The Queen B

We're Addicted

Oh my word.

The new games arrived yesterday.

We're already addicted to Ticket to Ride.

It rocks.

We love it even though The Princess beat us like a drum.

(Getting annihilated by a 10 year old is never pretty.)

I am a little intimidated by Killer Bunnies. I opened the instruction book and then closed it as quickly as possible.

Too many rules.

Do they make a Killer Bunnies for Dummies?

I can't blog long because I've got to go try the online version of Ticket to Ride.

Be sure and check back tomorrow...I've heard a recent board game winner is going to post a recipe.

'Cause My Mama Said, That's Why

Cheer Detergent
Dawn Dishwashing Liquid
Pledge
Charmin Toilet Paper
Cascade
Crest Toothpaste
Pioneer Biscuit Mix
Shawnee Pancake Mix
Velveeta Shells and Cheese
Duncan Hines Cake Mix

Why in the world am I posting my grocery list, you ask?

I'm not.

I'm listing all of the products that I use because my mom uses them. And her mom uses them.

We are 3 generation brand loyalists.

I've often wondered if there might be better products out there. You know, on the dark side. I've come close to dabbling in other detergents.

But I can't. My heritage won't allow it.

Recently, I was contacted to see if I would do a comparison of two dishwashing products and blog about which I like the most.

With fear and trembling, and just a teensy bit of rebellion, I accepted.

My options?

Cascade Complete and Electrasol Advanced.

Let the games begin.

I used both products on heavy loads and light loads. I used both on loads that had been in the dishwasher a little too long. I used both on the normal cycle and the scrub cycle.

I washed a lot of dishes, y'all.

Here's the deal: Both products cleaned my dishes the same.

I was a little surprised by that. I was certain the Electrasol would leave big orange spots, seeing as how it is the other brand.

There are two major differences that shaped my ultimate opinion.

1. Packaging
2. Smell

I am admittedly a package snob. I love a good design. It makes me giddy to see someone pull off amazing product packaging.

I know. I need to get out more.

The Cascade won that contest hands down. The container is prettier, sturdier and easier to use. I found that the Electrasol felt a little flimsy and the spout got clogged a few times.

And it is ugly.

If your daddy or your sister designed the packaging for Electrasol, I am so sorry. I beg forgiveness.

But, still. They need to know.

The smell thing? I would base my purchasing decision on this difference alone.

When I opened my dishwasher after using the Cascade, it smelled warm and clean. Even on a load laden with onions and peppers.

The Electrasol load? It smelled warm and rank. My dishwasher still reeked of whatever I'd served.

Not gonna work for me.

I need fresh lemons. Not old tuna.

I must say I am pretty happy that what I'd been using was the better of the choices. I feel validated. Kinda proud.

And I can still have my grandmother over for supper.

Feast or Famine

About a month ago I received an email asking if I might be interested in doing a few product review type things.

This is what ran through my mind:

You bet!
Super fun!
Woo Hoo!
Things to blog about!
Products to try!

This is what I said:

"Oh, sure. That would be great."

Because I'm all about being low key.

After a few days, I received an email asking if I would like to participate in my first product review.

Bring. It. On.

I didn't care what that product might be.

I was ready.

MmmHmm.

Three words: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Yep.

Diarrhea and Constipation.

To those of you blessed with IBS, I am right there with you. You understand my willingness to try anything that might help.

So I agreed to use the product for 3 weeks.

In the back of my mind was the reality that I would have to blog about it at some point.

But I denied that reality for 3 weeks.

And now here we are.

Let me give you a brief history of how I've dealt with my IBS.

I haven't.

I tried a few medications in the past but they caused me to feel really (I can't believe I am about to type this word) gassy.

I have reached new lows in my blogging career.

Anyway. After the prescription medications, I found a product called The Experience.

Let that sink in.

You are supposed to take 1 to 3 capsules daily. I've never been able to take less than 3. For 2 years. I felt too dependent upon The Experience. If I skipped a pill, we were back to the famine. And I had lots of cramping. Nice.

The product that I was sent is called Align. It is a daily probiotic supplement. I have no idea what that means.

Honestly, I didn't really expect that it would work. I worried about how I might write a positive and happy blog about my diarrhea and constipation and the product that did not work.

Now I'm just trying to see how many times I can type the words diarrhea and constipation.

I was told that I might feel a little bloated the first week of trying Align. I didn't. I felt normal.

So maybe I'm always bloated?

After a week of Align I tapered my other medication down to 2 pills. And felt really great.

After the second week, I was down to 1 pill o' Experience. Feeling great.

The last week of Align Trial Period I skipped a day or two of The Experience. And felt great.

I didn't have any cramping. I had normal, um, system activation.

I can absolutely say that Align worked well for me. I have ordered a month's supply.

If you don't have IBS, then I am so sorry that you have had to read about my digestive system.

If you do have IBS, then I am so sorry that you have had to read about my digestive system.

And if I am ever asked to review anything else (which, I think we all would agree, is not likely) I promise I will always tell the truth.

Though I am thinking that you now wish that were not the case.