When making pasta, the part that takes the longest is boiling the water.  Enter: Barilla Ready Pasta.  Cut open the packet and microwave for sixty seconds.  Voila–your pasta is ready!  The pasta comes fully cooked.

The pasta comes in several varieties.  We tried the gemelli shape.  For the sampling party, I added olive oil and parmesan cheese.  The color of the pasta was a little darker than what we are used to, but the texture was nice and al dente.  I also really like the ingredient list: Water, Pasta [(Semolina Wheat), Durum Wheat Flour], Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sea Salt.  No preservatives!

The parents commented that the Barilla Ready Pasta would be a nice quick and easy meal or snack option that the kids could do by themselves.  You really cannot get any easier!

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.

When I first heard about BRÖÖ shampoo and conditioner having craft beer as its main ingredient, I imagined it making my hair smelling like a frat party.  Well, after trying out three types of the shampoo and conditioner, I can say that BRÖÖ does not leave your hair smelling like beer.  Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised that the beer in this line of products really does feel nourishing to my hair!

The first products I tried were the Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner.  According to the package, it is formulated for dry, damaged hair and has a “hop flower” scent.  I am not sure what a hop flower smells like (it did not smell like beer), but I honestly did not care for the scent.  While my hair did feel moisturized after using it, the scent seemed too masculine for me, and it lingered after my hair dried.  Oh well, I am sure D will be happy using the rest of this one.

The second products I tried were the Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner.  This one is for fine, flat hair and has a citrus creme scent.  I did not know what the scent was before I tried it, and I could not quite place it.  It reminded me of a lemon meringue pie (yum!), which I guess fits into the citrus creme profile.  The shampoo itself is a little thinner than what I am used to, but it worked up into a good lather.  My hair did feel noticeably softer and thicker, so this was a definite winner.

The third products I tried were the Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner.  This is supposed to serve as a daily detox for the hair and scalp and has a “malted mint” scent.   Invigorating is an apt name, as the mint felt refreshing and tingly.  Again, my hair felt soft and conditioned afterward.

B vitamins, proteins, and minerals are the key ingredients that make this shampoo effective.  I also like BRÖÖ’s “6-Pack Promise”: no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no silicones, no dyes, and no fake fragrances.  It is labeled as color-safe.  According to the store locator on the BRÖÖ website, their products can be found at Walmart stores.  Click here for a $1 off coupon!

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church here in Orange County, is well-known for his book “The Purpose Driven Life”.  Well, did you know that he has also written books for children?  One of them is a storybook Bible called God’s Big Plan for Me.  n has been reading this book before he goes to bed, which is a nice way to end his day.  Even though n is reading chapter books now, I think this picture book is still age-appropriate for him (he is eight years old).

The book is divided into forty days, or chapters.  Each day has a short introduction and a Bible story starting with Genesis and ending with Revelation.  At the end of each story, there are are three points: Think (teaching point); Remember (Bible verse); and Question (personal application).  It works as a self-read for older kids, and as a read-aloud for younger or older kids.

About God’s Great Love for You:

God’s Great Love for You, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author and respected pastor Rick Warren, takes children on a whimsical and heartfelt journey that lets them know God’s love is with them wherever they go. With breathtaking illustrations by Chris Saunders, the simple yet poignant text comes alive as a child journeys to places far and near and discovers God’s great love is perfect, and everywhere, and will never end.

Thanks to Propeller Consulting, I am pleased to be able to offer you a chance to win a copy of your own!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.