"), or any of their other bags and wallets you will enjoy it's quality and timeless style for years.  And you'll get a lot of  "oooh, I love your wallet".

Right now, Hobo International http://www.hobobags.com/ is offering a free coin purse with purchases of $75 or more and as always, free shipping on orders of $150 or more.

You can also find the Hobo that's right for you at a variety of shops and sites, as well as, Amazon http://www.amazon.com/ where you are sure to find a style in your favorite color, for the right price and get free shipping on most orders of $25 or more.

My Amazon Favorites

Some of you have been asking why I took "My Favorites" link off.  Well, it's back and better than ever!  Find things for yourself and everyone in your life with just a click of a button.  If you can't remember that "thing" you asked me about a while back don't worry, go to http://www.theproductmuse.blogspot.com/ and I'm sure it'll be pictured right there just to the right of my blog with a link that will take you straight to the item.  Happy shopping!

Stylish, Quick, & Simple Hair

Trying to get the perfect effortless looking bun is a trick many women and girls attempt on a regular basis.  The scrunchy, elastic band, chopsticks, and a couple dozen bobby pins never seem to get the look right.  So, the second I saw a commercial for these Spin Pins by Goody

http://www.goody.com/#/grid/simple_styles/products/simple_styles_spin_pin I went straight to CVS to get a set.  Unfortunately, they were not in stock yet.  Bummer.  But, as you should know by now, when I am on a mission and cannot be stopped until I succeed.  I finally went to the Goody site and paid way to much shipping to have my Spin Pins and you know what, they are every bit worth it!  They can now be found in your local drug stores and grocery stores.  My friends are curious when they see the actual pin and then amazed when I show them how to do it and encourage them to give it a try.  It works the first time every time!

Heading to the beach or the pool, twist your hair and wrap it around it's self and then simply "screw" the Spin Pin straight through the middle from side to side.  Viola, you're good to go.  The look is even perfect for when you don't have time to fuss with you hair for an evening out...it creates the perfect chic messy bun.  Put it all up, put half of it up, for thicker hair use one in each side of the bun.  They even come in two colors for light hair and dark hair.  I have two sets now so I can have one in my purse, one at work, one in my car, and one at home...basically everywhere I have a tube of chapstick.  There's really no reason not to have one if your hair is long enough to wear up.

My Magic Sleep Machine

I'm exhausted. Stayed up way later than I'm normally used to (capable of). However, as I get comfortable at my parent's place I miss my white noise machine. No matter where I am or what time of day it is, when I turn it on my mind and body just know it's nite nite time.

I was first introduced to the Marpac Sound Screen Sleep Conditioner when I was a nanny for a toddler and newborn. It was amazing. Not only did it lull the children to sleep with the constant calm non-noise like noise but it also acted as an added distraction and constant "blocking" other noises. I have since both gifted and recommended this to many new mothers and received rave reviews.

Why would this be great for adults as well? I have several friends who've heard it in my room and just had to know what it is and where I got it and all of them enjoy the same result. Have a husband who snores? No problem. The consistent white noise seems to keep random snoring from jarring me awake or, if I am awake it calms me so I can fall back to sleep. If there are loud guests it dulls the noise. And if you're a city girl lik me who's found herself living in a quiet wooded area, it adds some constant sound to make the quiet not so loud the way silence can be.

The best way to sum this product up is, "home is where my Marpac Sound Screen Sleep Conditioner is." You don't need pills or tea to fall asleep quick and soundly. It's been proven to me time and time again the best sleep comes with this white noise machine on.

Everyday Jeans...Literally

Two guys I work with just walked in my office and asked me if I am going to wear this pair of jeans everyday next week, too.  I have to laugh.  A - because they even bother to notice my jeans are the same (it never ceases to amaze me what they notice about various outfits), and B - they are the same jean but not exactly the same pair.  You see, I love my True Religion Joey's http://www.truereligionbrandjeans.com/store/productdetails.aspx?productid=904503647&colorid=26565&sli=1 !  I have 4 pairs of them in various sizes and states of wear and tear...or shall I say REpair thanks to a very special lady know as Mrs. DaCoach who has reconstructed my worn out jeans for years now.  Of course, the #1 amazing thing about them is I haven't seen them look bad on ANYONE.  The rise, pockets, wiskering, cut, flare, and twist of the seam all come together to make for the perfect look.  There is also something very special about the stretch in them.  I don't know why or what makes it different from other brands (or even if it is different) but I have 3 different sizes and I am able to wear them all no matter what my actual size is at any given time.  These are the feel great jean every girl should have in their wardrobe whether they cost $179 or $319, or even better, you get them on Amazon.com or from a consignment shop, you will look fantastic in them!

Amazon.com Has It!

For as long as I can remember, when people ask me "where'd you get that?" or "where do you think I can find something like...?" I've been saying "GO TO AMAZON!"  Now, my new answer is, "GO TO MY BLOG AND CLICK ON THE AMAZON LINKS!"  As everyone should know, you can find just about anything you want or need on Amazon.com.  You can find deals, new products, used products, comments, groceries, reviews, things you haven't thought about in forever (maybe 8 tracks), ask questions, more often then not get free shipping, gifts, and so much more.  Amazon.com is my go-to site for the vast majority of "stuff" in my life, even coffee.  It's my one stop shop when I need to get a gift to go here, find that specific lure for my husband (Hi Kris!), need a new belt and duvet covers, and we're almost out of coffee.  "CLICK" and done!

So now when something on my blog catches your eye, or there's just something specific you're looking for, simply head down to the bottom of my page and click on over to Amazon.com.  You're a hop, skip, and a jump away from whatever it is you've been looking for.
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