Review: Murine Eye Mist for Dry Eye

Disclaimer: A product was supplied for review.

On a daily basis our eyes endure a lot. For me, it involves sitting at a computer screen for hours, in an air-conditioned office,  then heading out into a dry Australian climate where dust and pollen are getting whipped around in the breeze. The result? Tired, sore, dry, itchy eyes!

Dry eyes are a common problem with many possible causes including air-conditioned or windy environments, extended computer work, wearing contact lenses, long distance travel, ageing and medication. More than two million Australians are suffering and according to some estimates as many as 75 per cent of people over the age of 65 experience dry eye. What are the symptoms I hear you ask.

• ·         A scratchy or gritty sensation in the eyes
• ·         Excessive tearing
• ·         Blurred vision
• ·         Easily irritated by dry indoor environments
• ·         Pain and redness of the eye
• ·         Heavy eyelids
• ·         Uncomfortable contact lenses

I don't suffer from Dry Eyes as such, but they get tired and certainly itchy and irritated with Hayfever. With this in mind, I wondered what I could say about Murine Eye Mist ... but I soon discovered it is a handy product to have and has many application possibilities.

My first chance came with the common Hayfever symptom of itchy eyes. Rather than put up with the itch or pop an Anti-Histamine I decided to use the Murine Eye Mist, with the hope that it would wash out the dust or whatever was causing the allergic reaction. I closed my eyes one at a time and applied a few sprays to each closed eyelid. After blinking a few times to allow the solution to enter the eye and do it's work, I felt instant relief. How about that!! Such a simple and fast result.

So I now had a direct bond and connection with this eye spray. I could certainly put this to use.

The next opportunity came from hubby. He had been out in the garage doing what men do best, which usually involves power tools, noise and mess. He was removing paint with a wire brush. Despite wearing eye protection, hubby had managed to get a speck of paint on his eye. This speck would not budge, no matter how much he massaged the lid over the top. I broke out the Murine Eye Mist with hope that it could get that paint speck moving. I have some experience in close contact with the eye, having worked in within the Optometry industry for years. Hubby HATES anything near his eyes, as many people do. So he braced himself, but was ecstatic to hear that he could close his eyes while I sprayed his closed eyelid. It took quite a few sprays and a lot of blinking, but it worked in loosening the paint speck so I could gently remove it.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! There must be so many instances in our daily lives where our eye could do with a little added moisture and relief.

Smooth and Sculptured With Nad's

Disclaimer: Products were received in exchange for review Body hair. Everyone has their own preferences. I say each to their own, but I try to stay open minded and I like to get other people's opinion on products and techniques when it comes to hair removal. I have heard many stories, seen some varying methods and even tried some myself. So what did I think when I was given the chance to try Nad's Eyebrow Wand?

Having tried waxing at home previously, I was sceptical. My experience had involved big tubs of sticky wax that had to be heated, and big strips that were awkward. This was quite some time ago though, and Nad's are committed to developing products that are innovative.

So off to the bathroom I go, Nad's Facial Wand in hand. My first impression is favourable. The Nad's pack comes with Cleansing Wipes to prep and clean the area to be waxed. The wand is filled with the original Nad's Natural Gel. This gel does not seem as thick and gluey as the wax in the tub of years ago. The Wand has a groovy tip which allows the gel to come out slowly as you rotate the bottom of the applicator. I find the shape of the applicator makes it easy to apply the gel exactly where you need it and allows you to sculpt the eyebrow shape. The strips supplied in the pack are a great size to be used for removing hair anywhere on the face or other small areas. The cotton strips simply wash clean after using them.

Nad's Facial Wand Eyebrow Shaper

Overall, I found the experience of using the Nad's Facial Wand Eyebrow Shaper easy, fast and mess-free. I will be using this product regularly now and popping my old tweezers into retirement. I think I will be keeping an eye on Nad's and their products on their website and Facebook.

The smooth "after" photo

The bushy "before" photo

Getting In Touch With My Spirit

I have long had a fascination and interest in spirit, both the spirit of others and my own. Not everyone's cup of tea, I know. I am a huge believer that there is a need to get in touch with your spirit and that you can learn so much from the spirits around us, both living and in the past. So it has been a wonderful time for me in finding a great psychic who has created an online program to not only guide you on your own journey, but to connect you to others.

Julianna lives in Queensland in Australia, and has a huge portfolio with her psychic connection, working with Australian Police, businesses and individuals, appearing on radio and national television. Her partner in crime and business is Nicole who specialises in Communication, Branding and Marketing. Together they have formed Psychic Julianna TV to bring together a program to share with the public.

Psychic Julianna TV brings together a great community of people with a wide range of talents and knowledge.

They discuss current events, sex & relationship, Feng Shui, body image, men's topics, meditation and healing, emotional and physical health, past lives, paranormal and supernatural, spiritual guidance, mindset and personal development, psychic reading and Tarot. The topics really are broad and interesting and there is something for everyone.

Personally, I enjoy learning a broad range of topics and believe that knowledge is power.

I have also asked many questions and been enlightened regarding my relationship with those around me, and even insights into my own behaviour and personality.

I know that not everyone has the same beliefs in spirit and even self-development, but for me, this has been insightful, entertaining and a great way to access great information.

If you are interested, hop over to the website, the Facebook page or even catch some previous shows on You tube. 

I would love to know your views on seeking guidance with self development and spirit, and respect your opinion by not passing judgement.

Disclaimer: This post is based on my own opinion and is in no way sponsored.

Thanks For The Valuable Lessons

Last year, as our son started his new adventures in Prep at "The Big School", hubby and I voiced our opinion to the school which teacher was "our" choice. The teacher we had chosen was known to us, having taught our daughter at the same age. More important, to us, than knowing the teacher, was knowing her technique and structure in the classroom.


We feel that this decision served our son well, as he integrated into full time school life. Perhaps if we had any choice of teacher in Kindergarten, he would have struggled less?

This year, whilst being assigned the same teacher, it was to be for only the first two weeks of the 1st term, as she had made plans at the end of last year to move interstate.

While we are saddened to see our school lose a good teacher, we feel that our son has benefited greatly from learning from her in his first year.

The areas of growth and learning he experienced were less to do with reading and mathematics, but more along on the lines of behaviour and maturity whilst in the school setting and amongst his peers.

I think that, at such a young age, that this is an important starting platform.

His teacher placed great importance on listening, following instruction, showing respect to your peers, speaking with confidence, being rewarded for outstanding behaviour, encouraging family communication, representing the school ideals, and trying your best.

With these lessons fresh in his mind, he can build on his education and we look forward to a fresh face, and new learning opportunities with his new teacher.

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Move More Than Just Those Fingers

How many of us sit in front of the TV, trying to find something decent to watch? Instead of punching the buttons on the remote, surfing the channels, we have been trying to switch off and get moving.

I know it has been a little chilly to always be outside. So you need to find what works for you and your kids inside.

We have found the Nintendo Wii to be such a good tool. We have been using Wii Dance Party to burn some energy and it entertains children and adults for hours. We have also found it to be a great family activity.

If you haven't got access to a Nintendo Wii, the Sony PlayStation have some similar products. All of the Dance Party clips are also available on You Tube, which is a real hit in the classroom and at home. There is no better way to get kids moving than some music and some dance moves.

If you are a parent, then this is your chance to show the kids you still have groove and the moves.

This would have to be one of our favourites. The following is Flo Rida - Good Feeling.

Disclaimer: The above is my personal opinion and is not the result of sponsorship or gifts received.

The Weight Loss Debate - STOP JUDGING

I get a little frustrated with the negative attitude and comments aimed at some people's efforts towards weight loss. Amazingly, it is sometimes coming from people who have been down the weight loss road and know firsthand the battle people face.

I say, to anyone trying to lose weight to put them into a healthier state, I don't care which method you choose, because half of the work is making that decision to lose the weight, commit to it and maintain the loss.

Yet, I hear time and time again people saying things like, "Oh yeah, she has lost heaps, but she had Lap Band Surgery." or "He looks much healthier now, but he has a personal trainer."

There is no easy way to lose weight in my mind.

Every single method, whether it be Diet Shakes, Exercise, Lap Band Surgery, using a Personal Trainer, or the many other options and tools at your disposal, involve a commitment of time, sacrifice, effort, and ups and downs, and I see none of them as cheating.

Weight Loss can be one of the biggest mental and physical battles you may have to face in life. To make the decision and effort to turn around bad eating and exercise habits, which may even have been present your whole life, is such a commendable position to take.

To hear opinions that the weight loss can be bought, or that the help from surgery, medicine or trainer is the simple, easier option is honestly disappointing.

LINKING UP WITH
 

True Blue Australian

We celebrate Australia Day every year as a family. 

We are not celebrating the day white man set foot on Australian land for the first time. We are not celebrating the differences in government groups currently in office. We also are not celebrating that we have several flags to choose from. 

We are celebrating what being Australian means to us, and how proud we are of the people that make this happen.

Protect The Land Of The Free

The President of The United States did what he had to do. Barack Obama has used his executive powers to sign off on 23 actions, with more to be voted on by Congress, all in the effort to protect the people of his country.

In my mind, it is long overdue. The gun laws have been too loose for too long. As in Australia in 1996 at Port Arthur, it has taken the mass loss of innocent lives in Connecticut to spur the leader into action. I see no reason for high powered guns in society. There are many people who are too irresponsible or unstable to have firearms at their disposal at all.

"This time must be different" said Obama. "This is the land of the free and home of the brave and always will be".

Certainly, too many people have had to brave the loss of loved ones, taken by the miss use of guns in The United States. Too many have had to endure the terror they have experienced in the many mass shootings across the US, being haunted by visions and sounds forever more.

The people of "the land of the free" should not live everyday in fear. That is not being free! The people they vote into Congress and as The President, to lead their country and make the big decisions, have an obligation to set this right. They must ensure the safety of the people.

I am not anti-guns, if that is your thought. I think they have their place.
My husband owns several, each with a purpose. He uses them to shoot game, which we then use to feed ourselves or our dog. He has also helped a relative cull wildlife on farming land from time to time. He has been taught to shoot and handle guns responsibly, and also that firearms are deadly weapons. We both grew up with our fathers using guns, stored in our homes. Hubby also plans to teach our children how to use guns.

The current gun laws in Australia insist that a gun holder is licensed. To get this license, you must pass the test, both written and practical. You must also give evidence that you have a reason and a place to use your firearm. The firearms must be purchased from an authorised dealer, be registered, and followed by a 21 day cooling off period. The firearms must be stored in an authorised, lockable, gun safe. These are a just a few of the hoops to jump through to be allowed to possess a firearm in Australia. All are necessary. These laws were introduced after The Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which also saw a mass buy-back enforced for all firearms which would now be unlawful, being semi-automatic and automatic guns.

I hope that the new laws for firearms in The United States help to protect the people and help them to feel safe. Guns have no place in day to day living in modern society. These are my hopes and beliefs.
Please follow this link to read more on Obama's Gun Package.

What are your thoughts on the new actions Obama has signed off on? Will they help to make a difference? What is your view on firearms? Please share your opinion, which will not attract judgement.

Joining in with With Some Grace

The Things I Know about Breakfast

When I get up in the morning,  I have a routine. Many people do. Mine includes breakfast and always has. My morning does not feel complete without it. I question how people who choose to skip breakfast can function properly, or get through the day.

Oats, milk + blueberries. Green tea + 1/2 lemon

I am so glad that Schools in Australia are aware of the benefits of breakfast now. My children's Primary School offers free breakfast options before the start of school each day, which assures that even if the parent is not enforcing the importance of eating breakfast, the children can still have the option.

An article in The Herald Sun recently highlighted the findings of a study of over 800 students over 5 years, and concluded that children who eat before school get better academic results.

It has been talked about for quite some time that eating breakfast also triggers the metabolism into action. I have known of people on diets skipping breakfast, thinking this is a good way to reduce their calorie intake. It definitely reduces calorie intake initially, but the body may also think that food is scarce and slows down the metabolism to survive, or it may cause you to binge on other foods to get you through to lunch.

I don't need research to tell me that I am much more focused and energetic through the day when I have had breakfast. I encourage my children to have breakfast every morning too, though this is sometimes a struggle in the morning madness. I persevere though, trying to set my kids up with healthy habits that will benefit them now and into the future.

What are your morning habits regarding breakfast? Have you always eaten/not eaten breakfast?

Double trouble? - What is best for OUR students?

When I attended school, which (quietly) was not yesterday, there were many issues. Some of these have been addressed and fixed, there are some new issues, and some issues remain the same.

I heard an idea today that is being tossed around by at least one Australian state, as a solution to a few of the current issues. I have my doubts as to whether the advantages will outnumber the disadvantages.

The idea of doubling classroom sizes to up to 60 students, being taught by two teachers, has been recognised by the Chinese as an effective method for some time, apparently.

I agree that the idea of combining the expertise and ideas of two teachers is appealing, given that they work well together. They would be able to learn from each other, teach the components that best suited their ability and knowledge, plan together and act as a team within the class.
This would also require the same or slightly less resources, so no further strain on the budget.

Looking at it from a students point of view, though, is where my doubts appear and grow.

From my own experience and that of my own children in school now, I am very aware that some children do not do well in large groups. There would be potentially more noise, and more personalities vying for attention. There also seems to be many more students with special needs learning side by side with the general population, or at least, within Tasmania. I can not see how making the classes larger would work to their advantage.

I fear that many students would lose their chance to participate in class discussions given the time restraint given to the subject, thus making them feel more anonymity.

Doubling of classes would also work well in newly built schools, but for the majority of schools, it would mean major renovations.

As this is only my opinion, I would be interested to know what you think of this idea, and what has been your experience with either small and/or large class size.

This class appears on the website mrs clines classroom and is similar in size and structure to our local Primary School

Veg and Mince Patties with zing

I don't claim to be a great cook - maybe because I am not. I don't think I have bothered to include much of my cooking here on my blog either. Cooking is something of a chore for me usually, not something I get a lot of joy out of. Occasionally I might pull off a meal that is "pretty good", often it is "OK".

I do like to try new things though, as long as it's not too technical or time consuming. So when I was given the opportunity to receive some great Garden Gourmet goodies to add to our family meals, I felt a little excited about cooking all of a sudden.

Whats not to like? These herbs and spices are so convenient. They are kept in the fridge and ready to use, someone else has done the growing, chopping, and cleaning up for you.

My hubby is the talented cook of the family, and I have seen him eyeing off the Gourmet Garden goodies.I have promised he can have them after I have finished testing them for my blog. The man is always keen on adding some garlic or herbs.


So I thought I would go with a family favourite and add a bit of zing to it.

Veg and Mince Patties


500g Quality Beef Mince
1 sml Carrot grated
1 sml Zucchini grated
1 red onion diced
2 eggs
1 squirt of Gourmet Garden Hot Chilli
1 tablespoon of Gourmet garden Chunky Garlic
1 tablespoon Gourmet Garden Basil

The quantities of chilli, garlic and basil really are up to your own taste.

Put mince in a good size bowl (you want a bit of room once all the ingredients are in for mixing).
Place the grated zucchini and carrot, and the diced onion in with the mince. Add the 2 eggs and the required quantities of Gourmet Garden Hot Chilli, Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic and Gourmet Garden Basil. Mix well.

Place your Pattie mixture near your pan, as well as a bowl of flour. Add some olive oil to the pan and switch it on to a low to moderate heat. If the pan is too hot, the Pattie will burn on the outside before cooking inside. I prefer them to have a golden look. Start rolling the Pattie mixture into a ball between your hands, then roll lightly in the flour and add to the pan. The size of your patties is personal. I find a ball I can hold loosely in one hand works well for my family.

 And the verdict? They were delish!
The family had no trouble gobbling them up. I grinned watching the kids enjoying their patties, knowing that they are eating wholesome vegetables without whinging. The added chilli and herbs were great, and just enough for a burst of flavour. The smell was awesome!

My Gourmet Garden goodies were popped back in the fridge for our next flavour burst. No mess, no fuss. Definitely my sort of cooking product.

www.gourmetgarden.com.au

*disclosure. This post is my own opinion of the product which I received for free. The contents of this post will be considered for a competition.

Don't disturb ... I am absorbing reality.

Have I told you about my love of certain Reality TV Shows? The ones that mix reality TV with renovation?

I am soooo excited that The Block will be airing it's new 2012 season on Monday night. There will be no guessing where I'll be @ 7pm. Actually, just in case of unscheduled catastrophe, I will be setting to record so I don't miss it, and can even watch it again to get me through to the next episode.

When 2011 season of The Block ended last year, it was like saying goodbye to old friends. My friendships have continued online though, having discovered the Facebook page of Polly and Waz , Rod and Tania, Josh and Jenna, Katrina and Amie. Even more exciting was discovering part-way through 2011 that Katrina is an avid blogger, and I have been following her ever since. She is one cool chick that has many talents.

So, this season will introduce 8 more couples, whom, no doubt, I will welcome into my lounge room each week and grow to love.I will get inspired by their passion and drive, their skills and sometimes lack there of. I will get sucked into the game of reality TV, and take sides in disputes. I will have an opinion on the style and design of each couple and eagerly agree, or dispute the judges weekly pick. I will marvel in the transformation of each home before my eyes, and the growth of each personality.

Scott Cam and Shelley will greet me as each episode opens, and I will settle back in the cushions, and exhale deeply. Nobody dare speak, walk in front of the TV, knock on my door or call my phone. Committing such sins during me viewing an episode of The Block 2012 will incur harsh consequences.

I hope you enjoy it too.

To whet you appetite I will leave you with The Block 2012 promo.

Treats of Tasmania: Cadbury (beware all chocoholics)

When you ask someone what is their favourite food, you may get answers like pizza or atlantic salmon, or even broccoli. My answer has been the same for as long as I can remember.

Chocolate.

I enjoy it immensely. I am one of those people that will give you a strange look if you say that a dessert is too chocolatey.

So it would be fair to say that Easter is my favourite time of year. Any time that promotes eating chocolate is high on my list actually.

So, where does a chocoholic go in Tasmania to shop at Easter?

I could go to any of the stores selling chocolate in pretty wrappers this time of year. I could even go to a specialty shop, where you walk in and the smell of chocolate makes you swoon. Instead, I opt to go straight to the source of what I believe to be the best maker of Chocolate in Australia.

CADBURY!

 Now, just in typing this, I can feel the rush of excitement.

Imagine how I felt as I drove up to the Cadbury factory in Claremont.

Imagine the thrill I experienced as I walked toward the doors that led me inside.

Imagine the adrenaline as I approached the Cadbury Shop and could already see the mountains of stock at reduced prices, and the happy shoppers buzzing around the bargains.

Once inside, I wondered if this was a good thing or a bad thing for this chocoholic? I decided that I shouldn't be in this shop for any longer than necessary, without therapy needed afterward. So I did two, maybe three laps around the chocolatey bargains, and then carried my over-flowing basket to the check-out.

I could have seriously spent hundreds of dollars. Such is the burden of my addiction.

I did get a bag full of bargains though, which completed my Easter shopping in one swoop.

Mission accomplished. One very happy, and slightly shaking chocoholic.

People in Radio need a Psych Evaluation

What the hell is going on with radio and the announcers in Australia lately? I may say some things here that might make you think I'm an elderly nanna having a moan, but for this 30-something year old, something, somewhere has gone a little wonky in broadcasting land.

I have always loved listening to the radio. As a youngster I would spend hours listening to the Top40, and the radio was often in the background while I studied. I remember the announcers having something to say about the songs they played, the artists and who was touring at the time. The chatter really was about music and the scene.

These days you've got the likes of Kyle Sandilands on 2DAYFM, giving his opinion and bagging anyone with two legs. You have announcers sharing their most private details to get people to ring in and share in the moment. You also have the announcers pulling pranks on each other and daring others to do things, just to get ratings and pull a few more people in. Advertisers are pulling out left, right and center. Radio stations are at threat of losing their licenses.

image source

When did it all go to shit? 

When did it become about station and announcer competition and gimmicks, rather than music?

These days, it's a battle to even know the name of a song, because the announcer doesn't mention it in his babble, that he obviously thinks is the reason for people are tuning in.

People complain about radio advertising. I would rather listen to the adverts, as at least they may offer some sensible information, than the announcers who prank call a restaurant to see who can place the longest order.

And the language that is not allowable in songs is mind-boggling. These words weren't even written into songs years ago, and then were written in but beeped out. Now, we complain about the language used by the youth ... but seriously, where are they getting the idea that it's OK to talk like that?

Maybe that is a story for another time?

What does a beard offer?

Today I came across an article called Lets face it beards aren't sexy .
 "Bearded men are less attractive to women but command more respect from other men", was the conclusion of the study, in the above article.

Mind you the study was done in New Zealand, with pictures of New Zealand men. So, maybe 

New Zealanders should not travel down the bearded path.

On the right man, a beard can look very sexy. Would Sean Connery get the same reaction without his signature beard?
And no, a beard is not for every man. Some men can't grow a decent looking beard if their lives depended on it. For many though, it offers more definition of the jaw,  a less boyish, mature look, an image that can come and go easily, a solution to shaving rash, a defence against the sun ....

My hubby has a beard, and I think it works for him, as long as it is styled and neat. Of course, this is my opinion and I could be slightly biased.
But there seems to be other woman out there who don't mind a beard man.

Need some examples?
Let me know what your opinion is ... I would love to know.

And these would be my favourites courtesy of The Berry.com